Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“No”
Levi’s voice was stern, his tone harsh as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Levi, we’ve talked about this, and you don’t have a choice, like it or not you have to do this,” Hanji said, her tone matching the shorter male’s.

He turned to her, “I-” Levi paused, gritting his teeth together before sighing, “I can manage a few more days, and then-”

“And then what?! You know what happens if you don’t eat, and I won’t be responsible for another clean up when you go feral because you chose to neglect your own needs.” Hanji pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance, “Do you think this is ideal for any of us?”

Levi bit his lip, his arms falling to his sides. She reached out, setting a hand on his shoulder, “Look, I know it doesn’t get easier, but you’ll do more harm than good if you don’t take care of yourself.” Her phone buzzed in her pocket, she reached for it, checking the notification.

“Look, I gotta go, we’re going again in a few days and if you don’t figure something out, you’ll just have to come with us.” With that said, she patted Levi’s shoulder comfortingly and left, the clicking of the closed door echoing in the apartment.

Levi mentally cursed himself, brushing his charcoal-colored hair behind his ears before nervously biting his nails. He knew he had to feed, but he didn’t care much for the killing aspect, it made him feel less human than he already was. He had his own rules when it came to hunting, no children, no women, and if it could be helped, no one with a family.

Although when it comes to hunting, everyone is a stranger.

Once every week, himself, Hanji, and a few others with the same affliction who they'd come to know one way, or another would group together and pick off a few strangers in the city. Anyone who was unfortunate enough to be out and about on the streets in the ungodly hours of the morning were free game, they had to be careful though, or else rumors would begin of a serial killer and mass disappearances weren’t a good look either.

Levi stared out the window for a moment, it was the early hours of the morning and still pitch-black outside. He had few joys in life, one being the little coffee shop he had come to frequent when he felt like socializing, at least to the extent of putting in an order with a barista and watching as others did the same. It made him feel like he was a part of the world again.

He worked from home, and apart from seeing Hanji, Erwin, and the others he didn’t get out much. Levi paced, but as he watched the sunrise, he decided it was time for his usual black coffee.

Chapter Text

The jingle of the doorbell was familiar, along with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and blueberry muffins.

“Good morning!” A chipper but sleep deprived brunet greeted him.

“Morning,” Levi replied with a half-smile, casually looking over at the younger male as he approached the counter. “I just need a small black coffee.”

“Anything else?”

“No, that’ll be it.” He said as he took out his card. Levi noticed the dark circles under his eyes, but it somehow illuminated the emerald green in them. He must’ve been looking over him a bit too long as he was given a confused look, followed by “Is there anything else I can help you with?” Levi had to admit, the head tilt that followed with the question was quite charming.

“No, uh sorry, just kind of sleep deprived.” Well, it wasn’t a complete lie.

The other smiled, “Trust me, I understand. I was in college for about a month and picking up overnight shifts here. I was lucky to get in a two-hour nap.”

The brunet leaned against the counter as he spoke. “I flunked out, but now at least I have a healthy sleep schedule- well, healthier, I guess. What about you? Just an insomniac?”

This was the first time in a long time he’d held a conversation that wasn’t with Hanji or anyone else in his group, it was refreshing to say the least. “Pretty much, I like it more at night anyways, it’s peaceful.”

“Peaceful? In this city? That’s rare.”

Levi half smiled, “Yeah I guess so.”

Just as Eren was about to respond, Petra walked up with his order in hand.

“Here you go, just be careful, I’m sure you know this but it's hot.”

Levi took the cup, thanking him and turned to leave.

“Sir, wait!”

He turned back to him, Eren had a wrapper in hand, one he’d usually package a scone with to give to a customer, but this one was empty. He had written his number down, now handing it to Levi.

“Sorry, didn’t catch your name, but um, if you wanna keep talking then, here.”

Of course, handing your number out to customers wasn't recommended, but when it came to flirting Eren was admittedly out of his element. Sure, he could lean in and smile, but being 'flirty' wasn't a top personality trait of his. His heart fluttered seeing him take it, but the lack of verbal response had him antsy if he would actually hear from the shorter male again.

Levi took it, not sure how to respond, but folded it and slipped it into his pocket. He sipped his coffee on the way home, something about that smile, that canty tone of the other, don’t get him wrong he knew he couldn’t have a normal relationship, but the fantasy of it all engulfed his mind. By the time he stepped back into the threshold of his home, well he already had their wedding planned. Of course, it was embarrassing, projecting his fantasies onto some poor barista, although the thought occurred to him, he had his number… maybe a night of make believe could be what he needed.

Chapter Text

Eren got off work late, one of the other employees had been a no-call no-show, forcing Petra's hand in asking him to stay later. Of course, he didn't mind helping her out, at this point she was more of a friend than a co-worker.

"I really appreciate it, Eren" Petra said as she finished wiping the front counter, along with cleaning the baked goods display.

"No problem, it's not too late anyways." The brunet shrugged with a smile, honestly, being at the shop was quite the step up from his current living situation.

Petra threw the rag in her hand to the side, "Soooo~"

Eren tilted his head, "Um, sooo?"

"C'mon, I saw you give that guy your number today, he was hot! You can't tell me you haven't been dying to check your messages." Petra didn't have much going on in the love department, so living vicariously through her non suave coworker/friend was obviously the next best thing.

He sighed, he never set the bar high when it came to getting another guy's attention, he'd been single since his junior year of high school and usually his attempts of subtle flattery were either ignored or just a little too subtle.

"Fine, I'll check my messages before I go," Eren opened his phone, "I'm telling you there's no way he's interested."

He almost choked on those words as he realized he had a new message from an unknown number, a simple 'Hey, you gave me your number today, I'm Levi'

Petra smiled wide as she read over the other's body language, "Oh my god, he messaged you, didn't he?!"

"Um, er, yeah he did actually," the brunet's mind raced as he tried to think of what to send back.

"Ooo, someone's gonna have a date~" she said in a sing songy tone.

"Yeah, should we start planning the wedding too?" He asked as his thumbs danced across his phone's keyboard. 'Nice to meet you! I'm Eren, just in case you missed the name tag, lol'

"Oh come on, in almost the year I've known you, I've never seen you go out, let alone give your number to someone. Let me have this." Petra teased

Eren rolled his eyes, still smiling, "Fine, well I'm gonna head out, but I'll be in at eight in the morning."

She waved her hand at him, "Go on, go text your new boyfriend."

Eren waved goodbye as his attention split from watching his feet in front of him to his cell phone. 'I remember, so, you give your number to all the customers or am I lucky?'

He blushed as he read it over, 'Um not usually, we were having a nice conversation, and I just couldn't help myself.'

'I work from home, so I don't get out much, getting a coffee now and then reminds me that the rest of the world exists.' Levi responded.

It was only a fifteen-minute walk back to his home, and the closer the brunet came to his destination the more his stomach knotted. Texting Levi was a welcome distraction as he knew the moment he stepped foot into his house, the same stench of alcohol and cigarette smoke that permeated the air would be there to greet him. Eren didn't smoke, and usually only drank socially on occasion. However, his father did, the past four years since his mother's passing had made him a shell of the man he once was. He developed the habit of coming home, crossing his fingers that his father was either out replenishing his devices or somewhere in the house passed out for the evening.

'I can't imagine being stuck in the house all day, I like being social, I'm just bad at it usually'

'You must have been close to shaking handing me your number then'

He wasn't wrong, in fact he was surprised he didn't mix up a number or two while scribbling it down on that wrapper.

'I'm happy you could read it well enough to text me :)'

The butterflies in his stomach were slowly replaced with the dread of turning the doorknob to his home as he walked up to door. He peeked in, the usual odor hitting him along with the soft glow and murmur of their old tv. Eren stepped in carefully, slowly shutting the door behind him as he soon realized Grisha was passed out on the living room floor. It was easy enough to tip toe around him, and once he was in his room he shut the door behind him, finally feeling some sense of relief and security.

'I am too, you know I'm not exactly very social myself, but besides coffee I enjoy going out for dinner here and there. Would be a lot more fun to have someone to go with.'

Eren bit his lip, this was his chance.

'I've lived in the city a few years now, but I haven't eaten out much around here'

'I'd say that we should change that'

Chapter Text

“You’re insane, you know that right?”

“I knew I should’ve kept it to myself.”

Hanji stood, arms crossed, “You barely leave this place as it is, and even then, it’s for what you’re supposed to be doing, and now what? You wanna play dress up? You don’t even realize the opportunity here! He meets all your little criteria, just get it out the way and you won’t go feral.”

Levi kept his eye on the full-length mirror in front of him, it was a simple button up with black jeans and black Doc Martens. “He’s young Hanji, flunked out of college, he’s barely lived life and you're heartless enough to want to drain him already?”

“I will never understand the concern, you know we have to survive too, and you're closer than any in the group to go feral at the moment.”

He crossed his arms, opening his jaw and emitting his fangs out on display, “These. This is what draws the line between us and them, do you remember what humanity feels like, do you ever think about what happens after we’re done meeting our needs? “

“Tsk, here we go, they’ve hunted most of us to extinction and you’re worried about flirting with the enemy. Why don’t you stick to your own kind? I really wouldn’t want to have to intervene here.” As kind-hearted as Hanji could be, she wasn't risking anyone of her friend's lives, or her own life for that matter. Besides, in her eyes, humans and vampires mingling among each other in a romantic sense, it was more disgraceful than it was tragic. She thought it was selfish on Levi's part as well, stringing the poor boy along, making him think he was normal, when in reality he was the same monster as the rest of them.

