A/N: Thank you to everyone for your lovely reviews, I really do love and appreciate them! I'm sorry it has taken such a long time to update. I've had some health issues (not my own but my partner) so I've barely had a spare moment to think.


Chapter 27

~ September ~

Thursday PM

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Breathe in ...

Breathe out ...

'You can do this, You can do this, You can do this.'

He repeated the mantra over and over in his head, the cap making his brow sweat more than it should have. His section had been called up to the stage and now he was slowly inching his way towards the steps that would lead him up to the platform. His stomach flipped. His palms were clammy. Nearer the front of the queue of students, two teachers adjusted their hats and robes as they mounted the steps. He knew he was over-thinking it all. The hardest part had been finishing the dissertation. This should have been the simpler part; getting up on stage, shaking the chancellor's hand and accepting his degree on the way down the other side.

Easy, right?

He was inching forward.

He cast his green eyes out across the hall and blanched. There were so many faces staring back at him. The ones on the flat floor of the hall directly in front of the stage were his fellow classmates. They were drowned in black robes and pointed square hats. Beyond that, on the elevated seating areas, there were hundreds of parents, siblings and close friends all waiting to see their respective relation graduate. There had been so many rounds of applause he was sure he'd gone deaf.

Names were called out, sometimes an additional award was allotted to whomever had won it, and bit-by-bit Eren made his way closer to the stage.

Somewhere out in those seats his mother, sister and Levi were sat, dressed to the nines all just to watch him shake some dude's hand and accept a folder with his degree inside. The ceremony had already gone on for forty-five minutes and he'd nodded off a little until someone had nudged his shoulder, gesturing for him to get up and queue with the rest of them.

In the end, he'd stuck to his principal's and not invited his dad to his graduation.

He just couldn't deal with that level of awkwardness.

They'd all driven to the Uni and Eren had to leave them half an hour before the ceremony so he could collect his rented robes and the absurd hat –not that he exactly had the £50 to piss away but whatever, it was done now.

"For a degree in Ancient History … Eren Jaeger!"

With his hat tweaked and his shoulders straightened, he felt ready. Stepping across the stage, his stomach plummeted and his head buzzed with the weight of all those eyes on him! He was sure his hand was dripping in sweat as he shook his chancellor's hand, drew in a deep breath and then made his way across to the staircase on the other side of the stage. He took each step down carefully, the relief washing over him. He was handed the folder with his degree from another tutor, before filing back around the hall towards his allocated seat.

That was it! He'd done it!

There was only another section of students left to accept their degrees, before the closing speeches. Armin was in that last set. Eren squirmed in his seat and tried to remain focused to watch his friend accept his degree, however it was so hot in the robes he was close to just shedding them. He felt his leg jig in irritation as he cheered for Armin, and then tolerated the others.

The chancellor's closing speech seemed to go on forever.

Finally –FINALLY –they were allowed to leave.

The fresh air was rejuvenating as he waited by the entrance for Armin to get out. It took a while but he eventually saw the shock of bright blonde hair. Waving his friend over, they hugged, congratulated one another and then stood off to one side of the walkway so they could easily spot their relatives as they came out. It took a while but eventually he spotted Levi's stoic expression as he descended the stairs. Carla's bright floral dress was right behind him and then Mikasa brought up the rear in a peach and purple dress with a thin red scarf wrapped around her neck.

Armin's grandfather and parents appeared a little way further up the staircase.

When everyone had assembled and exchanged hugs, polite greetings and a curt nod of the head in Levi's case, Mikasa suggested that they go towards the floral-wall display near the front of the University's building in order to take some photos. Eren hadn't opted to pay for an official graduation portrait, so this was the closest he was going to get.

It was too much fun, Eren realised, to do silly poses in their most serious get-up. Armin carried him on his back as he waved their hats in the air, a few of their classmates like Sasha and Annie popped over to take some more photos before re-joining their own families. Mikasa and Eren took some photos together, then Carla joined in, gushing about how proud she was over her babies!

Then it was Levi's turn.

