I'm sorry it took ages! =P as i mentioned i was very busy. work, work, work. but, i managed to pull a chapter off. so happy about that! =D
hope you guy's will like it~ lalala
I hope to update soon again, not gonna be as busy as before so updates will hopefully run faster haha!
enjoy~ 3
The Mad Titans and the World of Tomorrow
Chapter 12
Levi placed the microphone back in the large storage room in the back of the set. He preferred to do this instead of the regular staff. It kept him away from the horrendous man. But the day was finally over. He peeked at the time on his phone. Thick white numbers flashed; 17:33. It was still early and Eren was probably still out with Mikasa. Of course he was, because he was going to have dinner at World's End. How could he forget? Eren had promised Hannes to stop by.
When he returned to the set Pixies was talking to Hanji and Erwin, both didn't look to excited. What did the old geezer want now? A unpleasant feeling spread though him. This only meant trouble.
'Ah, Levi. How nice of you to join us.' The old man said when he saw Levi approaching.
Levi quickly exchanged looks with his fellow band mates. He knew that look. They all hated the same thing.
'When?' Levi asked.
'I'm sorry?' Pixies asked confused.
'When's the interview?'
The older man hummed as he rubbed his hands. 'Well, you're here and so are they…' he didn't need to say another word. The Titans groaned simultaneously.
'It's not fair!' Hanji said frustrated as she pulled a few strands of her hair.
'Stop it, you'll go bald one day.' Erwin huffed, but tried to cheer her up.
'You only say that because now you can't hang out with Petra.' Levi deadpanned.
Hanji nodded; 'That's correct! Ah, there's so much we have to talk about, so much we have to discus.'
'I don't even want to know what you're talking about.' Levi groaned.
'Not even if it's about a very cute kid, ah, no, wait, brat with big green eyes?' she blinked innocently a couple of times.
'Leave him out of this.'
'But he's so adorable.' She squealed. He agreed with that fact.
'People, people, people.' Pixies bellowed. 'Don't leave the press waiting! Come! Come!'
'What's the interview about? Might you know, come in handy.' Levi remarked.
'Ow, about the charity thing. Yes, and some other stuff.' Came Pixies reply.
'Some other stuff?' this time it was Erwin. 'Don't you think that's a little brief an explanation? I mean we normally prepare these things.'
'Oh, but you're going to be fine. Trust me.'
'Why?' All of them said together.
'Because you're rock stars!'
'How did you become our manager?' Hanji moaned in frustration.
'How did he become a manager at all?' Erwin joined her.
'How come you're still alive?' Levi hissed.
'Now, now, don't be so hateful. I have faith in you.'
Mikasa and Eren carried the now heavy bags into the World's End. They stumbled inside, into the warmth of the bar.
They both let out a loud groan as they dragged the bags towards the counter.
'What in the world are you two carrying?' Hannes appeared from the kitchen.
'Hannes!' Mikasa instantly dropped the bags and walked over to the older man.
'Hey!' Eren yelled at her behaviour. 'Don't throw them!'
'They are not fragile, please.' She rolled her eyes and kicked the bags to prove her point. 'And I didn't throw them.'
'Kids. Come on.' Hannes actually sounded father like, especially when he crossed his arms to empower his position.
'I'm not a kid anymore.' Eren scoffed. 'Mikasa is though. I agree.'
Mikasa laughed at him. 'You're younger than me. Speak for yourself.'
'That doesn't count.'
'It doesn't? Are you stupid?'
'What? You're stupid.'
'Kids!' Hannes tried again.
'No, you're stupid.' Mikasa didn't even hear Hannes as every once in a while she needed to argue with her brother and branded it more important than anything else. The sea had to part for her, it was never the other way around.
'Shut it!' Eren shot back. The two hot heads stood mere inches apart, glaring at each other with eyes of fire as words flew back and forth.
Hannes sighed deeply, exhausted of the stupidity of the two. They were kids. They both had to grow up fast, but that didn't mean they were adults. They had a hard life, and maybe Hannes was even a bit happy the two could have these childish moments. The thought made him smile a bit. They were his kids now.
