THE KITTEN
(finefelice27)
Eren slowly walked through the hall of his apartment building, tired after spending the entire morning listening to his teachers at the university saying the same thing over and over again, about how students should actually study instead of partying all the time. He was sick of it. Especially considering he wasn't the partying type. At all.
His feet reached the elevator and he pressed the button, silently waiting for it to arrive. He couldn't wait to get home. Take a shower. Watch something useless on his television. Pet his cat. And sleep. Yeah, sleep would be very nice. His party-time job was very energy consuming and he could feel himself tired almost all the time. Distracted by his own thoughts, he barely realized the elevator doors opening. And if the sound didn't startle him enough, the eyes staring back at him surely did. Eren held his breath for a second to try and understand the situation in front of him.
There was a cat, alone in the elevator. It was and yellow tabby with bright blue eyes. Eren started looking around searching for someone. Was the kitten alone? Where was its caretaker? Was it lost? Was it a stray cat? The elevators doors woke Eren up by almost closing and, in a sudden burst, Eren threw himself through the doors and held the elevator backside wall to steady himself.
Once having catch his breath, Eren led his eyes to the kitten again. The feline was eyeing him suspiciously, but hadn't move one inch from where it stood. Slowly, Eren crouched to the floor, nearing the cat carefully and stretched his hand for the kitten to smell. And so, it did. Its small nostrils moved around the entirety of Eren's hand and decided that it was safe to approach, rubbing itself alongside Eren's arm. In the process, the boy noticed a red collar around its neck, with a silver pendant dangling.
The kitten, lost in the soft caresses Eren was providing it, didn't notice the hand reaching its neck to check any useful information of the kitten's origin. There was only one word there, "Erwin". Eren could only suppose it was the kitten's name.
"So, your name is Erwin, little one. I wonder how you got lost" Erwin was looking at him with those big blue eyes, almost as if paying attention to what he was being told.
Chuckling with the cat's behavior, Eren realized the elevator was still in the same floor for he hadn't pressed any button. He got up and pressed the tenth floor before reaching both his arms down to pick up the curious cat. Erwin didn't so much as flinch at the contact, allowing himself to be carried.
"Can't leave you the middle of nowhere right" again the kitten was staring at him "I'll take you home and wait for anyone to manifest somewhere. Don't worry, I'll help you find your caretaker. And in the meantime, I hope you'll become friends with Mikasa, she's very antisocial and doesn't like anyone but me."
Eren didn't feel one bit weird about talking like that to the cat, seeing as his only daily company was a very possessive one. Mikasa probably wouldn't like the temporary visitor but there was nothing he could do about that. It's not like he would just abandon Erwin in the middle of nowhere, especially now that the kitten seemed so attached to him already.
The doors busted open once again and Eren headed for his apartment, doing his best to search for the key in his big brown side bag and hold Erwin at the same time. Once he finally succeeded, he opened the door, took his shoes of, closed the door behind him and slowly put Erwin on the floor, watching as he suspiciously started to explore the new place.
Eren headed for the area where he knew Mikasa would be and caressed her. The black grey eyed kitten slowly woke up and started rubbing herself in Eren's arm, same as Erwin had done, doing her best to show her affection. Eren kept like that for a while before retreating and looking back at Erwin, who was now laying on his carpet eyeing him. He watched as Mikasa got out for her comfortable spot to figure out what who was the new guest. She approached Erwin and decided to deliberately ignore him, deciding to rub herself in Eren's legs instead.
Eren could only laugh at that. At least she wasn't aggressive towards the other kitten. Eren checked Mikasa's water and decided it was time to change it, checked the litter box and saw nothing there and decided to put food for them both, watching television as they eat, making sure everything would be fine.
Seeing them done and having sure they wouldn't kill each other, Eren headed for his bathroom and took his much-needed shower. He washed his big brown hair and had to put in some effort to untangle it, but finally succeeded. Upon arriving back in his living room, he saw Mikasa stretched on his sofa while Erwin was on the same spot on his carpet.
It was night already, almost eight o'clock and Eren should seriously consider search for something to eat. Denying the idea of cooking, he picked up his cell phone, thinking of what to order, but before he could reach the icon badge of the food applicative, he saw some messages from the building group. Upon entering to see what was going on, he saw that someone had indeed lost a cat and was looking for it, with the description of a yellow tabby with blue eyes named Erwin.
