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"Ridiculous." Eren grins as his car door opens, giving way to scorching sun and dusty sand. "You know you don't need to woo me anymore, right?"
"Very much so. And yet, here I am, wooing my wife."
Snorting, Eren gets out. He reaches for Levi's hand in the process and allows his husband to guide him.
"Gentle. Don't touch the roof. It's searing." The care Levi invests in him is truly marvelous.
"Don't worry." Eren turns around and brushes his hands over his skirt to get rid of any wrinkles. "It's beautiful out here. Just a little hot."
"Like you." Levi brushes back the hair over Eren's shoulder, keeping the wig from sticking to his face. "Beautiful and hot."
Heat creeps into his cheeks as Eren snorts again. "You're the worst." But all he gets from his husband is a little nod. "Thank you, though. For the trip. For the picnic. For—" Soft sounds echo from the trunk of their car. "For that as well."
"Always, my love." Normally, ice resides in Levi's steel blue gaze, but the way he looks at Eren … there's warmth. "I'll get the basket."
Within minutes, a blanket spreads out across the sand. Levi even brought sunscreen and an umbrella. What a considerate lover. "It's like a mini vacation, really."
"Combines necessary with pleasure, I guess. Besides, the weather is far too nice not to take you out."
"I even put on a dress for you," Eren points out, dragging his hands over the soft fabric.
Amusement crinkles Levi's lips just a little."Are you sure it wasn't for the traffic cameras when we left the city?"
"Positive. I mean, the goal was to look like a woman, yes, but I could have picked an ugly costume, no?"
"You look hot in everything. Besides, if you'd chosen something hideous … I'd just taken it off of you." Around them, the air swirls and crinkles with heat. Eren's sweaty and they didn't even start digging yet. But the way Levi looks at him …
"Do you wanna fuck?" It's not the most polite or tactful way of asking, but who ever cared about that? Certainly not them.
Levi actually smiles this time as he nods. "Always, my love. But let's get to that at home. First, we gotta take care of a little … situation."
He's right, of course, but as Eren's eyes wander to the trunk of their car, he still sighs. "We could go twice?" It's a futile attempt, but Eren's gotta try.
Lucky for him, Levi seems to actually consider it. "Fine, okay little minx. I can't say no to you in that dress. With that hair. Damn it, you're doing things to me, Eren. First we take care of the body, then I promise I'll devote all of my attention to your body. Deal?"
Eren's smile widens. "Time to start digging."
Beep, beep, bee—
Eren's palm slams down on the alarm clock. But he doesn't manage to silence the stupid thing. It keeps yelling at him to get up, be productive, offer something to society. Aren't his everyday struggles enough?
With a groan, Eren peels out of his sheets. He reaches for the object of his hatred and silences the maddening noise. Finally. Peace.
Rise and shine. He can't afford to look like trash—today is an important day. The first student-teacher conference, and with his newest students at that. Which means an entire new set of parents as well.
God, he can't wait to see the faces of the fuckers who raised the snot nosed monsters. Eren stumbles into the bathroom and washes his face. He takes a piss, brushes his teeth, and tries to get his hair into any shape at all. It's messy but the best he can do without rewashing it.
On his way to school, Eren screams along to his music. It helps to get any potential aggressions out as early as possible. The preschoolers aren't at fault for their bad manners and the parents are usually not around to bear the consequences of their actions—or inactions.
Today though … today Eren's going to make sure the idiots will be made aware of how much they're spoiling their little brats.
Haaah.
He twists the key in the ignition and closes his eyes. One more moment to himself before the stress actually starts. Eren composes himself—the children deserve his best self after all. He does his best to give them exactly that.
But it also means Eren's wiped when the last bell of the day rings. Unlike other days, though, his work isn't over. He tries, really tries, not to give in when his eyes threaten to flutter shut. God, this is exhausting. And boring. Every single parent whines about the same issues.
Yes. The backpacks are too heavy. Yes. Homework is annoying but sometimes necessary. No. Eren can't control every allergy but he'll try his best. God damn it, no. He's not a nurse. If a child falls he's not responsible for assessing the injury; parents actually have to put in some effort themselves and go to the doc.
Ugh.
At least his day ends with the Ackerman siblings. They're surprisingly well behaved for children. So what are their parents like? Is their mom as obsessed with cleaning as the kids? Is their dad as strong?
Eren pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to stave off his headache just a little longer when finally, the classroom door opens for the last time that day. Okay. He's got this.
His eyes wander up thick, muscular legs in lean clothes. A perfectly tucked shirt, accompanied by a clean haircut. It frames the most handsome yet cold face he's ever seen. Mister Ackerman is a wet fucking dream and Eren bites his lip.
Damn it, right now isn't the time to thirst over a parent. Especially not a married, straight one with two lovely—
The door bangs open a second later, loud enough to startle Eren. Oh boy, what a mood Miss Ackermann must be in.
Eren's gaze strays to the door. His back straightens immediately. Ah. Well. Fuck him. Miss Ackermann is a six foot tall man with a beard and a sneer deep enough to be etched into his face forever.
The two settle in front of Eren, as much space between them as humanly possible. So … no mommy?
"Spit it out."
"Sorry?" Eren's eyebrows shoot up, both because the words surprised him and because he has no idea what to say.
"If you have a problem … tell us now."
"If you have a problem … tell us now." Levi glares at the young teacher. His first impression was … well. Pleasant. But now the boy won't stop staring, and Levi can't take it anymore.
"Not a problem, sir." He shakes his head, brown hair flying. "I just didn't expect—"
"Faggots?" Levi challenges, voice as cold as it gets.