'Okay, that's enough! You two behave before you chase all my customers away.' He pulled the two bickering siblings apart. Drabbles of incomprehensive words left Eren's lips, earning him a nasty glare from Mikasa.
'You guys never cease to amaze me. One moment you are all cuddly and best buds, and the other you are flying at each other's necks like psychopaths. What has gotten into you two?'
'Sorry.' The two siblings mumbled simultaneously. Mikasa hid her eyes behind her raven locks and Eren adverted his eyes, both couldn't face Hannes.
'I'll put our stuff in the kitchen.' Eren offered. He took the liberty of leaving the room. He hated conflicts; he always lost his temper and said something reckless. Today it wasn't even that bad, actually this one was barely the tip of the iceberg. In the past Eren used to throw things around, wreck the house, and walk away, sometimes not returning for days. Hannes and Mikasa used to be worried sick about him, but luckily Eren had straightened out when he reached the age of 14.
As soon as he found himself in the kitchen the air around him felt less heavy. He put the bags near the fridge, out of the way, so no one would trip over it.
He wondered what Levi was doing at the moment. How was the video doing? Was Hanji driving Levi insane? And if she wasn't, was the director taking on that part? When he thought about Levi his chest felt hollow. It was strange, how could a person sneak into his heart in such a short time? His grumbling stomach interrupted his train of thoughts. Today had been a great day, time flew by, and he couldn't remember what time Mikasa had dragged him in to a small café to have a bite to eat.
He opened the fridge, saw some things he could use to make some food. He was sure Hannes hadn't eaten yet and that Mikasa would eat anyway, she was in love with Eren's cooking. It didn't really matter what he made, she was always ecstatic about it, telling all her friends at school what a marvellous cook he was.
When Eren didn't return to the bar after a while Hannes came to check on the boy, seeing that he was preparing dinner he smiled. 'Don't make anything too fancy.'
Eren couldn't promise him that. 'I'll try.' Was his response while he was preheating the oven. Hannes left him alone when he saw the kid was busy. Eren could hear Mikasa ask Hannes what her brother was doing from the other room.
The lights were off, leaving the Mad Titans' studio dark and eerie. There was an echo of footsteps present on the hallway. Levi pressed the button of the elevator once. The square lit blue. The elevator remained absent. He pressed the button repeatedly. 'Fucking… shit.' He groaned. It was around 9 o'clock and he had never expected to have such an excessive interview at such an hour, and on top of that, out of the blue. He seriously hated Pixies for that, and he was going to let him know that if he hadn't already. First thing tomorrow, he had other things on his mind right now.
All he wanted at the moment was getting out of here, meeting up with Eren at the World's End, assuming the brat was still there and eat. He was starving. No one had eaten anything since lunch, which was at 11, since the director thought it was better. Hanji had complained about it, but no one seemed to bother with her complaints, except for Levi, of course. He always complained, about everything and could related to her like no other on that aspect.
He pulled out his phone to check if he had any messages; nothing. He texted Eren, asking where he was. After only a few seconds his phone vibrated in his pocket. That's fast. Desperate to talk to me I guess. He smirked.
Eren: "Told ya I'd be late. Still World's End."
Levi: "Cocky aren't you. Be there in 20."
Eren: "Do you like chicken?"
Levi: "What the fuck 's that gotta do with anything?"
Eren: "Hungry?"
Levi: " Sure."
Eren: "Then again, do you like chicken?"
Levi: "Depends."
Eren: "Shut up. You'll eat it or you'll get nothing."
Levi: "Watch it, you're on thin ice here."
Eren: "17."
Levi: "What?"
Eren: "17 minutes until you're here, right."
Levi had been so caught up in messaging he'd forgotten to step into the elevator, which he did at Eren's last message. He cursed at his own stupidity.
Levi: " 20, starting now." After the message he called Brown. The man had been waiting outside, knowing Levi would call him around this hour. He knew the place since Levi had spent a lot of days at that bar in the past. It was the one place where the legendary band started.
The conversation he had with Brown was brief yet quite enjoying. Levi would never admit that but he was glad that Brown wasn't an ass and understood Levi's personality. The car came to a stop in front of the bar a few minutes later. Levi pulled his scarf up high and raised the hood of his coat to cover his hair. He stepped out of the car, bid his farewell to Brown before he slammed the door shut, and walked into the World's End.
