Levi wiped down the kitchen bench with a bored expression, Erwin and Hanji watched him with concern in there eyes.
"The fuck are you two gawking at?" Levi snapped at them, slapping his hand against the counter top.
"You poor little man." Hanji sighed pitifully from the couch.
"Shut the fuck up, Hanji." Levi growled, scrubbing over where his hand had been.
"Levi-" Said Erwin, sitting beside Hanji.
"No!" Levi pointed at him threateningly.
Erwin sighed heavily as he and Hanji shared a glance.
What had happened with Eren was the very last thing Levi wanted to talk about. This was one of those times Levi severely regretted giving Erwin that spare key. Levi pulled out a large bottle of bleach from the cabinet under the sink and set in down on the bench. When he was cleaning he didn't have to think about the tears Eren had cried because of him.
"Shit." Hanji cursed. "We got a code Clorox on our hands."
"I can hear you." Levi threw a furious glare over his shoulder.
Levi had previously practically been addicted to using the stuff. Eventually his friends and Co workers grew concerned enough about the constant fumes in his house and the effect it might have on his health. They confiscated his supply for months before trusting him not to go over board. In there defense, one day he had bleached the drive way out of pure boredom.
"Your being ridiculous, Levi." Erwin sighed again.
"Either shut the fuck up or get out of my house." Levi shot back seriously.
Levi grabbed a clean paper towel and poured a small amount of bleach onto it. He then started wiping down the inside of the sink. When his hands were moving he didn't have to think about the pain in Erens eyes or the curses on his lips. He wanted to forget everything about the whole last week. He wanted to forget about Eren completely. If they'd never met Eren could have just continued on with his shitty college life with his wacko friends and never would have gotten hurt like this.
"Eren called me." Erwin spoke up suddenly.
"It's none of your business." Levi's gaze snapped over to him dangerously, but Erwin was impervious to his death glare.
"He was worried about you." Erwin continued, almost casually. "He said he's not going to give up."
Why doesn't that suprise me?
"...He should if he knows what's good for him."
"What are going to do?" Erwin challenged him. "Drown him in bleach?"
Levi clenched his fists tightly. He wanted to throw the bottle of bleach at Erwins stupid face.
"He loves you Levi."
"So what?" Levi bit back.
"You love him back, you gigantic moron." Hanji groaned frustratedly.
Levi immediately felt himself recoil at Hanjis words.
"I have never said that." He shook his head firmly.
"You didn't have to." Hanji smiled tenderly. "It's pretty obvious. And no matter what you may think, it's not a bad thing."
"Like I said," Levi screwed on the cap to the bleach bottle. ",it's none of your business."
Levi didn't even bother to put it away, instead storming down the hall to his bedroom. He heard Erwin and Hanji call for him but ignored them. He knew they meant well, but they wanted to talk about Eren and he wanted to forget him.
He slammed his door, pretending it didn't make him sound like an angry teenager. He sank down on to the edge of his bed, pressing his hands into his face. His chest felt like it was coiled in barbed wire.It made Levi feel like he was choking on the air in his lungs. Hisshoulders were heavy, like someone had dropped a boulder on his back. He wondered if Eren felt the same and prayed to a God he didn't even believe in that he didn't.
--Tuesday To Tuesday--
Eren recognised his surroundings once they got close enough to his house and directed his father towards Levis house.
"Thanks for this." Eren thanked his father for the third time that morning.
"No problem." Grisha replied for the third time that morning.
He'd been surprised as all hell when his father had woken him at six in the morning and shoved a coffee under his nose. Eren had always thought coffee too bitter but it was much needed in his groggy state. His father had taken the morning off to drive him home, so Mikasa and Annie could stay longer and leave when they liked. Eren sincerely appreciated this. His father was a doctor and the only one in town. To take hours off work just to drive him to confront Levi was unbelievable.
"I have no idea what I'm going to say." Eren admitted.
He tried to formulate some sort of plan but his thoughts were jumbled to hell.
"I'm sure you'll think of something when we get there, Eren." Grisha assured him. "You've never been short on words before."
"I just really need him to like me, dad." Eren spoke in a small broken voice.
"I know, son." Grisha sighed in understanding. "But forcing this won't make either of you happy. If Levi truly doesn't want this, you have to be prepared to except that."
"I know it's selfish." Eren gazed out the window. The properties were larger out here. "You need to make a left at the next turn."
The closer they got the more anxious and determined Eren felt. If there was one thing he'd always had, it was the will to keep fighting no matter what.
Grisha took the left turn. This was Levis street.
"His house is all the way down the end." Eren nodded at the long road.
He almost wanted to open his door and run the rest of the way himself. A minute later Eren told his dad to stop.
"This is it." Eren quickly unbuckled himself.
"Good luck." Said Grisha. "I'll wait her for a while of you need me."
"Thanks again." Eren gave him a weak smile. "For driving me and for being on my side. I really appreciate it."
"Got get 'em, Eren." Grisha smiled back.
Eren climbed out of the car, more pumped then ever, indiscernible emotions flowing through him as he jogged up the long drive. As he came upon the house he immediately recognised Erwin and Hanjis cars.
That might cause a problem if they don't want me near Levi...Oh, well! I can't afford to think of that right now!
He headed straight for the front door, rapping his knuckles against the wood.
Please answer. Please.
He was suddenly flooded with worry. What if Levi wouldn't answer the door? What if he just told Hanji or Erwin to answer and they tell him to get lost? What if this just made things worse? What if Mikasa was right and Levi needed time, more time then one night?
Eren knocked again, then paused. He swore he could hear something. He pressed his ear to the door.
Shouting? Eren was certain he could hear shouting. An argument? He couldn't make out any words.
At least he knew that Levi wasn't going to pretend he wasn't home. Eren knocked again, louder this time. He was reaching to try the handle when the door flung open. Hanji was standing there with a serious look on there face.
"I need to see to Levi." Eren didn't bother with a greeting.
Hanji had there mouth open and poised to speak when Levi appear inside at the top of the stairs.
"Hanji! I told you to kept out of it!"
"It's cruel to just ignore him." Hanji whined, shooting Eren and pityfull glance.
"Get lost!" Levi growled. "The both of you!"
"I won't!" Eren pushed past Hanji into the entry way.
Levi immediately turned to head back into the second floor when he ran right into Erwins chest. The tall man was blocking the door way completely.
"Move aside." Levi said low and dangerous.
"Don't avoid your problems, Levi." Erwin said in a tone that Eren could admit made him nervous.
Eren started up the stairs.
"Hear me out." He practically begged.
"No." Levi shook his head, refusing to look at him. He kicked at Erwins shin. "I said move, you asshole!"
"You can't leave it like this." Eren pressed on.
"I can do whatever I want." Levi glared at Erwin furiously.