Eren happily looked at the cat, food already forgotten "I found your caretaker Erwin, see I told you I would take you home" Eren was happy as he picked the kitten up and headed to the door, putting his shoes on and leaving without thinking twice. Checking his phone again, he saw that the person lived in the twelfth floor and attended by the name Ackerman.
Upon reaching the elevator, he pressed the button and barely had to wait before the doors opened. Eren was anxious for some reason, and his hands were already sweating a bit. Soon he reached his destine and the doors opened again. He carefully stepped outside and walked through the hall, searching for the specific number. 1202. He found it.
Holding his breath and releasing it slowly, Eren pressed the bell button. He barely waited two seconds before the door opened and he saw the most handsome man he had ever seen. He wasn't very tall and had sharp gray eyes and black short hair that gently fell on the sides of his forehead, giving him a very respectful air. Eren was speechless and frozen in position. He had always been an antisocial person with normal human beings and he definitely was not ready to deal him someone so handsome like this.
The man's eyes narrowed a bit.
"Can I help you, brat?" his voice was soft yet demanding, and his eyes rounded a bit when he saw what Eren was carrying "Oh, I see you found Erwin."
Eren, who was holding his breath, slowly nodded while trying to release the air from his lungs. He did his best to find the strength to talk again "Yes Mr. Ackerman, I found him earlier today and took care of him in my house until I see your message in the group" Eren was glad he didn't stutter, but nonetheless he could feel heat arising in his cheeks.
Without knowing what to do next, Eren stayed quiet until the man says "I believe you can give him to me now, I apologize for the trouble and appreciate that you took care of him" Mr. Ackerman raised his hands to pick Erwin up and, for a brief moment, their hand touched. And Eren could feel his hart speed up at the warmth he felt by such a simple gesture. Levi held the cat with care and kissed the top of his head, making the kitten purr and shifted a bit to get more comfortable in his caretaker's arms.
Looking up, Eren caught the man staring at him, those grey orbs studying him intently, his head slightly tilted up so he could face him properly and a hint of a smile in the corner of those pretty lips. Eren thought he couldn't blush anymore, but he did, the man was simply breathtaking. And at that, the Ackerman only grew his smirk a bit more.
Eren, sensing his own embarrassment, decided it was time to take his leave and, doing his best to control he feelings, he awkwardly looked at the man in front of him "So, I guess I'll be on my-" his sentence was cut by a loud and audible grow from his stomach, making him remember the last time he ate was at lunch. Shit. Blush crept through his cheeks all over again.
He heard a low chuckle and looked at the man, who had an amused face and was looking at him, still with Erwin in his arms "I am just about to finish dinner. Would you care to join?". Eren couldn't believe his own ears. He had no clue if it was the right thing to do, considering this was a stranger. But then he thought of Erwin and how gentle the man was holding him and thought 'there's no was a bad person would hold an animal with such care'. And there he took his decision.
"I would appreciate that Mr. Ackerman" Eren felt the blush creeping back to his cheeks and neck. "You can call me Levi" he stated and opened the door, fully revealing a very clean and tidy home, mostly covered in gray, white and black colors, giving it a modern air. "Take you shoes off and leave them here" Levi said and pointed to the side of the door.
Eren did as he was told and slowly followed after Levi, ending up in the kitchen, where a smell of delicious food instantly filled his nostrils. He saw Levi gently put Erwin on the floor and the cat went to the living room and stretched himself on the carpet. Same as he had done in Eren's house.
"Mind me asking where you found him? I was a bit worried about how he got out" Levi asked and Eren couldn't get tired of his voice, it was intoxicating. Recovering his senses, he managed to answer "I had just arrived from my university and he was inside the elevator" Eren was blushing more with every word, considering the handsome man that was giving his full attention to him.
"Hmm, he probably got out through the window then, I forgot it open. I'm glad he stayed inside the building though. And you mentioned a university…" and then he blinked at the Levi. Once. Twice. Was he trying to make small talk? For real? He was interested in Eren somehow?
