Chapter Text
They stand in the carpeted hallway as Eren locks the door and Levi watches him carefully as he does so.
He removes the key from the door and pockets it before he lifts his hand to the knob once again, twisting the handle three times, movements purposeful and precise. He twists three times more. And then an extra three follow.
Levi breathes out deeply and Eren looks to him, satisfied with his work, but the question in his furrowed brows and watchful green eyes is evident: okay? Levi nods softly, okay.
Eren grins in response, a bright expression full of crooked teeth and chapped lips. He holds out one tan hand, fingers splayed and palm upwards. Levi reaches into his own pocket to produce the bottle of hand sanitiser he never leaves the house without and squeezes a glob into the waiting hand. Eren rubs his hands together, quick but thorough.
The smell is strong between them and the alcohol burns at the back of Levi's throat, he likes it regardless. It smells of tension leaving his shoulders and the steadying of thoughts that seem to never quiet.
Eren reaches back out towards him once done and wiggles his fingers, Levi accepts the offered hand and Eren immediately attaches himself to the shorter male's side. Levi finds himself incredibly thankful for the added warmth in the biting winter air.
As they walk away from their apartment, hand in hand, Levi's thoughts begin racing with what feels like every worst case scenario. He feels Eren against him, and reassures himself everything is fine .. lights off, appliances unplugged, the door is locked. The door is definitely locked. He lets the calm wash over him .. a feeling rarely experienced before Eren and his compliance to Levi's oddities.