A/N: Thank you to all the lovely reviews from Soron Rocket, Godric's Girl Forever, Ern Estine 13624, 2LovelySouls, Shauna Flynn. Thank you to FanofBellaandEdward for proof-reading this for me, and a massive MASSIVE thank's to Flamoria for such a long, detailed and wonderful review!
WARNING: Some scene's may be too graphic for younger, impressionable readers. Please be aware that if you are uncomfortable with sexual themes, please look away!
Chapter 20
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Monday AM
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Eren wanted to go back to bed. In bed he was calm, happy and didn't need to worry about fidgeting, or talking to people he'd rather not bother with. Like his parents. However, Levi had other ideas that morning.
"The more you delay it, the worse it'll be."
Eren ground his back teeth as Levi turned his phone face-up and slid it across the table. He'd already dialled, damn it! Gingerly picked the phone up off the table, Eren hunched over with the device pressed to his ear. The dial tone was aggravating to him. His leg started to jiggle.
Someone answered.
"Hello?"
Eren visibly relaxed. "H-Hi mum."
"Eren!" He winced at her voice. "I didn't think I was going to hear from you."
He grimaced. "Sorry," he mumbled. "I just didn't think your or dad would want to hear from me."
"I always want to hear from you." A pause. "So ... How are things up there?"
"They're good," he hedged. "Been doing lots of walking."
"That's good. Are you eating enough?"
"Yes ... Levi cooks a lot."
"I hope you've not been sponging off that poor ... man."
Eren winced as she caught herself, but let it slide. "N-no. I help him with cooking and the cleaning a bit. We ... um ... were going to the cinema tonight."
"That's nice." God, when did talking to his mum get to stiff and suffocating? "So ... you really like him, then? This 'Levi'?"
"I do. I ... I wanted you guys to meet him."
"Eren ..."
"No, I know what happened. I was there." He groaned and rubbed a hand down his face. "You have to understand -you and dad -that I am an adult. I can think for myself. Right now, Levi means a lot to me. I need you guys to at least respect me enough to meet him before you judge him."
Carla was silent on the other end. Eren double-checked the screen to make sure he hadn't muted it. "Eren," she sighed. "It's not that I don't want to give him the benefit of the doubt. However, you need to understand that the age-gap is rather worrying."
"Are you trying to tell me that there isn't an age-gap between you and dad?" he asked, bristling at her words. Something sharp hit the back of his head. He jumped in his seat to see Levi shooting him a stern look as he poured water into the kettle. When had he moved? The man was too stealthy for a teacher.
"Of course not. There's at least nine years between us, but things were different back then."
"Can't you at least meet him? Give him a proper chance?"
"I wouldn't mind meeting him properly. It's your father."
"Can't you talk to him? He'll listen to you."
"Eren ..."
"Please?"
"Okay," she finally said. "I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks mum," he fought back a smile. "Did you ... er ... want to talk to him ...?"
"Oh ... No, that's fine darling. I need to get going anyway. I'll speak to your father tonight."
"Okay. Thanks. Love you."
"Love you too. Bye."
"Bye."
Eren ended the call and let out a deep sigh. He dropped his head into his hands, clawing his hands through his hair. He hadn't realised his leg had been jiggling all through the call until it knocked on the edge of the table leg, a bolt of pain shooting through his knee. He winced and forced his leg to stay still.
A hand came down on his shoulder, kneading the muscles.
"I'm proud of you, kid. You did well."
Eren craned his head back to look at Levi, "You mean it?"
"Not many people are able to stand-up to their parents. The fact that you have and stuck to your guns, is impressive."
Eren quirked a small smile, toying with the phone in front of him. "So ... Do you still want to go to the cinema tonight?"
"Sure." Water splashed down into two mugs. The comforting aroma of tea filled the air. "Mind you, there are probably only two movies showing."
"I don't mind," Eren said. "It's something to do."
