Cardiac Arrest (Ereri/Riren AU) (Death Note AU) (L!Levi x Kira!Eren) (COMPLETED)

Childhood Banter

Levi

I arrived thirty minutes before the bell to the criminology class I was teaching, only to see Eren Smith already sitting in his seat, not only early, but earlier than I was.

The boy didn't notice as I walked in, somehow preoccupied by another thought. His face showed masses of pain, but also some kind of renewed determination. This was the first time I recalled seeing genuine emotions on his face. I didn't once doubt his feelings at the time.

"Smith, fancy seeing you here early. The world must be coming to an end." I joked, raising an eyebrow at the boy as his head popped up from whatever he was writing in and frantically looked around for the voice's owner. "It's the professor, Smith."

Eren's head snapped in my direction, his features showing both surprise and underlying agony. "Oh. Hello. I apologize for being a little spaced out. I won't let it interfere with learning."

"Good choice, Smith."

There was silence for a few minutes. Eren let his focus turn back to his notebook, and I let my gaze travel to the window where two birds were flying freely. The sun reflected off their wings, spreading a warm colour when it caught my eyes.

'Levi, look! The birds are flying! You know, when we finally get to leave the Underground, I want to be free like the birds in the sky! I want to spread my wings and soar like there's no tomorrow!'

"Noisy fucking birds." I muttered under my breath, yet I still hoped Izzy's wish came true after she passed. Who knows, maybe those two birds are Izzy and Farlan's reincarnated souls. After all, I doubt the two would let me have peace wherever they were. I let a small smile cover my features.

I returned myself to the classroom, the smile leaving my face, looking at Smith as he continued to do whatever he was doing. "So," He looked up, "What exactly are you doing here so early? Did you get into some stupid fight and run off?" I said sarcastically.

"Someone's getting comfortable with their suspect." Watari mused. I swore at them in my head.

"No. That is not what happened," Eren replied defensively, "I don't get into stupid fights with people and run off. I just thought that I should show up on time for a chance. I owe you that much."

"I wouldn't exactly say you owe me anything, but the thought is appreciated. However, there is a difference between on time and," I checked my watch, "Twenty minutes early. Remember that we've been here for ten minutes already, and, you were here before me. Seriously, Smith, if something is bothering you, then spit it out. If you don't pay attention in class it's a waste of money for Erwin and Hange."

Eren bit his lip pensively, "I don't feel open to talk to people who call me 'Smith' about my personal life. Plus, I highly doubt that you legitimately care. Everything is for the investigation, correct? I don't take comfort in conversing about sensitive topics with someone who only has ulterior motives."

"I'm a detective, of course I have ulterior motives. Either way, I was trying to get in touch with my emotions, even if that may have helped the investigation. That doesn't mean I don't suspect you, and it doesn't mean I won't continue to find clues, but it does mean that I may not always have ulterior motives. Though, I will admit that most of the time I do. You should learn to operate like I do if you truly want to be a detective. Learn to stop trusting people, no matter how long they've been by your side, and even if you end up forgetting to mourn; the investigation always comes first."

Eren clicked his pencil restlessly. "I feel like you're the one who has things on your mind and you're trying to use me as some sort of release because you don't know how you are supposed to feel. That good enough detective work for you, Professor?"