Death: So I'm decided. For now, there won't be pairings, but hints of a pairing and see how it goes. If people really want to see it happen, then I will do it. However, warning that most of the cute moments might be in side stories, as this is meant to be a dark fic.
Chapter Four To Belong
=3=
Erwin gulped at the sight of Levi's limp body. His heart sunk to his stomach, and a part of him wanted to leap down from the safety of the trees to the ground. However, he rationalized that it would be a bad idea for the moment, as the older assassin was still down there.
But he wasn't the only one that had that impulse. Heart raced when quite a few landed on the ground, about to close in when Eren attacked, roaring as he ran. Out of reflex Kenny shot from his other gun, and in one instance Eren was running. In the next instance smoke and lightning filled the clearing, and as it cleared there Eren stood.
A fifteen meter Titan in all his glory.
Dark hair down past pointed ears, green eyes flashed with anger and intent to kill. The lithe and muscular body flexed as he released another roar, one that sent chills down every spine that was there. And even the assassin that feared nothing, couldn't move as he took in the sight before him.
Now is the time to do it. It's a gamble, but this man might see some sense.
Erwin swiftly landed behind Kenny, effectively stopping Eren from another attack. The assassin turned and grit his teeth at the sight of the commander. His hold on Levi tightened, as if afraid to lose him once again.
If Levi is an enemy to him now, then why is he being overprotective?
"I will strike a deal. And you have the choice whether to take it or not. You leave him with us, and you will be free to go. However, if you attempt to kill me, you will have more than a Titan to deal with." Erwin's eyes never strayed from the cornered assassin as he motioned to everyone that surrounded them.
There was an intense moment of silence. The very air around them was choking as they waited for some sort of answer. Erwin stared hard into the other man's narrowed eyes, keeping his poker face perfect as the dangerous man glared death daggers at him.
Very slowly the man relented, putting his guns away. Still holding his nephew with one arm, he reached out a hand with an attempt to shake on it. Erwin cautiously accepted the hand shake, and felt the other hand tighten like a coiled snake.
"You got yourself a deal, Commander Erwin. But let me make myself clear. Say nothing in your reports on me or this little shit, you hear? If my job gets compromised because of you, you will meet a very bloody and messy death."
"Duly noted. I wasn't planning of writing about this anyways." Erwin struggled to keep his face stone cold.
"And one more thing. Levi is my pride and joy. I taught him everything he knows. If I find out you lot hurt him, or allowed him to die in your missions outside the walls, I swear here and now that I will wipe out the entire Survey Corp."
The threat in those hardened eyes were sincere. Despite their differences, Erwin understood where the man was coming from. And so he tightened his own hand, ensuring the assassin with his own strength that he will personally keep to that promise.
"I will do everything in my power to make sure nothing happens to him. You have my word on that."
"Tch. I'll hold you to that, Commander Erwin. Oh, and don't fret about his condition. The bullet was coated with Death Sleep Serum. It should wear off in the next forty-eight to seventy-four hours." And with that the assassin handed over his nephew.
With one last look at the unconscious form, Kenny turned and walked away. He never looked back as he used his gear and disappeared among the trees. As soon as he was gone a number of Scouts ran to Erwin, who was still holding the tiny form that protected him.
"The bleeding has already stopped, but the wound needs to be cleaned." Hange noted, checking for a pulse.
"Erwin, that was by far the most dangerous deal you have ever made." Mike glared, almost reprimanding. "But for fuck's sake, that was a good call. It could have ended a lot worse."
"I was trying to avoid anyone else getting hurt or worse, killed. Oh Hange, I need you to work on an antidote for the Death Sleep Serum. I still have the bottle I took from Levi, will that be enough for you to work with?"
"Is that what the serum is called?" Hange adjusted their glasses. "Well, it is a small bottle. I can give it a whirl. If need be I can take samples of his blood for a better understanding of how it works."
"Just work with the bottle. If that's not enough, then you can take samples. And please don't go overboard with studying his blood, I know you like to examine everyone's biology to find everything out about them."
"Aww, but sir! It's the best way to get to know a person!" Hange joked, even laughing at the act.
"Let's get back to base. Eren, do you need help out of there?" Erwin peered up at the Titan.