He expects a sneer or a fumbled apology, something to give him any relief—but instead the boy snorts. "I hope you don't use that word around Farlan and Isabel, Mister Ackerman." The boy lightly shakes his head again. "I'm Mister Jaeger. And I was surprised because the kids spoke about their mother from time to time. So I didn't expect two male presenting people to walk in. That's all I was—"
"Two men," Kenny growls. "We have cocks. Balls. We're men."
"Mister Ackerman, that's not how—"
"I don't need a teacher, boy."
Great. Just great. Levi sighs and raises his hands. Maybe it'll placate them. Hopefully. "My wife died two years ago. Since then I've been raising the kids with my uncle." Levi jerks his head in Kenny's direction.
As if his explanation wasn't enough, Kenny clarifies, "We're not fucking, if that's what worries you."
This is going great. Levi sighs again. "Mister Jaeger. I'm sorry but we had a long day. Can we just forget about the entire situation? You tell us about Farlan and Isabel, we nod and go home? There's no need to stretch this meeting out." Except maybe the teacher's lovely eyes and the warm look on his face, but … no.
Levi won't go down that road. Not after Petra died. Especially not with someone who's responsible for the education of his kids.
Mister Jaeger seems to have similar thoughts. They quickly discuss demeanor in class, punctuality, general behavior, and the skill levels of both kids.
Apparently, they're smarter than he used to be at their age. Or maybe losing their mother made them more resilient. Whatever it is … the teacher seems happy.
He's even smiling. Smiling such a warm, sweet smile. God. Levi's fucked. He can't think like that, especially not right now. Not while Kenny is controlling all of them, not while … He shakes his head.
Levi stands and nods once, eyes more on Eren's shoes than his face to avoid the little tingling in his stomach. "Thank you, Mister Jaeger. We'll continue to work with them on improving."
Kenny snorts. "You sound like you have a stick up your ass. Relax, Levi. He won't fuck you just because you grovel."
What the hell? His eyes snap up, but maybe making eye contact was a mistake. Because heat shoots up into his face, along with what must be an impressive blush. Levi splutters. Yes, it's Kenny's forte to make fun of him. To embarrass him. To be an absolute asshole, but … in front of a teacher? That's a new low.
Desperate to explain himself, Levi searches Mister Jaeger's gaze—but the boy smiles. It seems distant for a moment, then his head tilts. "He's just being polite. Right?"
Is he giving Levi an out? That man might be an angel.
"You really wanted that boy, didn't you?" Kenny huffs as he peels his eyes off the TV. "Jaeger, that was his name?"
"I wanted to hear what he's got to say about the kids, that's all." Yes, Levi might have made eyes at the pretty guy, but … well. He can dream, right?
"You wanted his cock in your—"
"Kenny." Levi growls his warming. Not even because his uncle's words are wrong. But Farlan and Isabel don't need to hear him talk like that. They're still grieving their mother, just like Levi, but … is it so bad he'd like to forget about the pain for a while?
Besides, it would be easier to handle if Levi weren't sure his own uncle was involved in her murder. Levi swallows and turns back to the TV. Technically, he could probably take Kenny out. He could free himself of … everything. But what then?
Kenny's men will come for him. He's as good as dead if Levi is connected to his uncle's untimely demise, so … all he's got left is blind hope that the bastard will tumble down the stairs one day and die.
At least he doesn't hit the kids. For some reason, they're Kenny's only weakness.
Levi licks his teeth before his eyes wander once more. "You hated Petra, anyway," he whispers. Of course, maybe Kenny is pissed about Levi showing the slightest signs of interest in a man of all options, but … unlikely. Kenny is a lot of things. A homophobe isn't one of them.
Perhaps he'd be a better person if he hadn't lost his own lover years ago.
"So?"
"So why … are you an asshole now? You didn't like her. You don't like me being alone. What do you want?"
Kenny chuckles and takes a long swig of his beer. When he slams it down on the table in front of them, part of the bottle shatters. Alcohol leaks across the table, but he makes no attempt to quell the flow.
Instead, he sneers at Levi. "Maybe I just like seeing you miserable."
Deep breath, Eren. Calm down.
He glances at the doorway, sending a carefully crafted smile in the direction of Mister Ackermann.
Damn, that man is beautiful. And right here. Why is he here? Farlan and Isabel? Is something wrong with them?
Eren gets up and wanders over. "Hey there." He offers an even bigger smile. "Did you want to see me?"
No. Wait. No! Fuck. That sentence can be misunderstood. And the poor guy just recently lost his wife and—
"I did, but …" Mister Ackerman's eyes finds his daughter's. "She forgot her lunch. And I was worried."
What a good dad. Eren's heart melts. So much so, it takes a moment for his brain to process the first part of his response. "You did? Want to see me?"
Steel gray eyes widen. Did he not even realize he said it out loud? What a wonderful flush that creeps into those high cheekbones. Eren wants to reach out and touch them.
"I'm sorry, Mister Jaeger, if—"
"I'm glad to see you," Eren blurts out. That's a problem he has, talking before he thinks. Sometimes it saves his ass, sometimes it gets him in trouble. Hard to tell which one it is right now. "I mean … for her sake. For Isabel. I'm sure she appreciates the snack."
He nods, eyes still wide. But a small smile curls thin lips. "Thank you."
"Thank you," Eren offers. "I wish more parents were like you, Mister Ackerman. So caring and kind and …"
"Levi," he breathes.
Levi. Eren savors the name like a treat. He nods, slowly, before he lets his gaze travel across the room. "Would you like to … I don't know. Stay for a moment? And watch them?" That isn't even allowed. Parents have no place in classrooms … but Eren can't let him go now.