Levi rolled his eyes with a smirk, handing Eren his tea. "If I'd known you were going to be a gold-digger, I'd have shown you my pay cheque during the first month."
Eren laughed. He drank his tea and raked a hand through his hair.
Levi squeezed his shoulder. "I'm going to go and have a shower. Try not to make too much mess."
"With what?"
"I don't know. For all I know you could sneeze and end up setting fire to my sofa."
Eren chuckled and watched the older man leave before turning his phone on and turning-on his WiFi. As usual his group chat with Mikasa and Armin had about fifty messages since last night. Some things never changed. From what he could gather nothing much had changed in their lives; Mikasa was currently in Germany whereas Armin had managed to finish another extensive essay over the weekend. All the while Eren had been in Lincoln with Levi.
,
Mikasa 10:03AM:
[MIKASA SENT A .JPEG]
'My current view!'
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Armin 10:11AM:
'That looks so amazing and relaxing! I just finished another essay and handing it in ASAP!'
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Eren 11:32AM:
'Gosh you guys have been far too busy! I feel like such a lazy bastard! :D'
[EREN SENT A .JPEG]
'Mind you, we do go on lovely walks!'
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Mikasa 11:45AM:
'I'm almost jealous. ALMOST.'
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Eren smiled as he closed his apps and drained the last of his tea. He Put his empty mug in the sink and stared out across the long garden. It really did take his breath away. It was such a nice change of scenery from the monochromatic crap of the London area. It was a bit of a surprise that Levi liked something as beautiful as the countryside.
"Are you ready?"
He nearly dropped the cup, spinning around to see Levi framed in the doorway. He had a fitted jacket on with a scarf wound loosely around his collar. Cocking an eyebrow at the younger man, Levi waited for him to answer.
"Er ... Just need shoes and my jacket and I'm good to go!"
"Okay. I want to leave in the next five minutes so don't dawdle."
Eren wasted no time in scurrying out of the kitchen and up the stairs. He'd only brought his messenger bag with some clean underwear and socks -the rest had grown from heading into town with Levi the other day. It was only a couple of extra jumpers and some basic tops, but Eren was grateful not to have to wash his only outfit every day. Zipping up a dark green hoodie, he took the stairs two at a time and met Levi at the front door just as the older man was grinding out the butt of his cigarette.
"Ready?"
"Yep."
"Then let's go."
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Monday PM
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"So did you like them?" Eren grinned as the rush of cool air washed over them.
They'd gone to the cinema to watch a double feature of 'LOVE, SIMON' -Eren's choice -and 'ISLE OF DOGS' -Levi's choice.
Eren had never done a double-feature at the cinema in his life, and he was glad that Levi was, not only open to the idea, but it had been his idea! His excuse being that if he was as 'uneducated' about films as Eren claimed to be, then they needed to pick two and go and see them.
The cinema with Levi was an experience in itself; the man had a sweet-tooth whereas Eren preferred popcorn. An experiment of sweet chocolate and salty popcorn was his new, very-favourite treat. He'd even convinced the teacher to try one. He wasn't sure what he preferred more; the feel of Levi's smooth lips sucking the sweet from his fingertips, or the look on his face by the glow of the screen when he revealed just how disgusting he found Eren's discovery.
"Come on, you know you liked Isle of Dogs at LEAST!"
"Of course I did," Levi replied curtly. Casting a sidelong smirk at the taller man, he asked, "Did you enjoy your sappy little romance?"
Eren pouted and scuffed his feet a little on the pavement. "You're not into romance?"
"Movies? No. Real life? Not sure. Hasn't ever really come up."
Eren stared down at him with wide eyes. "What? None of your other boyfriends wanted you to put more romance into their relationship, or vice versa?"