"Oi, I'm talking to you, brat" and again that amused stare. Levi walked to the oven and took what looked like homemade lasagna from there. And Eren's stomach growled again and he held his hands on top of his belly before answering "I go to the local university nearby and apparently history was the only course that didn't bore me" Eren surprised himself by lending so much information without stuttering, he was starting to maintain a normal conversation "And by the way, you can call me Eren".
Levi looked back at him for a brief instant and smirked "Right, brat" he answered teasingly, before putting on an apron and start making the plates. Eren watched in awe as he meticulously picked up the food and divided it equally in each plate, carefully setting it down and not covering the plate with sauce.
He looked at Eren again "You see the table over there? Pick the table liner and place it on top while I finish here" and he pointed at a piece of tissue on top of a counter. Eren did as he was told and soon the plates were brought to the table and they both sited down. They started to eat without saying a word, and Eren felt awkward again. He had never been beside someone so beautiful and that was making him way more nervous than normal and he couldn't bring himself to speak.
"Are you old enough to drink, brat?" Levi questioned, startling Eren, who was lost in his own thoughts. "Yes, I'm twenty-two" he answered. Levi got up and brought a bottle of wine and settled a glass for them both, and before he could utter a word, Levi was already pouring drink, filling their glasses by half.
They both talked about some things of life, sharing some hobbies and things they liked, sharing a bit about their lives and talking about cats while they finished eating and finished the first glass of wine, when Levi got up and took the plates and the glasses, putting the wine away "How long have you been living here? I've never seen you around" Eren felt bolder now that they had already made more contact. "I've been here for ten years now, though I've already lived in a different floor" he looked over his should at Eren "but even after all this time this is the first time I speak to a resident and like it" he gave a small smile to Eren and went on to wash the dishes before Eren interrupted him "I'll wash it". And wash it he did.
Levi stayed there, by his side, looking at him all the time. The man's gaze left him a bit uncomfortable and he could already feel the ever so present blush coming back "Um, Levi, is there something wrong?", and at that, Levi's gaze seemed to soften a bit "I'm just looking at you. I like your hair". And suddenly, Eren was over conscious, quickly wiping his hands on the dish towel, face flushed.
"I think I should be on m-my way" Eren stated and he could hear Levi chuckling again "You're adorable, brat" he said as he guided Eren to the door, his pace slow and calm. He opened the door and looked at Eren "I appreciated the company at dinner. Feel free to pass by any time after seven and I'll be home". Eren couldn't believe it. He wasn't mistaken. The handsome guy was definitely flirting with him and asking for his company.
Eren flushed for the nth time that day "I also enjoyed the company. I-I'll step by anytime then and maybe I'll bring Mikasa so she can play with Erwin". Even after all his flushing, Eren realized that what he said was actually truth and that he had stayed happy in Levi's company. More than he had stayed with anyone in a very long time. Levi smiled at him, a soft simile and watched Eren head to the elevator. Only when the boy was out of his view Levi closed the door, a small smile still on his face.
Months later and Levi was already more than used to the boy's presence in his house. After the first few weeks, Eren had lost all his restrains and started to come frequently to Levi's home, mostly to the elder's pleasure. Eren would come usually every two days to pay him a visit, mostly bringing his kitten, Mikasa, and they would talk about daily life things and enjoy each other company, sometimes watching movies and Levi was amused at how much the boy suffered over the characters. Levi would make dinner for them both and, slowly, but steady, they grew very fond of each other. Eren now knew Levi worked as a business man and was alone for most of his life, having lost his mother at a very young age and never met his father. His only alive relative was his uncle, Kenny, who took care of him for most of his childhood, but they lost contact after sometime. And Levi learned that Eren's mother and father were still alive and took great care of him, paying the apartment for him while Eren worked in a party-time job in a café to pay for all the rest of his bills. Considering Eren's age, Levi thought that he was a very mature guy, being able to deal with himself alone, work and attend to his university.
And Levi could no longer deny the way he felt towards the younger. The feeling had started the first time they saw each other and he had lost himself in those big, bright green eyes. And the longer they spent together, Levi doing his best to see Eren's blush for he was the cutest human being ever with his red cheeks, the more Levi was sure that he had grown to love Eren's presence, usually longing for his visits during the week.