Something about him draws Eren in, like a moth to a flame. Dangerous. Wonderful. Is it insensitive to crave a grieving widower? Although … Eren doesn't even know if he's grieving. He should. Shouldn't he? It's just … there's something in his eyes. A wonderful spark. Eren has to see him burn.
"I can't … I can't stay." Levi shakes his head, pupils blown wide. "Although … I …" He looks into the hallway, up and down the lockers, then at the bathroom door.
It's wrong. Insensitive. Terrible. But … Eren licks his lips, before looking at the class. "Please occupy yourselves for a while. There's something I have to look into. You can draw something. A tree. A house. A house and a tree …" Eren's already pushing past the door as he mumbles the instructions.
He could lose his job for this. But Mister Ackerman follows him into the stalls. If it's so wrong, why does it feel so right?
Once they are both inside, Eren locks the door.
"What are we doing here?"
Eren shakes his head and pulls Levi closer. "I don't know. I … no idea."
"You could lose your job." Eren nods and kisses Levi just the same.
It's not that he doesn't care. But whatever possessed him minutes ago is in full control now.
His hands slide over lithe hips and under a pristine shirt. Damn, the urge to tear the other man apart is impossible to control. Eren's teeth find the side of Levi's neck, bite, caress, play. Nothing's ever felt so wrong and so perfect at the same time.
"I don't usually—"
"Me neither." Eren arrives at a perfect jaw bone and litters kisses all over it. Then he raises his mouth to the corner of Levi's. Licks there. Begs. Begs for entrance, attention, something to help ease the storm inside his chest.
Levi is merciful. He opens his lips, let's Eren in and pulls him closer. Throughout his life, Eren kissed dozens of people, but nothing'e ever felt like this. Tidal waves wash over him, drag him under, spit him out at the shore and start pulling him in anew, over and over.
Their touches are greedy and uncoordinated, yet it's the only thing he wants to feel for the rest of his days.
Eren's palms rub over warm flanks, drag Levi's shirt up and away from … scarred skin? What … What happened here? He doesn't get the time to pause and check before the smaller man pushes Eren against the stall door. "I want you. Please. I know, I know we shouldn't, but—"
He begs so prettily, but Levi doesn't even need to. Eren already wants him, would do anything and everything for the other, even though they only met once. Whatever chemistry exists between them is boiling enough to ruin any chance of clear thinking.
"I've got you. Shhhh. I've got you." It doesn't matter that his wife died, that Eren teaches his kids. Levi's the only thing on his mind. For a few seconds, Eren gropes and holds on to every part he can reach, but the whimpers he receives make him pause.
Is Levi in pain? Is he okay and just wants to be touched? When Eren stops fondling him, Levi presses their bodies together. "Please," he murmurs straight against Eren's neck, even more lost than before.
"Damn it," he hisses back and drops to his knees in a school bathroom. "It's okay. It's all good." Eren presses his face against Levi's pants and kisses the tent he finds. The straining erection welcomes him, silently pleading just as beautifully as its owner.
So Eren sucks cock on a public floor.
Once he finishes the other out of his pants, Eren's lips curl around a lovely, pink dick. Levi weeps onto his tongue. Just how long has it been since anyone's touched him? That's unacceptable. A man so handsome, so kind, deserves to be sucked dry every single day.
Yes, Eren and he barely know each other, but when his eyes find Levi's … fuck. Nothing compares. Cloudy gray swirls as the dark pools of his pupil pulse and grow until they seem to swallow every bit of his eye.
Until now, Eren never considered himself possessive. But this man?
Levi is his now.
Oh God. Oh God, oh fuck, oh shit. Levi's thighs shake as Mister Jaeger keeps sucking with the greed of an addict, painting his lovely cheeks red. How can someone be so dominant and yet … yet so giving?
Levi whimpers and curls his hand into the dark strands. "S—Sir." No, Levi isn't stuttering. Absolutely not. But his breath hitches again and again, making it impossible to form words, let alone sentences.
Rosy lips peel back for a moment, just to whisper against the side of his shaft. "Eren. I'm Eren." It's just a name, but it feels like so much more. Especially in combination with that forbidden mouth that tempt Levi. Tempt him to forget himself and everything he's ever learned because only one teacher matters now.
"I'm … fuck, sorry, I …" Levi wants to tell him it's been a while. That normally he's less of an easy child and more of a strong, capable man, but soon enough, he gets choked off by his own emotions. "Eren!" The name feels so fucking perfect on his lips.
The only thing better is the sensation of falling—and being caught. Strong arms hold Levi up as everything becomes too much. He tries to keep quiet—really, he tries, but sea green glares up at him, taunts him, pushes Levi to make a noise until he can't hold it in anymore and he crumbles.
"Fuck!" A broken gasp and a drawn out whine is all he can offer before Levi's legs give in. But Eren pulls him forward, keeps Levi upright, his face pressed to Levi's pelvis, cock balls deep as he spills down the most beautiful throat in the world.
What. The. Fuck. Just. Happened?
Levi swallows and glances down. He expects to find disgust, fear, worry … not a warm, lazy smile around his dick.
Eren's hazed eyes zero in on his before his tongue traces patterns over sensitive skin. "Thank you." He slurs his words, but the meaning is clear.
"I'm the one who should …" Levi trails off, but Eren shakes his head.
"Later. We'll … later. Okay? Please? Please, Levi. I need to see you again." His eyes seem to double in size as the most beautiful creature on earth begs to get another chance with Levi. As if he could say no. As if he wants to.
Levi pulls back just enough to crouch on the floor with Eren. Soon he will have to scrub every last fiber of his pants clean because he dirtied them so mindlessly, but for now … for now he cups Eren's face and pulls him close.
"Whether you want, Eren."