The usual side-by-side pose was not going to work for Eren. He looped his arm around Levi's neck and made a peace sign at the camera, he awkwardly placed his cap on the shorter man's head, and then he used his cap to shield their faces as he kissed the older man. Levi, a little flustered, smoothed his hair down and straightened his jacket before glowering up at the excitable brat. "How about we take a nice photo? None of your goofy business."

Eren pouted but then relented. "O-kaaaay. Just for you, though. Everyone else gets the mad shit!"

So, Eren relented and took a nicely posed photograph with Levi's arm around his waist. He couldn't deny how sweet it would look. He was beyond surprised when the shorter man scooped him up bridal-style. He knew he looked dopey, with flushed cheeks and his hat askew but he couldn't have been happier. Just seeing the cocky smirk and hearing the older man chuckle was worth it.

Once all the photos were taken, and their robes had been handed in, they decided to go out for some drinks before their dinner reservation. Armin and his relatives were going out to dinner straight away so that they could get his grandfather home and in bed by a decent hour. Watching the blonde saunter off with his family left Eren feeling a pang of guilt. He had just wished his father could accept him being with Levi, even after the police report had fallen flat. However, he couldn't forgive the man so easily. He just wanted the support in his life choices.

"Eren?" Mikasa prodded his shoulder. "Go and hand those robes back in so we can get some drinks."

"Yeah, yeah I'm going!" he shooed her hands away with a half-hearted grin before heading off towards the main reception area.

After he handed the robes and hat in, Eren came back out with a grin and fell in-step with his little group as they made their way off-campus.

Their drinks lasted no longer than an hour and then it was time to move to the restaurant three doors down. It was warm and inviting. They were seated nearer the front of the restaurant, nearer the door which allowed a cool evening breeze to whisper in and take the edge off the heat they felt.

~0~

Tuesday AM

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It was that particular photo –where Levi was carrying Eren bridal style –which the older man was currently looking at. He'd had the few nicest photos of themselves framed so that he could mount them up in his flat. He'd chosen sleek, black frames that had no additional sheen to them. Matte black, sharp enough to take an eye out, and contrasted beautifully with his lighter walls.

Isabel had made a joke the other day, saying that he was creating a love-collage on his wall. The only reason she hadn't died was because she was pregnant. Otherwise …

Though, to a degree he couldn't deny her statement. For years his walls had been bare, the most elaborate art feature he owned was his black ceramic clock hung up in the kitchen. He liked remembering all those good times with Eren. It was hard to believe that just a year ago his life had been considerable lonelier and just that little bit shit. Now he had framed photos of himself with a boyfriend. He'd not really had that before. Glancing up at the rest of the photos he quirks a smile; they had taken so many photos on their holiday to Spain. Armin had gotten so sunburnt on the second day! The poor man looked as though he was a cartoon character.

Eren, however, tanned quite nicely. He'd gotten the most deliciously golden tan to his skin that it took all of Levi's self-control not to drag him back to their hotel room every chance he got. There was a picture of them half-sitting on a set of black rocks stretching out into the frothy waves. Eren was sprawled out in his red swimming trunks with sunglasses on his nose, gazing into the sun. He looked like a young Greek God. Levi, on the other hand, only got the faintest suggestion of something resembling a tan, so he looked like the ghost of the little fucking mermaid in comparison. However, they both looked relaxed propped up on their elbows.

There was another photo of them walking hand-in-hand along a bridge in the evening. Levi remembered that they'd held back a little so that he could speak to Eren with a little privacy. It hadn't been anything important really, not that he remembered.

There was a group photo of them all having lunch at a trendy little café. It had white table and chairs, huge umbrellas and brilliant pink and purple flowers sprouting along the bridge behind them. That was when Issy had asked him to be the godfather of their child. He'd been dumbstruck, according to the look the camera had snapped. Eren on the other hand, had slung an arm around his neck and was grinning beautifully.

