Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Eren laughs softly to himself before pressing the doorbell. He wonders if Levi will be surprised to see him. Hearing footsteps in the apartment, Eren lifts the six-pack of beer in his hands, and holds it up in front of his face. The door opens.

"Eren," Levi says, and Eren hears him snort.

He lowers the six-pack, and grins at his neighbor and friend.

"Hi Levi!" he says cheerfully, squeezing past Levi, and entering the apartment.

As if it were a matter of course, he takes off his shoes, kicks them carelessly into a corner of the hallway, and walks into the living room. Eren places the beer on the floor, drops into the comfortable armchair, and puts his feet up on the coffee table as if it were his apartment. Levi, meanwhile, has followed him into the living room. He is now standing in front of Eren with his arms crossed, and his eyebrows raised.

"Sit down, make yourself comfortable," he says sarcastically, pushing Eren's feet off the table, and sitting down on the sofa.

Eren laughs. "Levi, you know I practically live here, like you live with me."

Levi rolls his eyes. "Yeah, like I have a choice. After all, the word privacy doesn't exist in your vocabulary."

"True! Now let's finally toast, I'm awfully thirsty," Eren says with a grin, reaching for the beer. He takes the lighter from the table, opens two beer bottles with it, and passes one of them to Levi.

"What are we celebrating?"

Offended, Eren pushes his lower lip forward, and grabs at his heart theatrically with one hand. "I can't believe you forgot our anniversary."

Levi doesn't make a face, just looks at him uncomprehendingly.

"Well, we've known each other for one year today! So, it's our anniversary," Eren explains, tilting his head, and batting his eyes.

For that, he earns an eye roll from Levi.
"Are you serious, Eren? You know we're not in a relationship, so we don't have an anniversary."

Eren shakes his head. "You're hurting my feelings. Even friends can have an anniversary, and that's why I'm here today. Do you remember when we met at Hange's party a year ago?"

"Tch, how could I forget?"

******

One year ago

"She's really nice, just a little—crazy sometimes," Armin says, grinning wryly as he rings the doorbell.

"That explains why you're friends with her," Eren teases his best friend.

Armin pushes his lower lip forward, and pouts. "Not nice, Eren."

Eren chuckles. The alcohol they already drank at Armin's tingles in his veins, and brightens his mood. He reaches for the hand of his boyfriend, Reiner, who is also standing with them in front of the red brick house. Eren briefly squeezes the hand, and looks up at him with a grin. Although he isn’t short at 6'0", his blond boyfriend still towers over him.

Reiner's mouth only twists into a tiny smile, though, and Eren rolls his eyes. His boyfriend wasn't keen on the idea of going to this party from the start because they probably wouldn't know many people. Armin is friends with the hostess, Hange, and he brought Eren and Reiner with him.

Armin and Hange are both studying natural sciences, and met some time ago in one of their shared lectures. Although Armin talks about his fellow student frequently, Eren hasn't met her yet, but that's about to change.

Eren is about to say something to Reiner when the front door swings open, and loud music blares from the house into the otherwise quiet night. In the doorway stands a slender young woman with glasses and brown hair tied in a braid. Her brown eyes sparkle, and she holds a red cup in her hand.

"Hiiii! Oh my God, Armin, it's so good to see you!" she exclaims, pulling the blond into a tight hug.

Eren looks at the scene, and smiles. Hange really seems to be as full of life, and as crazy as Armin had always described her.

She releases Armin from her grip, and now grins at Eren and Reiner as well. "Hello strangers! I'm Hange," she says cheerfully, taking a sip from her cup. "Armin's friends are my friends, too. Come on in, and have a good time."

"Thank you for inviting us, too. I'm Eren and this," he points to his boyfriend, "is my boyfriend Reiner."

Hange examines Reiner from head to toe, and tilts her head. "Hey titan, why are you scowling like that? This is a party, usually people have fun at it." She throws her head back, and laughs out loud. "But nice to meet you guys. If you'll excuse me, I have to get back amongst the crowd, but make yourselves at home," she says, shoving her half-full cup into Eren's hand. "Here, take this, honey, I think you need it more than I do right now." With these words, she disappears back into the house.

Eren stares at the cup, and blinks in wonder at the clear liquid inside.

"Yes, that's Hange. She's always like that." Armin laughs. "Come on, let's party! I feel like dancing!"

The three of them enter the house. Everywhere they look there are people. The house seems to burst at the seams. Loud party music comes out of the speakers, and Eren's legs are itching to dance. They squeeze onto the makeshift dance floor between the furniture that has been pushed aside.

"Dance with me," Eren says to his boyfriend. His green eyes light up with excitement as he tries to pull Reiner onto the dance floor by the wrist.

"No, I don't feel like it." The tall blond shakes off Eren's hand, and crosses his arms in front of his broad chest.

Eren groans in annoyance, and rolls his eyes for the umpteenth time that night. As much as he loves his boyfriend, it's annoying that Reiner becomes a real killjoy when things don't go his way.

Yet he still wants to dance, so Eren rushes onto the dance floor with Armin, and leaves his boyfriend standing on the sidelines. Let him sulk! Eren, at least, wants to have fun!

The two friends dance boisterously with the other party guests until Armin excuses himself to go mingle with other people since many acquaintances from his courses are also at the party. Since Eren is studying social sciences, he doesn't know the people from Armin's classes, but that doesn't bother him; after all, Reiner is still there.

Reiner and he met at the gym where Eren works beside his studies. The blond is three years older than him, and works as a car salesman. Actually, Reiner isn't really Eren's type. Yet he was very persistent, and asked Eren out until he finally agreed. That's when Eren realized that Reiner looks beefy because of his size and muscles, but is basically a kind-hearted person. He fell in love with him. Since then, the two have been together constantly. Yet if Eren is honest, sometimes it's a little too often for his taste.

Eren is a free spirit, and it’s important to him that he can continue to pursue his own interests despite his relationship. After all, he doesn't want to give up everything he has valued, and done in his life so far! Though Reiner is a very affectionate guy, and insists that they spend as much time together as possible. Most of the time Eren gives in. After all, he likes spending time with his boyfriend, even though, sometimes, the clinginess drives him crazy.

After some wild dances, Eren leaves the dance floor sweaty, but happy. He brushes a damp strand of hair behind his ear. He looks around searchingly, but can't spot Reiner anywhere. Thirsty from all the singing and dancing, he decides to get something to drink when someone pats him on the shoulder from behind. Astonished, Eren turns around.

"Hi Eren."

Eren's lips twist into a smile when he catches sight of his acquaintance Gunther. They know each other from the gym.

"Gunther, what a surprise," Eren greets him, shaking his hand. "How are you? I haven't seen you work out in a while."

Gunther scratches his head, and grins. "Yeah, I've been a little lazy lately."

They chat for a while about this and that until Reiner suddenly joins them from out of nowhere. He puts his arm around Eren's shoulders, and pulls him close.

Surprised, Eren looks at Reiner. "Hey, where have you been? I was looking for you. This is Gunther, we know each other from the gym. Gunther, this is my boyfriend Reiner," Eren introduces the two men.

Gunther raises his hand in greeting, but Reiner just stares at the brown-haired man with a scowl, his gaze frozen.

Eren knows Reiner. He can tell from his pressed lips, and narrowed eyes that his bad mood has obviously not improved. He tries to ignore it since he doesn't feel like arguing, and continues his conversation with Gunther.

Though Reiner keeps interrupting Eren, and instead tells him stories about work or his own friends. Eren has to restrain himself from rolling his eyes all the time. But when Reiner starts caressing his face, and trying to kiss him, Eren has had enough.

He pushes Reiner away, and frees himself from his clinging grip. "Reiner, what are you doing? Are you nuts or something?" he grumbles, glaring at his boyfriend.

The two begin a discussion about Reiner's behavior. Eren notices the curious glances of the other party guests and also of Gunther. He feels very uncomfortable that they are arguing so publicly. He hears the whispering despite the loud music, and feels the disparaging glances at his back.
Reiner, on the other hand, talks incessantly, and Eren gets the first sign of a headache. He has clearly heard enough.

"Reiner, all of this is going nowhere. I'm sorry, but I need to be alone for a moment," he says calmly, but firmly.

Eren nods briefly to Gunther, and flees into the kitchen without turning around again.

It's here that he's been standing for ten minutes now, trying to cool down his heated temper. Eren had poured himself a cup of vodka, and emptied his drink in one go in frustration. The high-proof alcohol burns his throat, but warms his stomach pleasantly a short time later. Still angry, he crushes the plastic cup, and throws it into the trash can.

Eren would love to talk to Armin now, and express his anger. Yet he has no idea where his best friend is nor does he want to ruin his good mood with his problems. Eren takes a deep breath, and sighs while his hands clenched into fists.

The fire of anger and shame still simmers inside him. Eren hates that Reiner started this unnecessary fight in front of all these people, but what should Eren have done to end the fight—punch his boyfriend? Yet that goes against his morals about physical violence, first of all. He also wouldn't stand a chance in a fight against Reiner anyway. Since Eren works in a gym, he is quite trained and fit, but not to the same extent as Reiner.

He sighs again, and considers what to do now. Unfortunately the decision is taken away from him when the kitchen door opens, and none other than Reiner enters the room. Eren crosses his arms in front of his chest, and all of the muscles in his body tense.

"What do you want, Reiner? I told you I wanted to be alone," he says, angrily.

Reiner circles the kitchen counter, and stands in front of Eren after a few steps. "Honey, I'm sorry. I don't want to fight with you, but that guy was clearly hitting on you. What was I supposed to do? I just wanted to show him that you belong to me," Reiner explains, placing one of his large hands on Eren's cheek, and running small circles with his thumb. The rough finger scratches unpleasantly on Eren's skin, and he slaps the hand away.

"That's bullshit, Reiner, and you know it! Gunther is just an acquaintance from the gym, and we talked normally. He didn't flirt with me, and certainly didn't hit on me. Am I, suddenly, not allowed to talk to other men now or what?" Annoyed, his eyebrows draw together, his usually large green eyes narrow to slits.

"Yes, of course you can, but I know what I saw with my own eyes. He was undressing you with his look! I can't stand by, and watch that!"

Eren hates that Reiner is already getting loud again, and they pick up right where they left off in the living room a few minutes ago. It seems that their tempers, or at least Reiner's, are still too heated to have a reasonable conversation.

"I'm not going to let you yell at me nor am I going to keep listening to your nonsense. Nothing happened, yet you act like I fucked Gunther in the middle of the living room," Eren growls, shaking his head in annoyance, and shoving past Reiner.

Eren doesn't feel like staying anymore. The party is clearly over for him, and his good mood is ruined.

"Eren, where are you going!? Don't leave when I'm talking to you!" Reiner yells, and looks at him angrily.

Eren screws up his face, and opens the back door which apparently leads to the garden of the house. "Talking? That's not talking what you're doing here! You're yelling at me, so I'm leaving."

With these words, Eren leaves the kitchen, slamming the door behind him as he enters the wooden veranda. The darkness of the night, and a warm summer breeze welcome him. It wraps around him like a warm blanket. Eren immediately feels much freer out here, breathing a sigh of relief. He is grateful that no one else is out here.

He walks to the railing, leaning on it with his elbows, and looks up. Above him, the stars twinkle. The big, full moon shines at its full glory with not a single cloud obscuring this wonderful sight. Everything out here is so peaceful. The oppressive feeling in his chest disappears with every second that he stands here. He breathes in the clear, calming air.

Unfortunately, the peace is only temporary because, of course, Reiner follows him. He is standing next to him only seconds later.

"Eren, listen, I'm sorry. I just love you, and I can't stand the thought of someone taking you away from me." Reiner insists, gesturing wildly with his hands as he speaks.

He holds a filled plastic cup in his hand. Though with his abrupt movements, the brown liquid spills over the rim, and ends up on the wooden floor of the porch.

Eren exhales noisily. His gaze searched Reiner's light brown eyes for something that might give him a logical explanation for his boyfriend's bizarre behavior.

"No one can take me away from you since you don't own me. I’m a free man, and I belong only to myself. You know I love you, and I don't understand why you're making such a fuss over a harmless conversation," Eren tries to explain, turning away from Reiner.

"How many times do I have to tell you? I saw that it wasn't harmless." Reiner grabs Eren's wrist, and holds it tightly.

"Let go of me right now," Eren hisses. He tries to free himself from Reiner's grip, but he is stronger. Now he even intensifies the pressure on his wrist.

"No! Not until you listen to me!"

Eren presses his lips tightly together, his eyes glinting angrily. "I'm not talking to you until you calm down," he says while tugging at his wrist.

During their wrangling, Reiner drops his cup. The contents splash out, and the liquid spreads across the floor.

"That's enough, dammit! First, I have to listen to your fucking bickering, and now you've ruined my shirt, too! Fuck off, I want to have my peace out here!"

Eren and Reiner froze in their place. They stare at the young man who is now furiously coming up the steps of the veranda, and angrily cursing at them. Obviously, they were not alone out here after all. The man was sitting in the garden below the porch where Eren couldn't see him because of the darkness.

Eren takes a closer look at the man. He is short, at least a head shorter than himself, and has black hair. He's wearing dark pants and a white shirt where a brown, wet stain now appears. Despite the darkness, Eren recognizes the angry glint in his eyes.

"Why are you talking to us, huh?" Reiner asks, letting go of Eren's wrist, and taking a step toward the man.

"I will speak to you however I want. I was here first so fuck off," the stranger grumbles.

Eren rolls his eyes, and positions himself between the two.

"Okay, tempers are a little heated right now, but nobody wants trouble, right? Sorry about the stain," he says to the man. "Reiner, calm down. It's all fine now, okay?" Eren looks at his boyfriend, smiles briefly, and kisses him on the cheek.

Of course, he's still mad at Reiner. Yet before he starts a fist fight, Eren would prefer to swallow his pride and anger.

"Maybe you can go inside, and look for Armin? I want to go home. I'll be there in a minute."

Reiner nods, grins, and presses a big wet kiss on Eren's lips. "Alright, I'll see you inside."

As Reiner leaves the veranda, and goes back in the house, Eren exhales in relief. He turns back to the young man.

"Again, sorry for my boyfriend and this," he says, pointing to the stained shirt. "He's a little short-tempered sometimes. By the way, I'm Eren."

"Levi."

Without paying any further attention to Eren, Levi sits down on the first step of the small wooden staircase that leads from the porch into the garden. Eren watches as the flame from a lighter flashes in the darkness because Levi lights a cigarette. He doesn't feel like going back inside yet so he sits down next to Levi on the stairs.

The latter gives him an irritated look. "Is there anything else?"

Eren shakes his head. "You're pretty rude, you know that?"

Levi shrugs, takes a drag on his cigarette, and blows the gray smoke into the summer night. He averts his gaze from Eren, and stares back into the dark garden. "Could be that I've heard that compliment a time or two."

Eren snorts. "Okay, fine, whatever. What are you doing out here by yourself anyway? The party's inside, you know."

"Tch, if I'm being rude, you're a nosy brat. I can't stand parties."

Fascinated, Eren looks at Levi. He's never met anyone who speaks so bluntly, and it's quite refreshing to talk to someone like that for a change.

"I get it, all these happy people everywhere having fun, and being in a good mood; it's kind of annoying."

Eren looks at Levi's sharp profile with its straight nose and high cheekbones, and sees the corners of his mouth lift briefly before he resumes a neutral expression again.

"You mean drunk, sweaty people pressing tightly together, exchanging bodily fluids, and moving their bodies tactlessly to the rhythm of way-too-loud music? Yeah, that really sounds like fun."

Eren laughs out loud. "That's one way to phrase it. Why are you even here if you detest it so much?"

"Hange," Levi says shortly.

"Oh, you know Hange? My friend Armin knows her, and brought me and my boyfriend to this party. I don't really know anyone else here."

"Unfortunately, I do know that pain in the ass. She always insists that I act like a normal 22-year-old which she thinks means meeting new people, and getting laid. But looking at you and your boyfriend, I'm happy to forgo meeting new people."

"He's not always like that. He's just a little jealous, that's all," Eren says.

He knows he's understating things, and that Reiner is more than a little jealous. He just doesn't feel like discussing the problems in his relationship with a stranger.

"Well, if you say so. Not that I care," Levi shrugs, takes one last drag on his cigarette, rolls out the last of the embers, and tucks the stub into the pocket of his jacket. "I wouldn't let him boss me around like that if I were you."

Eren chews on his bottom lip, and stares at his feet. "Well, you're not me," he replies quietly.

Levi rises, and dusts his pants off. "No, you're right," he answers, and holds out his hand to Eren.

Surprised, Eren stares at the hand for a moment, but then grabs it, and lets Levi pull him to his feet. They look at each other. Eren was standing so close to Levi that he noticed he had gray eyes. They hold hands for a moment longer than necessary before Levi finally pulls away.

"I don't know you at all, but I think you deserve someone better than him, Eren."

******

"Hard to believe it's been a year, isn't it?" Eren asks, swinging his long legs over the armrest of the seat.

Levi snorts. "If I'd known I wouldn't be able to get rid of you after that, I would have kept quiet, and pretended I wasn't there."

Eren frowns indignantly. "But if it weren't for me, you never would have gotten this apartment!"

"That's true," Levi says, and takes a sip from his beer.

It was really crazy because after Eren and Levi met at Hange's party, they kept running into each other. The first time was at the gym where Eren works. It turned out that Levi always trained there, but since they didn't know each other, they had never paid any attention to the other.

The next time they met was at the supermarket where Eren shopped, and Levi worked. And so, it went on and on. Suddenly, they kept meeting at campus where they were studying, in the cafeteria, and at Hange's parties. Each time they talked, their conversations grew longer and more personal, and soon they became friends.

When Levi was looking for a new apartment, it was Eren who told him that, by chance, the apartment next to his had become available, and Levi moved in. Since they lived next door to each other, they saw each other more often, always hung out together, or did something with their now common circle of friends. Now they have known each other for one year.

Eren still appreciates Levi's way of always saying exactly what's on his mind, but also his dry sense of humor. He has also noticed over time that Levi isn't as rude as he initially thought, but rather very helpful and friendly when he cares about someone.

"So, let's have a toast to us, and our friendship," Eren says with a grin, holding out his beer bottle to Levi.

Levi clinks his bottle with Eren's, a small smile on his lips. "Whatever."

Eren laughs, knowing that Levi values their friendship as much as he does. He's about to ask Levi about his day when his cell phone rings. He takes it out of his pocket, and sighs softly when he realizes who is calling him.

"It's Reiner, I have to take this," Eren says, briefly raising his eyebrows apologetically. Levi just nods.

"Hi Reiner, what's up?" Eren asks as he answers the call.

"Hi honey. Just checking to see where you are. What are you doing right now?"

"I'm at Levi's." The second he utters these words, Eren already knows what Reiner's response will be.

"Yes, of course, where else," Reiner replies dismissively.

"Reiner, please, not this discussion again—"

"Eren, it's always the same. All the time you're with Levi or he's with you. Sometimes I think you're in a relationship with him, and not with me!"

"That's bullshit, and you know it. I've told you a thousand times that Levi and I are just friends," Eren replies annoyed, looking at Levi, and rolling his eyes.

Unfortunately, the two know Reiner's calls to monitor him all too well. Hardly a meeting goes by without Reiner calling, and annoying Eren with his jealousies. The friendship with Levi has been a thorn in Reiner's side from the beginning.

"Yes, you did, but I can't shake the feeling that there's more between you two, Eren. It's not normal how often Levi and you hang out with each other."

Eren sighs. He's tired of them having the same argument over and over again. Why doesn't Reiner just trust him? After all, they've been together for over a year!

"We're just friends, that's all. What else can I say?" Eren asks angrily, running his hand through his hair. "And we see each other so often because we live next door to each other. Besides, you see Bertold all of the time, too!"

"That—that's something completely different!" Reiner protests, whereupon Eren shakes his head, and laughs softly.

"You know what, Reiner? Either you believe me or you don't. I'm tired of having to justify my friendship to you all the time. Have a good evening!" Eren says, ending the call, turning off his cell phone, and tossing it in frustration onto the sofa where Levi is sitting.

With raised eyebrows, Levi grabs the phone, and puts it on the coffee table. "You want to talk about it?"

Eren shakes his head. "No, it's the same as always. He's jealous of you because we spend so much time together."

Levi nods. "Eren, all I can tell you is the same thing I told you a year ago. You deserve someone better."

Chapter Text

"Well honey, are you finally done yet?"

Eren rolls his eyes briefly as he exits the gym, and catches sight of his waiting boyfriend. "Yeah, we can go. I've told you so many times that you don't have to wait for me if it takes too long. I'm here to work, not to have fun like you," Eren replies, a bit annoyed, but kisses Reiner on the cheek anyway.

It's Friday night, and Eren has just finished his shift at the gym. As he has done so many times before, Reiner had been training, and waiting for Eren to finish so they could go to either his or Eren's place together. Unfortunately, his boyfriend keeps forgetting that Eren can't just drop everything just because Reiner is done with his workout. Sometimes a client shows up unexpectedly with a question, or the cleanup takes longer than planned. So he doesn't get done on time, but Reiner doesn't care about any of that.

As they walk together to the car, his boyfriend puts his arm around Eren's shoulders, and pulls him closer.

"So, what do you want to do tonight? I definitely have some ideas," he says, grinning at Eren from the side, and wiggling his eyebrows.

Eren suppresses a sigh. Of course, he understands Reiner's hints, and he likes sex. He also likes sex with Reiner, but, actually, he is tired. He would love to spend a cozy night on the couch with his boyfriend, maybe have another beer, and then go to sleep. Eren suspects that, as so often before, it won't end there.

"Mh-mmm."

They reached Reiner's black BMW, and got in. Eren yawns tiredly.

"Don't be such a pussy, which one of us just worked out?" Reiner says, laughing as he puts his cell phone in the designated holder on the windshield.

Eren stops himself from answering. He knows that Reiner believes that only the workout is exhausting, but his job isn't. Astonished, Eren now watches Reiner rummage frantically in his pants and jacket pockets.

"Shit, I think I left my wallet in the locker room," Reiner mutters.

"Well, go check, I'll wait for you here."

"Alright, I'll be right back."

As Reiner gets out of his car, and shuts the door behind him, Eren sinks deeper into the seat, and yawns again. He had a stressful exam at university this morning, and had gone straight to work afterwards. He closes his eyes briefly, and leans his head against the headrest. At first the black leather is cold against his head, but after a few seconds, the material absorbs his body heat. Tiredness immediately overcomes him, and it feels good to rest his eyes for a moment. Unfortunately, the ringing of a cell phone brings Eren back to reality.

Lazily, Eren opens his eyes, and notices the pop-up message on Reiner's cell phone. Eren isn't actually interested in his boyfriend's phone nor who he's texting, but the message displayed immediately catches his eye because of all the emojis. Without thinking any further about it, Eren leans over, and reads the message from Reiner's best friend, Bertold.

From Bertold, 18:13
Last night was amazing, I can still feel your thick cock inside me. When will we see each other again? 💦 💦 💦 😏 😏 ❤️ 🍆 🍆

Eren stares at the message, and reads it again and again. He can't believe what he is seeing, although Bertold's message is clearly not a misunderstanding. Last night he was alone at home, preparing for his exam. He wasn't with Reiner, but now Eren knows where Reiner obviously was.

'This can't be true,' he thinks, confused. 'Reiner is cheating on me with Bertold?!'

A thousand thoughts run through his head, a sinking feeling spreads in his stomach, and tears burn in his eyes. He just can't believe it! Yes, Reiner isn't easy sometimes, and their relationship isn't perfect. Yet they still love each other, at least Eren thinks Reiner loves him.

"Shit," he mumbles softly, and wipes the tears from his eyes.

The shock is followed by anger. How could Reiner do this to him? With Bertold, of all people, his buddy, whom Reiner hangs out with all of the time. Eren's hands dig into his thighs when he thinks about how often Reiner has insinuated that there is more than friendship between Eren and Levi while he is cheating on Eren with his best friend. This is not logical at all, and it only makes Eren angrier.

How many times has Reiner accused him of sleeping with Levi? How often has he argued with Reiner in the past because of his unfounded jealousy? Now he, of all people, has done exactly what he constantly accused Eren of doing. Eren laughs at the absurdity of the situation, and shakes his head, his lips pressed tightly together in indignation.

At that moment, Reiner opens the car door, and drops into the driver's seat.

"Thank God my wallet was still in the locker—" he begins, but breaks off when he notices the look on Eren's face. Immediately, his eyes widen, and dart nervously over Eren's tense expression. "Eren? What's wrong?"

Eren takes a deep breath, and tries to stay calm and not let the beast called anger out of its cage, but it's hard.

"How long have you been cheating on me with Bertold?" he asks through clenched teeth.

Reiner stares at him as if he had seen a ghost.

"What E-Eren, what are you talking about? I love you, and I would never cheat on you!"

Eren snorts. "Stop it, just stop it! I know all about it! Bertold just sent you a message which makes it pretty clear."

Reiner's gaze wanders from Eren to his cell phone, and back to Eren again. His hands shake as he takes the phone out of its holder, and reads the message on it. Slowly, his hand sinks to his lap, the phone slips out of his hand, and falls into the footwell with a loud thump.

"How long, Reiner?" Eren growls as anger bubbles in his belly which is about to explode any second like a volcano.

Reiner stares out the windshield, apparently not daring to look at Eren. "Two months," he mumbles softly.

Eren needs all his strength to keep from punching Reiner; he has never been this angry in his life as he is at this moment.

"Dammit Reiner! You dare to insinuate that I'm cheating on you when you're fucking Bertold! I can't believe it! I—That's it, it's over! I never want to see you again!"

So much more burns on his tongue, the words are pressing against his compressed lips from inside, begging to be released, but he remains silent. Reiner is not worth wasting another second, another word on him.

Eren yanks open the passenger door, and grabs his gym bag. Reiner grabs his arm, but Eren shakes him off, and jumps out of the car. His skin is burning where Reiner touched him. He slams the car door shut behind him, and runs across the parking lot with quick steps, tears welling up in his eyes again. Eren's chest feels strangely compressed, his breaths come only intermittently, but he just keeps running, blocking it all out. He hears Reiner calling after him, but his steps get faster and faster until he's running. The night wind whips at his face, and dries the tears that roll down.

When his heart pounds so hard against his ribs that it hurts, Eren stops. He breathes heavily; it's more of a gasp, and then a wheeze that comes out of his mouth. After calming down a bit, he consciously looks around for the first time, and notices that he is only two streets away from his apartment. Intuitively, he has walked home.

Eren sniffles, wipes the traces of tears from his cheeks with his jacket sleeve, and continues walking. His breathing is back to normal by now, but nothing else feels normal. His heart aches. He doesn't want to think about Reiner anymore, but, of course, memories of their time together are now crashing down on Eren. It wasn't always easy, and if Eren was honest with himself, he hasn't been as happy lately as he was at the beginning of their relationship. Yet he still has feelings for Reiner. They were together for over a year, and the fact that it's suddenly ending like this is painful. The betrayal and the cheating hurts so much that it almost takes his breath away, and shakes his whole body to the core.

After a ten-minute walk, Eren arrives at his apartment building. He takes the elevator to the 5th floor, and walks down the long hallway to his flat. He just wants to be alone. He impatiently searches in his pocket for his front door key as he walks, but can't find it. When he arrives at his door, he angrily throws his sports bag on the floor, and rummages in it.

"Where's the damn key?" he curses, but then finally finds it.

Eren's hands shake as he tries to insert the key into the small lock. Suddenly, the whole bunch of keys slip out of his hand, and falls clattering to the floor.

Eren snorts annoyed. His whole body is tense; sadness and anger are raging inside him in equal measure. He picks up the bunch of keys, and kicks the door with his foot.

"Shit… Shit, shit, shit!"

Immediately, tears well up in his eyes again which only makes him angrier. Aggressively, he presses the key against the lock. His vision is blurred by the veil of tears again, and he misses the lock again.

He sniffles and sobs. Hot tears of despair flow from his eyes, and he hiccups. Frustrated, he leans against the door with his back. His legs are exhausted, and they can no longer support him as he slowly sinks to the floor. Eren buries his face in his hands, and whimpers, unable to stop the flood of tears.

At that moment, the door next to his apartment flies open.

"What the hell is going on here?!"

Eren lifts his head, blinks his wet, sticky eyelashes, and sees an angry Levi standing in the doorway. As soon as his neighbor catches sight of him, the anger disappears from his gaze, and his features soften.

"Eren? What's wrong with you? Are you okay?" Levi asks, rushing to him, and squatting down next to the pile of misery.

He just shakes his head, and when Levi puts his arm around his shoulders, Eren can't take it anymore. All of his restraint disappears as Eren throws himself into Levi's arms, and cries nonstop. He has no idea how long they sit together like this in the hallway. He only feels Levi's fingers tentatively stroking his hair, his strong arms holding him, and his gentle words whispering in his ear. With each breath, Levi's scent rises into his nose. The familiar smell of Levi and lavender soap envelops around him, seeming to embrace, and soothe him.

When his tears are dried up, he lifts his head, and detaches himself from his friend. Where he had been crying was a large wet stain emblazoned Levi's shirt.

"I-I'm s-sorry," he says, hiccupping.

Levi shrugs his shoulders, stands up, and extends his hand to Eren, just as he did when they first met. Eren's heart warms at the sight because this gesture means so much more to him than just a helping hand.

"Come on, let's go to my place, then you can tell me what's going on," Levi says, pulling Eren's limp body to his feet, grabbing his bag, and leading him into his apartment.

He carefully maneuvers Eren onto the sofa, and goes to the kitchen. Moments later, he returns with a full bottle of tequila and two shot glasses.

"I think you need a shot to calm down," he explains, pouring some into both glasses, and passing one of them to Eren.

Without thinking any further, Eren takes the glass, and drinks it all in one go. Levi looks at him in surprise. He says nothing, and drinks his shot as well. Silence spreads between them, and Eren is grateful that Levi doesn't press him to say anything. He reaches for the liquor again, fills their glasses, and each of them takes a second drink.

Eren takes a deep breath, and looks at Levi. "I broke up with Reiner because he's cheating on me with Bertold."

Levi's eyes widen for a moment before narrowing to slits.

"That fucking son of a bitch! The next time I meet him—"

Eren places a hand on Levi's upper arm. "No, he's not worth it. I don't want to waste any more of my time on that asshole. I just want to forget."

Levi sighs. "Fine, suit yourself. Though if you want me to punch him in the face, let me know, and I'll gladly take the job."

A small smile flits across Eren's lips. "Thanks, I appreciate it."

"I'm going to need another shot after that shock," Levi says, and Eren nods.

They sit in silence for a while, and drink more shots. The strong alcohol burns Eren's esophagus. Yet he is glad for the pain because at least, he feels something. There's nothing left of the anger, sadness, or heartbreak; his body is numb. It's as if someone had turned off his emotions with a switch. So, he enjoys the burning sensation as the clear liquid flows through his body, and leaves warmth in his belly.

A wave of exhaustion washes over him, and Eren sinks deeper into the sofa. His head falls on Levi's shoulder as it's too heavy to hold it upright.

"Levi, it hurts, but I don't feel anything—what's wrong with me?" Eren mumbles, turning his head to look at Levi.

The latter now looks at Eren from above. "Feelings are complicated, Eren. I'm no expert, but you'll get through it, believe me."

Levi turns his body more towards Eren, and gently runs his fingers through his long hair.

"I feel this," Eren whispers softly, closing his eyes.

Levi's fingers soothingly caress his scalp, Eren hums, and leans even more into the touch until the caressing stops. Confused, he opens his eyes, and gazes into the gray that is so familiar to him.

"Don't stop. I need to feel something, Levi."

For a moment, they look into each other's eyes, and it seems as if time has frozen around them. Then Levi's hand moves again. His fingers run over Eren's hair, and move further down; tracing small circles on his forehead, finding their way over to the outer rim of his eyes, and gently stroking his cheek.

"Do you feel that?" Levi asks softly.

Eren nods, still staring spellbound into Levi's face. He looks focused, not tense, but more intent on doing the right thing as he watches Eren's face.

"Yes," he breathes.

A shiver runs down his spine as Levi strokes his lips with his thumb. He blinks, and when their eyes meet, Eren's breath quickens. Levi has never touched him like this before. They've never been so close, yet it doesn't feel foreign, and it doesn't feel wrong. He even recognizes the little blue speckles in Levi's gray eyes.

"I need more. I need to know I'm not broken."

Eren doesn't know where this urgent need for touch comes from so suddenly. He only knows, instinctively, that he needs closeness to feel something, and to know that his heart is still intact. Every fiber of his body is yearning to feel something.

Eren's gaze wanders over Levi's face and sees his friend's eyebrows furrow slightly as he looks at him questioningly. Eren understands that Levi doesn't know what to do, but Eren does. Without hesitation, he places his hand on the back of Levi's neck, and pulls him down to him. Their warm breaths mingle as their lips tentatively touch, and he feels it—his heart is pounding. It's hammering hard in his chest. Eren doesn't want to lose this feeling again so he presses their lips together even more.

He slowly opens his eyes again as Levi pulls back after a while. Confusion is in Levi's gaze, his eyes darting uncertainly over Eren's face, and searching for an answer to his questions.

"Eren, I don't know if we—" he begins, but that's as far as he gets because Eren pulls Levi into another kiss.

Eren doesn't want to talk, and he doesn't want to think, only feel. He pushes away all thoughts of the consequences of his actions. He doesn't want to worry now.

"Please," he whispers to Levi's mouth, "make me feel something. I need you now, Levi."

This seems to be the answer to clear Levi's doubts because now he no longer holds back. He pulls Eren into his arms, and returns the kiss. Their lips glide gently over each other, hesitantly at first, and then more and more confidently. Eren feels his heart flutter, and all of the hairs on his body straighten up.

'More, more, I need more,' everything inside him screams.

His tongue strokes Levi's upper lip, and asks for permission to enter. Levi opens his mouth, and their tongues meet. Slowly they circle, and caress each other. A warm feeling tingles in Eren's belly, and he moans softly into the kiss. His hand moves from the back of Levi's neck to his hair, running his fingernails over the small stubble of the undercut, and then combing his fingers through the soft strands. Levi's hands claw into Eren's shirt, and a gasp escapes his mouth. The sound brings Eren's cock to life, and it twitches in his pants with interest.

He knows that Levi is his friend, his neighbor, and that he shouldn't have such thoughts. Yet he wants Levi, and he needs him as close as possible, inside him. For the first time in his life, he doesn't want to do what is reasonable. He just wants to listen to his needs, his desire for Levi's body, for more intimacy, and for the rush of sex.

He breaks the kiss, and looks at Levi. Eren knows it's too late to turn back now, he has to go all the way, and he sees in Levi's eyes that his friend feels the same way.

"I need you, all of you. Sleep with me, I want you inside me. Please, make me forget."

It's his instincts asking Levi to fill him up, and give him the ecstasy he needs to erase all of the negative feelings from the night. His cock throbs again at the thought.

Levi breathes in and out heavily, and seems to be searching Eren's eyes for answers again. "Are you sure this is what you want, Eren?"

When Eren nods, Levi's eyes close for a moment before he releases Eren from his embrace, and rises from the sofa. Levi grabs Eren's hand.

"Fine, then I'll take care of you," Levi says softly, leading Eren to his bedroom.

Of course, Eren has been in Levi's bedroom before. He knows the sight of the neatly made bed, and the tidy room. Yet everything is different now. As soon as they enter the room, Levi's unique, familiar scent envelops him, and calms his nerves. Although Eren is sure that this is exactly what he wants, a little nervousness spreads through him as he lies down on the double bed. Levi settles down between his spread legs, and gently strokes Eren's cheek with his hand.

"If that's really what you want, and what you need, I'll give it to you. But if you change your mind, just say it, and I'll stop."

Eren swallows and bites his lower lip as tears well up in his eyes, as they have so many times that night. He's touched by Levi's words, feels safe, and knows that he can trust him. The lump in his throat makes him fall silent. Instead Eren kisses Levi, hoping that will be enough of an answer for him.

Levi's hands begin to caress Eren. At first, his touches are reserved, and tentative on the body that is foreign to him in this way. Then the touches become more sure, and eager. Levi stroked Eren's hair, down over his long neck, over his taut chest, and over his muscles. He didn't stop kissing Eren as his fingers slid under the rim of his shirt, and traced the contours of his muscles.

Eren's senses are blurred, and he just focuses on what it's like to be touched by Levi. His strong, warm hands pushing up his shirt, and then taking it off. His lips kissing his neck, and licking and sucking at his nipples. He lets himself fall, turning off his mind, and giving himself completely over to Levi. Eren's breathing is heavy as Levi unzips his pants, and takes them off along with his boxers, freeing his hard cock.

"Is this still what you want?" Levi asks, looking him firmly in the eyes.

"Yes, please. I need you, Levi."

Eren moans heavily as Levi strokes his cock, running his fingers over the sensitive glans, and pumping him slowly while sucking on his neck at the same time. His fingers search for support, and find it in Levi's strong shoulders and hair. Eren finally feels something. His body is no longer numb, but alive, receptive to all of the caresses Levi gives him.

It's all too much, and yet not enough. The heat in his belly rises up, and engulfs his entire body. Eren can't do anything, but cling to Levi. He presses his fingernails firmly into his shoulders, and surrenders to the sensations. He moans, gasps, and whimpers. Eren has no willpower to hold back any of those sounds.

It's only when Levi pulls away does Eren open his eyes, and his heart leaps as he looks at Levi. His hair is messy, and his lips are shiny from saliva. The gray eyes seem to sparkle, the desire is undeniable, and this realization drives Eren crazy; Levi wants this, too. He wants Eren as much as Eren wants him.

Eren follows every movement of Levi while he slowly undresses piece by piece. Levi's cock is big, thick veins sticking out, and the red glans is wet from precome. At this sight, his own cock throbs violently with arousal. Eren can't help, but lick his lips.

Levi prepares him very gently and thoroughly as he widens his tightness. He pays attention to every little sound Eren is making to be sure he's not hurting him. Eren writhes on the sheets under Levi's skilled hands. The inner pressure increases immeasurably, and almost drives him out of his mind. Especially when Levi finds his prostate, and doesn't stop teasing it.

Despite the thorough preparation, a little pain runs through Eren as Levi penetrates him, but it quickly turns into pleasure. They kiss slowly at first. Then more and more greedily as Levi thrusts into him, and targets his sensitive spot over and over again. They both moan, intoxicated by each other, and their feelings. They chase their release. Levi is tender yet vigorous at the same time. He always seems to sense exactly when Eren needs more.

Eren swims in a stream of happiness. He feels free, detached from everything, and his thoughts are only filled with Levi. His wonderful friend, Levi, who takes care of him when he needs him most.

Eren's orgasm hits him fast, flooding him, and pulling the rug from under his feet. He falls deeper and deeper. Yet instead of a hard impact, he lands softly, and safely on a cloud of satisfaction. Eren is still panting heavily as Levi comes as well moaning as he thrusts into him one last time. Levi presses another small kiss to Eren's swollen lips, before carefully withdrawing from him. After disposing of the condom, he drops exhausted onto the bed beside Eren. Silently, they lie next to each other, and try to catch their breath as they slowly come back down to earth.

Eren turns his head, and looks at Levi who is lying next to him. His friend's eyes are closed, and he only now realizes what has just happened. Levi and he had sex. He wanted it, and it was great, better than he could have ever imagined. Although the true meaning is only now seeping through, and he suddenly feels terrible.

He averts his gaze, too ashamed of his selfishness. How had he let it get this far? Eren used Levi to feel something. Now he has to live with the consequences because they crossed a line that friends normally don't cross. Eren swallows hard, and struggles to hold back the tears that well up again as he realizes he ruined everything. Levi has been there for him, and had given him everything he asked for even though he clearly had reservations. What kind of person is he? The kind who abuses Levi's friendship without a second thought?

When Levi gets up a short time later to go to the bathroom, he finds only a rumpled, empty bed when he returns to the bedroom.

Chapter Text

Eren doesn't sleep the entire night. Instead, he lies in his bed, and stares at the ceiling. His thoughts kept jumping back and forth between Reiner, the breakup and his cheating, and Levi along with the events of the night. His body is just exhausted and tired, every fiber aches, but he can't sleep because his brain refuses to rest.

He hasn't fully come to terms with the breakup with Reiner yet, and that this step means suddenly being single again after more than a year. But he has no regrets, and he knows that ending the relationship was the right decision. Eren would never be able to fully trust Reiner again, and the idea of Bertold and Reiner is now forever burned into his mind. He cannot forgive Reiner for doing exactly what he had been accusing Eren of doing all along. His ex-boyfriend's betrayal and the related lies have deeply hurt Eren, and has left a big wound in his previously unshakable trust. It will certainly take some time before he can trust someone unconditionally again.

That thought brought Eren back to Levi, and his heartbeat instantly quickened. He had really had sex with Levi. No matter how many times Eren says that sentence to himself, he still can't believe it, and the conflicting feelings split him in twos when he thinks about it. Eren feels terribly guilty for putting his own needs above Levi's without thinking for a single moment about his friend’s desires. Normally, Eren isn't a selfish person, so he has no idea how this could have happened. Their friendship will never be the same again as crossing the physical line, has changed everything. A guilty conscience weighs heavily on him, and the queasy feeling in his stomach just won't go away. Ever since Eren left Levi's apartment, it's been sitting deep in his stomach, and has been getting stronger.

Eren could slap himself for his behavior. In the worst case, he now loses Levi, and their friendship forever because the fact that they had slept together will, from now on, always stand between them. That thought is overshadowing all of the others, and hasn't left his mind. Yet there is another thought that just won't let Eren go. It's a small, quiet voice that keeps coming through in between the many depressing thoughts like a ray of sunlight shining through the clouds—he enjoyed the physical intimacy with Levi.

Levi was an incredible lover. Attentive, tender, caring, but also wild, and extremely satisfying. Sex with Reiner is no comparison to what he experienced with Levi. Everything was perfect. Usually the first time sex with a new partner is always strange because you don't know what the other person needs and likes, so you try to figure it out first. But Levi seemed to know exactly what Eren needed to feel good, pushed just the right buttons, and triggered incredible things in him. Levi had kept his word when he said he would take care of Eren.

Whenever that thought crosses Eren's mind, he feels his cheeks warm up because it is absolutely unacceptable to think about his friend in that way. After all, Levi isn't his lover! It's wrong! He shouldn't know how Levi feels, how he smells, and what sounds he makes during sex, yet Eren knows now. He sighs, and tries to push those intense memories away while hoping that he'll quickly forget how good he had felt with Levi. They are friends, at least Eren hopes they still are, and as such, something like this must never happen again. Friends don't have sex with each other, no matter how amazing the experience was.

Eren turns from his back to his side, and wonders what Levi is doing right now. He has no idea how he will ever face his friend again. It's not just the fact that they had sex that's between them now, but also the fact that Eren left afterward. He had felt so guilty at that moment, and the only thing guiding him was his flight reflex. Levi is probably angry at Eren. First, he begs for affection, for intimacy, and then he disappears without another word. He can't even blame Levi for being angry because Eren's behavior was not worthy of his friendship.

All these thoughts torture him, and keep him awake. For hours he searches for a way out of his misery, and Eren concludes that he cannot face Levi while this dilemma isn't resolved. Levi deserves a reasonable explanation for his behavior, and until Eren finds it, he doesn't want to fob Levi off with half-hearted explanations.

Eren is glad it's the weekend, and he doesn't have to go to the university or the gym. He spends the whole of Saturday and Sunday in his apartment, lying in bed, thinking, wallowing in his misery, and hating himself. At some point, he falls into a fitful sleep from exhaustion, and has terrible dreams of Reiner and Levi whereupon he wakes up in a cold sweat.

Eren cannot remember the last time he ate anything because the numb feeling has taken over his body again, and suppresses all needs such as hunger or tiredness. In between the endless thoughts that only lead him to become more depressed, he risks a glance at his cell phone. He has numerous missed calls and messages from Reiner, which he deletes without reading them. The only thing Eren knows with certainty, is that the breakup with Reiner wasn't a mistake.

On Sunday evening, Eren is sitting in front of the TV like a lifeless puppet, and only half-heartedly listening to the program when the doorbell rings. Immediately his whole body freezes, the queasy feeling in his stomach is back, and he begins to tremble. He doesn't want to see or talk to anyone so he just stays sitting on the sofa, and ignores his visitor. Yet this one is persistent, and rings again. Eren is breathing heavily, he just wants to be alone. The ringing stops, and Eren exhales in relief. Then there is a knock on his door, and Eren hears him.

"Eren, open the fucking door, and let's talk."

Levi.

Eren closes his eyes, and his worst fear is coming true. He could have ignored Reiner or anyone else, but at the sound of Levi's voice, he immediately feels bad again. He owes his friend more than one explanation, but he can't, not yet. Eren is afraid to talk to him because then he would see Levi's reaction to his behavior. He can't bear the look of anger or the disappointment in Levi's soft gray eyes right now. Moreover, the fear of the end of their friendship hovers over Eren. As long as he ignores Levi, he can suppress that fear, and further postpone the inevitable.