Their kiss is sweet in nature and salty in taste, but Levi doesn't mind getting a bit of himself onto his tongue. Not when it means Eren's lips are his for a little longer.
Not if it means Eren is his.
Two days. Two days pass until the doorbell chimes. Finally. Levi is a patient man, but waiting for Eren was a test of character.
After their little adventure, both exchanged numbers and returned to their lives as if they hadn't just broken a few laws.
But their adventure was very much real and so are the feelings tingling under Levi's skin. When was the last time he got so overwhelmed? Was it with Petra? Maybe not even with her. Sure, Levi loved her, but those feelings came from his brain. Logical, almost clinical. He felt for her because it made sense.
Not with Eren, though. Nothing makes sense with Eren. His heart stumbles over his brain, following the urgent need to embrace the younger man. Levi can't put a finger on it, but … damn. It's as if they know each other. Have known each other forever. Maybe in another lifetime.
Fate was never something Levi believed in, but now …
"Eren," he gasps softly as he opens the door.
"Levi." The other pushes in and drags him into a hug as if they are long lost lovers. So Levi squeezes him tighter. "I missed you."
"I missed you, too." Should they be ready to mumble such sappy sentiments? Far from it. Yet, the feeling that spreads in his chest calls Levi a liar whenever he tries to deny he needs it. Needs Eren. God, he's fucked.
"I'm sorry it took so long to—"
"Levi!" Kenny's voice bursts through their happy little bubble. "Beer!" The bastard doesn't even care to string more than two words together. After all, they're enough to convey his intent.
Eren tenses. "Who's—"
"My uncle."
A deep breath, then Eren rolls his shoulders, refocusing as it seems. "Why does he talk to you like that?"
"Because he's crazy. Crazy and controlling. He—"
Fuck. Levi pauses. What kind of insanity possessed him to say all those things? Eren isn't allowed to know! No one is allowed to know how Kenny treats him. The asshole has protection from dozens of nameless guns!
But instead of freaking out, Eren swallows. "I see." He curls his hand around Levi's face. "Do you want to bring him a beer?"
"I have to."
Eren takes a breath, looks him up and down, then nods—and repeats his words. "I see." Whatever the hell that means. "I'll wait here. Don't worry."
Levi does as he's told. Somehow being Kenny's little bitch feels even worse today. Maybe because Eren's watching. It's hard to admit to the level of control his uncle has—both over Levi and the kids. But what else is he supposed to do? Levi does his duty and returns to the door.
"Farlan and Isabel are out with friends today. So it's just you and me. If you want to, I mean. We can … fuck, I don't care. Whatever you want to do, I'm game."
Eren pushes off the door frame. "What do you like, Levi? What's something you enjoy?"
That … is hard to answer.
Three weeks.
They've been meeting for three weeks, and Eren's about ready to crawl out of his skin.
Love shouldn't feel like this.
So … all-encompassing, so overwhelming. Like it suffocates him at the same time as it helps him breathe.
If Eren could, he'd spend every free minute of his life with Levi. There's just one problem—and it's not even the kids. Who would have thought?
Isabel and Farlan are taking to him quite nicely. Under different circumstances, Eren would have tried to keep their relationship a secret from the kids for as long as possible. But it's hard to lie to them when they catch their teacher with his tongue down their father's throat. So Levi and Eren didn't even try.
Most children would be … prickly, to say the least. But the two are just young enough to think teachers are cool, so their daddy dating one is fine. At the end of the day, they aren't what's ruining the fourth date night in a row.
No.
It's Levi's stupid uncle Kenny.
Liking him would be easier if he didn't treat his nephew like trash. At least he's kind to the children, Eren's gotta admit that much, but fuck, the way he talks to Levi …
Eren was about to lose it the night before when his new partner had to head home because the grown-up fucking adult had a curfew. If only Eren could help. Getting his hands dirty isn't a problem. He doesn't mind blood and gore as long as it helps those he loves. But will Levi be angry?
"Hey." Eren's head snaps up. "Sorry for making you wait."
"I don't mind. It wasn't that lon—" He pauses the moment his eyes fall on Levi. "What did he do to you?"
"Nothing."
"Don't lie to me." Growling is the wrong approach. Eren learns so quickly when Levi pulls away, frowning at him. Damn it. He didn't intend to startle him! Eren swallows and tries again. "I just mean, I can see … there are bruises on your arm. Please don't tell me you fell. Or bumped into something."
Levi deflates visibly. So it was a lie. But at least the defensiveness melts away the moment Eren shows more concern than the desire to control. "He's good to the—" Levi shakes his head. "You know all this already. Can we go into the movie?"
Eren nods. He stands slowly. But that doesn't stop him from balling his fists. Levi deserves better. More. A peaceful life. Sure, they've barely been together, but … it's right. Everything between them fits. Things are perfect. So Eren wants to offer him everything.
Once inside the dark cinema, Levi takes his hand. Eren's eyes slip shut and he drops his head on the other's shoulder. "I missed being close to you." They haven't touched each other in four days. Not really, at least. To normal people, that might not be a big deal, but …
But.
"I missed you, too." Levi's gaze remains locked on the screen but he squeezes Eren's hand.
"Please tell me Kenny won't fuck up this date as well." Levi sighs. That's never a good sign, is it? "What? What did he do this time?"
"Nothing. It's not … it doesn't matter what he did. It's what he refuses to do. I wanted … I would have liked to go to your place after the movie. But Farlan and Isabel are home alone and—"
"He said he would watch them!" Eren doesn't plan to interrupt Levi, but the words burst out of him. Anger bubbles inside the pit of his stomach like lava in a volcano, surfacing too quickly to stop it.