At the sight of him running a hand through his hair nervously was answer enough. With a nod the commander turned to Mikasa.
"I've read the reports of your performance of being precise in your cuts. Think you can get him out?"
"Of course, sir." Without another word she used her gear to guide herself into position. When everyone was clear out of the danger zone Mikasa made quick work of slicing open the neck.
The titan body slumped over, dead. Eren pulled himself out of the fast decaying body with ease as hot steam filled the air. His gear was damaged from the transformation, so he was among the small group that had to wait for horses brought to them.
As they waited he wouldn't leave Levi's side, concern and worry written all over his face. For some unknown reason Erwin felt overwhelmed with jealousy. He fought the urge to make the boy focus on something else, but he had no solid reason to distract Eren. To his displeasure Hange needed their help to keep track of Levi's condition.
"Any changes of his heart rate?" Hange inquired, never looking up from their work of cleaning the bullet wound with a clean cloth.
"No changes." Erwin was trying not to lose focus on how unbearably cold the assassin's skin felt, as he felt the very weak and nearly unnoticeable pulse. If he hadn't known of the Death Sleep Serum beforehand, he would have honestly believed Levi was dead.
"No changes in his breathing, either." Eren nibbled his lip. "Hange, is he going to be okay?"
"I believe he'll be fine. What I find curious is that he might be related to your sister." Hange peered over a shoulder to stare at a disgruntled Mikasa. "Think I can test your blood with his to confirm what his uncle said? He never met you, and he said your last name. Don't you find that curious?"
"To be honest, I don't know what to think. My parents never made any mention of other known family in the cities before they died. All I figured was that they were running away from something, since we lived so far from society." Mikasa also couldn't shake off the memory of earlier this morning.
"Why are you staring?"
"Nothing. It's just you remind me of someone, but can't remember."
"You look like an Ackerman. You remind me of this little shit's mother, who couldn't survive the Underground City. She killed herself, or starved to death, I can't remember the full details. Point is, she was weak and pathetic."
What the assassin said moments ago also disturbed her. It couldn't be a coincidence both of them recognized her as one of their own. Even if Levi couldn't quite pinpoint who she reminded him of, he still saw her as someone familiar when they never met until yesterday.
"Hange, don't push the issue. I don't want to hear you stole samples of her hair just to satisfy your curiosity. It might be better off for them to not find closure and leave it as a mystery." Erwin sent the scientist a stern look.
"Okay, okay. But don't get mad at me if they decide to find out for themselves." Hange made one last swipe of the wound before setting aside the cloth. They pulled out the bandage wraps.
"Okay sir, pull him up for me so I can wrap up his shoulder."
"You're not pulling the bullet out, Hange?" Eren grew concerned, watching as Erwin carefully pulled Levi upright just enough for them to wrap.
"Too deep to reach in and pull out. And I don't want to open him up and risk severing his nerves or blood vessels. At this point it's easier to make sure it doesn't get infected and hope he's not allergic to certain metals."
"And if he is allergic to certain metals?"
"Then we would have no choice but to open him up and retrieve it." Hange said matter of fact, as if it was a normal every day experience.
"Hange, stop freaking him out. I can tell you're enjoying this." Erwin could see the grin on their face that was hidden from Eren's view.
"But sir, I find this cute! Eren is so adorable, I can't help but mess with him! And I can't help but exploit his feelings, I think he's got a little crush."
"I do not! What the hell, Hange? I only see him as a friend!" Eren sputtered, cheeks flushed and eyes wide.
At the sight Edwin felt his chest tighten. He found he couldn't really look at Eren in the eye for the rest of the day, as he kept his eyes solely on Levi. When the wound was wrapped they buttoned up his shirt and vest. Just as they finished the group that was to retrieve the horses for them appeared through the trees.
"So does this mean he's one of us now?" Jean spoke for all of them, he could see the question lingering in their eyes, but they couldn't ask.
"He put his own life on the line to protect me. I think that speaks for an answer. And might I add that he lost something out of this. He lost his uncle. It's a lot harder than it looks to turn against your own family." Erwin could see the unease leave their faces as his words sunk in.
He risked his life and what little family he had left. All to protect me. What did I do to deserve you to throw your life down for me?
