Chapter Text
After we ate Hanji's team prepared for bed in the house across from us. When they'd finally bedded down for the night and we were sure we wouldn't be interrupted we began to discuss the situation.
I held Reni close and listened as Levi explained the situation to her, he left nothing out, including the fact I'd tried to kill myself under the tree, Hanji listened clearly excited as she took notes. I had the feeling she was planning all kinds of new experiments due to the new information Levi had given her.
Something's he said I couldn't remember like the fever and seizing on the table. I felt shit for everything I'd put him through.
When Levi finished Hanji reached into the bag she had beside her and passed over the small box that contained the injections, passing Reni to Levi I took it from her. Stupid box where were you last week. Opening it I quickly grabbed the syringe and stabbed it into my leg. Now both Levi and I wouldn't have to worry for a little while at least. Levi said nothing but didn't bother trying to hide the scowl on his face.
Replacing the syringe I closed the box and slid it out the way before taking Reni back. I didn't regret Reni. He was so perfect but I did regret the fact Levi would be tied to me forever through this one tiny human.
We talked long into the night about what we should do and say. Hanji was all for telling the truth but the idea made me so uneasy. Even if she had no problem with it there was the rest.
Reni started to fuss and immediately Hanji stuck her hands out
"Eren give the little monster to meeee"
My blood ran cold. I knew she was joking but my whole body stiffened. She'd voiced what I was most afraid of, she'd called Reni a monster. She beamed across the table with her arms out completely oblivious to the pain she'd caused.
"Actually is it alright if we go to bed...?"
Her smiled lessened but still remained plastered on her face and as she dropped her hands and nodded.
Standing up I carried Reni over to where the our things had been placed. I laid him down long enough to pull out my bedroll and blankets. Laying them out I quickly laid down and pulled him in close to my chest. I didn't want the world to call him a monster.
*
As soon as he heard Eren's soft snores Levi let loose on Hanji. She may have been oblivious to the pain she'd caused with her words but Levi certainly wasn't. Hanji's smile faltered as he explained Eren's fears over Reni, his biggest being their child being labeled a monster forever.
Hanji didn't say anything for a long time when he'd finally finished and he found himself wondering if this was the quietest she'd ever been. Finally she bounced back from his words and started asking about Eren's short pregnancy.
Even though he'd filled her in about it when Eren had been awake he repeated his words for her. She agreed with his theory that the amount of trauma Eren had gone through had sent his titan powers into over drive. She really couldn't see any other reason for it.
"Levi, I know Eren seems happier but are you?"
He thought long and hard about it. It wasn't like he hadn't wondered that himself
"I know my alpha is... I don't think he's ever been this calm... and Reni is adorable besides it's not like Eren is a sooky little omega, he's got more strength than most other people I know"
"I'm not asking about them. I'm asking about you. Taking a mate and having a child were never in your life plans"
"Tch! I know what you're asking, I'm still processing it. When we realised we'd bonded I think both of us went into panic. Eren told me about what the MPs did and I was hoping that the bond would prevent anything like that happening to him again... but now we have Reni. And I know the mark is swaying my feelings but I do feel something like affection for the boy, maybe it's not love but I do want to know him better... shit Hanji... maybe I am?"
Hanji laughed at Levi's words, she'd never seen him like this, usually he was so cold and focused. She'd never imagined he'd have a life outside his job.
She knew Eren was damaged and she knew Levi was just as damaged they really did seem to suit each other and hoped they'd be able to heal each other's wounds.
She watched as Levi's glare turned to a frown and he pushed away from the table, her eyes followed his figure as he moved over to Eren. It was only now she noticed Eren's sounds of distress, the teen clearly lost in a nightmare. Carefully Levi held Reni up to his chest before sitting down next to Eren properly. His fingers threaded almost lovingly through Eren's hair.
"Eren..."
Levi's fingers slipped down to Eren's shoulder and gently shook him. Hanji couldn't quiet believe what she was seeing.
"Tch! Brat wake up"
He shook Eren's shoulder harder and the teen finally stirred. Sitting up he buried his face against Reni and Levi's chest.
Hanji excused herself for the night leaving the two mates to their private moment.
*
Levi took Reni for the morning letting Eren sleep in until the last minute. He knew Eren had kept waking during the night and wanted the teen well rested before they left.
Hanji's team had mapped out their return route and explained to Levi where they'd left the horses and gear. It was about halfway down across the valley between the two ridges.
They'd have to walk for the most part given how much they had to carry. He hated waking Eren, the kid was obviously more than exhausted and wondered if he'd be able to make the trek at all, but of course he refused any help.
Eating quickly he took Reni from Levi so he could feed him while Levi made sure everything was packed.
Finally it was time to move out.
As they trekked down away from the small town Eren found himself feeling like he was losing yet another home. So much had happened there and he didn't even know the towns name, he made a mental note to ask when they got back to HQ.
*
They'd only been walking a few hours but Eren was already stumbling hard, Levi could see the sweat running off his brow. Taking Reni from the teen he shot him a look "if you need to stop all you have to do is say", Eren shook his head and picked up his pace and Levi couldn't help but feel a little proud of the effort he was making.