"Well, I don't want it to end like this!"
"I DON'T CARE!" Levis sudden volume echoed throughout the house.
The words wrapped themselves around Erens lungs and squeezed.
"...You don't mean that." Eren insisted.
"I do." Levi finally looked at him, his gaze was cold and unfeeling. "I don't not care Eren Jaeger. I don't care about you, or your stupid family or what the rest of your life is like. I do not care."
Erens eyes burned with tears.
"Well I care about you." He grabbed Levis arm.
"And that was your first mistake." Levi stared back at him, eyes stabbing holes through his own.
"You don't mean that!" Eren repeated, shaking his head. "I can't believe that!"
"Haven't you been listening?" Levi wrenched his arm away and back up against the wall. "I don't care what you believe. I just want you out of my life!"
"Levi!" Hanji cried out in disbelief.
"I said stay the fuck out of this!" Levi snapped his jaws like a wild animal and Hanji seemed genuinely hurt.
No. No, no, no! It can't end. How can I can convince him? How? Erens brain scrambled for a solution.
"You never even gave me a full week!" He tried.
"A week?" Levi laughed, bitter and cruel. "How about two? Or three? What about a month? It won't make a difference Eren. I don't want you."
Erens bottom lip shook and a tear slid down his cheek to his chin.
"You can't mean that..."
"Stop fucking saying that!" Levi roared. "I do mean it! Your the one who doesn't seem to understand anything! We aren't meant to be together, Eren."
Levi sent a furious glare up at Erwin. The taller man stared back at him silently. Levi growled deep in his throat and pushed past Eren and started down the stairs.
"Levi!" Eren choked out, his voice swollowed by tears. "Levi!"
Hanji reached for him as he pasted but a serious glare made them back off. Levi hurried into the garage and slammed the door.
Shit. Please!
Eren raced down the stairs after him. His foot slipped on the last step and he ended up on his backside.
"Eren!" Hanji moved to help him but he was already back on his feet, throwing himself at the garage door.
"Levi!" He slammed his fist against.
Come on Levi!
Eren heard the rumble of an engine on the other side.
Fuck! FUCK!
Eren tried to yank the door open to find it locked. He panicked and reared back. He thought he heard Erwin or Hanji shout his name, but his heart beating in his ears filled his senses. He ran at the door with his shoulder and felt it bend in the frame. He leaned back and lifted one leg and planted it hard against the surface. On the second kick the door swung open violently, smacking into the wall and shaking on its hinges.
He made it inside quick enough to see the tail end of Levi's car exit the garage.
"No!" He screamed after it.
He ran out of the garage after it before the door could shut on him. Levi saw him in his review mirror and immediately sped up. Eren only got ten steps before he let out an animalistic howl and kicked viciously at the ground.
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! Erens mind screamed at him. I fail. I mother fucking failed!
Tears streamed freely down his face and he could barely choke down his sobs.
"Eren." He heard Erwin behind him. He quickly turned away. "Eren. I'm sorry."
Eren hurriedly wiped at his face with his sleeve.
"Eren-" He heard Hanji take a step closer.
He didn't want there pity. In that moment he just wanted to disappear.
"My dad's waiting for me." He blurted out and started back up the drive.
--Tuesday To Tuesday--
Jean Kirstein was a proud man. And he was proud of many things. His grades, his hair, his smoking hot kitchen savvy, guitar playing boy friend. He was also proud of his dedication. That was the excuse he use to always have his beloved video camera strapped around his neck like baby monkey clinging to its mother. What if something amazing happened and it was the one day he didn't have his camera on him? And what if, God forbid, Eren did something particularly mortifying and he missed the opportunity to in immortalise it on film? What kind of friend would be if he let Erens spastic behavioural be hidden from the world? Probably a nice friend and that didn't interest Jean at all.
He and Christa were the only ones home when he'd heard the front door slam. Christa was asleep in she and Ymir room and only a man with a death wish would disturb her slumber. He'd been sitting at the kitchen table at the time. He'd been facing the back sliding doors away from the entry way, with his laptop, editing a short film for his summer assignment. He'd heard the door slam and slid his head phones down around his neck. The only person he could think of that would be home just yet was Armin, but he shouldn't have been back until atleast dark.
"Yo!" He shouted out behind him.
No response.
Huh? Jean turned around in his seat. He leaned back so he could see into the hall just in time to see Armin and Erens door slam shut.
That's weird. Maybe Armin had a bad day at work or something? It's not often he gets so riled up that he slams a door like a teenager. That's such an Eren thing to do. Jean shrugged and turned back to his laptop. Eh, whatever.
He started pulling his head phones back onto his head when his eyes caught the time in the corner of his screen.
FUCK. I was to met Marco while he'd on break!
Jean hurriedly saved everything and shut down his computer. He made sure he has his phone, wallet, keys and of course his most prized possession, his camera and quickly jumped into his car. It was so out of the ordinary for him to be a few minute late for things. He often got caught up, filming stock footage of streets or random patches of nature and like today, he got distracted by his work. Marco always assured him that his dedication was a good quality. Jean would have preferred if Marco had said it was sexy but you take what you can get.
He piled into his car and drove the fifteen minutes to the rustic cafe Marco worked at. Marco had been there for over a year and was treated like a newbie. This pissed Jean off to no end. Marco poured his poor little freckled soul into work there and he was so under appreciated. The customers loved him, he was always picking up for others where he could and even have suggest new ideas for drinks and desserts. But noooooo. Marcos stupid tight ass manger always took all the glory.
Marco was already sitting at his usual table in the corner when Jean scrambled in. Marco had another cup across from him, wait him Jean.
"Sorry, babe." Jean hurried over with a sheepish grin. "Got distracted."
"It's fine." Marco gave him that ever sweet smile. "I only got off work a minute ago."
Jean sat down infront of him and took a sip of the coffee.
"Hmm." Jean made a far too sexual to be normal sound in the back of his throat. "Your a miracle worker."
"I've been making your coffee the same way for years." Marco laughed.
"And I'll never get bored of it." Jean said, taking another sip. He nodded to the many empty seats in the cafe. "Slow day?"
"Yeah." Marco nodded. "It's usually packed all summer, but this new place opened up five minutes from here. Apparently there blend is really thing."
"I wonder what would happen if someone found a dead bug addmist the coffee beans?" Jeans moved his hands around as if performing an illusion.
"Sabotage isn't professional." Marco failed to hide his smile.
"Connie and Sasha won't care."
"Jean." Marco nudged his foot with his own. "Don't you dare give them any ideas. Connie can never tell when people are joking and Sasha doesn't care enough to correct him. Besides, friendly competition is healthly."
