Mare's Nest (Ereri)

Chapter Ten

Eren's POV

I sat naked in a chair in front of the cot for a perfect view of Levi's sleeping form. His back was presented to me possessing hickies from last night's escapades. I smiled at my work, but when the sunlight hit his skin, I noticed deep scars running along his flesh. My brows knitted together as I stared at the long scratches.

He stirred in his sleep, and his body turned. I now stared at his sleepy smile and sealed eyelids. My smile returned, forgetting about the scars. His cheek was adorably squished against the pillow. He had his arms folded around the pillow under his head, and his hair was messily splayed against the material.

His legs squirmed under the sheets, and I was greeted with his happy trail as the sheet started falling away. My eyes were trained on the line, begging for the covers to be removed.

"You're staring," a groggily voice stated. My gaze roamed up his body until I was met with his blue eyes. "I am. Is there something wrong with looking at the most adorable being in the world?" I questioned. He winced as if my compliment hurt him. "I'm not adorable," he grumbled.

I stood and made my way towards him to climb on the mattress. He hummed softly when I wrapped myself around him. "You're so warm," he mumbled sleepily. My hold tightened on him, and I rubbed his back affectionately. The markings bestowed upon his back were felt by my fingertips. Something I would ask him about another day.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked. He hummed as he nodded against my chest. I kissed his temple. He sighed contently. "I'm still tired though," he muttered. "Then sleep," I said. He groaned. "I don't want to."

I rolled my eyes. "Then get up," I suggested with a chuckle. "But you're warm," he complained.

"I could carry you around all day," I shrugged. He shook his head. "Just a few more seconds," he said. I smiled as his face nuzzled into my chest.

I would love to stay like this forever, but I had a plan for tonight. As we lied there, I smothered him in kisses. He groaned at my overly affectionate gesture. "Okay, I'm up," he complained. He sat up to stare down at me. I continued kissing him down to his hips.

He stood up, and I followed eagerly behind him. My arms wrapped around his torso, and he lazily pushed them away. "You're so clingy," he complained. I placed a kiss on his neck. "I don't think you mind."

Levi groaned in response. "Let me get dressed before you smother me," he demanded. I smiled and backed up so he could do as he pleased.

He had slipped into his undergarments and shirt before turning back to me. "Thank you by the way...for helping me last night," he explained. "Of course, why wouldn't I?" I replied. Levi fiddled with his thumbs, before grabbing his trousers.

"Does it still bother you?" he asked, gesturing to the bandage on my cheek. My hand went up to it. "No, I keep forgetting it's still there," I explained. Using my nails, I peeled the bandage away.

"It left a scar," he explained. I touched my cheek to feel a small scratch. "It's nothing," I replied.

Levi was completely dressed and adjusting his flat cap. "Are you going to put on some clothes?" he questioned. I looked down as if I had just realised I was nude. "I think I'll walk around like this," I replied with a smirk. He didn't say a word, which made my brows knit together. But he quickly grabbed a stack of clothes and tossed them to me. "Get dressed."

"If you give me a kiss, I will," I said smugly. He sighed and walked to me to peck my lips. He tried pulling away, but I tugged him back into the kiss. He mumbled something against my lips. I pulled away slightly. "What was that?"

"You're so persistent," he answered. I chuckled. "Persistence catches the fish, and it looks like you're taking the bait."

Levi rolled his eyes before I dragged him into another kiss. Our lips were together for a moment. He pulled away and mumbled, "Get dressed, I'm starving."

With a chuckle, I slipped into my clothing. Levi opened the door as I adjusted my flat cap. I grabbed his hand without warning, and pulled him down the hall.

Everyone was staring at us as we grabbed our food, even though they already knew of our relationship.

I found a table for Levi and I to reside at. We ate in silence. I continuously tangled our fingers together. Levi thought nothing of it and only continued eating.

But Armin broke the silence when he approached us. "I'm sorry about this Eren, but Billy Kimber sent a letter." Armin held out an unopened envelope with my name scribbled on the front. "Thank you, Armin," I said, taking the letter from him. He walked away with a nod.

Levi looked to the envelope. "I didn't know Billy could write, I believed him to be illiterate." His insult made me laugh. "You could say that," I said and kissed his cheek.

I opened the envelope to a piece of paper with a mess of words. Perhaps he is illiterate. I directed a small smirk at Levi, which he did not notice. I turned back to actually read the letter instead of throwing insults towards Billy in my head.

Eren,

If I do not have my money by the beginning of next month, your precious fucker is dead.

~ Billy Kimber

"What does it say?" Levi asked as he ate his lunch. My hands crumbled the letter. "Nothing. It's nothing," I said with an attempted smile.

I pocketed the letter as Levi gave me an odd look.

***

Levi's POV

Eren was acting strange after he received Billy's letter. He wasn't the persistent bastard I recognised, but I didn't question him on it. It still boggled my mind though.

The sun was setting, and I was about to sleep the night away, but Eren dragged me to the warehouse's roof on short notice.

A bottle of wine and two glasses were set out. "What is this for?" I questioned. Eren sat by his little set up with a smile. "I wanted to watch the stars with you," he explained. He patted the spot beside him. I obliged and took my place beside him.

The sun had set and the moon and stars were starting to awake from their slumber. Eren handed me a glass of red wine. I thanked him and began sipping on my drink.

We sat in awkward silence, which I still found odd. Usually he'd be flirting with his annoying phrases or drowning me in kisses.

"What's on your mind?" I asked. His jaw clenched, and he audibly gulped. "Nothing," he stated. I gave him an odd look. "You're acting strange, more than usual," I replied. He shrugged at my response.

"Is it the letter?" I inquired. He let out tense breath.

"What did it say?" I asked when he didn't answer me. "I told you, nothing," he replied with a hint of anger in his tone. "You honestly think I believe Billy sent you a blank piece of paper?"

"I told you, it's nothing you need to worry about," he said, ignoring my query. "Please, tell me what it said, you're worrying me," I set down my wine.

"I said it's nothing!"

He smashed his wine glass against the ground and it smashed letting the wine spill like blood. My lips sealed shut, and we were enveloped in silence again.

I began standing up, and Eren took notice when I began making my way back to the stairs leading inside. He apologised a multitude of times, but I ignored him and continued to go back inside. Eren followed behind, repeating his apologies.

I walked silently to my chambers with him trailing behind me.

"Levi, I'm sorry, please let me make it up to you," he said as I neared my bedroom door. I opened it to here another apology from Eren before I closed the door behind me.