"Eren, I know you're in there! I can hear the TV! Let me in!"

He hears Levi's muffled voice through the door. He would so much like to believe his words, but anxiety wins out. Eren covers his ears, and retreats into his bubble of numbness and depression. Levi knocks on his door a few more times, calling out to him, but Eren just hears everything as if underwater, all the sounds mingling into a single murmur.

******

During the next few days, Eren feels like a criminal. Whenever he leaves his apartment or comes home, he sneaks around the house as if he were doing something forbidden. Eren flees from his problems by avoiding Levi. He tries to escape any chance encounter, and always makes sure several times that there really is no one in the hallway. Only then does he dare to go out, and sneak around the building. Eren also scurries around the university, and avoids all the places where Levi usually hangs out.

The worst part of this entire situation is that he misses Levi; he misses his friend. Normally they have contact with each other every day, either seeing each other at home, at university, or writing messages to each other. With each passing day, Eren realizes more and more that losing Levi would be a catastrophe, and that he may have destroyed their precious friendship with the events of that weekend. Though instead of resolving the matter with his friend, Eren becomes more and more defensive which only makes things worse. The sinking feeling in his stomach has become his constant companion, keeping the memory of his failure alive, but he just can't bring himself to talk to Levi.

When his other friends and his sister, Mikasa, begin to wonder about his strange behavior, Eren tells them about his breakup with Reiner, but he keeps quiet about the problem with Levi. At least his friends leave him alone now because they think he is grieving over his failed relationship, and don't ask him any more questions.

Reiner continues to write Eren messages, and calls him every day. He ignores all of the attempts to contact him. Eren collects the few things Reiner had in his apartment, and mailed back his belongings in a package. This action is liberating, and gives Eren a sense of closure.

It's Friday, exactly one week after the fateful events, when Eren comes home from his shift at the gym. He is looking forward to another weekend where he can lock himself up in his apartment again. Maybe then he can find a solution to his problems. Listlessly, he enters his apartment, takes off his shoes and jacket, and goes into his living room. When he catches sight of Levi on his sofa, he gasps in surprise, and stares at his friend as if he were a ghost.

"Levi?! What—"

Levi looks at him, but doesn't make any expressions. He sits there relaxed in his black sweatpants and white shirt. His legs are crossed with one arm casually draped over the back of the sofa.

"I used the spare key you gave me for emergencies. Actually, I wasn't going to use it like this, but you gave me no choice. I brought beer and ice cream. What's your decision?"

Eren still stands frozen in place, swallowing hard. His heart does weird things as if it can't decide whether to cry or laugh when it sees Levi again after a week without contact.

"Ice," Eren stammers when he has finally recovered from his shock.

Eren watches as Levi gets up, goes to the kitchen, and comes back with a big tub of chocolate ice cream and two spoons.

"Eren, come here, and sit down already. I'm not going to bite you. I just want to talk to you."

He nods, and hesitantly sits down next to Levi on his sofa. It's crazy that Levi has, apparently, been waiting for him here in his apartment all this time. Eren isn't mad at him. He is instead relieved because now he has no choice, but to face the conversation.

Levi opens the tub of ice cream, hands Eren one of the spoons, and begins to eat. Sharing ice cream is a tradition in their friendship. Even if the day sucked, as soon as they eat some ice cream, they are able to talk about it and realize everything is only half as bad as it seemed. They sit next to each other in silence for a while, eating the chocolate ice cream until Levi puts the tub on the coffee table. His gray eyes look at Eren piercingly.

"Can you finally tell me what's wrong with you? Why are you avoiding me?" he asks, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"I'm not," Eren immediately defends himself although they both know there's no point in denying the obvious.

He looks at Levi warily, and his gray eyes are examining him while his eyebrows are raised skeptically.

"Yeah, fine, you're right. I—I feel bad about—well, what we did last weekend," Eren says softly, sighing.

"And instead of talking to me about it like an adult, you'd rather avoid me, and hope the problem disappears on its own? Tch."

Eren grimaces, and grumbles. He hates that Levi is always so logical, and usually right about it.

"Don't you think it's weird that we—well, that—"

"That we slept together? Had sex? Fucked?"

Eren rolls his eyes. It's so typical, he stutters around like a little schoolboy while Levi gets straight to the point.

"Yeah."

"Sure, I admit the situation isn't exactly commonplace, and even I had to think about what happened between us for a while. The bottom line is, it was just sex. Nothing we couldn't handle," Levi says as he removes imaginary lint from his shirt. "Unless you regret it? After all, you were the one who was suddenly gone." Levi tilts his head, and looks at him questioningly.

"No, I don't regret it!" Eren replies quickly. "Well, I mean the—sex. The fact that I ran away, I do regret that. It was just all too much at that moment. My emotions completely overwhelmed me, and I thought I forced you to do something you didn't even want to do. I'm sorry, Levi."

Levi snorts. "You didn't force me. It's not like I fell on you by accident. I don't sleep with anyone just out of pity, Eren. I've never thought about having sex with you before, and yet we did. As long as we both felt good about it, there's no problem between us, is there? It just happened, that's all. Nothing more, nothing less."

Eren nods. The way Levi says it, it all sounds so reasonable. It was just sex, just the one time, and nothing has changed between them. The shame and self-loathing had clouded his view from the obvious, and prevented him from thinking clearly. All his worries are now dissolved, and Eren feels like he can breathe properly for the first time in days. He is relieved that everything is okay with Levi again.

"So, are we still friends?" Eren asks, just to be sure.

"Of course, Silly. We're adults, and can handle it," Levi responds with a small smile appearing on his lips.

Eren stares at his friend's lips for a moment, remembering how it felt to kiss them, and how they caressed his warm skin before briefly shaking his head at the misguided thoughts.

"Good. I was afraid you wouldn't want to be friends with me anymore."

"Tch, you're such a brat. That's not going to happen anytime soon, and certainly not because of sex," Levi says, laughing. He gently nudges Eren in the upper arm with his fist. "How are you otherwise, regarding Reiner, I mean?"

"Pretty okay, I guess," he replies with a shrug. “It still feels weird that I'm single now. Of course I still think about him, but I'm not going back. He writes to me every day, but I ignore all his messages. I just need a little time to process everything."

"Yeah, time will help you get over it. So, now I better put the ice cream back in the freezer or it will melt away. Do you want to be alone now or are you in the mood for a movie?" Levi asks, rising from the sofa.

"No stay. A movie sounds good. I'll pick something for us!"

While Levi takes the ice cream away, Eren opens up Netflix, and decides to watch an action comedy. Actually, he doesn't care what they watch, all that matters is that Levi is still his friend. The latter now comes back from the kitchen with two opened beers, and sits back down next to Eren on the sofa.

"Don't you ever get the dumb idea that we're not friends anymore, okay?"

Eren smiles. "I promise."

They start watching the movie, and everything is the same as always. Levi comments on all of the things that don't seem logical to him. Eren can't help, but glance at his friend from time to time. Levi sits next to him, and nothing has changed between them. Eren wants to pinch himself to make sure it's not a dream. Happy, Eren enjoys the film, and his beer until, after a while, he notices that Levi is no longer commenting on the movie, and he looks over at him.

Levi's body has slid further down the sofa. His head is now leaning against the backrest, and his eyes are closed. The sight of Levi sleeping peacefully brings a smile to Eren's lips. He looks at his friend's relaxed features, and sees a strand of black hair has gotten caught in his eyelashes. Eren bends over Levi, and strokes the hair aside. Lost in thought, his fingertips are brushing over the pale skin.

Levi's eyes flutter at the touch then his eyes open slowly. He blinks at Eren in surprise.

"What's wrong?" he asks sleepily, trying to get his bearings.

"Sorry, princess, I didn't mean to wake you," Eren says, grinning.

He's still bent over Levi, looking fascinated at the bright blue speckles in Levi's eyes that he first saw a week ago.

"Eren?"

Levi's words snap him out of his thoughts, and Eren realizes how close they really are. Their faces are only inches apart, and he feels Levi's warm breath on his face. Eren bites his lower lip, and feels warmth creep onto his cheeks. His eyes roam restlessly over Levi's features, taking in every inch of his friend's face, but he doesn't back away. Eren's gaze lingers on Levi’s lips, remembering again how they felt on his, and his breath quickens. What is he doing here? Why can't he tear himself away? Why does he have to think again about what it was like to kiss Levi? Why is his heart pounding so hard against his ribcage that it almost hurts?

Eren swallows. He can’t pull back, but he has to. It's getting ridiculous that he's still staring at Levi's lips as if they've hypnotized him, but his body doesn't seem to react. Finally, he manages to avert his gaze from Levi's mouth, and looks deep into his eyes instead. They stare at each other, the seconds ticking by agonizingly slow, and they seem to be searching each other's eyes for an answer about what to do. Eren is caught in Levi's eyes, drowning in the liquid gray lake, and no longer aware of anything else around him; not the TV in the background nor the honking of cars from outside.

When Levi suddenly closes the distance between them, and kisses Eren, he takes a jerky breath through his nose. The only thing his body is capable of, is returning the kiss without hesitation. Levi's lips are just as soft as Eren remembers them. Unlike last time, his senses, and feelings are not clouded. Now Eren doesn't act out of an inner need for closeness or to be comforted, rather because he wants to. He wants to kiss Levi.

He pulls Levi closer, and wraps his arms around his friend as they intensify the kiss. Their tongues find each other again, and circle each other hastily as if there was no time to waste. Nimbly, their lips brushed over each other, desperate for more friction. As Levi sucks on Eren's bottom lip, he gasps into the kiss. He lets Levi push him back into the sofa so that he is now lying on his back. Instinctively, Eren opens his legs, and Levi slides in between, and hovers over Eren.

When they eventually break the kiss, they both breathe heavily. Eren searches Levi's face for an explanation, but all he finds are the lust-soaked gray eyes with large black pupils. No further explanation is needed because Eren feels the same. Hot lust presses into his belly, flaring up, and flickering further with the next kiss. His cock immediately responds to the renewed tongue play, and begins to swell.

Levi's plush lips leave his mouth, and start kissing his neck instead. Eren moans as Levi nibbles on the sensitive spot just behind his earlobe.

"Levi," he gasps, thrusting his hips upward.

He longs for friction, and finds it with Levi's semi-hard cock.

"Fuck," Levi growls against his neck as Eren pushes his hips up again and again, rubbing their cocks together.

Levi kisses Eren again while his hands wander under his shirt, and play with his erect nipples. Levi swallows Eren's needy sounds with his mouth while he doesn't stop massaging Eren's tongue with his own.

Eren feels intoxicated by all these intense sensations that flow through him. His entire body is so sensitive. No matter where Levi touches him, everything feels good, and sends hot waves straight to his cock which is throbbing hard in his pants by now.

"More, Levi!" he murmurs into the kiss, and Levi pulls back. His eyes roam over Eren's as if he were a work of art, and Eren feels himself blush.

Eren sees the hunger in Levi's eyes, and as he licks his lips, his heart skips a beat. He hasn't stopped rubbing his hips against Levi's, pressing their hard cocks together. He notices his friend's quickened breathing.

"Are you sure you want this?" Levi asks, hoarsely.

Eren nods. "I want this, believe me. I want you so badly!"

"But you're not going to run away again, are you?" Levi laughs softly.

Eren grins. "Depends on how good you are."

"That was a mistake, Jaeger," Levi counters, returning the grin. "I'm going to destroy you."

At those words Eren inhales sharply, his hard cock begging for attention. Levi releases him, and kneels between his spread legs. He places his hands flat on Eren's torso, and travels lower and lower until he reaches the waistband of his sweatpants. Without hesitation, he pulls the pants down along with the boxers. Eren raises his hips so Levi can remove the unwanted clothing. The pants drop carelessly to the floor, and Levi reaches for the back of Eren's knee to put his leg on his shoulder. Eren can't take his eyes off of Levi as he pulls down the waistband of his own pants and boxers although he doesn't bother to take them off completely. The hard cock sticks out, and Eren bites the inside of his cheek to prevent himself from drooling.

He can't take his eyes off Levi's magnificent erection. His fingers twitch, and without thinking further, he reaches for Levi's cock. His fingers circle the hot flesh, massaging the hard length, and eliciting a gasp from Levi.

"Mhhh, maybe I'll destroy you too," Eren teases.

Levi's eyes flash, and his hand wraps around Eren's length as well. Deft fingers spreading the precum on the red tip. They tease each other, scratching over the glans, and pumping their cocks to the same rhythm.

"Fuck, this is so good," Eren moans.

He closes his eyes briefly, only to immediately turn his gaze back to their cocks. The sight is so hot, and makes the pressure inside him swell even more. Eren keeps looking at Levi's face, watching with pleasure as he presses his lips together. Hearing his friend's soft, aroused snort, and seeing a single drop of sweat run down Levi's temple causes a tingle in Eren's stomach.

"You're doing so well, Eren. The way you're jerking my cock—just like that," Levi murmurs.

Eren feels his balls tighten, his release is so close, and he pinches his eyes shut. His movements around Levi's cock become more and more erratic. He feels the cock twitch in his hand as he changes the angle of his wrist to make Levi feel good.

With trembling fingers, he quickly pushes Levi's foreskin over the tip and back again while the pressure he feels on his own cock is almost unbearable by now. Levi's lustful moans spur him on to keep up the pace. He's so close, and dancing dangerously near the edge of release. Levi's fingers squeeze his cock just right, and it feels so good the way his firm hand fucks him.

The burning in Eren's belly is getting stronger. Levi's touches, sounds, and sighs are just too good.

"Levi, I'm—fuck, I’m close—so close!"

"Come on, I'm close too, Eren. Give me everything you've got."

Another thrust from Levi's hand, and the pressure inside him bursts open. He throws his head back, and grunts loudly as his cum spurts out, pouring over Levi's hand. Endless little sparks ignite, dancing across Eren’s body, and tickling his sensitive skin. As if in a trance, he continues to jerk Levi off while he himself is still flying through his high. Levi screams his name, and Eren feels Levi's hot cum running over his fingers.

They breathe heavily as they come back from their orgasms, and look into each other's eyes. Eren fears for a moment that, contrary to Levi's words, he will find something like remorse or regret in his eyes. Yet all he sees are flushed cheeks, sweaty strands of hair sticking to his forehead, and a small smile on Levi's rosy lips.

He smiles back tentatively as his wild heartbeat slowly decreases, and his breathing returns to normal.

"Okay, wow," he whispers softly, and Levi snorts.

They unknot their limbs, and walk with wobbly legs to his bathroom to wash off their cum. As they stand side by side at the sink, Eren notices Levi staring at him.

"What's wrong?" he asks, bemused.

"It seems we have a high sexual compatibility."

Eren's eyes widened. He stops washing his hands for a moment, catches himself, and continues to spread the flowery-smelling soap on his hands.

"Um, yeah, looks like it. Anyway, I can't complain, but what do you mean by that?"

"Well, you're single, I'm single. Apparently we're on the same page not only as friends, but sexually, too. I think we should use that to our advantage."

Eren turns off the faucet, and reaches for the fluffy towel Levi hands him. "So, you mean like friends with benefits, or what?"

Levi nods. "Only if you want it too, of course." He shrugs. "It's definitely more enjoyable than approaching random strangers in a bar where you never really know whose dick was in it last."

Eren laughs, and shakes his head. "And how exactly is that going to work? We make a date, and then have sex?"

They go back to the kitchen. While Eren puts his pants back on, Levi opens another two beers. Eren hops up on the kitchen counter, grabs the bottle, and gratefully takes a big gulp of the cool drink.

"We just do what we feel like doing, I guess. If we want sex, we do it, and if we don't, we just hang out like we used to. I just feel like we've triggered something when we had sex that's hard to stop now. Or how do you explain what just happened?"

Eren thinks about it for a moment. Levi is right. After they crossed the line once, it wasn't a big deal the second time. They just did what they both wanted to do at that moment, and that was to make each other feel good.

"That sounds too easy to be true. I don't want to do anything that could jeopardize our friendship."

"Neither do I. Just forget what I said, it was just a stupid spontaneous idea," Levi says, leaning back against the kitchen counter opposite Eren.

"No, I didn't mean it that way. You're right, there's something between us, a certain attraction, a match that's not so easy to find. And I've enjoyed—well, everything we've done," he says, glancing awkwardly to the side for a moment before looking at Levi again. "But what if we meet someone?"

"Then we just stop, Eren," Levi explains casually, taking a sip of his beer. "We just have fun, no strings attached. As soon as one of us doesn't want our arrangement anymore for some reason, we'll just be friends like before."

Levi's words reassure him, and Eren feels a tingling in his body at the thought of becoming intimate with Levi more often in the future. It's exciting and could be a thrilling experience. Levi is right, they have a natural sexual attraction and most importantly, Eren trusts Levi. He can just let himself go and doesn't have to pretend. Besides, he deserves some fun after all the drama with Reiner.

"Alright, then let's do it! But let's keep it between us, okay? I have no idea how to explain this to Armin," Eren says, grinning.

"Oh god, please, if Four-Eyes finds out, she'll bother us all the time," Levi counters, rolling his eyes. "No, it'll be our secret."

Levi pushes himself off the counter and walks up to Eren, eyes twinkling. He stands on his tiptoes to steal a little kiss from Eren—their pact is sealed.

Chapter Text

A few days later, Eren has another shift at the gym. He's in the middle of disinfecting the fitness equipment he'd previously shown to a new customer when he notices a person approaching him from behind. Even before he sees him, the familiar aftershave rises to his nose, and he knows immediately who it is. Eren takes a deep breath, straightens up and turns around.

"Reiner," he presses out through clenched teeth.

Eren is not surprised that Reiner seeks him out here. He would actually have expected it much sooner. And since Reiner works out at this gym, it was only a matter of time before they ran into each other. Besides, Eren still ignores all of the messages and calls from his ex-boyfriend. He's known Reiner long enough to know that the blond is stubborn, and won't give up until he gets what he wants. Yet that's not going to happen in this case.

"Eren, it's good to see you," Reiner says with a smile, and takes a step toward Eren, invading his personal distance zone even further.

Frowning, Eren takes a step back. "I wouldn't say that. I thought I made myself clear enough the last time when I told you I didn't want to see you anymore."

"Oh Eren, honey, you don't mean it like that! You were hurt, and I understand that, I really do. I'm sorry, but we were such a good couple. You can't just throw that away because of a little thing like sex."

Eren snorts at Reiner's audacity. He knew it would be best to just ignore him, but he can't help it. The anger in his gut is already ignited, and boiling up inside him.

"A little sex? Do you even realize what you've done, Reiner?" Eren asks angrily, and harshly throws the bottle of disinfectant spray onto the workout equipment. "You cheated on me, and if that wasn't bad enough, you did exactly what you've always accused me of doing! You kept claiming that I was cheating on you with Levi which is absolutely not true, but you actually fucked Bertold!" Eren blurts out, unfortunately a bit louder than intended because some of the gym visitors were already giving them curious looks.

He tries to calm himself by breathing in and out slowly, but Eren is so upset that it's hard for him.

"I'm going to end the affair with Bertold immediately after you come back to me, Eren. Give us another chance. Please, I love only you."

"No, Reiner. There is no more 'us'. Stop writing to me, calling me, and bothering me at work," Eren hisses in a lowered voice.

He is so annoyed by Reiner's ignorance, and disrespect that he feels every muscle in his body begin to tense up and his pulse quickens. To escape the situation, Eren picks up his cleaning utensils, turns around, and without another word, walks toward the staff rooms while Reiner remains standing there.

Unfortunately he has clearly underestimated Reiner's tenacity. Shortly after Eren enters the changing rooms for employees, Reiner rushes into the room, grabs Eren by the arm, and pushes him hard against the wall. The cleaning bucket falls to the floor with a thump, and the water spreads over the floor.

"Are you insane, Reiner?! Let go of me right now!"

Eren wants to push his ex-boyfriend off him, but Reiner is faster. He grabs his wrists, and presses them against the wall at the sides of Eren's head—he is trapped. Again and again Eren tries to free himself from the grip of his ex, but Reiner is stronger than him; Eren has no chance to free his hands. The tight grip around his joints hurts, and anger gives way to despair which starts to cut off his breath.

"I just want you to listen to me properly," Reiner growls bossily, his eyebrows drawn tightly together.

"I don't want to talk to you! Besides, it's hardly reasonable if you have to force your counterpart just to get them to talk to you! Don't you get it, it's over! I don't want anything from you anymore!"

Once again, he tries to free himself from the grip, but Reiner squeezes his wrists even tighter. Eren realizes that there's only one way out. He bends his leg, lifts it up, and rams it between Reiner's legs with full force.

When his hard knee hits Reiner's crotch, he immediately lets go of Eren's wrists, and drops to the floor. He's groaning, whining, and pressing his hands over his cock. Eren's breathing is choppy as he looks down at the whimpering form of Reiner from above.

"Leave me alone in the future, and never touch me again! You disgust me," he says, his eyes full of scorn. "Now get up, and leave, or I'll call the police."

Still groaning, Reiner rises from the floor with his knees trembling as he braces himself against the wall with one hand. Eren is surprised to see Reiner's pleading look, but he doesn't give in. He just crosses his arms in front of his chest dismissively. His heart is pounding wildly in his chest, but he doesn't let it show.

Without another word, Reiner drags himself out of the room, and as the door slams shut behind him, Eren sits down on one of the benches, relieved. It’s only when the shock of what has happened wears off, and his adrenaline levels begin to drop that Eren feels the nausea in his stomach. Reiner was never violent in their relationship. Yet the fact that his ex-boyfriend had gone so far, has both frightened him, and made him feel angry at the same time.

Eren remains sitting in the locker room for a few more minutes, and rubs at his aching wrists. They are red, and burning; he hopes no bruises will show. As his breathing returns to normal, and the nausea subsides, Eren wipes up the puddle of water, and puts away the cleaning supplies.

Fortunately, an hour later, his shift is over. Reiner's words and actions have haunted him for the last hour at work. The anger at his ex-boyfriend still burns in his gut, but his mood is at its lowest point. He feels an urgent need to talk to someone about it, and that someone is Levi. Eren suspects that his friend won't be thrilled when he finds out what Reiner did. He'll probably be even angrier at his ex than Eren is, not to mention that Levi and Reiner had never liked each other. Yet Eren just needs to see Levi. He needs his calming, logical mindset right now to help him process everything.

That's why Eren goes straight from the gym to the supermarket where Levi works alongside his law studies. Just before he reaches the store, his cell phone rings, and Eren quickly fetches it out of his pants pocket. At first, he feared that Reiner would be the caller, but it's his sister. He swallows his bad mood, and answers the call.

"Hi Mika."

"Hello Eren," his sister greets him. "Am I interrupting?"

"No, no, I just finished work and—going home now," he lies.

Of course, his sister knows that Eren and Levi are friends, and spend a lot of time together. Still, he doesn't want to give her any reason to suspect that there might be more than friendship between them. If he would tell her now that he's going to the supermarket especially to see Levi, she might suspect something is going on between them.

"Is everything okay with you? You sound kind of strange."

Eren chews nervously on his lower lip. His sister is very smart when it comes to him. Even though they're only adopted siblings, she's developed a sense in his change of moods and feelings over their time together.

"No, I'm fine," he fibs again. "Maybe I sound strange because I'm on the road."

"Mhh okay, if you say so. But if you need anything, I'm here, okay?"

Eren rolls his eyes. "Yeah Mika, I know but I'm okay. Why did you actually call?"

"Well, I just wanted to tell you that Jean suggested we should hang out on Saturday night, have some drinks at his place, and then go to the bar. The others are coming too. Do you have any plans for Saturday?"

"I think I'm free, but I'll only come if your boyfriend keeps himself under control better than the last time. Jean is really even more annoying when he's drunk," he grumbles.

"He's not that bad, Eren. Are you sure everything is alright? I can sense your bad mood even over the phone."

He takes a deep breath. His attempt to hide his bad mood from his sister probably failed.

"I'm sorry, Mika. Maybe I'm just tired." Lie number three. "I'll be there on Saturday, though. I'll ask Levi if he's free too. That's alright, isn't it?" he asks.

He doesn't feel like spending the whole night, as a newly single man, in between couples. He needs Levi as an ally by his side.

"Levi? Yeah, sure. Okay Eren, I won't keep you any longer. I'll see you Saturday!"

"Bye, see you soon."

Eren sighs as he lets his cell phone disappear into his pocket. He's annoyed with himself that the events that happened with Reiner are still bothering, and upsetting him so much. Hopefully, Levi can cheer him up again.

In the meantime, he reaches the supermarket, and starts roaming the store looking for his friend. He finds him pretty quickly, emptying a box in the cleaning supplies aisle—how fitting.

"Hi Levi," he greets his friend, and a smile spreads across his lips as he steps closer to him.

The anger in his gut is still there, but it immediately subsides as he looks into Levi's gray, familiar eyes. Eren's fingers itch to touch, and kiss him to chase away the last dark thoughts. Unfortunately they're in public so he held back. It's crazy how quickly he's gotten used to physically interacting with Levi, and it doesn't feel foreign to feel those needs.

"Eren, what are you doing here?" Levi asks in surprise as he puts the cleaner on the shelf.

"Oh, I had an annoying encounter at the gym, and wanted to see you," he says, shrugging his shoulders, and brushing a strand of hair behind his ear.

Levi eyed him with his arms folded in front of his chest. "What kind of encounter?"

"Reiner was in the gym, and he wanted me to forgive him. The idiot really acts as if nothing happened, as if he's innocent. I'm still mad at him for that. But of course, I'm not going back to him!"

"And that's it?"

Eren considers whether he should really tell Levi about Reiner's assault. Actually, nothing bad had happened, and he was able to resolve the situation himself. Suddenly, Eren doesn't want Levi to know what happened. He doesn't want to look like a wimp in front of his friend, letting his ex-boyfriend push him around like that.

"Yeah, that's it."

Levi rolls his eyes, and grabs him by the wrist which makes Eren flinch. Levi pulls his hand up, and holds it right in front of Eren's face. "And why are your wrists all red, Eren? I can see the marks, don’t lie to me. What did he do to you, that little bastard? I'm going to fucking destroy him," Levi growls, letting go of Eren's wrist again.

Eren is surprised that Levi is so protective of him, but it extinguishes the burning flame of anger inside him, and replaces it with a tingling feeling instead. It feels good to know that Levi cares about him. His fingers twitch again, and he can't help, but place his hand briefly against Levi's cheek.

"He grabbed me by the wrists, and pinned me against the wall. My mood was really bad when I got here, but I'm feeling better now," he says. "Plus, I kicked him hard in the balls so don't feel too mad." He grins.

Levi leans into the touch for a moment before Eren withdraws his hand. Levi looks around searchingly, then grabs Eren's hand. He pulls him a few aisles away towards a door, opens it, and leads Eren inside. As soon as the door closes, Levi pushes him back against it.

"That's the only way you should be pinned against the wall," he growls softly.

Eren briefly forgets to breathe from surprise as Levi kisses him—hard and demanding. Eren reacts instantly, and kisses Levi back, biting his lower lip which elicits a gasp from his friend.

Their hands tangle in each other's hair, and Levi presses his body tightly against Eren's as they continue to kiss—hungrily, deeply, and greedily. This sparks a flame in Eren again, but this time with passion. His cock throbs in his pants, demanding attention, and Eren moans into the kiss. When they separate, they both gasp for air.

Only now does Eren have the chance to look around, and notice that Levi has dragged him into a small broom closet. He can't think about it any further because he feels Levi's nimble fingers on his pants, and hears the metal of his belt clatter. Eren stares at Levi as he undoes the button on his pants.

"Levi, what are you doing? What if someone catches us?"

Levi grins. "I'll have to hurry then."

"Hurry? With what?" he asks, still baffled as Levi crouches in front of him, and pulls down his zipper.

"I'm going to restore your good mood, and make you forget what that asshole did to you."

Eren doesn't get any further explanation because at that moment, Levi pulls down his pants including his boxers, and reveals his semi-hard cock. With one hand Levi holds Eren's hips, with the other he reaches for his balls, and gently kneads them. Eren inhales sharply, his eyes fall shut, and his head falls back against the door.

"Fuck, Levi," he whispers as Levi's hand leaves his balls, and gently pulls back the foreskin to expose the glans.

As Levi kisses the sensitive tip, and as his tongue plays with the small slit, Eren gasps. The thick red tongue comes out, licks up all of the beads of pleasure, and continues swirling around the head. Sinful lips engulf the glans, and the sweet sucking blows Eren's mind and quickens his breathing. He runs his hand in Levi's hair, and gently pulls it.

Levi hums around his length, the vibration increasing the heat in his belly, and Eren tugs on the dark strands again, harder this time. Levi's moans make his cock twitch and he continues sucking on the tip until Eren's cock is completely hard.

Briefly Eren thinks about the fact that they could be caught at any time, but it is exactly the thrill of the forbidden that now tingles under his skin and sweeps all concerns aside.

Eren has to control himself not to shamelessly fuck Levi's mouth. It's too tempting to thrust into the wet tightness, and Levi's sounds keep igniting new sparks inside him, which tickle his guts. Levi grabs the base of his cock with one hand, massages the pulsating length with his fingers, and then swallows it all.

Eren moans out loud, the tightness surrounding his cock feels so good, waves of arousal flood his body, and he pulls Levi's hair again. He's startled by the volume of his own noises and covers his mouth with one hand. Levi starts bouncing his mouth back and forth, tongue pressed flat against the underside of his cock while smacking noises filling the small room.

"Fuck, fuck, oh God, Levi," Eren mumbles into his hand as his tip meets Levi's throat.

Levi gags, but doesn't stop swallowing Eren's length deeper and deeper, guiding the throbbing cock down his throat.

Eren moans and whimpers, one hand crawling in Levi's hair, desperately searching for a hold as his legs tremble and threaten to give way. With the other hand he still covers his mouth to suppress his sounds. He opens his eyes and looks down at Levi; the sight takes his breath away. Levi looks up at him, face flushed from the effort, tears falling from the corners of his eyes, and Eren can't remember ever seeing anything more erotic.

"Shit, you look so good with my cock in your mouth," he grunts.

Eren licks his lips and his eyes roll back again as hard teeth scrape gently over his cock. Eren's whole body is on fire, hot lava is now flowing through him, and the pressure inside him is about to burst.

"Levi—damn, I'm close—" he whimpers and gives Levi the chance to pull back.

But the opposite happens, Levi keeps going, hollowing his cheeks even more, and increasing the pace. Eren's toes curl up in his shoes, his balls tighten, and when his cock touches Levi's throat again, it's over.

The pressure inside him erupts, he spurts his hot cum directly down Levi's throat. His mouth forms a soundless O, but then Eren can't hold back anymore and presses his hand against his mouth as hard as he can to muffle his cries of pleasure. His orgasm washes over his entire body with feelings of bliss as oxytocin is pumped through his veins.

Still in a frenzy, he slowly opens his eyes and watches as Levi releases his semi-hard cock from his mouth and stands up. Levi's eyes are glassy, his lips are swollen red, and his hair is a mess. He leans over to Eren, kisses him, and as Levi's tongue enters his mouth, he lets some of the bitter cum flow into Eren's mouth. At first Eren is surprised, but then he takes it in, enjoying his own taste and stroking Levi's tongue to drink more of his sperm.

As they separate, Eren licks his lips, and wipes away the remains of his cum.

"You feel better now?" Levi asks, combing his fingers through his hair to fix it.

"Definitely, that was so hot," Eren says, grinning, and pressing another kiss to Levi's soft lips before getting dressed again. “Thank you.”

"Alright, but now you have to go, you're distracting me too much. And I have to figure out how to continue working with a hard-on."

Eren laughs. "I'm distracting you? That just seemed different somehow!"

Levi rolls his eyes and opens the door. "Go away and enjoy the aftermath of your orgasm. And cool your wrists! I'll see you at home later."

They leave the chamber and just as Levi has closed the door behind him, a blond young woman walks past them. Since she, like Levi, wears the clothes of the supermarket employees, Eren suspects that she also works here. Immediately his cheeks heat up as he realizes that they got almost caught.

The woman stops and looks first at Levi, then at Eren. She grins.

"What's up, Hitch?" Levi growls.

"Nothing, I was looking for you, but I see you're already busy elsewhere," she flutters and winks, making Eren blush even more. He would love to disappear right now.

"Well, now you've found me, so go bug someone else!"

"Yeah, no reason to be rude, Levi. I'm already gone," she counters, moving away from them.

"Oh god, she practically caught us," Eren says awkwardly.

"No, she didn't see anything, don't worry about it. Now go."

Eren leans over and presses a quick, final kiss to Levi's lips. "I'll see you later, and I'll return the favor next time, I promise!"

******

Eren spends the rest of the afternoon working on his papers for university and cleaning up his apartment. He also cools his still reddened wrists, as Levi instructed him. After finishing his work, he sits on his balcony and enjoys the sun shining on his face. A light breeze blows around him and he breathes in the sweet scent of the flowers growing in his balcony boxes.

He's in a good mood and when he thinks back to Levi's blowjob, he can't help but grin. God, Levi is so hot and confident in everything he does. If he had known beforehand how good Levi is in bed, or in the closet, he would have left Reiner much sooner. Of course, this thought isn't serious and yet Eren is pleasantly surprised at how skilled Levi is at pleasuring him.

With his arms folded behind his head, he sinks further back into his chair and closes his eyes. This arrangement is just what he needs to get over the breakup with Reiner and all the negative feelings it has triggered.

Eren enjoys spending time with Levi, and on top of that, he's also a fantastic lover; nothing better could have happened to him. Of course, Eren knows that their arrangement is unusual and that things can quickly get complicated when one of them meets someone else. But he trusts that their friendship is stable enough to survive such difficulties. Apart from that, Eren has no desire for a new relationship at the moment anyway, he just wants to have fun and enjoy his life.

Eren dozes off for a bit until he hears the balcony door of the apartment next to him open and someone comes outside. He opens his eyes and blinks against the sun.

"Hey Sleeping Beauty."

Eren laughs at Levi's comment and straightens up in his chair. "Hi Levi, finally done with work? I hope your boner problem was fixed?"

"Tch, like I'm going to jerk off at work! Thanks to you, I now have blue balls."

"I'm so sorry about that. I could come over and fix it now, couldn't I?"

Levi shakes his head, lights a cigarette, and leans back against the balcony railing. "Not today, but I'll take you up on your offer."

Eren nods. Immediately he thinks of Levi's thick cock in his mouth, fucking him hard and abusing his wet tightness, and he bites his lower lip to push those thoughts away as his cock begins to twitch again. He feels like he's back in his teenage years when he first had sex and couldn't wait to repeat the experience. Levi has awakened a passion in him that he hasn't felt in a long time.

"What were you thinking about?" Levi asks, taking a drag on his cigarette.

"I was thinking about our agreement," Eren replies honestly.

Levi nods, takes one last drag, and stubs out the cigarette in the ashtray. "Do you regret it yet?" he asks, looking at Eren with raised eyebrows.

Eren shakes his head and grins. "No, on the contrary, I'm beginning to understand the advantages of having a friend with benefits."

Levi snorts. "Good, I feel the same way."

"Oh, that reminds me, we're all meeting at Jean's on Saturday night. Are you coming?" Eren asks, looking expectantly at Levi.

"Do I have to?"

"Levi please! I don't want to be alone with all these couples, I need you. For me? Please!" Eren begs, putting on his best puppy-dog eyes.

Levi sighs. "Fine, I'll go with you."

Eren smiles and hums contentedly. He takes a deep breath of the warm summer air. "Hey Levi?"

"What else Eren?"

"Will you play me something before we go back inside?" Eren asks, giving his friend a pleading look.

"Sure. Wait a minute," Levi says, walking back into his apartment and returning moments later with his tan acoustic guitar.

Excitedly, Eren watches as Levi puts on the strap, makes himself comfortable on the deck chair, and begins to tune the strings. Eren sits cross-legged on his recliner and waits eagerly for Levi to start playing. He has listened to him so many times, and Eren loves Levi's guitar playing in harmony with his deep, soothing voice.

"What do you want to hear?"

Eren considers. "I don't care, today you get to choose."

Levi hums and thinks for a moment before he starts to play. Immediately, Eren gets goosebumps as the first notes ring out. He looks at Levi's slender fingers gliding elegantly over the guitar strings, and as Levi begins to sing, Eren closes his eyes and lets the song and Levi's calming voice completely envelop him.

"What would you say if I told you I've always wanted to hold you
I don't know what we're afraid of
Nothing would change if we made love

So I'll be your friend and I'll be your lover
'Cause I know in our hearts we agree
We don't have to be one or the other
Oh no, we could be both to each other

I've been through you and you've been through me
And sometimes a friend is the hardest to see
But we always know when it's laid on the line
Nobody else is as easy to find."

Eren doesn't know the song, but it doesn't matter what track Levi plays anyway. He just loves the atmosphere Levi creates when he plays and the peaceful feeling that spreads through him when he listens to his friend.

When the song ends, Eren exhales contentedly. "Thank you. Can I have another encore?"

"You're insatiable, aren't you, Eren?" Levi asks, a challenging smirk on his lips.

"I guess you'll have to find out for yourself," he replies cheekily, and they both grin at each other before Levi starts the next song.

Chapter Text

The week flies by, and before Eren knows it, it's Saturday. He hasn't seen Levi in the last few days as they've both been busy with studying, and their jobs. Reiner also hasn't contacted Eren since the incident at the gym, and he hopes that his ex-boyfriend will leave him alone from now on.

After Eren has dutifully done all of the annoying things of adult life, like grocery shopping, and tidying up his apartment, he sits at home, bored. It's only noon, and it will be, what feels like an eternity before he meets up with his friends at Jean's place. He paces through his apartment, wondering what to do now. His inner restlessness tickles in his stomach, and won't let him settle down so Eren decides to visit his friend and neighbor.

After ringing the doorbell, he hops impatiently from one leg to the other while waiting for Levi to open the door for him. Finally, Levi stands in front of him, casually dressed in gray sweatpants and a white shirt, and looks at him in surprise. Eren can't suppress the smile that appears on his lips as soon as he sees his friend.

"Eren, what's up?" Levi asks, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded loosely in front of his chest.

"Hi Levi, just checking in to see what you've been up to. It's so boring being alone at my place, can I come in?"

"Well, I'm studying right now, and I don't really have the time. But I'll see you tonight, right?"

Eren pushes his lower lip forward, and pouts. "Please, I'll go crazy if I'm home alone much longer. I'll be quiet if you let me in, I swear! I won't bother you."

Skeptically, Levi raises his eyebrows. "You'll be quiet? I can hardly imagine it."

"Oh c'mon, Levi, please," Eren whines.

Of course Levi is right, Eren is not exactly known for being a quiet guy. Most of the time he's dying to do something, and he's way too excited inside to be quiet for long. Right now he needs Levi's company so he'll do whatever it takes—at least he'll try.

Eren steps closer to Levi, and casually runs his fingertips over his friend's forearm, stroking the soft, light hair. Noticing the goosebumps on Levi's arm caused by his touch, Eren's heart leaps, and he grins at Levi.

He leans even closer to Levi so that his mouth is now right next to his face. His lips graze over the shell of his friend's ear. "Please?" Eren breathes directly into Levi's ear, but then pulls back.

Levi's face is unchanged, but Eren notices the brief twitch of the corners of his mouth. "Tch, fine, but if you bug me, I will kick you out!"

Without another word, Levi turns, and heads back into his apartment. Eren follows him into the living room where Levi is already back on the sofa with his textbook in hand. Eren sits at the other end of the sofa with his back leaning against the armrest. He pulls his long legs to his chest, wraps his arms around them, and rests his face on his knees. Silence reigns in the apartment.

He glares at Levi's sharp-edged profile with the straight nose and the narrow, perfectly arched eyebrows that are now slightly pinched together as he concentrates on his book. Eren watches the way his eyes fly over the pages, his index finger now resting on his mouth, and stroking his full lower lip; completely engrossed in the book's contents.

Eren bites the inside of his cheek because this gesture is so sexy, and it causes a tingle in his stomach. He wants to touch Levi, feel his warm skin under his hands. It takes all of his self-control to not just reach out, and take what he wants. Everything in him urges him to seek physical contact with Levi. Eren thinks about what he can do without disturbing Levi, and then slowly shuffles his feet toward his friend, very carefully. Only when he slides his toes under Levi's thigh does he look up from his book, and glance at Eren.

"What are you doing?"

"I have cold feet?" Eren says innocently, now sliding the rest of his feet under Levi's thighs.

Eren can tell from Levi's facial expression that he is considering whether or not to say anything about this, but then apparently decides against it. Without another word, he turns his attention back to his book, and continues reading as if nothing had happened, but he doesn't push Eren away either. Eren grins at his success, leans his head back against the back of the sofa, and closes his eyes. Levi's closeness calms him in a strange way. The physical contact sends a soothing warmth from his feet through his body. He notices how he lets go, and relaxes. Everything inside him becomes calmer, the nervous tingling, and the urge to do something disappears. Eren begins to fall into a dozing state. The only thing he hears is his heartbeat, Levi's regular breaths, and the quiet turning of the pages.

The next time Eren opens his eyes, he feels something touch his cheek. He blinks sleepily, and turns his head. Levi is crouched in front of him, stroking his cheek. Eren smiles, closes his eyes briefly, then lifts his own hand, and places it on Levi's.

He opens his eyes again. "Are you done studying yet?"

"Yeah, Sleepyhead, I'm done."

"I wasn't bugging you, was I?" Eren grins.

"No," Levi replies, pulling his hand back. Eren quickly grabs his wrist, and uses the element of surprise to pull Levi on top of him.

"What do you think you're doing?" Levi asks, shifting back and forth to find a more comfortable position.

Instead of answering, Eren cups Levi's face with his hands, and pulls him closer before bringing their lips together. At first it's just an innocent kiss, just the meeting of their lips, but Eren wants more. He wants what he's had to hold back on all of this time. He wants the rush of skin on skin.

Synchronously, they open their lips, and their tongues find each other. As soon as Levi applies a gentle pressure, a shiver runs through Eren's body, and heat immediately builds up in his abdomen. Levi is a damn good kisser, and he triggers feelings in him like no one ever has before. Eren sighs into the kiss, and pulls Levi even closer to him. Levi tastes fresh, sweet, and a little like the green tea he always drinks. He lets his hands roam over Levi's back, but before he reaches Levi's butt, his friend pulls back.

Confused, Eren looks at him. "What's the matter? Don't you want to?"

"Yes, I do, but we don't have time. We have to go to Jean’s soon. You've been asleep for a long while, and I didn't want to wake you," Levi says, pressing another kiss to Eren's lips before getting off of him.

Eren sighs in frustration. "Why didn't you wake me up earlier? I'm horny now, Levi," he moans.

"Tch, you're always horny, Eren. I thought maybe your body needed some rest. You'll survive, but don't worry, I can't wait to get my hands on your sexy ass again either."

Eren blinks at his friend, and his cock twitches as he hears those words. "Then let's make it quick!"

"No, Eren. Just because we have sex with each other, it doesn't mean we have to do it all of the time; every day, and night. Go home, take a shower, and change your clothes. Then we'll go to Jean's. Do I need to remind you that those are your friends, and you wanted to go there?"

Eren rolls his eyes. "Yeah, I know. You're right," he grumbles.

******

A little while later, Eren sits next to Levi in Jean's apartment, each with a drink in hand. Jean sits next to Eren's sister, Mikasa, on a small two-seater sofa with his arm loosely around her shoulders. Connie and Sasha sit on the colorful rug on the floor arguing over a bag of chips, and Armin and Annie sit with Eren and Levi on the other sofa in the room. Along with Historia and Ymir sitting on two extra chairs from the kitchen, the small living room is packed.

The mood is good and boisterous. They've all had a few drinks already. Eren is glad that Levi came with him because being the only single person among all of the couples would have made him feel really weird. Technically, of course, he's still single despite Levi's presence, but it helps that he also has someone by his side, even if not officially.

Otherwise, Eren was always with Reiner and never thought about the fact that his circle of friends is only made up of couples. Still, he doesn't regret the breakup, and if he's being honest, Reiner didn't get along very well with his friends anyway. It was always a bit stiff with him although everyone tried to include him in their conversations. Yet that belongs to the past now, and with each passing day, the memories of Eren's ex-boyfriend fade as well as the mental wounds he gave him because of his lies.

Eren is still stirred up inside by the kiss he and Levi shared earlier. The fire of lust in his belly still hasn't died down. He would love to just drag Levi into the bedroom, and make out with him. Every time he looks at his friend, memories of what it feels like to be touched, and desired by Levi come back to him. Now Eren wants more of it. Being with Levi feels so good, and they complement each other perfectly. Sometimes Eren dreams about having sex with Levi. He has fantasies about what they might do together, but then he wakes up with a painfully hard boner. He bites his lip, and his hands clench around the cup in his hand to keep from doing what he really wants to do—put his hand on Levi's thigh.