"Whatever you say." Jean sighed exasperatedly, as if Marco aimed to ruin all his fun. "But if you ever change your mind, I know where Reiner keeps his paint ball gun."
"And I know where he keeps his ball gag." Marco replied with an innocent expression.
Jean flushed bright red, quickly taking a gulp of his drink to hide his embrassment. That was Marco for you, sweet, innocent and surprisingly deviant. People that didn't know him well knew him to be a kind and loving soul. Jean however knew he was all that and more.
"Wow. Turn it down a notch Mr B.D.S.M." Jean laughed nervously, glancing at the customers two tables away.
"I know what letter you are in that acronym."
"M-Marco!" Jean spluttered, coffee flying everywhere.
Marco laughed good naturedly and helped him clean up.
It took Jean another ten minutes for the red in his cheeks to disappear. They'd talked (discreetly) about Marcos crappy manager, who he always defended as 'just doing his job'. Jean ordered them a chocolate and coconut slice to split and kissed his boyfriend before leaving. They over heard two elderly ladies giggling in the corner and Jean turned bright red all over again.
He got back into his car and started back towards home when half way there he noticed a particularly aesthetically pleasing wall mural in the local park and slammed on his brake. He then spent several hours draining his battery in the park. A ten minute shoot of a wall had turned into wanting some footage of the trees, and then empty swings creaking in the breeze and then a bird collecting twigs off the ground. By the time he noticed a group of teens staring at him cautiously like the weirdo he appeared to be it was already starting to get dark, he snapped the view finder shut and hurried back to his chair.
I just looked like some creepy ass perv casing out a park for children.
"I can never come back here." He whispered into his steering wheel.
He sat there in mortal shame for a few minutes when he realised that lingering was even creepier and started back home for real this time.
He pulled into the empty drive.
Christa and Armin must be the only ones at home still, Jean summised as Ymir had taken her and Christas shared car to work and Armin took the bus everywhere.
He locked the car and headed back inside. He was moving up the hall quietly, as to not wake the angelic sleeping demon that was Christa Lenz. Then an image popped into his head. Armin always took a nap after work. He knew that Armin looked like some sort of sweet droling cherub when he slept and decided that it would be excellent black mail for getting Armin to help him with his next school project. He friends all knew that he was a totally perfectionist control freak and refused to help him out after this first year, but with Armins feminine build and appearance, he could play either a man or woman!
Jean pressed his ear against the door of Eren and Armins room silence.
Excellent.
Jean opened his camera and watched the screen turned on. He twisted the door handle and slowly eased the door open. He was facing towards Armins bed with the camera and was surprised to look through the view finder to see Armins bed neatly made and undisturbed. Most confusing of all was Armin wasn't there.
"What?" He said out loud.
If Armins not here then who did I see this morning?
He blood ran cold in his veins.
Fuck me, what if this place is haunted!
Jean was two steps from packing his and Marcos shit and running when he heard a gruff voice behind him.
Oh, fuck me man. A demon? Is that a demon? What do demons sound like?
He replayed the sound in his head and found it oddly familiar.
Huh?
Jean turned slowly to the messy side of the room to see a clearly human lump on the other bed. He immediately relaxed.
"Jesus mother fucking Christ." He cursed.
It's only Eren. Wait. Eren? What's he doing home so early? I was promised three Eren-less days!
"Eren?" Jean ask aloud. "I thought you were busy introducing mum and dad to your new husband?"
"Fuck off."
He deciphered from Erens mumble.
"What's your deal?" Jean was immediately irked.
He grabbed the edge of Erens blanket and ripped it off him as hard as he could. Eren gripped it in one hand so Jean couldn't removed it completely.
"I said fuck off!" Eren barked at him, his voice croaking strangely. He turned to pulled the blanket back over himself and Jean caught a glance at his swollen red eyes.
Shit. This is worse then a demon.
He'd seen Eren cry enough to know something had happened.
Something must of happened with Levi. That's why he's back so early.
Jean sighed and peaked back out into the hall. Christa hadn't come to torture and kill them yet so Eren must not have woken her. He closed the door and sat down across legged on the end of Erens bed.
"Come on, Jeager." He leaned back against the door. "Spill. What's the tears about?"
"Don't want to talk about it." The strange bump that was Eren smallest slightly as he spoke.
"Oh, fuck off." Jean rolled his eyes. "Of course you do. I've known your crazy ass way too long to not know what your like. The more people you get to rant to the better. It'll help you get over, what ever this is, faster."
Eren was silent for a long pause and then the lump shifted around so Eren faced him, his entire body was wrapped in to the blanket, despite it being summer. His face was the only part of him visible and it was streaked with tears and blotchy.
"Was it Levi?" Jean asked carefully.
Eren squeezed his eyes together and let out a sob.
Well fucking done Jean!
"Imma take that as a yes." Said Jean.
"He-he said that he d-doesn't care about m-me-me." Eren spoke between sobs and gasp.
"Hey, calm down." Jean urged him. "You've hyperventilated while crying before."
"That was one-one time asshole."
He's a snotty mess and he still had the will to insult me. Fucking charmer he is.
"So. You said Levi doesn't care about you?" Jean continued. Eren nodded miserably. "He really said that?"
"More then once." Eren nodded again.
"Damn." Jean breathed out.
He felt genuinely bad for Eren. Jean knew from first hand experience that he was the kind of guy who would give all of himself to a person without a second thought and it made Jeans chest tighten painfully. He really liked Levi. Alot. And Jean had honestly thought that they might work out. After all, the guy agreed to a week and had spent the better half of the movie night staring at Eren. For all of Jeans poking and prodding and teasing, he wanted Eren to be happy as much as any of his friends.
"Tell me what happened." Said Jean.
"We were ha-having a picnic." Eren paused to take a break and a breath. "We were having a picnic at the park in Shinganshina yesterday and me and Levi went for a walk and we're just talking and then he got all weird and told me we weren't going to work out and then I got upset and we got into an argument. I told him to admit that he had fun this week but he's so fucking stubborn, you know? He said this week was a mistake and then he literally left. He went home witho even telling me. I had to call Erwin to find out what was happening. I want to fix things right away but everyone convinced me to wait until tomorrow, so I did. Dad drove me to Levi's this morning and I tried to fix things but we just fucking fought again. He said he didn't give a shit what happened to me or my family and then he just left again."
"What the fuck?" Jean stared at him in disbelief. "What a fucking asshole!"
"Yeah, he is an asshole." Eren admitted tearfully. "And I still don't deserve him."
"What?" Said Jean. "What kinda of shit is that coming out of your mouth?"
"I fucking forced him to do all of this Jean. I harassed him for ages then made him agree to play happy boyfriends for a week." More tears dribbled down his face. "I did all that and he still did it. I know he can be really kind, but I don't deserve that kindness."