Someone two rows down turns and hisses at them. "Keep quiet. This isn't a fucking conference room!"
It's enough for Eren to bolt out of his seat as he leans forward. "Keep quiet yourself, you fucking asshole, or I swear I'll slit your throat!" In that moment, he's pissed enough to mean it. But when Eren drops back onto his seat, fear crawls up his legs and into his guts.
What if his outburst scared Levi?
His eyes wander over, but instead of dread, all Eren finds is fascination. Levi blinks at him like a child who's never seen the sun before. God, the man is beautiful in all situations, but right now … Eren wants to kneel for him.
Levi reaches for his hand, squeezing tighter than before. "If you're so desperate to murder someone … you could always kill Kenny."
Eren waits for a little huff to give away a crude joke, but it never comes. Well, then.
Good to know.
What a beautiful day. The birds sing, the flowers bloom, not a cloud in sight.
But Eren doesn't have time to focus on the weather. He's busy watching Kenny Ackerman. Studying his habits. Learning all about the man he's about to kill.
He operates like clockwork, just a little more broken. Kenny gets up around lunch and leaves the house only in the evening for visits to the bar. He orders his hookers in, so the ways to and from his nightly liquor fueled adventures would be the easiest time to snatch him.
Eren doesn't want it to be easy, though. Not after what that son of a bitch has done to Levi. He parks in the Ackerman driveway and waits. Levi's working right now and the kids are in school. Technically that's where Eren should be as well, but he called in sick early in the morning.
Now he's here. Waiting for Kenny to come out and yell at him. Eren doesn't even have to lay on the horn—it only takes five minutes for the asshole to storm out. He's cloaked in yesterday's clothes and a cloud of alcohol paired with bad decisions. Just like Eren wants him.
"Hey, fuck face! What do you—"
Kenny doesn't expect the punch Eren delivers straight to his jaw. Or the kicks to his guts. No hesitation. Eren's here to do worse. Once the other man is on the floor, he swiftly drags Kenny into the house.
Luckily, the Ackermans live in a remote area with no direct neighbors in sight. What was probably supposed to hide Kenny's bullshit is now part of his demise. Isn't life beautiful in its irony? Eren smiles, even whistles a little as he hauls the asshole from room to room until he reaches the tiled garage.
This is perfect. Two more kicks, one to his liver and one to his sternum. Then he's entirely limp. Time to take stock. A few ropes, some chains, even metal cuffs. Maybe this isn't the first 'party' the garage gets to see.
Eren's never done this before, but it can't be that hard. Pain and anger have been close companions all his life, after all. And for Levi? Fuck, he would do anything for Levi. Burn down the entire world if he has to. What does it matter how young their love is? It's the right thing.
Once Eren's done, Kenny hangs from the ceiling. The position of an angel with the soul of a devil. What a wonderful sacrifice to their love. Eren takes out is phone. For a moment he hesitates … but no, he needs his lover here. Levi deserves justice.
After the third ring, he picks up. Finally. Eren smiles as the line connects. "Hello, my love." It's the first time he uses the word, but it just feels right. Like he has to say it.
"Eren? I'm at work."
"I know. I'm sorry for bothering you. But could you please come home? Your place, not mine."
Levi hesitates for a moment, then he mumbles, "Shouldn't you be in school? "
"I have a surprise for you, baby. It's important. It can't wait." When Levi remains silent, Eren adds, "Please?"
That seems to do the trick. "I'll … damn it. I'll be there in fifteen minutes. This better not be about some bullshit. If I don't get this deal done, Kenny will kill me."
"Don't worry about that, babe." Eren's smile broadens, as he locks eyes with the man himself. "Don't worry about any of that."
Levi unlocks the door with shaky hands. He swallows his frustration about leaving work as best as he can—after all, he gets to spend time with Eren in return. And the boy even has a surprise for him? Whatever that is, it must be important.
"In here." Eren's voice floats from the garage, a singsong carrying his words. "Come over, my love. Don't worry." There's that nickname again that makes Levi's entire body sizzle with heat and excitement.
"I'm—" He pauses in the doorway, one foot already halfway on the tiles. Levi blinks. In front of him stands Eren—as expected—but what he didn't expect is … "Kenny?" Levi whispers the name of his uncle.
The mop of dark hair rises to reveal a weathered, pained face. When has Levi seen this powerful man struggle? Had that ever happened before?
"Free. Me." Kenny's order rushes through Levi like electricity. He stumbles forward on muscle memory alone before Eren's words make him pause again.
"What?" The teacher sounds amused. "You want him to free you? After all the time you’ve held him hostage?" He snorts. "Don't ridicule yourself." When their eyes meet, Eren offers Levi the widest of smiles. "Hi there. I missed you. Sorry for bothering you at work, but …" He waves his hand in the direction of the chains that hold Levi's uncle.
"I guess that can't wait." The words taste like ash on Levi's tongue. Wrong. And yet … yet he steps forward.
Madness twinkles at him, shining through dark brown hair. "You little bastard, I swear, if you don’t—"
Levi buries his fist in Kenny's guts. For the first time in forever … he's free. Sure, Kenny is still dangerous and fuck, his men will probably hunt them down the second they notice Kenny's absence. But for now, for this moment in time … Levi belongs to no one but himself.
And Eren.
Sweet, smiling Eren, who caught Kenny like a spider in his net. Who presented him to Levi as a gift. A declaration.
"I love you." Levi whispers, the corners of his mouth lifting with fondness. Maybe it's too early in their relationship for phrases like that. But he doesn't really care. It's as if they've been together all their life. As if Eren was made for him.
Especially when he gaps like this and turns a wonderful rouge. "Levi." Tears well along his bottom lashes, but none of them spill. Not with how fast Eren tosses himself forward to hug Levi. "I love you, too."