Levi spotted Hannes behind the bar talking to a raven-haired girl, who Levi recognised as Mikasa, Eren's sister. He scanned the bar at least once to make sure no one noticed him.
He grabbed the stool next to Mikasa and greeted her when she turned to see who was going to sit next to her.
'Oh, Hey.' She said. He could tell she found the situation awkward, as she didn't even look at him when she said that.
'Evening.' He greeted both her and Hannes as he sat down.
'Hey.' Hannes nodded. 'Can I get you anything?'
'Sure, um. What do you recommend?'
Hannes laughed and grabbed a large bottle stored at the top of the cabinet behind him. 'I'm sure you'll like this.'
'I'm gonna check on Eren. I wonder what's taking him so long in the kitchen.' Mikasa got up from her stool.
'No need.' Levi said. 'I'll go.'
'But your drink?' Hannes said as he put it on the counter.
'Can wait. But thanks Hannes, I appreciate it.' He got up and strolled to the kitchen door. When he pushed it open he was welcomed by the smell of food and not just any food, it smelled delicious. To be honest Levi was quite surprised this bar had anything this nice on the menu. Not to be a critic, but this was not a restaurant.
He saw Eren opening the oven. The boy's back was turned to him and since Levi had opened the door without much of a sound, Levi was sure Eren hadn't heard him come in. He watched Eren closely, letting his eyes wonder over the brat's body. Silver eyes gleamed as they feasted upon the exposed flesh of the small of Eren's neck. He moved closer, as silent as a shadow passes during the day.
Eren pulled out a plate while Levi closed in. He placed both his hands on either side of the clueless boy, leaning on the counter.
'Did you miss me?' he whispered in Eren's ear. The brat's body went rigid and Levi heard a loud gasp. Whatever Eren was holding hadn't dropped. Eren looked over his shoulder only to find Levi's face a little too close for his comfort. The boy shifted a bit, trying to escape this awkward position. Eren put down the dish. At the moment it seemed wisest.
'Shit! Levi, you scared the living shit out of me.' Eren yelped, his voice higher than usual. Levi was pleased. Levi gave Eren the space he needed to turn around, after his hands retuned to either side, trapping the younger boy yet again.
'Well?' Levi asked while he captured Eren's gaze. Locking his eyes with those beautiful orbs almost left him breathless. He never thought he would ever be so close to him. He never thought he would be able to touch the kid. He never could have dreamed that this boy, Eren, would be more than just the view of his apartment window, and now, he would never let him go.
'S'cuse me?' Eren grew timid, his shoulders slumped and he adverted he eyes.
Levi raised a brow and smirked at the boy's cuteness. 'I said; did you miss me?'
'Hmm…' Eren managed to squeeze out.
Levi ran his hand over Eren's cheek, which instantly grew red under his touch. Eren flinched but leaned in to the touch, closing his eyes. He's like a puppy. A cute defenceless puppy. He closed the remaining few inches between their lips. The boy's lips tasted sweet, as was the kiss. It was short and soft. When they parted Levi noticed Eren's eyes were still closed and his brow was furrowed. Levi's laugh snapped Eren out of his daze.
'You're such a shitty brat.' He said slyly.
Eren's eyes grew wide and he covered his cheeks when blood rushed to his head.
'W-well, you… you're such a-an ass!' he stumbled over his words like a damsel in distress, causing Levi to chuckle.
'You can say that.' He agreed. 'So, what's for dinner.' Levi stepped back, finally giving Eren space to breath. The boy bit his lip.
'Well, before you so rudely interrupted me…'
'Oh, was I bothering you?' the man closed in again not caring Eren wasn't finished speaking, and the boy moved a bit backward, but found himself caught between the counter and the rock star. This time he wanted to show he wouldn't back down. He always felt so weak when Levi was around. When the man came closer it made all rational thoughts fly out the window. And yet again Eren's mind turned to jelly. But hey, fuck rational thoughts. Eren needed to stand up for himself, and often that included saying random and –not-so-very-clever stuff, such as now Eren spoke before he thought; 'Yes, you were.' He crossed his arms in front of his chest and wore a smug expression on his face. He knew it was stupid to challenge Levi, and yet he did. Why?