It was another 3 hours before they stopped, Eren all but collapsed against a tree, clearly having issues with drawing breath. Damping a cloth he wiped the teens face down before rinsing it and holding it to Eren's forehead. He received a weak thank you for his efforts.
Reni started to fuss again and Hanji (who had been holding him so Levi could tend to Eren), passed his down to Eren. He ignored they stares as he fed his son, he prayed for their sakes they wouldn't say anything in front of Levi.
Once Reni was fed Levi took him and burped him while Eren straightened himself out. They waited another half hour before pressing on.
*
By the time they reached the horses it was already sunset, they'd made good pace heading down but Levi worried for Eren. Even with the downward momentum he'd struggled and tomorrow would be an uphill climb. True they'd be heading on a more gentle slant than if they'd been heading up the ridge but he wondered if Eren would be able to handle it.
That night Eren was the first to head bed after dinner, his eyes had already been slipping closed as he tried to eat.
He let Levi help him strip and then place Reni next to him. Levi smiled as Reni wrapped his tiny fingers around Eren's large ones. They were both adorable.
Shaking his head he told the rest of them to go to sleep too, he'd keep watch.
When Hanji woke up a few hours later she took over and Levi curled up with Eren. The teens dreams had been nightmare free but he still wanted to provide the boy with some form of comfort.
*
Morning came too early but thankfully Reni had slept through the whole night and the bags under Eren's eyes had lessened. Levi let Eren organise himself and eat before handing Reni to him to he could do the same.
Once the horses had been loaded they set out. Eren seemed to be doing much better now his load had been lessened. Levi had wanted to put him up on a horse but at wasn't really suitable in the forest.
Following Hanji's team the two of them stayed towards the back. Levi found himself smiling as Eren talked to Reni about all the trees and animals that lived in the forest, he knew a lot for a brat.
When they stopped for lunch Hanji informed them that they were way behind schedule, Levi didn't miss the glint in her eye, she was obviously planning something.
After lunch the pace she set was almost gruelling. Eren was beginning to struggle again and not that he'd admit it but Levi was starting to feel it too. He scolded himself vowing to train extra hard to make up for the last 2 weeks. He'd also have Eren train to build his stamina back up.
He felt Eren tug on his sleeve and only just managed to take Reni from him before the teen collapsed.
"Hanji!"
Even to his ears his shout sounded panicked. Everyone stopped and Hanji finally reached them.
Kneeling down next to Eren she placed her hand against his forehead, he felt feverish and his body covered with sweat. She tried to wake the teen but Eren was completely out of it.
"Levi if you pass me Reni I'll carry him while you carry Eren. Once we get over this dip there's a clearing we can set up in while we wait for him to wake up"
Waiting until she was standing he passed his son over, he shot her a glare making sure she understood nothing was to happen to him. He then picked up his omega. Eren was lighter than he remembered. He'd have to fatten him back up when they got home.
Hanji's idea of a clearing being over the dip turned into a half hour walk with Levi hoping she knew where she was going. Eren was still sweating and small pants fell from his lips, Levi hoped he wouldn't fall into a fever like the last one.
Sitting Eren down by a tree he once again wiped the teen down. His condition seemed to be worsening and Hanji made the call they'd be camping here for the night.
They hadn't bothered with the tents last night but now she wanted to set one up so she could examine Eren better. She soon had 2 of her helpers assembling one, Reiner and Bertolt if he remembered correctly. Once the tent was set up he carried Eren inside and laid him out on the bedroll positioned in the middle of it. He held Reni close whispering comforting words as Hanji examine his brat.
She soon make quick work of Eren's shirt and rolled him onto his side. A nasty bite glowed and angry red on Eren's lower back. Levi didn't understand why it hadn't just healed. He found himself holding his breath with Hanji examined the bite declaring it to be a "spider bite of some sort".
He scolded Eren's unconscious form. Couldn't the kid just make things easy for once.
He had to turn away when Hanji started to dissect the site. The smell of rotten meat drifted from the open wound. Reni began to scream and he took his son back outside. He didn't want him to see this, even if he was too small to understand.
It seemed hours before Hanji finally reappeared. She plopped down happily next to him. She informed him happily as soon as she'd removed the infected tissue Eren's body had started healing straight away and he'd be just fine.
Reni squirmed as if to say he too was relieved and Hanji pretty much ordered is back into the tent and by Eren's side. It didn't take long before the brats big green eyes were staring up at us. He looked clearly confused and wrinkled his nose at the lingering smell in the tent
"What happened...?"
"You decided that you hadn't been through enough and got yourself bitten by a spider, don't worry Hanji cut the area out and you've already healed... if you take Reni I'll get you something to eat, it's already to late to head out again tonight"
Eren nodded as he pulled Reni down and close to him. The way his face lit up with love was almost too much. Stupid brat. How could he make me feel like this so easily.
As I was leaving Hanji was on her way in, 3 plates balanced on her arm. Taking two I turned back and sat down next to Eren. Hanji sat on the other side, immediately firing questions at Eren. I could almost hear him roll his eyes, but he still humoured Hanji. Appaerently he hadn't even felt the bite at all, and had only started to feel dizzy just before passing me Reni.