Eren burst into another loud sob, the blanket dropping from around him as he burried his face in his hands.
"Eren..." Jean sighed, not hesitating to shift to sit beside him.
He placed his hand on Erens lower back and gently dragged his nails over the skin. This had always calmed Eren down when they had been together all those years ago. They hadn't lasted long, running on rage and hormones, but they saw alot of different parts of each other and staying friends meant they had this strange closeness that existed but they never really engaged in, especially now that Jean was happily with Marco and Eren fully supported it.
Eren almost immediately relaxed into his touch, leaning back subtly. Jean wasn't really sure why it affected him so much, but it was always a sure fire way to calm him down.
"Not to be clique as fuck, but maybe you just aren't meant to be together?" Jean tried.
"But I really, really like him." Eren choked out.
"I know man." Jean scratched slightly harder, trying to get Eren to focus on it. "I know you do. But you can't force it."
"Heh." Eren laughed bitterly. He leaned into Jeans side, resting his head on his boney shoulder. "You know my dad said the same thing on the way up here."
"See? And when has the great Dr Yeager ever been wrong?" Jean chuckled softly.
"I just really wanted to work things out. I like him so much it's scary. I've never thought about anyone else like this. It's like everything was better when he was around, you know?" Eren wiped at his eyes. "I know it's stupid, but I thought one day he'd like me back. We kissed, you know? Twice. And it was great."
"I taught you well." Jean couldn't stop himself.
"Your such a moron." Eren sighed, but Jean could hear the smile in his words. "I know it's the kind of crap people always say and it sounds like bullshit, but he's not a bad guy. He really isn't. He was nice to my parents and especially my mum. When he kissed me, he stopped it because he was drunk and didn't want to be irresponsible. When I burnt my hand and helped me so gently. He just can't be a bad guy."
"Just because he's not a bad guy, doesn't mean he's the guy for you." Said Jean carefully.
"I know." Eren started crying again.
FuuuUCK.
Jean didn't know what to say or what to do so he let Eren weep into his shoulder until he fell asleep. He could have cursed Levi's name, but Eren wouldn't have wanted that. He could have tried to get Eren to look on the bright see, but that wouldn't have helped. All Eren needed usually was time. He was always quick to bounce back. Jean had seen him get sad, mad and then become completely indifferent in the course of a single day. But he had a feeling this was different. After talking Eren through something, he usually stopped being upset and moved on to being pissed off.
I don't know if Eren will even get mad over this. He said that he doesn't deserve Levi and that's totally bullcrap but he believes it. He could be sad for weeks before slowly getting over this. But...I saw the way Levi looked at him! I fucking know what I saw! That night even Marco told him that he hopes they turn out well together! At the art show and the movie night! Levi stared at him and put up with all his crap without complaint. Just because Levi agreed to the week, doesn't mean he had to be cooperative. He could have battled Eren the whole time! But no! He went on the date, he invited Eren over, he met the guys mother fucker parents for God's sake! Not to mention he put up with everyones threats and general insanity! No! I refuse to believe that Levi felt nothing for him. We all fucking saw it!
Suddenly Jean found himself riled up on Erens behalf. His fingers were itching to hit something, preferably Levi's stupid face.
And telling Eren that he didn't give shit about him? How fucking low is that?
Jean glance at Eren, snoring against his collar bone. He couldn't just sit there any longer. He need to do something. That and his ass had fallen asleep. He knew that Eren was a heavy sleeper, so he simply slid out from under him and tucked the blanket back around Eren. He quietly left the room and stepped out into the hall. He heard a familiar beep and looked down at his camera. He realised that he'd left it running the entire time and now his battery was screaming at him to be urgently revived.
Fuck. Oh. Wait. Oh fuck!
An idea popped into Jeans mind and he scrambled down to hall towards his and Marcos room in search of his laptop.
--Tuesday To Tuesday--
Jean had never worked so quickly in his life, and he was the crowned king of last minute assignments. He'd created entire five minute narratives from thirty seconds of film in a day, he'd sourced the music and dragged all his artsy friends in to give him a hand with the special affects. This was another thing he was proud of. But even those times had nothing on the whirlwind in his mind as quickly dragged and dropped clips and cut them to his satisfaction. He sent to pray to every god he could remember that Armin had finally forced him to update his computer. With how slow it had been a week ago, it would have tacted on an extra hour at least.
"Fine. Good. This is good." Jean watched through the footage before deciding that it was all he could do in such a time crunch. "I feel like I deserve extra credit for this."
He glanced down at the time in the corner of his screen.
"Oh, shiiit!" He cursed and hurried to save everything and transport it on to one of the many from his trusty USB collection.
It was four past seven. Jean knew that Eren and Levi had made a deal for eight something PM. Maybe if he could convince Levi that he was the one who didn't deserve Eren within that time, then he wouldn't have to see Eren so torn up anymore.
Eren wasn't the type to lay in bed and mop when things got tough. Because things got tough alot and Erens first response was to give the world the finger and work even harder to spite it. If there was anything the moron had going for him, it was the stubborness bred in his bones and running through his veins. Eren Jaeger didn't fucking give up. That had been a constant in Jeans life since they met. Who was Eren Jaeger if not a determined annoying fuck head?
Jean pushed Erens door open again as quietly as possible. Watching him to make sure he didn't rouse from his demented mountain of pillows and blankets. He went over onto Armins side and started rummaging through his top bed side drawer. Armin was organised to a fault. If anyone would have Levi's address or maybe the number of his one of his friends, it would be him. He found Armins addressed book and hurried back out.
He flicked through the pages, frantically scanning them for Levis first or last name. He almost completely bypassed a page when he realised it had said 'Professor Hanjis number'. Professor Hanji was friends with Levi! He yanked his phone from his pocket and dialed the number.
Come on, his fingers tighten on the phone. Come on, pick up!
The dial tone rung through four times before it was answered.
"Hello, hello?~" A voice sung out.
"Uh, um. Professor Hanji?"
"This is they."
"You might not remember me. It's Jean Kirstein? Armin and Erens friend?"
"Oh. Hello."
"Yeah." Jean shuffled his feet apprehensively. "Look, I need a favour..."
--Tuesday To Tuesday--
Jean pulled into the long drive behind the two other cars. He checked the time on his dash. It was seven thirty five. He hoped to God that he hadn't been caught on a speed camera on the way over. When the two other vehicles parked outside the large house Jeans jaw dropped as he climbed.
"Fucking figures he's rich."
"Nice to meet you." A tall and ridiculously handsome blonde man stuck his hand out towards him. "I'm Erwin Smith."
"Jean." He said and shook his hand hesitantly.
Excuse me? Who invited fucking Vogues magazines Hercules? Those biceps are almost as thick as his eyebrows.
"Hanji told him you might be able to fix our little problem."
