Disclaimer: I own none of the characters!

Notes: Fluff warning

Eren did not step on eggshells for Levi.

He was not going to be a good, quiet boy. If Levi pissed him off, Eren would gladly bring it to the prince's attention. Even if it ended up with an angrier Levi in return. If he didn't stand up for himself, he knew he would end up as a doormat. And he couldn't expect Petra to do it for him.

He was a big boy, he could take care of himself.

Eren found that the more time he spent with Levi, the less pissy Levi was. Sure the prince had his moments of getting snappy, but it wasn't as much as it was.

But still…

"Why is Levi always so…touchy?" Eren asked, cutting through an apple.

Petra looked up from her own apple, pausing for a moment as she thought through his question. She wrinkled her nose and eventually shrugged.

"He's just…"

"Little Levi, is cursed!"

Eren and Petra looked up from their bowl of apples as Hanji walked into the kitchen. She threw a bag of books onto the table and waved a hand. A chair flew out from the table and she jumped into it as it spun to a stop. She squealed in delight and scooted up to the table.

"Hanji, your bag is all dirty," Petra scorned softly, pushing the bag away from their apples and dough. Eren laughed.

"Ah, Petra, it's not that bad!" Hanji exclaimed, removing her hat. She sat it on the table by her bag. "Whatcha making?"

"Apple pies," Eren said. "It's my mom's recipe."

"I don't think I've had apple pie before," Hanji murmured.

"How can you not have had apple pie?" Eren cried. She shrugged and opened her bag.

In an instant, six rats jumped out and scampered across the floor. Petra yelped and flew back, right off the chair and to the ceiling. Fairydust fell to the floor in piles as her wings went wild. Eren's eyes widened in shock as the rats ran about.

"HANJI!"

"Hm?" Hanji hummed.

"YOUR RATS!"

"They're familiars!" Hanji defended.

"Why just…why?!" Eren asked, watching the six black rats cautiously.

Hanji pulled out her books and started to flip through them. "They won't bite."

"But they're around the food! Put them up!" Petra squealed.

Hanji sighed and snapped her fingers. "Come here to mama!"

All at once, the rats' ears perked up. They stopped what they were doing and ran over to her, sitting back on their haunches. Hanji aww-ed and ohh-ed, petting them all affectionately before stealing an apple piece to feed to them.

Petra exhaled and fluttered back to her chair. Eren was still fascinated by the rats' obedience.

"They're familiars? Do they have names?" Eren asked. Hanji smiled and nodded.

"Mhm. My babies to do my bidding," Hanji informed. "And of course! This is Sawney, Colossus, Knight, Lady, Bean and Dancer." She held up each rat as she spoke; but to Eren they all looked the same.

"I thought witches had cats…?"

"Oh, I have a cat too. Sort of," Hanji sighed.

"Sort of?" Eren asked.

"Well… he was…is human," Hanji said. "My Moblit. But he had a curse placed on him and I tried to remove it and…well…"

"Hanji has a tendency to make curses worse," Petra said, "when she tries to remove them."

"At least I try!" Hanji cried. "It's not easy being a witch. But that's why I have these." She patted her bag of books, dusting rising into the air. "Spellbooks."

"More research?" Petra asked. Hanji nodded.

"Umm…Hanji…you said Levi was cursed?" Eren said. "Did you do it? By accident of course?"

Hanji wrinkled her nose and sat up straight. She folded her hands and placed her chin on top of them. Her rats crawled up her chair; one falling on her shoulder and the other five curling up in her lap.

"I haven't tried tampering with his curse," Hanji said. "It's very tricky. The first time I did try, even just to examine it, it…it buzzed."

"Buzzed?" Eren asked.

She nodded.

"Buzzed, shocked. It hurt. So I've stayed away since. Moblit's curse was easy. He was just turned into a pumpkin."

"You say it so casually?!" Eren cried. "What?"

"Pumpkin curses are easy to come back from," Petra said. "From what I've heard."

"They are. But…well, I'm always a little off with my spells…"

"But you tried!" Petra added.

"I did try. So I'm trying again with these and hopefully I'll find something to help Levi. And I'll eventually find the right human-spell to turn Moblit back again."

Eren smiled at her enthusiasm. It was genuine. She and Petra just seemed to laugh at her spell flops; Eren guessed turning someone into a cat on accident wasn't the most terrible thing. But his thoughts drifted back to Levi.

"What does Levi's curse…do exactly?"

Hanji and Petra quieted for a moment.

"Well…his curse, for starters, is taking a serious toll on him," Petra said. "He's had it for as long as I can remember."