Some of the photos hadn't been anything monumental; some had just been sweet moments that Levi had wanted to always remember fondly. Returning to the table he picked up the last photo and ran his thumb over the smooth, black frame. It was a gorgeous photo, completely spontaneous but Levi couldn't deny that that's what made it perfect. They'd been mucking around in their hotel room during their last few days at the hotel. Eren had his phone out and was trying to take a photo without Levi noticing –that didn't work out. Now he had an adorable photo of himself straddling Eren and tickling the kid as he howled with laughter, sunlight dappled of their bodies from the slanted blinds –it was just too perfect.

This one wasn't about to go on the wall –it was going on his bedside table.

It was only when he got to his bedroom door that he stopped and realised something; he'd thought of it as his bedside table on his side of the bed. The other side of the bed and the table belonged to Eren.

Eren's side of the bed.

As he set the photo-frame on his bedside table, he glanced over at Eren's side of the bed. The sheets were still pulled fairly taut, unused, for the last two days. As selfish as it sounded he didn't just want Eren to be around on the weekends. It felt like half the brat's time was being eaten up by travelling all the time. Levi frowned; what could he do to change that? He could always make the effort and go and see Eren at his own house, but the idea of suffocating his shithead father with his own tie-clip collection was just too tempting.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed he continued to frown into thin air. Isabel would have said it was obvious. Hange would comment that he was over-thinking when the answer was really, rather simple.

Issy would know.

Making sure he had his keys, he ducked out of his flat and went down the hall and knocked. Isabel was home, wearing some tracksuit bottoms and a loose jumper that just about covered her bump. "Hey stranger," she grinned as she closed the door behind him. "I was wondering what you were up to today."

Levi offered a small smile but didn't comment. Isabel waddled into the living room and settled on her little nest in the corner of the sofa. Levi offered to get them both a drink. She smiled and said she felt lazy even though they both know it's because she'd pregnant. Levi returned with some a cup of tea each and settled down on the end of the sofa by Issy's feet.

"So, what's brought you here to my little nest?" she asked coyly.

"I was just hanging up some of my photos and it got me thinking," he said evasively.

"About?" she coaxed, looking at him over the rim of her mug.

"Just how close Eren and I have gotten since we started speaking."

Isabel nodded sagely as she warmed her hands up. It had been a rather bitter day, the chill clinging to every room in the building. "Well nine months is a fairly long time to get comfortable with someone," she said. "Some people get married within six, so I think you guys are doing well."

Levi snorted and sipped his tea. "I just don't want to do anything that makes him … think we're going too fast."

"Levi," she chided. "Eren is besotted with you. He'd do pretty much whatever you asked."

"He needs to be comfortable with it too!" he argued.

"I know. All I'm saying is that you make him feel so comfortable that he would do whatever you ask. He kind of loves you, you know. With your weird aversion to colour, your tea-habit and that DAFT way you organise your shampoos."

Levi shot her a look, which made her giggle.

"Sorry," she grinned. "The point is he loves you. He'd probably move-in with you if you asked."

"What if I want to?"

"What to what?"

"Want him to move in with me."

Isabel stilled. She watched Levi from over the mug, steam billowing into her face. She had known the man for the better part of her life and he had never opened himself up to any sort of serious relationship, until now. Eren had literally shattered the shell Levi kept himself in. Levi was gaining confidence, a spark relighting inside him that had died out as soon as he'd been shipped off to the Army. Eren was magical.

"Do you really mean that?" she found herself asking.

Levi nodded.

Leaning over, Isabel took his hand in her own and squeezed. He frowned slightly at her. "Do not waste an opportunity to be happy, Levi. Ask him. Make a big deal out of it. He'd appreciate knowing how much you want this and how much you care about him."

Somehow, having Isabel's approval, made the decision that much more real. It flooded Levi's insides with an overwhelming happiness. Not that he let it show at all. He squeezed his friend's hand. "Whatever that baby is doing to your brain it's working. You're getting wiser."

Isabel swatted him on the arm. "Hush, you! I was smart before I got knocked-up!"

"You keep telling yourself that, Red."