Levi had to think. He plucked at a frayed thread inside his coat pocket as they walked down the street to the car. No, romance had never seemed like a necessity to his past boyfriends. Thinking about it with renewed clarity felt like everything else was cheapened by the lack of attention to detail. He stopped. How much exactly had he been missing out on since he'd started dating? Would his birthdays have been anymore special? Would he loose sleep by being excited for what Valentines day would bring? Did it make the whiskey he drank on Christmas eve right through to New Years Day any more intoxicating? Or was it all just cooperate bullshit that demanded more of his money?
A hand on his elbow stopped him.
"Hey."
He blinked. They were at the edge of the car-park. He could clearly see his car, a fine layer of frost crystallising in the corner of his windscreen. Eren was frowning down at him, his mouth twisted up with concern.
"Have I said something to upset you?"
"Hmm?" What had they been talking about? Oh ...right. "No, no, just thinking that's all."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, yes." He dug his keys out and marched across to the car, the cold wind making him shiver. "Let's get in before we freeze our bollocks off."
They climbed into the car and buckled in. Levi started the engine and pulled out of the car park and onto the main road. It was exceptionally quiet for this time of night, even ignoring the fact that they were in a small town. Eren sat quietly beside him, his hands on his lap and his left knee jiggling a little bit. Levi pressed his lips together, mentally kicking himself for being a wet blanket on a nice evening out. At a red light, he reached over the gear-shift and placed his hand over Eren's. The younger man flinched a little before turning his palm upwards and lacing their fingers together.
The light turned green and they let go of each other.
.
.
Once they pulled up out front of the cottage, Levi turned the engine off but made no move to get out. Now that the car had warmed up, the thought of having those grumbling thoughts freeze in his head unsettled him.
"I'm sorry if I bothered you tonight," Eren's dejected voice jarred Levi out of his trance.
He frowned over at the brunette. "What're you talking about?"
"Asking personal questions. I should learn by now. You're not really into all the personal stuff."
Levi ground his teeth together. Grabbing the kid by the collar, Levi pulled him over and attacked his mouth. He barely gave Eren a moment before slipping his tongue into his mouth and clutching a handful of his hair. Eren moaned into the kiss, shifting so that the gearshift wasn't digging into his hip. "Should we ... Should we go in?" he managed to grunt, as Levi worked his teeth against his throat.
Levi growled.
"Be quick," he grunted, unlocking the car door.
They'd barely gotten in through the front door before Levi had Eren pressed up against it, his cool hands pawing at the buttons of his shirt, his jeans, and almost ripping off his jacket. Eren gripped Levi's face in his hands, hungrily kissing him over and over, his lips already feeling raw. Levi's hands swept up his back muscles and he shuddered, grabbing the older man's hips and grinding against him. Levi groaned as the denim caused friction between them. Eren let his hand slip down into Levi's boxers and stroked his erection. A shiver ran through him. He wanted more but ...
"Come on, brat, I'm not doing this against a door," Levi growled, tugging the taller man towards the staircase.
Eren nearly ran up the stairs, desperate to have Levi's mouth on him again. His heart hammered in his ears as Levi grabbed the front of his unbuttoned shirt, and leaned up to devour him. Without thinking, Eren hooked his hands under Levi's legs and lifted him up. The surprised sound made him smirk into their kisses. He was a bundle of lean limbs and hard muscle and feeling his thighs squeezing around his waist, made Eren harder. Backing up to the bed, he fell onto the duvet with Levi planted heavily in his lap. They barely broke for air.
"Clothes off," Levi demanded.
Eren hastily nodded, shedding as much clothing as possible without dislodging the man on top of him. Levi did the same, pressing himself flat down against Eren, the coolness making Eren hiss and clutch him tighter. His senses were going haywire as they rutted against each other in their boxers, the mix of cool skin and warm air and hot, wet kisses was too much. If he didn't calm down he was going -
"Levi -w-wait!"
Levi growled, furiously biting at the kid's exposed skin, his throat and mouth. His hands rubbed at Eren through his boxers, feeling the damp spot grow as he continued to grope his lover.
