The Transtempus Penalty (ERERI//RIREN)

Chapter 40

Told you I'd be back soon, losers. Anyway, not sure when the next chapter will come, but just know big things are on the way ;)

Levi halted all movement when those words left my lips. It was like he had lagged in time for a moment before resuming and carefully taking a step towards the head of the bed. "Because the idea of leaving you here all alone tonight doesn't sit well with me, I will say this. When you left, I thought that you specifically left without me. I thought you made a point of it for a reason, but I didn't know the reason. I thought maybe you weren't as interested in me as I thought-"

"Levi, when I said I loved you, I meant it. Every time I tell you I love you, I mean it. People that love each other don't just disappear like that," I interrupted, knowing that that was inevitably what I would have to end up doing. "Like I told you that night in the car, I will never willingly leave you." I said, leaning as far forward as I dared. Finally, I caught a glimpse into his eyes, but after a moment, they glanced down again and evaded me.

"I know," Levi said curtly, clicking his tongue and shaking his head before saying, "Sorry. I didn't mean to say it like that. I just have a lot on my mind."

"Well, what's on your mind?" I asked, watching as he ran his hand fitfully through his hair.

"Everything, Eren. Everything," Levi said quietly, taking a long, slow breath that punctuated his words.

"Well, start with something little. Is there anything I can do for you?" I asked, reaching towards him, offering him my hand. He simply shook his head and I rescinded my gesture.

"Okay," he nodded, his expression drawn like drapes around his heart. He was absolutely unreadable, his eyes darting once towards the door, where they lingered for longer than I was comfortable before finally returning to mine. "Alright. First, I need you to make me a promise."

"What's the promise?" I asked, wondering what direction he was going in.

"Promise me that- that you won't leave without warning me like that," Levi said, and finally, I could see his expression become less hollow as candidity slipped back into his features. He swallowed, and more confidently, he concluded, "ever again."

"If I go anywhere, I swear to God, I'll tell you, Levi. I swear on my life," I vowed, giving him as much as I could. "Listen to me when I tell you that if I ever have to leave you, Levi, I will walk to the ends of the earth until I find you again."

"You promise?"

"I promise. We'll always find each other again," I assured him, startled by how much the incident had affected Levi.

"And see? I should have known that. And even then, I guess a part of me knew," he paused, correcting himself before continuing. "A part of me hoped that you would come back for me."

"What makes you think I wouldn't?"

"I don't know," Levi shrugged, having the life leeched out of him from some external source. "I'm just happy you're back," he murmured, taking another step towards me and taking my hand again, rocking it back and forth along with his.

"Me, too," I nodded while Levi sat cautiously on the side of the bed.

I tried to scoot over to give him some room, but he shook his head and snapped, "No, don't go away; you'll hurt yourself," he said, seemingly changing gears in the middle of his sentence.

"Are you gonna take care of me when I get out of this place?" I asked, brushing his cheek with the tips of my fingers, trailing them down to the tip of his chin, which I drew closer to me until our faces were just inches apart.