"Is there a way to reverse it?" Eren asked. "Or break it?"

Hanji made a face. "I don't know about reversing it. But breaking it…"

"He has until his twenty-first birthday," Petra said.

Eren coughed. "His twenty-first? He…He doesn't really…"

"Like Petra said, it's taking a toll on him," Hanji said. "Physically and mentally and emotionally. He gets sick often and he's always tired and irritable."

Eren was still wondering about Levi's age. The man didn't look young. He looked worn and haggard and here Hanji was, telling Eren that the prince was so young. Only a few years older than him.

"So…his twenty-first birthday?"

The women nodded and Petra spoke.

"He'll be twenty at the end of the year. So he'll only have a year to find a way to break the curse."

"The only problem is breaking the curse," Hanji said, eating an apple slice and sharing it with her rat familiars. "Because it's a mystery. That's why I'm doing research."

"And what if…the curse isn't broken by next year?" Eren asked. Petra shuddered.

"Then there'll be no way to break it. He'll remained cursed and—"

The kitchen door opened, and as if summoned by name, Levi waltzed in. He looked around with narrowed eyes and the three grew quiet. Eren swallowed.

"What are you three doing?" Levi asked.

"Making pies," Eren said.

Levi glared at Hanji, who shrugged and fed another piece of apple to her rats. Levi hissed at the sight.

"Fuck, Hanji do you have to feed your rodents at the table?" he groaned, walking around so that he stood between Eren and Petra. He placed a hand on the back of Eren's chair, leaning in his direction even. Eren tried to hide a smile by ducking his head. "What are you two making? Pies, you said?"

"Apple pies, to be exact," Petra said. "Which were meant to be a surprise for dinner." She raised her eyebrows and nodded her head at Levi. The prince made a face, rubbing his head and averting her firm gaze.

"My fucking apologies," Levi muttered. Eren smiled and tugged on his arm.

"Sit down. You can help us."

The ladies looked at him, waiting for a response. Giant green orbs were locked on him, filled with excitement. Levi looked away.

"Tch. If you need someone else to fill your pies get Irwin. I'm not doing kitchen work," Levi announced, pushing away from the chair.

Eren's shoulders dropped and a heavy sigh escaped his lips. He turned his eyes down and back to the knife in his hand to finish chopping the fruit.

"Fine. If you don't want to help, I'll go find him—"

"On second thought," Levi said, cutting Eren off before he could finish his sentence, "I…uh…I doubt he wants to be bothered. It's best if I just…stay here."

"Well, I'm glad you decided to change your mind and be a little social," Eren teased as Levi slipped into the chair by Petra.

"Says the brat who eats in his fucking room."

Their bickering persisted but in no way did Eren ever feel defensive about it. It was light and casual; more friendly then insulting. As friendly as Levi could be, at least.

It took a long time before Eren ventured into the library. It was overwhelming. Intimidating. The bookcases were tall; all of them needing a ladder to reach the top shelves, which stood heads above him (and miles above Levi). The shelves lined the walls and there were even a few book cases that extended into the room, branching off the walls. There was a sitting area, with plush chairs, in front of a grand fireplace. The windows overlooked the courtyard and let in plenty of light; at least during the day. At night, even with the moon's light, the library was dark so Eren carried a set of candles to provide extra light.

He came to the conclusion, after looking around the grand room, that the village library could easily fit inside the castle's library.

The open space smelled of paper and ink and the mix was comforting. The fire crackled warmly, its soft glow giving even more light. It was one of the few rooms that didn't feel like complete ice.

Eren ran his fingers over the book spines, admiring their leather bindings. Even back home, only a few books were leatherbound. He knew Armin would love this library. Hell, he loved it and he couldn't even read. But being in the presence of books was familiar; it reminded him of home. The memory wasn't bitter and for once it didn't make him feel lonesome.

He pulled his hands away as the thought settled in.

It was the first time in a long time that he had thought about home while being alone. He wasn't screaming, he wasn't crying. He wasn't breaking things out of anger and hatred. It was a thought, an actual thought that he was alright with.

He picked out a book and flipped through it, admiring the painted pictures on the pages. He smiled, without even knowing what the story was about, and replaced it back on the shelf. He glanced up and that's when he saw it. The familiar lettering of a book back home…

Eren stood on his tiptoes, trying to reach the leatherbound copy of Attack on Titan. He had started to crawl up shelf when he heard footsteps. Still reaching up, his fingers tapping the book, he looked around at a confused Irwin standing not too far away. There was a stack of books in his hand, a candle set on top of them.

"Need help?" he asked, walking over.

"Ah…a little," Eren said.