Eren's eyes rolled back into his head. He gripped the pillows, his body trembling with the over-whelming urge to come. He felt hot, sticky and was vibrating through the mattress. Heat rushed through him like lava, swirling inside him, sending sparks shooting up behind his eyelids -
"Levi!"
The older man ignored the cry coming from Eren's mouth. It rang in his ears as he was bucked, hot cum shooting up over Eren's exposed chest. Letting out a chuckle, Levi watched as Eren twitched the last of his release before going slack underneath him. He sat there astride the brat's thighs, before swatting him. "Do you want me to clean you up?"
Eren, mouth agape, nodded.
He was still seeing stars.
Levi smirked and shimmied off of the younger man. Snagging a pair of pyjama bottoms from the end of the bed, he tucked himself into them before padding out across the hall to the bathroom. The light was harsh to his eyes as he washed his hands and face with strong soap. He stared at his reflection for a few moments, regulating his breathing, and searching the reflection for something -anything -than explained what Eren saw in him.
Nothing.
At least, he couldn't see it.
Raking a hand through his hair, Levi rinsed a flannel through warm water and went back to attend Eren. He found the younger man leaning back on his plush pillows, face still flushed bathed in the glow from the lamplight. It felt a little better now that they weren't in total darkness. Once Eren was washed up, dried off and dressed in a pair of baggy bottoms, Levi tugged the blankets back and sat back on the pillows next to the younger man. Eren was still panting beside him, a dopey grin on his face.
"Woah ..." Eren gushed, "I ... I just ... fuck!"
"Jeez, kid, what happens when we actually have sex?" Levi quipped.
Eren shifted, feeling heat pool in his stomach. "Um ..."
Rolling his eyes, Levi reached out and stroked a finger down Eren's cheek. "Relax, kid. It was a joke."
"It's not like -I don't want to ..."
Levi felt his arm winding around Eren's shoulder and tugging him close in an abrupt movement. Eren stiffened, bracing himself against Levi's chest. "I promise not to do anything you're uncomfortable with. It's been a while before me, too, so ... you're not entirely alone."
Eren nodded stiffly, tracing a pattern over Levi's hairless chest. His skin was like pure porcelain. "You're so wonderful, you know that?"
Levi squeezed. "Shut up, kid. You wouldn't know 'wonderful' if it bit you in the arse."
"Maybe you should try it some time."
Levi chuckled before smacking Eren upside the head. He just laughed in response, burrowing closer to Levi's strong chest.
"Hey I was wondering ..."
"Hmm?"
"When I go back home ... do you ... I mean, would I be able to stay with you for a few days?"
Levi frowned down at him. "Eren are you sure that's wise? Your mother at least really wants you to come home."
"She didn't sound terribly worried, once she knew I was safe."
"I'm sure she still wants you home."
"Maybe," Eren shrugged, "I just ... I worry."
"Your work will suffer if you hole up with me any longer than necessary."
"I can work well enough, Levi. It's just fine-tuning it, really. Besides, sitting around with my parents yelling about how best to get you arrested is hardly a great working enviroment."
"I know, kid, I know." He surprised himself by stroking Eren's bare shoulder, noting the goosepimples breaking out over the young man's skin and feeling him shudder a little. "We just have to take it one step at a time, okay? You're always welcome to come to me if you're having a hard time with your parents or anyone else, you know that, right?"
"I do, now."
"Good. You're welcome to stay until the end of the week. I'll be heading back Friday."
Eren pressed his lips together, "I may need to use your laptop then. To do some work in the evenings."
"Do you have anything in your e-mails?" A nod. "Okay, well that's something you can do tomorrow to keep yourself busy. It's meant to rain."
Eren snorted.
"What?"
"Your pillow talk could use some work." Levi rolled his eyes as Eren shifted on top of his chest and smirked up at him. Levi cocked an eyebrow down at him. "I only put up with it because I think you're cute."
Levi grimaced at the word. "I'm not 'cute' kid."
Eren leaned over and smacked a kiss to his lips. "You are. You're grumpy and irritable and I think it's cute."