This brat…
'Eren! What's taking you so long?' Mikasa stormed into the kitchen, slamming the door open. Saved by the bell! Levi and Eren created some distance between them, thinking it might be in appropriate setting to barge into. Eren cleared his throat. 'Ah it's so warm here.' He fanned on of his hands to cool the warmth of his face. Levi shook his head at that stupid remark and took a look at what Eren had prepared.
'What? Warm?' came Mikasa's confused reply. 'Are you getting a fever? I have told you many times before you should take better care of yourself.' She scolded him like a mother.
'Mikasa, not now… please?' Eren tried to shush his sister, feeling rather embarrassed. His sister didn't get the memo and continued like Levi was not even in the room. Eren could practically hear the guy laughing at him. 'Oh, Eren. Your hair is a mess, you should go to a barber shop and get it fixed! Do I have to do everything for you?'
'Hey, don't get so offensive, what's wrong with my hair?'
Mikasa just stared at him with a what's-not-wrong-with-your-hair look.
'Oh, that's just... Cruel…' he finished with a whisper.
'I'm gonna eat this shit, so later.' Levi picked up the plate and walked out the kitchen. He was too hungry to know what was going on. They were having an argument. Big deal. They were old enough to… oh, wait. They weren't. He turned on his heel in the doorway when things took a turn for the worse. Mikasa and Eren were yelling at each other like toddlers, leaving Levi to stand wide eyed, frozen in his spot. What the bloody fuck… From the bar he could hear Hannes scream;" Mikasa, Eren, knock it of, for god's sake."
Levi had no idea what was going on. Suddenly another girl emerged from the bar, passing by him as she slipped through the doorway Levi was almost blocking. 'S'cuse me.' She murmured.
'You look like a giant grizzly bear.' Mikasa shouted, pointing her finger at Eren's out of control hair.
'Shut up, you witch!' the boy shot back.
'Oh, god, such a drag.' The unknown brunette groaned.
'Guy's the customers! Think about the customers!' Hannes sounded again from the bar.
'Hey, guys. What's the fight about this time?' the freckled brunette asked.
'Ymir. Tell my brother he looks like shit!'
'I think I should stay out of this…'
'Mikasa, don't force her to take sides!'
'I'm not.'
'You are.'
'Am not.'
'You-'
'Enough!' Hannes barged through the door, Levi barely managed to stay upright and save his dinner plate. Levi shook his head. He was too old for this shit and he left the kitchen to the less crowded bar. He took place on a stool while he heard screaming from the kitchen. Hannes was scolding Mikasa and Eren, calling them kids and that for once they should fight over small matters. Which was true Levi thought. Eren was just a kid, and he liked that kid. He even liked the fact that it included that Eren was childish. What was wrong with him? Levi snorted at the thought.
He stared at his dinner plate. Eren had made him something with rice sprinkled with black, what was it? And some chicken, again, he had no idea what spices were used. Levi wasn't really a good cook; he never had to make his own dinner. He smelled it. 'Not bad.' He murmured as he searched for some cutlery.
He carefully took a bit, like it was somehow poisonous. 'Who would have guessed, the brat can cook.' He was in fact genuinely surprised. A kid that could barley keep his hair in check and always asked if he could sleep 5 more minutes when Levi woke him, could actually cook. Who would have guessed?
After a short while all four erupted from the kitchen. Eren and Mikasa send each other blazing glares. Ymir looked as if she hated the world and Hannes looked like he had fought the battle of a lifetime. The poor man looked exhausted. He sat down next to Levi and asked Ymir if she could give him some Vodka to which she of course complied. Levi couldn't blame the man and took a sip of him own as well.
Eren took place on Levi's free side, Mikasa walked past while she clicked her tongue and sat down next to Hannes. Apparently the fight wasn't over entirely yet. When Eren didn't say anything for a whole minute Levi knew there was something off. When he peeked at his side he saw a gloom expression on the boy's face. He stopped eating and sighed. He hated to see Eren like this. I'm growing soft.
'So.' Levi started lifting a spoon full of rice to his lips. 'What's this then?'
