Levi remained aloof and cold towards the new ally. While the agreement did have its perks, it also came with a load of possible danger. He understood it. And yet he still couldn't fathom why he was so drawn to the detective.
This was going against everything he learned living in the streets. And yet here he was, still taking his chance.
It was all the little details. Like the small instances Eren gave up his umbrella to Levi in the rain, even though it would have left him soaking. The following morning he precariously left a cup of hot coffee. Levi happened to watch his movements and Eren turned to meet his gaze, smile, then walk away from the warm cup.
While Levi preferred tea, the gesture was enough to slowly allow the detective to see more of him. It was rare for someone like Levi to be given such kindness. At the same time he was wary of it. Was this all a plot for a trap? Did the detective know more than he let on?
That was impossible. Levi covered his tracks for years. He was invisible even to the very group he ran away from. Some young buck in the force couldn't have known.
And yet with more subtle acts of kindness was enough for Levi to allow himself to be drawn to the detective. And thus began his obsession. He watched the detective from afar, observing.
Young as he was, Detective Yeager was a force to be reckoned with. He had good instincts, and incredible amount of good luck. Although the one downside Levi saw immediately was how quick the detective would charge in head first. Often leaving his partner behind.
Not that his partner was useless without him. She can handle her own quite well. However Levi observed she had some sort of obsession towards Eren, as well. Which only spurred Levi even more to figure out what exactly drew him to this individual who is, by all means someone he shouldn't associate with.
"I have tomorrow off. Shall we meet up somewhere for that training?"
This will be the first time that Levi will be able to test him out. Although he got the feeling he was being tested as well.
"There's the 24 hour fitness gym by the library. Do you know of it?" Levi inquired.
"Yeah? But I don't have a membership."
"Don't worry, I can have one guest." He assured.
"Then tomorrow in the morning?"
"I'll be waiting." Levi wished he hadn't said it. To hide his eagerness he turned and left without saying anything else.
The Following Day
"Levi, you have a guest today?" Petra was astounded at the sight of them the next morning.
"Just someone interested in learning my skills." He shrugged, leaving out important details.
"Good luck! He's a bit rough. I've seen him toss around other guys in here." She warned Eren.
"Really?" He was wide eyed with wonder. He was like a kid in a candy store. Levi briefly wondered why he thought of that comparison.
"Enter him as my guest already." He grew annoyed.
"All right, all right." Petra gave in and typed away. "Everything is good."
Levi lead the way to the weight training area. They chose a corner and began warm ups. Simple and effective stretches. Levi noticed the detective checking him out. He only caught on because he was secretly admiring Eren's muscles himself.
Catching on they stared at each other like deer caught in headlights. It felt like a battle of wills and Levi wasn't one to give up. But there was something about those eyes that suddenly grew intense, aging themselves to more than just a simple detective.
A hint of a blush took form on his cheeks and Levi broke eye contact. Damn it all, he almost cursed. He almost bristled when he caught sight of the smug smirk.
This is going to be a long day...
In the end Levi turned it around when they began with Eren trying to tackle and pin him down. Each attempt of this exercise was met with the detective on the floor. Levi stood over him, the smile in his eyes rather than his mouth.
"Seriously, how are you doing that?" Eren glared.
"It's all about counter weight. Use your opponents own strength against them. You shift the flow of the motion. Then soon as it's in your favor, you toss them over like the saddest sack of potatoes." Levi attempted to explain in the best detail he could.
"... I guess it kinda makes sense?" Eren pouted.
Hot damn this kid. Levi resisted the urge to lean over and kiss that pout away.
"Get your sorry ass up and try again."
This time was a little different. Eren studied his form, the gears working in his head. Not wanting to give him the upper hand Levi decided it was time he charged instead. So he launched himself towards the brunette with all his speed.
A hand on his waist, then another on his shoulder. Levi's concentration broke at the touches and suddenly he was thrown into the floor. Levi grunted in surprise. For a split second his heart raced in panic.
It's just Eren, it's just Eren. He had to remind himself.
He opened his eyes to see into green fields embracing the sky and froze. Levi couldn't help but be entranced. He knew he shouldn't have taken some this morning. Now his brain was all ADHD up the ass.
"I would ask what's in the little bag, but I did say I would ignore anything that's not murder." Eren whispered, eyes trained on something beside Levi's left over his shoulder.
Ah, shit. And the mood soured.