Levi’s eyes shifted from their normal gray to crimson, within a second his hand was around Hanji’s throat, “If you dare, I swear on my own life I”ll-“

Hanji chuckled before he could finish, “You’ll what? Tell me, you know if I go missing, and with your temper, our little pack wouldn’t hesitate to dwindle our own numbers.”

He grit his teeth, letting her go and stepping away. She was right, if Hanji went missing, no doubt he would be the first suspect. She was one of the only in the pack that visited him alone, except for Erwin on occasion. The look in her eyes told him she wasn't going to give this one up. From what he knew, they hadn't had many opportunities to hunt recently, and they were hungry. There wasn't much of an alternative here, and it would be less than a fair fight between them considering Hanji's level of strength. “Look, just give me this one date, then- well then fine.. he’s yours.”

“Hm, so you can listen to reason” She slipped a small bag out of her pocket, “We raided a blood donation earlier this week, this should hold you over at least a couple days.”

He took it from her hand, Levi was really between a rock and a hard place here, animal blood didn’t cut it, and their lifeline depended on those who only thought they were a myth.

There was the unrealistic hope that one day, he could find a cure. Of course, that within itself might as well be a myth. There was no helping it, there was no hope for it, just another silly idea that took up space in mind.

“Have him back here tonight when you're done, I’ll handle the rest.”

She said with her back turned to him, and then, she was gone.

Levi's phone screen lit up, a text from Eren, ‘Leaving in 5, see you there :)’

It lit up across his screen as he mentally cursed himself, with a sigh he grabbed a jacket, making his way out of the apartment.

Chapter Text

Eren’s palms were sweaty as he quietly rushed into his home after work, quickly realizing that, for the love of god, his father wasn’t home. That being said, he didn’t know when he would be back and he had all of thirty minutes to get ready for his date, and slip out before he came back.

He threw his apron onto his mattress, stripping out of his work clothes and bolted for the bathroom. His shower was quick but thorough, he took a little time drying his hair, mousing his waves that had begun to fall in front of his face. The brunet peeked around the corner of the door before shuffling back to his room, reaching under his mattress, and pulling out an old shoe box that kept his cosmetics safe. He didn’t have much: eyeliner, foundation, a small tube of lip oil, and some mascara. His hands lightly shook as he picked up the container, its contents reminding him all too well of the time he had unfortunately been caught by his father, it was only a few spots of foundation to cover up some acne that had popped up unexpectedly before prom, but it was more than enough for Grisha to remind him of why men ought to not meddle in such feminine activities.

Eren took it with him back to the bathroom, this time turning the lock behind him. His green eyes glinted in the sunlight that peered through the small window in the shower, he took a deep breath, thinking to himself he had to look absolutely perfect. This was his evening, and he was determined to make the most of it. He started with dots of foundation, blending them into his olive skin, it covered his dark circles well. Then, with a trembling hand, he attempted small wings, nothing major. It took a few tries to get the clean, curved lines, but somehow he managed. Mascara was next, Eren carefully applied it, wondering to himself why you felt as if you had to keep your mouth open while putting it on. He finished the look off with the lip oil, coating his plump lips and rubbing them together before taking a look over his work.

He felt pretty confident in himself, not to mention proud since the only reference he had for doing his makeup was Youtube tutorials and tips from Petra.

As he looked himself over, he couldn’t help but practice for a moment, fluffing his messy, moussed hair as he stuck his hand out, “Hello again,” he chirped. No, he thought, too much energy. He cleared his throat, “Hey you,” he motioned his hand with a wave. The brunet sighed, why a wave?

He checked the time, the restaurant was within walking distance, about ten minutes from himself. He cursed under his breath as he went to get dressed, along with hiding his box again. Eren picked up his phone, sending a quick text to Levi. He settled on a pair of tight black jeans, a pair of black and white converse, and a long sleeve black button up adorned in a floral pattern of scarlet spider lilies. It didn't fit Petra, she ordered a size too large and gifted it to him.

Without a second thought, he raced to the front door with his wallet and phone in hand, his ears had become attuned to the doors in the home clicking and shutting, he hadn’t heard anyone come in and even if he had, knowing Grisha he would be stumbling to catch him. It was six forty nine, and at his pace he was sure he’d be right on time to meet Levi at the front door.

His phone buzzed, ‘My treat tonight handsome’

‘How sweet of you, see you soon’

As he looked up from his screen, he quickly realized he should be paying better attention to what was in front of him, nearly walking straight into a lamp pole as his pace veered slightly on the concrete sidewalk. He slid his device back into his pocket, recognizing the sign of the restaurant Levi picked come into view just down the street.

He was practically skipping with excitement, they were going to a French restaurant, he had seen it before, Petite Boucherie.

Through the short while they had messaged one another, Eren learned that Levi had grown up in France and very much missed the cuisine of his home country. He said that although a mid-price restaurant was no comparison to the real thing, but it would suffice.

As he approached the two clear doors stamped with the business name in big, white cursive letters, he noticed a short, dark haired male approaching. He stood up straight, slightly pushing a brown lock of hair away from the corner of his eye.

Levi visibly looked him up and down, the exhausted barista he hadn’t met long ago stood before him, glowing it seemed, radiating with confidence.

Eren tried to speak but couldn’t even manage to stumble over his own words, his cheeks lightly blushing as he decided to let Levi take the lead.

He smiled, taking the brunet’s hand into his own, lightly pressing a kiss to the back of it, “Bonsoir Monsieur, you look stunning”

Eren couldn’t help but feel even more of his own blood rush into his cheeks, his palms were still coated in sweat from his nerves. However Levi’s cold touch almost soothed him, almost.

“Thank you, sorry it’s been so long since I’ve been asked out.”

“Don’t be, it’s normal to be nervous, shall we?” Levi motioned to the door before taking the brunet's hand and lacing their fingers together.

The host greeted them happily, sitting them at a nearby table for two, taking their drink order before lighting a red candle that sat between the two on the table, assuring them he would be back soon with their drinks and bread for the table. The background noise of light classical music and other people's conversations with the soft glow of candle light from the tables around them created a calming aura for them both.

“It’s lovely here, how did you find this place?”

Levi wasn’t as impressed as the other, but still he had complimented it himself before. “I came here by myself once, I saw the name, knew it was French and wanted to see if it lived up to my expectations.”

Levi depended on blood, but he could stomach regular food. To most vampires human food was abysmal, but he still somehow enjoyed the different tastes and flavors he’d come to miss. It was an oddity about him, well at least for someone, or something, of his kind.

“You said yourself it isn’t the same,” Eren said, smiling as he looked into the others silver eyes, it was such a dull gray that he hadn’t seen before, it was definitely one more thing that intrigued him.

“Well, it’s also the atmosphere, the sunsets and general view of the country itself is breathtaking.”

“Makes the food taste better?”

Levi chuckled, “I didn’t think about that, maybe so.”

The waiter came back to the table with drinks and a basket of the most crisp, wonderful smelling bread, at least to Eren. They both thanked him, putting in their food orders. The brunet settled on a dish of carré d’agneau, butchering the name in the process and amusing Levi with his pronunciation. The other ordered one of his favorites, boeuf bourgugion, a bit of his accent could be heard when he spoke. As they handed back the menus, Levi decided to treat the both of them, ordering two glasses of white wine with their meal.

“So, um, do you usually go out alone? I’d think someone so charming would have a pretty big social circle,” Eren asked, setting his chin on his hand, tilting his head as he waited for an answer.

Levi searched for a creative answer, “Well, yeah, I mostly prefer to go out alone, most of my friends hang out in their own group. Usually when I go out it’s either coffee or the bar after I’m finished with work.”

“If you ever want some company and I’m free, I wouldn’t mind tagging along. I’ve really liked talking to you, and I get the impression that you do too.” The brunet sipped his drink, he couldn’t help but adore Levi’s smile.

Eren was right, but his unbeating heart sank at the realization. How could he have given him up so easily? Levi composed himself, trying his best to push the thought from his mind.

“That sounds lovely, and you’re right.”

The conversation continued as the waiter brought out their orders along with two glasses of wine. They both thanked him before going on to enjoy their meal.

When they were finished, Levi paid, leaving a tip for the man that had taken care of them for the evening. As they exited the restaurant, Levi again took the brunet’s hand in his own, only letting go to open the door for him.

“Thank you for dinner, it’s a cute place and the food was delicious.” Eren wasn’t sure where to go from here, but Levi was.

“ Aucun problème magnifique,” He stepped forward, kissing the other’s cheek, however Eren took some initiative himself, leaning in and pressing their lips together. Levi didn’t hesitate, his hands finding their way to the brunet’s sides. Eren pulled away, smiling and biting his lip, “Um, not to be so forward, but would you want to maybe go back to your place?”

It couldn’t hurt to ask, besides, he was having fun, he hadn’t enjoyed himself this much in quite a while. That, and the risk of going home made his stomach turn. Little did he know Levi had the same feeling about bringing Eren back to his own home.

“I was about to ask you the same thing.” Surely, he thought, Hanji could be reasoned with. He knew if he didn’t have the boy tagging along with him, she, or someone else in the pack, would hunt him down by scent and there was no way he was taking that risk.

“Let’s go.”

Chapter Text

The walk back to his apartment was somehow the longest of his life, which was saying a lot for someone who had witnessed the construction of the Eiffel Tower. He kept a firm grip on Eren’s hand, his paranoia told him there were eyes on him, and he wasn’t wrong. Hanji had her own way of assuring Levi kept up his part of the deal,and for the promise of a meal they didn’t need much persuading. One human was enough for at least five of them, Levi turned his head as a man passed by them, his scent eerily familiar.

“Are you okay Levi? You seem kind of tense.”

Levi cleared his throat, “I’m okay, just nerves.” He said, waving off Eren’s concern.

