House Cat [Neko!Levi x Eren, Attack on Titan]

Chapter XV

It was a Saturday in early March when an unexpected knock on the door came. Eren had been painting in the art room and Levi was in the kitchen so he answered the door. The visitors were Erwin and another man in a very official black suite, Levi vaguely recognized him put couldn't quite recall how. He greeted them and sat the two men down on the couch. Levi called to Eren and sat down on the floor next to the armchair.

"Oh, hello Erwin what brings you here?" Eren said as he walked in drying his hands on a small towel as he went to sit down in the armchair.

"This is my friend, Detective Nanaba. Levi you might remember him, he was the one who suggested you stay with me," Erwin introduced.

"It's nice to meet you Eren, good to see you again Levi," Detective Nanaba said shaking Eren's hand.

He tried to shake Levi's but Levi refused him, it wasn't that we didn't like the detective, he didn't shake hands. Detective Nanaba sat back down and began to speak.

"I'm sorry to have to give you this news but it needs to be said. In the last place Levi stayed before going to Erwin's some people there were involved in illegal activities. One being the theft of over 500,000 dollars that was never recovered. We have reason to believe that the wife of the leader stole and hid the money, and there those of the group we weren't able to arrest believe that, too. They also believe that the wife confided in you, Levi, the location of the cash. So there is a good chance they will come looking for you to try the get location," everyone looked at Levi, who remained expressionless.

Nanaba continued. "We are currently trying to apprehend these people, over the last couple years we have obtained evidence against them, enough convict them if and when they are caught. We plan to station someone outside this apartment building and if you prefer we can have someone stay in this apartment also."

Eren looked at Levi and he just shrugged in response.

"What would you like to do Levi?" Erwin asked.

"I don't care," Levi shrugged again.

"Levi," Eren said his voice full of concern.

"We'll just settle with the car outside for now and if we get anymore concerning leads we will take measures from there," Nanaba said getting up.
Everyone stood up simultaneously after him.

"I'll keep you updated I'm sorry again. Please let me know if you need anything," he started then looked directly at Levi. "I'm glad you found a place where you are happy."

Levi blinked and Nanaba turned and nodded at Eren. He walked towards the door and Erwin followed him but stopped at the boys.

He put his hand on Levi's upper arm. "It's going to be okay."

Levi nodded curtly and said,

"Shut up, don't patronize me."

Eren smiled taking comfort in the fact that Levi was at least semi back to normal, if anything at least talking. Erwin smiled at Eren and said "goodbye" which Eren returned. Erwin then met up with Detective Nanaba at the door and the two men left. Once they did, Eren turned to talk to Levi but Levi was already moving to the kitchen to finish what he had been doing earlier.

"Levi we should talk about this," Eren said and sat on one of the counter stools.

"About what?" Levi asked passively.

Eren sighed. "About what's going on, I'm worried for you."

Levi stopped what he was doing but didn't look up. "There is nothing we can do, the police are taking care of it. There is no use in worrying."

"That doesn't stop me from being worried for you. I want to know how you're feeling about all of this," Eren said earnestly.

Levi looked at him blankly. "Why do you care?" He said angrily.

"Why are you getting angry?" Eren said defensively but is still with a lot of concern for his Neko.

"Stop worrying about me!" Levi said and Eren could see him shaking slightly.

Eren went around the counter to Levi and he puts his arm around Levi. He stiffened under Eren's touch but again does not make an effort to get away. Eren guided him gently but firmly to the couch and sat him down.

"Tell me what's wrong," Eren said calmly.

Levi kept his head down. "I'm scared," he said quietly.

"Well that isn't surprising, anyone would be scared."

"You don't understand I'm not scared for myself, I'm scared for you!"

This shocked Eren, he didn't understand what Levi was talking about.

"What do you mean?" He asked.
Levi looked at him. Eren could see emotions in his eyes, mostly of what appeared to be guilt.

"I don't want to involve you in this, maybe I should go stay somewhere else for a while until this whole mess is over," Eren started to object but Levi cut him off.

"I don't want you to get hurt... especially because of me," he said the last part while bringing his legs up and hugging his knees, this position always made him feel safe.

Eren finally understood and sighed. He tugged at Levi and moved him so he was partially sitting in Eren's lap. He was facing Eren and with a confused look. Eren smiled at him reassuringly.

"You don't need to worry about me either, I can take care of myself. I'm not going to lie, these people sound bad and I won't deny the possibility of either of us getting hurt. Even if that does happen, which I highly doubt, it is not and never will be you're fault. And I'm going to make sure you stay safe, I love you too much to let you get hurt," Levi's eyes widened and Eren pulled him into a hug.

The hug made Levi feel safe, he honestly didn't care what happened to him, he was only concerned for Eren but he appreciated the gesture.

"You okay?" Eren asked after pulling out of the hug.

"Yeah," Levi responded softly.

Eren smiled at him and the Levi's face twisted into one of irritation.

"Now stop this lovey-dovey crap I don't need your charity."

Eren laughed and pulled him into another hug. He ran his fingers through Levi's hair to comfort him.

"Too bad, you're getting it anyway."

Levi let out a forced breath in defiance. His thoughts drifted to the things Eren had said. Was it merely to comfort him, or did he really mean the what Levi thought (or wanted to believe) he may have meant. Regardless, he would never say it out loud but he appreciated Eren's comfort more than he could ever express.

They eventually went on with their evening as normal as possible. Eren went to bed early knowing he wouldn't fall asleep easily. After a few minutes of laying in bed not able to fall asleep he tried reading, soon after Levi opened the the door and came in.

"Can I sleep here?" He asked slightly embarrassed.

Eren smiled and motioned for him to come over. Levi curled up next to him and Eren turned off the lamp on the night stand next to him. He fell asleep not long after.

•••

When Eren woke up the next morning Levi wasn't there. Which wasn't unusual, it was Sunday and Eren didn't feel the need to keep a schedule as Levi always did. He got up and walked into the kitchen.

"Good morning Lev-," he stopped and his eyes widened in fear.