They sit so close to each other that their legs rub against each other, and Levi's conifer-scented perfume keeps getting into Eren's nose. All these feelings cause a tingling that itches under his skin. Eren wants to get rid of it, but it won't go away. They are not a couple; they are friends. No one is supposed to know about their arrangement, but the secret hovers over them constantly. It drives Eren crazy.

"Levi, will you come with me to the kitchen?" Eren whispers softly to his friend.

"What's going on in there?" Levi asks.

"Just come with me, okay?" he hisses, jumping up from the sofa. "We're going to get some new drinks, come on Levi," Eren says a little louder so the others can hear him too.

Without waiting for an answer, Eren leaves the living room, and waits impatiently in the kitchen for Levi to follow him. As soon as Levi enters the room, Eren pushes the door shut, grabs Levi by the shirt collar, and pulls him into an impatient kiss. They immediately pick up where they left off a few hours ago. Levi's hot tongue slides into Eren's mouth, and he pushes Eren back against the large silver refrigerator. Eren still holds Levi by the collar, and desperately presses Levi against him as if he's afraid Levi will disappear if he doesn't.

Their kiss is fast, and hot. Levi presses their bodies even closer. His hand finds Eren's butt, and digs roughly into the firm flesh. Eren moans, but Levi catches all of his needy sounds with his mouth.

Abruptly, Levi pulls back. His breathing is heavy, and erratic. "Fuck, Eren," he gasps.

Eren's blood races fast through his veins, and Levi's gray eyes drip with desire which only fuels the fire in Eren's belly. Again his lips meet Levi's, their saliva mixes, and their tongues intertwine like drowning men clinging to each other to keep from sinking. There is no more space between their bodies, and yet, they press against each other even more.

Their hot kisses have already made Eren's cock half hard. Desperately, he pushes his hips forward to get the much needed friction he needs.

Again, Levi interrupts the kiss. "What are we doing here, Eren? Shit, your friends are sitting nearby!"

Eren stares at Levi's swollen, shiny red lips, and he has to swallow. "I can't stop thinking about how it feels to touch you, how it feels when you touch me, and it's driving me crazy that I can't touch you when I want to. It's like we opened a can of worms, and now there's no going back to the way it was again."

Levi sighs, and rubs his hand over his forehead. "Damn it, Eren, do you think I feel any different? I need to hold back, too. I thought we agreed to keep it to ourselves?"

"Of course, and I want to keep it that way. We have something perfect and I just don't want anyone to badmouth it. But it's so hard, Levi."

Levi cups Eren's face with his hands just as Eren did to him earlier. "I know. When we're alone again, and have the time, then we'll catch up on all of the things we're itching to do right now."

His fingers brush Eren's cheeks. Levi brings their lips together again, but this time gently, patiently, and without haste. Eren sighs, and his cock throbs. His heart stops for a beat, only to beat even faster and stronger in his chest afterwards. There's a warmth emanating from his heart that quickly spreads through his chest. It feels so good, and he melts under Levi's touches. Eren is about to run his hands through Levi's hair when suddenly the kitchen door opens. They jump apart like they've been struck by lightning. Eren quickly opens the fridge, and pretends to look for something while Levi casually leans against the wooden kitchen counter as if they hadn't just made out a few seconds ago. It's Jean who comes in.

"Hey, what's going on? What are you guys doing in here for so long?" he asks, putting his arm around Eren's shoulders.

"Nothing, nothing, we were just—talking," Eren stammers quickly before closing the fridge again.

"Just chatting? Jeez, you guys are acting like girls," Jean says, laughing out loud.

Eren rolls his eyes. He notices from Jean's flushed cheeks, and facial expression that his friend has clearly had too much alcohol.

"If you don't have anything to say, then just shut up, Kirstein," Levi replies, unimpressed, and saunters over to the two.

"Ackerman, you're being a loudmouth as usual, huh? I guess you guys wanted to fuck in here, but I interrupted you! Admit it, Jaeger!"

Eren has to suppress a grin. Levi and he exchange brief glances. It's clear to both of them that Jean is just making a stupid remark, but they were still damn lucky that he didn't actually catch them.

"Sure, Jean. Levi and I always fuck in other people's kitchens," Eren says, and walks with Levi out of the kitchen back into the living room, leaving a confused looking Jean behind.

******

For the next few hours, Eren holds back. His craving for Levi's touch is far from quenched, but his friend is right. They need to be more careful if they want to continue to keep their special relationship a secret.

The friends enjoy a few more drinks at Jean's apartment before heading to their regular bar, 'The Key', which is located just a few blocks away from Jean's place. The bar is well attended, and the atmosphere is great. Immediately, Connie, Historia, Mikasa, and Sasha rush to the dance floor while the others make themselves comfortable with their drinks at one of the many tables.

The music blares loudly from the speakers, and thuds in Eren's ears. The air is thick, smells of beer, and almost all of the tables are occupied by party-mad people. At first, Eren listens to Ymir and Jean argue about their favorite soccer teams. Though eventually he tunes them out, and lets his gaze wander around the bar. Although the lights are dim, he recognizes his friends on the dance floor, laughing, having fun, and looking happy. For a brief moment, he considers dancing too when something brushes his knee.

Irritated, he yanks his head around, and stares at the hand that has settled on his thigh. Eren looks at Levi, who is sitting next to him, talking to Annie, and paying no attention to Eren. His hand rests quietly on his thigh while hidden under the table from the gazes of the others.

Eren's blood boils, and he hastily drinks from his beer. Why is Levi touching him now of all times, in public, and open for everyone to see? He tries to stay calm, and not let on that anything happened, after all, no one can see where exactly Levi has his hand. Besides, it's dark in the bar. Yet Eren feels the same tingling as he did a few days ago in the broom closet at the supermarket. Nothing can actually happen, and yet the risk of getting caught is still there. The thrill shakes him to the core, and his nerves are on edge.

When Levi draws small circles on his thigh with his thumb, Eren gulps. Levi's touches make him weak and shaky. He can hardly concentrate on anything, but the circular movements on his leg.

"Eren?"

Eren lifts his gaze, and looks into Armin's questioning face. His blond friend is sitting directly opposite him, and is now looking at him expectantly.

"Um, did you say something, Armin?" Eren asks confused while trying to ignore the tingling in his leg.

"I asked you how you were doing—well, about Reiner, the break up, and stuff. We saw each other at university, but didn't really talk about it."

Eren smiles, grateful for a caring friend like Armin. Although he'd rather have this conversation when he doesn't have a distracting hand on his leg, he doesn't want to put Armin off either.

"I'm doing fine. Sure, I was pretty messed up at first, but now it's okay. It's still weird to be alone all of a sudden, but I'm managing."

Armin nods. "I think it's great that you came along today even though there's mostly couples. I'm sure it's not easy for you."

"Yeah, at first the thought was weird, and that's why I brought Levi, too. Now it's not so weird anymore."

"That's true, you both spend so much time together, and sometimes act like a couple. So it's not even noticeable that you're actually just friends," Armin said, and grinned.

Eren gives Levi a quick sideways glance, but he's still talking to Annie. "No, it's not like that. You already sound like Reiner," Eren replies, and is about to take a sip of his beer when the hand on his thigh slides further up. He gags, and coughs heavily.

"You okay, Eren?" Levi asks, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.

Eren looks at him. Though his friend looks completely innocent as if he hadn't slid his hand just far enough up his thigh that it's now right on his crotch.

Eren gasps for air. "Everything's fine."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Armin asks.

"Yeah, yeah, I just choked," Eren croaks.

"Okay," Armin says, but he still sounds uncertain. "But it's really nice to hear that you're doing okay after the thing with Reiner. Have you actually seen him again since you broke up?"

Eren nods, and then shakes his head. Armin tilts his head, and looks at him, confused.

"Well, he still messages me sometimes. Once he was at the gym, but I rejected him. Ever since then—"

Eren winces, and widens his eyes. A small squeak escapes his mouth as Levi's nimble fingers start massaging his cock through his pants. Eren holds his breath, and his hand clutches the beer glass so tightly his knuckles turn white.

"Eren? Since then what?" Armin asks. His confusion about his friend's strange behavior is clearly written all over his face.

Biting his lower lip, Eren whimpers softly. He tries to concentrate on the conversation while Levi's fingers don't stop massaging his cock with just the right amount of pressure.

"I haven't seen him since," Eren presses out.

Armin blinks. "Okay..."

Eren can't take it anymore, and his cock is already half hard. He reaches under the table for Levi's hand, and pushes it back on his thigh—as far away from his cock as possible. Eren jumps up from his seat.

"I need a beer. Who wants another drink?"

******

The friends celebrate wildly, and Eren drinks more alcohol than is probably good for him. He can't get rid of the feeling of Levi's hand on his leg, and on his cock. All his thoughts are about sex with Levi so he tries to numb his horniness with alcohol, but every look into his friend's lustful gray predator eyes makes him aware of the sexual tension between them.

As morning approaches, the friends say goodbye to each other, and go their separate ways. Eren's head is spinning. He feels a little nauseous, and all he wants to do is go to bed, preferably with Levi. Since he can't walk straight anymore, he leans heavily on Levi who drags him out of the cab into the building, and to the elevator.

"Levi, let's have sex now, I'm ready! You've been making me so horny all night! That was pretty naughty of you!" Eren slurs, and giggles as the elevator starts moving.

"Sure Eren," Levi says, snorting through his nose.

"My place or yours?"

"Your place."

When they arrive on their floor, Eren tries to walk the last bit himself, but he stumbles. If Levi hadn't caught him at the last moment, he would have fallen on the hard stone floor. He clings to Levi's arm, and beams at him.

"Thank you! Wow, your upper arms are pretty muscular!" he marvels, pressing his fingers against the tight biceps.

Levi laughs softly, and drags Eren to his apartment. "Where's your key?"

"In my pants," Eren mumbles, and yawns with his mouth wide open, a surge of tiredness hitting him full force.

Since Eren doesn't move, Levi reaches into his pants pocket, and rummages around in it.

"Hee hee, that tickles, Levi. At least wait until we get inside, you little rascal!" he giggles, squirming under the touch.

"Hold still, damn you!" Levi growls.

When Levi finally finds the key, he opens Eren's apartment, and drags him into the bed. Eren feels light, and his whole body relaxes as he falls onto the soft mattress. A cloud of cotton surrounds him, and he yawns again. He can still feel Levi taking off his shoes, pants, and shirt, and then something soft touching his forehead.

"Good night, Eren. Sweet dreams."

"Levi..." he mumbles half asleep before finally drifting off into the land of dreams.

Chapter Text

The first thing Eren senses when he wakes up is a terrible headache. It feels like someone is constantly hitting his head with a hammer. Groaning, he turns onto his back, holds his forehead, and blinks sleepily. His tongue feels nasty. He tries to swallow the disgusting taste in his mouth, but fails miserably. Eren groans again as the headache presses against his forehead from within, making any thinking impossible. He yawns noisily, and combs his fingers through his disheveled long hair.

Slowly, he opens his eyes, trying to remember why he feels so shitty when memories of last night flood his mind. The party at Jean's, Levi, the bar, and Levi again.

At the thought of his friend, he feels a throbbing between his legs and slides a hand under the covers to grasp his morning wood that greets him kindly. He grumbles, and curses Levi for hitting on him all night with out completing it. What was the point of the friendship with benefits agreement if Eren has to do it himself?

As his cell phone vibrates on the small nightstand, he withdraws his hand from his cock, and reaches for the phone.

From Levi, 10:38
Good morning, sunshine! Knowing you, you're all fucked up. Get your lazy ass out of bed, breakfast is waiting in front of your door. You'll feel better after you eat something.

Eren snorts as he reads his friend's message. He places his cell phone back on the nightstand, and slowly sits up. For a moment he feels dizzy as he swings his legs over the edge of the bed, and stands up. Quickly, he braces himself against the wall. He pants as if he has run a marathon, and not just walked three steps. Clad only in boxers and socks, Eren staggers through his apartment. When he enters the living room, he has to squint his eyes because the bright sunlight shines through his window directly into his eyes.

Panting with still tired eyes, he opens the front door, and is greeted, as Levi said, by a coffee-to-go cup and a bag of rolls. Eren grins, bends down, and picks up his breakfast from the floor. Another dizzy spell overcomes him, and he quickly braces himself against the doorframe. Eren is about to retreat to his apartment, but then decides that breakfast is much better in company than alone. He takes a quick look down the hall to make sure he's alone, grabs his key, and walks over with just socks on to the apartment next door.

After ringing the bell, he doesn't have to wait long before a confused-looking Levi opens the door. His friend examines him from head to toe, and Eren notices that Levi's eyes linger on some parts of his body a moment longer than absolutely necessary.

"Hi Levi, can I have breakfast with you?" Eren asks with a grin, holding up the bag of rolls, and swinging it back and forth.

Levi crosses his arms in front of his chest. "You smell like a liquor store. I bet you haven't showered or brushed your teeth yet. It's obvious you haven't gotten dressed," he replies sarcastically.

"And I know you enjoy the sight, denial is futile. Now let me in already, or do you want the neighbors to see me like this?"

"You might have thought about that before running down the hall half-naked, and besides, I'm your neighbor too," Levi says, rolling his eyes briefly, but then steps aside to let Eren into the apartment.

Together they go into the kitchen, Eren sits down on one of the two chairs, and places his breakfast on the table in front of him.

"No way, until you have showered, you won't eat breakfast. You stink of sweat and booze. I don't want my kitchen to smell like that." Levi reaches for the coffee cup on the table, taking a sip.

"Hey Levi, that's mean! Don’t drink my coffee!"

"My apartment, my rules. You know where to find the door, or the bathroom." Shrugging, he takes another sip of coffee.

"Can I at least get a pain pill first? This headache is killing me!"

"Shower first."

Sighing and annoyed, Eren stands up. "Can I take a bath while I'm at your place?" His apartment only has a small shower, but Levi's is equipped with a bathtub. Eren just has to take advantage of it.

"Tch, fine with me. But don't you dare flood the whole floor!"

"No, I won't. Come with me, and keep me company. This way you can keep an eye on me to see if I'm behaving," Eren suggests, and heads towards the bathroom.

"You're going to bug me until I come along anyway, aren't you?"

Eren stops in front of the bathroom door, and turns to his friend. "Yeah."

He slips both thumbs under the edge of his boxers, and takes them off very slowly, knowing Levi is watching him closely. He steps out of the black shorts, picks them up, and then tosses them in Levi's direction where they land right at his feet. His friend stares at him, and Eren notices exactly how Levi's eyes wander over his naked body.

"Do you like what you see?" Eren wiggles his eyebrows coquettishly, turns lasciviously, and disappears with a sexy swing of his hips into the bathroom. He also takes off his socks, and runs the water into the tub.

A comforting warm shiver runs down his spine just knowing that Levi desires him as much as he himself does. The craving from yesterday is back, and scratching under his skin. Every inch of his body begs to be touched. For now, Eren ignores his throbbing cock even though it's not easy. After all, he's had several boners that haven't gotten the attention they deserve.

Carefully, Eren sticks his big toe into the water, thinking the temperature is fine, and climbs into the tub. Slowly, he sits down as the tub fills more and more. He lets his hand glide through the water, feeling the wonderful warmth between his fingers, and looking forward to being completely enveloped by the warm liquid in a moment. When Eren lifts his gaze again, he sees Levi enter the bathroom, and sit down on the toilet seat.

"Here's your pill, by the way," Levi says, handing Eren a small white pain killer and a bottle of water.

"Thanks!" Eren swallows the pill, and drinks the water. Hopefully it will work quickly because someone is still drumming like crazy against his forehead. He hands the water bottle back to Levi.

"Do you have any bath foam?"

"Behind you in the top drawer of the closet." Levi nods his head towards the small white wooden dresser that stands next to the bathtub.

Eren reaches into the drawer, and pulls out a white bottle labeled "Almond Milk, Orange & Caramel Bath Foam". He opens the lid, and sniffs it. The pleasant sweetness of the caramel and orange, paired with the softness of the milk go perfectly together, and gives off a pleasant scent. Eren pours a generous dose of the whitish liquid into his bath water, and immediately a deliciously smelling foam forms in the tub.

"Wow Levi, I didn't know you had such great stuff! If I had known, I would have come to you for a bath much sooner."

Levi rolls his eyes briefly, shaking his head. "I don't think so unless you want to pay my water bill then."

Eren laughs, and turns off the faucet. The warm water washes over his body, and he lets himself sink further back into the tub with a comfortable sigh.

"If I had a bathtub, I'd bathe all the time," he says, looking at Levi.

The latter snorts, but a smile creeps onto his lips. "Well, you can bathe here once in a while if you like it so much. As long as you clean the tub afterwards."

Eren nods happily, and submerges his head completely under the water. For a brief moment, he hears only a rushing sound, feeling light, and content. When he resurfaces, he brushes back his wet hair with both hands.

"By the way, thanks for the hangover breakfast.”

Levi nods. "No problem. Since you were so drunk last night, I figured you wouldn't be able to make breakfast yourself."

"You're the best. Although, that groping in the bar last night was pretty sneaky! Making me all hot, and then not finishing it isn’t very nice. And what if someone had caught us?"

"Nobody caught us, though." Levi shrugs, and crosses his legs. "Besides, you started the game in Jean's kitchen. We were lucky he was too drunk to realize what we were really doing."

Eren runs his fingers through the water, and pushes the foam back and forth between his bent legs. "I can't help it that I was horny," he says meekly, staring into the water.

Levi laughs out loud, and Eren looks at his friend whose face is now relaxed instead of serious and expressionless. His gray eyes are sparkling. Eren smiles at the sight, and a warmth spreads through his chest.

"You are, and always will be a horny little shit," Levi says, laughing softly now. "Are you going to actually wash up?"

"Mhhhm, maybe you can help me a little?"

"Eren," Levi warns, standing up, and reaching for the shampoo.

"Jeez Levi, the water is so nice and warm, come on in. Otherwise it's a waste of water if it's just me taking a bath."

"Your arguments suck, Jaeger, but okay, you've convinced me."

Eren's gaze is glued to Levi as he first slips his white shirt over his head, and revealing his gloriously muscular torso. Eren knows he's staring, but he doesn't care; he'll never get tired of watching that lithe yet firm body. The shaved chest is well toned, and Eren admires the two pink nipples. Slowly, Levi undoes the button of his pants, and removes them along with his boxers. Eren swallows, looking at the hairy trail leading down from Levi's belly button, and tracing it with his gaze. He licks his lips as his glance leads him to Levi's cock. His eyes continue to wander, looking at the thick thighs now.

"Enough gawking, move aside," Levi says, and quickly takes off his socks as well. Eren tears his gaze away, and moves forward a bit so that Levi can now slide in behind him.

The water level rises, and the water is about to spill over the edge. "You'll clean that afterwards," Levi clarifies right away.

"Yes, Captain," Eren says, and lets himself sink back against Levi's chest.

Strong arms wrap around his middle, Eren can't suppress a relaxed hum, and closes his eyes. He fits perfectly between Levi's legs, and he feels Levi's cock against his back which makes his own cock twitch curiously underwater. Levi's fingers gently stroke his chest and upper arms. Eren melts under the touch, and lets himself fall completely. All he notices is the nice smell of the bath foam, the strong arms holding him, and the sweet fingers tracing little patterns on his chest.

"Eren?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you miss Reiner?"

"Hmm, hard to say. Sometimes I miss having someone when I come home. And there are days when it's hard for me to fall asleep because I'm alone. I don't think I miss Reiner, but I just miss the feeling of being loved,” Eren explains, rubbing his face against Levi’s neck. “Although I'm not even sure anymore if he really loved me. It still makes me sad sometimes, but I definitely don't want him back."

"Mh-mmm," Levi hums. "So, are you going to start dating again soon?" he asks softly. Levi's lips graze the shell of Eren's ear, and a shiver runs over his skin.

"No." Eren shakes his head, confused about this question. "What makes you think that?"

"No reason. After all, I've only known you with Reiner as your partner, and there are enough people who jump right back into the next relationship after a breakup."

"I first have to process the breakup completely even though I'm already a pretty good way done. I'm trying to enjoy my freedom now without a relationship. Actually, it's quite good the way it is."

Eren is still bewildered by Levi's question. What is he getting at? Does he want Eren to have a new partner again? If he started dating again, that would mean the end of their agreement. Is that what Levi wants? Is he unhappy with their current situation, and that's why he's asking? A queasy feeling makes its way into Eren's stomach as he thinks about it. Is Levi not as satisfied with the new style of their friendship as Eren is? Or is Levi dating someone?!

"Are you dating anyone?" he asks, opening his eyes, and turning his head so he can look at Levi.

Levi shrugs his shoulders. "Not really. I look through Grindr every now and then, but I haven't found anyone that piques my interest."

Eren nods. Suddenly there is a thick lump in his throat, he tries to swallow it, but to no avail. Of course, Levi is allowed to date since they are not a couple. After all, he has no sole claim on Levi, and yet the thought doesn't cause a good feeling within Eren. He has just gotten used to their new physical connection, and just wants to enjoy it right now. A new partner would take Levi away from Eren again. Eren feels bad that he feels this way because it's selfish.

"Hey, it's fine the way it is so don't worry about it," Levi whispers, kissing him tenderly on his wet hair. "Move forward a bit, and I'll wash your hair."

Eren does as he is told, although the lump in his throat still keeps him from speaking. He feels Levi pour the shampoo on his head. Then his long fingers are running into his hair, spreading the shampoo, and making it sudsy. He closes his eyes, tries to just relax, and enjoy the gentle pressure on his scalp. Yet he can't switch it off, and his chest feels too tight. As Eren expels the halted air noisily, Levi's hands pause.

"Eren, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," he croaks. How is he supposed to explain to Levi that he's an egotist who begrudges Levi his happiness with someone else just because he enjoys their sex?

Levi continues to massage his scalp. "There's no one else in my life right now, Eren. If there was, I wouldn't have agreed to this friends with benefits thing."

Eren hates that Levi knows him so well as to know exactly what's on his mind even if he hasn't said anything. He doesn't know what to say, and just nods as Levi's fingers withdraw from his hair. Levi reaches for the shower head, and slowly yet gently, rinses all of the foam out of Eren's hair. His hands are gently stroking his head to make sure he doesn't get shampoo in his eyes.

"Come here," Levi says after hanging the showerhead back in its holder.

Eren slides to Levi, and leans back like he did before. Immediately, the strong arms wrap around him once again, and the pressure on his chest eases. "Don't think too much about it, Eren. Let's just enjoy what we have."

Levi grabs his chin, and turns it so that Eren is forced to look at Levi. The warm gray eyes examine him intently, and look at him questioningly before Levi lowers his head, and seals their lips. Their faces and lips are well supplied with blood from the warm water and damp air around them, and feel fuller than usual. Their lips slide over each other, and immediately open to embrace each other's tongues. Levi's tongue takes command, and presses against Eren's demandingly. The oppressive feeling in his chest bursts, and disappears then, leaving a pleasant crackling sensation instead. Eren sighs into the kiss, and melts even more into Levi's arms.

The hand on his chin disappears to wrap around his cock. Eren gasps in surprise. Levi doesn't let him out of the kiss, pressing their lips together tighter, and capturing his tongue completely. Lust awakens in him, causing the heat to flare up again, and makes all of the blood flow to his cock which swells more and more under Levi's strokes.

Levi's other arm holds him tight, not letting go as he continues to kiss, and stroke him relentlessly. Eren arches his back, and thrusts his hips upward for more friction.

When their lips separate, they both breathe heavily, and look directly into each other's eyes. Eren stares into the dilated pupils, and sees the dark veil of lust covering Levi's bright eyes. At that moment, Levi's thumb runs over the tip, and presses down on the small slit.

"Levi," Eren moans, his eyes closing, and his head falling back onto Levi's shoulder.

The water sloshes around their bodies at every touch, and every friction feels even more intense underwater.

"Tell me how you feel, Eren," Levi coos, nibbling on the shell of his ear.

"Mhm, good, you're doing so well. Please, I need more, Levi," he presses out.

Levi complies with this request, and starts pumping his now hard length. The water splashes, and Levi's movements underwater trigger little waves that swirl around his cock like a strudel.

"Fuck," Eren groans shamelessly with Levi's quick breath on his ear intoxicating him. He can't stop thrusting his hips more and more into Levi's hand, and the feeling of his palm stroking him is too good.

Eren continues to press himself against Levi, and feels his hard cock against his back. "Levi, I want to touch you too," he gasps, and forces himself to open his eyes.

Eren looks at his friend, grabs him by the back of the neck, and pulls him into a fiery kiss. Their tongues don't argue for long, and immediately begin another dance together until Eren pulls back again. He slides away from Levi, and tries to turn around which is harder than he thought with his long legs in the small bathtub. His hard cock throbs furiously at the loss of Levi's touch.

Finally, Eren has managed to turn around, and is now sitting across from Levi. He moves back to his friend, and they intertwine their bent legs as best as they can. When Levi's hand wraps around his cock again, Eren bites his lower lip, and a growl escapes his mouth. Levi moans as well when Eren begins pumping his cock underwater with the hot length fitting perfectly in his hand. Their thrusts quickly find the same rhythm, and their movements create high waves that spill over the edge of the tub, but they couldn't care less at this moment.

Hectically they jerk each other off, while kissing greedily and exploring each other further and deeper. Levi's hand reaches into Eren's hair, pulling on it, and eliciting a sigh from Eren which Levi eagerly swallows with his mouth.

The pressure and longing for release bubbles inside Eren, and begin tugging at his insides. He clutches Levi's upper arm with his free hand, pressing his nails hard into the tight biceps. Although the water is only lukewarm by now, Eren is hot. The air in the small room is humid and foggy which doesn’t help to cool them down.

"Levi, more, please more," he begs feverishly.

He is so close to jumping over the edge, and everything in him screams for release. Levi's hand in his hair pulls him closer as Levi sinks deeper into the tub. Eren is kneeling between Levi's spread legs now, but they don't stop stroking each other.

They kiss, sloppy, and hard. Levi's teeth start sucking on his lower lip. Eren can only moan, and hope he doesn't forget to breathe. Levi knows exactly how Eren likes it, and it's so good the way he keeps pushing his foreskin over the sensitive glans. The water makes their movements smooth and flowing, the splashing echoes loudly through the small bath, and he's ready to let go. The pressure in Eren’s belly is almost unbearable, but something is missing. Then he feels Levi's hand on his ass, massaging his hot cheeks, and kneading the flesh before his nimble fingers stroke his parting. He strokes further down, and when Levi's fingertip brushes over his hole, Eren cries out.

"Yes, yes, Levi, right there, I need you," he whimpers, pushing his ass towards the finger.

Levi's fingers on his hole sends pure pleasure down Eren's spine, and his whole body tenses. He is a mess under Levi's touches on his cock, mouth, and ass. Eren has to really concentrate on continuing to jerk Levi's throbbing cock while trying not to lose himself.

"What do you want me to do, Eren?" Levi asks, his fingers scrape over his puckered hole.

"Put it in, please! I––“

Levi sinks his fingertip into Eren to the first knuckle, and he gasps for air. This was what was missing, Eren needed to feel full.

"I'm close, I'm so close, I can't––More Levi, I have to––"

There's nothing, but babble coming out of his mouth. He has to come so badly that Eren thinks he's about to explode with the heat inside him unbearable by now.

"Eren, come for me. Come on, baby, I'm close too," Levi growls.

Levi’s finger slides deeper into the hole, scratching his inner walls, and as he hits his prostate, it's over. The built-up pressure finally explodes, and Eren feels like he's going to shatter as his orgasm hits him. His eyes widen, and Eren's mouth opens into a soundless scream as he stares at Levi. All he sees is Levi, his gray eyes, his red cheeks, and the small smile on his lips. Eren comes and comes, and it doesn't stop, everything around him blurs. He notices that Levi is also falling over the edge too, and growling Eren's name.

When Eren comes down from his high, his knees give way, and he collapses on top of Levi. For a brief moment, they remain lying in the now cold water with Levi stroking his hair.

"Eren, get up, we're bathing in our fucking cum. It's disgusting," Levi says, bringing Eren back to reality.

They untangle their limbs, and climb out of the bathtub with wobbly legs. Eren's bones are melted. He can hardly stand on his feet as his orgasm has shaken him so badly. Yet Levi is there, as always. He drains the water then dries himself and Eren. He leads him back to the living room, and gives Eren clean clothes. The pants are too short, and the shirt a bit tight. Eren doesn't care as he sinks his nose into the soft fabric, and contentedly inhales Levi's scent. He feels exhausted, but satisfied—complete.

"Are you okay?" Levi asks, tilting his head as he looks at Eren, who is half sitting, and half lying on the sofa.

"Yeah," he answers, smiling, and holding out his hand to Levi.

Levi grabs his hand, and lets Eren pull him onto the sofa. Eren leans his head against his friend's shoulder, and a pleased hum fills the room.

"Are you still mad because of the dating app?"

The oppressive feeling in his chest is back. "No, Levi. I'm not mad, just a little tired," Eren fibs.

"You're a damn bad liar, Eren. Ever since I brought it up, you've been weird. If it bothers you that much, I can delete the app. There are only idiots on there anyway. Our friendship is more important to me, you are more important to me."

Eren lifts his head, and glances at Levi. He looks in his eyes for a sign that he's just saying that to make Eren feel better, but he doesn't see a lie in those gray eyes. He needs to stop being selfish, Levi doesn't belong to him. "It's none of my business, Levi. We're friends. If you want to go on a date or have a relationship with another man, I can handle it."

Levi's eyebrows draw together. "No, I don't want to go on dates. I'm happy the way things are now."

Eren grins, the pressure in his chest easing. "Good, me too."

"Do you actually want breakfast now?" Levi asks. "I'll make you another coffee."

"Yes please, I'm starving!"

Chapter Text

It's Tuesday afternoon, and after his lecture at the university, Eren is back to work at the gym. The weather is good with a bright blue sky and a warming summer sun, but that also means that fewer sports enthusiasts than usual are heading to the gym. Bored and yawning, Eren fills up the shelf with freshly laundered white, fluffy towels. A glance at the clock reveals that his shift won't be over for another two hours. He sighs.

"Get a grip, what will the customers think of you if you yawn here all of the time?"

Startled, his body tenses, but when he turns around, he only sees a grinning Levi.

"Gosh Levi, don't scare me like that," he says as the tension abruptly releases from his body. "What are you doing here? Don't you have to work?"

Levi shakes his head. "I'm done working for the day. I just wanted to tell you something."

"Oh, I see. Come on, let's go outside for a moment so we can talk in private. I could use a little break, too."

Eren signals to his colleague before leaving his workplace for a few moments, and the two of them walk together to the parking lot in front of the studio. They sit down next to each other on the small staircase leading to the side entrance to avoid blocking the main door. Eren is grateful that they are sitting in the shadows because the temperature difference between the air-conditioned gym and the oppressive, muggy air outside is uncomfortable. The fine strands of his long hair start to stick to the back of his sweaty neck, and he ties them into a messy knot.

Levi pulls a crumpled cigarette pack out of his pants pocket, and lights a cigarette. Immediately, the cold smoke blows into Eren's face. Disgusted, he waves his hand to dispel the stinky smoke.

"Why are you still smoking, Levi? It's disgusting, and toxic to your health," he scolds, looking reproachfully at his friend with raised eyebrows.

Levi just shrugs his shoulders. "Everybody needs a bad habit." He takes a deep drag, and blows the smoke in the opposite direction from Eren.

"Then find something that doesn't stink, and is healthier."

"Yeah, Mom." Levi rolls his eyes, and stubs out his cigarette on the stone floor. "Better?"

"Much better! Besides, I don't kiss you when you smoke as it tastes like I'm licking out an ashtray," Eren counters with a smirk on his lips.

Levi looks at him without making a face. Eren loves playing this game with his friend, teasing him until he elicits a reaction from Levi.

Eren leans closer to Levi, their faces now so near they could easily kiss. "Or don't you want to kiss me anymore?" he breathes softly.

He has to control himself to stay calm, and licks his lips impatiently. His gaze is glued to Levi's lips. It would be so easy to bridge the gap, and just kiss him. Eren feels his heart flutter excitedly in his chest. Whenever they're this close, Eren wants more, his fingers itch to touch Levi, and just take what he needs. He notices that Levi's cheeks are flushed, and Eren has to stifle a grin because he's managed to elicit a reaction from Levi again.

"That would be a shame, though, because our kisses are pretty hot. I think—"

"I knew it!"

Eren and Levi flinch, and pull apart. Eren's eyes widen in surprise when he sees none other than Reiner standing right in front of them with his gym bag slung casually over his shoulder.

"Reiner," Eren presses out.

Unfortunately, that's all Eren can say, because his mouth is suddenly very dry, and an unpleasant tugging sensation spreads through his stomach. Actually, he had hoped not to see his ex-boyfriend again so soon after their last encounter. Nervously, he chews on his lower lip.

"You are such a liar, Eren. Over and over again you've denied that there's something going on between you and Levi. And you've even condemned me for sleeping with Bertold, but I knew it, you're fucking Levi! Actually, I wanted to apologize to you because I still think the breakup was a mistake."

Eren notices Reiner's nostrils inflate as he speaks in a raised voice. Reiner's anger is unmistakable. Yet Eren tries to stay calm, and not let himself be provoked because he doesn't want another argument. At the thought of how Reiner pushed him hard against the wall last time, an ice-cold shiver runs down Eren's spine. There's no way he wants to feel that helplessness again.

"Reiner, it's none of your business, and besides—"

Confused, Eren breaks off his sentence when Levi puts a hand on his shoulder, squeezes it briefly, and then stands up. He was so fixated on Reiner that he forgot that his friend is also still here. Eren looks up at Levi who is now walking toward Reiner with his hands in his pockets. He looks relaxed, but Eren knows Levi well, and notices his tense posture.

It's almost amusing how small Levi is in contrast to Reiner. Only now, when the two of them are standing in front of each other, does Eren notice how big the difference really is. Yet despite his smaller body, Levi's presence is at least as threatening as Reiner's.

"Braun, don't interfere in our affairs. What Eren and I do or don't do is none of your fucking business. When are you going to get it, you're not Eren's boyfriend anymore. You screwed up, and treated Eren like shit. You don't deserve him. Deal with the consequences!"

Eren holds his breath as he notices Levi's menacing growl in his deep voice. Levi's support, and protective instinct towards Eren makes his heart leap, and a warm feeling blooms in his chest.

Reiner gasps indignantly, and straightens himself up in front of Levi. His gym bag is on the floor by now, he presses his hands onto his hips, and pushes his muscular chest forward. This makes him seem even broader, and more dangerous than he already is.

"You bet it's my business! You destroyed our relationship, and stole my boyfriend away from me! You've always had the hots for Eren, admit it!"

Eren sees the ice-cold, piercing gaze of Levi who stares at Reiner without making a face. "I didn't fuck Bertold when I was in a relationship. I would never cheat on my boyfriend because unlike you, I have decency and class. You are responsible for Eren breaking up with you. I think you should go find another gym." Levi is the complete opposite of Reiner. He's just standing there with his hands still in his pockets, and looking at the taller man. His voice sounds threatening, but he doesn't yell.

"I train where I want! I won't let a midget like you tell me what to do!"

Eren has heard enough. He jumps up from the stairs, and hurries to Levi's side. "Reiner, when are you going to get it? It's over, our relationship is over, and it always will be. There's no going back. Wasn’t I clear enough last time?" Eren says while crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Levi would never touch me as roughly as you did because he cares about my well-being. Just stay away from me, or I’ll call the police!"

Eren is tense, and angry. His heart is hammering in his chest. His fingers twitch and he would love to reach for Levi's hand to calm his nerves, but he holds back. Instead, he presses his fingernails deep into his upper arm. Eren doesn't want to give Reiner any more motivation to throw another tantrum besides what's between Levi and him is too precious; he doesn't want to hear Reiner's snide comments. Moreover, it's none of his business anymore who Eren sleeps with.

Reiner growls, his jaw twitches, and Eren has to swallow. An angry Reiner is not to be underestimated, and he's glad Levi is by his side.

"You heard what Eren said. At least respect his wishes for once, and just fuck off."

Reiner looks like he wants to say something, but then he gives up his threatening gesture, and picks up his bag from the floor.

"Don't think I'm afraid of you, Ackerman. If I wanted to, I could squeeze you like a little fly," Reiner hisses, giving Eren and Levi one last furious look before turning on his heel, and running off across the parking lot.

As Reiner disappears from their sight, Eren exhales heavily, and the tension falls from his body. He puts a hand on Levi's shoulder.

"Thanks. Who knows what he would have done if you hadn't been here."

Levi looks at Eren, his gray eyes are friendly again, and his rigid face soft. He reaches for Eren's hand, and presses a quick kiss to his lips. Eren blinks in surprise, but immediately returns the reassuring pressure.

"I hope he gets it now," Levi growls softly when they separate again.

Eren nods. He walks back to the stairs with wobbly knees, and sits down on the steps. Levi follows him, but doesn't sit down, instead stopping in front of Eren.

Eren wraps his arms around Levi's hips, and looks up at him. "You're sexy as hell when you defend me."

"Tch, and you're a horny little shit," Levi says, snorting.

Eren laughs as he releases Levi from the embrace. "Maybe so, but I can't help it as I just can't keep my fingers to myself. Every time I see you, I want to touch you."

Eren grins, but Levi doesn't laugh. He just looks at Eren, and there is something in his eyes that Eren can't interpret. For a second it looks like sadness, but Eren immediately dismisses that thought. Why would Levi be sad that Eren wants to have sex with him? After all, it was Levi's idea. Surprised, Eren frowns, and looks for answers in Levi's eyes, but by then the expression is gone.

"Is everything alright, Levi?"

"Yeah. What I actually wanted to tell you is that Four-Eyes called me earlier. It's her birthday on Saturday, and she's throwing a party at her house. Will you come?"

Eren nods enthusiastically. "Sure, I’m in, Hange's parties are always fun!"

Levi hums in agreement. "Good, then I'll tell her you're coming too. I have to go now, and I think you should go back to work. See you later?"

"Sure, balcony as usual! See you later."

Eren considers kissing Levi goodbye, but by then Levi has already turned, and saunters off with his hands in his pockets.

******

On Saturday, Levi and Eren find themselves at Hange's house. Eren is always amazed at how many people his friend knows because when they arrive at the party, the living room is already full of partying people. Like every time when Eren is here, he feels taken back in time, more precisely to the day when he met Levi.

A few alcoholic drinks and conversations with acquaintances later, Eren and Levi are standing together in the living room, each with a beer bottle in hand when Eren nudges his friend lightly in the side with his elbow. Levi looks at him with raised eyebrows while taking a sip of his beer.

"What?" he asks. He has to shout so Eren can understand him despite the loud music.

"Every time I'm here, I can't help, but think about how we met."

Levi rolls his eyes, but can't suppress a small grin. "When did you get so damn sentimental?"

Eren just shrugs with a smirk on his lips, and nodding his head in time to the music. His gaze wanders through the crowded room, and he observes the cheerful party guests standing together in groups, and chatting. The music is poppy and deafeningly loud, the air is stuffy and it smells of beer. Yet Eren knows from experience that it's better not to open the windows because Hange's neighbors have already called the police once for disturbing the peace, and thus ended a wild party.

The furniture in the living room has been pushed aside to create a dance floor, and he watches the eager dancers jump around, rubbing their heated bodies together. The mood is good, and Eren can feel the rhythm of the current song getting into his limbs too. The bass thunders in his ears, and he rocks his foot to the beat of the music.

Unlike Hange's party a year ago, Eren now knows some of the people. Yet his eyes are now searching for a certain blond mop of hair, but he can't spot it anywhere.

"I haven't seen Armin yet either."

Surprised, he looks at Levi. "I didn't say I was looking for Armin."

"Tch, I know you better than you know yourself."

Eren laughs, and takes a sip of beer from his bottle. "Well, I guess I can't argue with that."

Levi averts his gaze again, and watches the activity around them. The gray of his eyes flicker in the glow of the party lights, and Eren notices a fine strand of hair caught in his eyelashes. He raises his hand to brush the hair from Levi's face, but then pauses in his movement. The gesture might seem too intimate for outsiders, and Eren lowers his hand again. They are just friends, and what goes on behind their closed bedroom door is nobody's business.

Eren looks at Levi, and bites his lower lip. His friend looks especially good today in his black leather jacket and slicked-back hair. The dark jeans fit perfectly, and accentuate Levi's sexy tight butt. The disco light paints colorful patterns on his face, and his features are quite relaxed for a change, every now and then even a small smile flits across his lips.

Eren feels a strange fluttering in his chest. His fingers twitch around his beer bottle. How he'd love to put his hand on that perfect butt right now, and squeeze hard, or just pull Levi close to him to kiss the flickering points of light on his face. Unfortunately that's out of the question. It's clearly been far too long since they last had sex, Eren can't explain the constant need to touch Levi any other way. He sighs.

"What's wrong?"

Confused, Eren blinks at Levi who is now looking at him with raised eyebrows. Did he sigh so loud?

"Nothing," Eren says quickly, shaking his head.

Levi tilts his head, and scrutinizes him. "You sure? Is it because of Reiner? Has he contacted you? Eren, if he bothers you again, I will—"

"No, no, Levi. I think he's finally realized that we're not going to get back together." Eren smiles at his friend, and sips his beer. "But thanks for caring."

Levi looks at him skeptically, but then nods. "Whatever. But why are you sighing so loudly that I heard it despite the loud music?"

"I just thought—well, it's nothing. I—" Eren bit the inside of his cheek, feverishly searching for an excuse. "I was just going to get another beer from the kitchen. Do you want one?" he asks quickly to get off the subject because the last time he told Levi he kept wanting to touch him, his friend had this weird look on his face. Since Eren hasn't figured out what that look meant yet, he prefers to keep quiet.

"Sure, why not."

"Ereeeeeeeen, Leviiiiiii!"

The two addressed look at each other with wide eyes, but before they can react, someone jumps at them from behind.

"Here are my two favorite boys!" Hange yells. She puts an arm around each of Eren's and Levi's shoulders, and squeezes them both so tightly that Eren can't breathe for a moment. "What are you guys standing around here all alone for? Aren't you having fun at my party? Why aren't you dancing, or talking with the others?"

Levi shakes Hange off, and gives her an annoyed look. "We're already having a good time, Four-Eyes. Don't worry about us."

Hange grins, and finally releases Eren from her embrace as well. "I'm glad to hear that. Eren, my darling, how are you? I haven't seen you in so long. Have you gotten over the breakup with Reiner by now? Be glad you got rid of him, I never liked him, I—"

"I'm fine, Hange. Thanks for checking," Eren interrupts her, and smiles. He knows his friend only means well, but he's really not in the mood to talk about Reiner.

"Good for you! And you know what, this is excellent timing because there's a really lovely fellow student of mine here today, single of course! He's super cute, and very nice."

Before Eren can say anything in reply, Hange has already grabbed a young dark-haired man standing near her by the wrist, and pulled him over to Eren and Levi.

"Marco, this is Levi and Eren. This is Marco Bott, a friend of mine from chemistry class."

"Hello," Marco says, smiling shyly.

Eren smiles back, eyeing Hange's friend. He's tall and slender with dark hair, a face full of freckles, and a nice smile.

"Hi Marco, nice to meet you," Eren says.

He looks over at Levi who just stares blankly at Marco, and nods briefly. Eren isn't surprised; after all, he knows Levi and his grumpy manner.

"Wonderful, now everyone knows each other! By the way, Levi, I have to tell you something very urgent. Maybe we should talk in the kitchen? We can leave you alone for a moment, can't we?"

Eren has to stifle a laugh. Hange's matchmaking attempt is anything, but subtle, unfortunately. He can't really be mad at her.

He looks at Marco whose cheeks are now turning red. Hange is right, he is really cute, but not Eren's type. Besides, he's still processing the breakup with Reiner. Just the thought of a new relationship makes Eren's stomach clench uncomfortably. The breach of trust hit him hard, and Eren needs some time to himself before he can trust someone unconditionally again. His arrangement with Levi only works because they've known each other for so long, and Eren knows that Levi would never hurt him.

Nevertheless, he doesn't want to expose Hange in front of Marco. "Sure, go ahead, we'll pass the time, won't we, Marco?" he asks, nodding encouragingly at him.

"Yeah, sure," he stammers, scratching his cheek in embarrassment.

"You can tell me what you have to say here."

Eren looks at Levi in surprise with his eyebrows drawn together. It's no secret that Levi is sometimes grumpy, but this unfriendly, almost angry tone in his friend's voice is new to Eren. Levi's eyes are narrowed to slits, he has his arms crossed in front of his chest, and his lips are pressed tightly together.