The shorter male kept trying to place that scent, it wasn’t Hanji, but it was definitely someone from the pack. His attention on the matter was redirected as they approached his building, they walked up two flights of stairs before he began to take out his key, however Eren didn’t make it an easy task. He didn’t mind though, Eren’s lips met his once more, his arms settling around his neck as Levi kissed back. He savored the moment, realizing if his negotiations didn’t go well it meant the brunet’s life. He wasn’t sure what corner of the small apartment Hanji would be waiting to pop out of either.

Eventually, Levi was able to turn his key in the lock, hearing the familiar click as he stepped inside. He flipped on the light, no sight of Hanji, but her scent lingered in his home. She was waiting.

Meanwhile Eren’s hands tugged at the shorter male’s jacket as they continued to kiss, Levi didn’t deny him, picking him up at the waist and setting him on his counter. Eren was more than surprised by his strength, he didn’t seem to struggle at all, it was as if he weighed nothing. Before he could comment on it, he felt a cold hand cover his mouth, and an arm around his throat, and they weren’t Levi’s.

Eren’s eyes widened as he struggled against her grasp, pulling at her arm, but she was strong - really strong. He kicked as muffled curses left his lips, struggling to no avail.

Hanji had been crouched behind the counter, how her scent was so faint was a mystery to Levi, then again she was the bright one of the group. He didn’t know much of her past, but concluded she must have dabbled in the medical field at some point, after all, she was the go to if a hunt went wrong and you ended up needing stitches. As much as he hated her callousness towards humanity, she had been essential to his survival.

“I guess I didn’t need anyone scouting you out on the way back, you brought me exactly what you promised.” She smirked, her fangs sprouting from their usual retracted position.

Now, Eren had read some of the Twilight series, but it was apparent that whatever had ahold of him wasn’t some lost, misunderstood soul who sparkled in the sunlight. His eyes followed her fangs as she moved closer, her irises a deep read, she was hungry.

“Speaking of our deal, I’d like to make a suggestion.” Levi remained calm and collected, if her plan was to kill him then and there she would have already made her move, but Eren was still kicking, literally, and that was a good sign.

“If it’s letting this little meal go then you're shit out of luck, I already promised Erwin and Jean they’d be taken care of. It is quite a shame though,” She moved her hand from covering his mouth to caressing his cheek, Eren flinching from the motion. “You picked a cute one, didn’t you?”

“P-please.. I-I won’t say anything, just let me go,” The brunet stammered out, tears beginning to spill from his eyes as his mascara began to run.

Levi sighed, “Look, you said yourself it’s getting more difficult to hunt, doesn’t help that Jean’s been reckless lately with his victims, but this could be a good opportunity for us if you’re willing to play your cards right.”

Hanji’s eyes narrowed, her fangs retracted as she listened, “Fine, what’s your pitch?”

“One of him would feed us for a night, but then we’re right back where we started, same problem. So, what if we kept him alive?” He leaned against the counter, watching as Eren nodded at the suggestion, still in disbelief but realizing this was life or death for himself.

Hanji held the brunet tighter, again covering his mouth as she questioned the other. “Psh, what is it, hm? You get attached to this one?”

“I’m saying that he’s more valuable to us that way, we don’t have to drain the poor thing for you, or anyone else in the pack to eat.”

Hanji thought it over for a moment, a pint of blood would be enough to hold one of them over for at least a week, and none of them were close to going feral yet. She moved her hand away from the other’s face, along with her arm that had snuggly held him in place, instead grabbing his chin to face her. “You have anyone that’s gonna come looking for you?”

He thought it over, shaking his head at the question. His father wouldn’t bother to report him missing, his sister and best friend lived out of state, really Petra would be the only one concerned. “Work might get suspicious if I don’t show up,” he said in a low voice. “I’m close with one of my coworkers, but I don’t think she would report anything.”

Levi raised his eyebrows as he looked to Hanji, “Considering it now, are we?”

“I don’t have much of a choice, Jean’s got three missing posters on his head, and it’s been slim picking lately.” Hanji’s fangs again made an appearance, “Although I will say I was looking forward to tearing into him.”

Levi walked up to her with his hand out, “So, it’s a deal then?”

She begrudgingly shook on it, stepping away from the brunet, “If he tries running off or selling us out, I’ll have your pretty boy’s head on a stick.”

Eren’s eyes followed the woman as she walked to the door, “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

With that said, she was gone, leaving a trembling Eren on the kitchen counter.

“Eren, I’m so sorry, I-“ He stepped closer, but Eren quickly scrambled to the other side of the counter where Hanji had grabbed him,

“Stay the hell away from me, you’re like her, aren’t you?” Eren knew the answer, but wanted to confirm his own beliefs.

“I am not like her, if you’re asking if I’m a vampire - then yes, I am.”

Levi stepped closer, showing off his own fangs, Eren panicked, looking around for anything he could use as a weapon, he spotted a knife block and pulled one out, luckily for him one with a pretty large blade. “Keep your distance, I swear I’ll-“

“Look, I don’t know if you paid attention to the conversation, but I don’t want to hurt you Eren.” He retracted his fangs and put up his hands to show he truly had no intention of attacking.

His eyes narrowed, stepping closer with the knife still tightly held in his hand, “Why me, huh? Why can’t you pick on someone else?”

“Hanji caught me getting ready for our date, and considering certain people of your kind make it their mission to hunt us to extinction, she wasn’t exactly understanding.” He sighed, “Like I said, I’m sorry, I just wanted to be normal for once and-“ his gaze shifted to the floor, his arms falling by his side, “And I’m not. Believe me, I’d give anything to be like you again but, there’s no cure for this…” It was a realization he’d had many times, but it stung, he’d like to say he felt a pain in his chest, but there was no pain, only tears that welled up in his eyes and threatened to spill onto his cheeks. He quickly wiped them away as he looked back to Eren.

The brunet lowered his defenses, not entirely, but there was something about the pain in his voice, part of him wanted to comfort him, but his more rational instinct told him not to get too close. Something told him that Levi could be as broken as himself, just in a catastrophically different way.

He set the knife in hand onto the countertop, biting at his lip as he took it all in. “So, what happens now?” He couldn’t even face the other, his gaze settling away from him with crossed arms.

“You can stay here, I have a spare bedroom, I don’t usually keep food around but we can go to the store at some point.” Levi explained, motioning to a nearby door where he kept a twin bed and nightstand inside.

“I want to be alone.” He said, his voice quivering as his tears began to build up again.

Levi didn’t fight him on it, stepping out of the way as the brunet walked by him, opening then shutting the door behind him.

Chapter Text

Night came and went, sometimes Levi liked to sleep simply because it made him feel a little more human, but now he felt like more of a monster than ever. He was up all night, sitting on the counter as he stared at the spare bedroom door, there wasn’t much he could do in terms of Eren now being the pack’s personal blood bank, but even if he hated him for it, there was a determination in the shorter male to at least make an attempt at amends.

Eren didn’t sleep much himself, he managed about a two hour nap before just staring up at the ceiling, contemplating what his future had in store for him. It was an impossible situation, and he could almost laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. The first hot guy in years that he gives his number to, and of course, he’s an absolute monster. Well, a vampire, he had so many questions, mainly was any of what he told him true? He seemed to speak French well enough that he definitely could have grown up there, and unless he was holding the manager of the apartments hostage he had to have some type of job to keep a roof over his head.

Just as he thought about pulling himself out of the admittedly cushy bed, there was a knock on his door. He sighed, swinging his legs over the edge as he gave a less than cheerful ‘come in.’

Levi pushed the door open, cigarette in hand, he didn’t like smoking inside, but his nerves got the better of him, not like he could be any more dead than he was. His other hand held a barely used ashtray, with the amount of cleaning he did to maintain his apartment the last thing he wanted was ashes ending up on the floor. He leaned against the door frame, bringing the cigarette to his lips and exhaling the smoke before speaking, “I um, I was thinking you might be hungry.”

Eren rolled his eyes, “Well, you thought wrong, I don’t exactly have an appetite right now.”

Levi nodded, there was no point in apologizing further, he knew he would get the same tone as he had the night before. He flicked his cigarette against the ashtray he held before walking further into his room, Eren again averting his eyes at the sight of him. He slipped the pack he had in pocket into his hand, holding it out to the brunet. “Want one?”

Eren wasn’t a smoker himself, but he supposed anyone in his new found situation might do things they usually wouldn’t. He carefully took the pack from his hand, pulling one out before closing it and handing it back. He looked it over for a moment before placing it between his lips. Levi took out a lighter, lighting it for him. The brunet took a long drag before exhaling and then coughing. Levi sat beside him with the ashtray between them, he could tell Eren was still wary of him, and well, fair enough.

There was a silence between the two, neither one of them was sure how to start any kind of conversation. Levi would have given anything in that moment to go back when they first spotted each other at the restaurant, to continue feigning normalcy, however that chance was long gone.

“So,” Levi looked over to the other, surprised to hear him speak, “I heard you mention a pack last night, how many of you are there?”

“There’s myself, Hanji, Jean, Erwin, and Sasha. We’re the only ones we know of in this city, there’s not exactly a science to finding out whose a vampire, and even if there was most of us keep to ourselves, preferably living in the shadows and remaining unnoticed.” Levi explained, he had kept a pretty low profile, especially since he moved into the country.

“How are you gonna do it?” Eren asked, finally looking in his direction, clearly unsure, a slight tremble in his voice.

“Hanji can get her hands on almost anything, I don’t want anyone biting into you, so I’ll ask her to use a needle to draw out your blood. I don’t want to risk anyone going too far either and you passing out or worse,” He hoped it was a bit more comforting, but he wasn’t sure if anything could be for him.