"I have a good mind to kick you out," she stated.

"You won't do it though," he stated in a cocky manner.

"Of course not!" she shook her head. "That'd be rude! Besides, who else would get me ice cream?"

Levi shot her a deadpan look. "I am NOT getting you ice cream."

"Levi!"

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"LEVI-I-I-I!"

"N. O."

"Fine!" she huffed and wriggled lower in her seat.

Levi ignored her, turning his attention to the TV and drinking the last of his tea. Suddenly his phone buzzed. Opening the text from Eren, Levi frowned. "Issy, did you just text Eren to get me to buy you ice cream?"

"No."

"Then how you explain this?" He turned his phone around so she could read the message.

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[16:45] Levi stop bullying Isabel! If the baby needs ice cream get the woman some ice cream! Don't be a grump, godfather! X

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Isabel kept her face as neutral as possible. She could feel Levi's eyes boring into her skull. "The kid must be psychic."

"Cute," Levi intoned. "But you're still not getting ice cream."

"OH, COME ON MAN!"

They continued to bicker like this for the better part of an hour until, by some miracle of God himself, Farlan returned home with a six-pack of beer, for himself, and now Levi, and a tub of raspberry ice cream for Isabel.

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Saturday PM

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Levi cast one last look in the mirror before sighing. This was as good as it was going to get. He glanced at his watch –he still had time. He was meeting Eren in an hour and a half. He was treating the brat, taking him to a new restaurant up London. He'd heard only good reviews about the place and he figured it would be the perfect place to show Eren how much he meant to him.

He knew the kid wasn't really into such frivolities however Levi wanted to mix things up a little bit.

Adjusting his collar one last time, he swiped his keys off the counter and left the flat. Hurrying down the stairs, he slipped into his car and started up the engine in record time before pulling out onto the main road.

The drive to London was uneventful.

He pulled up outside Eren's house and, instead of usually honking the horn, he slipped out into the soft night air. Walking up the garden path, he pressed the doorbell and waited as patiently as possible. The door swung open in a matter of moments to reveal Eren. He had given himself a make-over –or perhaps his sister had finally gotten her hands on him. He was dressed in pressed pants, a dark green dress shirt and a sleek black blazer over the top. He'd even styled his hair to sit in thick, brunette waves away from his eyes. It left his face looking open and beautiful.

"You look amazing," Levi admired.

Eren blinked and then grinned. "Thanks. So do you. You look hotter than every James Bond."

Levi scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Of course I do, brat. That much is obvious."

Eren laughed charmingly as he closed the door and slid his hand into Levi's. They walked up the drive enjoying the soft night air against their skin. Levi opened his door and as soon as Eren was comfortably inside, he closed the door and went around to the driver's side.

Driving into London was always manic and it was one of the reasons Levi hated doing it. However, this was a special night for the two of them so he was going to eat the parking charges and hope to God the restaurant was as good as the reviews claimed it was.

When they finally got into the restaurant and were seated Levi had to admit it looked pretty nice; the countertops at the bar were black, speckled marble, the wood was dark and polished and the wall art was 3D with a mixture of gold, silver, black and bronze cubes jutting out in all directions. The large orb-lights descend from the ceiling in various heights and cast a soft, barely-there glow on the diners underneath.

Each table had a slender vase with a single, fat black rose in it.

The plates were black, too, rimmed with a single band of gold.

It was spectacular.

Eren looked entirely stunned as they settled down in their seats. The glow of the lights made him look incandescent. Levi felt his heart hammering in his chest. His throat was dry. He couldn't deny his gratitude when the waitress swept into their airspace and took their drink orders with a promise to return for the food.

The menus were sleek, edged in gold with thick black font. They discussed what they wanted to eat and how best to go with the starters and dessert. There was no way they couldn't get both, after all.

The waitress returned. They placed their order.

Eren fidgeted in his seat, looking like a kid in a candy store. He was buzzing with excitement and his green eyes kept darting around taking it all in as other couples chattered quietly around them. Levi was too enamoured at the sight of his lover that all he could do was smile.