Levi was a living puzzle to him. One minute, he hated his guts for one little mistake. Then the next minute he got in between a bullet that was aimed to kill him. Levi was only lucky it missed his head and hit his shoulder instead.
Without another word Erwin got up on his horse before extending an arm for Hange to send up the former assassin. With the help of Eren, Hange secured Levi in front of the commander. Erwin secured an arm around the tiny waist, realizing this had not been the first time he had to do this, even if it was a different situation.
"What should we do about Stella?" Petra pointed at the dark mare, as she gently nuzzled her new owner, ears flicked back in forth in confusion.
"If she lets anyone to lead her, then do so. But if she's too freaked out then let her be. She might walk beside me." He watched as Krista took the reins, whispering sweet words of comfort as she lead the mare to her own horse.
The mare got nervous, but followed the young girl anyway. Stella often turned her head to have another look at her rider, and Erwin could see she was confused. When all riders assembled, the commander lead the way out of the forest. The ride back to headquarters was uneventful, and for that they were all grateful.
=3=
Hange had come up with a possible antidote rather quickly. It took one night and half a day, and even though it wasn't a definite antidote, they felt it was close enough. It hasn't been tested yet, but it will be soon enough. First, they had to go retrieve Erwin from his office.
When you finish the antidote, come get me. I'll be in my office. I want to be there when he wakes up.
Hange didn't understand why the commander wanted to be around when the former assassin woke up. The short man was never a polite person to be around when he woke up, he had an attitude and foul mouth up until his first cup of tea.
With this in mind Hange started a fresh kettle. Once it was done they brought it to Levi's room with the container of his favorite tea flavor. It's not like Hange had anything for Levi, but they paid attention to every little detail. And after the incident of his uncle, it was a good gesture to wake up to a fresh hot cup. It might improve his mood, for Hange had a feeling he was going to endure a long talk with Erwin.
With the kettle, tea cups and tea settled, Hange began to head up to Erwin's office. It wasn't far, and they wondered why Erwin put so much trust in Levi so quickly to put his bedroom just a hallway and around the corner of the commander's office. Maybe it had something to do with Levi taking a bullet for him. And Levi might not have done it if Edwin hadn't displayed a shaky form of trust from the beginning.
Who would have thought that act of trust could change two people so deeply. Although most of the Survey Corp saw a huge leap with Levi, Hange saw Erwin changed, too. The man had always kept everyone at arms length, viewing everyone as his subordinates that will most likely die under his command. Because of that burden, he didn't allow too many people close. It had bothered Hange, for they knew that no human couldn't live without some form of relationship just to remain sane throughout their lives.
And somehow Levi managed to break down Erwin's walls and not care for the consequences. Or perhaps Levi acted upon the instinct to put his life down on the one person who showed him respect and trust, something they suspected Levi's uncle never did. At least not openly or often enough.
"Sir? The antidote is ready." Hange knocked before opening the door. They stopped short to see the commander, still awake, was staring out the window.
"Has he woken up yet?" Erwin didn't turn around, but there was exhaustion in his voice that the Hange the man hadn't slept at all.
"Actually, sir, I was waiting to administer the antidote until you were there. And don't worry, I don't plan on bringing Eren and his group for this. I know he hates crowds, and we seem to be the few he puts a lot of trust in." Hange didn't understand why they didn't see this before, but they had the sense Erwin was becoming possessive over Levi.
"Well then, we better get going then." Erwin left the window, and Hange gasped.
What Levi did effected him so much he hasn't shaved since then. I don't think the poor man has slept, either.
Hange began to feel guilty for teasing Eren, now. They had been so caught up with making the boy squirm to notice the silent hurt the commander was feeling. Hange made a note not to tease anyone about a possible crush ever again.
"Right. I even set up to make tea for everyone. Hope you don't mind, I know you prefer coffee. But I thought it might help Levi, even picked up his favorite flavor. It might be old fashioned, but I think it's cute the way he's all about the tea." Hange smiled knowingly, noting the curious expression on the commander's face.
"Well, one cup of tea wouldn't hurt." Erwin shrugged, almost sheepish at the action.
"That's the spirit, sir!" Hange cheered as they opened the door. "Warning, because of the heart rate increasing at a rapid rate he might have a panic attack. Or worse case scenario, a heart attack. This is also the other reason why I only want you around, because this little spitfire might be too strong for me."