“Oh, better than what I assumed,” He was a little surprised, it seemed Levi was trying to keep it all somewhat humane.

“I don’t like biting anyone, even if it’s just feeding it feels... unpleasant.” Levi shifted his legs, sitting more comfortably on the bed.

Eren thought for a moment as the other spoke, “Could you feed from someone without turning them?” He hadn’t thought about it before.

“Yeah, it’s doable.” He answered shortly.

“Okay, you have to explain why are you so, I don’t know, docile? And your friend last night wanted to tear into me.” He took another drag of his cigarette, it didn’t make sense to him, not that he wasn’t thankful to be alive thanks to the man, but he was obviously the same one who put him in danger in the first place.

“I think some of us just forget what humanity felt like, so vampires like Hanji would rather be the monster's people would assume we are rather than find an alternative.”

“Oh, so your alternative to killing is making an unwilling participant into your own blood bag? That’s somehow better?” Eren asked, a tinge of anger in his voice, although he spoke calmly.

“No one would do it willingly, would you? Would you volunteer yourself?” He asked, he didn’t ask to be this way, none of them did.

“I- I don’t know” He said, shaking his head at the thought.

“Really? You think if I had been honest you wouldn’t have cut and run the first chance you had?”

“Well, I mean-“

Levi put out his cigarette, standing with his arms crossed over his chest, “This isn’t some romance novel Eren, I’m not Edward Cullen, this is my actual existence we’re talking about.”

Eren snuffed his own cigarette out, “Fine, you’re right, don’t get me wrong I want to like you but, seeing you with fangs, I just- it’s scary Levi.” He admitted, it truly was frightening, not the fangs themselves but the idea of what he could do with them, and what he might have done before.

Levi stepped over, picking up the ashtray and turning to leave the room. Eren thought he had upset him to the point of walking out, but he returned a moment later, “You’re gonna need to shower at some point, bathroom is to the left, and I have a pair of sweatpants and a shirt that’ll fit you. I’ll leave them folded on the counter.”

“Thank you.” Eren said as he stood up, Levi was again leaning against the doorway , he took a few steps towards him, looking into the same pale gray eyes he had the night before. “Do yours..” he trailed off as Levi already knew the question, it was as if he read it in the other's eyes. His irises flicked from gray to scarlet in an instant. The brunet looked almost impressed, astonished by how quickly the colors shifted.

“Oh, uh, sorry- I’m gonna go shower.” He walked past him, thinking to himself how even though he was frightened by him, there was a certain excitement in it, he still found him attractive after all. Not to say he wasn’t tired and upset at all, but damn did he wish Hanji would’ve waited a little longer before threatening his life.

Levi decided to text Hanji, setting his boundaries, one being that she or any of the others wouldn’t be sinking their teeth into him, and that she was to come on her own and distribute it to the group. He didn’t exactly trust them, some were better than others about controlling their impulses. She was annoyed but agreed, accusing him of making this entire process harder.

Meanwhile, Eren enjoyed the warm water that hit his skin, soaping himself with some body wash he found, most importantly washing any makeup he had slept in off of his face. He had a nice place Eren had to admit, honestly living here was a major step up from living with his father, he wished he could be here under more favorable terms, but he could either be angry or make the best of his situation. Well, he could do both, but he wasn’t lying when he said he wanted to like Levi. He wanted to see him the same way he had in the coffee shop and at the restaurant, it wasn’t as if he could wipe his memory though, he was stuck with the image of him from that night. Eren washed the mousse from his hair, feeling a bit of relief as the product was washed out. He turned the water off before stepping out, wrapping himself in a fluffy, white towel.

He dried his hair some and then moved on to drying everything else so he could get dressed. Once he was decent, he left the room to find Levi, ending up in front of his bedroom door and lightly knocking. Once he was given permission, he opened the door, stepping inside to find Levi sitting in bed watching something on tv. Levi paused it, giving Eren his full attention, “I um, I do want to stay here, I know that it’s not exactly a choice, but it’s better than living with my dad. He’s not exactly accepting, and since my mom passed away he’s been more… aggressive. Ironically, I’m safer here.”

Levi looked confused for a moment, “What do you mean aggressive?”

“He likes to drink and, I mean it’s been a while since it’s happened but usually I’m the closest thing to um, take his feelings out on.” He stared at the floor as he spoke, “I have a few things there, but it’s risky trying to get in and out.”

Hearing that someone, let alone his own father had mistreated him struck quite the nerve with him, “You don’t have to go back if you don’t want to, I can get you new clothes, your own soaps, um, anything you had to leave behind I’ll replace.” Levi offered, not wanting him to risk him getting hurt or even going somewhere that he would be uncomfortable. “Hanji should be here tonight, she’ll bring what she needs and get it over with, I’ll stay close by.”

Eren was surprised but appreciative of the offer, thanking him and nodding when he brought up Hanji. “You sure that lunatic can control herself?”

Levi looked him up and down, “Considering you're still standing in front of me, I’m pretty confident you’ll be fine.”

“Any chance we can get something to eat before then?” He asked.

Levi didn’t hesitate to pick up his keys, “Just let me know when you're ready to go.”

Eren half smiled at the effort, maybe there was something different about him, other than the obvious. After all he was making an effort, maybe he wasn’t as scary as he thought.

Chapter Text

You know, this would be a lot easier if you just let me do it my way,” Hanji said, glaring at Levi as she pulled some medical supplies out of a bag. She had everything she needed, including alcohol wipes, after all she couldn’t have the brunet getting sick.

“You just want an excuse to bite somebody,” Levi said as he waved her off, he had made it pretty clear that he wasn’t going to put Eren through anymore pain than necessary.

“Can you really blame me? Look at the veins in his neck,” Hanji proudly showed off her fangs as she licked her lips. Eren was visibly unsettled, crinkling his nose and scooting over closer to Levi where they both sat on the couch. She smirked, there was some excitement in freaking him out, knowing he wasn’t yet used to their presence.

“Put 'em away, you agreed to do this my way, remember?” He asked, legs and arms crossed.

Hanji rolled her eyes, “Fine, c’mere brat.”

Eren instantly knew that was a nickname he didn’t appreciate but still moved back to his original spot, laying his arm out. Hanji set up everything, now only needing to stick him with the needle and watch the blood flow out. “Is this gonna hur-“

“Yep.” Hanji quickly inserted it into his arm, Eren wincing in pain as she used a piece of medical tape to secure down a tube that led into a plastic bag, one you’d normally see if you gave blood at a drive.

“Hey, gentle next time,” Levi snapped, watching as the brunet managed to sit back a bit and relax as their next meal flowed out of him. He kept an eye on them both, Hanji for obvious reasons, and Eren to make sure he was comfortable.

It took a few minutes, but once the bag was filled Hanji seemed satisfied. “Erwin’s getting this one, tomorrow I’ll come back and get another for Sasha.” She explained, knowing both of them were in desperate need of something to eat. She took out some gauze pads, ripping them open, pressing them against where the needle still poked into his flesh before carefully sliding it out and instructing him to keep his arm up and hold pressure on the small mark. Eren nodded, doing as he was told before having a wrap placed over it. “I’ll leave my supplies here, leave that bandage on for about an hour.” With her job there done, Hanji didn’t bother to stick around any longer, packing up what she needed and heading for the door.

The wave of calm that rushed over him as she left was relieving to say the least. Levi stood and walked to the kitchen, they had gone shopping earlier in the day and bought everything Eren picked out, he got a bag of chips and a water bottle from the fridge before walking back over to Eren, “Here, you should eat something after.”

The brunet took the snack, thanking him before opening the bag and taking a few bites. Levi could smell the familiar metallic scent of blood, noticing he had bled a bit into the bandage. His eyes shifted out of instinct, Eren only noticing when he looked over to ask a question a moment later. He was about to say something but caught himself, looking into them again, there was something alluring about the brightness compared to his normal muted color.

“Sorry,” Levi blinked before looking away.

Eren looked down, noticing a dull red through the bandage on arm, “Does that happen when you're hungry?”

“Well, yeah, but sometimes, if I can smell it or if I’m feeding, it just happens.” He explained, noticing how Eren didn’t seem judgmental about it, rather curious instead.

“They’re really vivid,” he said as he sipped his water.

“I um, don’t care for it personally,” Sometimes he could control it, but if he wasn’t paying attention he would slip here and there. “Want to watch a movie? You can pick.” Levi asked, picking up the remote near him.

Eren didn’t waste a second with his answer, “Twilight,” he couldn’t help but smile to himself. Levi however slowly turned his head towards him, looking absolutely done with him.

“So you’re a comedian now?”

Eren shrugged, “I just thought that we could watch and you could point out all the inaccuracies.”

“I can do that without us wasting two hours: we don’t sparkle, sunlight hurts, and a stake through the heart would kill anyone.” He shook his head, of course the one piece of media popularized was not only inaccurate but insufferable.

“Wait, you watched it?” Eren asked, surprised to say the least.

Levi rolled his eyes, “Yeah, and it’s two hours of my never ending existence I’d like back,” he clicked through movies as he spoke, not sure what the other liked. “Here, pick out something.” He handed the remote over to him.

Eren usually liked horror, deciding to scroll down to that menu, noticing some of the classics like Chucky and Saw, tempted but he’d seen them plenty of times. “Do you like horror movies?” He asked, setting his snack to the aide in favor of crossing his legs under himself as he scrolled through different titles.

“I do, mostly suspenseful and less gore.” Levi watched as he landed on one, the cover art being an upside down Eiffel Tower in red. They both read the description, Levi himself rather intrigued since it took place in the French catacombs.

