My Regret
Chapter 32
Making precious memories with those you care about, means the world.
After spending some time in Florida, the small family had packed up their things and were currently waiting in the airport to head to California.
Since it was still early in the morning, Eren and the twins were currently catching some sleep, and Levi was finishing up some reading.
The raven had gone to get some snacks for the boys and the brunet quickly, then put them in their individual bags.
Once again, the flight could have been better. If you can count on the damn brat that was busy kicking the back of his seat, then yes, he's had better.
Levi being Levi, gave the child a death glare, making him cower to his mother the rest of his flight while he watched a children's movie with the boys.
Like last time, the raven had went ahead and rented them a beach house for them to stay in. His father recommended this small place because there was so much for them to do.
First thing's first, go to the board walk.
With Sebastian sitting on his shoulders and Yami holding onto his mother's hands, they walked around in search of some food.
The boys received many balloons just on the way to the restaurant.
Due to the twins asking for months now, Levi and Eren took them to the zoo, where the raven's ears may or may not have been damaged due to their loud squeals of joy.
Levi snapped many pictures as he saw his son's interacting with so many different animals, all the while ignoring Eren for calling him the sappier of the two parents.
The boy's paid close attention as the zoo keepers told them information about the animals. Where they lived, what they mainly ate, how big they could get, and which animals were important to keep others alive.
"Look, daddy! A zebra!" Sebastian had tapped his head lightly to get his attention.
The raven turned to where his son was pointing, the boy practically bouncing in joy on his shoulders.
Levi took his son to go near the animals, taking pictures as his son was waving to the animals.
He ended up buying him a stuffed animal of a Zebra.
Dragging their parents all around the zoo, the boys were then later grateful their mother insisted on resting for a while.
Eren was gently wiping away the sweat on the boys forehead, fanning them with his plastic fan to get them cooled down.
Levi came back, four cold bottles of water in his arms. He opened the ones for the boys, holding the bottles for both as they drank as much of the cold beverage as they could to cool down.
The two parents smiled when the boys sighed in relief.
Levi leaned over to his partner, "Think we should call it a day? They've seen all the animals twice." His arm hurt from being dragged around by two six year olds.
Eren nodded, "Yeah. We can relax at the house for a while." If he was lucky enough, he could convince the raven to let them have ice cream.
Picking up the two tired boys, they made their way out of the zoo.
"Daddy?" The younger twin, Yami, came up to his father, still somewhat drowsy from his nap.
Levi chuckled at his sleepy son, picking up the boy and setting him on his lap, "Need something?"
The small brunet snuggled up into his father's arms, "Mommy said there would be lots of fireflies around here. Can we go watch them later?"
Despite what he looked like, Levi was actually completely fascinated with bugs. The boys usually went to him when they wanted to go bug catching, Eren tended to stay back when bugs were mentioned.
"Of course. It's been a while since I last saw fireflies." He made a mental note to get a jar and poke holes on the top. The boys would be happy to see the bugs being used as makeshift lanterns.
Yami clapped his hands in joy, "Can I tell Sebastian?"
"Hmm, maybe you should keep it as a little secret and surprise him with it." If there was another person, who loved bugs as much as Levi did, it was Sebastian.
"Okay, daddy."
Keeping it a secret from Eren and Sebastian was actually very easy. Levi simply made up a small lie that there would be a full moon tonight. He mentioned there was a perfect spot for them to watch it.
The brunet was the one carrying the bag with all their things in it. He was certainly confused when Levi had placed in several empty jars. When he asked what it was, the raven simply said it was better that it remain a surprise.
Levi had Yami on his shoulders, the little boy had the flash light in his hands, guiding the way to their spot.
"Daddy, where are we going?" Sebastian was in his mother's arms, he too was confused as to where their father was leading them to.
"You'll see in several moments, kiddo."
Finally, they all came across a wide hilltop. There was a tree at the top, the branches gently swaying to the breeze, making the leaves rustle.
They were all left in awe at the amazing view. They were all able to see how bright and big the moon was, and the stars seemed to stand out more than they did back at the beach house.
Eren turned to his lover, "Where did you find this place?"
Levi had a fond smile on his face as he looked at the scenery, "I came here with Mother and Uncle Kenny once. This was the first vacation I ever went on, and they wanted me to remember it as long as I lived. I found this place purely by accident, and we stayed here at night to watch the meteor showers." Such a memory is what inspired him to take his family here.
The raven laid out the blanket when they got to the top, sitting right next to the tree.