"Then your mother has something to answer for."
"Oh? What?"
"Dropping you on your head as a child."
"LEVI!" Eren groaned out loud, pressed his face into Levi's firm stomach. His head jostled as Levi let out a low, rumbling laugh. His hands ran through Eren's hair over and over, the laughter echoing in the younger man's ears.
"Oh dear, you do make me laugh kid."
"Is that a good thing?"
Levi smirked. "I'm willing to say yes it's a very good thing. However, I fear Hange will put you in a test tube and study you just to see what secrets you hold to getting me to like you."
Eren bit his bottom lip. "Levi ..."
"Yes?"
I love you.
"C-can I sleep in here tonight?"
Levi rolled his eyes, "Yes. Now get under the blankets and get comfortable. I know I don't sleep but I'm not about to have you fidget around for hours."
Eren rolled onto the empty side of the bed and slipped underneath the covers. The bed had been warmed and was instantly calming to his erratic thoughts. The firm, warm pressure of Levi's body pressed against him throughout the night was the safety blanket he'd never realised he'd needed. As Levi put his glasses on and took his book off the nightstand, Eren cosied up to his right arm, resting his head lightly on the older man's shoulder and closed his eyes.
~0~
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Wednesday PM
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(18:12) So how's the run-away honeymoon with the bf?
(18:15) Subtle as a gun, Mika. It's going great. Jealous?
(18:21) Maybe a little :O
(18:23) So how is he in bed?
(18:25) JESUS CHRIST MIKASA!
(18:27) WTF?!
(18:30) WHY WOULD YOU EVEN ASK ME THAT?!
(18:34) I take it that's a no?
(18:37) I JUST ... WHY WOULD YOU EVEN ASK THAT?!
(18:41) You've been shacked up with him for a week now and you've not even fucked? Come ON Eren!
(18:46) We're taking things slow!
(18:47) Ever heard of that? Jeez ...
(18:50) Sounds like you need it bad, bro ;)
(18:52) Shut up!
(18:55) Why're you messaging me anyway?
(18:57) I was just letting you know that I'll be coming back at the start of July.
(18:59) That's still ages away! Why did you need to tell me now?
(19:03) So that you don't make any other plans with your boy-toy and forget about me!
(19:05) Which means I'm going to have to meet him, too ;)
(19:07) That was nowhere near implied in any way.
(19:08) But fine. You can meet him. At some point.
(19:10) Good boy. You know it makes sense. Anyways I need to head off, I got dinner plans!
(19:13) Great. I have a hot man to get back to anyway!
(19:15) Bitch!
(19:16) I learn from the best ;)
(19:17) You suck :O
(19:19) I do that too ;)
(19:21) Eren! What's gotten into you?!
(19:22) Levi ;)
(19:23) EREN!?
(19:25) Kidding. Couldn't resist!
(19:26) Fuck you.
(19:27) Love you too xox
~0~
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Thursday AM
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Levi had managed to get to sleep. He hadn't realised how he'd gotten cosy, how he'd slowly drifted off, still limply holding the book. He'd even snuggled up even deeper under his blankets, almost falling off his pillows entirely. When he woke up it was completely natural without the artificial trill of an alarm blaring in his ears. His hair hurt and was sticking up in all directions -he could feel it. Ruffling his hair into place, he squinted over at this alarm clock and frowned.
10:53AM.
When was the last time he'd slept so late?
Not even on the inset days or the half-term holidays did he sleep so late. Dragging himself up, he propped himself back against the pillows and rubbed at his eyes and face, trying to regain some feeling. He yawned, stretched and turned to look at the other side of the bed.
Empty.
He frowned, racking his brain for the moment when Eren had padded back to his own bedroom. Nope, nothing. Dragging on a long-sleeved shirt to ward off the early-morning chill, Levi padded out of his room and gingerly made his way down the narrow staircase. His brain felt furry inside his skull. This was one of the reasons he hated sleeping so much, if at all. Faint clattering noises came from the kitchen and the sharp bitter tang of coffee hung in the air. His stomach grumbled.