Eren pressed play seeing how interested Levi seemed, the opening credits started and they both got comfortable, well Levi tried to before deciding to grab two fluffy blankets and some pillows. He brought them back to the couch, handing Eren a blanket and pillow, tossing his own to the side, “Do you want popcorn?”

Eren nodded, Levi had been quite attentive to him throughout the day, he knew he felt sorry for everything and he was showing it well. He paused the movie, turning to him as Levi walked into the kitchen, “At the restaurant, you ate regular food, I thought all vampires could stand was blood.”

“Most of us can’t stand the taste of regular food, but for some reason I’m still able to enjoy it from time to time,” he said as he ripped open the packaging in his hands.

“What’s your favorite?” He asked.

Levi thought for a moment, “I mostly like sweet things, Ile flottante is my absolute favorite.” It was a dessert he’d learned to make himself, it didn’t take too much effort and none of the restaurants in the city served it.

Eren still liked hearing his accent that became apparent when pronouncing anything in French. He set the bag in the microwave, setting the time and pressing start while the two settled back into a short silence, that is before Eren thought of something else, “Does all blood taste the same to you?”

Levi looked quite surprised at the question, but still didn’t mind satisfying his curiosity, “It can differ depending on the blood type, but otherwise it’s all mostly the same. Anything else you're curious about?”

“A lot honestly, mostly I can’t get over how different you and Hanji are, it's like night and day.” He knew that Levi had already explained how she had let herself slip, but he wondered why the other wanted to hold on to his humanity so badly.

“Yeah she can be aggressive, unsettling, overall unpleasant, but she’s saved my ass plenty of times. I don’t always want to eat, I know I’m more dangerous if I don’t, but I just can’t stand hunting.” He said, crossing his arms and cringing at the thought.

Eren looked him over, he almost felt bad for Levi, he was right, he hadn’t chosen this.

“What happens when you don’t eat?”

“If you don’t feed for a while, you go feral, basically it doesn’t matter who you look at, you’re not in control anymore until you eat again.” He didn’t want to give Eren yet another reason to fear him, but he didn’t want to lie to him. “Don’t worry, Hanji brought me a snack a few days ago, I should be fine.”

The microwave beeped, Levi took out the bag and emptied it into a big bowl, walking over to Eren and setting it in his lap.

“Thank you,” he said with a smile,”you’ve been really kind, I mean besides the whole Hanji almost murdering me, but um.. I think I’m starting to understand you a little better.”

“Still think I’m scary?”

“Hey, I said the fangs were scary, and yeah they’re still intimidating, but I think you’re trying.” He answered, pressing play on the movie.

During the beginning Eren happily crunched on his popcorn, getting into the story as it moved along. It started off slow, but there was a scene or two that made him jump, while Levi was invested, he didn’t have the same reaction. As it went on, there was a jump scare, one where a girl’s face was disfigured and she came out of nowhere directly onto the screen. Eren couldn’t help himself, Levi was sitting next to him, he quickly faced away from the screen and tucked his face into Levi’s shoulder. He chuckled to himself, “I thought you liked horror?”

“I do, I um, just wasn’t prepared for that,” Eren peeked back at the screen, seeing that the scene had changed to something at least a little more palatable. “Sorry,” he apologized, even though he admittedly liked whatever cologne Levi had on.

By the time it ended Eren was yawning, he hadn’t really slept the night before, and now his body begged for sleep. “I think I’m ready for bed,” he said as he stretched his arms, getting up and taking his now empty bowl and setting it in the sink.

Levi stood himself, stretching as the brunet had, he felt hot after he sat under his blanket for so long. He was usually ice cold, and although he liked warming up he felt just a bit uncomfortable. The shorter male took off the hoodie he’d been wearing, catching Eren’s attention as he not so subtly took in the sight before him, he hadn’t known how muscular the other was. Levi didn’t notice as he folded the blankets he had brought out for them, he began walking back to his bedroom, and that’s when Eren noticed his tattoo, a pair of black shaded wings that took up his entire back. The rest of his porcelain skin remained an untouched canvas.

Levi was soon back in the kitchen as Eren got a drink of water and took off the bandage he’d forgotten Hanji had placed on him, leaning against the same countertop the other had picked him up and sat him on the night before. “Do you need anything before I go and doze off?”

Eren shook his head, “No, I’m fine, I like your tattoo.”

“You know, even after the hours I spent getting it, sometimes I forget it’s there.”

“Well, it’s beautiful, but yeah, I’ll see you in the morning.” Eren walked over to his bedroom door, closing it behind him before getting cozy in bed.

It was around midnight when he woke up in a cold sweat, it was the third nightmare he had so far, he could usually handle horror, but something about the image of that girl disturbed him. He sat up, still exhausted, but unwilling to try and lay back down. Instead he walked to the bathroom, deciding a warm shower might help.

Levi could tell something about Eren’s scent had changed, as if was in some sort of distress. He could hear him moving around, deciding that since the scent of blood didn’t follow he was okay. As much as Levi wanted to help, he didn’t want to smother him. It was a while before he heard the water shut off, and what followed was quite the surprise.

Eren only wrapped up in a towel, his hair still damp, knocked on Levi’s door. Levi opened it to find, well, exhausted wasn’t the word for it. The poor brunet looked as if he could fall asleep standing where he was. “I can’t sleep, I’ve tried, I thought the shower would help but now I’m awake.”

Levi shrugged, “I could knock you out, of course you would have a hell of a headache in the morning but you would sleep.” He offered jokingly.

“Ha ha,” Eren said sarcastically, “I was thinking that, I mean obviously it’s up to you, but could I um- just for tonight-“

Levi cut him off, “Come on, you can sleep in here.” The other nodded, thanking him as he made his way into the room. Levi walked over to his dresser, tossing a pair of boxers to him, “We still need to get you some clothes, tomorrow we can go shopping, you seemed pretty tired today after getting groceries.”

The brunet turned away, dropping his towel and putting on the underwear before getting under Levi’s comforter and pulling an extra pillow he kept closer. Levi would be lying if he were to say he didn’t pay some attention to the other’s physique, not as muscular as himself but not skinny either. He laid down on his back, covering up with the same blanket as he looked up at the familiar dull white ceiling.

He closed his eyes, relaxing, not realizing the gaze of the other that roamed from his unmoving chest to the inky black hair that was quite the contrast to his pale skin. With his eyes closed and hands sitting over his bare chest, Eren was almost convinced that he was dead, although it was the most calm he had seen him.

“I can feel you staring,” Levi said.

“Sorry, you just look so peaceful, was it um, weird not having to breathe anymore?” He couldn’t help himself, he wasn’t sure how much Levi enjoyed his now constant questioning, but he wondered himself what it was like to live in the other’s state.

Levi opened his eyes, still looking up as he answered, “You know, it’s weird mostly because of how much you don’t think about it after a while. It took a few months before I was completely used to it, but now, it’s just one of those things I don’t have to worry about.”

“When we held hands the other night, you were cold, do you feel cold or is that something else you got used to?”

“I’m used to it, I don’t really ever feel like I’m freezing, I do wish I could stand out in the sun again. I’ve always thought of how nice it would feel for it to hit my skin,” Levi hadn’t been very outdoorsy in the first place, let alone a place like the beach, but now that he couldn’t it was something he thought about from time to time.

Eren propped his head onto hand and he sat up a bit, “If there was a cure, what’s the first thing you would do?”

Levi looked over, a moment of silence falling between them as he thought over the question, tapping his thumbs against one another. He turned his head to him, “I would actually start living instead of being here most of the time, I miss people, and I miss going out during the day.” Going out in his current state meant covering up completely, which wasn’t always the most comfortable, and although his healing time was quick, blisters from the sunlight was something that took its time to clear up.

Eren couldn’t help but look a little sad for him, he couldn’t imagine being so separated from society. “Don’t give me that look,” Levi said.

“What look?”

“The sad puppy eyes, I don’t need anyone feeling bad for me, it won’t help anything.” Levi’s sight turned back up towards the ceiling, he was happy that the brunet wasn’t frightened by his presence, but he didn’t want to be pitied.

Eren laid his head down, not really thinking too much into it before scooting closer to the other, eventually draping his arm over his chest and setting his head against his shoulder. He yawned, once again feeling the exhaustion hit him from the night before.

Levi didn’t say anything, instead enjoying the feeling of Eren’s warm skin against his own. It had been so long since he felt the touch of another person like this, and Eren seemed much more relaxed than when he first came to his door. Before long, he was finally falling into a deep sleep, unknowingly cuddling closer to Levi.

Chapter Text

Morning came and Levi realized he had actually fallen asleep shortly after Eren, realizing that he had managed to sleep through the night. It was the first time in a long time he had gotten more than a few hours of unconsciousness, and with the brunet holding him close he was definitely warmer than he usually was. He didn’t want to untangle himself from Eren’s hold, it wasn’t just his warmth, he could feel his heartbeat, his chest moving with shallow breaths, he was so alive compared to himself.

He again found himself pretending, creating a fantasy that their date had ended as it had with Eren sat atop his counter and his hands roaming over his slender figure. He imagined Eren would have spent the night, ending up cuddling as they were now. Levi smiled to himself, gently running a hand through the messy waves of the brunet’s hair.

His eyes slowly blinked open as he woke up, realizing he was just about on top of the man, he had ended up curled to his chest with a leg thrown over him. Eren didn’t move though, too comfortable to consider it even if he wanted to.

“You’re so warm now,” Eren said, his voice raspy from sleep.

“Between you and the comforter I’d be worried if I wasn’t. Want me to make some breakfast?” Levi offered.

“Five more minutes,” Eren tucked his head back into the other's chest, closing his eyes. It wasn’t until now he realized how touch starved he was.