"You couldn't find a way to avoid either of those from happening?" Erwin sent a worried look.
"I still need to work on the kinks, but I'm worried about how long his heart has been low for so long. He didn't explain if the body underwent any damages because of this serum. I don't even think he knows of the full side effects of waking up from this." Hange readied the needle with the antidote.
Erwin watched intently as the needle went in, the antidote entering the blood stream as he made tea for all of them. He didn't touch the sugar or honey, as he didn't know how they took their tea. But for his own he added some honey, ignoring the more expensive ingredient.
The antidote worked fast, the breathing increased to normal, pulse quickening. However the effect was too strong, as steel grey eyes opened with a gasp as if he had been held down underwater for too long. The sudden action was too much for his body, and suddenly he couldn't breathe anymore.
It was as Hange predicted, the antidote induced a panic attack. Levi pushed Hange, who still had the needle in hand, away and they landed on the floor. Taking action Erwin cautiously went to the short man's side when he tried to stand up.
"Don't try to stand, you'll only make yourself dizzy." The commander said softly, keeping calm.
Levi snarled, attempting to punch the taller man, only it didn't work well, his strength failing him. As the former assassin fell, Erwin caught him, lowering both of them to the floor and propped the smaller body on his knee. No longer caring if the young man would forever hate him for breaking the boundaries of touch, Erwin gently rubbed the lower back to the shoulders.
"Breathe, just breathe. Focus on breathing for me." He only received a glare at that, so Erwin had to think of a different tactic.
"Know what, just try breathing with me. Breathe in. Breathe out. Slowly, there, that's it. Breathe in, breathe out."
They remained like this for a few minutes. Hange watched the display, suddenly feeling like a stranger in the room. They thought about leaving them be to give them space, but the noise of the door closing might distract Levi from the breathing exercise. And so despite feeling uncomfortable, Hange remained sitting on the floor, watching the two progress on their still shaky trust.
Or maybe it's not as shaky as it was. The incident with the bullet changed everything.
But was it a change for the better or worse? Would it end happily or in pain? Those were questions that ran through Hange's head. Only time will tell, they guessed. For right now, Hange will keep their concerns silent. It was better to let them experience whatever this was going for them first, Hange didn't want to ruin anything.
"Fuck that shit. I hate waking up from that shitty serum." Levi breathed out, voice raw from the panic attack.
"This isn't the first time?" Erwin inquired curiously. He earned another glare.
"Yeah, Kenny had to administer it to me in my training. Apparently some of his other pupils had an allergic reaction and died from it. He had to check and make sure I didn't have the same problem." Levi blinked several times as memories of how he ended up like this came back.
"Shit. I chose you over my uncle, didn't I? And what happened to you? You look like an old man now with that beard on your face."
"Are you regretting that decision, Levi? And mind you, I haven't had the time to shave."
Somehow, that almost felt like a test. Levi stared hard into the blue eyes that haunted him wherever he went. For once he wasn't afraid to look at Erwin in the face. He was confronting the very face that made him nervous whenever those eyes bore into him, the face of the man that confused him more than anyone else he had encountered in his life.
"No. Before you start doubting me, I don't regret what I did. I'm just getting over the shock of it. I never thought I'd live to see the day I would turn on my uncle. I never had the guts to ever try." Suddenly feeling nervous again, Levi fully sat up before pulling himself to sit on the edge of the bed.
Taking the hint, Erwin stood up. He retrieved an unclaimed cup of tea.
"How do you take your tea? We have sugar and honey."
"Wait, there's tea? And honey, I take it with two spoons of honey. I despise sugar." Levi regained his composure.
"You can thank Hange for making it." Erwin hid his smile at the sugar remark.
"I figured you might appreciate to have tea. And I think I have to reconsider the antidote, or perhaps I gave you too big of a dose. You are so tiny, I think I gave you the same amount for someone with normal height and weight." Hange laughed nervously.
"Shit, bloody four eyes! I thought I was having a heart attack." Levi glared, accepting the offered cup and took a sip.
"I'll be sure to remember next time!"