"You didn't want to get a ladder?"

"I figured I could reach it if I stretched enough." Eren chuckled lightly as Irwin ran his fingers over the tip of the book, tugging it down. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Irwin said with a smile.

Eren brought the book to his chest, feeling the strong leather under his fingertips. It was an actual hardback book, unlike the flimsy copy Armin had. And the binding was strong and there was even silver embedded in the leather, spelling out the title against the dark black.

"This book is beautiful," Eren said. He glanced at the books in Irwin's arms and tilted his head. "All of these books are. Where does Levi even get them?"

Irwin lowered the books he held so that Eren could better see them. Each book, from what Eren could see, was something of a spellbook or a grimoire, judging by the unfamiliar letterings on the spines.

"The spellbooks are from Hanji and Petra," Irwin said. "The two of them travel frequently, so they're able to bring them back. The other books here have always been here. He inherited them from his parents after they passed."

Eren raised his eyes, his hands trailing the spines of the books Irwin held.

"Have you known Levi long?"

"Since I was your age," Irwin said. "I trained to become a knight and I've served his family ever since."

"That's very noble of you."

"You flatter me," Irwin laughed. He raised a hand, running it along the book spines and brushing against Eren's. The light touch made Eren stop, his breathing hitching lightly. Irwin curled his finger against Eren's palm and the scratching sensation made him shiver. But as soon as it happened, Irwin took a step back. "I need to get these to Hanji."

"Y-Yeah…alright," Eren breathed, nodding slowly as his hand lingered in the air. Irwin ruffled his hair and walked away.

Eren wrapped his arms around the book, this time even tighter. He pressed his back against the bookcase as he caught his breath. His listened to Irwin's heels clicking against the stone floor, the door opening and closing. He was once again engulfed in the sound of warm crackles from the fireplace.

Scratching the leather book, Eren pushed away from the shelf. He hurried over to the fire and sat down on the rug. He would not let himself stay bothered by Irwin or anyone. He had his book, he wanted to finally read it.

Well…look at the pictures at least.

Eren opened the book on the floor, the satisfying sound of the cover being bent back overpowering the fire for a brief moment. The book smelled fresh; the pages worn and tattered on the ends. It had been read through, on multiple occasions, but possibly forgotten by the sound of the bending spine. On the cover, scribbled in the top corner were a few words.

He couldn't make them all out. But he recognized a few: of Levi. Eren assumed the first word said "Property".

He ran his fingers over the front page and opened it up. There were pictures; beautifully drawn pictures of grotesque scenes. People living in fear of monsters outside a wall. That's what he understood from the pictures. From what Armin had told him…

Eren heard the door open and close. He looked around, waiting to see who it could be.

"Good evening, Levi," Eren called once the prince was in sight. He waved a little as Levi walked over to him.

"Irwin told me you were lurking around in here," Levi informed. Eren smiled and nodded.

"Well…here I am."

"No shit," Levi replied. He shook his head and walked closer. "What were you two doing in here?"

Eren could hear, under the coolness of his voice, a hint of worry. Even jealousy, perhaps?

"He was looking for something for Hanji," Eren said. He held up his book. "I was just looking around."

At the sight of the book, Levi's eyes genuinely lit up. Eren's smile grew.

"You like this book?"

"It's one of my favorites," Levi said. He had been walking towards the armchair, but his direction drastically changed at the book. He walked over to Eren and sat down by him, looking down at the pictures. "Have you read it before?"

A red color came to Eren's cheeks. He looked down and shook his head shyly.

"N-Not yet…," Eren said. "My friend was going to read it to me…but he never got a chance…"

"Read it then."

"Levi…," Eren sighed as he turned his eyes up to Levi's. He picked at the edges of the book, chewing his lip as Levi waited. "I sort of…can't…"

There was a twitch in Levi's mouth. Eren looked away again, down at the picture on the book. Levi stood up.

"Wait here."

"Huh?"

"Just…don't go anywhere," Levi snapped. He turned and hurried off as quickly as his tired body would let him.

Eren watched, with wide eyes, as the prince disappeared into the darkened library. He was ashamed. He was embarrassed. He was in the presence of a prince, who could read and write, and he could barely make out letters.

As quickly as Levi left, he was right back. He carried a sack, from what Eren could see. He dropped it on the carpet and kneeled down. He pulled the sack open and presented a round ball with cautious fingers.

"What is that?" Eren asked curiously. Levi held it up and tapped it three times.

"Petra made it," Levi said. "It was originally for Hanji, to help her with her late-night studying…"

The ball clicked and opened. A wire of sorts spiraled out, little golden balls hanging from the wire as it uncurled itself. It hovered over them, creating a little halo. As it stopped moving, the balls started to glow, providing more light than the candles.