"Levi, it's—um, something private I need to discuss with you. Come on, let's go to the kitchen."

"No, I'm staying here."

Nervously, Eren looks back and forth between Hange and Levi. Levi just stares at Marco, and if looks could kill, Marco would be dead on the spot. Eren has no idea what's going on with Levi.

"It's okay, Hange," Marco tries to save the situation. Yet Levi doesn't avert his gaze, and continues to look at him piercingly. "I think I saw an acquaintance I haven't said hello to yet. It was nice to meet you."

Eren is still speechless about Levi's behavior, and looks at his friend in shock. He has never seen Levi like this before.

"Likewise, have a nice evening," Eren says as Marco turns away from the three friends, waves, and disappears into the crowd.

"Levi, what was that all about? I wanted Marco and Eren to talk alone, to get them to know each other! Usually, you're not that dense." Hange sighs theatrically.

"Tch, I don't care what you wanted. I'm going to get another beer now."

Without waiting for an answer, Levi turns on his heel, and walks with quick steps towards the kitchen. Astonished and open-mouthed, Hange and Eren stare after him.

"Well, I really don't understand that. First, he won't come to the kitchen with me at any price, and now he's leaving voluntarily? Did I miss something, Eren?"

Eren breathes heavily, and shrugs his shoulders. "I have no idea what that was all about, sorry."

"I could bring Marco back here, now that Levi's gone?"

"No, Hange, it's okay. I know you were just being nice, but I'm not ready for another relationship yet."

Hange smiles gently, puts her arm around Eren's shoulders, and gives him a quick hug. "That's okay, I guess I was a little too hasty. You know what, if I didn't know better, I'd say Levi was jealous."

Eren laughs. "That's crazy, Hange! Why would Levi be jealous?"

He laughs, but Hange's words are now buzzing through his head. Is it really possible that Levi reacted that way out of jealousy? Yet that wouldn't make sense because first, Levi knows that Eren doesn't want a new relationship right now. Secondly, they're just friends who happen to sleep together so there's no reason to be jealous, right? Still, a warm feeling spreads through Eren's chest now because it feels nice that Levi apparently cares so much about their friendship that he's afraid of losing Eren.

Or maybe Levi just doesn't want to give up their friends with benefits because if Eren met someone else, their arrangement would be over. Whatever it is, Eren hates it when anything tries to come between them. He wants to clarify the situation with Levi, and he wants to do it now.

"Hange, don't be mad at me, but I think I need to go check on Levi," Eren says, wriggling out of her embrace. "See you later!"

He gives his friend another quick wave, and then goes into the kitchen to look for Levi. It takes him a while to squeeze past the many party guests, and Eren breathes a sigh of relief when he finally enters the less crowded kitchen. He quickly scans the room for his friend, but Levi isn't there. Eren frowns. Where is Levi? He had said he was going to the kitchen, right? He is about to leave the room again when something occurs to him.

He quickly crosses the room, and opens the door to the outside. Eren enters the abandoned wooden porch, and immediately shivers because without the warming sun, the temperatures have dropped rapidly. The negative memories of Reiner flood through him, and immediately his body tenses. Eren takes a deep breath, and reminds himself that that chapter is now behind him. The cool, flowery summer air rushes through his lungs, and he relaxes again.

With Levi nowhere to be seen on the porch, Eren walks down the small staircase, and his eyes wander searchingly through the dark garden. Then, his gaze falls on a dark figure sitting on the grass, and staring up at the sky. Relieved at having found Levi, Eren smiles, walks over to his friend, and sits down next to him on the damp lawn.

At first, they just sit next to each other in silence, and look up at the cloudy sky until Eren can't take it anymore. He turns to his friend, and looks at his sharp profile. "Levi, what's wrong with you? Why were you so rude to Marco earlier?"

Levi sighs. "I don't know, Eren. I'm just the way I am, and if you don't fucking like it, it's not my fault."

Eren grimaces, he just doesn't understand what's going on with Levi. He grabs him by the shoulders, and turns Levi to face him, leaving his friend no choice, but to look at him. "I know you, you're my friend, but I've never seen you like this. Levi, could it be that you were—jealous? Because Hange wanted to set me up with Marco?" he asks cautiously, knowing that he is entering dangerous territory with this question. His gaze flies uncertainly over Levi's face, and searching for an explanation for his behavior.

Levi shrugs. "And if I were?"

Eren's eyes widen in surprise, and he lets go of Levi's shoulders. He really wasn't expecting that, the answer seemed like an approval. "Then I'd be touched that you seem to think you might lose me, but I assure you that will never happen. Or is it because we're having sex? Are you just afraid to lose your fuck buddy?"

Levi stares at him in horror, and shakes his head. "Of course not! You're worth a lot more to me than just sex, Eren. I just don't want you to get hurt again. I'm sorry, I know I can't decide who you should be with, but I just want you to be happy. If I've ruined your chances with Marco, I could talk to him."

Eren laughs. "No, you don't have to. Fuck Marco. I don't want a relationship right now, and I'm happy with the way things are. I enjoy being single, and still have a very fulfilling sex life with a guy I know I can trust. What more could I ask for?"

Levi laughs softly, and Eren is relieved that they have talked it out. Levi is one of the most important people in his life so they have never lasted very long without each other.

He rests his head on Levi's shoulder, and sighs contentedly. Levi's perfume rises to his nose. It is the perfume he likes best to smell on his friend, a mixture of birch leaves, lemon, and lavender. Eren intertwines his arm with Levi's, and snuggles even closer to him. Levi's body is pleasantly warm, and their touch makes the cold air more bearable. A comforting shiver runs over his skin as it always does when he's with his friend.

As soon as their bodies touch, Eren feels the sexual attraction that always makes his fingers itch, but right now he's just looking to be near his friend with no sexual ulterior motives.

"Eren, we shouldn't do that here, what if someone sees us?"

Eren lifts his head, and seeks Levi's gaze. "First, we're all alone here, second, it's dark, and third, I couldn't care less right now."

He places his free hand on Levi's cheek, his thumb tracing small circles over the cool skin, and a tingling sensation wanders from his fingertips throughout his body. Eren leans toward Levi, and presses a gentle kiss to his lips before pulling back. Despite the darkness, he sees Levi's gray eyes flash, and before he knows it, Levi is chasing after his lips. He wraps his arms around Eren, and pulls him closer to him to intensify the kiss.

Eren returns the kiss immediately, and slowly rubs his lips over Levi's. It feels so familiar to kiss Levi by now, and yet his whole body is electrified. As Levi's tongue caresses his lips, the desire for more awakens in him. Eren's hand still holds Levi's cheek while the other now moves into his hair, running through the silky strands with his fingers. Slowly their tongues circle, and caress each other, and Eren moans into Levi's mouth.

Their kiss is slow, and yet so sensual and full of feeling that it literally takes Eren's breath away. He leans closer to his friend, but Eren is too impetuous, and they lose their balance. Levi falls backwards onto his back while dragging Eren with him who is now lying on top of him.

"Fuck Eren," Levi groans under the sudden weight on him.

Eren props himself up with his arms on Levi's left and right, snorting at first, but then laughing out loud. "Sorry. But at least the view is nice, you under me—that's interesting.

Levi snorts, and shakes his head briefly. The very next moment, he pulls Eren down to him for another kiss. Eren's blood races hot throughout his veins, and his heart stutters with excitement because kissing Levi never gets boring. This kiss is even more demanding now, their tongues instantly finding, and massaging each other. Their needy sounds echo throughout the quiet garden, and Eren has to control himself to not become even louder.

He is intoxicated by Levi. He smells so good, and his tongue presses hard against his—just the way he likes it. As if by itself, Levi's legs open, and Eren's body slides between them. He rolls his pelvis against Levi's body, and feels his semi-hard erection. Eren's cock twitches impatiently in his pants, too.

"Levi," he murmurs between their hot kisses, and one of his hands now wander up and down Levi's upper body.

Eren forgets everything around them, where they are, or that someone might find them. None of that is important at this moment, all that matters is Levi beneath him, trembling, and making sweet little sighs as they kiss.

When Levi suddenly pushes him away from him, Eren is briefly confused. He straightens up, and looks at his friend.

"Levi, what's wrong?"

Then a drop lands on his face. Eren blinks, and looks up. "Is it raining?"

As if his words had opened the floodgates, more and more thick raindrops are now pelting down on them. A rumble of thunder can be heard in the distance.

"Come on, let go of me, we have to get inside!"

Eren scrambles to his feet, but the summer downpour has no mercy on them, and pours down. It's raining cats and dogs, and a bright flash of lightning illuminates the black night sky. The rain soaks their clothes, and cools their heated skin. He quickly helps Levi stand up, and they run back to the house. Eren almost slips on the wet wooden stairs, but Levi grabs his arm, and catches him in time. Completely drenched, they seek shelter on the covered porch. Eren's long hair is dripping, his clothes stick to his body, and he shivers from the cold.

He looks at Levi. His friend is also completely soaked, his black hair is sticking to his forehead, and the white shirt under his leather jacket has become transparent due to the rain. Eren can't take his eyes off of Levi's muscular torso which is clearly visible through the wet shirt. He licks his trembling lips, and suddenly the cold is forgotten as his insides burn again. Eren doesn't know why, but something about Levi always makes him feel drawn to him.

Eren takes a step toward Levi, and tentatively brushes a wet strand of hair out of his eyes. Levi follows his movements with his eyes, and Eren notices his shallow, rapid breathing. Again, Eren sees only Levi, and everything else blurs. He doesn't notice the loud drumming of the rain on the roof, or the sound of thunder in the distance. He just wants to touch Levi, he wants to pick up where they left off before the rain, and he doesn't care about anything else.

He leans forward, Levi's eyes widen, but he doesn't step back. Before they can get any closer, the kitchen door swings open with a loud bang, and they jump apart, startled.

Chapter Text

Startled, the two stare at Hange who now steps out onto the porch.

"Guys, what's going on? Why are you soaking wet?" she asks, puzzledly eyeing Levi and Eren from head to toe.

Eren's mouth is suddenly dry, and his heart is pounding in his throat. If Hange had come outside just a few seconds later, she would have caught him and Levi kissing. What had gotten into him? He completely ignored where they were, and risked someone spotting them. Eren breathes heavily, and runs a hand through his wet hair. He seeks Levi's gaze. His friend raises his eyebrows, and Eren notices the red haze on his cheeks.

"The rain caught us off guard," Levi says curtly, shrugging.

“Mm-hmm... but what are you guys doing out here?" Hange asks, her gaze lingering on Eren again.

Eren knows the look on his friend. Her brown eyes seem innocuous, but he can literally see the gears working in her head trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Restlessly, he scuffs his feet, and avoids her piercing gaze.

"We were talking—" His sneeze interrupts his answer. A second and a third sneeze follow, and he sniffles.

Levi rolls his eyes, and grabs him by the wrist. "Come on Eren, let's go home before we catch a cold."

Without further explanation nor paying any attention to Hange, Levi pulls Eren behind him into the house where he calls for a cab. Of course, Hange is not so easily shaken off. Although Levi manages to distract his friend from her curious questions by ordering her to bring Eren and him dry towels so they can at least dry off a bit.

When the cab arrives shortly afterwards, they say goodbye to Hange, and leave the house. At the garden gate, they meet Armin who seems to have just arrived.

"Eren, Levi... What happened?" he asks as he looks at his drenched friends.

"A downpour caught us by surprise," Eren explains, looking past Armin at the waiting cab. "Armin, I'd love to keep talking to you, but we're on our way home right now, so—"

"I'll go ahead, and wait for you." Levi gives Eren's arm a quick squeeze, nods to them both, and heads for the cab.

"Oh, you're leaving already? What a shame, I had to work late, and couldn't come earlier."

Eren nods, and fiddles with the wet shirt that sticks to him. "Well, we're not leaving by choice," he says, laughing. "Let's hang out again soon, it feels like we haven't seen each other in ages!"

"Yeah, I'd love to. Are you doing okay otherwise? Is everything okay with Levi, too?"

Eren swallows. He searches his friend's wise blue eyes for a sign of whether he is aiming at something specific with this pointed question about Levi. Does he perhaps suspect that there is more going on between them than friendship?

"Yeah yeah, everything's okay, we're fine. Well, I'm fine, and Levi's fine—But I have to go now, the cab's waiting. See you soon Armin, and have fun at the party!"

Eren quickly walks to the cab, and waves to Armin once more. All of this secrecy is harder than Eren ever thought it would be. He constantly worries that someone might suspect something, or that they'll get caught.

As he gets into the cab, he notices that Levi has already spread the towels out on the seats so that the moisture from their clothes doesn't soak into the seats too much. He sits down next to Levi, and the cab starts moving.

"Levi, I'm sorry, I—oh shit, Hange almost saw us! I don't know what I was thinking," Eren whispers.

"Calm down, nothing happened. Besides, it's not like I stopped you. I probably just got carried away at the moment too."

Eren nods, relieved that Levi doesn't hold it against him. "I'll pay more attention in the future. It's just so hard not being allowed to touch you when I want to. I've gotten so used to it," he says softly.

"I know. It feels normal to me now to be physical with you, too. I really doubt our friends would understand how we're having sex, and acting like a couple even though we're not."

"No, I don't think they would understand. I don't want to justify what we're doing either because that's between you and me."

Levi hums, and Eren yawns. "I'm so tired, I think I'll go right to bed when we get home."

"No way, you're taking a hot shower first even if I have to make you."

"Hmm, I'd like that," Eren purrs, grinning, and putting his hand on Levi's thigh. Despite the wet pants, Eren's fingertips burn where he touches Levi.

Levi laughs softly, grabs Eren's hand, and intertwines their fingers. Eren looks at their entangled hands, and has to smile. Levi squeezes his hand, and Eren returns the pressure. Their hands are like them, they stick together no matter what.

After a short drive, the cab stops in front of their apartment building, Eren pays, and they take the elevator to their floor. Although they don’t talk, the air is crackling, and Eren's whole body is tingling with excitement. The cold that had previously crept into his bones through his wet clothes is gone.

As Eren stands in front of his door, and pulls his key out of his wet pants, he looks questioningly at Levi. "Hot shower?"

There is something dark and mischievous in Levi's gray eyes as he enters the apartment with Eren. As soon as the door closes, the two of them throw themselves at each other. Their lips find each other like two magnets, they kiss with open mouths, and press their bodies together. Their hands grab at anything they can reach, and Levi tugs at Eren's hair. He moans loudly, and throws his head back in bliss. Levi presses his hot mouth to his exposed neck, and sucks on the soft skin. As always, it just feels good and right when Levi is so close to him as if he belongs that way.

They pick up right where the rain interrupted them earlier. Hectically, they pull off their damp, sticky jackets and shirts, leaving a trail of clothes behind them on their way to the bathroom. They stumble into the small room, neither wanting to leave the other's mouth for even a second. Levi grabs Eren's butt tightly, and his knees soften under the touch. Eren can't do anything, but cling to Levi's cold skin, trying not to lose himself too soon.

Eren’s cock screams for attention, and throbs violently in his wet pants. He is overwhelmed by all of the feelings and sensations. He is caught in a swirl of pleasure. Levi's hands and lips on his body ignite him, and make him melt inside. His actions are only intuitive as his instincts have long since taken control of him.

As they separate, breathing heavily, to get out of their pants, Eren's gaze is again magically drawn to Levi's beautiful body. His eyes travel over the shapely legs with the strong thighs, Levi's hard cock, freed now from his boxers then further up over the magnificent six-pack and toned chest. He sighs pleasantly, tilts his head, and looks up at his friend's face. Of course, Levi is gorgeous, but Eren sees more than that, and that makes his friend even more handsome. He sees behind the plush red lips, the high cheekbones, and the gray eyes with the little blue speckles. Eren sees his friend with the big heart who is always there for him, and who takes care of him, both physically and emotionally.

Levi seems to notice that he is staring at him, and looks at Eren in confusion. "Is everything okay?"

Eren smiles, and gets out of his stiff pants too. "Yeah, more than okay!"

Levi shakes his head briefly, but then smiles back. Eren notices Levi's hungry eyes now gliding over his naked body as well, and his cock throbs violently. He will never get used to the feeling of being desired by Levi.

Eren grabs Levi's hand, pulls him into the small shower stall, and turns on the water. His skin burns where the warm water touches his cold body. Slowly Eren's bones thaw, and the water is now pleasant on his skin.

After Levi has also warmed up, their lips find each other again. They kiss under the stream of water, gasp for air, and kiss again. They caress each other, slowly exploring each other's bodies. Even though they are wet, Levi's touches leave a trail of fire that cannot be extinguished.

They press their bodies together, breathing heavily and loudly, but the water swallows all their needy sounds. The feeling of skin on skin is incredibly intense, and every time their hard cocks touch, new sparks of pleasure ignite in Eren's belly.

Forehead to forehead, they face each other, inhaling each other's breath. The water pours down on them pleasantly warm as they slowly, and devotedly jerk each other off. Eren loves Levi's strokes on his cock, but he needs more than that.

"Levi," he gasps, water running into his mouth as he speaks. "I need you inside me."

Levi looks at him with a dark haze clouding his bright eyes, and his pupils dilated. "We don't have a condom here."

Eren blinks, and shakes his head. "It’s okay, I got tested after the break up."

Levi nods. "I didn't have anyone before you for a long time, and—I'm tested too."

They grin at each other. Levi presses their lips firmly together once more before grabbing Eren by the waist, and turning him around. Eren leans his forehead against the cold white tiles to cool his heated skin. Levi takes his time. His hands slowly move down his neck, caressing his broad back before sinking lower, and massaging his ass cheeks.

Eren's stomach contracts, hot lust tingles inside him, and his cock hangs heavy between his legs, begging for attention. Levi's hands spread his cheeks, and caress the parting. Eren wriggles excitedly as Levi's fingers brush over his puckered hole, gently scratching it with his fingernail, but not penetrating.

"Levi—fill me!" he begs breathlessly.

"Don't worry, I will."

Eren whimpers as Levi stops teasing his entrance to instead run his hands over his ass, and then down his thighs. Flustered, Eren looks over his shoulder, and sees that Levi is now squatting behind him. Then he feels it.

"Oh fuck!" Eren moans loudly, and throws his head back as the wet, velvety tongue licks over his entrance.

Again and again the tip tickles his muscle ring, teasing it, until Levi finally pushes his tongue inside. Levi licks his inner walls, and after some time he adds a finger to his tongue as well. Only arousal reigns in Eren, and hot waves of pleasure incessantly flood his whole body. His constant panting and moans mixes with the smacking sounds. He swallows water every now and then as he pushes his hips back towards the sweet stretching.

After a while Levi replaces his tongue with two more fingers and Eren screams and groans. All of this takes too long, but Levi doesn't let himself be rushed. Every time Levi inserts his fingers, little stars dance in front of Eren's eyes, and when Levi brushes his prostate, ecstasy explodes in his veins.

"Levi, please—I need you! Now!" he begs, needily rocking his hips on the fingers, which fill him wonderfully, but not enough.

"You want my cock that bad? I'm going to stuff your little hole so good, Eren."

Eren searches for a hold on the wall in front of him as Levi bends him further forward. Levi's glans briefly strokes his entrance, but then finally thrusts inside him. Eren cries out in happiness at the stretching, and friction against his sensitive inner walls. He drowns in the feeling of being filled, and pushes himself more towards Levi.

"Eren, you're so hot, fuck—you take me so good, just like that," Levi gasps behind him. His fingers are digging into the soft skin on Eren's hips.

Levi increases the pace. His thrusts are getting harder and faster, and Eren enjoys every one of them. Again and again Levi's cock grazes his prostate, and the water rushes loudly in his ears amid the slapping between their bodies. Meanwhile, the desire for release presses so deep into Eren's stomach that it hurts deliciously.

"Levi... Levi... Levi..." he repeats his friend's name like a mantra as he is pressed against the wall all over again. Eren's legs shake and give way, but Levi keeps him upright.

"Touch me, please," Eren whimpers, and Levi hears him.

Levi's deft hand wraps around his cock, and pumps it with just the right amount of pressure. Eren desperately clings to the tiles, but they are steamy and slippery from the hot steam.

Levi leans over his back, and licks the top of his ear. "Be a good boy, and come for me, Eren."

Another push into his prostate, another stroke to his cock, and Levi's rough voice in his ear throw Eren off the cliff. His cock swells, his balls twitch, and he screams Levi's name. He gasps desperately for air as an inner shockwave sends fire flushing through his veins. Eren’s entire body tenses as his hot cum spurts from his cock over Levi's hand. The water instantly washes away all traces of his release.

"Fuck, Eren, I—"

Levi grunts as he comes too, coating Eren's inner walls with his lust. Eren feels the twitching cock in his abused hole, and for the first time, he also feels Levi's warm cum flowing into him without a condom. The thought of having Levi's cum inside him satisfies Eren even more, and makes him shiver, completely overwhelmed. Eren hears Levi's vibrating moans as he savors his orgasm, and he smiles blissfully at giving Levi the same pleasure he just got.

As Levi pulls back, he catches Eren's limp body. A wave of fatigue washes over Eren, his eyes suddenly heavy, and his legs burning and shaky.

"I've got you, I'll take care of you," Levi whispers as he holds him close, and presses a kiss to his wet hair.

As always, Levi keeps his word. He washes Eren, takes him out of the shower, dries him off, and brings him to bed. Eren feels like he's in a warm bubble where only Levi and he exist. Everything around him is muted, but he enjoys the feeling that Levi is there, watching over him. The feeling of safety warms his heart. When Levi takes him in his arms, and presses a kiss to his cheek, he falls asleep with a smile, and Levi's name on his lips.

******

The following Tuesday, Eren leaves the gym in the afternoon. He is tired, irritated, and annoyed—today is just not his day. Everything had started off wrong this morning. He had overslept, and, of course, was late for his political science class. Fortunately, the lecturer, Rico Brzenska, had only given him a punishing look, but said nothing more about it. He also missed his much-loved coffee, but he was already so late that he couldn't afford any further delay by making himself coffee. Unfortunately the lack of caffeine took its revenge as he was tired all morning, and not very receptive or talkative.

After his lectures, he arrived at the gym in the early afternoon where his boss, Mike, immediately gave him a lesson on the new hygiene regulations that Eren had to observe from now on. Since he now had to clean the equipment even more thoroughly after each use, he blocked the exercise machines longer than usual which in turn annoyed the customers. He received many bad-tempered comments about his slow work, and one customer even complained to Mike about him. It was hard for Eren to restrain himself as anger boiled deep inside him, and grew bigger with each additional word. His hot temper simmered under his skin. He counted to five inwardly before answering the customers as kindly as possible.

Fortunately, his shift at the gym is now over, and Eren heads off to the supermarket where Levi works. He still has to buy a few things, and if he happens to run into his friend in the process, he kills two birds with one stone. Eren knows that Levi will manage to calm him down, and cool off his heated temper because no one can do that as well as Levi can.

Instead of taking the bus, he walks today because the sun is shining, and Eren hopes that the activity will get his tired bones going again.

Arriving at the supermarket, he grabs a shopping cart, and slowly strolls through the aisles, working through his shopping list with one eye always on the lookout for his friend.

Just before Eren gets to the checkout, he spots Levi standing in front of the pasta shelf, struggling to reach the top shelf. Levi hasn't noticed him yet, and Eren watches him with a grin. It's funny and adorable at the same time how Levi stands on his tiptoes, and stretches his body to reach the package on the very top. His black shirt slides up with this movement, and exposes a strip of pale skin on his stomach.

At the sight, Eren bites his lower lip, and his hands grip tighter around the handle of the shopping cart to steady his twitching fingers. Immediately, he imagines touching Levi's firm skin, and remembers their hot sex in the shower over the weekend. He feels himself getting warm, and quickly pushes the thought of sex away because a boner in the supermarket is exactly what he doesn't need now.

When Eren notices that Levi is now starting to jump to reach the shelf, he has seen enough. He leaves his shopping cart, stands behind his friend, and grabs the desired noodle package for him. Eren intentionally stands so close to Levi that their bodies touch. Immediately, Levi's body heat transfers to him, and his unique, fresh smell tickles Eren's nose. Levi flinches at the sudden physical contact, and turns around in a flash.

"Eren!" he gasps in surprise.

"Hi," Eren says, grinning, and handing Levi the box. "I thought you could use a little help."

"Tch, I can do it myself." Offended, he grabs the package, and places it sweepingly on another shelf.

Eren laughs. "At least I'm in a better mood now."

"Why? Were you in a bad mood?" Levi asks, looking at him with a furrowed brow.

"Oh, today is just not my day! I overslept, was late for class, and things didn't go any better at the gym. But you always manage to cheer me up, so, thanks."

Levi snorts. "Yeah, yeah, you're welcome.

"By the way, how long do you have to work today?"

"I'm on shift until—"

"Eren!"

Levi and Eren turn around when they hear the voice behind them. A woman with long black hair pushes her shopping cart through the aisle of pasta, and comes toward them.

"Mom!" When Eren catches sight of his mother, he has to smile. He walks up to her, and presses a kiss to her cheek.

"Hello my dear. What a coincidence to meet you here. For weeks I don't get to see you, and then I meet my faithless son while grocery shopping."

Embarrassed, Eren plays with a loose strand of hair that has come out of his messy bun. "I'm sorry, Mom, but I just have a lot on my mind lately." He can't help, but give Levi a quick sideways glance.

"I know, sweetheart. Mikasa told us about Reiner and you breaking up. He's always been kind of fishy to me, but that's none of my business. I hope you're okay?" Carla asks worriedly, placing a hand to her son's cheek.

"Yeah, everything's fine. I'm sorry I haven't called you in so long."

"It's okay, Eren, but aren't you going to introduce me to your friend? I didn't raise you to be so rude."

Eren laughs. His mother has the unique talent of switching from affectionate to scolding in seconds with no problems.

"Yeah, well, this is Levi, he's my—" Eren falters. What is he supposed to say now? Friend, neighbor, lover?!

"Levi Ackerman, nice to meet you, Mrs. Jaeger. Eren and I are friends and neighbors."

Fortunately, Levi saves the situation, and gives his mother a quick handshake. Why couldn't he just say that Levi is his friend? Of course, he is, but strangely enough that simple word wouldn't cross Eren's lips.

"Ah Levi, of course! Please call me Carla. I've heard a lot about you. It's nice to meet you in person now."

"So, you've heard of me?" Levi asks, grinning, and looking at Eren with mischievous eyes.

Immediately Eren feels the blood rush to his cheeks as he blushes. "Yeah—um of course, we are friends after all, and—well. Mom, it was nice to meet you, but I have to go now!"

Carla laughs. "You're not getting rid of me that fast, Eren. Why don't you come over for lunch on Sunday? Mikasa is coming too, and I bet your dad would be happy to see his son again too."

Eren sighs. "Do I have to, Mom?"

"Eren Jaeger, I'm sure that you can find the time to visit your family for a few hours! You can also bring someone with you, maybe you already have a new boyfriend?"

"Mom, no, of course not!" He laughs awkwardly at his mother's not-so-subtle way of asking him about his relationship status. He wishes the ground would open, and swallow him up. "But—maybe I can bring Levi?"

Eren grins at his friend, and puts a hand on his shoulder. "You'd love to come to my parents' house for lunch to keep me company, wouldn't you?" Eren looks at Levi, batting his long eyelashes, and increasing the pressure on Levi's shoulders, but his friend doesn't seem to mind.

"I'd love to come, but only if it's not a bother," Levi says, smiling at Carla, and nudging Eren in the ribs with his elbow. Gasping, he lets go of Levi's shoulder, and rubs his aching flank.

Carla claps her hands enthusiastically. "Of course, you're very welcome. Eren, take a cue from Levi's good manners."

Eren rolls his eyes. "Yeah, see you on Sunday then."

"I'm looking forward to it!" With those words, Carla says goodbye, and whistles happily as she leaves the aisle with her shopping cart.

"You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into," Eren says once his mother is out of earshot.

Levi shrugs. "I think your mom's pretty nice. Now get out of here, and let me get back to work. Will I see you later? On the Balcony?"

"Sure." Eren can't help, but give Levi a quick slap on the butt. Before he gets the backlash, he quickly snatches up his shopping cart, and heads for the cash register.

******

After shopping, Eren sits down on his balcony with his university papers to study a bit for the upcoming exams, and to enjoy the last evening rays of sunshine on his skin. Unfortunately, his streak of bad luck continues as he seems to have forgotten the right papers at the university.

Today is clearly not his day. Out of spite Eren eats two ice creams in a row, and then dozes in the sun instead of doing anything productive. He is also a bit tired since this day has somehow exhausted him.

Fortunately, he doesn't have to wait long for his friend. Levi is home now, and comes outside with two bottles of beer. Eren yawns, sits upright in his deck chair, and pushes his sunglasses into his loose hair. Wordlessly, Levi passes a beer bottle to Eren. Their balconies are so close that he only has to lean over the railing a little to reach the bottle. Eren is grateful that Levi is his neighbor because having his balcony so close to a stranger would be a bit weird.

Eren takes a big gulp of his cold drink as the beer tingles pleasantly on his tongue. "So, did anything exciting happen at the store?"

"No, the most interesting thing was that a stranger grabbed me today," Levi says, also taking a sip of his beer.

Eren's eyes widened in horror. "What, you got groped? Who did that? Levi, you need to report that, and—"

Levi snorts. "Calm down, I'm just fucking with you, I meant you!"

Eren blinks at his friend in confusion for a moment, but then grins. "Alright, then, that's settled."

"What else have you been doing?"

"I was going to study, but I only have the old notes here. I seem to have forgotten the current ones at the university," he says in frustration. "I really need a pep talk from you."

"And what exactly do you want me to do to cheer you up?"

"Play something for me, please. Anything."

Levi nods, and fetches his guitar from inside as he has done so many times before. He strokes the strings thoughtfully before clearing his throat, and starting to play and sing.

“I can't decide if it's a choice
Getting swept away
I hear the sound of my own voice
Asking you to stay

This slope is treacherous
This path is reckless
This slope is treacherous
I like it

Two headlights shine through the sleepless night
And I will get you, and get you alone
Your name has echoed through my mind
And I just think you should, think you should know
That nothing safe is worth the drive
And I would follow you, follow you home
I'll follow you, follow you home

Eren hums contentedly to himself while he devoutly listening to Levi, and his guitar playing. He could listen to his friend sing for hours.

"Are you in a better mood now?" Levi asks when he finishes the song. "Or is there anything else I can do for you? You can still come over, and I'll take care of you." He wiggles his eyebrows, and Eren understands immediately.

"That sounds tempting," he says, and suppresses a yawn. Actually, he's tired, but he doesn't want to turn down an invitation like that. "Give me 15 minutes!"

A little later, Eren enters Levi's apartment through the door. Since he doesn't find Levi in the living room, he goes straight to the bedroom. Levi is lying on his bed, and reading a book. When he notices Eren he smiles, puts the book aside, and taps the bed with his hand.

Eren's heartbeat quickens at this gesture, and the familiar warmth spreads through his chest again. With a wide grin, he lies down next to him, resting his head on Levi's chest, and snuggling into his open arms.

"I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me," Levi murmurs, nuzzling his face into Eren's hair.

"No, of course not, I just had to clean up and stuff." Eren yawns, pressing closer to Levi, and wrapping his arm around his waist. He drapes his leg over Levi's thigh, bringing their warm bodies even closer together.

Gently, Levi caresses his hair, and strokes his scalp as a pleasant shiver runs down Eren's spine like warm honey. Eren purrs, and closes his eyes with pleasure. He is completely relaxed because whenever Levi holds him, he knows that nothing bad will happen to him. Eren enjoys the feeling of being so close to his friend without any sexual ulterior motives. They've shared some intimacy before, but they've never been together like this. Eren presses his nose deeper into the soft fabric of Levi's shirt, and breathes in the scent of fresh soap and lavender, feeling secure, and like he's home. Levi's touch, his pleasant warmth, and his familiar scent envelop Eren like a fluffy blanket. He yawns again.

"Hey Eren?"

"Mh-mmm," he hums without opening his eyes.

"Not to complain, but didn't you want to have sex?"

Eren opens his heavy eyes, and blinks at Levi. "Would it be bad if we just lay here for a while? I'm kind of tired."

Levi smiles, his gray eyes gleaming softly, and he presses a kiss to Eren's hair. "No, it's not bad. It's kinda nice."

Eren coos, and closes his eyes again. He listens to Levi's strong heartbeat, enjoying the tender caresses, and lets himself fall completely. His breathing slows, and a short time later, he is asleep.

Chapter Text

The following Sunday, Eren and Levi take the bus to the Jaegers' for lunch as they had agreed to. The two are silent during the ride. Levi is a quiet guy by nature, but Eren is thoughtful. The events from Friday don't leave him alone. Again and again, he asks himself how it could have happened that he slept together with Levi - without having sex at all.

Eren enjoyed their closeness, the cuddling, and Levi's caresses, and that's what makes him so thoughtful. It wasn't Levi's fault, after all, Eren had fallen asleep first, and refused his request for sex. Yet they had never slept together in the same bed before. What scared Eren the most is that he rarely slept as good as he had that night. When he woke up, Levi was already out of bed. Eren found him in the kitchen where his friend was already waiting for him with breakfast. It was like they were a fucking couple!

That's what gives Eren a headache. How can it be that they act like a couple, but are not? Eren has never experienced anything like this. Either he was just having sex with someone, or he was in a relationship. Within their agreement, they have crossed the previous boundaries, and blurred all of the lines between the different types of relationships. They're more than friends, but they're not a couple either - so what are they?

What also worries Eren is what all of this means for them and their friendship. By now, he's gotten so used to Levi's company that he misses him when he's alone in his apartment. Not a day goes by that they don't see each other, and the sex is still great. Yet, a nagging feeling remains inside of Eren, and it tells him that their situation is definitely not normal. Still, Eren doesn't want to stop with all of these things, he wants the friendship that they have, the sex, and the closeness.

Yet as much as he wants all of this, he's afraid of how things will develop in the future. What if they go too far, and there's no turning back? What if they get too close, burn themselves out, and then can't be friends anymore? Eren worries about the answers because Levi means so much to him that he doesn't want to lose him under any circumstances. Not even his longest friend, Armin, knows him as well as Levi does. Life without Levi is unimaginable.

He looks out the window at the houses passing by in Shiganshina. His parents live on the outskirts of the city while Levi and Eren live in the center near the university. One house after the other flies by in front of Eren's eyes, and his thoughts don't come to a halt.

He imagines what it would be like if Levi met someone. The thought of it suddenly makes him feel nauseous. Just because Levi is not looking for a partner at the moment, it could still happen at any time. That would mean the end of their evening balcony meetings, the exchange of physical closeness, and Levi would probably have lunch on Sunday with his real in-laws, not the Jaegers'. Eren feels a thick lump in his throat, and swallows hard. Yet it doesn't go away. He feels sick at the thought of seeing Levi with someone else. Eren knows he has no right to think that way. Levi is not his boyfriend, and they have a clear agreement that they will end the physical things once someone has a new partner which, of course, includes Eren himself.

So why does the thought of returning to their normal friendship scare him so much? He sighs in frustration.

"Eren, just spit it out."

Eren winces, and turns away from the window to look at Levi. "What do you mean?”

Levi rolls his eyes. "You're thinking about something again. Everything was fine on Friday, but since then, you've been avoiding me, and being silent. Eren, I know you. Just say what's on your mind since I can't fucking read thoughts."

Eren is breathing heavily. He doesn't want to bother Levi with his convoluted thoughts, and apparently, his friend doesn't have any problems with their situation. Or is Eren complicating the matter when everything is actually quite simple? They are friends who also happen to have sex, nothing more, nothing less, right?

"It's nothing. So, nothing important, so um—"

Levi slaps him on the upper arm, but it doesn't really hurt. "I'm not getting off the bus until we figure this out. Is it because we didn't use a condom? I've really tested. Or because I said someone groped me at the grocery store? I really was just kidding about that."

"No, no, that's not what it's about. It's just—" Embarrassed, he wraps a strand of hair around his finger.

"Eren, we're friends, you can tell me anything."

He sighs. "Don't you think it's weird that we slept together in a bed? We've never done that before."

Levi looks at him blankly, and doesn't make a face. His gray eyes betray nothing about his thoughts. "That's what bothers you? That we slept in the same bed? Really?"

Eren feels his cheeks heat up, and he chews uncertainly on his lower lip. "Yeah, kinda. I mean, don't you think we act like a couple?"

Levi snorts, and shrugs his shoulders. "Probably, but honestly, I don't think about it that much. I just do what feels good. I enjoy having sex with you, but I've also enjoyed just sleeping in a bed with you. If something makes you uncomfortable, you need to tell me, Eren."

"No, I—it was nice, actually, a lot. I'm just confused because I don't know what we are."

"Do you really need a label for this? Why don't you just let your feelings guide you? We're still us, Eren. You and me, that hasn't changed," Levi says, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Eren's ear. "We can stop anytime if you want."

Eren closes his eyes briefly, and enjoys the gentle touch. His heart makes a little skip. When he opens his eyes again, he sees a small smile on Levi's lips. His chest fills with warmth, and all his doubts are suddenly swept away. Levi is right, it doesn't matter what their relationship is called as long as they are comfortable with it. He really should stop worrying so much about it.

"No, I don't want to stop, quite the opposite." Eren grins, leans over to Levi, and kisses him briefly on the lips.

"Well, neither do I. But don't think that we're doing anything in your parents' house like we did at Jean's the other day! No sneaky groping at your parents' place.” Levi looks at him sternly with raised eyebrows which makes Eren grin.

"Fine, but then I need a quick kiss now because we have to get off in a minute."

Again, he leans towards Levi, and this time their kiss is immediately more demanding. Sensually, their lips slide over each other, and Eren sighs softly as Levi's tongue teasingly strokes his upper lip. The tender fluttering of his heart confirms to Eren, once again, that it's not wrong to follow his feelings.

When the bus stops, they separate from each other.

"I'm not sure Mom's lunch can keep up with that," Eren says, winking at Levi.

The latter stands up, shakes his head briefly, but he can't help smirking. "Come on, you horny brat. Let's get off before the bus starts to leave, and then you will have to explain to your mother why we're late."

It's just a short walk from the bus stop to his parents' house. Eren tells Levi a few anecdotes from his childhood as they walk along the tree-lined street. The sun is shining, but fortunately, it's not as hot today as it has been in recent days. A gentle breeze blows around them as they pass the well-kept front yards of the neighborhood.

"Well, here we are," Eren says, opening the black garden gate that belongs to a large, stately house made of red stone with white shutters.

Before Eren rings the doorbell, he turns to his friend. "Okay, I hope you’ll still like me after today because my family is really—weird."

Levi raises his eyebrows. "No one is weirder than my uncle."

Eren chuckles, and presses on the doorbell. It's not long before the front door swings open, and a smiling Carla stands in front of them.

"Eren, Levi, good to see you! Come on in, dinner's almost ready," she says exuberantly. She is wearing a flowery apron, and a dish towel hangs over her shoulder.

As soon as they enter the house, Carla pulls Eren into her arms, and presses a kiss on his cheek. He inhales deeply, and the familiar scent of his mother, paired with her flowery perfume, envelops him. However, when Eren notices Levi's grin, he blushes. Suddenly, he feels like he did when he was 15, when he was ashamed of his mother's public displays of affection in front of his friends.

"Mom, stop it, I'm not a baby anymore!" He squirms in the hug, wipes his cheek with his hand, and pushes his mother a little away from him.

"Eren Jaeger, you will always be my baby," Carla says indignantly, slapping him briefly on the chest with her dishtowel. "I was in labor for hours, and went through excruciating pain before you saw the light of day! You were a very big and heavy baby, Eren, it really wasn't an easy birth!"

Eren slaps his hands over his face. "Oh God, Mom, don't say that in front of Levi!"

"I think Levi is old enough to know how babies are born, sweetheart. By the way, it's good to see you again, Levi," Carla says, turning to Levi with a warm, motherly smile.

"It's good to see you too. Thanks for having me."

"You are welcome here anytime. I'm so excited that Eren is bringing a friend home for once. Well, not a gay friend, but a normal friend. You know what I mean."

Levi nods, and laughs softly. "Leaving aside the fact that I'm gay too, I know what you mean."

"Oh, Eren never mentioned that! That's interesting, maybe you two could..."

"Mom!" Eren rolls his eyes. "Enough chit-chat! Come on, Levi, I'll show you the house."

Before his mother can blurt out anymore embarrassing things, he grabs Levi by the wrist, and pulls him into the living room.

"God, Mom is so embarrassing," he grumbles. "I told you my family is weird."

Levi chuckles softly. "Oh, I actually find it quite amusing."

They enter the living room, a bright space with inviting brown sofas arranged into a sitting area. The large wooden dining table is already set, and an older man with mottled gray hair sits on one of the sofas. He's so engrossed in his newspaper that he doesn't even notice Eren and Levi entering the room. Next to him sits a young woman with short black hair that's typing something on her cell phone.

"Hi Dad, hi Mika."

The two addressed look up, and a delighted smile immediately spreads across both faces. "Eren, it's good to see you," Grisha says.

Mikasa jumps up from her seat, and hugs her brother tightly.

"Mika, I can't breathe," Eren croaks, and his sister releases him from her grip.

"It's your own fault since I never get to see you even though we go to the same university," she says. "Hello Levi."

Levi gives Mikasa a brief nod. He knows her, of course, because she is Eren's sister, but they haven't exchanged many words until now.

"Oh Mika, don't be like that."

"I have to! We used to see each other a lot more, and you used to tell me everything too. I had to find out from Armin that you left Hange's birthday party the other day because you were soaking wet. What was going on there? You could have caught a cold!"

Eren makes a mental note to kill Armin for telling his sister about that. "Calm down. Levi and I were in the garden, and got surprised by a rain shower, that's all. And we didn't catch a cold either because we took a hot shower right when we got home—" Eren falters as he realizes what he just said, and he looks briefly at Levi. The latter just raises his eyebrows. "Well I took a hot shower, I don't know what Levi did."

Mikasa frowns, and is about to say something, but Grisha beats her to it.

"Kids, calm down." Eren's father puts the newspaper aside, rises from the sofa, and pats his son on the shoulder in greeting. Eren looks at him and his sister, and immediately, the feeling of home warms his heart. All of his worries and negative feelings disappear since he always feels safe, and secure around his family.

Eren realizes that he had, exactly, the same feeling of home when he was cuddling in bed with Levi two days ago. He was completely relaxed at the time, and wrapped up in the feeling of lightheartedness. Is it strange that he feels the same way about his friend as he does about his family? Yet before he can think about it further, his father interrupts his thoughts.

"Eren? Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

He blinks, bewildered, but then nods. "Dad, this is Levi. Levi, this is my father Grisha Jaeger."

The two men exchange a brief handshake.

"You're very welcome here, Levi. Feel free to call me Grisha. Come on, let's sit down," he says, making a hand gesture towards the sofas.

Eren has déjà vu about his first visit with Reiner at his parents' house, and hopes that his father won't cross-examine Levi the way he did Reiner back then. That kind of questioning by his parents had made him terribly uncomfortable; besides, Reiner had tried to play the perfect son-in-law, and lied to impress the Jaegers. Eren and Reiner had a heated argument later at home about Reiner lying to his parents, but the latter had never admitted feeling any guilt. There was only one more meeting with Reiner and his parents at his mother's birthday celebration. Since Reiner got drunk at the party, and therefore behaved inappropriately, Eren didn't bring his boyfriend home again.

Eren hopes that his parents will spare Levi, after all, he is not his boyfriend, but just a friend. At least in their eyes.

Before they can sit down, Carla comes into the living room with some bowls in her hands. Immediately, the irresistible smell of roast pork and vegetables emanates from the kitchen into the living room. Eren's mouth waters.

"Sit down, my dears, dinner is ready," his mother says, placing the bowls on the table. "Can someone please help me with the roast?"

While Mikasa goes back to the kitchen with her parents, Levi and Eren sit down at the dining table. Eren catches Levi's gaze and for a brief moment he notices a dark shadow flit across his friend's light gray eyes. He also sees Levi's hands tighten in his lap. Eren's eyebrows furrow in surprise. Is Levi nervous?

"Are you okay?" he asks softly, putting his hand on Levi's, and squeezing it reassuringly.

Levi's eyes fly open in surprise. "Eren, what are you doing, your parents and Mikasa will be back any minute!" he hisses.

"I don't care. What's wrong? Are you nervous?"

Levi hums. "I feel like I'm on a shitty job interview. But it’s okay."

Eren tilts his head and regards Levi with a smile. A tingle makes its way to his stomach. Seeing Levi so nervous is kind of cute. "Don't worry, they'll love you."

Levi nods hesitantly, but at that moment the rest of the family returns from the kitchen, and Eren quickly pulls his hand out of Levi's lap. The table fills with more bowls of delicious roast, gravy, green beans, and potato wedges. Eren's parents and his sister takes their seats at the table as well.