"Tch. I'll take your word for now. And there won't be a next time if I have anything to say about it." Levi resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "So, what happened when I was out? I was afraid Kenny would have killed all of you and I'd wake up in a torture room."
To ignore their expressions of shock he took another long sip of his tea. He didn't quite feel like explaining the last part.
"Well, you missed Eren turning into a Titan." Hange filled in. "He tried to attack your uncle, and he got shot in the process. I guess the pain triggered him to transform. Before he could tear Kenny apart, Erwin swooped in with a last minute deal."
"A deal? Kenny never strikes a deal with anyone, especially from targets." Levi raised an eyebrow.
"Well he did. He was surrounded, no way to escape even if he did kill Erwin. And there was a Titan there, to boot. I have never seen Eren so livid. Anyway, the deal was that he left you behind and he will be allowed to leave. As long as he didn't attack anyone."
"That does sound like Kenny. He cared more about himself than anything else." Levi gazed at his tea, trying to ignore the hurt he felt at his own statement.
Why am I feeling this hurt? I've always known he would do something like that. So why does it hurt?
"He might have done it to save his hide, but he did care about you. He came for you, and tried to take you back. And just before he left, he told me that if something happened to you he swore he would wipe out the entire Scout Legion." Erwin felt it was important that Levi knew what his uncle had said.
At that the former assassin stared at him, his face expressionless and guarded. After a moment Levi broke eye contact for another sip from his cup. He didn't know how to respond to the idea his uncle, who never showed any comforting touch or words, actually did care about him.
"So, what happens now? I assume there's a reason why you're here, Erwin." Levi redirected the conversation on purpose.
"Well, that all depends on you. You did stop a bullet from killing me. Does that mean you're taking up my offer?" Erwin was growing used to the glares.
"I have nowhere else to go. So, yes, I'm taking your offer."
"You do have a place. Your place is here now. I'm looking forward to the day you realize that being with us means home to you."
"You sound corny, Eyebrows."
At the ridiculous expression Levi chuckled. He was starting to finally feel comfortable here.
"What? Your eyebrows astound me, sir. They're so big and bushy on that face of yours. Just be glad your nickname from me isn't permanently Brat, like Eren. Or Shitty Glasses." At the last nickname Levi stared at Hange.
"You have a strange way of giving people nicknames." Erwin commented, although smiling.
"Better than old man. You're sixteen years my senior."
At the mention of the amount in age difference Hange spat out their tea and started laughing uncontrollably. They didn't even care or notice that they almost choked on their drink.
"Oi. What's so funny, Shitty Glasses?"
"Oh, please don't mind me. It's nothing, I swear! It's just…" Hange was lost in another fit of laughter. They didn't even seem fazed at the deadly glare from the short man, for they saw the blush on the commander's face and couldn't hold in the laugh.
"Okay, Levi I'm sorry! Ow! That hurt!"
Levi had kicked Hange's shin to make the laughing stop. He was annoyed at whatever they found hilarious. It was worse with Erwin blushing. He felt as if he had missed something and he didn't like being left out. Erwin cleared his throat.
"Anyway, Levi, I just wanted to be the first person to say this."
"What, that I'm the only one who doesn't understand what's going on? Because that would be great."
"Welcome to the Survey Corp."
Feeling his heart flutter at those words Levi quickly finished his tea. He was so flustered he didn't even notice the fluid had gone cold. Never in his life was he appreciated to be part of their lives, let alone welcomed as if he had just arrived home after being away for so long.
Home. That almost has a nice ring to it.
=3=
Death: So, what do you think? I'm sorry for teasing between two people for Levi to be paired with, but I decided long ago who to pair him with. I just decided to tease a little as a tribute for those who wanted to see that particular pairing.
So for those who wanted to see Eren and Levi together, please forgive me. And before any of you start thinking that there's going to be a three way battle, no, it's not going to be the horrors of Twilight. This isn't a fluffy romance novel. This is mainly a dark fic, but that doesn't mean I won't sneak in light moments. I personally don't like stories so dark it's depressing, so I like to liven them up with cuteness.
Also, the rapid pace of finishing chapters is slightly disturbing to me. This hasn't happened to me before. It's not strange to any of you, right? The fast pace of updates? Because I'm not sure if it's a good thing or bad thing.
Anyways please leave a review.