Sebastian and Yami were pointing out the shapes they could make out with the stars, asking their parents if they were right.
Levi smiled when he caught sight of the real reason as to why they were here.
"Daddy, is that a firefly?" Sebastian turned to his father, jumping in excitement.
"It is."
The two boys ran after them, giggling as the small bugs landed on their fingers.
Their father took out the jars he had put in the bag prior to them coming here, poking small holes in the top and handing them to the boys.
"Now be careful when you catch them. You wouldn't want to hurt them." Levi did a quick demonstration of how to catch the bugs, being very gentle with them.
The two boys laughed as they ran after the bugs, carefully getting them into the jars, and running over to show their mother.
Eren smiled, "They're very beautiful." He did very much enjoy being around fireflies. They stood out beautifully because of the green light they emitted.
As the two boys ran off to play once more, Eren and Levi huddled up very close.
"You know, Eren."
"Hmm?" The young man looked up at him.
"Those fireflies are kind of like you."
"Why?"
"Because, they do whatever they like, yet, they bring happiness to people all around them. They have this beautiful green to them, like your eyes, yet, they're very gentle. Some people think they might hurt you, but they couldn't be more wrong. They're actually very loving, and they capture your heart immediately, just like you captured mine." He gently stroked the blushing young man's cheek.
Levi continued on, "I was simply a young man coming from a completely different country, a heavy accent to my English." Eren chuckled at the memory of when he met Levi, the accent often making him stumble over his words.
"But you loved me even if sometimes I had to repeat myself. I was a young man, just like you, whom happened to be in that club that night, being dragged by his friends, and yet, I never imagined I'd find the love of my life there as well. I thought that night would have been completely pointless, but now that I look back on it, I was more than glad my friends decided to drag my ass out that night. Because if they hadn't, I never would have met you."
He wasn't lying with the last portion. Levi really might have never met Eren. He was someone from a new country coming to another, hell, his accent made him stand out immediately. But he thanks Erwin, Hanji, Petra, Rico, Eld, Gunther, Oluo and all those other fuckers for dragging him out that night.
"You know Eren, you really are like a firefly. They light up the night, and you light up my life."
When Levi was done speaking, the brunet was blushing so much, he had to hide his face in the older's chest.
The raven wasn't usually someone who voiced out his feelings, thoughts, yes, he normally did, but for him to tell him how much Eren mattered to him, which was something new.
"You…freaking dork."
"You're stuck with this dork."
Eren lifted his head and smiled at him, "I wouldn't have it any other way honestly. Hell, years ago I wouldn't have seen myself here. I would have more than likely still been single, working at some shitty school, and wondering what I can do to improve my love life. Then I met you. I seriously didn't think something so serious could have formed through our one night stand. But I couldn't have been happier that something did happen between us."
The brunet placed a soft kiss on his partner's cheek, "I thought someone like you was only in stories some hormonal teenager would write, but when I saw that you were real, I wanted to be with you even more. We've made our mistakes over the course of the last few years. And look at where we are now. We're here on vacation with our two sons, who look up to you so much, it's amazing. You're a wonderful father, always making time for them, and for me too. And now we're thinking of another child. Levi," He placed a hand on Levi's cheek, "You made me so happy, and, I honestly couldn't ever see myself with anyone but you. As you said, like a firefly, you light up my life."
Levi pulled his lover to his chest, holding him there, basking in the warmth and security he felt, "I love you so much, bright eyes."
"Love you too, blue rose."
Their two children stood off in the distance, watching as their parents hugged underneath the tree, surrounded by fireflies.
Sebastian hurried to get the camera, he and his twin capturing the moment perfectly.
Daddy would certain thank them later for this.
"Alright, boys, now, your mother went out for a little while."
The twins looked at each other for a moment before looking up at their father, "Where did mommy go?"
"Daddy knows a very good friend here, and he's giving mommy a massage." Eren had been telling him for a while that his back had been hurting. So why not call up one of his friends and set up an appointment for him here? Flagon was too damn good at his job.
Sebastian and Yami hugged their father's legs, "What are we gonna do then, daddy?"
Levi smiled down at his two sons, "I'm going to do something special for mommy. Will you boys help me?"
The two boys nodded, giggling as their father picked them up and hugged them.
Eren walked out of the spa, waving goodbye to Levi's blonde friend.
He felt so much more refreshed and relaxed. His lover went out of the way to set up this appointment for him.
The brunet smiled to himself as he was walking home, the sun starting to set. He walked up to the beach house and opened the door, his jaw dropping.