"I'm sure a hell going to try." Jean gripped his laptop bag in one hand.
"Thanks for this." Hanji snatched his hand from Erwin and squeezed it.
"It's you I have to thank." Jean shook his head slightly.
"I'll warn you." Erwin said seriously. "Levi's a stubborn prick. He already turned away Eren today."
"I know." Jean nodded firmly. "But I'm a bit of a stubborn prick myself."
"Good to hear." Erwin smiled lightly and clapped Jean on the shoulder in a way that reminded him of Reiner. "Let's go."
Erwin started towards the front door, pulling a key from his pocket.
Here we go. In to the lions den with a itty bitty USB. Oh, fuck me, this better turn out well, I busted my ass off for this.
Erwin unlocked the front door.
"Levi!" He called out, his low voice echoing throughout the entry way.
"I hope he's back." Hanji bit they finger nervously.
"Check the garage." Erwin told them.
"Right." Hanji nodded and hurried over to a battered looking door.
Okay? The rest of the place is spotless? Didn't Eren say once that Levi was a huge neat freak?
"That's Eren doing." Erwin suddenly spoke up behind him. His voice boomed in Jeans chest.
"What?" He frowned.
"He really didn't want him to leave."
"Yeah." Jean nodded in understanding. "Eren can be down right terrifying when the adrenaline gets pumping."
Memories of there many squabbles and fist fights rushed through his mind. He and Eren had been in more then there fair share of conflicts. The most heated he'd ever seen Eren still sent a chill down his spine. That day not long before they broke up. He didn't like to think about it. Those fucking bigots with there noses in the air. Jean could have forced himself to scoffed and ignore them, but Eren wasn't like that. What made it worse is he knew that he did it more for him them himself. Eren knew everything Jean had gone through with his family and trying to get him to except him and to except himself. Eren couldn't stand there and let a group of narrow minded thugs talk shit about them, about him.
I never paid him back for that day, Jean realized. Sure I jumped in when I saw that they could have killed him, but Eren did so much for me back then. If he hadn't helped me out, would I ever have gotten together with Marco? Would I still be living lie or would my grandfather have disowned me completely?
Jean realized he owed his life as he knew it to a suicidal bastard and it pissed him off.
"His car is here." Hanji told them.
"He's probably up stairs cleaning." Erwin assed. "Come on."
Erwin nudged Jean towards the stairs to the second floor. He clenched his computer bag and sucked in a breath.
Hanji took the lead, then Jean with Erwin behind them.
Jesus this guy could block out the sun with his shoulder width! It's kinda hit actually...FOCUS KIRSTEIN! GET YOUR GAY IN CHECK!
Hanji stopped aburptly and Jean almost ran straight into there back. Levi Ackerman stood at the top of the stairs, murder in his eyes.
"What is he," Levi looked pointedly at Jean. ",doing here?"
Okay? Fucking rude much?
"Eren told me what happened and I need to show you something." Jean planted his feet and stood his ground.
"Not interested." Levi half turned away.
That's not gonna fucking roll mate.
"Hey!" Jean shoved past Hanji. "Don't just walk away when I'm talking to you!"
"Piss off." Levi glared daggers at him. "Why don't you go whine to your boyfriend?"
"I'm not Eren." Jean glared right back at him. "Trying to hurt my feelings won't do shit!"
"Just give him a chance!" Hanji was practically begging. "You deserve to be happy Levi!"
"Are you really going to run away again?" Erwin asked with what was a mixture of disappointment and irritation.
Levi growled deep in his throat and marched back into the second floor.
"Hey!" Jean followed him without a thought.
"Get the fuck off my property before I call the police and have you forcibly removed." Levi spat viciously. "All three of you."
Oh, fuck this guy! This is what Eren wants to grow old with?
"Okay, look here you fucking midget!" Jean was done. This fucker was hurting Eren and Jean was so done with it. "I've known Eren for a long time and I've never seen him so fucked up. And I've watched him go though some shit. I don't know why an asshole like you has caught his attention in the first place and I really don't care. All I'm asking is for you to sit the fuck down and watch!"
For a long moment the only sound was Jean panting softly. Levi visibly clenched his fists to the point of trembling, his eyes hooded by strands of black hair.
"Now I understand how you managed to handle Eren for so long." Levi breathed out softly.
Is he talking about...? Shiiit. Eren must have told him.
Jean ripped open the front pocket if his bag and pulled out his USB stick.
"Will you please just watch it?" Jean held it up.
Levi stared at him emotionlessly, before letting his eyes drop.
"Whatever."
"Over here." Hanji grabbed Jeans shoulder and pulled him over to the large flat screen TV. They pointed the side where the USB ports where and grabbed the remote. They leaned in close to Jean and whispered. "Well done kid."
Hanji turned on the TV and then handed Jean the remote. He guestured to Levi and the couch.
"Don't expect perfection." He said, suddenly nervous. "This was a last minute thing."
Erwin made sure Levi sat down on the couch. Jean and the others stood behind him.
"What is this?" Hanji asked in a loud whisper.
"Just watch." He told them and raised the remote to start the video.
An image of Eren standing with Connie and Sasha filled the screen. The people and art work in the background made it clear that they were at an art show. Text in the corner of the screen read, 'April 21, 7:29pm'.
"Today in The Life of a Suicidal Bastard, we see Eren Jaeger, being one thirsty thot." Jeans voice was clear and behind the camera as he stepped closer and Erens voice was heard.
"-no seriously guys, he was so annoyed in, like the hottest way." Eren gushed.
"Did you get a pic?" Connie jumped about like a spastic, hanging off Erens shoulder.
"No!" Eren shook him off. "That would have just been weird. Beside, if I'd been caught he probably would have killed me. Like, for real, he looked like this."
Eren pulled the corners of his eye back, glaring as darkly as possible and crounching down several inches.
Hanji quickly turned around and slapped a hand over there mouth. Even Erwin lifted a hand to his lips to hide his humorous smile. Levi on the couch before them, didn't move and inch.
"That's hot?" The Sasha on the TV wore a confused expression.
"You had to be there." Eren shrugged. "I mean, he was jerk, but I'd hit it."
"The hitting you ever do Jeager," Jean laughed aloud. ",is your face on the pavement."
"Rack off Horse Face!" Eren leapt at him angerly. "Stop filming me all the time!"
The video cut out and the screen was filled with a new scene. The camera trained on Eren sitting in a back of Mikasas car, bordered by Armin and Marco. The image was grainy due to the only lighting being the cars roof light, but you could see the people clearly. New text appeared in the screens corner, 'May 2nd, 9:04pm'.
"He was there again!" Eren exclaimed, undoing the first two buttons of his green shirt. "The short hot guy!"