For a moment, it's just the two of them.
Then, Kenny groans.
Levi turns to his uncle, still bound to the wall, twitching and flailing in the ropes but unable to free himself. "Have you done this before?"
Eren snickers. "No. But my dad’s a doctor. He sent me to all sorts of camps. One had a nautical theme. I learned all sorts of knots."
Ah. Levi nods slowly. His attention is captured by his uncle a second later when Kenny groans again. Is he in pain? Good. All the things Kenny did to him. All the suffering …
"What are we going to do with him?"
Eren's smile is warm and inviting. "Whatever you want, my love. You said I could murder him for you, but if you'd prefer to do so yourself—"
"Murder?" Kenny splutters. "Are you kidding me? Fuck, let me down, you little piece of shit,. If I get my hands on you—"
His tirade ends when Eren sinks one of his large fists into Kenny's gut. Another against his ribcage. Then, in quick succession, follows with a punch to his jaw. "Don't talk to him like that. You never should have talked to him like that. Or you wouldn't be hanging here. Wouldn't that be nice?"
Eren doesn't expect an answer, not with the way he's still raining punches on Kenny's torso.
"Wait." Balling a hand, Levi raises his other hand to indicate Eren to stop. "Please."
"Fucking finally!" Saliva and blood mix as they drip from Kenny's lips, puddling on the tiles. "You're getting soft." His disgusting smile lacks two teeth, but somehow, Kenny still looks victorious.
Not for long, though.
"Oh. I'm not stopping Eren because I don't want him to kill you." Slowly, the smile returns to Levi's face. "I want to do it myself."
Eren wipes his hands off. "We need to burn the towel. I'm not supposed to be here."
"You're my boyfriend."
"I know." He offers Levi a gentle smile. "But I'm currently home alone, sick and hiding from society."
"Ah." Levi nods and plucks the towel from his hands, tossing it into a garbage bag. "Well, if someone asks, you've been to my house a few times. And you helped me unload things from the garage."
Eren nods. He looks around once more, trying to spot any incriminating details they could have missed … but there isn't anything. Levi’s surprisingly savvy when it comes to cleaning up blood and gore.
What did his life look like before he met Eren? What kind of deal was it that Kenny wanted him to close? How often has he—"Love?" Eren turns and locks eyes with Levi, immediately smiling. "Are you okay?"
"I was just wondering … How you know all that. What Kenny's done to you, over the years. What he’s made you do." Their last hour has been an indication, sure. But … what's below the surface?
Levi shakes his head, though. "What you don't know can't be used against you."
Flawless logic. Eren only has a little thing to add. "Us. It can't be used against us."
Levi stiffens, then large, gray eyes find Eren's gaze. "Are you sure you still want this? I'm a … you've seen what I can …"
He cocks his head. "But my dear, who offered your uncle to you?" Should Eren be insulted by Levi taking all the credit? This was a group project. He deserves to be acknowledged.
"So you … you don't think I'm disgusting for …" Levi's brows slide together and furrow.
He looks almost vulnerable. Eren can't have that. Levi is his. He's supposed to be happy—always. So he steps closer and cups his face. "I would make love to you right now."
Sick, yes. But true. Where did his life go wrong? One moment he's teaching first graders and the next he's telling his partner all … this. And yet, Eren wouldn't have it any other way. He's alive. Came alive with every drop of blood that landed on the white tiles.
Levi might think he doomed them both, but he saved them. From what? Eren can't quite tell. But this is his truth. This is who he's supposed to be, who he always should have been. Life led him astray when it picked a path of normalcy.
Maybe the bins of trash in his truck will land him in jail. But right now, Eren squeezes Levi's hands, looks into his lover's eyes … and a revelation settles in the deepest corner of his heart.
He's free. For the first time in his life, Levi’s free.
"Should we—"
"I want you." Levi stares into his eyes, something dark swirling in the beautiful silver.
"Right now?" They have a body in their car and an assload of evidence to dispose of, but … but if Levi wants him, Eren will do anything.
"Right. Now."
Eren reaches down and curls his arms under Levi's thighs, hoisting him up. "Where?"
"Anywhere."
Carrying Levi to the living room, Eren makes sure not to knock something over —or leave any other kinds of print. All he wants is in his arms. No need to cause trouble for them both.
He splays Levi out like an angel, then crawls on top of him. This isn't their first time, but it sure feels like it with the way they bite and claw each other. After what they did, one would think their lust for blood should be sated … but the nails digging into Eren's back are a testament to the opposite.
"I love you." Levi bites his lip, kisses his neck. "Need you." Strong hands find Eren's hips and press him down. The same hands that locked around Kenny's throat. Fuck, yes. Blood rushes south as heat pools in Eren's belly.
"How can I serve you?" Eren’s question drips with adoration.
Still, Levi shakes his head. His next words come out as a growl more than anything else. "You choose. I want you to … god, Eren. I'm yours. Make me feel it."
Does that mean he wants to be manhandled? That's something Eren can definitely do. He flips his lover over, grabs his hips, pulls Levi up until his ass hovers in the air.
"The most beautiful man." Eren brushes a hand along his spine, eyes wide with wonder. "How did I end up stealing you away?"
"You haven't yet. I'm still here." Levi murmurs into the pillow. "But I want you to. Take me far away, Eren. Somewhere where people don't care how we met, who we are. What we’ve done."
"Your wish is my command." Levi's body is the church Eren prays at. Their love is insanity, without a doubt. But isn't that what makes it special?
The prep is fumbled and sloppy, just like their kisses. Heavy, sizzling with passion, greedy. Eren doesn't want to but Levi makes him use a condom. It's so much less personal … but he's right. They can't afford to leave evidence on the sofa. At least, none that can be dated so well.
