A/N: I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Unexpected

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It was the last Friday of the school year and Eren wasn't feeling in the best of moods. He'd gotten what little Christmas shopping he could with his meagre savings and anything else had had to be 'on loan' from his parents; in exchange he would have to be extra helpful throughout the Christmas holidays and then some, until they felt his debt was repaid.

Mikasa, on the other hand, seemed to have no such worries.

She often lectured Eren, saying that he should apply for a job in the shop she worked in, then he would have more money for such events. Eren didn't think he would do well in retail. He just wasn't sure that he had the right sort of mannerisms to deal with a variation of people on a daily basis.

College was easy.

If he didn't like someone, he could avoid them.

That wasn't the only reason that he trudged into his final lesson with his shoulders hunched and his feet dragging as though he were twelve years old. He hadn't been able to see Levi for the majority of that week, despite their schedules not changing. It made him feel tense. He was positive he'd been scanning the crowds, looking for the sleek, black buzzcut. His sister had commented that he seemed distracted, but he'd just shrugged it off.

Slumping down into the desk, Eren let out a sigh as he dug out his notebook. Armin frowned at him but didn't have a chance to comment as their teacher walked in, effectively silencing the class.

As soon as the laid back class was underway, Armin nudged Eren's arm. "You've been looking down all day. What's bothering you?"

"Just not really looking forward to Christmas, I guess," Eren shrugged. "Feels a bit forced this year."

"Isn't it every year?"

"Well even more so," Eren murmured. "Feels like I need to take a staple-gun to my face just to make it through the holiday."

Armin frowned, his entire body itching to turn back to the whiteboard to squint and scribble down notes. Eren didn't object, finding more interest in the generic posters tacked up around the classroom. Even in college, they did shit like this. He drifted in and out of focus until the end of the lesson, and when it finally let out he almost put a hole in the wall trying to get freedom.

Armin caught up with him against at his locker. "Didn't realise homework was so terrifying to you."

Eren blanched. "He gave us homework? Over Christmas?"

"Yup. Don't worry, it's not a hard one. I'll text it to you later."

"Hey Eren!" Mikasa called from down the hallway. She tossed her red scarf around her neck and stopped next to Armin. "We're all going for an early dinner down at that new diner in the shopping centre. You two wanna come?"

"I guess I could eat," Armin shrugged.

Eren nodded, "Boredom really gets my appetite going so hell yes!"

Mikasa rolled her eyes but smiled regardless. They waited for Eren to finish putting any useless stuff in his locker, stuff himself inside his coat and hurried him out into the cold air before he'd fully crammed his hat on his head. He nearly yelped as he staggered over the icy steps and down the slope to the main gates. There they met a few others, including Sasha and Connie and started making their way down the main road that sloped down towards the shopping center.

As they neared the diner they were going to eat at, Eren's gut twisted in anger as he saw a family mop of hair. "The hell?" he hissed to his sister. "You didn't say horse-face was joining us?"

Mikasa cast a look over at the table where Marco was waving them over. She shrugged, "I guess Marco invited him. Just don't yell at him and it'll be fine."

Eren ground his teeth together but didn't argue.

The alternative was for him to go home and make small-talk with his parents.

Slumping into the seat furthest away from Jean, Eren pulled a menu over to himself and scanned the American style offerings. He didn't think he'd have much of an appetite but he was famished. Everything was fine until after they ordered, at which point Jean started eyeing Mikasa up in a not-so-subtle way.

"Hey Mikasa, are you free for a movie next Saturday night?" he asked, leaning over the table.

Eren's head snapped up. He barred his teeth. "Stop hitting on my sister, horse-face! She's not interested!"

"Why don't you butt-out, twerp! Your sister can go out with me if she wants to."

"I don't think there's anything on at the cinema I want to see," Mikasa replied calmly.

Jean flashed her a brilliant white smile. "Well we don't have to go to the cinema. We can go out for drinks, food, whatever you like?"

"I'll think about it and let you know if I find anything." Without another word, she returned her dark eyes to the dessert menu.

Eren knew she hated desserts. He smirked at Jean who scowled back at him. It wasn't an outright rejection, but it was good enough considering that they were surrounded by their friends. Before Jean could make a third attempt at asking out Mikasa, the waistress's brought over their food, effectively drawling a line under the awkwardness.

