A/N: Hello, me again. I know, I know...it has been far too long since my last update. Studying to become a TA and working in a school has really swallowed up a lot of my time. So many assignments!

Anyway, here is a short chapter and I hope to update the next one sooner rather than later.

Chapter 25

As much as Eren wanted to spend every available second he had with Levi until he left, he was unable to do so, he had to revise, otherwise, he would fail his exams. When he could, he would sit next to Levi whilst he worked and he himself studied. During these occasions, he ensured that he was in some way or other touching Levi; be that leaning into his side, or his feet tucked under Levi's legs, or his thigh pressed against Levi's, he needed to feel Levi and be connected to him physically whilst he still could.

It was not just him being clingy, Levi was also seeking out Eren whenever he could, many times in the days leading up to his departure, Levi would hug Eren from behind whilst he was cooking or making tea, almost like he didn't want to be separated from Eren for that short period of time.

They had even taken to showering together, of course on many occasions this resulted in more than just showering.

Unfortunately, the day came that Levi was due to embark on his book signing tour. The moment he woke Eren had an unsettling feeling of dread, he only managed a couple of bites of his toast, and could barely raise a smile when Levi kissed his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around him, in his signature hug from behind.

He knew it was something he had to deal with, that he would have to suck it up, but no matter how he dealt with it, he was certain it was not going to be easy.

Eren turned around and pulled Levi in closer, knowing in just a short while, they would get their final hug, which would turn into a desperate 'oh-please-don't-go' clinging-together thing. Eren hugged him tighter and Levi responded by squeezing Eren a little more. Both silently showing the other how much they cared, and how much they needed the other.

To try and ease some of the tension, Eren asked, "So -" he smiled down at Levi, "What are your fans like?"

Levi's nostrils flared and Eren chuckled, "Be nice to them, they buy your books after all."

"You sound like Erwin," Levi complained as he stepped away from Eren to grab his freshly made cup of tea.

"Maybe, you should listen to Erwin and me," he suggested teasingly.

"I know, I do play nice. I sign some questionable fanart of my works and on some occasions of myself. I make small talk.."

"Very small I suspect," Eren joked.

"and I thank them. They know I appreciate all my fans, I'm just not a people person, but that seems to encourage them," he lamented.

"I bet you're a shock to the system when they meet you for the first time," Eren laughed, imagining the courage it must take for someone to meet their ideal, and how intimidating Levi comes across. Even when merely sitting down, the aura he gave off - it was something else.

As they settled on the sofa, Eren sombrely asked, "What time is Erwin picking you up?" he tried to be casual, but the sombre tone of his voice gave away how he was feeling, he avoided looking at Levi, focusing instead on the weather report that was currently on the TV.

Sipping his tea give himself time before answering, time to gather his emotions, Levi replied, "Around ten o'clock," knowing full well Erwin prided himself on his timekeeping and would be waiting outside dead on ten o'clock.

Eren's eyes flicked to the small rectangle in the bottom right corner of the TV, where the time was displayed on the morning show they were watching.

'7.51am'

Two hours, he basically had two measly hours left with Levi. He suddenly felt angry at the world.

"Stop scowling at the TV," Levi's cool calm voice ordered.

Eren finally turns to look at him and his heart sinks a little further, gazing upon Levi and knowing soon his favourite spot on the sofa will be empty, "How are you so calm?" he demanded feeling a little panicked.

Levi slid his eyes from the TV to Eren, "Appearances can be deceiving," he simply remarked.

Internally his inner dialogue was screaming at him to cling to Levi, however, rationally he knew he could not be too suffocating. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that bullshit. Maybe, some time apart would do them some good, to have some time away, for Eren to not be so dependant on Levi to deal with his anxiety and panic attacks, to learn to cope himself because Levi may not always be around.

"M-maybe, it is a good thing," Eren stated unconvincingly.

He sighed and explained his thoughts out loud.

"Maybe, it will be a good thing," Levi parrots, even if it will be good for them to be apart for a bit, it will not stop him from missing Eren like crazy. For someone who was very secure in his own company, and would avoid being around people - he somehow seemed to tolerate Eren, to the extent that the mere thought of being separated from him for weeks was a fucking shitty prospect.

Both sat there talking about how Levi going away was going to be good for them when in actuality they both wanted to lock themselves in the apartment and never leave.

Thankfully Levi was an organised person and he had already packed everything he needed, meaning they had two whole hours without anything getting in their way.

It is absurd how fast time goes when you do not want a certain moment to come, yet when you're waiting for something good, time drags slowly.

In trepidation, Eren glanced at the clock and noted that it was ten minutes to ten o'clock.

Fuck!

Untangling his legs from Levi's, he sat up, "I guess you should get your stuff ready to take down to the lobby."

Manoeuvring so he too was sitting, Levi said nothing, he stood and held out a hand to Eren. He pulled Eren up from the sofa and into an embrace, "Come and wave me off?" he requested, and Eren was surprised to hear a very slight weaver in his voice, his emotions actually reflecting in how he spoke.

How could Eren refuse, he kissed Levi deeply, before pulling away, "Of course,"

They headed towards the lift, every step closer to their destination was causing Eren's stomach to tie itself into knots.

Stepping out of the lift and placing Levi's things to one side, Eren took hold of Levi's hand and looked into his eyes, "I cannot express how much I will miss you, please call me as soon as you arrive at your hotel."

Not giving Levi a chance to reassure him that he would indeed call and that he would miss him as equally as much, Eren cupped Levi's face with his spare hand and tilted his chin upwards to press a tender and loving kiss against his lips.

Eren ignored the part of him urging himself to stop Levi from leaving, instead, he took hold of the suitcase handle and wheeled it in the direction of the exit.

Erwin smiled at them in greeting, from where he was waiting against his car. Erwin pushes away from the car and unlocks the boot, silently taking Levi's luggage and placing it in the back - giving Levi and Eren the time and privacy to say goodbye.

The two stand facing one another, unsure what to say and not wanting to say or do anything as that meant it was truly goodbye.

Erwin sends Levi a warning look, silently telling him they have to get on the road soon before he climbs into the driver's side to wait.

Eren glances down at Levi, he opens his mouth to say something but his words are stopped by Levi's mouth on his. Eren understands why Levi doesn't want to say anything, it is hard - action speaks louder than words.

Levi intensifies the kiss, pushing harder against Eren. As kisses go it was beautiful and passionate, all the same, it was a goodbye kiss and therefore it was bittersweet.

After one last hug, Eren steps back onto the pavement as Levi climbs into the car. It is such a strange experience saying goodbye, of course, he was emotional when saying goodbye to friends and family before leaving for university, but that was also mixed with a sense of excitement.

Saying goodbye to Levi who he had been surrounded by for a long time, makes his throat tighten, his heart begins to ache, he purses his lips, and his eyes sting with tears.

Crying is not a weakness, at least that's what Eren tries to tell himself as tears well up and start streaming down his face as he walks toward the lift and away from Levi.