It's not enough lube, but neither of them mentions it. Levi said he wanted to feel it, didn't he? Damn it, he's stunning. Red bleeds into his soft cheeks as dark eyes glaze over. Oh, the way Levi's mouth hangs open, hungry and desperate …
Eren buries himself deep within his lover's core. He takes it as slow as he can, but fuck, the way Levi clenches and tightens around him, grabbing hold of Eren's very fucking soul—
"You're mine," he grunts. His former assumption was wrong. Levi isn't free, not really. Although the way he moans and arches his back suggests he doesn't want to be. Long, strong fingers dig into his hips and Eren pushes deeper. Harder. Faster.
Somewhere between the classroom and this very couch, Eren lost his sanity. And he can't make himself regret it.
"What happens now?" Levi stares at the ceiling, counting the millions of popcorn pieces above their heads. "What are we going to do?"
"You mean other than taking your uncle ... somewhere?" Eren sighs and takes Levi's hand. "I don't know. What do you want to happen?"
What a loaded question. So many things. But are they reasonable? First and foremost, Levi has to be sure Farlan and Isabel will be safe. Then, if at all possible, he's gotta ensure Eren and he will be alright. After that …
With Kenny gone, what happens to the house? His job?
"I think I want to start anew." Some weight—a bolder on Levi's shoulders—shakes a little. As if it's ready to drop off, but something's holding it back. "With you," he specifies, in case Eren couldn't tell.
"With me." His fingers on Levi's skin tighten as Eren pulls him closer. "We could move. Somewhere where people don't know us. Where it's safe. Where we can be … us." He exhales quietly, as if the idea is too precious to disturb.
"And if the police ever figure out what happened?" Levi doesn't have too much trust in them—they’re idiots, mostly. But the occasional bright sparkler on the birthday cake could still be a problem for them.
"I guess we gotta get married." Eren chuckles and sits up, looking around to ensure no evidence is left. It's probably meant as a joke because they've only been dating for mere weeks—and just killed someone together—but …
Velvety warmth settles like a cloth over the raw and open casket of his heart. No. Not a casket anymore—not since Eren stepped into his life. Now Levi's chest thrums with life. The way it should. The way he always wanted it to. The way he needs it.
He sits up as well, watching Eren fuss over a blanket for a moment before the spring clean water of his consciousness washes up a realization. "Maybe we should."
The strawberries grow quite nicely, dotting Levi's formerly sad and crusty garden in spring colors. After all, they used the best fertilizer available. Eren and he discussed for a while what to do with the remains of the older Ackerman. Dissolve them? Hide them in a forest?
But this was the easiest thing to do. The quickest and the most … normal. Levi's garden had always been beautiful, so him changing things about it wasn't unusual.
Like good citizens, Eren and he waited one and a half days before they went to the police and reported Kenny missing.
Levi can't be sure, but one of the pigs seemed to breathe a relieved sigh.
"He'll be back," Levi was told.
"I hope so." Then he went home and watered his strawberries.
As it turns out, it didn't help Kenny the smallest bit to be buddy-buddy with so many trigger-happy people. Since no one actually believes he's dead … all they do is bring food for the kids from time to time.
When a month down the line, a letter arrives—notifying Kenny about a courtroom appointment for tax evasion and theft—everyone starts saying, “He knew what was coming and fled the country.” Levi always nods sagely.
And Eren? God, Eren's perfect. He plays the role of the worried boyfriend and nephew-in-law as if he was born and molded into it. He's so convincing in his polite, insistent worry, Levi finds Isabel trying to console him one night.
Oh, the kids love him. But Levi loves him more. For long minutes, he hides in the door frame, eyes glued to the adorable scene. With Kenny gone, a certain calm fell over the house. This … this is perfect.
Right until law enforcement rings his doorbell. The home security the paranoid old man set up and then barely used warns both Levi and Eren about their guest.
"What now?" Levi's not exactly panicking—although calm is a sensation that eludes him all the same. But then a memory resurfaces. Eren and him, on this exact couch. Not long ago, and yet it feels like forever. "They can't make us take a stand against each other if we're married."
A tiny smile flickers over Eren's lips, then he gets up, seemingly unbothered by the presence of an officer in the same house they murdered someone in.
As it turns out, Levi's own worries are unfounded. Kenny was 'spotted' in another country by one of his friends. The police don't care. They report the incident and share the information, but at the end of the day … they have bigger fish to fry. Or maybe they're just afraid—Levi can't blame them.
The door falls shut seconds later. Levi sighs happily when long, strong arms wrap around his middle. "So … what were you saying about marriage?"
They don't have to. But the heat coiling in his gut makes it clear: Levi wants to.
The summer sun beats from above, heating the car enough to arguably sizzle a steak on their dashboard. And yet, Eren's smiling so wide, it hurts the corners of his mouth. Damn, he has to reign himself in! He can't afford cracked lips in their wedding photos.
Levi looks perfect in his suit. It hugs him tight and shows off his small but insanely attractive body. He's so handsome—holding back touches is a struggle. Often enough, Eren gives in. But only when the kids are safely tucked into bed and Levi asks for it.
He asks a lot.
Oh, the sweet intimacy between them is life-changing. Everything Eren thought he knew, thought he wanted … gone.
One look into moonlight grey eyes and a new nightsky of possibilities shines down on him.
Giving up his job is easy. Moving away from friends and family not so much. But during the autumn months, when the leaves fall and hide the broken soil, both of them agree they need to start somewhere new.
A ring glints on Eren's finger, so beautiful, so golden, when he carries boxes filled with books and tea. All their possessions stuffed into a semi, his new family in their car.