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By the time they had finished eating and gossiping, it was 6PM and people's phones were starting to buzz with their parents asking where they were and when they'd be back home. Gradually, the group dispersed, sending Mikasa, Armin and Eren out into the cold night air. Eren rubbed his hands together and pulled his hood up over his head, shielding his ears from the cold. Mikasa wound her scarf around her face making her look like a ninja warrior. Armin sported a khaki coloured deer-stalker hat with a beige pompom on top. They waved to the others as they walked down the high street towards their bus stop.

They got in just before 7PM after walking Armin to his house first. Hanging their coats and scarves up in the hallway, the found their parents in the living room with cups of tea in their laps and watching TV.

"Did you two have fun?" Carla asked, turning the volume down a little.

Mikasa nodded as she flopped down onto the sofa beside their mum. "It was good. Jean was being a bit weird, but other than that it was a lot of fun."

Eren scoffed, "He's always like that, Mika."

"Whatever."

"Did you two get much homework?" Grisha asked, setting his mug on the table.

Eren shrugged, "Only a little, but it's mostly concluding what we've down over the last few weeks. Nothing major."

"As long as you don't leave it till the last minute," Grisha gave him a pointed look.

Eren felt his cheeks heat up a little. He tried not to grind his teeth. "Sure thing," he said. "I'm just going be upstairs for a while. Call me if there's anything good on."

Once in his room he shut his door, changing into his pyjamas and tried not to obsess over the one thing that had bothered him all day. He hadn't gotten to see Levi on his last day of school before Christmas. Despite the decorations downstairs and the small mound of gifts already wrapped, Eren couldn't help but sigh in frustration. He felt rather bleak. School was a drag, even the gym wasn't a great way to burn off energy. He'd made a few friends in his classes, or at least he was on speaking terms with them, but other than that he felt empty. Lost.

He didn't like that feeling.

He went to his desk and went through his emails, checking through his various social media accounts. After about an hour he felt even more useless and restless as before. Drumming his fingers on his desk, he debated on texting Levi's number –they didn't really do that too much, even now unless it was to hook up –or going downstairs.

Eren paused.

Would they hook up again after Christmas?

Or had this just been something to burn some energy off?

Maybe Levi had a boyfriend or girlfriend somewhere else who was back for Christmas?

Fear gripped his insides.

He knew he was being paranoid, and they'd never openly spoken about what they 'were' but Eren had begun to feel his crush deepening. Had it really always been so one-sided?

"Eren?"

He flinched before turning to see Mikasa framed in the doorway. She was wrapped in her dressing gown. "What?" he asked.

"Mum's dishing out some ice cream. Want some?"

He glanced at his phone, his fingers itching to text Levi. He could use a distraction. "Sure," he said, standing up. "Sounds good."

~0~

For the first few days of the Christmas holidays, Eren was able to distract himself with last minute Christmas shopping. He'd only needed one last thing for Armin, more as a thank you for helping him study, but he knew the blonde boy would love it more than anything. It was a no-brainer. He just needed to make sure that everything was wrapped and under the tree by the following afternoon before their grandparents arrived for the weekend.

A part of him really wanted to just blow through Christmas as fast as possible. That wouldn't be possible with all the bickering that occurred when his Nan and Mum were in the same room as one another.

He did love his grandparents, though. They always brought the most random gifts.

Last year he'd gotten some leg warmers, because cold legs were still a thing, right?

Their room had already been made up in the conservatory at the back of the house. It was well-insulated, so there was no issue about getting too cold in the middle of winter. It also meant his Granddad didn't have to challenge the stairs several times a day.

By the time the 23rd came and Grisha pulled into the driveway with his grandparents in the backseat, Eren had almost convinced himself that he was happy to see them and ready to enjoy Christmas. Even Mikasa didn't seem to be completely in the festive spirit, but she hadn't mentioned any issues to Eren so he'd brushed the issue aside for now.

Carla opened the front door for them and immediately embraced her in-laws, despite the heavy snow crusting over their coats.

"How was the trip?" she asked as she hastily took their coats, shaking the snow off in a heap in the hallway before hanging them near the radiators. Whilst she busied herself, Eren went to help his dad bring the luggage inside. It was only two small carry-on style bags, but the man had just driven to Essex and back. It wasn't exactly nearby.