"I thought you said he was really rude?" Came Mikasas voice from somewhere off camera.
"Yeah, but in a hot way!" Eren insisted.
"Did you ever find out his name?" Asked Marco.
"Oh, shit!"
"See." Armins rolled his eyes. "You don't even know his name."
"Yeah...but..."
"Oh, my, gosh, Jeager. We get it." Jean sighed. "Your undersexed. Get on Grindr or something."
"Jean!" Eren growled, kicked his foot up as Jean quickly jerked the camera away, giving a view of the cars ceiling.
Again the camera cut away, this time giving a shaky shot of tiles as Jean walked with the lense pointed downwards. Then he panned up, people and object blurring in the background as Jean adjusted the focus. This time the text read, 'May 18th, 6:53pm'. He pulled in close on Eren and what was Levis back. It was another art show case and he was filming from to far away, but Erens smile was wide enough to be seen despite the difference.
Eren said something and Levi went to turn away when Eren called for him and said something else that caught his attention. Levi cocked one hip and put a hand on his waist and Eren flushed red, covering his mouth with his hand.
"What a little bitch." Jean whispered under his breath.
The scene changed again, but the date remained the same but the time was pushed almost two hours later. Eren, Mikasa, Armin and Christa, sat bathed in the unflattering fluorescent lighting only found in public bathrooms, twenty four hours gas stations and fast food restaurants. It was obviously the latter as unknown hands layed a tray loaded with greasey food onto the table.
"Did you see Minas photorealism exhibit piece?" Armin spoke up.
"Yeah, she did a great job." Marco beamed brightly.
"Could you get any hotter?" Jean muttered to himself, zooming in directly on his boyfriends face.
"She's so talented!" Came Christas voice, now off camera thanks to the extreme close up on Marcos freckled cheek bones.
"You think maybe she need a nude model?" Came Reiners deep voice from somewhere beside Jean.
"Don't try and act straight, lavender boy. It's embrassing." Jean zoomed back out to fit Ymir in the frame as she scoffed, lifting up Christa, sitting down and putting her back in her lap. "So, Jeager, I heard your thirsty ass went booty hunting again."
"You know what happened, Ymir." Christa frowned. "You were there."
Ymir clapped a hand over her girlfriends mouth and kept talking.
"When's the wedding?" She sneered.
"Spring if you must know!" Eren turned his face away annoyedly.
"He turned you down flat again, Eren." Mikasa said, taking a bite from her burger.
"You know-" Eren turned to her with a pout when the scene changed for the fifth time.
They where at another art show, the text reading, 'June 4th, 8:01pm'. Mikasa and Annie were standing beside Eren.
"Here we see Eren Yeager, flanked by to two attractive women. It is likely he will die without there support and protection." Jean narrated poorly.
"That's it! Give me the fucking camera!" Eren jumped forward, the lense getting a good at Jeans feet as he dropped it and it was caught by the strap around his neck.
"Eren!" Connies voice shouted out. "Eren! We saw the the guy!"
Jean lifted the camera back up to show Eren stepping forward to grab Connie's shoulders to stop himself from being mown down.
"Seriously?" Erens face immediately brightened. Sashacame barreling in next but ended up on her backside when Mikasa actively stepped out of her path. "Where?"
"He just walked in." Sasha stood up, rubbing her tender backside. "He was talking to Professor Zoe."
"Here we go." Mikasa sighed softly.
"Okay. Here we go." Eren suddenly had an air of confidence, as sucked in a breath and brushed down his shirt. He turned to his friends. "Do I look okay?"
"You have got to be kidding me." Jean scoffed loudly.
Eren appeared ready to shoot a come back at him when Connie slung an arm around his neck.
"Hotter then a tamale." Connie grinned at him encouragingly.
"Go get the booty!" Sasha saluted him enthusiastically.
"Okay. Cool, yeah. I can do this." Eren smiled at them gratefully. "Thanks guys."
Another scene change, the text now reading, 'June 3rd 10:37am'.
"I don't get what's so special about this Levi." Ymirs voice could be heard as Jean creeped up a hall way towards an open door.
"And today on, In The Life of A Suicidal Bastard..."
Armin passed him on his way out, giving his camera an amused eye roll.
Jean came to stand in the doorway behind Ymir, peaking around her body into the mess room. Erens bed had a pile of clothes thrown haphazardly on top of it.
"He just is." Eren balled up the shirt he was holding and threw it into the basketball hoop attached to the wall above his bed. "Levi...Levi's just really freaking special."
"Is that supposed to be a good thing?" Said Ymir cynically.
"Yes." Eren held up another shirt to his body, studying his reflection in the mirror on the inside of his wardrobe door. "He's a really unique person. I can just tell."
"Yuck." You could hear the way Ymir screwed up her face as she talked.
"Thanks." Eren replied sarcastically. "You wouldn't understand how I feel Ymir. You've been obsessed with the same girl since high school. I haven't known Levi that long, but I just know that I need to...you know."
"Hit that?" Ymir now sounded amused.
"That too." Eren shrugged, glancing over at her. He finally spotted Jean lurking behind his camera and his face twisted in anger. "Oi!"
When the scene changed again, it almost seemed like it could have been the same day, but this time the text said it was the next day at twelve thirteen. Jean was filming through a crack in Erens bedroom door. He was sitting on the floor by his desk, holding his phone to his ear.
"I'm almost done. Why?" He asked into the receiver. "Are you inviting me over?"
A wide grin broke out on his face, bright and unrestrained.
The person on the other line said something and Erens face fell into confusion.
"I'm honestly not sure whether or not that was sarcasm..." He said slowly.
The person spoke again and Eren quickly perked up.
"Oh, okay. Sure, I'd love to." Eren sighed in relief and let himself fall back on to the carpet, hidden from the cameras view by the bed.
"No slobblyness. Got it." Eren could be heard agreeing. There was along pause of silence before he spoke again in an almost pained tone. "Fuck me."
"No thanks." Jean suddenly spoke up, unintentionally loud enough for Eren to hear.
Eren sat back up, his head snapping in Jeans direction.
"Shit." Jean cursed when he realised he'd been spotted.
"You motHER FUCK-" Eren launched up at the door as the footage cut away.
The next scene was one Levi had seen before. It was shot from inside the house, Eren swaying back and forth on a swing near the back fence, Levi leaning against the same fence a few feet away. You could tell there were mid conversation but we're too far away for anyone to make out any words. The date told them that again it was the next day, 'June 5th, 10:11pm'.
"Fucking suicidal bastard." Jean cursed under his breath.
It was only a few seconds before it changed over again. It's was, 'June 8th, 12:48 am'. Eren was laying on the couch in the lounge room, legs hanging off the end, his head in Armins lap. Connie and Sasha were barely visible, asleep on the other couch in the dim lighting from the outside light streaming in from the glass sliding doors. Jean was filming secretly once again, leaning around the corner of the hall, vooming in and focusing on the back of Armins head.