Levi didn’t argue, instead holding him where he seemed most comfortable. He again ran a hand through his hair, playing with a few of the strands as his fingers tangled into it. “How does eggs and bacon sound?” He asked, getting a nod in return. Levi could cook, although it had been quite a while since he had, but it was a simple enough meal.

A few minutes passed and Eren reluctantly sat up, removing himself from the cozy spot he had been nestled into. Levi did the same, putting a shirt on before making his way into the kitchen.

Eren followed him soon after, picking up a small folded blanket from the night before to wrap around himself as he sat on the counter. He watched the other as he took out what he needed from the cabinet and the fridge, “How do you like your eggs?”

“Over easy please,” Eren said politely.

Levi nodded as he worked on heating up a pan, adding a bit of butter to it.

“How long has it been since you cooked something?”

Levi thought for a moment, “Well, a few months ago I made that dessert I liked for myself, but otherwise quite a while.”

Eren tilted his head with his familiar form of curiosity, “How old are you Levi?”

Levi was laying out strips of bacon, unprepared for the question, but he knew the other would ask at some point. “I was twenty eight when the Eiffel Tower was beginning construction, that was in eighteen eighty seven,” he answered, letting the other do the math.

“Oh, is that around the time you were turned?” He asked innocently before realizing that it might be a sore subject.

“Um, yeah, it was around that time.” He answered as he watched the food in the pan. Levi wasn’t as uncomfortable as he was trying to avoid remembering the circumstances which changed the course of his life.

“Sorry, I- I didn’t think before-“

Levi set his spatula down, walking the few steps over to Eren, he took his hand as he had on their date, kissing the back of his hand lightly, “Ne t’inquiète pas, beau.”

Eren knew had Hanji stepped so close he would be flinching, but the gentle hand of the man that was making him breakfast was much different. “What does that mean?”

“Don’t worry, handsome.” Levi stepped back over to his cooking, smiling to himself. Eren did as well, covering his mouth with his blanket as he snuggled into it, biting his lip where Levi couldn’t see. “We need to get you some clothes, I don’t have many more that are bigger on me.”

“I figured that’s why I’m sitting in just boxers right now.” Eren commented.

Levi rolled his eyes, “If you go in my room there should be something in the top drawer of my dresser you can wear.”

“You keep clothes you think you’re gonna grow into?” The brunet asked with a smirk.

Levi’s eyes narrowed, intentionally sparking the crimson color into his iris, he pointed the spatula in hand in the other’s direction, “Watch it.” He got enough short comments from Hanji as it was.

“Hm, I’m guessing I hit a nerve there?” Eren asked still with a smile on his face.

When breakfast was done Levi scooped the eggs and bacon onto a plate, setting it in front of the male. He sat across from him as Eren ate, checking his phone and seeing a text from Hanji pop up.

‘Erwin mentioned coming to see you, watch out’

Levi mentally cursed himself, but tried to remain calm on the outside, thinking to himself for a moment. Erwin was the strongest of them, yet dismissed his sensitivities the same way Hanji did. He considered him much more unforgiving, and unfortunately traditional.

When it came to vampires living amongst humans, there were laws. One of course was blending in, it’s what had kept them alive this long. However the one most upheld was simple, a vampire is never to court a human. This meant that even the scent of a mortal on him put a target on his back. In some cases, there had been tales, whether they were true or not Levi wasn’t sure, but it was said that there had been mortals turned for that very reason. He couldn’t imagine it himself, he didn’t want to take anyone’s humanity from them. Even then, it was a frowned upon notion even for the most lovesick of them.

He knew Erwin wouldn’t approve of anything of the sort, he had learned that himself when they were together only a decade earlier. Erwin was older, most likely a reason he clung to those traditions, annoyingly so in his opinion.

‘What does he want with me?’ Erwin had just gotten his fix for at least the next week, there wasn’t a good enough reason he could think of to be bothered by the man.

‘Not sure’

“Something wrong?” Eren asked as he finished his eggs.

“No, just, I was thinking, Hanji could take you clothes shopping while I get some chores done here.” He mentally kicked himself for that suggestion, but he didn’t like the thought of Eren being there when Erwin showed up.

“Go out… with Hanji? She wanted- well probably still wants to suck me dry, and not in the fun way.”

Levi sighed, he did have a good point. “Listen, I’ve just got some things to handle here, and I’m sure she’ll warm up to you. She’s not completely insane, I’ll give you my card, you two can get lunch, in fact think of her as just there for your protection.”

“Protection?”

“Eren, you have the scent of a vampire on you, and you can’t easily just wash that off, if someone else of our kind notices, it could lead to some trouble, for both of us.”

It took a moment for Eren to really think about it, he didn’t want to be mixed up in more than he already was, and to be fair Hanji was quite frightening herself. Moreover, he didn’t want to mix Levi into any fights. He got the impression that he might not be as strong as he seemed, at least not compared to Hanji. Eren wondered to himself why, but didn’t want to insult Levi by asking

“Fine, but why would another vampire be out during daylight hours? And wouldn’t it make more sense that the scent would, I don’t know, mark me as yours?”

“They could get the wrong idea, and that’s more dangerous.”

Eren looked confused, a second later though his eyes were filled with realization. “Oh, they would think that we…” he trailed off.

Levi nodded, “Our culture doesn’t accept those kinds of relationships, not with mortal beings.”

Eren nodded in understanding, he quietly finished his food, thanking Levi as the man took his plate and set it in the sink. He went on to shower and get ready, bringing a black pair of shorts and a shirt that he had found where Levi directed him in his dresser.

Meanwhile, Levi called Hanji, admittedly and shamelessly begging her to take Eren anywhere but his apartment for as long as she could for the day. Despite her unwillingness at first, she eventually caved. She was there within half an hour, Eren dressed and ready to go when she walked in the door.

“You know how much I hate covering up to go out,” Hanji said to Levi.

“Yet you’re doing it for me, sounds like I’m growing on you.” Levi said with a smirk and crossed arms.

“What would you know about growing?” She asked, Eren had to hold back a laugh, and Levi’s smile fell.

He rolled his eyes, opening the door for them both, “Keep him safe, and try to be nice.” Levin put emphasis on the word try, knowing that there were times she had been capable.

Eren thanked him before they left, leaving Levi alone in his apartment.

An hour went by and Levi hadn’t heard anything else, well besides an update text from Hanji saying that ‘the brat’ was fine and they had made their way to a store after getting lunch together. He sat on the couch with a book, he had cleaned what little he needed to, everything was already organized so he never had much to clean in the first place.

He flipped a page, and right as he began a new paragraph there was a knock at the door, Levi sighed and stood, already knowing what trouble was behind it.

As he opened the door he looked up at the male, it was times like these he wished the myth of having to be invited inside was true. Erwin stepped in, closing the door behind him.

“Hanji gave you what you needed, any reason you’re here to bother me?” Levi asked, arms crossed.

“A friend can’t just stop by to say hello?”

“Cut the bullshit Erwin, what do you want?”

Erwin shrugged, “Fine, I wanted to get a look at the little blood bag myself.”

Levi rolled his eyes, “He’s not here, and do you really think I would trust you?”

“Well, considering his scent is all over your apartment, you’re not hiding him are you?” Erwin stepped closer to Levi, grabbing his chin and making him look up to him.

Levi swatted his hand away, “No, I sent him out for a little while, he’s staying here so he needed some things.”

“At the very least I hope you’re not getting any ideas, I can smell him all over you too, Levi.” Erwin walked behind him, setting his hands on the male’s shoulders, “Maybe you should reconsider being with your own kind, instead of getting carried away in this little fantasy you’ve created for yourself. You know you’re still one of us, hm? And no one is gonna look past you being a monster.”

Levi spun around, his eyes shifting as he spoke, “Oh, and what, get back with you? Not happening, and I am no monster, I have morals, I-“

“Morals? Like locking a twenty something year old in your apartment to feed off of? And not only that, but toying with the poor boy?” Erwin shook his head.

“I’m not toying with him, I just-“

“What? You just want to be normal again? Well babe, that’s not happening, not for you, not for any of us.”

Levi stared down at the floor, biting his lip.”So this is what you came here for? To warn me about some ancient rules and remind me I’m one of you?”

Erwin sighed, “That wasn’t the intent, but a reminder every now and then might put things into perspective for you.”

“What things?”

Levi could barely get the question out before Erwin’s lips were on his. He was stunned for a moment, before his brain finally decided that this was wrong. He pushed him away, wiping his mouth, “What exactly in the fuck is wrong with you?!”

“C’mon Levi, be realistic for a second, it’s me or no one, unless there’s some other immortal man you’re seeing.”

“In that case, I’d rather it be no one.” Levi said, walking to the door before the tall blonde stood in front of him.

“Really now? I remember a time when you melted,” Erwin leaned in, kissing his neck, Levi didn’t show resistance, his intimate touch being the first he’d felt in years, “just from that. So, what do you say?” The tall blonde placed a hand on his side, running it up his shirt before Levi’s hand stopped him.

“Get out.”

Erwin sighed, “Fine, have it your way. If I were you, I’d live in reality, would be a shame if some rules were broken and I have to step in.”

“Get. Out.”

Erwin didn’t want to argue, he’d given his warning and showed himself out. Levi locked the door behind him, not sure if he would get any ideas on the way out. Luckily, he didn’t, and Levi decided it would be a good time to take a shower before Eren and Hanji returned.

Chapter Text

The sun was setting as Hanji and Eren walked back into the apartment, Levi sat in his usual spot on the couch reading.

“Good to see you two didn’t kill each other,” he commented as he closed his book, setting it to the side.

