And finally number 25 is up. Sorry it took so long, been terribly busy!

Maria Starlight: Here it isssss! enjoyyyy

AnicaKristen020 & Chibi Mathilda; Hahaha thank you! It's good to hear my humor 's okay =D

People. Please enjoy this chapter. I had fun writing it, and I hope you will have fun reading it =D

Again, Many thanks to Numa10, for she makes it possible that my English doesn't suck too bad and your able to read this normaly and stuff

Enjoooyyyy~

The Mad Titans and the World of Tomorrow

Chapter 25

It was absolutely terrifying. It was worse than Eren had first expected actually, and it definitely wasn't helping that Levi was trying his hardest not to laugh at Eren's pathetic behavior. The man was a demon, sent straight from Hell itself to torture him, and he was doing his job just perfectly. Eren glared in his direction often, wishing he'd nock it off; of course, Levi didn't listen at all, not even when Eren threw his saddest puppy face towards the man. He felt betrayed by the world. So, obviously, at the check-in desk he kindly asked the lady if he could be seated next to Levi; though it didn't come out that smooth, far from it actually. It took him nearly a minute to get the sentence out, and, even when he finally managed to say it, he had to repeat himself because apparently he had been mumbling. The kind lady smiled her perfectly perfected attendant smile as if Eren was a 4-year old kid who'd lost his mother in a shopping mall. She directed her attention towards the band members, recognizing them, and wishing them a pleasant flight.

Levi dragged Eren through customs, explaining how things worked while he helped the poor kid with his luggage.

Eren stood in front of the designated gate. They had started boarding, being escorted by airport security the whole way. They used the priority-boarding lane to bypass other people who flew in the economy class, and thus saved themselves the trouble of being jumped by fans.

Eren sucked in air, filling his lungs in an effort to hopefully calm himself down. It didn't work. Great. He was going to do this, somehow.

"Hey," Levi grabbed Eren by the arm, "Where are you going?" He directed the kid towards business class, sounding genuinely worried.

"What?" Eren responded, snapped out of his thoughts. Apparently he'd been walking in the wrong direction. "Oh, sorry…" he mumbled apologetically.

Levi shook his head. How could he be so terrified of all this? He was afraid of flying, but they weren't even flying yet? So why? He huffed and rubbed his temple with his free hand. So troublesome.

"Just sit down and try not to think about it too much, okay?" Levi assured, and squeezed the boy's shoulder with the best of wishes, sitting down in their appointed seats. Levi insisted Eren took the window seat, but the brat didn't feel like sitting right next to a window with the only option being to stare down at the face of the earth hundreds and thousands, even millions of miles below and, after a short, whispered discussion. Even so, Eren gave in. Still the pessimistic thoughts raged on in his head. What if mother earth had a hideous face? Eren did not want to find out.

"Why do I have to have the window seat?" Eren complained in defeat, pouting sadly.

"Because this way I can keep my eyes on you." Levi said while giving Eren a look that possessed all the authority on the globe, and possibly of all alien life too, just to shush the boy. He continued with, "and make sure you don't run off."

Ah. So that was it.

"I'm pretty sure you won't jump out of the fucking window." Levi's voice remained flat, absent of emotion. He didn't realize that what he had said would have an effect on Eren, at least not until Eren's face dropped and became incredibly pale.

"What?" Eren asked nervously, "These things can open?" he started to squirm in his seat as uneasiness washed over him, and tried to climb over Levi to reach the walkway, or better yet the runway, because as soon as he got out of this chair, he'd make a dash towards the door. Fuck planes.

Of course, Levi didn't let him. "Calm the fuck down," He hissed as if he was spewing dragon fire. His nostrils flared and his eyes held a dark and dangerous glow.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" A lady dressed in blue stood beside them. Where she'd come from, Levi had no idea, but judging her by appearance she seemed to belong to the flight attended staff. Her red painted lips were curled up in a wide smile.

"Uh, could you get me," Levi paused, thinking, "…a scotch, please?" Levi wrestled with Eren still, pushing the kid back into his chair. The woman smiled kindly and released a chuckle at the blatant display of what seemed to be a power struggle before her.

"Of course, sir. Is there anything else I can help you with?" She said, motioning to the boy.

The wheels in Levi's mind turned, thinking of what would calm down Eren. "Bring him a coke," he said, deep in thought. The woman hummed, not fully understanding his intention, but took her leave anyway.

"Hey," Levi kicked the chair in front of him, trying to get the attention of the other passenger.

"What the fuck is wrong with you, you evil man!" Hanji said angrily, trying to keep her voice down. Her head appeared from behind the chair, and she stared at the raven-haired man.

"Do you have it?" He simply asked, ignoring her temper.

"What?" She still sounded angry, but confusion also seeped into her words.

He raised his brow, "You know what I'm talking about. Now, do you have it or not?"

Hanji narrowed her eyes thoughtfully before they popped opened, with her mouth forming the shape of an 'o'. Yep, she got it. Finally.