In the kitchen there were wine colored candles lit, a vase holding white roses, the porch sliding door open, letting in the breeze, and the sound of the waves drifting in.
"Do you like it?"
Eren turned around and saw Levi leaning against the door frame. He was dressed in a simple white button up, black pants and socks. This attire was somehow familiar…
Realization suddenly dawned on him, "This date, this was when you asked me to be with you, huh?"
"More specifically, I asked you to be mine."
The raven remembers that day as if it were yesterday. He and Eren had gone on a couple dates, they hadn't really established what they were to each other. So, Levi decided to be take the initiative. He likes to think of it as the day he was made the happiest man alive.
Placing his things down, the brunet took his lover's hand, letting him being guided to the table, where Levi pulled out his chair for him to sit, and pushed in his chair for him.
Eren smiled as he looked out the back door. Levi had been so romantic lately on their trip. Perhaps he wanted to make up for the times when he was stuck at work or when they had to take care of the twins.
"I made your favorite, love. I know how much you love having salmon when we're by the beach." The raven came in carrying two plates of food.
"You really are too good to me." The brunet kissed his older lover's cheek as he placed down his plate.
Levi chuckled softly, "I do it all because I love you." He sat down in front of the brunet.
The two calmly ate their dinner, talking about the things they wanted to plan for the kids and for themselves.
"How many pictures did you take of the boys today at the zoo?" Eren took a drink from his water.
"More than I'd like to admit." Levi says that because he knows if Hanji got a hold of that information, she would never let him live it down.
Eren laughed softly, "You are such a sappy dad, Levi." Kind of still surprises him that out of the two, his lover would be that kind of parent.
"I just want to give the kids everything I never had, but at the same time let them know they have to appreciate everything they have." Levi wiped his mouth with his napkin, finished with his dinner.
"Yeah. We want to raise our boy's right."
The two got up and put their dishes away, Levi bringing out their dessert. "The boys made them." They were Eren's favorite sugar cookies.
They sat down on the porch, watching the ocean waves, and eating their dessert.
"Eren."
His young lover turned to him, "Yeah?"
"I love you. Will you continue to be mine?"
"Do you even need to ask? Of course, you big dork." Eren smiled at the raven, placing a hand on top of his.
Levi chuckled softly, "Thank you, love."
"No, thank you."
"No, thank you." Levi gently poked Eren's cheek.
The brunet laughed, "No, thank you."
"No, thank you."
Both males gently poked at each other's cheeks, eventually setting the cookies to the side.
When Eren moved in to poke Levi's cheek, the raven leaned in and kissed him softly.
The brunet was never a big believer in fairy tales. You know, the ones where the prince comes in fancy clothing, on his white horse, telling you you're the love of his life that he spent years looking for.
He's come to know that the love of your life won't be waiting on your doorstep the moment you're ready. No, if you're really serious about your future, you have to go out there and find what you're seeking for.
Meeting Levi taught him many things. Happiness, anger, sadness, confusion, hurt, and betrayal. Many of these emotions seem like they'd never hit him with how perfect things were now.
The raven showed him he has to treasure his family, friends, and anyone who really cares about him. How memories, although sad or happy, have shaped him into the person that he is today.
Being with someone like Levi, showed him he has to be more assertive in what he wants and needs in this life.
And through everything that Levi taught him, it showed him how to love someone with his entire being.
As for Levi, he never thought he would love someone as much as the brunet right next to him.
When his mother passed away, he felt like a good majority of his happiness died along with her. But his uncle was the one that kept him strong throughout that dark time in his life.
His mother's words ran through his ears, telling him to never give up and to keep fighting through whatever fog may get in his view. There would always be a light to guide him back to the main road, seeking out the results he wanted.
Growing up with only his mother and uncle around, it made Levi treasure all his friends, siblings, kids, and his lover.
He never had a father in his life, but he wanted to be the best god damn father figure he could be to his children.
Both had their flaws in this life, and had accepted them. They each had things they excelled at. Everyone has things like this. One has to accept how they are, and try to mold themselves into people they can proudly look into the mirror, and confidently say it's them.
They want the best for their children, and although they know they can never be perfect, they will try their hardest to mold their children into people that can be successful.
And as the two laid down beside each other, staring into their partner's eyes, they thought this, this was true bliss.
End of chapter 32.
And I wrote all this with a 6 week old puppy on my lap. And sorry I wasn't able to update sooner. I've been sick for a week.