"Hey kid what're you doing?" he called out as he rounded the corner into his kitchen.
He stopped in the doorway.
Eren straightened up from the table, clasped his hands behind his back and beamed up at him. On the kitchen table, there were large plates of food; bacon, frieds eggs, toast with the tub of butter beside it, a bowl of baked beans and some fried tomatoes. It was like their own little buffet. Levi was gaping at the scene before him -it was too surreal!
"Wha-what's all this?" he managed.
"Well, I was thinking about the other night and how I sort of spoiled the mood after the movie, so I wanted to make it up to you. Also -it's a bit of a 'thank you' for putting up with me this last week."
Levi relaxed, releasing his grip on the door-frame. He walked around the table and rested his hands on Eren's shoulder's. "I told you, kid, you don't need to thank me for that."
Taking hold of Levi's hands, Eren pressed a kiss to his palm. Levi's breath hitched but Eren ignored it, along with the way the older man stiffened at his touch. "You need to learn that sometimes what you do, deserves thanks."
Levi cocked an eyebrow.
"They do," Eren insisted. "Now -stop trying to lecture me. It's too early for you to be in teacher-mode. Just ... sit and eat ... Please?"
Levi smirked but obeyed. Settling down at the table, they started dishing out servings of the food onto the two clean plates laid out for them. Eren made Levi strong, black tea whilst he chugged down a large mug of coffee. They chatted lightly about how best to pack the things to take back home, which wouldn't be difficult since Eren didn't really have a lot of things. Levi, when asked if he was anxious about returning to work, insisted that he was more than mentally prepared for it, his lesson plans were up-to-date, and he had temporary blocked Hange's number as he did every time he went away.
"You know one of these days we really should get to know one another's friends," Eren said as he speared another rasher of bacon off his plate.
Levi furrowed his brow, "Is that so?"
"Well ... it doesn't make sense not to, right? Mika and Armin are pretty eager to meet you. Plus I've already sort of spoken to Issy."
Levi smirked and set his cup down. "Alright, if you're insisting on this. How about tomorrow evening?"
Eren choked on his coffee. "Er ... that's a little soon?"
"Nonsense," Levi shrugged. "We'll be back at mine by the afternoon. I won't want to cook, I doubt you'll want to. Plus Issy and Farlan will probably kick my door down as soon as they see my car pull-up outside."
Eren felt his cheeks heat up a little. "Okay -I -I guess we might as well break the ice with it all."
"Nervous?" Levi chuckled.
"A little."
"This was literally your suggestion not two seconds ago."
"I know, I know!" Eren ruffled hair. "Just ... you've gotten me so anxious about meeting Hange I'm not sure I could cope!"
Levi twitched a smile at the anxious kid. His knee was jiggling against Levi's, but the younger man probably didn't realise. "You'll be fine, brat. I'll protect you."
"Somehow I'm not convinced."
Levi insisted on washing the dishes once they'd eaten as much as they could. Eren pouted and wondered what else he could do if he wasn't cleaning up. He decided to go and sort himself out for the day. Dressed in his jeans, a top and a hoodie, Eren ran a towel over his damp hair and padded back down the hall towards Levi's bedroom. Despite having gone in the room numerous times, Eren hadn't taken the time to look around it in daylight. There were a few photos on the walls, mounted in thick black frames; one of a dark-haired woman holding a small baby in the crook of her elbow, her hair frazzled and circled under her eyes -but she had such a wonderful smile! There was another photo of teenager Levi being a little poser against a brick wall. It was a very eighties photo. There was a motorcycle handlebar just in the shot. Eren couldn't help but smile; it was no wonder Levi's parents got a little worried about their son. Not that they'd handled it at all in a proportionate manner! The third photo on the wall was of Levi in his army uniform. He had a couple of medals pinned on his uniform, but Eren had no idea what they were.