"What if they don't like him?" Erens voice was soft and could hardly be heard.
"Don't worry so much Eren." Armin reassured him. "They couldn't ever hate anyone if you really liked them."
"But I want them to like him."
"You won't know until tomorrow, so just relax."
"Do you think this is dumb, Ar?" Eren asked in a distance voice. "This whole trying to win over Levi in one week thing?"
"I honestly don't really know." Armin admitted. "But if anyone could pull it off, it'd be you."
"I'm fucking terrified." Said Eren, everyone had to strain to hear him. "What if he still doesn't want me when it's over? What do I do then? Just go on with my life?"
"What else can you do?" Questioned Armin with a shrug. "You can't let someone else dictate your happiness."
"Your so smart, Armin."
"Yeah, I know."
When the scene changed Jean knew it was for the last time. He clenched his fists at his side. This had been the most difficult part to play back. Hanji and Erwin seemed confused at the dark screen, but didn't dare speak. A moment passed and a loud sob could be heard. Jean watched Levi's back tense and felt a small bout of triumph. The text appeared on the screen reading todays date, timed five fifty eight PM, that afternoon.
"He-he said that he d-doesn't care about m-me-me." Eren voice was yet also wet with tears as he tryed to force out words between gasps.
"Hey, calm down." Jeans voice urged. "You've hyperventilated while crying before."
"That was one-one time asshole." Eren shot back miserably.
"So. You said Levi doesn't care about you?" Jean continued, there as a pause before he spoke again. "He really said that?"
"More then once."
"Damn." Jean breathed out.
"Tell me what happened."
"We were ha-having a picnic." Eren had to stop himself before continuing, trying to get his crying under control. "We were having a picnic at the park in Shinganshina yesterday and me and Levi went for a walk and we're just talking and then he got all weird and told me we weren't going to work out and then I got upset and we got into an argument. I told him to admit that he had fun this week but he's so fucking stubborn, you know? He said this week was a mistake and then he literally left. He went home witho even telling me. I had to call Erwin to find out what was happening. I want to fix things right away but everyone convinced me to wait until tomorrow, so I did. Dad drove me to Levi's this morning and I tried to fix things but we just fucking fought again. He said he didn't give a shit what happened to me or my family and then he just left again."
"What the fuck?" Came Jeans angered voice. "What a fucking asshole!"
"Yeah, he is an asshole." Eren admitted quietly, the pain was raw and full in his voice. "And I still don't deserve him."
In the present Jean saw Levi visibly sit straighter.
"What?" Said Jeans recorded voice firm that afternoon on tje dark screen. "What kinda of shit is that coming out of your mouth?"
"I fucking forced him to do all of this Jean. I harassed him for ages then made him agree to play happy boyfriends for a week." Eren paused again to calm himself down. "I did all that and he still did it. I know he can be really kind, but I don't deserve that kindness."
Eren burst into a loud sob, the sound of shuffling was heard.
"Eren..." Jean sighed, the shuffling was louder this time as the person with the camera was the one moving about.
There was a long silent moment, pregnant with tension and pity.
"Not to be clique as fuck, but maybe you just aren't meant to be together?" Jean spoke up.
"But I really, really like him." Eren choked out in a way that sounded painful.
"I know man. I know you do. But you can't force it."
"Heh." Eren laughed bitterly. More shuffling was loud in the cameras audio recorder. "You know my dad said the same thing on the way up here."
"See? And when has the great Dr Yeager ever been wrong?" Jean chuckled softly.
"I just really wanted to work things out. I like him so much it's scary. I've never thought about anyone else like this. It's like everything was better when he was around, you know? I know it's stupid, but I thought one day he'd like me back. We kissed, you know? Twice. And it was great."
"I taught you well." Jean said quietly but deliberately.
"Your such a moron." Eren seemed to say with a smile. "I know it's the kind of crap people always say and it sounds like bullshit, but he's not a bad guy. He really isn't. He was nice to my parents and especially my mum. When he kissed me, he stopped it because he was drunk and didn't want to be irresponsible. When I burnt my hand and helped me so gently. He just can't be a bad guy."
"Just because he's not a bad guy, doesn't mean he's the guy for you."
"I know." Eren said before another sob filled the room.
Jean had purposely left in an entire minute of Eren crying. He wanted Levi to hurt, even a little. He wanted him to feel like crap for what he had done.
The video ended and the screen returned to folder selection. Erwin let out a audible breath and Hanji leaned there hands against the back of the couch. No body moved. Jean stared at Levis head, waitng for him to do or say something. But apparently Hanji didn't have that much patience.
"Levi-?" They only managed to get his name out.
"Where's Eren?" Levi asked, his voice was strangely calm but had a strained quality to it.
"He was still at home when I left." Said Jean. "Crying over you."
I hope you feel guilty.
Levi stood up from the couch aburptly.
"I need to see him."
--Tuesday To Tuesday--
Levi had immediately gone to jump into his car, almost forgetting his keys if it hadn't been for Erwin.
Levi had only had the time to give Erwin a nod of thanks and Hanji an apologetic look before starting up the engine. Jean was already starting to roll up the drive.
How could I be so fucking stupid? What the fuck is wrong with me? I made him think he didn't deserve me! Made him cry again
Levis hands tighten on the steering wheel. He glared though the windshield glass as if it could get him there faster as he pulled out on to the road. He couldn't get the sound of Erens sobs out if his mind.
How could I do that to him? I thought he would be fine! I thought I was doing what was best for everyone! I'm too old and too sour and negative. He could love someone else but he doesn't, he loves one and I threw it back in his face because I got scared. But this whole time Erens been the one who was really scared. Scared I wouldn't give him a chance, that I would hate his friends, that his family would hate me. I gave up a week? Erens been thinking about me for months. He knew I wasn't fun to be around, he knew I was rude and sour and negative from the beginning but he didn't care, because he's the good person, not me.
Tears burned at the corners of his eyes and he quickly blinked them away. He didn't want to get in an accident because he, a fully grown adult, was crying behind the wheel.
Jeans right. I don't know why Eren wants and asshole like me in his life, but the important part is that he does and...and I want him too. I don't want this week to end!
Levi knew Eren lived a half an hour drive away, but was certain both he and Jean got there in half of that. Jean practically kicked his car door open. He waiting in the middle of the lawn for Levi to come over. The front door flew open. Armin hurried out, slamming the door behind him.
"I need to see Eren." Levi told him, a hint of desperation in his voice.
"He's not here." Armin scampered over shaking his head. "He left over half an hour for the aquarium."
"Fuck." Levi cursed loudly, hitting his palm against his forehead.