'Food.' Came a lifeless reply causing Levi to role his eyes at the retarded remark. As if he didn't know that. Don't push it, brat. I'm trying to cheer you up. Fuck.
'Hey. I asked you a question. I wanted to compliment you, but now you can forget it.' He directed his attention at his food again. He saw Eren hunch a little closer at those words but chose to ignore the brat. He deserved it.
'You w-wanted to what?' Eren asked carefully with a slight ray of hope in his eyes.
'I said; you can forget it.'
'No… no, no. compliment. You wanted to compliment me.' He suddenly became exited again. He was just a kid, or a puppy, all you had to do was give him some attention and his walls came crashing down. Just a second ago this brat was sulking and all, and now look at him, his eyes fixed on Levi, praying for attention.
Levi paused his actions and met Eren's stare with one of his own. Where Eren's eyes were full of anticipation and practically gleamed, Levi's were stoic and hard.
Even so, Eren didn't back off. Persistent brat.
'Listen well.' He started, his voice soft and low so no one but Eren could hear. 'I am only going to say this once, so pay attention, record it, whatever, I am not going to repeat myself.'
The boy nodded. 'Hmm.'
'This is probably the best weird ass dish I ever had. What the fuck did you do with the rice?'
'Wha-?' Eren's eyes were wide and his lips were parted. Did he just hear what he thought he heard? Was his mind playing tricks on him? Did Levi just say he liked his cooking? Did he? A smile spread across his features. 'What? Really?' he tugged the man's arm.
Such a simple fool. The man smiled to himself. He felt better when the kid was smiling like an idiot. Even more so when he was the reason. 'Shut up, I'm eating.'
'You don't wanna know what it is?'
'Nope.'
'So, I don't have to make this for you anymore?' Eren's raised his brow and pursed his lips.
'I didn't say that. Don't act like such a brat.'
'Killer Jerk Chicken.' Eren shot at him.
'Excuse me?' Levi's voice sounded dangerously low.
'That's the name of the dish, stupid.' Eren teased, a childish grin back on his face. 'It matches your personality.'
Did he just insult me? Twice? Levi felt his brow twitch in annoyance.
'Try saying that again and I'll kick you out.'
'But, it's my house.'
'Do I look like I care?'
'Oh.' There wasn't a hint of amusement on Levi's face. Eren swallowed hard. He'd forgotten how intimidating Levi could be. It was frightening, but somehow Eren found it wildly attractive. He felt his cheeks grow hot. I fucking hate blushing. Fuck! Stop it! Stop it now! He quickly turned the other way so he wouldn't have to face Levi. He got up saying; 'Whatever.' And tried to walk as nonchalantly as possible, which only resulted him in walking in an odd pace, and in an odd very not so nonchalant way. Levi shook his head. What did he ever see in this baboon?
Eren and Levi stood in the middle of the boy's bedroom, or better yet, their bedroom. Eren rolled the two old futon's out of the way, kicking them in a corner. He heard Levi clear his throat. 'Are you going to clean that up?' thundered his strict voice. Eren jolted upright like he was being struck by lightning. 'Sir, yes sir!' he hobbled to the corner and grabbed the futon's up in a messy way and carried them out of the room. When Levi heard a thud he knew the boy had dropped them somewhere in the living room. His hand found his forehead. He sighed when he heard Eren struggle to get them of the ground and carry them in easier way. 'Leave it.' Levi yelled at him. 'I'll deal with it later.'
The boy joined him again in the bedroom and raced to the giant plastic bags. He pulled a futon from one of the bags. Levi narrowed his eyes. It looked like a rather big one, or a very soft one. Either way he knew it was better than the shitty old thing he'd been sleeping on for the past few nights. He didn't know how Eren didn't have back problems.
The boy unpacked the new bed and rolled it out of the package. The futon spread and spread, taking up more space of the small room. Levi cocked his head. Something was off. When the boy was done and the futon was on full display it occurred to him what Eren had brought home.
'Eren. What's the meaning of this?' he pointed at the futon.
'Hmmm… I can explain.' Eren fidgeted nervously at the hem of his shirt.
'Oh, please do.' And Levi crossed his arms. Before them lay a futon for two. Eren was in big trouble, in more ways than one.