The last photo on the wall was how Eren knew Levi now; it must have been from the first day of his job in teaching. Levi was dressed in his usual monochromatic manner, only with a dark grey waistcoat over a white shirt and black tie. His hair was cut at a razor sharp angle. He looked a little younger, but stricter than anything! Eren felt heat stir in his belly. To see Levi so stoic and leaning back against his desk, arms folded and legs crossed at the ankle, it was so damn hot!
'Shit, since when did I have a kink for teachers?' Eren frowned.
"You're such a nosey shit sometimes," Levi's voice made him jump a little. The older man chuckled, "Calm down, brat. You're allowed to look."
"I didn't mean to snoop."
"They're photos on a wall, Eren. It's hardly snooping."
Eren pulled a face but didn't argue. Instead he pointed to the photo of Levi standing at his desk. "Is this from your first day teaching?"
Levi glanced over from his wardrobe. For a brief moment, his face was open and inviting -it caught Eren off-guard for a moment. "Oh. That. Yes, Erwin took that photo. Said I'd like the memory."
"And do you?"
"I guess."
Eren glanced over at Levi again. He was taking clothes out of the wardrobe and draping them on the end of the bed, ready to pack. Eren figured he might as well be helpful and dug the suitcase out from under the bed, propped it open and started to fold the clothes. If Levi was surprised by his actions, he didn't comment on it.
It only took about an hour to pack all of Levi's clothes into two suitcases.
Eren helped take them down to the car and shift it into the boot, and piled a few bags of random items and useable products into the back seats. Once everything was done, Levi placed dust sheets over the sofas and armchairs, went through all of the rooms like a sharp wind, making sure all the windows and doors were locked. Pulling the front door to, Levi took the messenger bag with his laptop and books inside off his shoulder and slipped it into the back seat before opening the driver's side door. Eren was already in the passenger seat, rifling through the CD's.
"Do you have any CD's for NoName?" he asked.
Levi wrinkled his nose as he fastened his seatbelt. "Not in the car. Why would I want to listen to that anyway?"
"I like it," Eren shrugged. "There's not much here. Radio?"
"Knock yourself out."
.
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Thursdsy PM
.
They'd been driving down the motorway for an hour and a half, Eren often quietly singing along to whatever pop-crap came up on the radio, but Levi wasn't bothered. He was glad for the kid to be enoying himself. It made him feel better about going back home after two weeks away. There had been something niggling at his mind though. Almost as soon as they'd set-off, a thought jabbed into Levi's mind that he was a little anxious about bringing up. He didn't want to ruin Eren's good mood but at the end the day, it was something that couldn't be avoided.
In the end, he decided to bring it up when they stopped for something to eat.
As soon as the food was brought to the table and the young waitress tottered away out of ear-shot, Levi took his coat off and stirred three sugars into his tea. "Eren there's something I need to talk to you about."
"Mmmm?" Eren blinked up at him, his mouth already open to spoon some food in there. "What's up?"
"I was thinking that you need to go and see your parents tonight."
Eren set his fork down with a heavy frown. "But -Levi why? They already made is clear what they thought of you and that they want to keep me away from you."
"I know, Eren," Levi placated, already sensing the young man get worked-up. "All I'm saying is that you should go and see them. Talk to them. Make it clear that you'll leave as soon as they say anything that you don't like."
"That won't work."
"Why not?"
"You don't know my dad."
Levi inclined his head, "I understand that he is difficult. I do. However, the longer you stay away the harder it will be to sort everything out. At the very least you can go inside and get your laptop, notes and some clothes and bring them to mine if it gets that bad. I told you, you're always welcome."
Eren twisted his mouth up. Hunched over his food, he suddenly looked so small and frail. It filled Levi with the sudden urge to try and hug the damn brat and tell him it'd be okay. Eren sighed and readjusted his jacket. "I suppose I should go and see them. Even if just for mama's sake."