"I'm just glad we didn't have to take the train at this time of year!" Granddad Ralph was saying. "Bloody nuisance all those people who can't be bothered to stop once in a while and enjoy the holidays. It's all work, work, work!"

Carla bit back a smile.

"Ignore him," Nan –Mary –said. "He's been like a bear with a sore head all day."

"What's happened?" Carla asked.

"The car got a flat, so obviously we couldn't drive up here."

"It's no trouble for me," Grisha stated once he closed the door on the wind outside. He shook snow from his long hair and wiped his glasses. "I'd prefer to drive you anyway. That snow had gotten pretty bad over the last few days."

Whilst the grown-ups chattered away about menial things, Eren nudged Mikasa and nodded at the cases. Together they carried a case each through into the conservatory. When they returned, everyone had retired to the kitchen where Carla was brewing the kettle for some tea.

For the rest of the evening they talked in the kitchen over numerous cups of tea and biscuits. Grisha recounted some stories about patients who drove him mad, Carla explained how she was being promoted to a full-time teacher right after the Christmas holidays and Eren and Mikasa told them how their school was in typical teenage fashion. Nan and Granddad has also had a fun autumn, having gone on a trip to Lake Garda in Italy at just the right time –no tourists.

By the time they retired to bed it was almost 1am.

Eren slumped face-down into his blankets and grumbled when his phone buzzed from the nightstand. He didn't have the energy to sear his corneas with the bright light. He just wanted to sleep. Another insistent buzz refused to let him, though. Picking up his phone, he opened the message.

It was from Levi.

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[00:56] Sorry to wake you.

[00:57] Make sure you're free on the 27th.

[00:58] Ok. Why?

[00:59] Just make sure you're free. See you then.

[1:01] Ok. Have a good Christmas.

[1:03] You too.

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Eren sighed and dropped back down into his pillows, letting sleep take over.

~0~

Christmas was a traditional affair; everyone woke up really early to tear into their presents, to gush, frown or just plain query the hell people bought for them this year. By 10am Carla was going around with a bin liner to cram all the torn paper inside and shove it in the recycling bin. Then it was time to prep the chicken and vegetables for the roast.

When Eren connected to the WiFi, his phone almost buzzed out of his hand with all the 'Merry Christmas!'s he received from his friends.

He sent some back, half-heartedly.

Eren was almost sure he'd eaten his weight in food. He even had to change into some tracksuit bottoms just to slouch comfortable on the sofa. Being the only one who could be bothered to move, Mikasa was in charge of which of their Christmas movies they got to watch. By 5pm the adults were dozing in the armchairs and sofas, whilst Eren and Mikasa watched TV.

It was a cosy atmosphere and Eren was glad that nothing beyond those four walls entreated onto their family time.

By Boxing Day evening, the Christmas levity had dissipated and his grandparents said their goodbyes and were driven back to Essex by their dad. They promised that they'd be down to see them soon, maybe during half term. Eren was sad to see them go, waving from the driveway like when he was six years old, however another part of him was relieved that they'd gone, because then he didn't need to explain his whereabouts to them tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Levi had something planned and he was practically humming with curiousity.

Mikasa must have sensed something, because she kept shooting him frowns, but she never outright asked him anything. For some reason this annoyed him; if she wanted to say something then why not talk it out now before school started up again?

~0~

Finally, the 27th arrived.

Mikasa had gone out for the day into town with some friends to exchange belated presents with. Carla and Grisha had gone out for a little while to B&Q to look at some decorating supplies for the spare bedroom. That left Eren to his own devices, which he was perfectly comfortable with.

He had been up and dressed by 9:30am and he was sat, fidgeting on his bed with his phone between his fingers. He was waiting for when Levi was going to text him. His leg jiggled. He wanted desperately to know what was going on. His heart was thumping loudly in his ears as he tried to figure out where the day would take him.

A text alert startled him.

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[9:46] Meet me at the town centre, in front of the Costa. Get there for 11 if you can.

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Eren frowned but pocketed his phone and patted himself down to make sure he had all his other essentials. Swiping his keys off his desk, he hurried down the stairs pulled his thick coat and boots on, before hurrying out the front door.

The bus ride was uneventful. Not many people had the energy to go out when it was so cold outside, however there were the rowdy mob of irate middle aged people stomping to and from shops with a hoard of returns to do.

He rolled his eyes at them as they tried to barge past him to get off the bus.