This was what he wanted. Right here and now, this was what he wanted his life to be about; exploring new things with Eren, watching the kid smile so brightly and admire wondrous things around him. Enjoying the gentle buzz of energy that constantly drifted off his body in waves. Feeling him curl around Levi in the dead of night as they slept, his head nestling against the older man's chest.

The box felt like it suddenly weighed a ton in his pocket.

Perhaps this was the time, before their table was cluttered with plates?

Swallowing thickly he dug the box out of his pocket and held it in his lap under the table. Clearing his throat he drew Eren's attention to him. God, he looked beautiful. Straightening himself in the chair, he looked across the table and tried to exude some sort of confidence.

"Eren," he began, "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Sounds serious," Eren grinned brightly. "What is it?"

Taking a deep breath, Levi tried to force the words. "These last nine months have been nothing short of an adventure for us. Me especially. You've opened my eyes and world up to a brand new experience; love. Romance. Being happy. Before you, I hadn't felt those things for years. I'm almost convinced I hadn't felt them at all, until you."

Eren's expression softened, his eyes sparkling.

"You make my week worth working through. Everything feels happier when you're around. I –"

"Here are your starters!" the waitress chimed.

Levi wanted to both curse her and kiss her. Grinding his jaw together, he shot her a somewhat subdued glare before making more space for the two plates. When she left, Levi let out a long sigh and tried to calm his irritation down.

Eren tried to bite back a smile. "So, you were saying?" he asked, biting on his lower lip.

Levi glanced down at the food, the box heavy in his clammy palms. This was the first time he was nervous in a long, long time. "I think it can wait," he finally said forcing a small smile.

Eren's expression drooped a little. "Are you sure? Whatever it is I don't mind."

Levi adopted a much brighter expression. "No, no, it can wait. Let's eat this food before it gets cold. I don't think either of us can afford to come here for the next ten years so we might as well make the most of it."

"It does look amazing!" Eren agreed, seemingly distracted. "And these are just the starters!"

Levi breathed a sigh of relief.

For the next hour and a half they ate the food that was brought to them.

It was only in the interval between their second course –yes, they needed to eat as much of the cuisine as possible –and their dessert that Levi felt the swell of courage burning up in his chest again. Maybe it was indigestion. Either way, he was going to take a shot with asking.

"Eren, you remember earlier that I had something I wanted to ask you?"

Eren frowned and then beamed. "Yes! What was it you wanted to ask me?" He raised the wine glass and took a sip.

Suddenly, all words failed Levi.

Slowly, very slowly, he placed the black velvet box on the table and slid it across to Eren. Green eyes widened comically. If the situation hadn't been so serious, Levi may have chuckled. However, his heart was lodged in his throat.

Eren stared down at the box. His insides were knotting over and over again, playing havoc with the huge meal he'd just eaten. Plus, there was dessert on the way. Oh God, what was happening? A velvet box generally only meant one thing; was that really a step they were ready to take? He felt overly flushed and he was curious about what was inside however at the same time he was terrified of opening the box. Not because he didn't love Levi, because he did. However, he ached to know.

"Levi …" he breathed, his arms frozen. He couldn't reach out for the box, as much as he wanted to.

A tremor ran down his spine.

Reaching out, he took the box in his hand and slid it closer. His stomach flipped. He tried to focus on breathing.

"Levi … are you sure about this?"

Levi's face was a blank mask as usual but his eyes were flooded with concern. It made Eren's heart skip a beat, seeing the older man so vulnerable. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled.

"More sure than I've been about anything."

Eren took the box in both hands, breathing hard and pried the lid open. He gasped, nearly choking as he stared down at the contents. With quaking fingers he reached in and lifted up the key in a questioning manner.

"I … I don't understand."

"Eren," Levi said, looking his square in the eye. "Will you move-in with me?"


A/N: I would say I'm sorry for no real holiday events / stories but in my current frame of mind I just couldn't hack it. So I put this smush together instead. What do you guys think?