A tail for an eye - Eren x Levi

Chapter 19

"A Sweet And Shared Moment"

"So, I think they're all fine to eat. Just really soggy," Eren finished, having now placed all of his collection of plants and seaweed on a few leaves to prevent the sand getting onto them. One thing was certain; Eren told no lies at the fact that the plants were soggy, in fact more resembling drowned. Still edible, considering Levi owned nothing else to eat and this would be his only source of nutrients to live. 

Although, the more he thought about it, the more he felt little point. Was he going to spend the rest of his days stuck on his island with a merman helping him eat and drink food? Even if one day he regained all his stamina and strength, no amount of either of those would allow him to swim back home. He was stranded, for what seemed like forever. And though morbid, things like this were easier to know sooner rather than later. But the beaming, proud smile rested on Eren's face as he'd gone through all the plants and their contents felt like too much spirit and joy to crush at once, therefore Levi carried on and nibbled at one of the plants.

"Thanks," Levi said, finding that some of the plants crumbled beneath the gentle pressure of his fingertips due to how wet they were, "glad to know you're not poisoning me."

"I'd never do that." A very dreamy tone overtook Eren's voice as he said that, along with a sweet look in his eyes as he spoke to Levi, who felt taken back by that sudden change in atmosphere. But Eren didn't notice and continued on as though it hadn't happened, "I think the water should be ready soon for you. Will it be too hot?"

"I'll put the bowl in the water. It's cold," Levi said, scrunching his face in disgust at the taste of the leaves from the plants. They were a little salty and dissolved in his mouth before swallowing, but he'd attempted to wipe them down with a different leaf with less nutritional value to get the salt off. His priority was ensuring he'd gain back his strength to move.

"I don't understand," Eren suddenly said, tilting his head.

Levi could've chuckled at his behaviour or rolled his eyes, finding him rather stupid but humorous, "It will cool the bowl down, which will cool the water down."

"Oh, right, right. I get it. That's clever."

Eren began moving towards the bowl, seeing how it steamed much more than before and the metal bowl had become cloudy. Levi watched him a little, "It'll be hot."

Eren bit his lip in thought before grabbing a few bit leaves and using them to grab onto the bowl. He struggled a moment, failing to grab it from fear of burning himself, but then managed to grab with his fingertips, "Got it!" He brought it over and placed the bowl half in the water, instantly hearing a sizzle from it, along with the steam evaporating from it, "This might take a few minutes."

"I know," replied Levi, shaking his head a little. Whilst appreciating the care, the idea of being babied didn't sit quite as perfectly with him. However, he knew there was little he could do about it considering simple movements like lifting his arm caused excessive aching across his entire body. 

"How do you feel? About everything?" Eren made timid conversation, concentrating more on the water rather than the man he spoke to.

"I don't know," Levi told, truthfully. Everything had happened in one go, something a mind couldn't handle at once. Though by now all had settled in, just not kindly, "I ... miss them."

Levi even shocked himself admitting that out loud. Sure, he knew it internally, but showing such vulnerability in from of a merman didn't feel like a wise choice. Though in thinking that, Eren hardly seemed a threat at the moment. Levi already expressed vulnerability with his injuries and battered body staying on the ground, but now there was an exposure in his mind. Strangely enough, opening up to Eren didn't oppose the highest challenge as originally thought.