“The brat isn’t all that bad, he at least has good taste in clothes,” Hanji said as she set down the bags in her arms while Eren did the same. “So, what did Erwin want?”

“Um, nothing, just the usual vague threats and-“

“And let me guess, trying to swoon you back into his arms?” Hanji asked with a smile and crossed arms, she knew she was right.

Levi rolled his eyes, “Can’t say he isn’t persistent, he tried that a few months ago, I thought he would’ve taken the hint.”

“Whose Erwin?” Eren asked, a bit confused since Levi hadn’t mentioned him before.

“The less you know about him the better, I need a cigarette.” Levi waved him off, not wanting to go into detail as he walked to his bedroom.

“Erwin is his ex, they’ve been broken up a little over ten years and either because he’s desperate or there’s really a stick up his ass about the ancient laws, every now and then he tries to sweeten up to Levi,” Hanji explained.

“He’s been trying to get back together for ten years?” Eren asked, surprised at the commitment if nothing else.

“Like I said, persistence,” Levi said as he walked back into the room with a cigarette lit between his fingers and an ashtray in the other hand. “It doesn’t matter how many times I say no, hell I’ve threatened him multiple times, but I think he’s about to be a bigger pain in the ass if that’s even possible.”

“Why do you say that? Think he’s jealous?” Hanji questioned.

Levi nodded, “Exactly, that and his scent on me seemed to drive him up a wall,” he said as he rolled his eyes. Erwin was pretty good at being perceived as stoic, at least to those who didn’t see through it like Levi did. Erwin had more than a jealousy problem, Levi was convinced that the blonde saw him as a sort of property, with a contract that would eventually draw them together. It put a bitter taste in his mouth to say the least.

“I have a scent?” Eren asked, a bit surprised as he pinched his shirt and held it up to his nose.

“Everyone does,” Hanji replied with a shrug.

“You wouldn’t be able to tell, our sense of smell is more enhanced,” Levi explained. “He’s the only vampire that in the face of our extinction still bothers to lecture anyone about our ancient rules.”

“Pfft, that again? Really?” Hanji rolled her eyes at the thought, she could practically hear his voice going on the familiar lecture. “His knack for jumping to conclusions still hasn’t changed then.”

“What rules do vampires have? Like not going in the sun?” Eren wasn’t quite sure what else they might mean.

“Erwin is talking about our outdated courtship traditions, it’s his way of telling Levi that he’s his only chance of companionship.” Hanji was aware it was his most common manipulation tactic when trying to seduce the shorter male.

“Courtship? That’s like dating right?” Eren questioned.

“Basically yes, but there are conditions to it, such as no courting mortals, when it was more prevalent there were bloodlines that were forbidden from being mixed, that kind of thing.” Hanji explained.

“I would never stoop that low again.” Levi commented with a sour look.

Hanji stretched her arms out, “Well, shopping with the brat was fun but I think I’m done for the day, I’ll just come back tomorrow for Sasha’s fix, another day won’t kill her. Text me if you hear anything else out of blondie.” The door shut behind her and it was just Eren and Levi left together again.

Levi flicked the ashes of his cigarette into the tray he’d brought with him. His mind was racing with thoughts, he didn’t feel like Eren was safe, Erwin’s comments were meant to scare him, and as much as he hated it, it did make him at least fear his impulses and decisions. He nearly jumped when Eren set a hand on his shoulder.

“Oh sorry! Wasn’t trying to scare you.”

“It’s fine, not your fault, it was just a long day. How was shopping?” Levi asked, curious how the two had managed to get along.

“It was pretty fun, y'know Hanji does have a pretty unsettling exterior, but when we started looking at clothes she was so interested. She wanted to help me put outfits together, critiqued a few things I tried on, I’ve never really gone out with anyone and done that before” Eren smiled softly at the thought.

“That’s good, why don’t you go shower, change clothes, I can take your bags to your room.” Levi put out the cigarette, setting the ashtray on the nearby coffee table and stood. He picked up a bag before hearing the brunette’s protest to his offer.

“No! That’s okay! I can just take them real quick.” Eren bent over, putting a few bags in hand, Levi still held one, and at least wanted to pick up the last one Eren hadn’t gotten to yet, but when he picked it up he noticed the store name and logo on the bag. Admittedly a place he’d been to before, a local store known for a certain type of clothing and… accessories.

“Oh my god, I think Hanji left this behind.” Before Eren could turn to grab the bag, he turned to see Levi holding the lingerie from it, his cheeks were red and he didn’t know what to say, just a silent panic. It was a one piece black lingerie set, open in the lower area, clearly missing that bit of fabric for a reason. He could clearly see there was more in the bag, fishnets and a very non discreet box with it. “I wonder what kind of plans she had with this.” Levi wondered out loud, he thought maybe Eren would have an explanation or story of Hanji dragging him into the store, making her usual suggestive, crude comments. Instead, he saw Eren looking away, biting his lip, cheeks bright pink and blushing.

“What? She didn’t give you any details about it?” Levi asked with a smirk as he put the lingerie back in the bag.

“That’s, um, Hanji didn’t forget that.” That was all he could manage.

Levi was confused for a second, but not for long, there was a sudden moment of realization. “Oh.. Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” he quickly apologized, “I was, I just thought because the store, I recognized it and assumed Hanji took you there.”

“It’s okay, it was actually my idea, I’ve um, seen it before but never went in. I guess I felt more confident.” Eren explained, his gaze flicking between Levi and the floor.

“Oh, I didn’t think that- nevermind.” Levi waved the idea off.

“You didn’t think what?” Eren asked, slightly less embarrassed and curious.

“I just- I mean obviously I don’t know but, I didn’t think you.. did that kinda stuff.” Levi didn’t know how else to end that sentence but realized how unclear it was.

“Well, we didn’t get far enough into our date for you to figure that out.” He said with a shrug.

“Exactly who are you planning on wearing that for?” The shorter male questioned.

“I was just embarrassed to try it on at the store, I just thought I’d get my size and, I dunno, maybe just see if its, um, if it looks good on me.” Eren had again settled on looking at the floor.

“I think it’ll look great on you, maybe you could show me and I can tell you how well it fits you.” Levi said with a smirk, looking the other up and down.

“Hmmm, maybe if I reallllyyy want something I'll consider your offer.” Eren said as he finally walked to his bedroom to set everything down.

Levi followed with the two bags he held, “C'mon, how many guys can say they did it with a vampire?” he asked as he set them down.

“ From what I heard that’s a very big no no, I wouldn't want to get you in any trouble.” Eren’s tone was mocking of their earlier discussion about Erwin.

“Y'know Erwin already smells you all over me from sleeping in my bed, its not like he’s gonna actually know if anything else were to happen.” Levi said it more out of fact than anything, but the brunette going back and forth with himself definitely peaked his interest.

“Do you say that to all your kidnap victims?” Eren asked with his arms crossed.

“Honestly, just you sweetheart.” The short male blew a kiss sarcastically to him.

Eren rolled his eyes at the comment. “I'm gonna go shower.”

As he walked off to the bathroom Levi found his gaze lingering in that direction. He knew it was wrong, not because of idiotic ancient laws but because the more at arms length Eren was the better off he’d be, at least that's how Levi justified it. He didn’t intend on lying to him or withholding information, rather he hoped he wouldn’t have a reason to ask too much.

Something about Erwin had really rattled him, the blonde was older but his senses remained better than his own. It wasn’t that he was physically intimidating to himself, but if Eren had a hard time with Hanji at first he could only imagine if he found himself in Erwins presence.

He tried his best to again shake those thoughts, assuring himself everything would be fine for the time being. Levi sat on the couch, going back to his book as the rest of the world around him melted into familiar sounds around him as he read.

Twenty minutes passed and Eren was finishing up, his usual routine of drying, deodorant and getting dressed. He walked out to see Levi seemingly unbothered by his surroundings, he bit his lip as he looked him over, nervous to ask but he had a question- maybe a favor, if you could call it that, to ask. He swallowed, letting out a silent breath to mentally talk himself into having a moment of confidence. Eren walked over and sat by him, smiling as he tried to make conversation.

“Good book?”

“Yeah, I’m halfway through, just trying to take my mind off today.” Levi answered simply, folding the corner of the page he was on.

“You did seem pretty shaken up by Erwin.” Eren said as he fidgeted with his hands in his lap.

Levi rolled his eyes, “He only comes around anymore to cause problems, but he doesn’t scare me, probably thinks he does.” He shut his book, setting it to the side.

“I was thinking, Hanji was supposed to, y'know, take Sasha some of my- well she didn’t and, um, I was thinking, if you need to-“

“Very sweet of you to offer but I have no idea how to do that medical crap safely, that’s Hanji’s thing.” Levi really did appreciate his offer, but couldn’t see himself sticking him with a needle and that going well.

“I know, I meant that, I know you said you don’t like to but-“ Eren was again cut off:

“I already told you I don’t bite, that’s not how I do things.” Levi was a little irritated at the mention of it, but not angry.

“I know, I just thought-“

“I said no Eren, don’t push it.” His nerves were a little more on edge, he stood, turning to walk away but he felt the others grip on his wrist.

“Y’know I didn’t ask for this right? I get you have boundaries but I want to know what it's like, how bad it hurts if you or someone like you had to do it that way.” Eren explained out of his own frustration.

The shorter male jerked out of his grip, “Don’t you ever group me in with the rest of them.”

“Oh right, you’re so much better huh? Luring me on a date, into your apartment for your own benefit, do you really think you’re different?” Eren snapped, knowing he went too far as soon as the words left his lips.