"Ah! Yes I do, for, uh…" she pointed at Eren, keeping eye contact with Levi. The man nodded. "All right." She disappeared from sight, and easily being heard was the sound of items being pushed around, and then Erwin asking her what she was doing. She scoffed, mumbling something, and let out a cheer when she found what she was looking for. She popped into sight like a puppet in a show. She'd make a great Muppet.

She glanced over at Eren, who was too busy staring outside, trying to push past Levi, and staring out the window yet again.

"Ma'am!" Hanji said, motioning towards the same flight attendant that had helped before. She was carrying drinks their way, and Hanji exchanged low volume words with the woman, just in case anyone might overhear. The woman nodded in understanding and handed Hanji the can of Coke.

Levi took his drink and gulped it down, handing the woman the empty glass back in a matter of seconds and nodded his thanks.

"Any time now, Hanji, would be just great." He mumbled under a heavy breath while kicking the chair in front of him.

"Yeah, yeah. Here." She handed Levi the can of Coke, and looked at Eren who was still plastered to the window with his eyes wide and breathing rapid. She shook her head with worry, her lips in a thin line. "In thirty minutes he's out – like a horse." She winked, but somehow her face betrayed how she really felt.

But Levi trusted her words, Hanji always took a sleeping pill herself, and she slept through the entire flight…most of the time. If this was what would calm Eren down, so be it.

"Don't worry," Erwin assured her, patting her on her shoulder, "He'll be fine. Levi will take care of him just fine."

"But, look at the poor thing…"

"Hanji sit down. We're taking off any minute now." Erwin sounded sterner now, like a father reprimanding his kids.

"Shhh," Hanji shushed, sending him a nasty glare when she saw Eren flinch in mention of taking off, "Don't say that!" She hissed, flopping back into her chair.

"Well…sorry," He apologized, "That bad?"

She nodded with a sad look on her face. "Hope he's gonna be alright."

"Eren, here take this." Levi said as he held the can of Coca Cola up, nudging the boy softly with his free hand.

"Hmm…?" Came a meek reply. The boy had shuddered at his touch, he seemed startled. "What?"

"Drink this, it will take your mind off, you know…just drink it." He gave Eren a reassuring smile, but it wasn't easy to stay calm in a situation like this. Levi was angry and frustrated. He didn't like seeing Eren like this at all, and he hated feeling powerless. He wanted to calm the boy down, but somehow it seemed out of his power to do so. "Come on," he took one of Eren's shaking hands in his.

Eren's green eyes shifted from teal ones to the can of coke; he nodded, accepting the drink. He took it with both hands, not trusting himself to take it with one. He never stopped trembling, and it took almost all of his concentration not to spill the content over the entire plane – yes, all over the damned place.

He took a few carful sips and managed a weak smile, so fragile that Levi was afraid the kid was hurting himself.

"Hey," Levi's voice condensed to a soft, caring whisper, "It's okay." He slung his arm around the boy's shoulders, pulling him a bit closer into safety.

"I…know…" it came out like Eren didn't believe a word he said, but said it nonetheless; maybe it would change his opinion about flying if he said it out loud, save for it didn't. He felt a little safer knowing Levi was there for him. The gentle friction of the man's hand running up and down his arm, the comforting look in those beautiful eyes, and, of course, that soothing, silky voice that whispered kind words. He couldn't wish for anyone better than Levi, because, truth to be told, there simply wasn't.

"Thank…you," Eren mumbled between taking sips of his drink/ "For everything so far. I'm s-sorry for being such a baby about it…but I-"

"Eren," Levi's voice changed from soft and quiet to clear and strong, "Shut up. It's all right. You have every right to be scared, but don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."

Eren managed to crack a smile. "You sound so, I don't know. Not like you…" He said with a light laugh.

"Kind? Perhaps that's the word you're looking for?" Levi shrugged. He was happy Eren was functioning a lot better than before, though. Good, keep the kid talking. Keep his mind occupied. This is good.

"Yeah, who knew?" Eren deadpanned. You see, making jokes already. Levi felt a bit more relieved; worrying about someone was an experience he'd never had before. "Brat, don't get too cocky."

Eren finished his drink quickly, as the crew passed by checking everything before the departure.

A short message from the pilot and the head of staff was the last step before it all went straight to hell.

As soon as the engines started, Eren's eyes turned into large saucers once again. He pressed his back to the seat with all his strength and grasped the armrests, as if he were about to crush them, turning his knuckles impossibly white. His breath hitched in his throat and there was only one thing going through his mind: This is it! Shit. Shit. Shit.

Suddenly everything started moving. Eren tried to look out of the window without turning his head; he saw they were moving. As soon as he felt the plane move forward he shrank back further into his chair. When the aircraft came to a stop his heart nearly followed. His breathing slowed and his vision blurred. Oh, shit. His left hand pried free from the armrest and searched desperately to find Levi, checking, making sure the man was still there. He felt the warmth of Levi's finger intertwine with his own. He knew Levi spoke to him, but he failed to register the words. All he could hear was a loud, endless ringing noise. It kind of reminded him of high school, the sound of the bell ringing in the hallway. Only now time had frozen, and he was stuck with that treacherous sound forever.