"Wow, Mom, this looks super good," Eren says, snatching a potato wedge from the white porcelain bowl.

"Eren Jaeger, wait like everyone else," his mother scolds, giving him a playful slap on his fingers. "I'm sorry, Levi. My son seems to have lost his manners." Carla winks at Levi.

"I don't know him any other way," Levi says, grinning.

"Hey!" Eren looks at Levi indignantly, pushes his lower lip forward, and playfully gives Levi a smack on the upper arm. "You're my friend, you have to be on my side!"

Levi shrugs and fills some beans on his plate. "I'm just on the side of truth, sorry, Eren."

"Good to know I'll be relentlessly honest with you in the future, if you play guitar badly and I'll rub it in your face for days!" Eren reaches for the gravy boat and runs the brown, wonderfully fragrant sauce over his meat.

"But you love my guitar playing. Don't deny it, I know you do."

They look at each other and grin. Eren sees Levi's eyes flash, knowing that he's right. Of course, Eren loves it when he plays the guitar, and he bites the inside of his cheek, annoyed that he's been tricked.

"You two fight like Carla and I did when we were your age," Grisha says, bringing Eren back to the reality.

"We don't fight!"

When Eren and Levi say this at the same time, they first look at each other in surprise, but then snort. Carla also giggles behind her hand, her husband just grins.

Mikasa rolls her eyes. "Those two are always like that, that's what you get for spending more time with your friends than your family."

Eren sticks his tongue out at his sister.

"Mikasa, Eren, that's enough," Carla scolds. "Let's eat. Bon appetit."

They enjoy the delicious meal without further incident. Mikasa talks about her job at the café, Eren about his university life, and Levi makes Carla laugh with some anecdotes from the supermarket. Eren casts a furtive glance at his friend now and then and is relieved that everyone is getting along so well, and a warm feeling of satisfaction spreads through his chest.

After dinner, Mikasa says goodbye rather quickly, as she has another shift at the café. Of course, she hugs her brother more than necessary, but this time Eren returns her hug and promises to check in with her more often again. Carla, meanwhile, starts collecting the used dishes and stacking the plates on top of each other.

"Eren, will you please help me clean up the kitchen?"

Eren briefly gives Levi a questioning look, because he wouldn't leave his friend alone with his father if Levi didn't feel comfortable doing so, but Levi nods almost imperceptibly.

"I can help too," Levi offers, but Carla shakes her head.

"No, you're our guest, keep Grisha company for a bit. He'll be happy about that."

"You can go smoke with Dad, Levi," Eren says as he balances the many bowls on his arm toward the kitchen.

"Ah, very good, come on Levi, I'll show you the garden." Grisha reaches for the pack of cigarettes lying on the small coffee table.

Levi shakes his head. "I don't smoke anymore, but I'll still keep you company."

Eren looks at his friend in confusion. "What do you mean? You quit smoking? When was that?"

"I think a week or so ago?" Levi replies, shrugging his shoulders, and following Grisha, who is already waiting for him in the open patio door.

Eren stands rooted to the spot, blinks, and shakes his head briefly when he sees his father and Levi walking into the garden. He is surprised that he didn't notice Levi stopped smoking. Feverishly, he thinks about the last time he saw him smoking. It must have been at the parking lot of the gym when they had the fight with Reiner. This day Eren complained that smoking is unhealthy and stinks. Eren's heart leaps. Is that why Levi quit? Because of him? But that can't be, can it?

"Eren, the kitchen isn't going to clean itself," his mother says, pinching his cheek affectionately.

"Yeah..."

Still puzzled, Eren carries the dirty dishes into the kitchen and puts them in the dishwasher while his mother stows the leftovers from the meal in the fridge.

"Levi is very nice," Carla says.

Eren pauses for a moment before putting the dirty silverware in the dishwasher. He knows this tone of voice. His mother is aiming for something more profound with this actually harmless question.

He takes a deep breath and tries to prepare himself for the upcoming conversation. "Yes, that's why we're friends."

"You really get along well, don't you?"

With more vigor than necessary, Eren slams the dishwasher shut. "Yes. Can I go now?" he asks evasively, with a longing look toward the living room.

It's truly amazing that his mother always manages to make him feel like a child and not an adult. He feels he has done something wrong, and his mother is now trying to get him to confess.

"No. You can still help me dry," Carla replies, running water and detergent into the sink, and starting to wash the big pots by hand. "I think you'd make a nice couple."

And right there is the statement Eren has been dreading. He holds his breath for a moment and an uneasy feeling spreads through his stomach. This conversation is drifting in a dangerous direction and he has to watch what he says now to avoid giving himself away. His mother is cunning and a master at eliciting the information she wants from him, even if he doesn't actually want to reveal anything. Besides, Eren is a terribly bad liar.

"We're just friends."

Carla hands Eren the clean, wet pot. "I don't have that impression. There's definitely more between you, I can feel it. Don't try to lie to your old mother, sweetheart."

"Mom… do we have to have this conversation? I'm 24 years old, what I do with whom is private."

"Jesus, you used to tell me everything!"

Eren rolls his eyes. "Maybe when I was 10 years old."

Carla smiles. "So, there's more between you and Levi, right?"

"No," he says, quickly averting his eyes as he feels himself blushing at this bold-faced lie. "But even if it were, it wouldn't be any of your business."

"A mother's business is everything that concerns her children. But fine, I understand if you don't want to tell me, but I think you like Levi a lot."

Eren sighs and rubs the towel over the pot in annoyance, even though it's already dry. "Of course, he's my friend!"

"No, honey, not like that." Carla stops washing dishes and looks at her son, her hands still in the sudsy dishwater. Under his mother's penetrating gaze, Eren has to swallow. "The way you behaved toward Levi today, I've never seen you with Reiner. I saw how you touched each other, how you blushed, and looked at him. You may think no one notices, but I know my son."

"You're wrong, Mom. We're not in a relationship."

"I didn't say that, just that you like him more than normal friends. Even though you may not see it that way or want to see it like that." As if she hadn't just dropped a bombshell, Carla turns her attention back to the dishes, humming as she scrubs the roaster.

Eren doesn't know what to say to that. Of course, he likes Levi more than a friend, after all they have sex with each other! But he doesn't want to tell his mother that. She's not as uptight as most parents, after all, she took his outing back then quite casually, but there are still things a mother shouldn't know. This clearly includes the fact that Eren sleeps with Levi just because they feel like it. Still, he's not going to let this conversation go.

"It's different than you think. Yeah, I like Levi, probably different than I like Armin for example, but we don't have feelings for each other or anything. Just because we're both gay doesn't mean we can't just be friends. And don't deny that you didn't mean to imply that."

Carla smiles, drains the water from the sink, dries her hands, and places a hand against Eren's cheek. When Eren looks into her warm brown eyes, he has to smile.

"I've said all I had to say, honey. The day will come when you will see what I see, and then you will realize that your mother was right."

Chapter Text

A few days later, Eren met Armin after university for the first time in a long time. The conversation with his mother on Sunday had emotionally upset Eren, so he was grateful for the distraction. Of course, he knows his mother is wrong. Levi and he are friends who sometimes have sex together, nothing more, nothing less. Still, his mother's talk about feelings had unsettled him, and a little distance from Levi certainly can't hurt to get his head clear again.

When Eren entered the café 'Three Walls' and looked around the place, he immediately spotted Armin, who was already sitting at a small table by the window, waving at him. He waved back and headed to the counter. Since there was no waitress around, he leaned back against the counter, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and let his gaze wander around the café, taking in the atmosphere.

The bright rays of sunlight streaming in through the windows blind him, and Eren averts his gaze. Instead, he watches a couple sitting at one of the many small black bistro tables, whispering conspiratorially, and holding hands. Eren smiles at the sight, but also feels a small jealous twinge in his chest at the thought that he can't touch Levi so publicly. Startled, he immediately pushes that thought away, and reminds himself that Levi and he are not a couple after all! He is happy with what they have: innocuous sex, friendship, and the freedom to do what he wants.

He hears the clatter of dishes behind him, and turns back to the white, long counter. His sister comes out of an adjoining room with a tray full of cups. Grinning, he looks at her red apron and the white cap with the café's logo on it.

"Hello Mika. Can you make me a Caramel Frappuccino, please?"

The cups clink together as she sets the tray down, and then turns to her brother. "Hi Eren, sure thing. Armin already said you'd be coming too."

Eren nods. "Yeah, it's been so long since I've seen him outside of university. It's about time."

"Did something interesting happen at Mom and Dad's the other day while I was gone?" Mikasa asks as she prepares his drink.

"No, I don't think so. I just helped Mom in the kitchen by washing the dishes, and then we went home again."

Mikasa hums in agreement, pours a generous amount of cream into the glass, and then spreads the caramel sauce over it. She sets the finished Frappuccino on the counter in front of Eren, and sticks a black straw in it as well. "Home?” she snorts. “That sounds like you and Levi live together."

He briefly presses his lips together to suppress a smile as he thinks of the mind-blowing sex Levi and he had at his place later that afternoon.

"Don't talk nonsense. I'm only saying that because we live next door to each other."

"Sure, if you say so," his sister replies with raised eyebrows, taking Eren's credit card, and swiping it to complete the payment.

Eren rolls his eyes in annoyance. Why do all members of his family have to interfere with his affairs?! He's an adult, and can do whatever the hell he wants!

"If you want to piss someone off, please do it to Jean, and spare me," Eren said, taking back his credit card, grabbing his drink, and joining Armin at the table.

He slides onto the wooden bench decorated with small cushions. "Hi Ar, good to see you."

"Hello Eren," his friend greets him with a smile. "You too! How are you?"

"I'm very well, thank you. What about you?" Eren takes a big sip of his cold drink, and enjoys the sweet cream and caramel melting on his tongue.

"Everything's fine. Annie's a little stressed right now because she's working on an important project at her IT company, but other than that, it's business as usual. You look really good, Eren. I'm glad to see you like this."

Eren tilts his head, and looks at Armin in amazement. "What do you mean?"

"Well, about the breakup, and all. You were so depressed at first, and I was really worried. You did say you were fine, but well, sometimes, that's just what you say. But seeing you so happy now, I'm convinced you're really over it." Armin smiles at him, so sincere and warm that his blue eyes sparkle. A warm shiver runs down Eren's arms, and he can't help, but smile back.

"Thank you, Ar. You're right, I'm doing well, and I'm very happy."

"Is there perhaps a special reason for this?" Armin asks innocently, sipping his orange smoothie.

Eren blinks at Armin. Of course, he knows exactly what his friend is getting at. Apparently, it wasn't just his mother who wanted to interrogate him.

"No, I'm just enjoying my life as it is now."

Armin nods. "That's good. How is Levi doing, by the way? You've been spending a noticeable amount of time together lately."

Eren sighs, and decides to cut the subject short by getting straight to the point. "Not you too! Please Armin, I've had to listen to the exact same thing from my mother and sister. Levi and I have always spent a lot of time together because we're friends. Just like you and me."

'Well, almost like us,' he adds in thought.

Armin raises his hands placatingly. "I didn't mean to offend you, Eren. It's fine if you're just friends, but it wouldn't be bad if there was more between you either, you know? You've always had this special connection with him that everyone who knows you guys can feel. So, it wouldn't surprise anyone if you were a couple. But the main thing is that you are happy."

Lost in thought, Eren sips his coffee. Armin is right, Levi and he have had a special connection since they first met. They just get along without so many words, and Levi knows exactly what's going on in Eren's mind, usually even before he knows it himself. Armin is his oldest friend, and he also knows Eren very well, but not like Levi does. Eren has never thought about it before, but his friendship with Levi is deeper than his other friendships. It's very special, and that's why Eren would do anything to keep it that way.

"We are friends."

Armin nods. "Then I'm glad Levi is such a good friend to you. How are your classes going?"

"Pretty good, I think, and—" The ringing of his cell phone interrupts him.

Eren pulls his phone out of his pocket, and frowns when he sees Levi calling him. This is unusual because his friend is supposed to be working at the supermarket at this hour.

"That is Levi. Can I take this?"

Armin sips his straw, and nods. "Go ahead."

Eren smiles gratefully, and takes the call. "Hi Levi!"

"Eren, where are you right now?"

His eyes widened in surprise at the question. "I'm at 'Three Walls' with Armin. Why?"

Eren notices that Armin is now looking at him curiously, and raising his eyebrows questioningly.

"Oh, I see... well... could you, maybe... so, pick me up from work?"

"Pick you up? Levi, did something happen?"

"I tripped over the fucking water bucket, and—damn, I kind of twisted my foot in the process. My boss says I should go to the hospital to get it checked, but I don't want to get picked up by an ambulance like I'm a fucking invalid! Since I can't put any weight on my foot, I can't take the bus either because I can't walk to the bus stop."

Eren gasps, his stomach tightening. "Oh shit! Are you in pain? Do you think it's broken? But otherwise you're fine?" he asks, worriedly.

"Eren, relax. My foot is swollen, and hurts a little, but otherwise I'm fine. Can you pick me up, and take me to the hospital?"

"Shit, no, my car is in the shop." Eren almost never uses his small car because he usually walks, or takes the bus in the city. Yet the inspection was long overdue so he drove it to the shop yesterday.

"Too bad. But okay, I'll figure something else out. Thanks."

"No, wait, Levi," Eren says, feverishly thinking of ways to help his friend. "You know what, I'll come to the supermarket, and then we'll take a cab to the hospital together. Would that be okay?"

"Yes, but Eren, you don't have to do that. I also can take—"

"Shut up! Sit down somewhere, and keep your foot still. I'm on my way. I'll see you in a minute."

Eren exhales heavily as he ends the call, and puts his phone back in his pocket. His throat is suddenly dry, and he greedily takes a sip of his frappuccino. Worry for his friend weighs heavily on his stomach, and his fingers tighten around the glass in his hand. Hopefully Levi is okay, and his foot is the only thing hurt!

"Eren, what's wrong? You're all pale! Is Levi hurt?" Armin asks.

Eren nods, gets up from the bench, and looks apologetically at his friend. "Yes, he hurt his foot at work. I'm taking the bus to the supermarket now, and then I'll take him to the hospital. I'm sorry, we'll have to postpone our meeting."

Armin shakes his head, and stands up as well. "Nonsense, I'll drive you. Unfortunately, I can't take you to the hospital because I'm here with Annie's car."

Eren nods as he knows the sporty two-seater from Armin's girlfriend. "Thanks, Ar," he says, relieved, because this way he would be much faster getting to Levi than going on the bus. An inner restlessness drives him to get to Levi as quickly as possible.

Armin pats him encouragingly on the shoulder. "Yeah, sure, no problem. Come on, let's go."

******

About 15 minutes later, Armin lets Eren out in front of the supermarket. The two say goodbye to each other, and Eren hastily enters the store. An employee takes Eren to the lounge where he finds Levi. He is sitting on a chair with his arms crossed angrily in front of his chest, and staring sullenly at the ice pack on his foot.

"Levi," Eren says, a little out of breath, as he hurries to his friend, and looks at him with concern. "Is everything okay?"

Levi rolls his eyes. "Yeah. I'm glad you're here. Let's get out of this place. My coworkers are driving me crazy! Every damn two minutes someone comes to check on me like I'm a baby."

A weight falls off of Eren as he realizes that Levi seems to be okay. "Well, if you can rant again, you can't be feeling that bad," he says with a grin.

He is so relieved that he can't help, but lean down to Levi, hugging him briefly. Levi returns his embrace, and the pleasant tingling sensation that spreads through Eren's stomach calms him. The built-up tension, and worry in him disappears.

Eren pulls back, grabs Levi's backpack, and holds out his hand. "Come on, let's get you to the hospital. I've already called a cab, and it should be here any minute."

Levi grabs his hand, and Eren pulls his friend to his feet. Though as soon as Levi steps on his badly swollen foot, his knees give way, and he gasps briefly in pain. Immediately Eren supports him by putting his arm around his waist.

"Are you okay?" Nervously, Eren looks at Levi.

"Yeah, it just hurts like hell. I guess the best thing to do is just hop on one leg. I'll be fine."

The two look at each other. Eren searches Levi's face for a sign that he's hiding something from him, but he only sees the warmth in the familiar gray eyes, and a slight smile on Levi's lips. Levi places his hand against Eren's cheek, and strokes it briefly with his thumb.

"Don't worry, I'm fine except for this stupid foot, okay?"

Eren nods, and grins right after. "I could carry you."

"Tch, no way."

"That's what I thought. So, come on."

Very slowly, Eren and Levi leave the supermarket. His colleagues wish him a quick recovery as they pass by. Although Eren knows Levi well, he is honestly surprised at how popular his friend seems to be among his colleagues. Of course, he knows that Levi is one of the most helpful people in the world, but because of his blunt, antisocial, and often grumpy manner, he is, unfortunately, too often labeled as rude. He is glad that his colleagues seem to have recognized his true nature, and acknowledge him as a nice colleague.

As expected, the cab is already waiting in front of the store so Levi doesn't have to limp all of the way. He doesn't complain, but Eren feels exactly how much Levi has to lean on him. He also sees Levi's face twisting painfully with each step. Eren helps Levi into the back seat, then climbs in with him, and tells the driver where to go.

"What exactly happened?" Eren asks after they've been looking out the window in silence for a while.

"I was carrying a big box through the aisles so I couldn't really see where I was going. A colleague had mopped up a puddle, but hadn't put the bucket away yet. I stumbled over the cleaning bucket, and somehow stepped wrong. At first, I thought it wasn't that bad, but then I couldn't walk properly as you saw for yourself."

"Oh jeez! But the fact that you tripped over a cleaning bucket, of all things, is kind of funny," Eren says, grinning.

Levi snorts. "Do you think you're funny?"

Eren laughs. "Of course!"

"By the way, I'm sorry that you interrupted your meeting with Armin because of me. You didn't have to do that. I could have taken the cab myself."

Eren shakes his head. "It's okay, I was worried about you, and Armin understands.” He gives a short laugh. "Besides, how would you have made it to the cab without help? You can't even walk by yourself!"

"Tch, I would have managed somehow," Levi grumbles to himself, looking out of the window in annoyance.

Eren nudges him on the arm. "I'm just teasing you. Besides, you would have done the same for me."

"Of course, I would—do anything for you, Eren," Levi murmurs so softly that Eren almost didn't hear him.

Erens' heartbeat quickens at those words, and bounces excitedly in his chest. He feels the heat creeping onto his cheeks, and because he doesn't know what to say, he only hums briefly. Levi's words penetrate to his core, and melts his protective walls. Hearing something like that from Levi means a lot to Eren because his friend is definitely not a person who expresses his feelings out loud. It's the first time Levi said he liked Eren, in a roundabout way. Though Eren knows how to read between the lines, and understands the hidden message.

They are silent for the rest of the ride. When the cab stops right in front of the emergency room entrance, Eren helps Levi get out before running into the hospital to get a wheelchair. When he returns with it, Levi gives him a scowl. Yet Levi knows he can't walk alone, and has no other choice.

"I'll definitely mark this day, in red, on my calendar as the day I shoved Levi Ackerman into a wheelchair," Eren chuckles, earning another nasty look in return.

In a good mood, Eren pushes his friend into the emergency room. Levi is admitted as a patient, and assigned a bed. Behind drawn curtains, he climbs clumsily onto his bed, and drops down with a sigh. Eren is still grinning, much to his friend's displeasure.

He crosses his arms, and scowls at Eren. "Why are you smirking?"

Eren pushes Levi aside a little, and sits down next to him on the narrow bed. "I've never seen you so helpless. Usually you're the one in control."

"And this amuses you?"

"No, but it's cute how you refuse to accept help even though you know you need it."

"Tch, I don't need your help. You can go," Levi growls sourly.

Eren leans forward so that their faces are only inches apart, and grins. He pokes Levi lightly in the cheek with his index finger.

"I'm not going anywhere."

Eren's eyes wander over the face that has become so familiar to him. They are so close that he can clearly see the little blue speckles in Levi's eyes. His eyes move to Levi's mouth, and he licks his lips. They look so inviting that they magically attract him. So much so that Eren can't resist any longer, and closes the distance between them. With their eyes closed, their lips press against each other. Gently and without haste, Eren enjoys the feel of those full, sweet lips on his. A tingling sensation dances over his arms, and causes goosebumps.

Everything around him disappears, and Eren completely forgets where he is. The frantic running back and forth of nurses and doctors in the emergency room is muffled, and a baby's crying disappears amidst the swirl of his own well-being. Instead of the pungent disinfectant, he smells Levi's lavender shampoo. Everything he feels, smells, and tastes is Levi. He wants more, wants to dive deeper into that wonderful mouth, but before he can, the curtain is pulled aside. They jump apart as if they've burned themselves on each other. With astonished eyes and red cheeks, they stare at the older, balding doctor standing in front of Levi's bed with a clipboard in his hand. Next to him is a petite blonde who blinks at them with her big blue eyes.

"Historia!?" Eren gasps, startled, as he catches sight of his friend.

"Eren? Levi? Are you okay?" she asks, visibly confused while letting her gaze wander back and forth between the two men.

Immediately Eren curses that once again he couldn't resist Levi. Of course, he knows that Historia works here as a nurse, but he didn't know she was stationed in the emergency room. He quickly gazes at Levi, and immediately sees the suspiciously swollen lips. Did Historia see them kissing? Panic rises in him, his chest tightens, and Eren feels like he can't breathe at the thought that their secret might be exposed.

"Oh, I see you know each other, how nice! I'm Dr Pixis and my patient is Levi Ackerman. Which one of you is this?" the doctor asks cheerfully, looking at them.

"That's me," Levi says, unobtrusively nudging Eren with his arm who is still staring at him, panicked.

"Uh, I'm just the escort," he says, jumping up from the bed.

Nervously, Eren fiddles with a loose strand of hair, watching Historia, and trying to read from her face whether she has seen something or not. His friend's attention, however, is focused entirely on the doctor.

"So, Mr. Ackerman. Where does it hurt? It is written here," he glances at the chart, "that you hurt your foot, is that right?"

Levi nods, and takes off his sock; he hasn't worn a shoe since the supermarket.

Dr. Pixis examines Levi's swollen foot, and then palpates it. Levi winces from time to time, but doesn’t say anything.

"I think your ankle is sprained. We'll do an X-ray to rule out a fracture, just to be sure. Historia will take care of it," he says, looking at her.

"I'll take the patient to radiology, Dr Pixis."

"Excellent. So, get well soon, Mr. Ackerman."

Dr Pixis disappears back into the ER, and Eren immediately looks back at Historia. The cubicle with the curtains suddenly seems too small for three people.

"It's really a surprise to see you here, Historia," he stammers uncertainly, forcing himself to smile.

She tilts her head. "I could say the same! Of all the times I help out in the ER, friends of mine come over for treatment."

Eren laughs uncertainly. "Yeah, what a funny coincidence.”

Was he imagining it, or had he heard an undertone in her voice? Was she trying to imply something? He looks desperately at Levi, who shakes his head imperceptibly.

He knows he's telling him to calm down, but for some reason, the thought of their secret being possibly revealed makes Eren nauseous. He wants Levi for himself. Eren enjoys their togetherness when it's just the two of them, in their secret bubble.

If Historia really saw them, it's all over. Then they would have to explain themselves in front of their friends, and Eren is sure that no one will understand their special arrangement. He doesn't want a strange atmosphere to develop in their group of friends, and most of all, he doesn't want Levi's and his special connection to be tainted with prejudice. He can practically hear Jean's stupid sayings, and Armin's well-intentioned advice.

"Historia, I would like to go home sometime. Are you going to take me to radiology, or what?"

She blinks at Levi in confusion, but then grins, and tosses her blond hair back over her shoulder. "Oh of course, let's get you in the wheelchair! Eren, I'm afraid you can't come with us as only patients are allowed in radiology, but if you want, you can sit there in the waiting room," she says, pointing to the ER entrance area.

"Alright, see you later, Levi. Bye, Historia," Eren says goodbye, and quickly disappears from the small cabin with his heart pounding.

******

On the drive home, the two don't talk much; they're exhausted from the eventful day, and busy with their own thoughts. Eren is still thinking about Historia. He would like to ask Levi if she said something to him when they were alone, but he holds back, for the moment.

When Eren and Levi finally arrive back at their apartment complex, it is 8 pm. Fortunately, the X-ray shows that Levi's ankle is not broken, but badly sprained. The only cure now is lots of rest, and as little exertion as possible. When the nurse had handed him a pair of green crutches as they left the hospital, Levi had grumbled at first, but then gratefully accepted them. This way, he is at least a little bit mobile.

"Hey Levi, do you want me to make you something for dinner? The doctor said you should rest," Eren suggests as he unlocks Levi's front door.

Levi hobbles into his apartment on his crutches. "Only if you want to."

"Sure thing! Otherwise I wouldn't have suggested it," Eren says, laughing.

Levi laboriously sits down at the kitchen table, and then props his sprained foot on a second chair. Eren surveys the contents of the fridge, and considers what he might prepare with the food on hand.

"How about omelets?" he asks, turning to Levi.

"I'm so hungry that I don't care, Eren."

Eren nods, and grabs some eggs, milk, ham, and a red bell pepper from the fridge. Without giving it much thought, Eren works in the kitchen; getting bowls and spices from the cupboard, and chopping and mixing the ingredients. He knows Levi's kitchen almost as well as his own since he spends so much time in his friend's apartment.

In between, his gaze falls on Levi again and again. He is sitting on the chair with his eyes closed, dozing. His head hanging forward, and his chin resting on his chest. Only now does Eren notice the deep, dark circles under his eyes, and that he looks even paler than usual. The day must have taken a toll on him, and Eren resolves to take good care of him.

"Do I have something on my face, Eren?"

Eren flinches, startled, and pauses cutting the bell pepper. Levi suddenly opens his eyes, and looks at him.

"Um, I—no, why?"

"Even though I have my eyes closed, I can feel you staring at me," Levi says with a little smirk on his lips.

"Yeah, right," Eren replies, rolling his eyes with a laugh.

Without meaning to, his mind wanders back to Historia, and he can't wait any longer. He has to know. "Hey Levi?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Did Historia actually say anything? Uh, I mean, when you guys were alone? Did she see us kissing?"

Levi shakes his head. "No, she didn't say anything. And if she saw something, so be it."

Eren frowns. "Well, but if she knows, she'll tell Ymir, and if Ymir knows, soon everyone else will know. Then our relationship won't be secret anymore," he says, pouring the egg mixture into the hot pan.

"Why are you worrying so much about this?"

Eren snorts. "I thought we were going to keep this to ourselves?"

"We were, but if it comes out, we won't be able to change it. I'm not ashamed of what we're doing," Levi says with a shrug. "Are you?"

"No, of course not! But the others wouldn't understand. I don't want to justify myself, and I can already see exactly the skeptical looks if our friends knew we were sleeping together. And think of the stupid comments!"

Eren turns to Levi who has, in the meanwhile, folded his arms in front of his chest, and is looking at him seriously. "Eren, I don't care what anyone else says. The only opinion I care about is yours. As long as you're okay with what we're doing, so am I. Don't worry about what others might think."

Eren sighs. "I know you're right. I'm just trying to protect what we have. I couldn't stand it if someone talked badly about it. And by the way, I'm not ashamed at all, or don't you notice that I can never keep my fingers to myself when we're together?"

"Yeah I noticed that. I like it."

The two grin briefly at each other, and the soft, reassuring flutter in Eren's chest makes him hum to himself. He splits the omelet in half, and then slides it onto the plates. Levi always manages to calm his nerves, and wipe away his worries.

Eren quickly sets the table, and the two eat the delicious smelling omelet.

"This tastes surprisingly good," Levi says in between bites.

"If that was a compliment, thank you." Satisfied, Eren grins, and eats his egg with relish. "By the way, please write a list of what groceries you need, and I'll go shopping tomorrow," he says.

"You don't have to mother me, I can do the shopping myself."

Eren rolled his eyes. "How are you going to do that? The doctor said to take it easy on your foot. Please let me help you for once. You said it yourself that you would do the same for me," he said, looking at his friend pleadingly, and piercingly at the same time.

Eren watches as Levi's eyes dart over his face, seemingly searching for doubt. His heart melts as he sees Levi's uncertainty, and inner struggle to accept help in his eyes.

Eventually, Levi gives up, and sighs. "Fine, but you don't do any more than absolutely necessary, okay?"

"Deal." Eren grins, and eats the last piece of his omelet.

"What is more important than shopping, is cleaning. If you want to make yourself useful, you'll help me with that. Dusting, vacuuming, mopping..." Levi says, yawning.

"Yeah, we'll take care of that tomorrow. I think that’s enough for today."

Eren gets up, collects the used dishes, and puts everything in the sink. Meanwhile, Levi fights his way out of his chair, and leans on his crutches.

"I'll clean the kitchen, if you want, you can go to bed already."

"Yes, Mom!"

Eren smirks as he looks after Levi who is grunting, and limping to the bathroom on his crutches. Of course, it's not great that Levi is injured, but somehow, he enjoys the fact that he can take care of Levi. Up until now, Levi was his strong shoulder to lean on, but now Eren can be there for Levi too, for once. In a good mood, he washes the dishes, and wipes the dining table before going into the bedroom to check on his friend.

Levi is already in bed, topless. At the sight, Eren's stomach twitches, but he knows how tired Levi is. He is also pretty exhausted, so sex is out of the question for today. Still, his fingers itch to stroke, and feel the warm, soft skin.

Eren walks over to the bed, and sits on the edge, just like he did earlier at the hospital.

"Will you put me to bed now, Mom? Are you going to read me a fairy tale?" Levi asks, snorting.

Eren laughs. "Sure, if that's what you want?"

"I'll pass on the fairy tale, but I wouldn't mind a little warmth," Levi says, lifting his blanket.

Without hesitation, Eren crawls underneath, pulls Levi closer, and wraps his arms around him. Levi covers them with his blanket, and rests his head on Eren's chest. Eren smells Levi's hair, it is soft, and smells fresh like powdery-velvety. Slowly, his fingers stroke Levi's bare back, and draw little circles on the warm skin. He feels the little shivers under his fingertips, and hears Levi's satisfied humming.

"Hey Eren?"

"Mh-mmm?"

"Thanks."

Eren presses a little kiss on Levi's hair, and closes his eyes. He is completely relaxed, and a short time later, he falls asleep.

Chapter Text

After breakfast together the next morning, Eren left for his lectures at the university. Following the doctor's advice, Levi will have to stay home for this week in order to rest his foot. If he can walk a little better after that, he is allowed to go to his own lectures again.

Unlike last time, Eren doesn't feel weird when he wakes up next to Levi after their shared night in one bed without having sex. It's nice to feel Levi's warm body against his, and it almost feels normal. Eren would have preferred not having to leave the bed at all, but duty calls.

Right after class, Eren went grocery shopping so that Levi has everything he needs at home for the time being, and would be able to focus on healing his foot. Before he delivers the groceries to his friend, however, he goes back to his own apartment because Eren has planned something special for his friend. If Levi can't clean the house himself, and has to instead watch Eren do it, then he should at least get a great show.

Grinning, Eren enters Levi's apartment with the spare key so that Levi doesn't have to walk to the door himself.

"Hey Levi, I'm back," he calls as he takes off his shoes in the hallway, and then enters the living room.

Levi is sitting on the sofa playing with his cell phone. When he puts it aside, and looks at Eren, his facial expression changes abruptly. His eyes widen, and his mouth drops open. Eren had hoped for a reaction like that, and smirks as he places the shopping bag on the kitchen counter.

"How's your foot?" he asks innocently, starting to put the groceries in the fridge.

"Um—it's okay—so, Eren—uh, what are you wearing?" Levi stammers, his gaze still fixed on Eren's body.

"Oh, you mean this?" Eren looks down at himself, and plays with the white lace trim on the hem of his short black skirt. "I figured if I'm going to play your housemaid, then I have to have the right outfit."

He notices Levi biting his lower lip, and Eren enjoys seeing the hunger in his friend's gaze. Levi practically undresses him with his eyes, and something dark appears in his stomach, tickling Eren's insides.

"Do you like what you see, Levi?" Eren asks, walking to the center of the room, and slowly spinning around. His short skirt swirls around his body as he turns, and exposes his bare thighs.

Eren adjusts his black crop top, and blinks innocently at Levi. He is still looking at him with the hungry gaze of a hunter, his black pupils twitching, and widening with each successive glance.

"Eren," Levi breathes hoarsely. "You look incredible. So sexy, just for me."

Eren smiles. He's glad that he didn't throw away the maid costume Jean had given him as a joke years ago. "Well, I'll start with cleaning then, your apartment is so dusty!"

Eren takes a small duster out of the shopping bag in order to complete the costume. He starts dusting Levi's racks. He stretches his long body, on purpose, so that the already short skirt slides up even higher, and reveals his bare ass cheeks.

Every now and then he turns to Levi who sits spellbound on the sofa, and closely watches Eren's every move. The air around them crackles, and he notices how Levi's hands claw convulsively into one of the pillows. Eren fully enjoys giving Levi a little show, and teasing him. He continues to wipe the surfaces of the shelves with his little, colorful feather duster. He stretches here, and there to present his body to Levi.

His own lust throbs violently under his skin, and his naked, twitching cock rubs against the soft fabric of the short skirt. Eren would love to pounce on Levi right now, and have his needy hole filled by him, but he tries to enjoy the seduction. Today he wants to spoil Levi.

"Oops, my duster fell off," Eren acts surprised, and drops the duster on the floor.

He gives Levi another quick glance before leaning forward provocatively, and stretching his naked butt out to Levi. Eren stays in the position longer than necessary, sticking his ass out so that Levi can enjoy the sight, and to show him his little secret.

"Eren, what do you have—?" Levi stammers, breaking up in the middle of his question.

Eren lifts the duster, and straightens up again. "Oh, you mean the green sparkling jewel? That's just my little butt plug, do you like it?" Eren coos, enjoying the sight of Levi's flushed cheeks.

Eren gets on all fours, and pretends to dust the bottom shelf. He crawls back and forth, only to wiggle his butt teasingly in front of Levi. He knows that this movement gives Levi a perfect view of his plug.

"Damn, Eren… I want you."

Eren turns to Levi, and bites his lower lip coquettishly. Actually, he wanted to continue his show, but his cock is also half hard now with a small tent standing out under his skirt. Being desired by Levi always turns him on. Eren rises from the floor, and sets the duster aside.

"Are you sure everything here is clean to your satisfaction?" he asks, biting his index finger.

"Definitely not, but I don't give a shit right now," Levi says, extending his hand to Eren.

Eren walks over to Levi, takes his hand, and sits astride his lap.

As soon as he sits down, Levi's thighs press against his ass, and he moans softly as the plug buries itself even deeper into his hole. While Eren holds onto Levi's shoulder with one hand, he runs the other into Levi's dark hair, and massages his scalp.

Levi's impatient hands immediately roam over Eren's body, stroking the silky top, and tracing the white lace. Levi rubs his fingers over the fabric, just above Eren's nipples which makes them immediately erect. Eren licks his lips as Levi's fingers move further down, and stroke his stomach. His muscles twitch under the caress, and Eren closes his eyes in pleasure as he enjoys the gentle touches. Levi's hands are now sliding down his back, stroking the rustling fabric of his skirt. Eren gasps as Levi's hands cup his cheeks, and massages them. He pulls roughly on Levi's hair.

"Levi," Eren meows, throwing his head back.

He loves Levi's magic hands. They always make him feel the best as if his body is a temple, and so precious that it must be worshipped. His cock throbs, and the wet sensitive tip rubs against his skirt.

Eren rocks back and forth on Levi's lap, and clearly feels the erection in his friend's pants. They both moan under the soothing friction. Levi doesn't stop kneading his butt cheeks although one finger works its way to the plug, and gently pushes it in a bit more. The sensation makes Eren feel hot, pleasure runs up his spine, and he rubs himself even harder on Levi's lap. Again, Levi pushes the plug further into him.

"Ngh, Levi!"

The metal plug scrapes against his walls, and make his hole twitch around the handle.

"Eren..."

Levi's breathy moan makes Eren open his eyes, and he looks into his friend's face. His cheeks are flushed, and the gray of his pupils is engulfed by black. The blush on his face travels down Levi's neck, and creeps under the hem of his shirt. Eren slides his hands under the shirt, caressing the warm skin, and tugging the offending piece of fabric over Levi's head until it flies carelessly to the floor.

Their gazes meet, and they dive into each other's eyes.

"Come here," Levi finally says, and pulls Eren down to him by the back of the neck in order to seal their lips.

Briefly, their kiss is sweet, and innocent. Yet immediately, the fire of desire ignites within them, and they kiss deeply, and hard. Desperately their lips rub over each other, and their tongues press hungrily together. Eren melts, and doesn't stop rocking on Levi's lap. Every time Levi's hard cock presses against his plug, it sends new longing throughout his body. The plug is good, but he needs more—he needs Levi.

When they break their kiss, Levi's hot mouth presses on his neck. Eren can't do anything, but answer with a groan. Levi's fingers slide under Eren's top, and play with his nipples. Everything feels so good, Levi's hard cock under him, the plump lips kissing the tender skin on his neck, and the hands teasing, and caressing him all over his body.

His mouth is open, his eyes are closed, and Eren can only feel; every logical thought has been banished from his mind.

Desperately, he rubs himself against Levi, the desire for the hard cock growing steadily inside him, and setting his body on fire.

"More Levi! I need you inside me!"

"Help me undress, honey," Levi murmurs into Eren's neck, and the sweet pet name immediately sends hot waves straight to Eren's cock.

Hastily he pushes himself up, and fiddles impatiently with Levi's pants button and zipper. He can clearly see the bulge in his friend's pants. Eren curses his clumsy fingers because he can't wait to finally see, and feel that gorgeous cock inside him.

"Relax, you'll get my cock, it's just for you," Levi whispers, gently patting Eren's hair.

When he finally has the pants open, Levi lifts his pelvis, and Eren pulls down the pants along with the boxers. Levi sighs in relief as his hard length comes free.

Eren sits back down on Levi's legs, and purses his lips as he looks at the nice, thick cock in front of him. The tip is red and wet, and Eren rubs his finger over the glans.

"Fuck, Eren," Levi presses out.

Eren keeps teasing the glans, playing with the little slit before taking the entire length in his hand, and stroking it. Levi gasps, and lifts Eren's skirt to expose his dripping cock as well.

Eren reaches for the waistband of his skirt so that he can pull it down, but Levi holds him by the wrist.

"Don't take it off," he growls, bringing their lips together again.

They caress each other, rubbing their hard cocks together, and losing themselves in their deep kisses. Wild moans, and gasps fill the room. The humidity rises from their hot breath, and covers their bodies with a fine layer of sweat. Eren can only feel as the lust reigns inside him, and the hot desire to be filled cries loudly as his hole clutches desperately around the plug.

"More, more! I need more, Levi!" he begs desperately into their kiss.

It drives Eren crazy how Levi rubs their cocks against each other. He strokes the tip again and again with his thumb so that even more precum squirts out of his little slit. Levi repeatedly pushes the foreskin over his glans, the feeling is incredible, and clouds Eren's senses.

Then Levi pulls away, and Eren looks at him. His face is shiny with sweat, a few strands of his black hair are stuck to his forehead, and his sensual lips are reddened from all the kissing. Eren has never seen anything more beautiful.

Levi's hand moves away from their cocks, and he places it against Eren's cheek instead. "What do you need, Eren? Tell me."

"I need you inside me, please. Pull the plug out. I'm ready for you," he whispers, nuzzling Levi's hand.

Levi hums, but doesn't stop stroking his heated cheek. That's when Eren feels his other hand on his butt. He pushes up a little so that Levi can grip the glittering gem. Levi pulls him into a gentle kiss, their reddened lips caressing each other as Levi gently tugs on the plug, and then slowly pulls it out. Immediately, Eren feels empty, and his stretched hole is begging to be filled again.

Levi interrupts the kiss, and places the plug next to him on the sofa. He runs his fingers over Eren's lips. "Open your mouth."

Eren obeys, and Levi presses three fingers into his mouth. He sucks on them as passionately as if it were Levi's cock. His tongue licks over the fingers, and wets them abundantly with saliva.

"Well done," Levi praises as he removes his fingers, and Eren sighs. Being praised by Levi satisfies his deep need to please, and strokes his ego.

Agonizingly slow, the wet fingers circle his muscle ring, and Eren shudders under the gentle touches. His cock twitches, and craves attention while his hole still feels terribly empty. Eren's skin burns, itches, and tingles; the desire tears him up inside because it's all taking too long.

"Levi, hurry up!"

That's exactly what he does. As Levi presses his fingers into Eren, he gasps, and his head falls onto Levi's shoulder. Levi's familiar scent, coupled with a slight smell of sweat, rises to his nose, and Eren presses himself closer to his friend while absorbing more of that delightful scent directly from his skin. It's beguiling, and awakens Eren's deepest sexual instincts.

"Fuck, so good! Levi, please—"

With quick movements, Levi thrusts his fingers into Eren, and pulls them out again only to penetrate him deeper seconds later.

"You're already so well prepared, yet so tight… I love being inside you," Levi says, placing a kiss on Eren's damp, sweaty hair.

His fingers curl into Eren, and rubs over his most sensitive spot.

"Yes, yes! More Levi, more!" Eren screams, biting Levi's neck.

Levi growls, and rubs over Eren's prostate again. Each new touch sends streams of lava through Eren's veins, and makes him think he's burning from the inside. He's sure that he won't be able to stand this beautiful torture much longer.

"Come on, fuck me already," he sighs in frustration as Levi presses down on his prostate again.

"No condom?"

Eren shakes his head. "No, I want to feel you pure."

Levi nods, and pulls his fingers out of Eren. Eren lifts his head, sees Levi spit into his hand, and wets his cock with his own salvina.

"Ride me, Eren."

He nods excitedly, his heart beating so fast that it stumbles in between. Eren lifts his pelvis, and positions himself over Levi's cock. The wet tip teases his hole, but Eren can’t wait any longer. Impatiently, he lowers himself onto Levi's cock, and doesn't stop until he's completely filled. Despite the plug, and Levi's preparation, it burns briefly. Yet the pain quickly disappears, and sweet, warm waves of bliss flood his ass.

"You're so perfect," Levi whispers, brushing a strand of hair out of Eren's eyes.

Eren smiles because he loves how tender Levi is during sex. A warm breeze spreads in his chest, and makes his heart flutter. Eren looks deep into his friend's eyes. A dark haze lies over the pretty gray. Yet Eren sees so much warmth, and light in these eyes. He has to swallow, and quickly press their lips together because he can't hold this gentle gaze any longer.

Kissing sloppily, Eren supports himself on Levi's shoulders, lifts himself up, and sinks back down on the hard cock. He rolls his hips, and presses down on Levi again and again. The cock throb deliciously in his hole while the sweet vibrations make his entire body tremble. Being filled by Levi feels so perfect, they merge into one mess of pleasure.

Sinfully, Levi's length rubs against his inner walls, and Eren increases the pace once again. Due to the lack of oxygen, he breaks off the kiss, and looks into Levi's wide-open eyes instead. Eren breathes heavily as he rides his friend, rubbing their wet skin together.

"Oh yeah, just like that. You take me so good.. your perfect little hole… Fuck!"

Eren presses down hard on Levi making his cock sink deeper into Eren's hole. He pauses for a moment, and looks at his belly. He strokes the small bulge that is clearly visible there.

"You are so deep inside me. Look, Levi, you can feel yourself," Eren says softly, reaching for Levi's hand, placing it on the bulge, and pressing it lightly.

"God, Eren, that's so hot!"

Eren lets go of Levi's hand, and holds onto his shoulders again. He picks up his pace while getting intoxicated with his ride on Levi. Levi accommodates his movements by pushing his pelvis up at the right moment. He brushes Eren's prostate, and makes him howl with pleasure. Eren's thighs are burning, but he doesn't stop riding Levi, letting himself fall on his length again, and again.

"Levi, fuck, I'm––yesss!"

His fingernails press firmly into Levi's shoulders, leaving small crescent-shaped marks, but he can't worry about that now. Release is so close, not much further, and he's going to fly. Eren bites his lips in despair, and tears well up in his eyes. Everything burns, the lust in his belly, his hot sweaty skin, and the pressure on his chest. Eren has to cum, or he'll implode.

"I'm so close! I have to, I can't—"

Eren feels a tear running from the corner of his eye. He's so close to his orgasm, riding Levi in ecstasy, but the release fails to happen.

"Baby, you're doing so good, cum for me," Levi gasps, grabbing Eren's neglected cock, and pumping it hard, and tight just the way Eren likes it.

Eren's movements stutter, he sobs desperately, and more tears escape his eyes. He clings to Levi as another stroke from Levi's hand finishes him off. White points of light flash before his eyes, his hole clings to Levi's cock, and the rest of his body tenses as he flies wide-eyed.

