Complications Throughout Generations

Chapter 39

Levi's POV:

Unsurprisingly, Eren randomly showing up when no one was around became a normal thing. It was like the way it once was. We'd talk for hours in my room, lay next to each other. That life I wanted before is what I'm living. Granted, he's not really here...but to me he is.

He was tracing over the scar that laid across my eye. I watched his eyes move quickly as he examined every detail.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you like me better with the scar." The stars were out so I knew it was late. He had only been here for about an hour. He got into the habit of trying to help me in bed and I got into the habit of telling him to stop. Obviously that never worked out.

"I don't care what you look like. If you're Levi, that's all that matters." He pulled me close to his chest. When he did that, it was the reminder that he wasn't real. I felt him, but it was cold. Not the usual warmth I used to feel when we'd lay next to each other.

"I wish you didn't leave all the time."

"Pretty soon I won't have to." He smiled and climbed on top of me, putting his hands beside my head. I scoffed, knowing he was talking about the afterlife. "Remember that conversation we had years ago? About being brought back to life?"

"Reincarnation."

"Yes." He nods, letting the smile stretch across his face once more.

"You think we're going to be reincarnated?" I said it like it was the dumbest thing I had ever heard. Which it was.

"Maybe." He shrugged. "I like to stay optimistic." He laid back down next to me and stared at the ceiling. "I mean just think about it. You and me get a second chance."

"Do you really think we're meant to be together though, Eren? I mean our relationship was already...skeptical...for a lot of reasons."

"True but maybe the next time will be different. I won't be in the process of committing genocide, you won't be a cripple. Titans won't exist either so that's a huge plus. The world is evolving so much already, can you imagine what it'll look like in the future?" I just shook my head. I didn't know what to make of all this. "You never know, Levi. You never know." Soon after, I had fallen asleep next to him.

The next day rolled over and he was gone of course. This was just the routine. Today I felt a little different. That optimism he was describing last night was peeking through the cracks a bit. With a knock on the door, I said come in. Gabi walked in my room with my black tea that she makes me every morning. I gave a small thank you as she helped me into my wheelchair.

"We should go out today." I said, holding onto the cup.

"Around town?" She smiled.

"Sure." I shrugged. It wasn't common that I wanted to face civilization but Gabi always took advantage of it. Falco was at work so it would be just the two of us. I managed to get myself dressed and she walked in with a large grin.

The sun was bright. I kept my head down so the brim of my hat could shield my eyes. Marley was much different compared to the Underground. It was cleaner. Looking around, I scoffed for even caring about what was in my sight. Families. A father with his son playing catch. A mother with her daughter eating at a restaurant outside. Couples holding hands. Smiling and laughing.

Love.

That's what I'm surrounded by. My head started to pound and exhaled through my nose in annoyance.

"Levi, are you okay? Are you getting one of those headaches again?"

"I'll be alright." She continued to move us along. We were passing the tree where Eren was buried but I didn't say anything.

"Why have you never asked to visit him?" She asked.

"Why would I?"

"Because you loved him. Why wouldn't you?"

"Because he did so many terrible things. He hurt so many people. Killed so many innocent lives." She seemed to ignore the words I was saying and strolled towards Eren's grave.

"Just because he destroyed my home doesn't mean you can't ask me to see him. I mean it's only fair, I did blow off his head once." She laughed. We stopped in front of it and she stood next to me. "I grabbed these when you weren't looking." She had two roses latched underneath the belt around her dress. She took them both out and handed me one, keeping the other for herself. "You don't need to hold onto all the terrible things he did. Just remember all the wonderful memories you guys made together and hold onto those. He's the only person you've ever loved. You won't even say the word to anyone unless you're talking about him. Don't let me or Falco stop you. We just want to see you happy." She walked to the small stone and placed the rose down. I maneuvered myself a little closer and looked at his name carved in. I thought being here a second time wouldn't be as meaningful but hearing Gabi's words made it feel like the first time. I took in the red rose's scent and kissed it. I bent down as far as I could but then ultimately dropping it next to hers.

Maybe I will see you in another lifetime...