But the problem started with Eren's absence during the week. Levi didn't know what to do. The younger hadn't call or given any news of his whereabouts and Levi couldn't help but be worried. He picked Erwin up and decided to pay a visit himself, going through the steps to Eren's house for the first time. Upon reaching the door, he impatiently ringed the bell button a few times and waited. After some seconds, the door opened and Levi's face went from slightly annoyed to worried.
Eren's eyes looked without life, his long beautiful hair was all messed up, his clothes were entirely misaligned and Levi could hear the loud growl his stomach was giving off. Levi wondered his eyes through Eren's entire figure and the frown in his face only grew bigger. What the hell happened? Eren looked sick, almost like if he had gotten a very strong flu.
"Oi, what happened Eren?" and with that, the boy's eyes finally reached his own "I've been going through exam week at my university". With that, Levi sighed, pushed Eren slightly to give himself space and entered the younger's house. It was as messed up as Eren was. While putting Erwin down on the floor, he realized that there were books thrown everywhere as well as papers, there was a blanket on top of the sofa and another one sitting on a chair and on the kitchen counter there was an enormous amount of instant food. Levi could barely believe his eyes.
"God, Eren what have you been doing? I get that exams are stressful but you could have gone to my house at least to eat." He eyed the taller boy, who wore a tired expression "I'm sorry Levi, I was really busy, plus I couldn't risk bring my stuff to your house and mess it up". Levi decided to pretend he didn't hear the last part, because he just wanted Eren's presence, be it messing his house or no.
"Go take a shower Eren, I'll take care of this mess and cook you something" and he watched the boy walking slowly towards the bathroom while silently cursing the state of the house. He took care of the old food in the sink and washed all the dishes, tidied the living room, picking Eren's study stuff and putting it all organized on top of the table and neatly folded both blankets, sitting them on top of the sofa. Then he searched for Mikasa and caressed her a bit, before going to her water pot and changing it for fresh water and gave her some food, which she immediately ate. Hell, even the cat Eren neglected.
After finish cleaning everything, Levi headed to the kitchen, opening the fridge and picking some things from there as well as from the kitchen cabinet. He started to work on the pasta noodles and prepare the sauce. He was almost finishing everything when Eren got out of the shower. He looked way better, but his now wet hair was still messed up. Levi finished his cooking and turned off the stove, heading in Eren's direction.
The boy only watched as Levi carefully picked up his hand and led him to the same place Eren had come. Looking behind him, he could see Eren staring at their joined hands with wide eyes and the blush creeping through his neck to his cheeks. Yeah, Eren definitely was the cutest human being ever.
Upon reaching the room, Levi seated Eren on the bed and picked up some things on the boy's bathroom before going back. He spread a bit of hair brushing cream in his hands and gently passed on Eren's long locks. After that, he used the hair brush to untangle the now soft hair and realized how much Eren relaxed with the entire gesture. He kept going for a bit longer than necessary, enjoining their proximity.
"Well, guess it's all done, brat. Come, dinner's ready" Levi said while putting all things he had used in their places. He hesitantly offered his hand to Eren again and watched, surprised, as he took it and locked their eyes, with a big smile. "Sure Levi", and the way he said his name made his heart flutter.
They sat on the table and ate together, Eren telling him all about the week and how hard it was. He had exams every day. And his boss refused to give him a one-week break to study. So that explained all the mess Levi had seen. Once they finished, Eren washed the dishes and Levi helped him by drying them and storying them in the right places. The dynamic showed how much they knew and trusted each other, more than even themselves realized. "So, I guess I'll be taking my leave. It was nice seeing you Eren, and I hope you will drop by, even when things get complicated. I want to help you too" he said in a bit of a hash tone and he didn't fail to see the way Eren tensed up. Was there something wrong? Maybe he was a bit too harsh with his tone?
"Would you mind staying?" and now was Levi's turn to tense up. Was the brat really asking that? "You want me to sleep here?" he asked a bit dumbfounded. Eren blushed immediately and raised his hands trying to explain "N-not the way you are t-thinking, I-I've been having these nightmares a-and I don't want to be alone". And Levi wondered exactly what way he should be thinking about this entire situation. Of course, by now, it was clear to Levi he liked the boy, but there had never been such a confirmation from Eren's side. And therefore, he would never do such a thing as thinking inappropriate stuff involving Eren.