"Levi!" Eren screams, and his hot cum finally spills out, staining Levi's hand and chest.

All of the tension leaves Eren's body as he rides on the waves of release. His body is just a boneless shell when he returns from his high. Then Levi holds him up, and thrusts into his overstimulated hole a few more times before he explodes too.

"Eren… fuck," he moans, pressing his forehead against the sweaty crop top.

The warm cum flows into him, and Eren enjoys the inner heat as proof that he has made Levi feel good. They both collapse onto each other panting, leaning their sweaty bodies against each other, and enjoying the aftermath of their orgasms.

Levi gently strokes Eren's hair. "Wow, that was hot. I'd like that cleaning service more often."

Eren chuckles, and raises his head. "I can imagine."

He feels Levi's cock soften inside him, and he lifts himself off his lap. With wobbly legs he stands in front of Levi, the cum running from his entrance down his thighs.

Levi stares at him. "Fuck, look at you how my cum is leaking out of you... Dammit, Eren, you're so sexy."

He feels himself blush, and averts his eyes. Levi's praise always triggers something in him that Eren has never felt before.

"I have tissues in that drawer over there," Levi says, pointing to the white cabinet next to the TV.

Eren nods. With his thighs still burning, and his knees shaking, he walks over to the cabinet, and opens the drawer. He picks up some papers lying on top to look underneath for the tissues. As he does so, his eyes automatically wander over the top letter. He blinks, and without thinking any further, he skims the text.

"Hey Levi, what's this?" Eren asks in surprise, holding up the papers.

Levi stares at him, and sighs. "Oh, that—let's clean up first, and then I'll explain it peacefully."

"Yeah, but––"

"Eren, I said I'd explain it peacefully," Levi says, his voice sounding clearly annoyed.

Eren gulps, reaches for the tissues, takes one out, and passes the pack to Levi. He wipes the cum off of his legs. Eren suddenly feels uncomfortable, and ridiculous in his outfit, and tugs at his short skirt.

"I'm going to change briefly, okay?" he says, but doesn't even wait for Levi's answer, instead fleeing the apartment with his heart pounding. The contents of the letter buzz through his head, and he's confused. What does the letter mean, and above all, why didn't Levi tell him about it? A strange feeling creeps up in his chest, and makes his heart feel heavy. In his apartment, Eren washes himself roughly, and changes his clothes.

All of the feelings of happiness he had just felt during sex are gone. With drooping shoulders, he shuffles back to Levi's apartment. On the one hand, he doesn't want to hear what Levi has to tell him, but on the other hand, he's dying to know what the letter is all about.

When Eren enters the living room, Levi is already sitting on the sofa, dressed again, and put his foot up.

"Eren, don't look at me like I kicked a puppy. Come here, and let's talk," he says, tapping the sofa next to him.

Eren sits down next to his friend with some distance. "So, why do you have a letter from the university in Stohess in your drawer?" he asks bluntly.

"It's not what it looks like. I applied for a paid internship for one semester at a well-known law firm in Stohess some time ago. This letter is just confirmation that they received my application."

Eren blinks at Levi, not sure what to say. Stohess is a few hours' drive from Shiganshina, and if Levi is going to study there for a semester, he would have to live there.

"And when were you going to tell me this?" Eren is confused, and a queasy feeling settles in his stomach at the thought of Levi leaving.

"I applied there two months ago, and I forgot about it because I probably won't get accepted anyway. Do you know how many people apply for the internship?" Levi asks, pulling his healthy leg to his chest. "Besides, the firm is one of the most prestigious in the whole region, and all law students want that internship. I thought I'd just give it a try, but as I said, the chances of getting accepted are very low," he explains with a shrug.

"Yeah, but if they pick you, you'll move, right?" Eren plays with the drawstring of his sweatpants, and stares at the floor.

"Yes, but only for one semester, so six months. Eren, I'm sorry I didn't say anything, I didn't hide it on purpose. The application was before we started sleeping together. You were with Reiner, and—well, they won't accept me anyway. Don't worry about it."

Levi reaches for his hand, and runs his fingers over his knuckles. "I'll tell you when the rejection comes, okay?" he asks softly, grabbing Eren's chin, and turning his face so he's forced to look at him.

Even though Eren has heard Levi's words, all that's stuck in his head is the possibility of Levi leaving. Why does that scare him so much? Six months is a predictable amount of time after all. Besides they can visit, and talk on the phone in between. Yet all of this doesn't reassure Eren. His heart feels cold when he thinks about someone else sitting on Levi's balcony besides his friend. What will become of their arrangement then? Will Levi find someone else in Stohess, and replace him? His stomach tightens, and Eren tries not to think about it.

He feels a big lump in his throat, and gulps, but the lump won't go away. "If you leave, what will become of us?"

Levi laughs softly. "Then we'll still be friends. When are you going to realize you can't get rid of me? Not if we have sex, not if I go away for a while. Come here."

Levi pulls Eren into his arms, and hugs him tightly. Eren breathes in Levi's scent like he did earlier, and he still smells like home. The familiar scent calms him a little. Eren snuggles up to Levi, and takes a deep breath. As he has done so many times before, Levi strokes his back, and Eren relaxes more and more under Levi's hands.

"Everything is fine," Levi whispers in his ear.

Eren nods. Yet the bitter aftertaste remains as well as the fear of losing his friend, and being alone.

Chapter Text

Eren takes intensive care of Levi for a week. He buys groceries, cooks, and keeps him company as often as his time after university or work allows. Most of the time, they watch series together on Netflix, or just hang out. Levi repays him for his company by playing guitar, and having outstanding sex.

After a week, Levi is able to move around independently, more or less, with his crutches, and he goes to his lectures again. Eren, of course, continues to support him, and is even a bit sad when Levi slowly starts walking again without crutches after another week. He had enjoyed the time they had spent together in everyday life. It didn't feel strange, on the contrary, it was kind of natural. However, after Levi's recovery, there is no longer a reason to be together every day, and they return to their own routines. Besides, Levi has to catch up on the material from the lectures he missed, and is busy studying.

Although Eren knows all of this, he already misses Levi's company during the first night he spent alone in his apartment. The series they used to watch together at Levi's are only half as funny without his friend; he misses Levi's biting comments. In addition, Eren realizes that eating alone is quite lonely and dreary, although it never bothered him before. His bed and sofa are cold, and way too big without anyone to cuddle with. Eren even misses fighting with Levi over the blanket. Of course, he doesn't tell his friend all of this, after all, he doesn't want to annoy Levi. They are just friends, and not a couple that cling to each other 24/7.

It's Friday evening, and Eren has just made himself comfortable on the sofa. He is about to choose a movie to watch when his doorbell rings. With an annoyed sigh, he rises from the sofa, and is surprised to see Levi standing at his door. They haven't seen each other in three days because Eren didn't want to be intrusive. He had wanted to give Levi some space after they'd spent so much time together in the last few weeks.

His heart immediately beats a little faster when he looks at his friend, who is casually leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded in front of his chest. Eren notices that Levi has dressed up because he is wearing gray, tight-fitting pants and a black shirt. The top two buttons are undone, revealing his nicely curved collarbone, and the black leather necklace with a silver charm in the shape of a sword—a gift from Eren for Levi's last birthday. He looks stunning.

"Hi Eren," Levi says, grinning.

"Hi, what's up?"

"I'm going to kidnap you now. Put on something nice," Levi's gaze moves over to Eren's green sweatpants, and ketchup-smeared white shirt, "and then we'll go."

Eren stares at Levi, confused. "Uh, where are we going?"

Levi sighs. "I realized that I haven't really thanked you for helping me so much. I thought I could take you out to dinner to properly thank you. What do you think about going to the pizzeria where we usually get our pizza delivered?"

Eren blinks, confused by Levi's suggestion. They've never been to a restaurant before. Sure, they've grabbed a burger at the fast-food restaurant around the corner, or just ordered something to eat. Yet they've never been to a real restaurant, just the two of them. It almost sounds like a—date. The word buzzes around in Eren's head, spreading out, and suddenly filling every cell of his thoughts. Yet it can't be, can it? What if it is? Eren bites his lower lip, and quickly dismisses the thought. Nonsense, why was he thinking something like that! Levi doesn't want to date him, he just wants to thank him for his help. After all, they are just friends, and not dating!

"Eren, are you okay?"

Levi's question brings him back to reality. "What, um yeah, sure. I'll go change then," Eren says, disappearing quickly into his bedroom.

He slams the door shut with more force than he intended, and leans against it with his back. Eren closes his eyes briefly, and feels his heartbeat quicken. What the hell is wrong with him? Levi just invited him to dinner. Why do his knees tremble now? It shouldn't matter where they eat their pizza, right? So why does the thought that it could be a date scare him so much? Levi has never mentioned that he's interested in a relationship with Eren, and honestly, Eren has never thought about it before.

His mother's words come back to his mind. Was that what his mother meant when she said that he likes Levi as more than a normal friend?

Eren shakes his head as if that would dispel his feelings, and confused thoughts. He doesn't want to think about it, everything is fine the way it is. They're friends with benefits, and that's good because both of them still have their freedom, right? He sighs, and decides that he has to stop analyzing everything in detail. They're just two friends going to a restaurant. There's nothing unusual about that.

Eren searches his closet for the right clothes. He decides on a pair of black skinny jeans, a clean white shirt, and a plum-colored bomber jacket. He takes another look in the mirror, and combs his fingers through his hair. Unfortunately, his hair is a mess as usual, and he quickly ties it into a bun as he walks back into the living room. Levi is sitting there on the armrest of his sofa, and looking at him expectantly.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Levi asks, raising his eyebrows.

"Sure why?"

"Because you look at me like I told you that your mother died, Eren. What's the matter with you? We don't have to go out for dinner if you don't want to."

"No, I want to go. I'm fine. Let's go," he says quickly.

Eren walks over to Levi, leans down to him, and presses a little kiss to his lips so he won't ask any more questions. One kiss turns into two, and then three. When Levi grabs him by the shirt, and pulls him down further, their lips open, and press harder together. Something tingles in Eren's belly as Levi slides his tongue into his mouth, and gently massages his tongue. The kiss is slow, and sensual, almost loving. Eren sighs softly as their lips separate again.

"So, ready for pizza?"

Levi's question reminds Eren why he was so insecure when he kissed Levi in the first place. Why does a simple dinner make him so nervous? After all, he doesn't act like that when they have sex with each other!

"Yeah, I'm ready."

He puts on his best fake smile, and hopes Levi doesn't notice that he's having a hard time. They leave Eren's apartment, and walk to the restaurant which is just a few streets away from their apartment building. It's a balmy summer night, and the streets are still crowded with people. The loud sound of children's laughter from the playground around the corner reaches Eren's ears, and the smell of grilled food is in the air. Because he is so lost in thought, he almost collides with a woman in a hurry, carrying big shopping bags, but manages to avoid her. Still, he clearly heard her quietly insulting him as she continued to rush away.

Eren and Levi are silent the entire time. Eren becomes more tense with each step because he can hardly bear the silence. He keeps trying to remind himself that it's just Levi, his friend whom he knows better than anyone else, but even that doesn't help clear the strange mood. A sinking feeling in his stomach keeps spreading, and wraps around his chest, making him feel like he can't breathe. Eren can't take it anymore, and has to break this awful silence.

"How's your foot, by the way?" he blurts out, looking over at Levi.

His friend eyed him with a skeptical look. "As you can see, I can walk without crutches. So, good, I guess?"

Eren nods. "You know, you really didn't have to invite me. I was happy to help."

"I know, but I want to, besides—"

Expectantly, Eren looks at Levi, but he doesn't finish his sentence. "Besides what?"

Levi looks at him. His eyes do not shine as usual, and a brief twitch crosses his face. He quickly averts his eyes. "Nothing, forget about it."

Eren buries his hands in the pockets of his bomber jacket, and thinks about what Levi had actually wanted to say. He knows from experience that there is no point in asking further. If Levi had something to tell him, he would say it, but only when he wanted to. Nevertheless, curiosity now gnaws at Eren, and he wonders if this night may have more in store than just a simple dinner.

After a 15-minute walk, they reach the restaurant. Levi has even reserved a table for them, and that proves to be a good idea because the restaurant is well attended. A nice waiter walks them to their table. Because of the good weather, they can sit outside on a small terrace with flower pots filled with colorful flowers scattered everywhere. Eren takes a deep breath. He absorbs the wonderful smell of fresh pizza, and blooming flowers into his lungs.

Shortly after they sit down, they get the menus, order their drinks, and browse the offerings.

"Actually, I don't need a menu at all. We order here so often, I already know what I want to eat," Eren says, grinning.

Levi snorts. "I've been thinking the same thing. But I think it's very nice here. It's kinda different to eat in a restaurant than at home on the sofa. It's more special."

He puts the menu aside, and looks at Eren. There it is again, that undefinable look in his gray eyes, and the little twitch around Levi's mouth that Eren had already noticed earlier. He frowns. Something is definitely fishy here, he just doesn't know what yet. Eren briefly considers asking Levi about it, but decides against it. His heart flutters uneasily as he looks at his friend while trying to interpret his gaze. It makes him nervous that he doesn't know what's going on in Levi's mind, and a queasy feeling sends goosebumps down Eren's spine. On the one hand, he wishes Levi would finally tell him what's going on, but on the other hand, Eren is afraid to find out what's really wrong.

As they place their orders, unspectacularly, the same pizzas as always, they also get their drinks, and Levi raises his beer glass.
"Once again, officially, thank you for your help," he says.

Eren reaches for his glass as well, and their beer mugs clink together as they toast.

"I'm always happy to help you, that's what friends are for.”

For some reason, he hesitates at the word friends. Eren quickly takes a sip of his beer to hide his warm cheeks from Levi. What the hell is wrong with him today? Levi is one of his closest friends. He is the person with whom Eren can always let go, and be himself. So why is he so nervous today?

Eren's eyes flit to Levi who looks at him skeptically. His gaze jumps back and forth between Levi’s eyes and his lips, and Eren's hand twitches restlessly around the handle of his glass. Only then does he realize that it's been several days since they last kissed, or touched, aside from the brief kiss in his apartment earlier. His fingers itch to just reach out, and brush his fingertips over Levi's hand, though Eren doesn't. They're in public, and the mood between them today is so strange that Eren doesn't know what's right and what's wrong. Since when has he actually felt so inhibited around Levi?

"So, Eren, I wanted to—so, why we're here today—"

Eren can't stand it a second longer. His hand shoots forward across the table, and rests on Levi's. Wide-eyed, his friend looks at him, but then a small smile appears on his lips as Levi intertwines their fingers.

"Levi, what's wrong? You can tell me anything."

Eren nods encouragingly to him, but becomes anxious when he realizes that Levi actually has something to tell him that seems so important that he can't bring himself to say it. Immediately, several horrible things come to his mind, but the one that stirs him up the most is that Levi wants to break up. It's not really a break up, of course. After all, they're not a couple, but it's the most obvious thing he can think of. Immediately, images of Levi with another man assault him, and he feels sick.

"It's like this—"

"Wow, what a coincidence!"

Startled, Eren jerks his hand back, and nearly knocks over his beer glass when he sees that Ymir and Historia are now sauntering toward their table. Tensely, he bites his lower lip. Did his friends see Levi and him holding hands?

He laughs nervously as his friends stop next to their table. "H-Hello you two!" Eren stands up, and hugs first Ymir, then Historia.

"Hi Levi," Historia says, smiling at Levi who nods in greeting to the women.

"Did we interrupt your romantic date? We didn't mean to disturb you," Ymir says, chuckling, and obviously winking at Eren.

Immediately, his cheeks heat up. "N-No, it's not—it's not like that!" he stammers, shaking his head vehemently, and waving his hands.

Searching for help, he looks at Levi who has just crossed his arms in front of his chest, and is looking at him with a frown.

"Don't be embarrassed, Eren." Ymir grins broadly at him, causing her dimples to dig deep into her cheeks. Her brown eyes sparkle. "It's okay to admit you're a couple. As much time as you spend together, it only makes sense, and—"

"But we're not a couple," Eren hisses, glaring at Ymir.

"No need to be so snippy right away. Right, Levi?" Ymir asks, looking at Levi who had been silent until now.

He shrugs his shoulders. "Eren's right, we're not a couple."

Ymir snorts. "Yeah right, and I'm a reincarnated goddess!"

Eren feels the beginnings of a slight headache, and his eyelid twitches with stress. On the one hand, he wants to protect Levi’s and his relationship. Although on the other hand, he's tired of these hide-and-seek games, and would prefer to just tell the truth. Yet what should he say? Eren isn't so sure anymore what the truth is. They are friends with benefits, but do those kinds of friends sleep together in the same bed without having sex? Do they cuddle with each other? Do they kiss in between, and go out for dinner together? Though if they are more than just friends, what are they?

Eren doesn't know what to say, and is grateful when Historia intervenes. She grabs her girlfriend's arm, and looks at her forcefully. "Ymir, this is none of our business. Come on, let's go inside. I'm hungry."

Incredulous, Ymir raises her eyebrows. She looks first at Eren, then at Historia. She raises her hands apologetically.

"Okay, okay, I'm just saying. Your game of hide and seek is getting really ridiculous, guys."

"Ymir," Historia says firmly while tugging on her arm.

As the two walk back into the restaurant, Historia turns around once more, and forms a soft "sorry" with her lips before disappearing from Eren's field of vision.

Sighing, Eren slumps back in his chair.
"You could have helped me a little bit more, you know," he says, looking at Levi. He can't hide the reproachful tone in his voice.

Levi sighs. "Eren, relax. Nothing happened."

"No? Ymir knows, Levi. I saw it in her eyes! Shit, soon everyone will know. If she tells Armin, then it won't take long before my sister will know too. Damn, believe me, you don't want Mikasa to know what we're doing."

"What are we doing? You're always acting like we're committing a crime, or like you're embarrassed. Like you're ashamed of me," Levi says, running a hand through his hair. "I've told you before that I don't care if anyone knows we're having sex. We're so much more than that, Eren. You know, I—whatever. We can't change it anyhow."

Eren glances at Levi, and only now notices how tired, and exhausted he looks. It almost seems like something is weighing on him. A night of little sleep definitely looks different. Although that might explain the bags under his eyes, but not the deep worry line on his friend's forehead.

"Nonsense, I'm not ashamed! It's just—" Eren rubs his hand tiredly over his face. Yes, what is it that keeps him from telling the truth? "Jeez, I don't know either! It doesn't matter. Instead, tell me what you were going to tell me earlier."

"Oh, that—well..."

"So, one salami pizza, and one diavolo," the waiter interrupts Levi, and places two good-smelling, steaming pizzas on the table in front of them.

"Thank you," Eren says, nodding to the waiter who moves away from their table again. "Wow, that looks great!" He immediately cuts off a large slice of pizza, and shovels it into his mouth. "Shit, it’s fucking hot!"

Eren fans air into his mouth with his hand as he tries to chew the hot piece of pizza. When he hears Levi's quiet laugh, he blinks at his friend in amazement. This rare, honest laugh from Levi immediately warms his heart, and even makes him forget that he just burned his tongue.

Shaking his head, Levi looks at him, and grins. "Oh man, Eren, there's never a dull moment with you."

Eren gulps down his pizza, and then grins back. For a brief moment, everything is the same as it used to be between them; they are two friends who can just laugh together.

"I'm glad I could be of service to your amusement."

They look at each other, and Eren wishes so much that he knew what that strange expression in Levi's eyes meant. Somehow, he seems glum, or almost sad.

"You wanted to tell me something," Eren reminds Levi.

Levi sighs. "It's not important. I can tell you another time. I just want to enjoy the night with you now, okay?"

Eren doesn't miss the pleading undertone in his friend's voice. Even though it almost tears him apart not knowing what's bothering Levi, he can't deny him this request. He nods.

"Well then, let's have a good night, and bon appétit!"

******

Despite the early depressed mood, and the unpleasant incident with Historia and Ymir, it turns out to be a nice night after all. Eren and Levi have fun, enjoy the food, and each other's presence. Actually, it feels like it always does. They're just Levi and Eren, except they're not eating at home, but in a restaurant. Eren wonders why he was so worried that this might be a date.

For dessert, they share a large ice cream sundae, and Levi pays the entire bill as promised, although Eren keeps insisting that it isn't necessary.

It's already dark when they walk home, well sated, in the dim light of the street lamps. The air has cooled noticeably, but it's still not really cold. As it was on the way to the restaurant, the streets are still full of people, but the crowd had changed. Partying young people roam the darkness, singing, and laughing as they share a bottle of bubbly.

Looking at the people, Eren realizes how long it has been since he himself has been to a party. The last time was at Hange's birthday party, but they didn't really celebrate due to the rain incident. He tells himself that he has to go dancing with his friends again soon, and Levi has to come along whether he wants to or not.

"Thanks again for inviting me," Eren says as they ride the elevator to their apartments.

Levi rolls his eyes. "Eren, I have to thank you. Without you, I really don't know what I would have done."

A warm wave of affection flows around Eren's heart, and his cheeks glow. The elevator suddenly seems much too small for all of his feelings, and he nudges Levi with his elbow. "Oh nonsense, that was nothing."

Luckily for him, the elevator door opens at that moment, and he rushes out.

"Hey, are you still coming over for a beer?" Levi asks as he unlocks his apartment door.

Without thinking twice about it, Eren nods, and follows Levi to his apartment. His own home feels empty, and cold anyway. So Eren is happy to spend some more time with Levi. While Levi fetches the beer from the kitchen, Eren slumps down on the sofa he knows all too well. Memories of their hot sex flood him, and he can't help, but grin. God, he misses sex with Levi.

"What are you grinning at?"

Levi pushes a beer bottle into Eren's hand, and sits down next to him.

"I just noticed that it's been way too long since we last had sex," Eren replies honestly, taking a sip from his beer bottle.

"Are you horny, Eren?"

Levi's deep voice vibrates hoarsely, and causes goose bumps to form all over Eren's body. He runs his tongue over his lower lip, and stares into Levi's flashing eyes. He takes the beer from Levi's hand, sets both bottles down on the coffee table, and then there's no stopping them. They pounce on each other, teeth and lips colliding as they kiss, short-tempered, and ravenous.

A hot storm rises up inside Eren, sweeping through him, and leaving nothing, but a fire in its path. More, closer, faster is all he can think as he pulls Levi closer to him. His fingers find their way into Levi's hair, and scrape over the wonderfully soft undercut.

He catches Levi's moan, and impatiently shoves his tongue into his mouth. It seems like forever to Eren since he last touched, or kissed him. He feels like an addict in withdrawal. Levi is his drug, and all Eren gets is not enough.

He eagerly presses his hand on Levi's crotch which elicits a surprised gasp from his friend. Eren feels the growing arousal even through the fabric of the pants, and starts massaging Levi's cock.

"Eren, wait—" Levi mumbles into the kiss, pushing Eren away from him.

Astonished, Eren looks at Levi. His cheeks are flushed, his lips swollen, and his straight hair stands adorably off his head.

"What's wrong?"

"I have to tell you something first," Levi says breathlessly, and reaches for his beer bottle.

Immediately, the queasy feeling is back, and pressing hard in the pit of Eren's stomach. It's as if someone had punched him.

Levi takes a big swig of beer before looking at Eren with a petrified look. "I got the internship at Stohess."

Eren's eyes widen, and he suddenly feels dizzy. He has heard Levi's words clearly, but his consciousness cannot process the meaning behind them. His eyes fly over Levi's tense face, searching for a hint of a joke—but to no avail.

"What—how long have you known?" he presses out in disbelief.

Ice-cold shivers run down his spine. When Levi takes his hand in his, the touch feels painful, like little pinpricks.

"Shit, Eren, it's been three days. I wanted to tell you earlier, but I just couldn't. Fuck, I never expected them to even take me, but this chance only comes once in a lifetime, and—"

"You're leaving?" Eren's own words sound strangely muffled as if someone else is speaking.

Levi nods, and runs a hand through his hair. "I didn't make this decision lightly. I really didn't. But we're not... it's only six months."

Eren swallows, but the lump in his throat won't go away. Six months. Six months without Levi.

"I understand."

When Levi squeezes his hand, the touch feels wrong, and Eren would like to pull his hand back.

"Really? Please, this doesn't change anything between us. We're still friends."

Those words pierce Eren like a sharp arrow straight into the heart. Within seconds, his world is turned upside down, and he feels like he's in free fall with no chance to stop the impact.

"Yeah, it's okay." The lie burns like fire on Eren's tongue, and judging by Levi's expression, he too knows Eren is lying. "What about your apartment?"

"I would like to sublet it, furnished. I already have some applicants. Do you think I could store some of my personal belongings with you temporarily until I come back? I only have a small room at Stohess, and I want to take as little as possible with me."

Dazed, he nods. Eren feels exhausted—physically and mentally. Levi's revelation has taken him completely by surprise. He needs time to understand, and process everything.

"Time will pass faster than you think. I'll be back to bug you very quickly."

The small smile that now appears on Levi's lips doesn't reach his eyes, and that hurts Eren even more. Who is actually fooling whom here? And why does the thought of Levi leaving for six months hit him so hard?

"I'll come visit you, and we can talk on the phone."

Eren sighs. He's had enough of Levi's half-hearted attempts to sugarcoat the situation. He wants to get away, and wants to be alone. The silence, and emptiness of his own apartment suddenly sounds wonderfully soothing.

"Do you want to stay here tonight?" Levi asks hesitantly.

With tired eyes, Eren looks at his friend. He knows that Levi only means well, that he wants to make it as easy as possible for him, but he doesn't want to hear all of that now. Even though the sad expression in Levi's eyes almost breaks Eren's heart, he has to get out of here.

Eren withdraws his hand from Levi, and gets up from the sofa. "No, I—have to get up early tomorrow." Another lie.

"Okay, I understand. But Eren, please, I want—so, we—"

"Yes, we are still friends." Eren monotonously finishes Levi's sentence. He can't hear that phrase anymore, and it brings tears to his eyes as he realizes that they are nothing more than friends. No matter how special their connection is, no matter how good their sex is, at the end of the day they are just friends, and sooner or later Levi will find someone he loves. Eren can't keep Levi in this in-between forever. One day his friend won't need Eren anymore, and everything they share now will be redundant.

"Good night." As fast as he can, Eren flees Levi's apartment, and he's not even all the way through the door when the first tears run down his cheeks.

******

Eren experiences the next two weeks as if in a trance. Levi is busy with his moving preparations, so they barely see each other, and it's better that way. Every look into Levi's eyes almost kills Eren because he sees the pity that he doesn't want. He doesn't want Levi to look at him like he's a beaten puppy that's just howling.

The boxes of Levi's belongings pile up in the far corner of Eren's bedroom. They're laughing at him as every time he tries in vain to sleep, he instead tosses, and turns restlessly for half of the night.

The night before Levi leaves, they have sex one last time. It's an act of desperation, as if this would allow them to treasure their last moments together for the next few months.

When Eren wakes up the next morning, Levi is gone. All that remains is Levi's black shirt of his favorite band, which Eren used to put on when he stayed over at Levi's place, and a note.

"I'm sorry. I'll see you soon, Levi."

Chapter Text

After Eren realizes that Levi is gone, he stays in bed. He just lies there, dressed in Levi's left-behind shirt, staring at the ceiling. His friend's touches from last night still linger on his skin, and he can't bring himself to wash Levi's marks off his body. Eren is glad that no one sees him today because it’s absolutely pathetic that he is drowning in his own self-pity.

In the first days after the departure of Levi, they have no contact. Eren starts countless text messages, but dismisses all of them. He has so much to say, and yet nothing at all. Eren doesn't want to bother Levi since his friend is surely busy settling into his new environment. After five days, however, Levi calls, and Eren almost drops his phone when he sees his friend's name on display.

Eren expects Levi to reproach him for not reaching out to him, but surprisingly, Levi doesn't say a single word in that direction. Eren is relieved, and he feels as if someone has taken a hundred wealth of stones off of his chest. They talk about trivial things, and Levi complains about his small room with the crappy view of a backyard. For the first time since Levi left, Eren laughs.

Since that call, they have resumed regular phone calls, and messages. It's as if the knot in Eren's chest has loosened, and he can finally breathe freely again. He can get through the next six months, even though it's hard, and he misses Levi sorely.

However, Levi has been gone for three weeks now. The realization has taken hold, and yet the longing for his friend is still there. Sometimes Eren sits alone on his balcony, waiting for Levi to come outside, and play him a song on his guitar. Other days, he searches for his friend in the supermarket in between the aisles until he remembers that Levi is no longer there.

He misses Levi every day and night, and Eren doesn't even think about the sex. Sure, he misses the sex too, but he misses spending time with Levi much more. He longs for their conversations, their inside jokes, and just being together. Every night, Eren sleeps in Levi's shirt, sinking his nose into the soft fabric, and hoping it still smells like Levi.

Meanwhile, a young woman lives in Levi's apartment. Eren has only met her once, briefly, on the day she moved in. The thought that someone else was now living in the apartment made him feel sick, and he quickly fled to his apartment where he immediately vomited.

The best way not to mope around is to be distracted, and Eren does exactly that. He works out a lot more at the gym when he's not working there, or meets up with his other friends. They know about Levi's internship in Stohess, of course, but no one knows how much Eren is really suffering. He hides his true feelings when he's with Armin and the others because Eren has no idea how to explain his feelings.

Though no matter how much he distracts himself, or how busy he is with his job or university, he finally lets himself feel the loss of Levi. When Eren lies alone in his cold bed at night, all of the suppressed feelings overwhelm him—the uncomfortable sinking feeling in his stomach, the heavy stone on his chest that makes it hard to breathe, and the steel fist that clutches, and painfully squeezes his heart. Eren only hopes that time will ensure that these painful feelings fade, and he can finally feel normal again.

Although Friday four weeks after Levi's departure, Eren is in a good mood for once because Levi and he have scheduled a video call. He can hardly wait to see Levi. Writing messages and talking on the phone is nice, but seeing each other is something completely different. Eren gets home after his shift at the gym on time, and even manages to take a quick shower. Full of anticipation, he sits on his bed, in his sweatpants and shirt, his notebook on his lap, and waits for Levi to call him.

He is just answering a message from Armin when a familiar signal sounds from his computer announcing an incoming video call. With shaky hands and a fluttering heart, Eren answers the call, and catches sight of his sorely missed friend on the screen. He also seems to be sitting on his bed because Eren recognizes the headboard in the background.

A wide grin appears on his lips as his eyes hover over Levi's face. "Hi!"

A small smile curls around Levi's lips. "Hi Eren, how are you?"

Eren's heart leaps as he hears Levi's familiar, warm voice, and looks into his eyes. "I’m fine. God, it's so good to see your visage!"

"Thanks, likewise," Levi replies, laughing softly.

Eren soaks up every emotion on Levi's face, every little sound he makes like a sponge, and tries to memorize everything. He would like to tell Levi how much he misses him, and to come home quickly, but he doesn't say any of it. Instead, he bites the inside of his cheek to keep the words from tumbling out of his mouth uncontrollably.

"How was your day?" he asks instead.

Levi shrugs. "Pretty good. Working at the law firm is really stressful, but interesting. It's cool to be able to use the theoretical knowledge from my studies in everyday life."

Eren nods. "Sounds good to me. I bet there are only important-looking suits walking around the law firm, huh? I can't even imagine how you'd fit into that picture," he teases.

"Tch, I'm one of those tie-wearing guys now. You would laugh if you could see me like that, but yeah, I just have to fit in."

"Mh-mmm," Eren hums. It feels so good to see, and hear Levi. It makes him forget all of his other worries for a moment.

"I miss you," Levi says suddenly, averting his gaze so Eren can't see his eyes.

Eren blinks in surprise, and feels a nervous flutter in his stomach. "I miss you, too. By the way, your lodger tried to flirt with me in the hallway yesterday, can you believe that?"

Levi snorts, and looks back at the camera so Eren can see the gleam in his eyes. "And what did you say to that?"

"I told her I'm gay, and she should save her advances for someone else," he replies, laughing.

"Direct as always," Levi says, smirking.

"Of course. I learned from the best."

For a moment they are silent, and just look at each other. Eren feels like drowning in Levi's gray eyes because despite the screen, they are as clear, and as intense as ever. As Levi licks his lips, Eren's cock twitches. He groans in annoyance, and presses his legs together as inconspicuously as possible.

"What's wrong?" Levi asks, who seems to have noticed his movements anyway.

"I—" Eren's cheeks flush, "I’m apparently—kind of—horny."

Levi's eyes widen. "Really?"

Eren nods. "It's all your fault for moving away!"

"You do have two healthy hands, or am I wrong?"

"It's not the same!" Eren pushes his lower lip forward into a pout.

Again, Levi's husky, sexy laugh rings out, and Eren's cock twitches again.

"Well, maybe we could—maybe you'd like to show me your cock, and then we can figure out a solution for your problem?"

Eren bites his lower lip. He's never had phone or video sex before. He has always found the idea quite strange, but with Levi it's different. His heartbeat quickens with excitement, and he nods.

"I'm going to put you aside for a minute, hold on."

Eren sets the laptop on the bed, and takes off his shirt, pants, and boxers with shaky hands. His cock is already half-hard, and cum has collected on the glans. He climbs back on the bed, and positions the laptop between his legs so that Levi can see his cock.

"Fuck Eren," he whispers softly, and Eren sees Levi's bright eyes darken. "You look—Have you trained more?"

Eren grins, at least the extra training has paid off. "Yeah, maybe a little," he says mysteriously, and winks at Levi.

Under Levi’s hungry gaze, his whole body is tingling, and his cock won't stop throbbing. Since Levi left, Eren hasn't masturbated nor had sex. He has thought about sleeping with someone else to override Levi's touches, but the thought of having sex with another man felt wrong somehow. Masturbating also didn't feel right to Eren, so he has suppressed his sexual needs since Levi left. Though now that he hears Levi, and sees the dangerous, lust-soaked sparkle in his eyes, the desire catches up with him again.

"Levi... please, I need to see you too."

Levi nods, and for a moment, Eren only sees the white pillows as Levi also sets his laptop aside to strip. When Levi finally steps completely naked in front of the camera again, Eren's gaze immediately falls on his beautiful, veiny cock.

Eren moans. "Fuck, I miss that cock."

"You are, and always will be a horny brat," Levi says.

He wets his lips, and Eren wishes it was his tongue stroking those full lips.

"I want you to stroke your nipples, can you do that for me, Eren?"

"Yeah." Eren swallows, and circles his erect buds with his index finger. Yet it's strange to touch himself like that.

"Relax, and imagine me touching you. I know you love it when I touch your nipples."

Eren leans back against the headboard of the bed, and closes his eyes. He takes a deep breath, and continues to stroke his nipples, but now he imagines Levi is pleasuring him.

"Good boy, roll it between your fingers, and let me hear your sweet noises."

Levi's voice clouds his senses, and makes Eren dive deeper. Without thinking, he lets his fingers slide over his chest, and sighs comfortingly.

"That's it. I'm going to kiss your chest now. It's so toned. Damn, your muscles turn me on so much, Eren."

"Fuck, Levi," Eren gasps.

It feels like Levi's voice is stroking his body. As he continues to touch his nipples, the heat in his belly rises, and more pearls of pleasure drip from his glans onto his belly.

"You like that, Eren?" Levi's deep voice makes his whole body vibrate.

"Yes. I need more."

"You can massage your balls with one hand now, but don't touch your cock."

Slowly Eren slides one hand further down over his belly. The closer he gets to his hard cock, the more it twitches, but Eren bites his lower lip, and does what Levi told him. He squeezes his balls, and moans under the touch. With practiced fingers, he exerts just the right amount of pressure, just like Levi always has.

The tugging in his crotch gets stronger as Eren presses his head even further against the headboard, and whines. He wants to touch his cock so badly, but Levi hasn't allowed him yet.

"You're doing so well, Eren. Touch your balls nice and hard, I know you like it hard."

Eren squeezes harder, and gasps. In his head, Levi is with him, stroking him, and whispering all of these naughty things in his ear.

"Levi—I want more!"

Eren opens his eyes, and the sight that awaits him on his laptop takes his breath away. Levi's slowly stroking his thick cock, the tip shining wetly, and Levi's eyes... Eren gulps, drowning in the dark seas that stare at him full of desire, and it makes him lose the last of his restraint.

"I have to—please," he begs, straining his back, and squeezing his eyes shut. Eren still just massages his balls, and caresses his nipples even though his cock is begging for attention.

"Good, now touch your cock, but slowly. I want to enjoy the sight."

Relieved, Eren's hand leaves his balls, and strokes his neglected cock which pulsates under the touch. More precum bubbles out of the small slit, and Eren uses the moisture to gently slide his fingers over the tip.

"Fuck, you turn me on so much," Levi growls, and Eren opens his eyes again to look at his friend.

Eren bites his lip as he stares at Levi's hand leisurely pumping his cock. He remembers the feeling of that hard length in his ass, and how it feels to be completely filled. His hole immediately begins to twitch. Hecticly, he continues to stroke himself, but he can't wait any longer. He needs more—he needs it faster, and harder.

"Levi… Levi, I can't—" he breathes, giving himself a hard thrust. "Shit!"

Eren's gasp echoes through his bedroom. He sees Levi picking up the pace as well, and pumping his hard cock with one hand.

"You're so hot, Eren. It feels so good the way you stroke me," Levi whispers.

Levi changes the angle of his wrist, and instead of squeezing his entire length, he keeps pushing his foreskin over the glans and back. The sight adds fuel to Eren's inner fire, and the flame in his belly blazes up.

God, he misses Levi's hands on his body! He pumps himself harder, imagining that his friend is spoiling him, and imitating his movements. His breathing quickens.

"Do you need more, baby?"

Eren nods vigorously, and without hesitation, his shaky fingers reach over to his nightstand, and pulls the small bottle of lube out of the drawer. Hecticly, he rips open the lid, and wets his fingers with the viscous liquid.

His body slumps to the side. Levi can probably stare right into his asshole now, but Eren doesn't care. One hand is wrapped around his cock again, and the other impatiently pushes his cheeks apart. He doesn't wait long because his length is pulsating, and his hole is twitching. He immediately pushes two fingers past his muscle ring into his tightness.

"Oh my God, yes!" he screams out loud as his eyes roll back.

Eren pauses, enjoying the feeling of being filled, but only for a moment. His fingers are no match for Levi's thick cock, but it has to be enough for now.

"Damn, that turns me on so much. The way you're fucking your little hole. I wish it was my cock.”

Eren turns his head so that he can see Levi. He notices that Levi's pumping movements are now erratic, and hurried.

"Eren—I'm close—"

Eren nods since he is close too; the small fire in his belly has now grown into an extensive forest fire that leaves him feeling completely ablaze.

His fingers pull back from his greedy hole, only to thrust in again right after. Eren is in a hurry as fingers himself hard, scratching his sensitive walls again and again, while his other hand feverishly jerks his cock. Yet in his mind, it's not him, it's Levi stroking, and touching him the way he likes, and needs.

His heart is hammering hard against his chest. "In a minute, in a minute—Levi, you are so good to me," Eren presses out.

The pressure in Eren's belly increases even more. As his fingers stroke the little bundle of nerves inside him, the fire catches up with him, and he burns alive.

"Yessss, Levi!" he moans. His eyes falling shut as ribbons of cum splatter across his stomach and his hand.

Eren's whole body tenses as a hot avalanche washes over him, and satisfaction spreads through his belly. Muffled, he hears Levi calling his name too. Breathing heavily, his muscles relax after a while, and his heartbeat also returns to normal.

Eren sits up, and sees Levi wiping the traces of his orgasm from his stomach with a tissue. He also feels sticky, and reaches for the pack of tissues.

"Wow, that was better than I thought," he says with a laugh as he sits up, and wipes his fingers.

Levi snorts. "As if our sex was ever bad."

"You know what I mean," Eren rolls his eyes, "I've just never had video sex before."

"Well congratulations, you've just been deflowered."

Eren chuckles, throws the cum-stained tissue on the floor, and slips his boxers back on.

"All that's missing now is a beer on the balcony and your guitar, then it would be like you're here instead of a few hours' drive away."

"I don't have a balcony here, unfortunately, but I can help with the guitar. Wait a minute."

Levi gets up from the bed, and gives Eren a wonderful view of his tight ass. His fingers twitch as he would like to slap that ass now, and get a biting comment in return. Briefly, his heart becomes heavy as Eren realizes once again that Levi isn't with him, and that it won't change anytime soon. Though before he can think about it further, Levi comes back. He is wearing his jeans again, and has already strapped on his guitar.

Eren inhales sharply. The brown acoustic guitar nestles perfectly against Levi's naked upper body, and if he hadn't just had an orgasm, the sight alone would have been enough to make him come. His fingers claw into the bedspread as he watches Levi tune the guitar.

"Man, I haven't even played since I got here," Levi says, his fingers flying over the strings. Then he suddenly looks up, and watches Eren with raised eyebrows. "Is everything okay with you? You look like you need to shit."

Eren's eyes widen. "Yes, I mean—no!"

Levi clicks his tongue. "But you look like it. Spit it out, Eren, I know you. I can tell when something's wrong, despite the screen."

"I was just thinking—how hot you look. Well, with the guitar, no shirt, and all." He averts his eyes sheepishly, and fiddles with the blanket.

"Oh."

When Eren looks at the screen again, he immediately sees Levi's reddened cheeks. Levi usually never blushes, but the light pink on his cheeks is absolutely adorable. Why did his comment fluster him so much?

"Did I say something wrong?" Eren asks, tilting his head.

"Uh, no, it's—it's alright. Any music requests?"

He shakes his head, and places one of the large pillows at the back of his head before leaning comfortably against it. "Surprise me."

Levi nods, and begins to play. At first Eren watches his friend play, the way his fingers gently pluck at the strings, the way his tongue sticks out of the side of his mouth a little, and how he pulls his eyebrows together in concentration. Then Eren switches off, relaxes, and lets the music take over.

He closes his eyes, and lets the music envelop him like a warm blanket. As he listens to Levi's singing, it almost feels as if he is in the room with him, and Eren allows himself to surrender to this illusion for a moment.

I can be tough, I can be strong
But with you, it's not like that at all
There's a boy that gives a shit
Behind this wall, you just walk through it

And I remember all those crazy things you said
You left them running through my head
You're always there, you're everywhere
But right now, I wish you were here

Damn, damn, damn
What I'd do to have you here, here, here
I wish you were here

Damn, damn, damn
What I'd do to have you near, near, near
I wish you were here

The last notes of the song ring out, and echo for a moment before Eren opens his eyes again. “Beautiful as always. Of course, it would be even better if you were here," Eren says, smiling hesitantly.

"Tch, I'll be back faster than you can blink, and then you'll wish I was gone again."

"Bullshit, Levi! I meant it when I said I miss you."

"Yeah…"

They look into each other's eyes in silence for a few seconds. Eren tries to figure out why the light gray suddenly looks dull, and not shiny as usual. There's also a seriousness in Levi's eyes that sends goosebumps down his arm. Since when did he forget how to interpret Levi's facial expression?

"What else is coming up this weekend?" he asks, trying to break the awkward silence.

"Oh, nothing exciting. Tomorrow I'm just going out for a drink with a colleague, and he's showing me a trendy bar."

Eren's eyebrows go up in surprise. First of all, Levi has never mentioned a colleague before, and secondly, since when does Levi go to trendy bars? Eren always had to persuade him forever to even come along to his favorite bar 'The Key', and suddenly he's going out voluntarily?

"A colleague from the law firm? Is he a friend of yours?"

Levi avoids his gaze, but then nods. Now Eren is even more confused. Why is Levi suddenly so taciturn?

"Levi? What's wrong?"

Eren stares at the screen, and sees Levi sigh, and then massage the bridge of his nose with two fingers.

"Yes, he's a colleague from the law firm. He's also studying law at the university in Stohess."

Eren gulps. So many questions about this unknown colleague burn on his tongue, but he doesn't dare ask them. An unpleasant twinge spreads through his chest as Eren thinks about Levi being with someone else. Eren clenches his teeth. He needs to know more even if it means Levi might think he's annoying.

"Oh, so—are you guys friends? Or do you go out together, like on a—"

The word "date" is stuck in Eren's throat. Breathing suddenly becomes hard for him, and the stinging feeling doesn't go away, on the contrary, it gets stronger.

Levi runs his hand through his hair. Normally Eren thinks it's cute when he does this because it means his friend is nervous, but at the moment, a cold shiver runs down his spine at the gesture. Who is this guy Levi is meeting?

"Well, Eren, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Erwin, that's my colleague's name, asked me out on a date."

Everything around him blurs, and spins. His pulse hammers loudly in his ears, and the stinging sensation cuts off his air. Shocked, Eren stares at Levi, unable to avert his gaze. Levi can barely look at him as his eyes dart wildly back and forth.

"A date? What did you answer?" he croaks.