There was a silence between them, Levi looked at the floor, contemplating before grabbing Eren by his shirt. He drug him the short distance to his bedroom, using his strength to push him onto his back on the mattress. “You wanna be prepared so bad,” Eren tried sitting up only for the other male to pounce on top of him, pushing him back down. His irises were that deep crimson color, almost glowing in the low light of the bedroom. It would’ve almost been mesmerizing if it weren’t for Eren being roughly pinned back down with the sight of Levi’s fangs bared and the low primal growl that came from him.

Eren struggled in his grip but to no avail. He tried twisting and turning his body, but again, useless. His heart pounded in his chest, whimpering and tearing up when the dark haired male leaned in closer, his tongue flicking against his tan neck.

“This is what the rest of them are, the only reason you’d still be alive right now is if some sadistic fuck wanted to play with his food. So you tell me, do you think I’m like them?”

Eren managed to blink away a few tears as he looked Levi in the eyes, his wrists felt close to snapping from the pressure of the other’s grip. His voice was shaky, but he managed to swallow some of the fear he felt, “You don’t look so different right now..”

Levi heard the brunette’s words and rather than frighten him anymore, his look softened. The crimson in his eyes flicked back to their usual grey, his grip letting up as he stood up and let Eren go.
“Get out.”

Eren wasted no time, standing and walking back to his own room with the door clicked shut. He mentally cursed himself, as much as Levi scared him, he knew he pushed him to it. His lip trembled as he sat in his room trying to compose himself.

As soon as Eren left he shut his own door, his back sliding down against it before his ass hit the floor, burying his head against his knees. That wasn’t him… it couldn’t be.

Hours passed, at some point Eren went to the living room, putting something on TV as he actively tried to rot the part of his brain that made him act like he had earlier. It wasn’t like him to be so confrontational. Even if he had a point about not choosing his situation, he knew he went about it the wrong way. His head continued turning to look at Levis bedroom door, he doubted was sleeping even though he hadn’t heard anything. It was one thirty two in the morning, and Eren felt nowhere close to sleep.

He wasn’t sure if now was the time to try to resolve it, but he knew he wouldn’t be sleeping if he didn’t at least try. Eren tried talking himself out of the next idea that popped into his head, but as he sat there replaying the events in his mind he knew he didn’t want to leave Levi in whatever state he was in.

Two o'clock in the morning, Levi laid still as he had when he managed to pull himself from the doorway, looking up at his usual view of the ceiling. He didn’t welcome sleep like usual and from the sounds outside his bedroom neither did Eren. He closed his eyes for a moment, only to hear a soft knock at his bedroom door.

“Levi? Um, can I come in?”

Silence.

“I can’t sleep, and I don’t think I can until I talk to you.”

Levi turned on his side, his back to the door as he gave a begrudging “come in.”

Eren turned the knob, walking in and trying to find his confidence again. He walked up to Levi, still turned away from him. “I said something awful to you, I got frustrated and I said the first hurtful thing I thought of. I’m sorry.”

Levi still didn’t speak, but his body relaxed more hearing those words.

“I have a right to be frustrated, but the reality is my home life was miserable, I wouldn’t ever get to express myself.” Erens weight sank onto the bed, his knees hitting the edge of the mattress as he sat behind Levi's back, waiting to get his attention.

“Our date was nice, you made me feel good about myself, I don’t think I’d felt like that before… wanted.” He trailed off before finding the right word. Those words pulled at something in Levi. He sat up, turning to Eren.

If breathing was still necessary to him, there wouldn’t even be air in his lungs as he took in the sight before him. Eren’s eyes focused on Levi only for a second before looking away, setting his hands in front of him and arching his back before forcing his gaze and blushing cheeks back to face Levi. “Do you like how it fits?”

He was speechless, reaching out to run a hand along his curves and the lace that covered it. Eren wanted more, placing himself in Levis lap with his legs straddling either side of him and his arms around his pale neck. Levis hands quickly found his hips, now noticing the eyeliner and light makeup the other had applied.

Levi thought for a moment, still taking in everything that was happening.

“Is something wrong?” Eren asked nervously.

“No, I was thinking, I don’t know how she figured this out but Hanji explained to me once that when a mortal is bitten with the intent of feeding, it releases some feel good chemical, you would feel light headed but sort of high after.” He explained, he hadn’t fed like that in so long, but he went well overboard earlier, and he was willing to give in if Eren still trusted him.

He didn’t hesitate, pushing his body closer against him and sliding off a thin shoulder strap as he bared his neck and shoulder to him. “Please.”

Levi bared his fangs, leaning in as he stared at the unmarked flesh. Eren didn’t flinch, didn’t tense, the complete opposite actually, his body reacted in a way that pulled the shorter male closer. He didn’t want to prolong the process, carefully picking a good spot before feeling his teeth break skin. Eren bit his lip at the initial feeling, but clung to the man responsible for it. The taste was amazing, it was warm, fresh, Levi knew he had to stop. He wasn’t feral so pulling away didn’t pose much of a challenge, running his tongue over the wound before biting his lip as he held the brunette.

The pace of his breathing changed, pulling away from his face tucked into his shoulder to pressing his forehead against Levi’s. His mind felt clouded, almost fuzzy like tv static, he felt warm all over, starting in his face and then washing over the rest of his skin. His hips instinctively pushed into Levi’s from the feeling, part of him was anxiety ridden, not sure where his hands should go or what exactly would make the other feel good from this. The other part of him didn’t care, his hands found Levis' sides, holding him in a tight grip as he continually rolled his hips with quiet moans in between as he rode out the high.

Levi simply allowed him to do what felt good, biting his lip as the motion from Eren in his lap awoke desires he’d managed to push deep down for so long.

“Levi.. please, touch me.” Eren could admit the begging was desperate, he couldn’t form many other words than that as he again looked at the other with half lidded eyes.

He wasn’t sure how experienced Eren was, and he couldn’t feel good about himself potentially taking advantage of the intoxicated male.

“You're high Eren- I don’t know if I should,” Levi answered.

The brunette was pretty discouraged by the answer, but couldn’t fathom not having anymore friction between them. He managed to collect himself enough to take Levis hand, kissing the back of it before placing it between them. He could tell Levi was still hesitant, but the feeling of his hand against the imprint in his lingerie felt too good to let him back away now.

“You don’t have to do much, please if you just keep your hand there- I'm close.” Eren explained shortly as he continued rutting against his hand. It was so warm so quick, all of him was but this was a new kind of heat in his stomach that definitely affected him below that area. Levi seemed to relax, watching intently as the brunette pleased himself.

It wasn’t even a full minute before he was a trembling mess in the others lap and definitely in need of another shower, Levi would need one too.

He held Eren close with his arms around him as he came down from the high of it all. “That felt amazing, should I um, do you want me to do something for you?” The brunette asked.

“We should get you cleaned up.” By no means did he want Eren out of his hands, but this all felt awkward for him considering his lack of intimacy in the past years.

Eren stood, following behind Levi to the bathroom. He pushed the door open, not getting the chance to do much else before he felt the brunette’s hands on his hips. “You never really gave me an answer about my outfit.”

Levi took a breath, “Obviously it fits you beautifully.”

“Obviously? I mean I guess I just wouldn’t think that, you seemed hesitant, I apologize if I-“

Levi turned to him and put a hand up, not realizing how close he was until he almost touched his chest. “You didn’t do anything wrong, you were out of it, I don’t know your experience level on this. I’ve done enough to you.”

It wasn’t the answer Eren wanted, but he bit his lip and pulled his hands back to himself as his gaze met the tile floor beneath them.

It was clear to the other how quick he withdrew, and now Levi felt like there was new tension in the air. It was familiar yet tiring, someone so close within arms reach but a distinguished distance between them at the same time. A repeated pattern of his existence, part of his mind lingered on the ‘what ifs’ but it wasn’t a game he intended to play along with.

Maybe it was a built up frustration from the brunette’s hands that had left his skin, or maybe he was fed up with his repeated timeline that followed arbitrary customs with punishments to fit the cost of disobedience, whatever it was he found his body moving on its own to lift him onto the bathroom counter. Eren was surprised, but still not tense or nervous, just sat there looking into the grey irises of the man before him.

It was that expression of curiosity that pulled him in, Eren wasn’t frightened by him. Eren’s body relaxed in his presence rather than tensed, he’d shown him how much of a monster he could truly be and his touch was still lustful and wanting.

There was a breath held in the air between them, and Levi found himself almost stunned by his own actions. The brunette leaned into his grip, his arms finding their way around Levi's neck with a hand in his hair, “I don’t think you’ve scratched the surface of what you could do to me.”

The confidence in his voice, the outfit that still clung to his tan skin, and the green half lidded eyes that didn’t break contact with his own, Levi leaned in and kissed him. His mind replayed Erwin’s threats from before but they were merely a passing thought.

His body pressed himself further into the other as he felt legs wrap around his waist as Levis tongue continued to move against Eren’s. Everything in his body told him this felt right, and this feels good. Eren himself was feeling lost in the moment, feeling himself practically melting into the other.

Levi broke away from the kiss but not rudely, he didn’t need to catch his breath but he wanted to think for a moment. It felt jarring for something to feel so warm and inviting, his body gave in but the voice in his head told him that he shouldn’t trust it.

“Let me get you cleaned up, tonight was rough, if we do something like this I want it to be done right. You deserve more than make up sex,” He held the brunette’s chin in his hand, his words flowing out gently as he explained his reason for a rain check on his advances.

Eren took a few deep breaths, still needy and wanting more of Levi but when he heard why he was declined he felt respected and confident. “You can make it up to me, show me tomorrow night how it should be done.”

The shorter male bit his lip, he thought for a moment before taking Eren’s hand into his own, kissing the back of it as he looked into his eyes, his own gaze still glazed with lust.

“Deal.”