"I can sleep on your couch if it makes you feel better, brat. I don't work tomorrow" and with that, Eren gave him a big smile and quickly picked up a spare pillow, a blanket and a new toothbrush and offered it to Levi, who took it and headed to the couch, not trusting himself to keep his composure, since he could already feel a blush creeping through. He could not believe this situation.
"Well, thanks Levi. For everything. And, hm, sorry for the troubles. I'll try to get some sleep now. G'night" Levi eyed him and a found smile crept past his lips "I'll always take care of you Eren. It's not a problem to me. Good night".
The boy blushed and shily made his way to his room. Levi eyed the cats, that were now very used to each other and slept side by side in Mikasa's little hidden spot. Levi headed for the bathroom and picked up the toothbrush, meticulously cleaning his teeth. He was glad he had taken a shower before coming here.
After that, he headed for his place on the couch, turned off the lights and allowed his body to rest, happy he got to spend some time with Eren. He really liked the boy. His mind was already getting foggy with sleep. He liked Eren above all else. Gosh, he could say he lov-. And he was already asleep.
There was something warm touching his arm. He was shaking. And a soft melody ringed in his ears. Barely above a whisper. After a while, it got clearer, and there was someone calling his name. Levi. He recognized that voice. Eren. It could only be Eren. It was calling him louder and he was shaking even more.
His eyes shot open, and an angry expression crossed his face. He was dreaming with Eren, why the hell he woke up? He wanted to hear his voice again. When he was able to focus what was in front of him, his features softened. Eren was crouching in front of him, looking sorry for waking him up "Sorry Levi, I didn't mean to startle you-" and Levi shushed him, with a worried tone "It's okay brat. Is there something wrong?".
Eren slowly nod his head "The nightmares are still here and I can't sleep. I dunno what to do. I intended to just sit here by your side and wait until a calm down, but I felt lonely. And I… I thought maybe, just maybe, if you are okay with it, you could, hm, come with me, you know, to bed. You might be uncomfortable here" Eren was nervously licking his lips and was adorably blushed. Levi took a while to understand the situation. Eren wanted them to sleep. Together. In the same bed. Hell, the boy was testing his limits. But if that would help Eren feel better… "We can do that if it helps you sleep, Eren". So, Levi got up and offered his hand to Eren, who took it and followed him back to his bedroom.
Once there, Levi lifted the covers and tucked himself underneath, doing his best to act naturally so as not to scare the sweet boy away. He watched Eren carefully doing the same and stretched his arm to turn off the lights. "Good night Eren."
"Good night Levi". And the boy shifted to the side, giving his back to Levi. And after a while he shifted again. And again. Levi, already very sleepy and in need of rest, got closer to the boy and hugged him from behind, as if trying to calm him. He sensed Eren tensing up and relaxing after some time. They both drifted to sleep comfortably in each other's arms, no more nightmares tormenting Eren that night.
They had already fallen into a routine. It was clear by now they both liked each other but none of them wanted to risk what they had together in case the other didn't feel the same. But Levi decided he was tired already. He wanted to be able to freely hug the one he loved and share more sweet moments with him. So, he was patiently waiting for Eren to arrive at his house like he always did and decided that it was better to just blurt out what he felt as soon as he opened the door.
He heard the door bell ringing. That was it. He headed for the door and opened it. Outside it, there was the most handsome man he had ever seen, with such a big smile that could bright Levi's day with the mere thought of it. In one hand he held Mikasa and in the other, Levi could almost see his own heart. Levi held his breath and swallowed with difficulty. "Eren, I love you" he just blurted. Exactly like he had thought.
After some seconds, he was brave enough to open his eyes. And saw Eren's face. His expression was of pure shock. Levi had fucked up. There was no way Eren liked him as well. He was preparing himself to apologize when he saw a deep dark red blush creep through Eren's neck and color his entire face and he raised his free hand to cover his mouth.
"I love you too Levi". And Levi could not believe it. He was happy. Really happy. Probably the happiest person in the world. And it was clear in his face. His big smile gave it away. Without thinking twice, he grabbed Eren's shoulders and bent him down, touching their lips together. It was a very sweet feeling and both of them felt even happier with it.