The front door practically came off its hinges as Mikasa and Annie stepped out, pure rage rolling off them in waves.
"What the fuck is he doing here?" Mikasa spat murderously.
Levi genuinely felt like he life could have been in danger.
"Get going." Jean hurried shoved him towards the car.
Levi hesitated for a moment. He realised he'd feel guilty if he left Jean to deal with his mess.
"I'll do what I can to hold them back!" Jean urged him. "It's almost eight o'clock! You still have time!"
I still have time.
"Thanks." Levi nodded gratefully.
I still have time!
Mikasa and Annie were stomping across the yard towards him. He quickly scrambled back into his car and pulled out on to the road. For a moment he thought they might try and run him down, but when he looked in his review he could see Jean an Armin attempting to reason with them.
Levi racked his brain for a momentary, trying to remember which route to take to the aquarium, he'd only been there that one time. He took a second to glanced down at his watch. It was seven fifty four. He had exactly thirty minutes until the week would be up. He wasn't sure why it was so important to get there before eight twenty four, but it was.
Unlike the drive to Erens house, traffic prevents him from going as fast as he'd like. By the time he arrives outside the aquarium, it's already eight twelve. He hurries up the entry way and realises something.
Fuck! Shit!
He patted down his pockets. He hadn't brought his wallet with him. In his mind he could see it sitting there on the kitchen bench mocking him.
Fuck! What do I do?
He stood there in the entry way for a moment, his mind screaming desperately at him to do something.
Shit, shit, shit! This can't all end because I have no fucking money on me! I'm running out of time!
"Psst! Oi!" Levi's head jerked up at the familiar tone. Ymir was standing there wearing a blue staff t-shirt with her name on it.Levi felt as though he could have hugged her in that moment. "Jean called me. Erens over by the big tank, come on."
Ymir grabbed his arm and pulled him past the concession stand without a problem.
"You fucking owe me." Ymir sighed annoyedly. "I'm surprised Jeans helping you out. I thought he'd hate your guts right now like the rest of us, but whatever."
She lead him through the first exhibit and then paused before a large arched entry way. In side he recognised the huge tank glowing blue. He took a step forward and Ymir quickly grabbed his arm.
"Slow your roll, Romeo. You might want this so your ass doesn't get kicked out." She pulled out a stamp from her pocket and pressed it down harder then necessary on the back of his hand. She gave him a stern warning glare. "And I'll be keeping an eye on you. If I see Eren getting upset, I fucking drown you and feed you to the sharks, capiche?"
"Right." Levi could only nod.
"Good." Ymir shoved him towards the arch way. "Now get lost."
"Thanks!" Levi called behind him as he hurried on inside.
Unlike when Eren had taken him here almost a week ago, there were other people milling about. It was a Tuesday so usually it wouldn't be so crowded. But this was a Tuesday during summer. Families and mother's with prams and strollers were everywhere. Teens sucking up the free WIFI and airconditioning, hung about in small groups. A senior tour group was set up on one side.
This place is fucking huge.
He'd never seen it completely lit before. He moved straight for the tank that ran the length of the entire back wall, all the way up the thirty foot high walls. He had to duck and weave around people, being careful not to step on anyones children. It took him and entire two minutes to get right up to the tank itself.
He glanced both ways. He couldn't see Eren through the thick of the people on either side.
Shit! I am I supposed to find him?
He looked left, then right, then left again and then decided to go right. It was impossible to stick to the side of the tank the entire time, with the amount of people, forcing him to make costly detours.
He jumped of the way of a father with a twin pram and checked his watch. Eight sixteen.
Eight minutes left!
He pushed harder through the crowd and broke out into a clearing. A woman knocked into him and didn't bother to apologize. As he turned to snap at her, he caught sight of a head of ridiculous spike hair.
Eren?
He completely forgot about the woman and forced his way back over to the tank. He kept his eyes trained on the man by the tank. It took him another minute.
Please let it be him!
He practically fell into the spot beside him. It was Eren. Beautiful big eyes puffy and red, even in the blue light, still wearing his clothes from the day before.
"Eren." He breathed out in relief, he thought his legs were about to give way. For a moment he thought Eren hadn't heard him over the echo of other people, but he turned to look at him with surprise.
"Levi?" He could just barley hear Erens tired voice.
Immediately Levi was overwhelmed, tears welled in his tears and fell. He threw himself at Eren, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him down to his height so he could whisper in his ear.
"I'm so fucking sorry. I'm so sorry, Eren. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Slowly Erens arms raised to wrap around him and Levi relaxed into them. "You were right Eren. This week with you has been...the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm sorry I lied."
"No." Erens voice rasped in his ear. "I'm sorry I forced you into this. It was so wrong of me."
"I don't care about right now." Levi pulled back and cupped Erens face in his hands. He wiped away Erens years with his thumbs and tried to blink away his own. "Everything I said to you was just a front because I was scared of hurting you. I thought I could protect you by pushing you away, but I doesn't work like that. Just hurt you more."
"Levi..." Eren let out a sob.
"Shush." Levi hushed him, standing on his toes to kiss Erens forehead tenderly. "I don't want you to ever cry again."
"But I love you so much." Eren pressed there foreheads together, the tears in his lashes falling on to Levis cheeks.
"I love you too, Eren." Levi said without hesitation. Eren looked at him with those big tearful eyes. "I don't know when it started, but I don't want it to end."
Eren kissed him without warning, but Levi had no intention of ever pulling away. They were surrounded by children and elderly, but it was like in that moment, they didn't exist.
It was sweet and soft and gentle. Not like any other kiss they'd had before. Levi held his face so tenderly, like Eren would break any moment.
Eren pulled back and drew in a shaky breath.
"Wow." He laughed softly.
"Yeah." Levi smiled back at him.
"We just kissed in the middle of a crowded aquarium."
"We did."
"That's so sickly sweet I could puke."
"Please don't." Levi pulled his head back a few inches.
Eren laughed heartily, wiping away a few stray tears on his sleeve. He grinned and blushed like he always did when he was embrassessed and Levi pulled him close again. He couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with a boy who smiled like that.
--THE END--
Okay, I know what your saying! What? That's the end? That was like two chapters long, the heck? In my defense, it was always going to be this short, so I apologise to anyone who was hoping for much more, but in that case you'll be glad to know that this isn't really the end! Well, it is the end kinda, but there will be an epilogue that takes place in a year from this chapter coming up next! Of course it's you don't have to read it, but imma write it all the same.
So, anyway! This has been a fun ride. This story was initially me trying my hand at romance so feed back is much appreciated! Romance is really the opposite of my forte but if I ever want to write about my fav ships then I gotta start somewhere!
Thank you so much for reading! All your comments and likes make me feel all warm and fuzzy!