Mare's Nest (Ereri)

Chapter Fourteen

Eren and I sat beside one another at a small table eating. His hand held onto mine tightly as he ate. I stared at the plate of food in front of me, not wanting to eat, and Eren took notice. "What's wrong?" he inquired. I leaned back in my chair. "I'm not hungry," I answered. He stared at me as if I had gone mad. "Levi, this might be the most food you'll ever have, please eat," he explained.

I looked back to my food, and leaned my head against his shoulder. A chuckle emitted from the back of his throat. "Is this your way of getting out of eating?" he asked. "No," I replied defensively. "You're just much more comfortable than the chairs."

Another chuckle slipped past Eren's lips. He kissed the top of my head. "I love you, now please eat."

My heart pounded when he said that so loosely. I was at civil war with myself over continuing the job Erwin and Hanji hired me for, or staying with Eren. I never thought I would be split between decisions, but rather grab the money and run. But I was beginning to enjoy Eren's company, and I honestly didn't want to loose the feeling of being with him.

I picked up my fork and slowly began eating. "Thank you," Eren mumbled softly.

My gaze wandered around the room. The women from The Forty Elephants Gang returned, so Eren could keep an eye on Mikasa while she carried a child. I smiled at everyone as they laughed obnoxiously. Armin was telling outrageous stories to a few women staring at him in awe. Jean and Marco shared sweet and quick kisses. Connie sat close to a young lady - who I assumed was Sasha - with a giddy smile. And Isabel was yelling about the precious jewels she stole a few weeks ago.

I didn't want to leave them. And I most certainly didn't want to leave Eren.

The cafeteria door creaked open, and silence fell over the room. A towering man wearing a top hat and trench coat, stood at the entrance. No one dared to interrupt the silence, but they stared at the intruder.

Wispy blond hair curled over his forehead and brushed against his black eyes. He possessed broad shoulders and a built frame that was extremely intimidating.

He stepped into the room and removed his hat. "Is Eren Jaegar present?" he asked. Eren raised his hand without the slightest bit of concern. "Over here," he said with a mouthful of food. The man nodded and began walking towards us. The room regained its loud volume.

The man sat across from us, placing his hat on the tabletop. "Are you new?" he asked me. I stared at him as if waiting for someone else to reply. Realising he was talking to me I answered his query. "I joined a few months ago," I replied timidly. He looked down to our linked hands. "Eren must have taken a quick liking to you, he's not exactly the trusting type," he stated. I chuckled. "Quickly? I'd say instantly."

Eren rolled his eyes at my response. "Levi, this is Jack, notoriously known as Jack the Ripper," Eren stated. My eyes widened. This is the man who slaughtered all those women?

"I'm guessing you've heard of me," he said with a smile. I realised I had been staring, and I quickly brought my gaze to my plate. "Who hasn't?"

"Jack works alongside us once in awhile," Eren explained. "Are you here for your pay?"

Jack nodded. Eren's chair scraped against the floor. "I'll be back," he explained. His hand left mine, and he abandoned the cafeteria.

"Pay?" I questioned. "I don't work for free," he explained. I smirked a bit. "What did you do to earn the money?" I asked. "I killed a man who Eren didn't particularly like," he shrugged as if it were nothing. I pursed my lips into an attempted smile.