He felt himself being pressed back into the chair by the force of the plane moving forward. The sound of the engines dimmed the loud thumping of his heart.

And there it was, they took off into the sky. It felt so unnatural it made Eren's body uneasy. He felt nauseous. Oh, god. Why couldn't we go by car?

"Le-vi…" Eren's voice broke midway, sounding hoarse from stress.

"It's okay. I'm here." Levi reassured. Hearing Levi's voice at a moment like this really soothed his nausea, even if just a little.

"Hmm…"

"Hey," Levi had had an idea. He wasn't too sure if it would work, but it couldn't hurt to try now could it? "Do you remember how we first met?"

"Wha-?" What was he talking about?

"At the Corps? You were covered in shit." Levi thought he could talk the poor kid out of his misery. He gently squeezed his hand, showing his affection. "You looked horrible underneath all that crap. Do you remember?" he stared at Eren, studying the boy's reaction. "Look at me," He said when Eren's eyes were still glued to the back of the seat in front of him.

Terrified green orbs met his. "Do you remember?" he repeated and waited patiently for the boy's response.

Eren nodded slowly, "I…do." He whispered timidly. "Why…?"

"Because you looked like an adorable, helpless loser then." Levi said, smirking coyly. He wrapped his arm around Eren and pulled him as close as the damned armrest between them allowed. He pressed his lips against the boy's forehead. "And you look like one now too."

"J…jerk." Levi smiled at hearing the all too familiar word. He was getting the feeling he was winning this battle. Yeah. I can do this. You need me just as much as I need you.

Levi took a deep breath, and decided not to give a fuck at how ridiculous he could look or sound at what he was about to do.

"You want commitment," Levi's heavenly voice softly sang right next to Eren's ear – soft enough not to be heard by the other passengers, but just loud enough so the boy could hear. He heard the kid exhale slowly, and felt him snuggle a bit closer.

Had Eren heard that correctly? Was Levi singing for him?

Take a look into these eyes

They burn with fire

Until the end of time

I would do anything

I'd beg, I'd steal, I'd die

To have you in these arms tonight

The song was perfect. Eren closed his eyes, trying to focus on sweet words. Words that gave him strength. Words that were only meant for him. It gave him a sense of security.

Baby I want you

Like the roses want the rain

You know I need you

Like a poet needs the pain

I would give anything

My blood, my love, my life

If you were in these arms tonight

Fuck. Why was Levi so perfect? It should be illegal. Eren sighed contently as Levi's hand brushed gently through his hair. Slowly the pressure seemed to lessen, the sky didn't frighten him as mush as before.

I'd hold you

I'd need you

I'd get down on my knees for you

And make everything alright

If you were in these arms

I'd love you

I'd please you

I'd tell you that I'd never leave you

And love you 'til the end of time

If you were in these arms tonight

How could he be scared when he was in these so-called 'arms' that Levi sang about. Telling him he'd never leave him and would make everything alright. Those words calmed Eren, made him smile, and, most important, made him feel loved. Wait. It made him feel loved. Loved.

Did…Levi love him? Does he? Eren couldn't care less if the plane crashed, exploded or turned into a Pegasus. None of it mattered anymore. Levi might love him.

We stared at the sun

And we made a promise

A promise this world would never blind us

And these were our words

Our words were our songs

Our songs are our prayers

These prayers keep me strong

And I still believe

If you were in these arms

Levi continued on, singing the song softly for his brat. He had noticed Eren had stopped trembling, that his breathing had steadied, and the iron grip on his armrest was no more. "Are you feeling better now?" He whispered, placing his free hand on top of the hand Eren was already holding.

"Hmmm," Came a soft response. All the stress seemed to have disappeared into thin air.

"Good." Levi patted Eren's head, and pressed a brief kiss on the boy's forehead.

"Levi…" Eren mumbled sleepily, leaning into sweet arms as he rubbed his eyes in a lazy fashion. "Thanks for today; it really means a lot to me. I know…I've been a jerk. A scared jerk, but I just…w-wanted to let you…know…" Eren murmured out as words began to be harder to pronounce. He was sure he spoke, but it was low and soft and he was loosing control over his ability to speak. He just felt so tired all of a sudden. "I…lo-…" Eren's head pressed against Levi's shoulder, his eyes closed his mouth slightly open. A soft snore finished his sentence.

What? No! What did you want to say? Levi's eyes were wide with anticipation as he nudged the younger boy, shaking him gently. "Eren?" Levi prodded, sighing when he got no response other than a snore and a soft sigh. What was it you wanted to say?

He leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes. Eren's head rested peacefully on his shoulder, and he ran a hand through the boy's brown locks. He couldn't let go of Eren's last few words. He what? He bit the inside of his cheek in frustration. If he had missed out on anything precious, he'd make Hanji pay. It was all her fault.

Note: For those who want to know

Song: Bon Jovi; If you were in these arms