Levi sighs. "I said yes. Look, I didn't know—I mean, we always said we'd only sleep together for as long as we both wanted to. So I thought—well, now that I'm here, and you're still in Shiganshina…"

Now Eren has to avert his eyes, too. Hot tears suddenly burn in his eyes, urging to get out, but there's no way he will cry in front of Levi. He doesn't want to embarrass himself in front of his friend.

"Yeah right, I mean we're friends, that's it."

"Eren, that's not what I meant. I don't even know if things will work out with Erwin. But you are important to me, very important, so, please, let's sort this out properly."

"There's nothing to sort out, everything's fine."

Eren wonders when he actually started lying so much. He used to tell Levi directly what was bothering him, but he hasn't been able to do that for a long time. What's changed?

"Have fun on your date," he says snarkily, "I have to call it a night now. I'll talk to you later. Bye, Levi."

Eren can still see Levi's shocked expression, but he has already closed the laptop. Immediately, the suppressed tears stream from his eyes. Eren presses his face deep into his pillow, and a crying fit shakes him to the core. Endless tears flow out of him until the source finally runs dry. With puffy eyes and a dripping nose, Eren wriggles out of bed, and drags himself to the bathroom. Everything hurts, every muscle in his body aches, and he feels numb.

Eren splashes cold water on his face, blows his nose, and looks at his reflection. He looks terrible. Fortunately he doesn't have to go anywhere today. His hand rests on his aching chest where his heart is beating faster than usual. What the hell is wrong with him? Why does it hurt so much? It was predictable that one of them would end the agreement one day. The whole deal was a temporary thing from the beginning, so why is it hitting him so hard now?

Eren's head is full to bursting with all of these unanswered questions. He goes into the living room, wraps himself up in the fluffy white blanket, and lies down on the sofa. He can't go back to his bedroom where Levi's boxes are, and where everything reminds him of his friend. The word "friend" writhes through his thoughts like corrosive acid. Eren stares at the ceiling.

He can't go on like this. He doesn't want to feel like shit anymore—suffering, missing Levi, and feeling bad because his friend is with someone else. Yet what happens next? Eren has no idea how they will feel about each other when Levi comes back. If he comes back... Maybe Levi will be with Erwin then, yet Levi is his friend. Eren never wanted to lose his friend because of their agreement. He still wants Levi in his life, and he's sure that Levi wants the same. They are still friends, nothing changed,.so enough with the self-pity!

Eren sits up. He's moped enough, life's too short for that, and what Levi can do, Eren can do too. Still with the blanket around his shoulders, he goes into the bedroom to grab his cell phone. While walking back to the living room, he types a message to Armin.

"'The Key,' tomorrow night. I need a distraction!"

Chapter Text

The next day, Eren ignores all of Levi's calls. To distract himself, he jogs in the nearby park since the weather is too nice to train in the gym. Eren enjoys the physical activity, and listens to his favorite music through his headphones.

Without meaning to, however, his thoughts keep wandering to Levi, or rather Levi and Erwin. His stomach clenches each time. He quickened his pace, but unfortunately, he can't run away from his thoughts.

Eren is angry at Levi, but most of all, he is angry at himself for not being able to simply accept the inevitable. He knew exactly what he was getting into. Levi and he had clear rules; they would only sleep together as long as they wanted to, no strings attached. So, why can't he just accept that Levi has met someone new, and they could go back to a normal friendship? Why does the idea of Levi being with another man bother him so much?

He doesn't want to think about it, and yet this topic dominates his thoughts. Erwin—what kind of name is that anyways? Eren can't help, but wonder; what he's like, what he looks like, what he talks about with Levi. They've probably already had sex. Levi just hasn't told him, or doesn't want to tell him. Gritting his teeth, and clenching his fists, Eren sprints the last few meters of his run before coming to a stop in front of his building complex. He's panting, and drenched in sweat. Exhausted, he shakes his tired arms and legs.

"Well, somebody was feeling rather sporty, huh?"

Surprised, Eren looks up, and stares into the face of his new neighbor. She has two fully packed shopping bags in her hands, and is grinning at him.

"Mmm yeah," he mutters. He lifts his leg, and presses it, outstretched, against the wall of the building.

"By the way, I'm Pieck. I didn't get a chance to introduce myself the other day because you disappeared so quickly."

Actually, Eren doesn't feel like making small talk. He just wants to take a soothing shower, but apparently his new neighbor has no intention of leaving him alone. He sighs.

"I'm Eren."

He lowers his leg, and repeats the exercise with the other one.

"I thought maybe we could go out for a drink, or you could come over to my place for a beer. Now that we're neighbors," Pieck says, setting the bags down on the ground.

"Listen, this is really nice, but I already told you the other day that I'm gay."

"Yeah, I know. So, what? Are we not allowed to talk to each other because of that. Why can't we be friends?" she asks, shrugging.

Eren closes his eyes for a moment. "Yes, we can, but—sorry, I'm just in a bad mood right now."

"That's okay. If I had to guess, I'd say," Pieck tilts her head, and looks at him, "heartbroken?"

He blinks at her in surprise, and wipes his forehead with his sweatband. "What?! No, what makes you think that?" Eren retorts indignantly.

Pieck raises her eyebrows, and grins. "I knew I was right. But it's okay if you don't want to talk about it, that's not my business."

Eren snorts. Bullshit, he's not heartbroken! He'd have to be in love for that, and he's not. A small pang runs through his heart. To dispel this strange, uncomfortable feeling, and also to loosen his muscles, he hops on the spot.

"Are you done with your fidgeting? I could use some help carrying my groceries upstairs."

He stops bouncing, and looks at Pieck in confusion. Not many people are blunt like that, and immediately, his thoughts are back on Levi who also always says exactly what he thinks. Yet somehow the behavior of his new neighbor is refreshing, and Eren has to laugh.

"Yeah, I'm done," he says, grabbing one of the bags, and heading for the entrance. "Are you going to stand there all day, or are you coming?"

******

After Eren helps Pieck carry her groceries upstairs, he says goodbye to his new neighbor. She invites him to come inside, but he refuses. Eren just can't go into her apartment, Levi's old home, but of course Pieck doesn't know that. Everything in that apartment reminds him of his friend, and that in turn reminds him that Levi did break up with him; even if only sexually. Only that doesn't make the rejection feel any less painful.

Eren is determined to have a good time tonight. In addition to Armin, Hange will also be there because Armin already had an appointment with her. Fortunately, Hange didn't need much convincing, and was enthusiastic about the idea of going out to party.

Eren takes a shower after running, and actually manages to study a bit for university in the afternoon. He also ignores another call from Levi. He just doesn't feel like talking to him right now. Of course, it's childish, but Eren needs some more time to get used to the fact that Levi is now with someone else. Even though they weren't a couple, the end of their arrangement feels like a breakup, and Eren just needs to lick his wounds some more.

Before heading to Armin's apartment that night, Eren takes an extensive time to style himself. He chooses a light blue button-down shirt, provocatively leaving the top buttons open to reveal a large part of his shaved, muscular chest. He combines this with a pair of black, very tight-fitting jeans which Eren knows will show off his butt particularly well. Along with that, he chooses a pair of black loafers, and the outfit is perfect. He also decides to wear his hair loose for a change. Satisfied, he examines himself in the mirror. Just because Levi doesn't want him anymore, it doesn't mean there aren't other attractive men.

Since Eren doesn't feel like walking after his jog, he takes the bus to Armin's house. It's only a few stops, and after 15 minutes, Eren arrives. Just like him, Armin and his girlfriend Annie live in a multi-story apartment complex with many residential units. Eren takes the small elevator up to the 8th floor, and as soon as he enters the long hallway, he hears Hange's loud voice even though all of the apartment doors are closed. After ringing the bell, he doesn't have to wait long before the door opens.

"Hi Eren, good to see you, come on in," Armin greets him with a smile, and steps back to let Eren into the apartment.

"Hi Ar," Eren says, returning his friend's smile. It's clearly been way too long since they had last hung out. The last time they saw each other was the day Levi sprained his ankle.

Entering the living room, Eren finds Hange sitting cross-legged on the floor with a half-empty wine glass in one hand, and a magazine in the other. She appears to be reading, but at the same time complains loudly about the content.

"That's absolute nonsense," she grumbles, taking a big sip of her red wine. "I know for a fact that the oxygen molecule..."

At that moment she seems to notice Eren because Hange abruptly turns her head to Eren, and just blinks her eyes at him. A grin appears on her lips.

"Ereeeeeen, it's so good to see you! How are you?"

As Hange rises from the floor, Armin steps up next to Eren. "Sorry, she came early, and has already had a few glasses of red wine," he whispers softly.

Eren raises his eyebrows. "Really? I wouldn't have guessed that," he replies wryly.

"Give me a hug, I haven't seen you in ages," Hange warbles, and begins hugging Eren tightly.

Sighing, he returns his friend's embrace, and pats her on the back until she lets go of him again.

"Come on," she says, grabbing his wrist, and pulling Eren toward the sofa. "Tell me what's been going on." They sit down next to each other on Armin's blue fabric sofa. Hange gets right to the point. "How are you? Have you heard from Levi? He never calls me back, and he's been gone for four weeks now! Do you miss him? And have you—"

"Hange, take a breath," Armin says with a laugh. He presses a beer bottle into Eren's hand, and settles down on the fluffy white beanbag.

Eren takes a big swig of his beer. Of course, he knows Hange, and had already expected her to ask him about Levi. Although he feels that uncomfortable twinge in his chest again as soon as he hears all these questions.

"I talked to him yesterday." He considers what else to say without mentioning the video sex, or the awkward conversation afterward. "He's fine."

Hange snorts. "That's it? He's fine? Come on Eren, I know you two are like Siamese twins! Before Levi moved to Stohess, you used to hang out together a lot, and now you're telling me that's all Levi told you?"

She looks at Eren expectantly, but he quickly averts his eyes. He's a bad liar, and instead prefers to take another sip of his drink.

"So... He has nice colleagues, and he's going out with one of them today."

"Whaaaaaat?" Hange shakes his shoulder rudely. "Short stack has a date, and I don't know about it?!"

"Hange, it's not Eren's fault Levi didn't tell you," Armin tries to calm her down.

Hange laughs. "I'm sorry, Eren, but this is really great news! Levi hasn't dated in a long time. I always thought it was because he liked you, but I guess I was wrong," she says, shrugging.

Eren suddenly froze. Did he just hear right? His hand clenches around the bottle in his hand. "Levi liked me?" he croaks.

"Well, I don't know. He's never said anything, but the way he looks at you always struck me as kind of suspicious. Besides, you guys always spend so much time together. Oh, and at my party he was super jealous of Marco! So, I just assumed that."

Eren's heart skips a beat. He can't believe what his friend is telling him. It can't be true!? Levi doesn't have those kinds of feelings for him, does he? They are friends, and after all, he was the one who initiated the whole ‘friends with benefits’ thing. Nobody would do something like that if they secretly had feelings for the other person, right? Eren's head is spinning.

"Eren, are you okay? You're as pale as a sheet," Armin asks, blinking at him.

He nods, and finishes his beer in one go. He doesn't want to hear any more about it. All this emotional stuff really annoys, and confuses him.

Armin looks at him with concern. "So, there's nothing between you two?"

"No." Even as the word leaves his mouth, he feels his cheeks turn red. "Can we talk about something else now?"

He notices Armin and Hange exchanging glances, but he doesn't care. This night was supposed to distract him, not remind him of Levi even more!

"I'm going to get another beer," he says, standing up. "Anyone else want one?"

******

A few alcoholic drinks and a few hours later, Eren finds himself with Armin and Hange in the bar, 'The Key'. The bar is crowded. Thirsty people wait at the counter to order their drinks, while others dance to the loud music on the small dance floor, or occupy the tables in the seating areas.

In a good mood, and slightly drunk, the three friends make their way through the crowd. While Armin and Eren occupy a table, Hange heads for the counter to get some drinks. "Wow, it's packed today," Eren yells in Armin's direction as his eyes roam the bar.

"Yes! We haven't been here in a very long time."

Eren nods in agreement, and bobs his head to the beat of the music. He feels good, the alcohol flows warmly through his veins, and makes the little thoughts fade at least a bit.

"Eren," Armin says, shaking Eren briefly by the arm.

With raised eyebrows, he looks at his friend. "Yeah?"

"Are you sure everything is alright with Levi and you?" Armin asks.

Eren clearly sees the small worry lines on his forehead. The expression in his normally bright blue eyes is also serious.

Eren has to swallow. He hates lies, and especially when he has to lie to his friends. Besides, the whole story with Levi weighs on Eren; even alcohol can't drive away the pain in his chest, nor the knot in his stomach. It would be a relief to talk to someone about it, but the person Eren would usually talk to about everything isn't there anymore. Should he let Armin in on it?

"I—honestly, no."

This confession slips out faster than he would like, and yet Eren immediately feels a little better when he tells the truth.

Armin sighs. "What's the matter? Did you guys have a fight?"

Eren bites his lower lip. He can't explain the situation to Armin without mentioning the agreement. It's lapsed by now, so he wouldn't be breaking Levi's and his deal to keep everything secret, would he? Besides, Levi has said more than once that he doesn't care if anyone finds out or not, and Eren really needs to talk to someone.

"Not exactly. There's something you don't know."

Armin's eyes widen in surprise.

"No, no, it's nothing bad," Eren says quickly, trying to reassure his friend. His eyes roam around the bar aimlessly for a moment before he looks at Armin again, and continues. "Well, Levi and I––we had sex. Several times." Embarrassed, Eren runs a hand through his hair. "We were something like friends with benefits for a while."

Eren's eyes dart over to Armin's face, and looks for a hint about how he feels about his confession. Will his friend condemn him now? Yet to his own astonishment, Armin's features begin to soften.

"Yes, I already suspected something like that."

Now it's Eren whose eyes widen in astonishment. "Why? We didn't tell anyone."

Armin grins. "Well, you may have thought you were subtle, but you never really were. Your glances betrayed you, and you can't fake something like that. The eyes always give away the truth. Besides, Historia hinted about something like that recently."

Eren groans at this revelation. Though it's not really surprising after Historia and Ymir caught them in flagrante delicto at the restaurant the other day. Now that he thinks about it, it seems like that restaurant visit was ages ago.

"Figures she wouldn't be able to keep her mouth shut," Eren grumbles softly to himself. He feels dejected at the realization that Levi and he aren't as good of actors as they thought.

"What did you say?"

"I said, that's typical Historia."

Armin laughs, and pats his upper arm. "Don't worry about it. But what's the problem with Levi now?"

"Well, the biggest problem is that he's not here anymore. It's weird without him. We used to spend so much time together, even without––well, sex," Eren explains sheepishly, brushing a strand of hair out of his eyes. "And now he's met this Erwin guy, and canceled our agreement. We did say that we wouldn't have sex anymore if we met someone else, but still. As soon as he's gone, I'm replaced."

"Okay, wow, that was a lot of information all at once. So, you're mad because Levi said he doesn't want to sleep with you anymore because he's with—what was his name? Erwin?" Eren nods. "Okay, because he's with Erwin now?"

Eren nods hesitantly. "Well, he didn't say it directly, but if he's with someone, it's clear that we can't go on like we did before he went to Stohess."

"Okay, I see. So, you want to keep sleeping with him?"

Eren shifts uneasily in his chair. This conversation is more awkward than he thought. "Yeah, no... Jeez, I don't know, Armin! I just don't like the thought of him having sex with someone other than me, I guess."

"Tell me Eren, is it possible that you're jealous?" Armin asks, tilting his head.

"What?! No, of course not, uh—" Eren doesn't know what to say.

Is he jealous? Is the stinging feeling in his chest when he thinks about Erwin and Levi jealousy? Of course, no one wants to be replaced just like that, but now that Eren thinks about it, Armin might be right. Eren wants Levi all to himself. He wants to be the one he falls asleep with, the one who elicits those beautiful, sweet sighs from Levi, and he wants to be the one Levi can talk to about anything. The idea of seeing Levi with another man drives Eren crazy, and intensifies the sinking feeling in his stomach.

Hesitantly, he nods. "Maybe you're right."

"You know what that means, don't you?" Armin asks with a smile.

Eren's eyebrows draw together questioningly. "No, what?"

"Eren, you have feelings for Levi. Feelings that go beyond a normal friendship."

He blinks, and stares at his friend. Armin's words run through him until they reach his brain, and settle there. As Eren begins to understand the meaning, the realization hits him, and his heart starts to flutter excitedly in his chest. He has feelings for Levi. They are not just friends. He is in love with Levi. Eren feels a queasy feeling in his stomach.

"Oh…" he breathes. "Shit."

"Eren, everything will be fine. Like Hange said, I'm pretty sure Levi has feelings for you too," Armin says quickly.

"But he–he’s with Erwin now," Eren stammers.

Eren is still shocked by the new realization. A cold shiver runs down his spine while at the same time his heart is flooded with warmth. He finally understands why it affected him so much that Levi went to Stohess. He wants to be the only man in Levi's life which is why the rejection hurt him. Suddenly everything makes sense–the need for Levi's closeness, his touch, and the feeling of home when they cuddle in bed; all without sex.

Eren feels numb, his whole body is limp, and even the music no longer booms so loudly in his ears. His perception is muffled, but the many confusing thoughts in his head are far too loud.

"I'm sure there's an explanation for that. I know–" Armin starts, but that's when Hange comes back to their table. She places three full mugs of beer on the table.

"Here I am again, boys. Wow, it's so crowded at the counter today! What did I miss?"

Eren stares at his friend. "I-I'm in love with Levi."

Hange tilts her head, and smiles at him. "Oh sweetheart, I already know that."

"But—how?" Eren breathes heavily, takes a big swig of beer, and slams the mug back on the table with more force than necessary.

"God, Levi and you are so cute together. If you could only see how you guys interact with each other. It's so obvious, Eren. I think everyone realized there is more between you than friendship."

"They even had sex," Armin says, chuckling, and wiggling his eyebrows.

"Armin, shut up,” Eren gasps in horror.

"Oh Eren, now I know. So, tell me everything! Who was topping? Is Levi wild or tender in bed? How often did you have sex?" Hange asks, her eyes shining.

"Hange, please…" Eren holds his hands in front of his face, and wishes he could disappear in embarrassment.

Hange laughs loudly, and pats him on the back with the flat of her hand. "It's okay Eren, I understand. But wait a minute–if you're together, why is Levi dating someone else in Stohess?"

"We're not together, we just had sex. And now we don't even have that anymore because..." Eren can't finish his sentence. He swallows hard. His stomach churns at the thought of Levi and Erwin. Fuck, the man he's in love with is seeing someone else, and there's nothing he can do about it.

"Why don't you just tell Levi how you feel? I'm sure he'll dump the other guy right away," Hange says with a shrug.

"I think Eren first needs to process that he has feelings for Levi before he does anything," Armin interjects. "And that's why we're going to dance now."

Eren is grateful that Armin and Hange are with him, and can distract him. They dance, drink more alcohol, and have a fun night. Nevertheless, evil voices keep creeping into his thoughts, and whispering to him that the man he loves doesn't want him. The fact tears a crack in Eren's heart, and he feels just awful. Levi's rejection hurts, even more than Reiner's betrayal back then. Unfortunately, all of the alcohol doesn't help fill the emptiness inside him, nor make the longing for Levi disappear.

When a man approaches him on the dance floor, and bumps him with his hips, Eren initially wants to refuse. Yet the agonizing pain of not being wanted floods his entire body, and eventually he accepts the strange hands on his hips. Maybe this man can help him get over Levi, or at least comfort him for one night.

Eren takes a closer look at the man. He seems a little younger than him. He has red hair, is tall but a bit lanky, and smiles wryly at him as they dance together. Eren lets himself drift, closes his eyes, and sways his body to the rhythm of the music.

"Hey, my name is Floch," the stranger yells to Eren through the loud music.

"Eren," he mumbles, and just keeps dancing.

He feels Floch's hands move to his butt, and pulls Eren closer so that their bodies are now rubbing against each other. Floch's body is warm against his, and Eren tries to imagine Levi being here with him. He misses him. How had he been able to ignore his heart's plea for so long? Now it's too late, Levi is gone, and has a new man by his side.

Tears push behind his eyelids, and Eren opens his eyes. He looks into Floch's flushed, sweaty face. He's not bad-looking, but he doesn't have storm-gray eyes that look straight into your soul, black hair that feels so soft between his fingers, or full lips that invite a kiss. Although here he is, and is seemingly interested in Eren as opposed to the man he truly longs for.

Floch leans closer to Eren, and his mouth is now right by his ear. "You're really hot!"

Eren just nods, but the words of praise trigger nothing in him at all. Yet he goes along as Floch now grabs his hand, and pulls him off of the dance floor. He feels numb, and it's almost like when he broke up with Reiner. Maybe Floch can help him feel something again, like Levi did back then?

Floch drags Eren to a dark corner further back in the bar, and presses him against the wall. He rubs his crotch against Eren's leg, and he can clearly feel the bulge in Floch's pants. Eren doesn't care about anything. Even as Floch presses his wet lips to his neck, and sucks on his heated skin, there's nothing. Eren just stands there trying to feel anything that isn't pain. The lips move up to his face, and press against his. With his eyes open, Eren allows the strange lips to brush over his. Although when the tongue tries to enter his mouth, Eren pushes Floch away.

"What's wrong?" Floch asks, twirling one of Eren's long strands of hair between his fingers.

"I can't."

"Of course, you can. I'll make you feel good, I promise. Come with me, my car's outside. There we'll have more privacy."

Eren looks at him, and sees the lust flashing in his light brown eyes. Floch wants him, but Levi doesn't. He sighs, and shrugs his shoulders. As he lets Floch pull him through the bar, they bump into Armin. His friend grabs Eren by the arm, and forces him to stop.

"Eren, where are you going? And who is that?" Armin stares in confusion at the red-haired man at Eren's side.

"I'm Floch, and we're going outside now. So, if you'll excuse us," he interjects, and begins tugging at Eren's hand again.

"Wait, Eren! What about Levi?"

Eren blinks wearily at Armin. He doesn't want to think about Levi anymore as it hurts too much. "Levi doesn't want me," he whispers.

Wide-eyed, Armin lets go of his arm, and Eren follows Floch out of the bar without looking at his friend again.

As they leave the bar, the cold night air envelops him. Eren takes a deep breath, and enjoys how the fresh air fills his lungs as they walk down the street.

"Who's Levi? Your ex?"

"Something like that."

Floch nods. "I see. So, here's my car already."

He opens the passenger door of an old red compact car. Eren gets in, and slumps heavily on the seat. He closes his eyes. Immediately, images of Levi overcome him. Levi smiling at him, Levi playing the guitar on the balcony, and Levi tenderly stroking his cheek.

When a warm hand actually brushes his cheek, Eren gives in to the illusion. It is Levi who kisses him now, Levi's hand that is stroking his hair, and Levi's tongue that slides into his mouth.

Except his heart can’t be fooled. Levi smells of freshly washed laundry, and not stale beer and smoke. Levi's tongue is never as rough in his mouth as this one is. Levi's sighs are small and sweet, and not like the gasps that ring in his ears now.

Eren tears his eyes open, and pushes Floch away from him. "Stop it!"

Irritated, he raises his eyebrows. "What's the matter? If you don't want to, then why did you come here with me in the first place?" Floch asks, annoyed, and presses his hand against Eren's crotch. "Come on, you'll like it."

Eren growls, and slaps his hand away. Suddenly he's wide awake again. "I told you to stop!"

After the incidents with Reiner, he vowed never to let himself be treated so badly again.

"Dude, you can't get me horny, and then just dump me like that!"

Eren snorts, yanks open the car door, and gets out of the car. He glares angrily at Floch. "Go jerk off yourself, then."

With these words, Eren slams the car door, and without turning around again, walks back into the bar.

Chapter Text

After Eren rejects Floch, he goes back to the bar, and says goodbye to his friends. He is tired, both physically and emotionally. He just wants to go home, and crawl into his bed. He treats himself to a cab back to his apartment, but when he's finally in bed, Eren still can't get any rest. His thoughts keep circling around Levi. He tries to fall asleep, but he just tosses and turns, or stares at the ceiling.

He keeps asking himself when exactly he fell in love with Levi, but he can't find a clear answer. It was a gradual process as they blurred the line between friendship and relationship.

So why didn't Eren realize what he was really feeling for so long? Could he have prevented Levi from going to Stohess if he had realized his feelings earlier, and confessed to his friend? Sighing, he rolls onto his back.

If his friends had figured out his feelings so easily, had Levi noticed too? Maybe that's why he went to Stohess. Did he do it to put distance between them, or to get away from Eren? He quickly dismisses that thought. No, Levi wouldn't do something like that. They are still friends, and Levi is one of the most honest people Eren knows. Yet, some doubt remains deeply rooted in him as to whether Levi had run away from Eren.

Eventually Eren falls asleep, but his sleep is anything, but restful. In his dreams, he confesses his feelings to Levi, and is laughed at in return. Then Levi walks away hand in hand with another man, and leaves him alone. Eren wakes up in a cold sweat, and refuses to return to the land of dreams.

He gets up, and takes a hot shower. Yet the water can only cleanse his body, but his confused thoughts, and the sinking feeling in his stomach remain. He knows there is only one way for him to finally get some clarity; he needs to talk to Levi. Immediately, Levi's soothing, deep voice rings in his ears, and he sighs. He misses his friend with every fiber of his heart, and not just since Eren realized how he really feels about his friend.

Levi is first and foremost his friend, his confidant, and the person he entrusts everything to. Eren feels lonely without this important person by his side. Sure, Levi isn't gone forever, but right now, Eren just feels alone. To escape this feeling, he decides to spontaneously visit his parents for lunch. Eren knows that his mother is always happy to see him, and maybe it will do him some good to be mothered a bit himself.

Before he leaves the house, he sends a message to his father so that his parents won't be so surprised when their son suddenly shows up at their door. Since Eren doesn't feel like taking the bus, he takes the car, and reaches his parents' house after a short time.

He doesn't have to wait long before the front door opens, and his smiling mother appears in front of him.

"Eren, my dear, it's so good to see you! Come in," she greets him, and presses a kiss to his cheek.

"Hi Mom," he says. Immediately he's feeling a little better as he looks into his mother's friendly face, and breathes in the familiar smell of the house.

Eren follows his mother into the living room where his father is sitting on the sofa watching TV.

"Hi Dad," he says, dropping down next to him.

"Hello son." Grisha nods briefly at Eren, and then turns his attention back to the TV.

For the first time in days, Eren relaxes, and leans back into the soft cushions. Out of the corner of his eye, he watches his father who stares spellbound at the TV, occasionally nodding, or frowning. Eren laughs softly. When his father is absorbed in something, it's as if he's in his own world, and blocks out everything else.

"Eren, please help me set the table," his mother calls from the kitchen, and Eren gets up to help her.

As soon as he enters the kitchen, the delicious smell of food hits his nose, and Eren looks curiously into the bubbling pots on the stove.

"We're having spaghetti bolognese. If I had known earlier that you were coming over, I would have cooked something else, but like this..." Carla shrugs her shoulders.

Eren laughs, and puts his arm around his mother's shoulders. "Don't worry, Mom, spaghetti is perfect."

Astonished, Carla looks at her son. "Who are you, and what did you do to Eren?"

"Hey, can't I be nice to my mom for once?" he asks with a snort. He releases his mother from his grip, and grabs plates and silverware from the cupboard.

Carla puts her hands on her hips, and raises her eyebrows skeptically. "Eren Jaeger, what's wrong with you? I'm your mother, I know you."

"Nothing," he answers, perhaps a little too quickly because now he has aroused his mother's curiosity even more.

"So, since when do you spontaneously come to us for dinner?"

"I just wanted to see you. Since Levi left, I feel lonely sometimes." Eren mumbles the last part of the sentence, and feels his cheeks heat up.

Eren recently spoke to Carla on the phone, and when she asked about Levi, Eren told her about the semester at Stohess.

His mother now tilts her head, but then smiles. "Oh honey, why didn't you say so in the first place? You're welcome here anytime! How's Levi by the way?"

He sighs. Why does everyone always have to ask him about Levi's well-being? "I'll set the table, and then I'll be right back," Eren says, and quickly disappears into the living room to avoid an answer.

Much slower than necessary, he sets the table to delay the coming conversation with his mother. Though eventually all of the plates and cutlery are placed.

When he returns to the kitchen, his mother is draining the pasta. "So, how's Levi doing?"

Eren leans against the refrigerator, and crosses his arms in front of his chest. "Pretty good, I think."

Carla pauses in her movement, and looks at him in amazement. "You think? Eren, did you have a fight with Levi?"

Eren hears the worried undertone, and quickly shakes his head. "No, no, it's not like that. It's—complicated."

"I'm a pro when it comes to complicated relationships," she says, laughing, and pours the spaghetti into a white porcelain bowl. "So, what's going on with you guys?"

Eren chews his lower lip, and frantically considers what to say to his mother when his cell phone rings. Relieved about the interruption, he pulls it out of his pocket, but cringes briefly when he sees Levi's name on the display. He's trapped—either he has to answer Levi's or his mother's questions.

"I have to take this," he apologizes, and answers the call.

"Hello Levi."

"Eren! Damn it, finally you answer your fucking cell phone! I've already called a couple of times," Levi says. Eren doesn't miss the growly undertone in his voice.

"Um, yeah, I've—been busy," he replies, running his free hand through his hair. "What's up?"

"Really? You're asking me what's going on? Eren, you ended our last conversation just like that, and have ignored me ever since. Don't you think we have something to talk about?"

"Yes, we do, but the timing is bad right now. I'm at my parents' house." Eren glances briefly at his mother who is taking the sauce off of the stove. "Can we talk later?"

"Tch, only if you don't ignore my calls again! I think it would be better if we worked things out—well, in person.

Eren frowns. "In person?"

"Yeah, face to face. Jesus, Eren, don't play fucking dumb. I was planning to come to Shiganshina next weekend. Can I stay at your place then?"

At these words, Eren's heart flutters as fast as a hummingbird wing beats, and warmth floods his chest. "You're coming back?"

"Yeah. Eren, I care about you. I don't want things to be awkward between us, okay? So, can I stay with you next weekend, or do I really need to ask Hange?"

Eren grins. "No, no problem. Mi casa es su casa."

"Alright. Say hi to your parents for me."

"Will do. See you, Levi."

"See you, Eren."

Eren grins so widely that his cheeks hurt as he slips the phone back into his pants pocket. He'll see Levi again in a week!

"Well, someone looks happy."

Eren winces briefly at his mother's words, but can't stifle his grin. "Yeah."

******

The next few days pass very slowly for Eren. He can hardly wait until Saturday finally comes, and Levi returns. Well, it's only for two days, but still. During the week they write each other messages as usual, but they plan to have the big clarifying talk during the weekend. As Levi said, it's better to discuss such important things face to face.

As much as Eren is looking forward to the meeting with Levi, the upcoming conversation gives him a stomachache. He would prefer not to have this conversation at all, but of course, he knows that there is no way to avoid it. After all, their agreement could be over after this weekend, and if Levi is really seriously interested in Erwin. Eren tries not to think about it while toxic jealousy creeps slowly through his veins, and poisons him from the inside out.

The plan is for Levi to arrive in Shiganshina, and thus at Eren's around noon. Eren had actually intended a quiet weekend for just the two of them, but when Hange and the others learn of Levi's visit, their friends insist that they go to 'The Key' together to celebrate their guest properly. Eren would have liked to object, but he couldn't stand up to Hange and the others without revealing his feelings.

As soon as Eren opens his eyes on Saturday morning, he is tense, and restless at the same time. Anticipation itches under his skin, and his hands shake so much that he pours half of the coffee next to his cup instead of into it. The minutes pass by pathetically slowly. He tries to distract himself––cleaning up a bit, watching TV, or playing games on his cell phone although nothing helps. He feels nauseous the whole time, and the uncertainty of what is about to happen tugs at his stomach unpleasantly.

So when the doorbell finally rings, Eren jumps up from the sofa. He rubs his sweaty hands on his jeans, walks with wobbly legs to the door, and opens it. The sight of Levi takes his breath away because for the first time Eren perceives him with different eyes. Of course, he has looked at Levi a thousand times, but never with eyes in love. He is so beautiful, and Eren's heart leaps wildly in his chest.

His black hair is longer than when he left, and a few strands are hanging into his piercing eyes. Casually as always, he stands in front of Eren, and leans against the doorframe with his backpack hanging loosely over one shoulder. His gray eyes sparkle as he looks at Eren.

"Levi," Eren breathes, a smile spreading on his lips.

Eren knows he probably shouldn't, but he can't stop it. He pulls Levi into a hug, and squeezes his friend tightly. His nose buried deep into Levi's neck, the familiar scent of soap and lavender hits him like an express train, and floods his lungs. Eren has to control himself to hold back a moan. God, he missed Levi so much! After a brief moment of surprise, Levi returns the embrace, and places his warm hand on Eren's back.

"I missed you," Eren whispers.

Eren holds the hug a little longer than necessary, but then eventually breaks away from Levi.

"Are you going to let me in, or are we going to stand here in the doorway all day?"

Eren grins wryly, and plays with a strand of hair. "Yeah, sure––come in," he says, stepping aside to let his friend into the apartment.

As they walk silently into the living room, Eren senses and, above all, sees the oppressive mood in Levi's posture. His shoulders are tense, his lips pressed together, and his usually focused gaze wanders uncertainly back and forth in the room.

"Do you want something to drink?" Eren asks, just to say anything at all.

Levi shakes his head, and sits down on the sofa. "Come here, let's talk first."

Eren takes a deep breath, and walks over to Levi. The sofa isn't big, and their thighs touch as Eren sits down next to his friend. His leg burns where their bodies rub against each other.

"Well, spit it out. What do we do now?" he asks directly, without beating around the bush.

Levi sighs, and brushes a strand of hair out of his eyes. "Eren, I'm sorry. I really am."

Astonished, he looks at Levi. He hadn't expected that. "What are you sorry for? You didn't do anything wrong."

"The whole friends with benefits thing was my idea. I thought it was going to be casual, but your reaction the other day showed me that's obviously not the case. I don't want to hurt you, let alone lose our friendship, and––"

Eren has heard enough. Yes, he has feelings for Levi, but that's not Levi's fault. He shouldn't feel bad about their situation, nor blame himself. He quickly puts his index finger over his friend's mouth. "Don't say anything, it's okay. You're not losing me. I was just surprised, that's all. I'm sorry, my reaction was stupid, and childish."

His finger slowly, hesitantly wanders from Levi's lips to his cheek, and encloses it with his whole hand. Eren looks Levi firmly in the eye. Hard stone gray liquefies into flowing mercury. They are so close he can feel Levi's warm breath on his face. Eren's heart leaps, and he wants nothing more than to finally feel Levi's lips on his again. He wants to touch him, smell him, taste him, as he has done many times before, and yet everything is different now. It's not lust that drives him, but love. He has never wanted anything as much as he wants Levi at this moment.

"Eren, I don't think—"

"Shh, please. I know we shouldn't do this, but—can we—just one last time? Please?" Eren whispers softly, searching Levi's face for something that might reveal his thoughts.

Levi sighs, but then nods. A weight falls from his shoulders. Without hesitation, Eren closes the gap between them, and places his lips on Levi's. As soon as they kiss, countless butterflies fly excitedly in his stomach. The feeling of kissing Levi, the person he is in love with, is indescribable. Goosebumps run over his whole body, and Eren intensifies the pressure of his lips.

Warm hands reach into his hair, massaging his scalp, and removing the offending scrunchie. Levi's fingers gently comb through his long strands, and a soothing sigh escapes Eren.

Eren embraces Levi's cheeks with both hands, his thumbs caress the soft skin, and he slowly slides his tongue into Levi's mouth. Even though they have kissed so many times, it feels different now. Every touch, and sound from Levi sends new shivers down his spine making the butterflies dance even more.

Their tongues slowly circle each other, everything they do is slow, and careful as if their bodies are fragile. Eren feels Levi tremble as their tongues gently caress each other, and he feels the same way; his cock is already throbbing expectantly in his pants.

Eren's actions are selfish, and he knows that he is taking advantage of Levi at the moment. Yet he just has to know what sex with Levi feels like with his newfound feelings.

Without breaking the kiss, he rises from the sofa, and pulls Levi up with him. Still kissing, they stagger toward the bedroom. When Eren almost trips over Levi's backpack, they both giggle, open their eyes, and look at each other for a brief moment. Eren's heart beats faster as he sees the warmth in Levi's eyes. Briefly, he becomes sentimental before remembering that Levi doesn't feel the same way he does. The warmth he sees is purely friendly. To dispel the painful thoughts, Eren kisses Levi again, and this time more passionately.

Somehow, they actually make it to the bedroom, and fall together on the bed. Levi interrupts the kiss, but only to pull Eren's shirt over his head. Eren also takes off Levi's sweater, and his eyes and hands immediately explore the bare skin. Levi sighs, and closes his eyes with pleasure.

They begin to touch each other with fingernails scratching over warm skin, feather-light kisses caressing each other's bodies, and soft sighs escaping their lips. They take their time, and it almost feels like slow motion, as if they want to savor their last time until the last second.

Eren presses closer to Levi, their hard cocks rub against each other, and they both moan. Slow is nice, but now Eren needs more.

"Levi," he gasps as Levi presses his pelvis forward. "Please, more! I need you."

Levi pecks a soft kiss to Eren's swollen lips, and crawls between his spread legs. As he unzips Eren's pants, his fingers graze over his hard cock, and elicit another moan from Eren. Then Levi finally pulls off his pants, including the boxers, and Eren's length springs free. Precum is already glistening on the red tip, and Levi gently spreads the liquid with his thumb. Eren squirms under his friend's touch, and pushes his pelvis needily towards Levi. With his eyes wide open, he stares at Levi who starts stroking his cock with one hand.

Levi's face is relaxed, and everything about this sight clouds Eren's senses. Levi's small, almost invisible smile on his lips, the red cheeks, and the light film of sweat on his forehead.

The hand on his cock increases its pace, a second massages his balls, and Eren's eyes fall shut. "Levi—so good!" he groans.

He doesn't care how needy he sounds. Eren wants to show Levi how much he desires him, and how much he needs him, even if it's just for this one last time. As the hand leaves his cock, he sighs in frustration. Then he opens his eyes, and sees that Levi is now taking off his pants and underwear as well.

Eren looks at Levi's beautiful cock, and licks his lips. He just has to taste Levi again, and feel him on his tongue. Eren pulls Levi into a stormy kiss, and pushes his friend backwards onto the mattress so that he's kneeling between Levi's legs. The kiss is wild and sloppy, and their tongues dance together as if they can't get enough.

Eren interrupts the kiss, but only to spread small kisses on Levi's jawline. His mouth moves further down, and kisses Levi's neck. His tongue tickles the little erect nipples, and Levi's gasps are like music to his ears, making his heart dance with joy. Eren sucks, bites the sensitive skin, and stimulates Levi to the point of overstimulation.

"Eren, Eren—fuck, yesssss…"

Levi’s heavenly sounds send hot waves through Eren's whole body, straight to his cock, and more precum drips onto the sheets.

His lips move lower, and kisses the wonderful abs that tremble under his touch. His tongue teases the sensitive area around Levi's cock. Eren looks up into Levi's beautiful, flushed face. Eren memorizes everything; Levi’s closed eyes, the way the dark lashes touch his cheek, the little twitch of his lips, and his heavy breathing.

He smiles as it feels good to be able to turn Levi into a moaning mess. His mouth presses down on Levi's balls, and massages them with his tongue.

"Fuck, fuck! Keep going, Eren!"

So Eren keeps going. He now licks the entire length, and his tongue swirls around the shiny glans. Levi's pleasure beads taste delicious, and Eren feels intoxicated. He sucks briefly before slowly lowering his mouth onto the hard cock until the tip touches his throat. Eren pulls back only to swallow Levi's cock again, over and over. He pushes the length as deep into his mouth as he can, and his head begins bobbing up and down.

"You're doing so well, Eren. You know exactly what I need. Fuck, damn," Levi curses, and slides his hand into Eren's wild mane. Lightly, he presses Eren's head down on his cock, but still lets Eren take the lead.

Levi's cock presses wonderfully on his tongue, and more precum wets his taste buds. With one hand Eren strokes Levi length, and with the other he touches himself because he just can't ignore his own needs any longer. The heat in his belly spreads faster and faster, burning his inner walls, and Eren feels Levi's cock throbbing suspiciously hard on his tongue as well.

"Eren, I'm close—stop it, I—" Levi stammers, and begins tugging on Eren’s hair.

As much as he would like to continue, Eren doesn't want it to end here, and lets go of Levi's cock. He looks at his friend whose dilated pupils have displaced the beautiful gray. Lust flickers in the jet-black lakes, and Eren bites his lower lip. Levi is just so hot, so sexy, and just perfect for him. Why didn't he realize that sooner?

Tears burn in his eyes, and before Levi gets a chance to notice, Eren kisses him demandingly. Again, they change positions; Eren is lying on his back again with Levi between his open legs.

Their lips part, and Levi gently strokes Eren's cheek. "You're perfect, never forget that."

Eren gulps, and nods. These words melt his heart, and yet he can't get too lost in Levi's loving words. Soon it's all over, and Levi is just his friend again.

Levi reaches into Eren's nightstand drawer, pulls out the small bottle of lube, and generously wets his fingers with the transparent liquid. He pushes Eren's knees further apart, and strokes along his parting. Nimble fingers brush over his puckered hole, presses gently against it, but does not penetrate.

Eren's hot blood rushes loudly in his ears as the first finger slides inside him. The stretching is divine, and gives him a new high. Gently and slowly, Levi slides into him again and again, rubbing against his inner walls, and preparing him.

"More! More Levi, I need you, come on," he begs, squeezing his eyes shut, and gasping for air as the second finger passes his muscle ring.

Levi's fingers curl inside him, and as they press right against his sweet spot, stars flicker before Eren's eyes.

"Levi, right there! So good," he whimpers as his hands claw into the white sheets.

It seems like all of the blood is flowing into his cock as Levi starts stroking it. Levi's fingers inside him, and on his cock leaves Eren breathless as he gasps for air like a fish out of water.

"Levi, Levi, Levi..."

Finally, the third finger presses into him as well, and Eren sways impatiently on the teasing fingers.

"Fuck, Eren, it's so hot the way you fuck yourself with my fingers," Levi moans, and scratches Eren's prostate again.

Eren's eyes fly open, he catches Levi's hungry gaze, and he watches spellbound as his fingers disappear inside Eren.

"I need you, please! Your cock, just your cock. Fill me up!"

Levi nods, and withdraws his fingers. Eren immediately feels empty, but he doesn't have to wait long before he feels Levi's tip at his entrance. Very slowly, Levi pushes himself inside Eren. Eagerly, Eren wraps his long legs around Levi, and pulls him closer, to finally feel the stretch that he's been craving.

"Fuck yessss," he moans as Levi bottoms out.

He feels full, satisfied, and happy. Levi's hot cock is made for him, and rubs perfectly against his inner walls. Levi doesn’t move, and just kisses Eren. Almost tenderly, their lips slide over each other, and Levi embraces Eren's neck with one hand. With the other, he props himself up on the mattress next to Eren's head.

"Are you okay?" Levi whispers into their kiss.

"Yeah, more than okay. You can move now," Eren says, wrapping his arms around Levi's neck.

Eren was expecting Levi to go at a fast pace as usual. Instead Levi slowly slides out of him, and just as carefully thrusts back in. Gently, and without haste, Levi rolls his hips as he penetrates him again, and again. They kiss again also without any haste.

The slow stretching gives Eren a whole new feeling, and a comforting warmth spreads through him. His heart beats fast against his chest, and he wishes it could be like this forever. He and Levi are in harmony with each other. This isn't fucking, this is making love, and that's exactly what he feels for his friend—love.

In this moment of perfect balance, Eren realizes that he is not only in love with Levi, but that he loves him. He loves this wonderful, grumpy man from the bottom of his heart, and he probably always has. Giving in to these feelings will surely break Eren's heart, and yet he does. He presses their bodies closer together, and accompanies Levi's movements with his hips.

Again and again Levi's cock brushes his prostate, and Eren whimpers softly into their loving kisses. He is completely overwhelmed by all of these feelings, by the warmth that washes over his heart, and little tears leak from the corners of his eyes. Levi seems to feel the moisture because he interrupts their kiss, and looks at Eren, startled. His movements falter.

Quickly Eren shakes his head, and smiles. "Everything is fine, it's perfect. Don't stop, please."

Levi's hand leaves Eren's neck, and he wipes the tear away with his thumb. Eren reaches out, and intertwines their fingers. They resume their movement while looking at each other.

Levi's eyes sparkle, and Eren thinks he recognizes something like love in them. At least this once, he imagines what it would be like if Levi loved him as much as he loves Levi. His own eyes probably reflect his feelings at the moment, but Eren cannot, and will not hide the truth. He wants to give Levi everything about himself.