Life has been crazy for the last half a year. But Levi's hand on his shoulder curls tighter, squeezes him through his jeans.
A single touch.
A promise.
All Eren will ever need.
He goes back inside, just one more time. While Isabel and Farlan play with their coloring books in the car—hopefully leaving the seats and each other alone—Levi joins Eren.
"Are you ready?"
Levi nods. His spine straightens and a small smile curls his lips. "Time to offer our final sacrifice to the gods we don't believe in."
From the last box in the corner, he extracts a bag. Dusty grey and black—charred ashes wrapped in perfectly clean plastic. It looks like a metaphor, but Eren can't figure out for what. It doesn't really matter.
They step out into their backyard one last time, kneeling next to the barren soil that used to be their strawberry garden.
"Good bye, Kenny." Levi whispers against a slight gust of wind, before he mixes the grinded bones into the earth. They water the spot. For a moment, both he and Eren linger, watching as the earth absorbs the last bits of Levi's uncle.
It's safer that way, even though digging him back out and pulverizing his remains had been quite a task. The smile on Levi's face is worth it.
Eren pulls his husband close, kisses his neck and smirks. "I want to make love to you. Right here."
But Levi only chuckles. "I'm not cleaning all that dirt off my clothes. Not again."
The first time Levi introduces Eren as the kids' father, he can barely breathe. Not because it's too much. Not because he's overwhelmed, either.
No. Because Eren needs it so much, it's choking him.
His own little family.
After leaving the Jaegers behind, along with Armin and Mikasa … they’re what's holding him together now. Well. The family and of course his nearly blinding adoration for his husband.
Eren picks up work at another elementary school. Not the one Farlan and Isabel go to, that would be wrong. Kids need their space to grow up strong and healthy.
But that also means that he's entirely unprepared for his first parent-teacher meet-up. At least in this role. The new school is quite progressive. They decided not long ago to have little get-togethers—so the parents can learn more about each other and their kids.
It's pleasant. For most of the night. Until it isn't.
The reason is almost two hours late and arrives in a wife beater, breathing almost pure alcohol, as it seems. Now, Eren doesn't judge people who drink. But arriving at a school function like that?
His eyes wander to Levi. Pinched eyebrows and a deep scowl tell him all he needs to know. "You're thinking the same thing I am, aren’t you?"
"I recognize that breed of person. I can fucking smell his foul breath from across the room."
"Do you think he—" Eren pauses mid-sentence when the guy puts a hand clean on the ass of a female attendant. She startles, then seems to recognize him. But instead of laughing or at least scolding him for the blatant disrespect, she flinches at the sight of him.
"I don't know what he did to her. But I won't let him do it again." Levi's voice is a dark whisper, so deep and full of raw anger, Eren has to clench his fists in sympathy.
"Do you want him gone?"
Levi glances up, surprise hesitantly creeping into his cold gaze. "If I want him—"
"That man. He's around kids. Our kids. We can't have that, right?" Blood rushes in Eren's ears the longer he thinks about it. What did that guy do? Who did he do it to?
A slow nod from Levi, then a small smile. "No, my love. I don't think we can have that."
Their night just got a lot more interesting.
"How do I look?"
"Eren!" Levi gasps, half in shock, half in delight. "That's a dress."
"Really?" Eren raises his brows in mock surprise. “That explains where the second pant leg went. And why the first one is so large."
Levi blinks, once, twice, then he snorts. "You're ridiculous."
"You love me."
"Obviously."
Eren's grin is wide and cocky but filled with pride all the same. "I was just thinking, if traffic cams pick up on us, it helps to look a little different once in a while." Damn it, Levi's husband is brilliant. "Besides, it keeps the fun alive, don't you think?"
"I think we're having plenty of fun." Levi grabs his hips and pulls him closer. Strong hands wander over equally muscular thighs. "You know I love when you take me out."
Tutting, Eren boops his nose. "I'm not taking you out. We're taking out that asshole. Together. As a treat." His grin promises a million things—and Levi needs every single one of them.
Murder might not be the most common hobby for couples. But at least they’re doing good work, aren’t they? Taking out the pricks, the disgusting fleabags and black widows. Men and women who hurt their partners, their kids. It's a gift to society, really.
"I also thought a dress is nicer for the desert. We haven't been there in a while." It's true. They’ve professionalized their work quite a lot, hiding bodies all over the cities they visit. Not at home, though. Not after the father from the school function.
The fallout was quite messy on the kids, all the searching, the fear, the grief. No. They outsourced their activities to different parts of the country. It's something they do on the weekends, when the kids visit Eren's parents and friends.
Levi's old job left them plenty of equipment and a significant pool of information, once Levi learned how to read it the way they needed it to be read. He's magnificent at finding clues, tracking people, hunting them down. Both Eren and he enjoy the chase.
But the killing? The killing is usually too disgusting for Levi's taste. He likes to clean. Most spouses he knows whine about cleaning after their husbands, but Levi? Oh, it's what he likes best during their little trips. He's good at it, too. After all, they haven't been found out yet.
"I'm thinking about bringing a picnic basket," Eren murmurs. "What's more romantic than an abduction, followed by a desert picnic, topped off with a pinch of murder?"
Levi squeezes Eren's ass, longing and hunger already battling in his veins. "Nothing, my love. Except maybe a celebratory night together?"
"Why make it a night when we have all day?" Eren smiles lazily as Levi's hand disappears under his dress. "We can do whatever we want. Again. And again. And again. For the rest of our life."
At that moment, it's once more that Levi realizes … Eren is not only his world. He's his freedom. And Levi would die for him. But today?
Today they live.