Levi let him go, and opened the door fully, inviting him in. Eren entered and left Mikasa on the floor right when Levi hugged him. It was a very strong embrace, full of love and care. And Eren didn't take one second to respond to it. Levi could not believe the person he had cherished the most in the past year felt the same way towards him. He looked at Eren's eyes and saw only love in there. He cupped Eren's cheeks and kissed him again, this time deep and slow, just like what he felt for Eren had make its place within him.
Eren was in a hurry. He could not be late. He had everything prepared. He cooked to the best of his abilities, prepared the entire apartment and had invited Levi. That would be the day, he was sure of it. Since Levi confessed to him, they had spent lots of time together, but the elder had said they should take things slow and steady, and that they should maintain everything the way it was. Probably Levi feared Eren wasn't fully sure of what he wanted. But he sure was. He wanted Levi. Yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. Plus, it had already been two years since then.
So Eren held the big bouquet in his hands and stepped out of the elevator, five minutes before Levi arrive, for the man was really sharp with timing. He opened the door and used his last five minutes to make the table, light up all the candles and put the plates on the right spot, together with the wine and the glasses.
He heard the door bell and immediately headed for it, bouquet in hand and big smile on his face. He gave one last check in the mirror beside the door, to see if his loose bun was in place and opened the door. Levi was stunning. Eren thought there was no way he could be more handsome. But here he was. He had a smile that matched Eren's and his eyes fell on the bouquet on his hands, an eyebrow raised questioningly.
"Oh, those are for you, honey" Eren said and gave Levi the bouquet. Levi blushed. He was so handsome when he blushed, though he rarely did. "Thank you, brat". With time, the more Levi called him brat, the more tender it sounded. And Eren loved it.
He held Levi's hand and guided him to the table, which was very organized and full of food and the smell was filling their nostrils. "I guess we should eat before it gets cold", Eren held his lover's gaze tenderly "I agree Eren". And they sat on the table and ate, talking about everything and anything at the same time. They completed each other and could only feel absolutely happy just talking like that.
They were long finished with the meal and Levi was more than curious as to all the commotion Eren had done. Not that he didn't like it, for he surely did, the meal was amazing and he really loved the surprise with the bouquet and the candles. But this was not a common thing for Eren to do. There must be something else. He eyed Eren "Is everything okay brat?". And Eren stiffened a bit. So there was. And Eren got up. Settled himself in front of him. Kneeled. And Levi already knew what was to come and could not believe it.
Eren searched in his pocket quickly and brought a small box with his hands. He looked at Levi with an apprehensive yet happy expression. And opened the box to reveal a very pretty ring. It wasn't extravagant but it was pretty in its own way. And it reminded him of Eren. "Will you marry me Levi?". And, dumfounded, all he could do was nod. Over and over again. And when Eren's smile grew bigger than the boy's face, Levi knew he had made the right choice, and all there was left to do was to be happy with Eren. Forever.
So, he offered his hand and watched as Eren putted on the ring and he could not contain his own smile. He leapt into his fiancé's arms and let himself be rotated, as Eren held him high in the air. They kissed and Levi knew he had found his own paradise.
And Eren had found his.
The cat was licking his paw in totally and utter boredom. Levi, his caretaker, was in a hush to leave to work, having woken up late that day. For the first time ever. He left and all the house was still open, except for the door, which Levi closed and locked. The kitten looked up and saw the open window. It was never open. The fresh breeze caressed his fur and he almost purred. He leapt to the high place and observed life happening beneath him. He looked up, curious. And saw that there were more windows open.
Curious, the little creature decided that it was a nice idea to explore. And explore he did. He jumped to the first window with grace, finding himself on the eleventh-floor window, curiously looking inside. Upon seeing nothing interesting, he leapt again and was now on the twelfth-floor window. The door was open and there was a person also in a hush to leave. The cat slowly made his way through the chaos and entered the hall, leaving the mess behind him. He found himself lost, especially when a brown-haired boy with green eyes closed the door, closing his only way to get back home.
He spent his time doing nothing, feeling mostly hungry and thirsty. So, when the elevator doors opened and an unknown person left, the kitten quickly leapt inside, only to found it open again some minutes later, with the same brown-haired boy from earlier.
And Erwin had no idea how much his little escape would change his caretaker and this boy's future. After all, he was just a cat.