Levi was easy to spot in his classic ensemble of a black hoodie underneath his black trenchcoat. He was smoking under the awning of the coffee shop, black nail polish appearing as black spots at the end of his pale fingers. When he noticed Eren heading over to him, his stoic face softened a little as he ground out his cigarette with his boot, and straightened to his full height to regard his companion.

"Took your time," were the first words Eren had heard from him in nearly two weeks. Still, it was something.

"You're lucky I got here at all," Eren stated, trying not to shiver. "So, what're we doing? It's cold as balls out here!"

"Come with me."

Eren frowned as Levi turned on his heels and marched across the highstreet and started down a sideroad. It was less crowded back here. As the moved along the pavement, Eren began to feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand up on end. No one knew where he was or who he was with. He hadn't even really mentioned that he was going out today, not really. He clenched his fists into his pockets and tried not to worry as Levi stopped in front of a large, old fashioned theatre.

The warm air rushed over them as Eren followed Levi inside.

The guy at the booth by the door asked, "How many?"

"Two," Levi said, handing over a twenty pound note.

Eren had no idea what was going on until they went down a small flight of stairs and came face-to-face with a small confection stand. Glancing aroud, he saw a few other people milling around, a lot of them much older than he and Levi. Did that make it safer for him to be here?

"Um Levi? Where are we?"

"It's an old style cinema," he stated as he dragged himself over to the queue for drinks. "It's pretty cool. They show old classics and critically acclaimed films. No blockbusters, though."

Eren nodded in understanding. It didn't really seem the type of place to play big name movies, anyway. Once they'd ordered a drink each and a popcorn to share –Eren making sure he paid for that at least –they made their way to the only door that must lead into the screen.

Inside the dimly lit room, Eren used his free hand to guide himself along the row of chairs. From what he could see, they were worn out yet still plushy, a deep red in colour, and folded out so you could sit down. Very old school. Taking their seats, both teens squirmed out of their coats and scarves before relaxing.

Eren was impressed. The screen even had thick, velvet curtains in front of it! He hadn't see that in cinemas since he was about five years old.

"Hey Levi," he whispered, "What movie are we seeing?"

"It's 'Labyrinth'. You know, the one with David Bowie in it."

"That's a classic?" Eren frowned. "I've never seen it."

"What?" Levi hissed, nearly spilling his drink. "It's pretty great for it's time and how the HELL have you gotten to this age and not seen Labyrinth?"

"It was never on TV I guess," Eren shrugged.

Levi stared at him with wide eyes. His mouth was set in a firm line, and the younger teen worried if Levi was about to just get up and leave. However, Levi reclined back in his seat, regarding Eren with narrowed eyes. He took a sip of his drink. "Well, you'd better pay pretty good attention, kid. This movie, for it's time, is childhood gold!"

Eren couldn't help but smile. There was something in the way Levi animated, talking about one of his favourite movies that just struck a chord inside the younger teen. This was something he understood, something he could relate to on a personal level. A warm feeling bloomed inside him, but he tried to quash it with a large gulp of coke.

Eren was surprised when he felt Levi brush his arm against his on the armrest. He glanced at the goth, but said teen was staring dead ahead. Eren felt heat creep up his neck as he turned his head forward and did his best to focus on the movie as the curtains drew back to reveal the screen.

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The air was like a hard, cold slap in the face as they finally stepped out into the dull twilight. Eren immediately hugged his arms tighter around himself, but his coat didn't seem to be providing much warmth anymore. His teeth chattered as they walked down the high street towards the bus stops. It didn't stop him from talking though. He had no choice but to agree with Levi; for it's time, the movie was pretty damn good.

This was the most animated Levi had ever been around him. It wasn't something that Eren had expected to see so soon. Perhaps it was just a one-off. Not that he minded. He was gushing about the movies merits just as much.

"Damn, my bus is here in three minutes," Levi scowled up at the automated bus sign.

"Sucks to be you," Eren groused, shivering violently.

Levi frowned up at him. "How can you be cold? You have gloves, for Christs's sake!"

"Guess this coat is giving out on me."

Levi tutted, before unzipping his coat. Before Eren could ask what he was up to, the older teen had taken his hoodie off, slipped his coat back on in jerky motions, before handing the hoodie to Eren. "Here, put this on under your coat," he said.

Eren shook his head. "No way! You'll freeze!"