When he was finished Hanji took bout our plates and bid us goodnight.
Eren was clearly confused as the sun was only just starting to set. Levi could only shrug.
Levi spread his cloak out next to the small bedroll Eren was still sitting on, he stretched out and looked Reni from Levi.
Eren watched as his alpha played and talked to their son. He didn't even realise he was smiling until Levi gently teased him about it. Finally Eren brought up the "what are we going to say seeing everyone here seems to know"
He let Levi guide the conversation. Levi explained that he was willing to tell the truth to everyone and he'd do all he could to protect them but he wouldn't promise Eren anything. Eren nodded he was confused why the alpha would go to such lengths for him, especially what he'd put him through.
He wanted to know what Levi was feeling so he stretched his finger out and cupped the older mans face. Levi didn't flinch away from the contact instead he stared into Eren's eyes. Eren marvelled at how perfect and grey Levi's eyes were, the spoke volumes just like Reni's. Leaning forward he pressed a kiss to the older mans lips. It was a simple gentle kiss, to test the waters. Pulling back he smiled and shrugged, he could feel himself starting to blush. Levi didn't say anything but brought a hand up to cup Eren's face. He gently rubbed his cheek with the pad of his thumb. Neither could deny they were bonded and the emotion they were feeling at the moment.
"Eren when we get back to HQ I want you and Reni to move in with me. I can't guarantee I'll be the best room mate but I don't want to let either of you out of my sight, for the time at least. I also want you to tell me more about yourself, I can't have my omega keeping secrets. I can't promise I'll love you like an alpha is supposed to but I also won't leave you"
Levi felt flustered just trying to get the words out. He hoped Eren understood what he was trying to say.
He watched Eren's green eyes widen again.
He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something but quickly shut it again and looked down
"Tch! Just spit it out brat..."
"Can I kiss you again... sir?"
Levi nearly laughed at how shy Eren was. He nodded and let the teen close the distance again.
He'd expected another soft kiss, not to have the teen mash his mouth and hungrily lick and suck at his bottom lip before kissing him deeply. Levi couldn't help but moan into the kiss. His alpha stirred and he felt himself wanting more. Breaking the kiss he lent back so Eren took the hint. He tried to smile and reassure the teen. He watched Eren first tense and then relax.
"You should try get some sleep..."
Eren nodded and stretched out before reaching out for Reni. Levi passed his omega the baby and laid out on his cloak.
He let his own eyes shut.
*
They'd left just before sunrise, Eren easily kept up with Hanji today and Levi was relieved.
It took them the better part of two days to reach the edge of the trees, after this they still had the long ride back but as it was Levi was sick of looking at trees.
Hanji and her team mounted up. Bertolt and Reiner riding together so Levi could ride with Eren. Their own horse had long since vanished.
Levi tried to ignore how subdued Eren seemed. He knew how much Eren was worrying, but there was nothing he could say that would ease his mind. Levi was worrying just as much.
They managed to make it through the first day without any contact with titans. Eren didn't speak at all that night. Instead he skipped dinner and went straight to bed.
He was the first awake in the morning. Up and packed long before Levi. Levi woke to find his omega sitting a little ways from the camp with Reni cuddled up to his chest.
Levi could hear his quiet sobs and he came over squatting next to the boy. He ran his fingers though Eren's hair before turning his face towards his own. He didn't say anything only giving an Eren a nod. Eren nodded back and Levi helped him to his feet before taking Reni.
The roar of the titan filled the whole place and Eren froze. His features flashed briefly with fear before determination took over.
"Levi take Reni. I'll take care of the titan..."
"Eren!" Levi's voice was more of a growl than he'd intended.
"Levi please. Just protect him..."
Before Levi could reply Eren was off and running. Levi could only watch as his omega bit down and shifted into his titan form.
Barking orders at Hanji he swiftly organised everyone. He wanted to join the fight beside his omega but didn't trust anyone else to look after Reni. Instead he was forced to watch as Eren killed 3 smaller sized titans before becoming unstable, Levi realised what was happening and passed Reni over to Hanji before firing his manoeuvre gear. Swiftly and efficiently he threw himself forward until he finally landed on Eren's shoulders. He didn't hesitate to cut the teen and then jump clear of the falling form.
Hanji was already riding towards them leading their horse. Lifting Eren up Hanji hold him in place so Levi could mount, the pulled Eren's arms over this shoulders and used his cravat to tie his wrists together, this way there was no way the teen would slip. Hanji finally handed Reni over once Levi was organised. He unbuttoned the top half his shirt and rested Reni inside before covering his chest with his cloak.
Only then did he follow Hanji.
*
By the time they reached HQ Eren still wasn't awake. Evidently not shifting for 2 weeks had left him totally wiped. With Hanji's help they lowered Eren and then she took Reni so he could dismount. Hanji watched trying not to laugh as he picked Eren up bridal style before asking her to follow with Reni.
They ignored the looks and whispers as they walked straight up to Levi's room. Erwin could wait for his damn report.