Although Levi moves slowly, the pressure in Eren's belly increases faster, and faster. The friction to his cock between their bodies, and each new thrust into his prostate, make his blood boil.

"I-I'm close! Levi, I—"

"Eren, baby, you're doing so good. Come for me," Levi breathes while spreading little kisses on his neck.

"Yes, I—oh God!"

His orgasm rolls over Eren like an avalanche, and sends shivers throughout his entire body. He screams Levi's name, and looks deep into his eyes while the white threads paint their bellies and his chest. He flies higher, and higher while everything around him blurs.

After a few more thrusts, Levi pushes deep into him one last time, and Eren feels his hot lust flow into him. Fascinated, he watches Levi's relaxed face as he savors his orgasm, and his head falls exhausted on Eren's shoulder afterwards.

Their bodies glisten with sweat, and they breathe heavily as they bask in the aftermath of their orgasms. When Levi lifts his head, and kisses Eren, he instinctively knows that this is a goodbye kiss. That's it, and from now on they are just friends.

Levi pulls back, and rolls next to Eren. For a moment they just lie there in silence with their hands still intertwined. Although when Levi lets go of his hand, it feels like he's cutting the bond between their hearts. Eren swallows more tears of finality, and turns his head to the side to look at Levi.

"Thank you. That was—wonderful."

Levi's eyes dart restlessly over Eren's face before he finally nods. The mood is strangely tense. Eren straightens up, and props himself on his elbows. "Hey, how was your date with Erwin, anyway?"

Levi blinks briefly, and then frowns. "Are you really asking me about my date with another man after we just had sex?" he asks, snorting.

Eren's heart tightens, but he ignores the stabbing pain in his chest. "Why not, we're friends, and can talk about anything. Right?"

"You're really weird sometimes, Eren," Levi says, straightening up too. "But if you really want to know, it was nice."

"Are you going to—Are you going to keep dating?" Eren's heartbeat quickens at this question.

Levi nods hesitantly. "Yes."

"Okay." Fighting back his tears, Eren bites the inside of his cheek, and averts his gaze. "So, friends, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Great." Eren takes a deep breath, and rises from the bed. He desperately needs to be alone before he bursts into tears in front of Levi. His heart is broken, and his whole body aches. Levi has officially ended their agreement. Everything that connected them is gone, and only a normal friendship remains. "I'm going to take a quick shower. Make yourself at home," he says, looking at Levi one last time with pain-filled eyes before fleeing to the bathroom.

Chapter Text

Eren needs a long shower to regain his composure. The dripping water washes away his tears, but his heart still aches. Even though he knew their arrangement would end someday, it hurts to let go of this side of Levi. After all, they're still friends, but Eren isn't even sure if that's a real comfort at all.

He washes thoroughly, but a part of him wishes he could keep Levi's marks on and in his body forever even though, of course, that's ridiculous. As much as he likes having Levi around, right now he'd rather be alone. He wants to crawl into his bed, pull the covers over his head, and shed some tears.

Before leaving the bathroom, Eren takes a deep breath, and fakes a happy expression. Levi is sitting in the living room, fully dressed, and playing with his cell phone. When he looks up, Eren forces himself to smile.

"Hey, do you want to eat something before we go to Jean's? I could cook dinner," he suggests, emphatically cheerful.

Eren stops some distance from the sofa where Levi is sitting. He just can't stand the physical closeness to his friend right now.

Levi shrugs his shoulders. "Sure, why not. I can help you," he offers, but Eren quickly waves it off.

"No, you're a guest here. I'll be fine.

As he goes to the kitchen, Eren notices Levi's confused look. He hopes that Levi doesn't realize what's really going on with him. His whole body is tense, and he feels terrible for wishing Levi wasn't here right now. The end of their arrangement hurts him much more than Eren would have ever suspected. Mostly, the idea of Levi's new potential boyfriend bothers him, and makes his stomach ache. Jealousy slowly creeps through his veins, and leaves a bad aftertaste. He sighs loudly as he pours the noodles into the boiling water.

"Why are you sighing so heavily?"

Eren flinches, and turns around, startled. Levi sits down at the small dining table, and looks at him with raised eyebrows.

Immediately Eren feels himself blushing. "Nothing, everything's fine! I just—well, I—"

'...love you,' he finishes the sentence in his mind, but bites his tongue to keep from saying it out loud.

Nervously, he fumbles with the empty pasta package while under Levi's attentive gaze. Jesus, why can't he just act normal around Levi, like he used to?

"Eren, damn it, talk to me. You're dismissive, and fidgety. What the hell is wrong with you? I'm not going back to Stohess until we sort everything out."

Eren chews on his lower lip, and feverishly considers what to tell Levi. Since he can't think of a good lie—and he's a bad liar anyway—he decides to go for the half-truth.

"Don't you think it's strange that we just go back to business as usual, as if nothing ever happened? I can't forget overnight how it felt to kiss, or touch you."

Levi snorts. "You think I don't think it's weird? Of course, it's kind of weird, but we both knew this day would come. But I had to—Well, it's not just you, Eren. Or do you think I'm cold as ice?"

Eren rolls his eyes. "No, but you always act like everything is easy. We're friends. Oh, do you want to have sex? Well sure, no problem. Oh, it's over, and now we're not going to be having sex anymore, so that's it," Eren says, mimicking Levi's voice.

Levi stares at him. His gray eyes sparkle angrily, but as always, his facial expression reveals nothing about his thoughts.

"That's what you think of me? That I don't care about anything? How many times do I actually have to tell you that I care about you? Damn it, Eren, I—"

Levi jerkily rises from his chair. Eren stares at his friend's clenched fists. He is stunned. He has never seen Levi so emotional.

"N-No, Levi, I didn't mean it that way. It just seems like you can take it so easily. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, too," Levi replies, and sighs. He sits back down. "Anyway, it feels weird to me, too. But it is like it is, and we have to deal with it. Unless you don't want our friendship anymore. Just tell me, and I'll go."

Puzzled, Eren blinks at his friend. "Are you nuts? Of course not!"

"Good because I definitely don't want to give up our friendship. But I just met someone now, and—"

"Yes, I know, you have Erwin now," he interrupts his friend. The mere mention of his competitor's name makes Eren nauseous. "I know all of that, Levi. Still, I need some time to figure it all out, okay?"

Levi nods. "You'll get as much time as you need. Just promise me you'll tell me if something's bothering you, okay?"

A tired smile appears on Eren's lips. If only he could...

"Sure thing," he says, and the renewed lie immediately makes his stomach clench. To avoid Levi's gaze, he peers into the pot, and stirs the boiling pasta. "You haven't told me about college yet. How are the classes? Are the other students nice?"

While Levi tells him about his new university, the teachers, and fellow students, Eren cooks a spaghetti sauce to go with the noodles. He feels a little better than he did before their conversation. Although, of course, his heart is still crying. He'll need time to get over his feelings for Levi; unfortunately, that doesn't happen at the drop of a hat. That's probably the only good thing about Levi living farther away right now—Eren can lick his wounds in peace. At least now they've talked about everything, and now, he can enjoy the little time they have together this weekend more.

After dinner, they watch some Netflix before getting ready, and going to Jean's place. Eren is relieved that the mood between them is now much better. Nevertheless, he is constantly fighting an inner battle with himself. His heart longs for Levi. He wants to touch him, sink his nose into his shirt that smells so deliciously of his tart perfume, and be close to him. Although his head knows, of course, that he can't, his heart still doesn't realize it. They aren’t a couple, nor sex friends, and touching is inappropriate again from now on. Eren is still processing this, but he has to make it work, for the sake of their friendship. Levi is incredibly important to him, and Eren desperately wants him to continue to be a part of his life, no matter what the label.

As they walk through the dim night, Eren's fingers itch to just grab Levi's hand, and intertwine their fingers. To resist this urge, Eren stuffs his hands deep into the pockets of his red and white college jacket.

It doesn't take long for the two to arrive at Jean's apartment. Hange, Armin, Ymir, and Historia are already there, and greet Levi happily, as if they hadn't seen him for months. Hange hugs him so tightly that Eren is afraid Levi will turn blue from lack of breath, but Levi pushes his friend away in time.

A little later, Connie and Sasha also join them. The friends are celebrating exuberantly, and everyone wants to know how Levi has been doing in Stohess so far. Eren is amazed at how relaxed he is when answering their friends' questions.

Eren sits on the fluffy brown carpet on the floor, and looks at his friend, who is sandwiched between Hange and Jean on the sofa, from the side. Eren's lost in thought while sipping his beer every now and then. He could sit here for hours looking at Levi. Because his hair is longer now, he's slicked it back, but there are still some unruly strands hanging down his forehead. His cheeks are flushed, probably from the alcohol, and every time he moistens his lips with his tongue, Eren's heart skips a beat.

"You might try not to stare at him so obviously," Armin hisses, gently nudging Eren in the side with his elbow to bring him out of his thoughts.

Eren blinks, and almost drops his beer bottle. "What?"

Armin leans closer to him so that no one can hear what they're saying. "You've been staring at Levi the whole time, Eren. Well, it's an open secret that you like him, but it's kind of written on your forehead that way."

Eren rests his hands on his cheeks, and feels the heat slowly spreading across his face. He hadn't realized he was looking at Levi so obviously. His eyes quickly wander over the faces of his friends, checking them out, but no one pays any attention to him. Fortunately, everyone is engrossed in their own conversations.

"I—thank you for the tip," he stammers sheepishly.

"No problem," Armin says, smiling at him encouragingly. "So, have you talked to Levi in the meantime? About your feelings, and what else is going on between you two?"

The color of Eren's face now resembles that of a tomato when his friend so obviously asks him about his sex life. Though it's Eren's own fault, after all, he told Armin about it.

He shrugs helplessly. "We have," he begins, but then decides to keep their last time to himself. Eren doesn't want to share this intimate moment with anyone, and locks it tightly in his heart. "Talked."

He takes a big swig of beer, and his gaze wanders back to Levi, who is rolling his eyes at something Hange says. Then he stands up, and walks towards the kitchen. Eren's eyes follow Levi, but then he remembers what they were doing in the kitchen the last time they were here. It feels like a lifetime ago when he was passionately pressing Levi against the fridge because they couldn't keep their hands off of each other. Eren sighs, and wishes he could have those times back. It's paradoxical. When he was allowed to touch Levi anytime he wanted, it was just out of lust, but now that everything inside him longs to touch Levi, he can't.

"Eren?"

Armin's words bring him back to reality. "Yeah. I'm sorry, Ar, I'm a little off my game today."

Armin chuckles. "I can tell. How was your conversation?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Eren notices that Hange is now also rising from the sofa, and walking toward the kitchen. Although he knows it's only Hange, a small spark of jealousy immediately flares up in him. Eren takes a deep breath, and he has to pull himself together.

"We're friends. Our arrangement is no longer existent because he's with Erwin," he explains briefly, so as to not add more salt to the open wound.

"Oh… really?" Armin looks at him with wide eyes. "I would have bet that—well, that really surprises me. I’m sorry, Eren."

He sighs, trying to ignore the pitying look on his friend's face, and the sting in his heart. "It is what it is. I'll survive."

Restlessly, Eren's gaze darts back toward the kitchen even though he's unable to see the door from where he is sitting. Hange and Levi have been gone for a while. What are they doing? He chews on his lower lip, and his instinct spontaneously decides that he needs to know what's going on.

"Armin, I have to go to the bathroom," he says, rising from the floor.

Without waiting for Armin's answer, he walks toward the kitchen. The door is closed, but he can hear Levi and Hange talking to each other.

"...you can't do that!" he hears Hange say, and Eren quietly moves closer to the door.

Of course, he knows that it's rude to eavesdrop on other people. Still, Eren can't help it. He hopes that Levi will tell his friend about other things. Like maybe more about Erwin or himself, that he didn't tell Eren.

"Four-eyes, it's none of your business."

Even though Eren can't see him, he hears the annoyed undertone in Levi's voice.

"I don't understand. Why are you dating this other guy now?"

"His name is Erwin. I like him, and maybe I can build a relationship with him."

Eren's heart tightens painfully. Until now, he didn't want to admit to himself how serious Levi is about Erwin. The fact that he now doesn't exclude the possibility of a relationship shows how close the two of them already are.

"And what about Eren?"

Nervously, he moves even closer to the door when he hears his name. His heartbeat quickens.

"It's no use, Hange. I have to look ahead. The most important thing is that Eren continues to be my friend."

Eren thinks his heart is about to jump out of his chest. The confirmation that Levi sees him only as a friend hurts as if someone had thrust a knife straight into his heart. Tears well up in his eyes, and Eren bites his lower lip to keep from crying.

'Why did I have to fall in love with my friend, of all people? I'm so stupid,’ he thinks, and closes his eyes for a moment.

"Bullshit, Eren also has—"

"Yo dude, are you waiting in line for the bathroom? What are you doing here alone in the hallway?"

Eren flinches. He jumps back from the door. He stares at Connie, who is standing in front of him, grinning, and pointing to the room behind Eren.

"Um, no, I—you can go to the bathroom," Eren stammers.

"Great. I really need to get that beer out," Connie laughs, and pushes past Eren into the bathroom.

"I don't want to talk about it anymore, Four-eyes. Stop interfering in my affairs. Come on, the others are probably wondering where we are," Eren hears Levi say. He hurries back to the living room where he quickly drops back down on the floor next to Armin.

"Eren, what's wrong with you all of a sudden?" Armin asks, blinking at him.

"Don't ask," Eren hisses. He watches as Levi and Hange return to the living room at that moment, and sit back down on the sofa.

Eren catches Levi's glance, and his friend raises his eyebrows questioningly. He forces himself to grin, and just shakes his head. Just looking at Levi almost breaks Eren's heart. Never before has he been so attracted to someone, and never before has his heart ached so much because he can't have what he truly longs for.

Later that night, the friends set off by cab to their favorite club. Everyone has drunk plenty of alcohol so the mood is boisterous. For Eren, however, his smile is just a facade; he feels terrible inside. He would love to go home, crawl into his bed, and not get up again until his feelings for Levi have disappeared. Although he plays it cool. After all, he doesn't want to be a killjoy, and ruin the party for his friends.

As soon as they enter the open-plan disco, they are greeted by loud music. The bass booms in Eren's ears, and runs through his limbs. The air is stuffy, and foggy. People crowd the tables, and the bar. Eren glances at the dance floor glowing in colored lights. Here, too, people are enjoying themselves, and rubbing their sweaty bodies against each other. The alcohol races through his bloodstream, and makes him feel dizzy. He needs to be alone for a moment.

"I have to pee," Eren yells into Armin's ear, trying to escape his friends for a moment.

His blond friend nods. "Alright, we're going to the bar already."

Eren nods, and disappears in the opposite direction. Fortunately, there is no line in front of the men's restroom, unlike the women's restrooms. He goes straight to the sink, and splashes cold water on his face.

“Get a grip. Just have fun, and enjoy the night with your friends. You can be sad tomorrow,” he tells himself softly, and takes a deep breath.

After his visit to the restroom, he wants to return to his friends, but Historia stops him on his way there.

"Let's dance," she shouts, laughing.

"But—"

She grabs Eren's hand, ignores his objections, and pulls him onto the dance floor. Immediately she starts dancing, swaying her hips to the fast beat of the song, and throwing her arms in the air. Eren looks at his friend with a smile. Historia looks carefree, and beautiful. Her blond long hair flies wildly around her head, her cheeks are slightly flushed, and her blue eyes shine happily.

Eren gets carried away by the music, his friend's good mood, and starts to dance as well. He closes his eyes, and simply lets himself drift. His manbun loosens up due to his fast movements. Then more and more loose strands of hair fall into his face. He fades out everything, and only listens to the music. Everything that has bothered him so far is suddenly secondary, until he feels a hand on his arm.

He opens his eyes in surprise, and turns around. A tall, dark-skinned man stands behind him, and smiles at him with his gleaming white teeth.

He leans closer to Eren. "Hi, do you want to dance?"

Amazed, Eren blinks at the young man who is still smiling at him, sheepishly running his hand over his short black hair. Eren looks at Historia who nods at him, and gives him her okay with a thumbs up. Actually, Eren has no interest in dancing with anyone, but Levi. Then he remembers Levi's words to Hange when they were talking in Jean's kitchen. Levi sees him only as a friend, and has no romantic feelings for Eren. Once again, a wave of sadness washes over him, but he doesn't want to let it drag him down again tonight. So Eren swallows his sorrow, and smiles at the stranger.

"I'm Eren," he calls through the loud music.

"Onyankopon," the man replies, placing his hands on Eren's hips.

The strange, warm hands feel odd at first, like a foreign object. Eren is so used to Levi's touch that he has completely forgotten what it's like to be touched by someone else. Eren tries to suppress his uneasiness. Onyankopon is not intrusive at all, unlike Floch. He just touches him gently, and rocks their hips to the same rhythm. Every now and then he looks at Eren, and smiles, as if to make sure that everything is fine with Eren. He can't help, but return the genuine smile.

The unexpected attention flatters Eren's ego. After all, Levi was only affectionate with him behind closed doors because of their agreement to keep their relationship a secret. Eren presses closer to his dance partner, and wraps his arms around his neck. He grins as he looks into the deep black, mysterious eyes, and rubs his crotch teasingly against Onyakopon's. He has to forget Levi. He is unattainable, but other mothers have beautiful sons too. He tries to suppress his crying heart, and closes his eyes as the two now dance close together. Oyankopon's large hands travel down his back, and then gently grazes over his butt, almost fleetingly, as if the touch happened by accident. Eren opens his eyes, and bites his lower lip. He wishes he could feel more emotion for those kind eyes than just pity. Again, Onyankopon strokes his ass, but Eren feels nothing. No adrenaline, no heat rising inside him, and not the slightest twitch of his cock. It's no use, he can try to lie to himself, but he can't trick his body.

Eren is about to break away from Onyankopon when he feels another firm hand on his arm. Eren turns around, and winces in fright as he looks into Levi's wildly sparkling eyes. His friend's lips are pressed together into a thin line, and Eren notices the deep crease of anger between his eyebrows. A dark aura surrounds his friend, and he looks quite angry.

"Levi?"

"I'll take over here," Levi says. His voice is deep, menacingly vibrating, and it sends goosebumps down Eren's spine.

Onyankopon seems to sense Levi's angry aura, and immediately lets go of Eren. "Sorry, bro, I didn't mean to offend you," he stammers, raising his hands apologetically. He staggers backwards a few steps, and disappears into the crowd.

Eren is puzzled. What's this all about? Why is Levi playing the jealous boyfriend, when he's the one who's seeing someone else?

"Levi, what was that all about?" he asks. Although by then Levi has already grabbed him by the wrist, and pulled him closer.

Their bodies collide, and immediately Eren is hot.

"Just shut up for this one song, okay?" Levi mumbles, placing his hands on Eren's back.

Eren gulps, and nods. Everywhere Levi touches him, his skin burns. He feels dizzy as Levi rolls his hips against his in time to the music, and a warm shiver runs down his spine. His heart leaps for joy, and Levi's warm hand, now resting on his butt, sends thousands of butterflies flying excitedly around in Eren's stomach. The language of his body is clear, Levi is the one he wants, and the one who arouses his desire.

Lasciviously, they rub against each other, the bass booms loudly in Eren’s ears, and a drop of sweat runs down his temple. He is intoxicated by Levi's touch, sight, and movements. Eren surrenders to the moment, and enjoys every second of it. Although he doesn't understand what it all means, he takes a chance, and touches Levi too. He starts stroking his neck, playing with the soft stubble of his undercut, and rubbing against the distinct bulge in his friend's pants. He can't deny the twitch of his own cock, either. Eren would love to rip Levi's clothes off right now.

Yet his dream bubble bursts when the song ends, and Levi pulls away. Eren searches the gray, darkened eyes for a clue that explains his behavior, but the only thing he sees is lust. He knows that look well; that veiled gray, streaked with black storm clouds. He's seen that look many times, namely every time they've had sex. Though why is Levi looking at him like that? He broke their agreement, Levi shouldn't look at Eren like that anymore.

"I need a drink, come with me," Levi says, grabbing Eren by the wrist, and leading him away from the dance floor to the bar.

Eren is still dazed, and stumbles after his friend with wobbly knees.

Arriving at the bar, Levi looks at him questioningly, "Beer?"

Eren nods silently. His throat has lumps, and he's still trying to understand what just happened on the dance floor between them. More importantly, what it means.

"Eren!"

He sees Armin pushing past some people, and coming towards him. "Hey Armin, you want a drink too? Levi's in line," Eren says, pointing his head in his friend's direction.

"Eren, fuck the drinks! I saw you guys on the dance floor. What was going on? It almost looked like you guys were having sex. You guys were moving so lasciviously."

Immediately, Eren feels himself blushing. He had completely forgotten that his friends were also at the club, so they were able to see exactly how sexy Levi and he had danced. His cock throbbed in confirmation, not yet fully recovered from the hot dance.

"Um, I have no idea."

"Holy crap, Eren, your attraction is undeniable. You need to talk to Levi. I'm sure he has feelings for you too."

Eren sighs, "No Armin, the topic is over."

He flinches in surprise when Armin grabs him by both arms, and shakes him. "Eren, wake up! No one dances like that when they don't feel anything! Talk to Levi, and tell him how you feel!"

Eren is flabbergasted, and doesn't know what to say. He has rarely seen Armin so energetic. Before he can answer, Levi returns with the drinks, and they follow Armin back to the others. For the rest of the night Eren lives in his memories, and it feels like he can still feel Levi's hands on his body.

Chapter Text

"Levi, give me the key, I can do it." Eren giggles like a little boy, and tries to snatch the front door key out of his friend's hand.

"Shh, don’t be so fucking loud, or you'll wake up the whole building," Levi counters, turning around, and pressing the key tightly against his chest. "You can't find the keyhole anyway, as drunk as you are."

"I'm nooooot drunk," Eren says. He wraps his arms around his shorter friend from behind, and still tries to get the key back from him.

"You really are an annoying brat!"

Levi squirms in Eren's grip, turns around, and grabs his wrist. He pushes Eren away from him, who staggers backwards. Seconds later he finds himself with his back pressed against the wall. Levi holds his wrists in place, and now grins triumphantly at his friend.

"Well, who won now, huh?"

As much as Eren wants to fight back, or claim otherwise, he is far too distracted by their sudden closeness. They stand pressed close together in the hallway after taking a cab from the club back to Eren's apartment. As always when Levi is near him, his heartbeat speeds up, and Eren has to gulp. The remnants of Levi's perfume rises to his nose, and he feels Levi's body heat.

They stare at each other. One second, two seconds pass, but neither of them averts their eyes, or makes a move. Eren would love to just lean down, and kiss Levi right now. It would be so easy. Yet Eren is frozen in place. Since their hot dance earlier at the club, he doesn't know what to think anymore because Levi keeps sending him contradictory signals.

First, he ended their arrangement. Then he danced, and touched Eren as if there was more than friendship between them at the club. All of this confuses Eren. He wishes he could just tell Levi how he feels, that he loves him, but the fear of destroying their friendship forever is too much. Although his friends claim that Levi has feelings for Eren too, he's not sure. So if that's the case, how does Erwin fit into all of this?

Their gazes are still locked together, and Eren is breathing heavily. It's so hard to hold back. He wants to kiss Levi so badly, and is fighting his desire, but he's losing. Eren tilts his head to the side, and leans down to Levi.

"Eren..." Levi whispers softly, but doesn't move.

Eren feels Levi's warm breath on his face, their lips are only inches apart, and the air around them seems to crackle. Though just before their lips touch, Levi lets go of Eren's wrists, and jumps back.

Confused, Eren stares at his friend. Had he misinterpreted the signals again?

‘Shit, what have I done?’ he thinks in panic as his eyes fly frantically over Levi's face to see his reaction.

"Levi, I—"

"It's okay, I—we–" Levi starts while running a hand through his hair. He turns away from Eren, and fumbles with the key on the door lock. "Friends, we're friends, right?"

Eren isn't sure if Levi is talking to him or himself, so he remains silent. The whole situation overwhelms him, and he has never felt so torn in his life. Heart or head, or feelings versus mind.

Levi is still fiddling with the key. Eren walks over to him with a smile, and carefully takes the bunch of keys out of his hand.

"Let me help you," he says, putting the right key in the lock, turns the key, and the apartment door swings open.

As Eren is about to enter the apartment, Levi holds him back by the arm. "Eren, I–"

"I'm tired, Levi. I don't want to talk about anything right now when neither of us has a clear head. We can do that later. Come on," Eren says, taking Levi's hand, and leading him into the apartment.

Although as they stand in the living room, he looks at Levi indecisively. "Bed or sofa?"

"Tch, don't be silly. We can both sleep in the bed, unless you don't want to."

Eren laughs softly. "The bed then."

Silently, they undress, and brush their teeth. Every now and then Eren casts a furtive glance from the side at his friend, and he realizes that this is exactly what he wants. Levi in his apartment, Levi next to him brushing his teeth, and Levi in his bed. He needs Levi in his life like the air he breathes, and if he doesn't tell him, someone else will take his place at Levi's side. Eren lowers his toothbrush. His heart leaps as he looks at Levi.

'Say it,' he thinks. 'It's just three words, it's simple.'

Yet Eren's throat feels tight, and all of the 'ifs' and 'buts' are squeezing the air out of his lungs.

"Hey, Eren, did you fall asleep while brushing your teeth?" Levi asks, amused, and waving his hand in front of his face.

"What? Uh no, I was going to..."

Levi looks at him expectantly. He has his head tilted to the side, his hair falls into his forehead, and he just looks adorable.

"I lo..." Eren begins, but that's all he can get out. Panic rises in him, he just can't as there's too much at stake. Desperately, Eren searches for a way to finish his sentence without Levi realizing what's really going on. "I love it when you play the guitar! Can you play something for me? A lullaby?"

Disappointment spreads through his stomach, but he just can't do it. He can't tell Levi the truth, and possibly risk losing him.

"I don't even have my guitar with me, Eren."

"But your old one is still here. You didn't take it with you. It's in the bedroom."

"You really want me to play now?" Levi asks, raising his eyebrows.

Eren nods. "Please, I'd love to hear a song from you.”

"Alright. Come on, let's get you to bed," Levi says, sighing.

Eren goes into the bedroom, jumps on the bed, and makes himself comfortable on the right side. He snuggles into the blanket, and watches as Levi heads to the boxes with his stuff which he has stored with Eren for as long as he lives in Stohess. Levi grabs the worn guitar, and crawls into bed as well. He leans his back against the headboard, and tries to tune his old guitar at least a little.

"Damn, how long has it been since I played you, huh?" he says softly to the guitar, and Eren melts. He knows that Levi got the guitar as a gift from his mother right before she died, which is why it means so much to his friend.

"Okay, I think that should work. Any wishes?"

Eren yawns, and shakes his head. "Whatever you want."

Levi nods, and begins to play. As he sings, his warm voice flows through Eren's body causing all of the doubts, and tensions to disappear. He relaxes, and closes his eyes while listening to Levi's singing.

Why do I keep running from the truth?
All I ever think about is you
You've got me hypnotized, so mesmerized
And I just got to know

Do you ever think, when you're all alone
Of all that we could be, and where this thing could go?
Am I crazy, or falling in love?
Is it real, or just another crush?
Do you catch your breath when I look at you?
Are you holding back, like the way I do?
Cause I've tried, and tried to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away

Has it ever crossed your mind
When we're hangin', and spending time together
Are we just friends? Or is there more?

Half asleep, Eren realizes that the song has ended. Levi's singing has wrapped itself around him like a warm blanket, and sent him into the land of dreams. A gentle hand brushes a strand of hair from his face, but he no longer notices since Eren has finally fallen asleep.

"I miss you Eren."

******

The next time Eren opens his eyes, he needs a moment to get his bearings. He is lying alone in his bed, in his room, and so far nothing is unusual. Then he remembers that Levi should be lying next to him, and he sits up with a jerk. His head starts to throb.

"Ah fuck," he groans while holding a hand to his forehead. The headache makes Eren sink back, and pull the blanket over his head.

"Hey, I know you're awake."

Eren has to smile when he hears Levi's voice, but he stays under the covers. "No, I'm still asleep."

"Tch."

With a tug, the warm blanket disappears from his body. "Oy, Levi, what are you doing?"

Eren quickly reaches for the second blanket, but Levi snatches that from him as well. His friend is now standing next to his bed with his arms crossed, and looking at him with raised eyebrows. He is already wearing his normal clothes, and Eren is sure he has showered as well because the scent of his familiar shower gel with soothing lavender and fresh mint tickles Eren's nose.

"Get up, it's already 12pm. Or don't you want to take me to the station?"

Eren blinks at Levi. He has already forgotten that Levi is leaving today. Immediately his mood sinks, and a sinking feeling spreads through his stomach. Eren has just gotten used to his friend's presence again, but now he has to leave again. His heart grows heavy, and he feels as bad as he did the day that Levi told him he was going to Stohess. Though if Eren is honest, it's even worse now. Since now he misses not only his friend and lover, but also the person he loves.

Tormented by his heartache and headache, Eren gets up. He yawns loudly, and stretches his tired limbs.

"Go take a shower, you smell like shit," Levi says as he is about to leave the bedroom. In the doorway, however, he turns around once more. "Take a painkiller, I'm going to make you some breakfast."

"Thanks, Levi, you're the best," he calls after his friend who now walks out of the room, snorting.

After a soothing shower and a painkiller, Eren is actually feeling much better. When he enters the kitchen fully dressed, it already smells delicious.

"Mmmh, what smells so good in here?" he asks, stepping behind Levi who is standing at the stove preparing the food. Curiously, Eren looks over his shoulder. "Oh my God, are you making pancakes? I love pancakes!"

"That's why I make them. Besides, this is all your fridge had to give."

Eren scratches his head in embarrassment. "Yeah, I forgot to go shopping."

"You need to take better care of yourself, Eren. You can manage the remaining five months without me, can't you?" Levi scolds.

'No, I can't even get by without you for a minute,' Eren thinks, but quickly shoos away the rising sadness. As long as Levi is still here, he doesn't want to mope around.

"Yes, I have to," he answers instead, and sits down at the small kitchen table. There is already a cup of coffee waiting for him. "But if you always spoil me like this, it won't get any easier," he says with a laugh, and takes a sip. The hot liquid runs down his esophagus, and refreshes his senses.

Levi laughs softly, and places a plate of steaming pancakes in front of Eren. Then he sits down across from him at the table, and sips his tea. "You need to buy new tea bags since I used the last tea bag."

Eren just nods as he shovels the delicious, fluffy pancakes into his mouth. "God, they're so good," he moans between bites, and in the blink of an eye, he's finished the entire plate.

Sighing comfortably, he leans back in his chair, and rubs his full belly. "That was delicious."

The praise brings a small smile to Levi's lips, and as he has done so many times before, Eren melts inside. He doesn't want Levi to leave again. It's perfect the way it is! Well, almost perfect, except for the fact that Eren has feelings for his friend. Yet their friendship is so wonderful, and precious that it's worth any sacrifice. So if Eren has to hold back his feelings for the sake of that friendship, he will.

"So," Levi says, taking the last sip of his tea, and looking Eren straight in the eye. "Is everything okay between us now? I'm not leaving until everything is sorted out."

Eren is glad he's not eating anymore, or otherwise a piece of pancake would have probably gotten stuck in his throat. The gray eyes pierce through him, and seems to look straight into his soul. Eren can only hope that Levi doesn't see through his renewed lie. "It's all fine."

Levi nods. "Good, will you drive me to the station now?"

"Sure, let's go," Eren says, but his heart says something completely different.

******

About 30 minutes later, Eren is standing on the platform with Levi. His whole body is tense, restlessness itch under his skin, and he has to restrain himself from fidgeting nervously. Eren hates farewells, and this one in particular. As Levi's train arrives at the station, the first tears are already welling up in Eren's eyes. He blinks them away quickly, but it's very difficult.

"Okay, well, thanks for this weekend," Levi says, looking at him. Eren bites the inside of his cheek, but it doesn't help. Tears start flooding his eyes, and making their way down his cheeks.

"Oh, Eren… Please–don't cry."

Now it's Levi who is teetering restlessly from one leg to the other. Helplessness is clearly written on his face. Eren can see his hands twitching, but he obviously doesn't know what to do.

"I'm not crying," he sobs, throwing himself at Levi.

Finally, Levi seems to realize what he has to do. He wraps his arms around his taller friend, hugging him, and gently stroking Eren's hair.

"Eren," he whispers softly in his ear. "I'll be back soon, I promise."

Eren nods into Levi's shoulder, and tries to stem the tide of his tears. He doesn't know how long they stand there like that. Though eventually the well seems to run dry, and Eren breaks free of their embrace.

"Sorry," he sniffles while wiping his wet cheeks with his sleeve.

Levi's smile is pained as he gives Eren's upper arm another quick squeeze, and then straps on his backpack. "I'll call you when I arrive."

"Yeah, okay.”

Levi waves, and then gets on the train. As Levi disappears from his sight, the realization hits Eren like a lightning bolt. He wants Levi to stay with him. He wants to hug him, kiss him, and most of all, he wants to tell him how he feels. In person, not on the phone or via video chat.

'I should have told him,' Eren thinks desperately, and searches the window panes for Levi with his eyes. 'He needs to know, and I don't want to lie anymore.'

Only when the train is already moving does he find Levi at one of the first windows. Eren runs, and fortunately, the train is not too fast yet. While running, he knocks on the window, and sees Levi flinch when he catches sight of him. The train speeds up, and Eren struggles to keep up.

"I love you!" he shouts. Levi just looks at him uncomprehendingly, and points to his ear.

'No, this can't be true,' Eren thinks as he falls back further and further. He can't see Levi anymore, his legs are burning, and his lungs contract convulsively. He can't run anymore, so he stops. Panting, he looks after the train carrying the love of his life who has no idea how much he is loved.

******

Eren doesn't go straight home. The thought of his empty apartment makes him even more sad than he already is. He feels empty, and numb when he rings Armin's doorbell. When his friend opens the door, and sees Eren, he stares at him with wide eyes. Eren's bun has come loose, many strands are falling down his face, his eyes are red from crying, and his body is slumped like a heap of misery.

"God, Eren! What happened? You look pretty beat up." Armin grabs him by the arm, drags Eren into his apartment, and leads him to the sofa where they both sit down. "Eren, talk to me. What's wrong?"

Eren sighs heavily. "Levi is gone. I wanted to tell him I love him, but I couldn't. Then I wanted to say it again, but the train–I was too late."

Armin shakes his head in confusion. "Okay, but did you tell him or not?"

Eren shakes his head, but then nods. "I yelled it to him as I ran after the train, but he couldn't hear me."

"Oh." Armin sighs, and pats Eren's arm. "I'm sorry, Eren."

"Yeah, it's just... everything just sucks right now, but it's my own fault. Now Levi's going back to Erwin, and I'm sitting here wondering what if. I–"

The ringing of his cell phone interrupts him. When Eren sees that Levi is the caller, the phone almost drops out of his hand. Why is he calling him? Surely, he can't be back in Stohess yet. Eren hesitates to take the call, but Armin nudges him in the arm.

"Pick it up, maybe it's important."

Eren's eyebrows furrow, but then he answers the call. "Yeah?"

"What did you say?"

Dumbfounded, Eren blinks. "What?"

"When you were chasing after the train, what did you say? I saw you shout something so don't deny it."

Eren gulps, and his gaze darts to Armin who looks at him questioningly with wide eyes. This is his chance. He can do it since he's said the magic three words before.

"I–" again his voice gives away, and the words catch in his throat. Fear floods his body, as a small dark voice whispers to him that it's hopeless, and that Levi has chosen Erwin.

"Eren? Are you still there?"

"What? Uh, yeah, I just wanted to say... take care of yourself. You didn't have to call me specifically for that."

Eren hears Levi snort on the other end. "Are you sure you said that?"

"Yeah."

"Oh." There's a brief moment of silence. "Good, then I know now. I'll call you later."

Eren feels terrible, everything inside him screams that he’s a coward, but fear paralyzes him. It's greater than the desire to have Levi for himself.

"Talk to you later, Levi."

He ends the call, and sighs in annoyance as he tosses his head against the back of the sofa. "Fuck."

"What's wrong? What did Levi say?"

Eren turns his head to the side, and looks at Armin. "He wanted to know what I said earlier when I was chasing the train. Damn, I hope he didn't hear me, nor read from my lips what I really said."

Armin shakes his head. "Eren, you've got to make up your mind. Do you want Levi to know about your feelings? Do you want to take the risk? Then tell him! If you don't want to, that's fine too, but then don't complain about it. I really love you, but I think you don't even know what you want yourself."

Astonished, he looks at Armin. He’s amazed at his firm tone for the second time in a short time. First last night at the club, and now today. "It's not that simple, Armin! What if it doesn't work out with Levi and me? Then I'll lose my friend and my love… That would annihilate me," he says, staring at his hands. "Besides, it's easy for you to say since you're already with Annie."

"And do you really think we would be a couple if I hadn't asked her out? If I hadn't told her after numerous dates that I had fallen in love with her? You have to take the risk, Eren. Someone always has to make the first move."

"Yeah, but why do I have to be the one?" Eren sighs in frustration. Suddenly, he feels exhausted. "I think I'd better go," he says, getting up from the sofa.

"Eren, don't be mad at me, please," Armin says, and walks up behind Eren who by now has arrived at the front door. "I just want you to be happy."

Eren forces himself to smile. "I'm not angry with you, Armin. Just at myself. I just need to be alone for a bit right now. Thanks for having me."

******

At home, Eren falls straight into his bed. He buries his nose deep into the pillow where Levi had slept last night, and starts literally soaking up the scent. Eren cries softly into the cushion, hugging it tightly, and wishing his heart would finally stop aching. Yet it tugs, and stings incessantly.

When the doorbell rings, he doesn't get up. Eren doesn't want to see anyone, and pulls the covers over his head, just like he did this morning. Though the ringing doesn't stop. Penetratingly, someone keeps pressing on the doorbell, and the ringing starts hurting his ears.

"Can't I have peace for once?!" he yells angrily while tearing the blanket off of his head.

Annoyed, he gets up, and stomps to the door. Whoever is bugging him like this is definitely in trouble now! He pulls open the door, and is about to start yelling when he notices that none other than Levi is standing in front of him. His face is contorted with rage, and his hands are on his hips.

"You're taking longer for everything today, aren't you?" he growls, and rushes past the puzzled looking Eren into the apartment.

Eren doesn't know what to say. He closes the door, and stares at Levi. "What–why are you here?"

"I’m here because I said I won't leave until we sort everything out. And I still don't think we've sorted everything out. So I got off at the next station, and came back. Eren, I want you to tell me the truth now," he demands angrily while running a hand through his hair. "What the hell did you say earlier? It was important, or you wouldn't have run after the train. So, don't come up with any stupid excuses. I'm waiting."

Levi taps his foot impatiently on the floor. His arms are crossed in front of his chest, as he often does. Eren swallows under his penetrating gaze. The gray eyes seem to burn, and the blue speckles seem to simmer.

Eren opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. He's out of air. The fear is back, and pressing on his lungs while his heart beats so hard that it makes him dizzy.

Levi sighs. "You want to know what I think you said?" he says, suddenly calm. He takes a step toward Eren. "Did you say 'I love you', Eren?"

Hot tears form in his eyes again, and Eren feels as if he is about to faint. He is still staring at Levi, who is now standing right in front of him, wiping away a tear with his thumb. His hard features are now softening, and so is the anger from his eyes. Something else now shimmers in the gray, and turning it into liquid silver.

"Do you love me, Eren?"

Eren takes a deep breath, and closes his eyes. He presses his lips firmly together, and nods. Time seems to stand still, and the apartment is filled with silence. Eren doesn't dare open his eyes. Then he feels Levi's hand at the back of his neck as he pulls him down to where he is. As Levi presses their foreheads together, he slowly opens his eyes. Levi smiles at him, and finally, Eren recognizes the feeling that is now reflected in his eyes.

"You're such an idiot, Eren. I love you too."

As Levi seals their lips in a kiss, Eren knows he is about to pass out. His whole body tingles as their lips brush tenderly over each other, and the tip of Levi's tongue slides into his mouth. Kissing Levi has always been special, but now fireworks explode in Eren's stomach as their tongues lovingly tease each other. He runs his hands through Levi's silky hair, and holds him tight as if afraid of losing his friend again. Gently, and without haste, they give themselves to each other, and all of their mutual feelings of love are in this one kiss.

Eren can't believe that Levi returns his feelings. It feels unreal, and he is afraid that he will wake up from this beautiful dream at any moment.

They kiss until they are breathless. As they separate, and open their eyes again, Eren can't help, but stare at Levi, stunned. "You–really love me?" he asks in a brittle voice.

"Yes, Eren."

Suddenly, a thousand questions are on his mind. "Since when?"

A gorgeous red haze settles on Levi's cheeks as he sheepishly rubs the back of his neck with his hand, and averts his gaze. "It's been a while."

"How long exactly?" Eren asks, placing his fingertips under Levi's chin, and lifting his head so that he's forced to look at him.

Levi sighs. "I don't know how long exactly, but it's been since you were with Reiner."

Eren's eyes widen in surprise. "What, but–you never said a word?!"

Levi grabs his hand, and pulls him to the sofa. "We shouldn't discuss such important matters standing up in the middle of the living room," he says, and they sit down. "And how was I supposed to say anything? I don't interfere in a relationship, even if it's a bad fucking relationship."

"But," Eren takes Levi's hand in his, and runs his thumb over Levi's warm skin. He smiles as he looks at their entwined fingers, "why did you suggest the friendship plus thing? And what about Erwin? And why–"

Levi laughs softly. "Breathe, Eren. The friendship plus was only out of selfishness. Of course, I enjoyed being physically close to you. Who doesn't want to sleep with the person that they love?"

Eren grins, leans over, and presses a quick kiss to Levi's lips. "Yeah, that was very selfish of you. You really are a bad person, Levi."

"Tch." Levi playfully tugs at Eren's long hair. "It was hard, believe me. I had you, and yet somehow I didn't."

"But, why didn't you say anything?"

Levi raises his eyebrows. "The same reason you didn't say anything."

Eren snorts, but nods. He was afraid of rejection, too. Afraid of destroying everything they had with a confession. Eren understands that. "Touché, but what about Erwin? Does he even exist?"

"Yes, he exists. I went out for a drink with him twice, and that's it." Levi shrugs. "I thought I could get over you through him. Well, it didn't work. I even ended up telling him about you."

"So, you didn't–well, with him–"

"No, of course not. Absolutely nothing happened with Erwin, no kiss, and certainly no sex. But," a smirk appears on Levi's lips, "could it be that you were a little jealous?"

Eren screws up his face. "Maybe."

"Oh yeah, you were definitely jealous. You ended our video chat just like that."

"Okay, I was jealous! Are you happy now?" Eren admits, pouting, and pushing his lower lip forward.

"Yes, very happy." Levi strokes his lower lip with his thumb.

"Well, there's just no one as great as me," Eren says, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Levi rolls his eyes. "Don't be sassy, or do you want me to spank you?"

"Oh yeah, that would be nice," Eren breathes while licking his lips.

For a moment Levi stares at him, stunned, but then he laughs. "Bedroom, now."

******

4.5 months later

"That was the rest, right?" Eren asks, gasping as he sets the bag down on his bed.

"Yeah, that was it. Why are you panting like that? I thought you worked out at the gym regularly," Levi teases as he puts a stack of shirts in the closet.

Eren sticks his tongue out at his boyfriend. "You better be nice to me, or you can move right back out."

"Tch, I hardly think so. Who's been whining for weeks that he can't stand another day without me, huh?"

Eren pouts. "You're mean. You should be happy that I missed my boyfriend so much," he says, walking over to Levi, and wrapping his arms around him from behind. He presses a kiss to his cheek. "It's good to have you back, and welcome home."

Levi smiles, and turns his head to the side to kiss Eren on the mouth. Some days, Eren still can't believe his luck. Levi is finally back from Stohess, and is officially moving in with Eren. Since they spend every spare minute together anyway, it didn't make sense for them to continue having two apartments. Pieck was thrilled when Eren gave her the good news that she could stay in Levi's old apartment indefinitely.

Besides that, not much has changed in their relationship except that they are now officially a couple. When their friends found out they were dating, everyone was happy for them. Of course, it wasn't really a surprise to anyone. To Eren's dismay, his friends had even bet on how long it would take for them to finally admit their feelings. Eren was surprised to learn that his sister, of all people, had hit the jackpot.

However, it had not been easy to get along without the other in recent months. The longing for Levi was even stronger now that they were finally a couple. They had visited each other as often as possible, and Eren had even met Erwin during one of his visits to Stohess. They liked each other right away, even if it was strange for Eren at first that Erwin had dated his boyfriend for a short time.

Though all of the waiting, and missing has now come to an end because Levi is back. He had to promise Eren that he would not take another semester at another university because from now on nothing will separate them.