"My bus is due in one minute, brat, I don't have time to argue!"

Eren scowled, but took the hoodie anyway. He quickly shrugged his coat off, tugged the hoodie on and then buttoned his coat up over the top. The fabric was still warm from Levi's body. It was almost like a hug.

"Thanks," he managed to say, just as a double decker bus clanked to a stop behind him.

"Just give it back to me after the holidays. I have loads." The older teen seemed to hesitate for a moment. Was he going to kiss him? Eren swallowed, not knowing what to. However, Levi just smirked and nudged him as he made his way up onto the bus.

Eren sighed as the bus drove away.

It would be another week and at least before he'd see Levi again.

Scuffing his boots against the pavement, he tried to contain as much of Levi's body heat within the hoodie as possible. He barely remembered even getting on the bus, he was too caught up in the soft aroma of Levi clinging to the garment.

When he got home, his peaceful state of mind was shattered by his dad demanding to know where he'd been and why he hadn't messaged them to let them know he was going to be late. Eren apologised and admitted he'd gone to see a movie with a friend and he hadn't realised it'd gotten so late. They asked who his friend was, and he brushed it off with 'a guy from my chemistry class.' Not an outright lie as he was pretty sure Levi studied chemistry.

He'd hoped that would've been the end of it.

However, Mikasa came into his room as he was changing for bed.

"Jesus fuck Mikasa, knock next time!" he yelled, tugging his bottoms up so hard he nearly ripped his scrotum off.

She cocked an unamused eyebrow at him. "Just wanted to know if you had plans for New Years. If not, Marco and Jean are hosting a party at Jean's house. His parents are out that night."

"Yeah sure, sounds good," he said as he adjusted the hoodie on over his cotton shirt.

Mikasa's eyebrows knitted together. "Where did you get that?" she frowned, plucking at the sleeve of the hoodie. "I've never seen you wear that before."

Eren shrugged, "I borrowed it. Need to give it back after holidays."

She scrutinised him for a moment, before a light flickered in her eyes. "Does this belong to one of those goth kids at school?" she asked tightly. "Eren, I told you to stay away from them. They're bad news. Honestly, you need to give that thing back tomorrow, and not talk to them again."

Eren saw red. "Bloody hell Mikasa, where do you get off telling me what I can and can't do?! I'm sixteen, you get that right? I'm not some stupid kid who doesn't know what he's doing!"

"A goth kid? Really, Eren? I expected you to have more sense than this! Next thing you know, you'll be doing drugs!"

"No one's doing any goddamn fucking drugs!" he snapped. "Just because I'm wearing a black hoodie, doesn't mean it belongs to a goth kid!"

"The giant skull on the back sort of gives it away, bro," she bit out icily.

Eren rolled his eyes. "Whatever, Mikasa. Do what you want, but I'm not going to get rid of my friends, just because you don't get along with them!"

He made to push past her so that he could lock himself in the bathroom for a few minutes, but clearly Mikasa wasn't done with him. She grabbed the sleeve of the hoodie and tugged it hard. He heard stitches pop. Glancing down, he saw a small hole starting to gape open at the shoulder seam.

"What the fuck are you doing?" he shouted. "What the fuck did you do? This isn't mine! What is wrong with you?!"

"I –I didn't mean to rip it. I wanted to pull you back so you didn't storm off and sulk all night!"

"Look at this!" he snapped, pointing at the hole. "What the fuck am I meant to do now?!"

"Eren I'm sorry, but you shouldn't have had that to begin with!"

"Get out!" he snapped. "Get the HELL out of my room!"

He didn't wait for her reaction; he turned her around and –despite her gripping the door frame –managed to shove her out onto the landing and slam the door behind her. He swung large hamper around the barricade the door and then dropped onto his bed, his entire body humming with white hot anger.

In … Out … In … Out …

His phone buzzed.

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[21:58] Don't worry about the hole. It's an old hoodie. Try not to get worked up about it.

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Somehow the text didn't make him feel better. The anger gave way to a hollow, uncertain feeling that nestled in the pit of his stomach. His head was a hot, pulsating mess and despite his stomach growling, he had no desire to eat.

Lying down on his bed, he curled up on his side and pulled the hood up over his head, taking deep breaths of Levi's comforting clothing, before he fell into a distressed sleep.

A/N: Oh the drama! Whatever will Eren do? We all know he's going to over think this one! x