Sweet Serial Killer [ Riren ]

TWENTY SIX

TWENTY SIX
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"Please, Levi, take him."

Looking up from his phone, Eren stuffed it into his pocket and frowned at his mother. "Are you really that eager to have me gone?" He asked with mock hurt, causing Carla to smile sheepishly. "Of course not, you just need to go out more, dear. So this is an order: follow Levi and have some fun!" She retorted sternly, pushing Eren forward gently, to which the brunette nearly tripped over his own feet.

Smirking, Levi pulled Eren towards him, out of the house and onto the porch. Pouting, Eren tried to wriggle free but Levi's grip was firm. His strength never failed to shock Eren; Levi's power seemed to best even Mikasa's, which was extremely difficult and nearly impossible to ever, ever do. Yet he did.

"I'll take good care of him, Mrs. Yeager. And if he doesn't have fun, I guess I'll just have to make him," Levi promised Carla, his gray eyes twinkling as he spoke. Eren felt his heartbeat quicken at the statement.

"Call me Carla, but thank you, Levi," Carla beamed, grinning at them. "Curfew is at ten. Bye, kids!" She vanished just like that, closing the door as quick as possible as Eren gaped at where she had previously been.

"This is basically kidnapping me," Eren announced as Levi yanked him down the steps and onto the sidewalk. "Kidnapping?" Levi chuckled. "No, you're enjoying this, Eren. Don't even try to lie." So Eren didn't.

"Where are we going?" He asked instead, and Levi seemed satisfied to know he didn't further argue about the whole 'kidnapping' ordeal. "I'm taking you to the circus where we get to watch some creepy clowns," Levi answered sarcastically, and Eren emitted an audible gasp. "Fuck no!" He exclaimed shrilly.

"Relax, I was joking," Levi soothed him, and Eren gasped again. "You? Joking? You must be planning something sinister," he insisted, and Levi heaved a sigh. "You're impossible," he grumbled. "Just know it's a surprise, okay?"

"Okay," Eren mumbled. "Do I have to keep my eyes closed, too?" He yelped when Levi nearly tossed him onto the ground, yet caught him at the last second. He still had a stern grasp on Eren's wrist, and Eren whined, trying to tug himself free as he complained, "I am not a rag doll, Levi!"

"Would you shut up?" Levi grunted, and Eren fell silent. Levi glanced at him, almost apologetically, and went to speak when a voice cut him off, loud and excited. "Short stack! Oh, cool, and Titan boy! Hey you guys!"

Hanji was running towards them from across the street, waving her arms frantically. Levi let loose a groan as he hesitantly released Eren, crossing his arms over his chest and slowing to glower furiously at Hanji.

"What do you want, Shitty Glasses?" He spat. "How did you even find us?" He narrowed his eyes, his glower deepening into a forbidding glare. "Find you? I didn't find you since I was never looking for you," Hanji pointed out. "This was just pure luck! I was actually on my way to get some food for Sonny and Bean. Where were you two going?" She wiggled her eyebrows. "Hm?"

"I'm taking Eren somewhere," Levi told her simply, trying to shove past her. "Where?!" Hanji prodded, following after him along with Eren. Glancing over his shoulder at them, Levi rolled his eyes. They both were like two lost puppies. Though seeing Eren chase after him so devotedly made his chest tighten and for his heart to warm, which was an extremely rare occurrence. Unless it came to Eren . . . But still.

"None of your damn business, Hanji. Now screw off," Levi snapped. "But Levi! Fine, then can I at least come with?" Hanji whined, and as Levi was about to push her away, Eren spoke up. "Come on, Levi. Please?" His blue-green eyes were wide as he looked pleadingly at Levi, making his walls crumble.

"You know what? Whatever. But afterwards, I'm spending time with Eren alone. Since I can only put up with you, Hanji, for a limited amount of time," Levi growled, and Hanji clapped her hands together happily. "Okie-pokie!"

Scoffing, Levi steered the two brunettes towards their destination. For most of the walk, he remained quiet whilst Hanji blubbered on and on about her pets. Eren was the only one actually listening to her.

"Sonny, oh you should see how big he is! He even tried to bite me yesterday, the little rascal. I put him in his place, though!" Hanji ranted, and Eren frowned. "Are you abusing them?" He asked worriedly, and Hanji barked out a laugh. "No, Eren! I just sprayed 'em with water!" She assured him.

"Oh." Eren's reply was short, and Hanji continued to ramble on. Ten minutes ticked by before Levi huffed, finally speaking up. "Oi. Listen up. We're here." At his words, both Hanji and Eren perked up considerably.

"Wow, Levi! Look at this place!" Hanji gushed, rushing inside hurriedly. Levi trailed after her, seething. He wanted this occasion to be peaceful and alone with just him and Eren. But no, she had to come along and ruin it.

She is so lucky she's my friend, he thought furiously. Eren seemed to notice his anger as he brushed up against Levi, leaning towards him to whisper, "Sorry about having Hanji tag along as a third wheel. I know you wanted this to be just us. But don't worry, we have all day for that since it's a Sunday."

Smiling at him, Eren nudged his shoulder lightly with Levi's before pulling them both inside after Hanji. When they entered the little tea shop, Eren looked around with wide eyes, clearly in awe of the place.

Levi watched him with secret fondness. He always loved the tea shop, which was called Wings of Freedom. He often went there to relax or unwind, or to simply think and just enjoy the tea there. It was a hobby of his, really.

Seeing Eren cherish it as much as him was practically a dream come true. The boy was rocking back on the balls of his feet, beaming as he took in his surroundings. "This place is great, Levi," he murmured breathlessly.

Humming in response, Levi steered Eren towards the tiny line formed at the front of the tea shop. "It is," he whispered back, and he savored the moment while it lasted. As Hanji reappeared beside them, he hid his scowl.

I have all day, he reminded himself. All day . . .

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(A/N: My apologies for my short absence. I'll make it up to you guys.)