Eren's eyes lit up just as bright as the golden lights. Green orbs sparkled in amazement.

"It's beautiful," Eren said. He looked at Levi and the prince quickly looked down at the book, pulling it close. Eren was sure he saw a smile on the prince's face…

"I want to read it to you," Levi whispered. "As long as you won't be offended."

Eren's heart started to race.

"Y-You don't…have to do that…"

"I know," Levi said. "But…it's my fault your friend can't read it to you now. And I…I want to."

Eren squeaked. Louder than he wanted to. Levi cheekily grinned and raised the book.

"That means yes," Levi said.

Eren scooted close enough so that their shoulders brushed against each other. Levi slid the book over, resting part of it on Eren's lap, the other half still on his.

Levi started to read with a smooth, soft voice. The story's tragedies came through on that silky tone, each word deliberate and perfect. Eren didn't know half of them, but that didn't subtract from the intensity of the story; or the enchantment of Levi's reading.

Eren's heart sped up. His cheeks felt hot. But that heat came from inside; not from the fire before them. Levi's scent was intoxicating; that sweet musk and lavender was stronger up close. Eren inhaled, just to take in more, and he closed his eyes.

All the warm aromas he knew—the spices and nutmeg and cinnamon—everything that was familiar could not compare to this. To the cool feeling of lavender on his tongue, trapping his mind in all that is Levi.

He shifted, leaning closer, and his hand brushed against Levi's. The prince stopped reading and looked at Eren.

"Are you asleep, brat?"

Eren's eyes shot open. He realized how close he was. That his eyes had been closed as he inhaled Levi's scent and listened to his voice. As Levi stopped talking, the sound of Eren's racing heart filled his ears, drowning everything out.

"N-No…," Eren finally breathed, once he found his shaking voice.

Their eyes locked for what felt like an eternity. Neither of them said a word; their breaths mixing in the warm air. Eren's eyes fluttered and his tongue felt dry in his mouth. He curled his finger under his hand and felt a little twist under his digit. Levi's finger linked around his, pulling it from his palm.

Eren gasped as Levi ran his cold fingers over his own. Their fingertips interlocked in the dark of their shadows, perfectly hidden even from them.

Finally, Eren closed his eyes. And as he did he leaned forward until he was inches from from Levi's face. Until he could feel Levi's black hair tickling the tip of his nose.

"L-Levi, I—"

Levi pressed his hand to Eren's lips, before he could finish talking. The prince exhaled and his brow furrowed like he was in some struggle.

"That's enough reading for tonight, I think," Levi whispered. "We should continue some other time."

A pleading, questioning look came into Eren's eyes. Levi gestured to the window and to the rising sun.

"I have to go," Levi replied firmly.

He pulled away and hastily got to his feet. He closed the book and sat it on the armchair. He picked up the glowing light stand, putting it back into its compact container. He looked back at the window and the warm glow from the sun. He glanced at the fireplace and went to put out the rest of the embers.

But he never once looked at Eren.

Eren was still breathless. He was still a little shaky. His heart was still racing and it was still hard to make out sounds. All he could comprehend, in such a short moment, was that Levi was gone; the warmth at his shoulder was gone.

The warmth that had been wrapped around his hand with delicate care was gone.

And in a matter of seconds, Levi was mumbling a "good bye" and a "sorry" and was disappearing into the library. Eren sat on the floor, in the same position Levi had left him in. Levi's ghosting presence left him lonely and cold.

He didn't fully understand what it meant to be intimate with someone, but he was sure that was it. They had shared the same area and breathed each other's breaths and scents. They had spent the night together with their bodies close and warm and the sensation was still lingering.

Eren mustered up enough energy to let himself fall onto the rug. He flopped easily and stared ahead at the dead, cold fireplace. He curled into a ball, listening to the last few crackles. Birds flew by the window, practically shadows against the oranges and yellows of the morning sky. A chill fell over Eren's skin and his toes miserably curled.

What had come over him? Why would he think of Levi like that? The prince had moments of kindness and he was tolerable, at best. So why did Eren feel so comfortable around him? Why did Eren want him to stay?

How could he crave the lips of the cursed prince when he had never kissed anyone before? He couldn't crave what he never experienced and yet he knew that he wanted it. In that moment, he saw Levi as something more than just a prince, but a man. A person. An individual who was human with a beating heart and red blood and emotions and feelings and everything that makes up a living creature.

Being cursed didn't make Levi any less human. And Eren wondered if Levi was realizing it too.