"As I said, if anything bad happens, you can come straight back to mine."
Eren gave a small smile, stirring the ice-cubes around in his drink. "I appreciate it."
Feeling lighter, Levi turned his attention onto his food. They ate quickly and were soon back on the road heading towards London.
~0~
Three hours later the motorway had developed into streets and warehouses had transformed into homes and houses with garages and cars. Eren had stopped singing. He had sat up a little straighter when he recognised where they were heading. He twisted his hands in his lap. His jaw was tense whenever Levi chanced a glance over at him.
The sky was barely light anymore by the time Levi pulled-up at the bottom of Eren's road. He left the engine running as he turned to Eren in his seat. "Look at me, kid." Sighing, Eren obliged. Levi gripped one of his hands in his own. "I'll wait here for fifteen minutes. If you want to leave, let me know and I'll stay until you come out."
Eren squeezed his hand back. "I'll let you know. Promise."
They let go of one another. Levi felt a pressure in his chest.
Eren clicked the door open and stepped out into the cool night air. He took his bag of clothes from the backseat and waved to Levi as he walked up in the direction of his house. Levi glanced at his watch. 6:03PM. "Fifteen minutes," he murmured to himself gripping the steering wheel.
The sky outside darkened. He drummed a rhythm on the steering wheel, not sure whether he wanted Eren to text him or not. He ground his back teeth anxious to get home and relax, as well as make sure that Eren was where he needed him to be. Within ten minutes his phone vibrated with a text from Eren.
.
(18:11) My dads away for the night on a business trip. Going to spend the night here with Mama and make sure I have everything prepared so I can leave when mu father gets back.
(18:13) Sorry it took so long to message you. Only just got a moment to myself. Mama wants to hear all about you. Feel like I can't say 'no'.
(18:15) Good. I'm glad. Try and stay safe. I'll be home soon so I'll text once I'm settled.
(18:16) Okay :) I ... already miss you.
(18:17) Miss you too, kid.
.
Levi smiled weakly, glad at least that the brat wasn't in any immediate danger. Was Grisha dangerous? Levi didn't know, but he wasn't ready to find-out. Turning the key, his car rumbled back to life and he pulled out to drive down the main road.
Dragging his cases up the two flights of stairs to his front door was arduous work. It was the worst way to end a holiday. The key groaned in the lock, letting a rush of stale air hit him in the face. It wasn't dark, however.
Grinding his back teeth together, Levi kicked the front door shut. "You lot better get the fuck out of my flat right now before I murder you."
Farlan appeared in the kitchen doorway with a docile smile, "Hey hun! Our baby's home!"
Levi glared as Isabel peered around the living room door. "Finally! We've been waiting forever!"
"Get out."
"But Levi we ordered food for you. See how generous I'm being even though you threw a cat at me?"
Levi ignored her, propping his cases up by the door and accepting a beer from Farlan.
"That cat had a name by the way. And an owner," Isabel continued. "He belonged to a fifty-two year old woman who lives a few houses down."
Levi took a drink from his bottle.
"She was very happy to get him back."
He swallowed.
"Fine!" Isabel sighed. "It's no fun when you don't react."
Farlan chuckled and ruffled her hair, "Give the man a break, Issy. Let's interrogate him after we eat."
"It's not here yet!"
"Wait."
Isabel pouted.
"Since we have to wait anyway," Levi intoned, setting his bottle down. "I'm going to do some unpacking."
"Fine! But when you come back we want ALL the DETAILS!" Isabel called as he walked out of the living room.
"Whatever."
Gripping both suitcases by their handles, he dragged them down the hall and into his bedroom. He locked the door behind him and took a deep breath. Finally, he could relax and just be with his thoughts, if only for a short while. He needed the space to clear his head. What he really wanted was Eren's company, however that would have to wait.
He hated waiting but he was a patient man.
Whether he liked it or not, he was patient.
A/N: So how did you guys like the chapter? Let me know!