Capturing Flight [Riren/Ereri] ✔️

Chapter 7

"Levi, pack your things back up we're going," his deep voice rumbled through the room and I hurried to gather my things together, careful not to make too much noise in case I accidentally annoyed him. He was funny like that, the smallest things could trigger unsightly amounts of anger in him and after a few too many times of being on the receiving end I didn't much fancy another go.

Though once everything was finally together I got up the courage and questioned where we were going, all the while avoiding any and all eye contact.

"We're going wherever I damn well say we're going,"  he grumbled as we left the third motel room of the week.

I sighed as the door slammed closed behind me, Kenny storming off ahead as I was left to catch up, stumbling along behind him.

Once we reached the car park he pulled open the door of a black Mercedes he had 'acquired' a week or so ago. I followed shortly, opening the rear door and piling in our bags before joining him in the front.

He quickly shifted into gear before racing down the road and away from the motel. All the while I kept my mouth shut and looked out the window admiring the view of the countryside as we passed, trying to block out the flapping of the tarp sealing the broken window.

"If you must know, we're heading back. I've got a meeting with some members." My uncle said, tapping his fingers gently on the steering wheel before pulling out a cigarette and placing it between his lips ready to be lit. He then clicked open the glove box, finding his lighter amongst an assortment of other items, flicking it and lighting the fag before taking a long drag.

The smell of nicotine filled the car as he breathed out the smoke. I used to cough, I found the smell absolutely revolting - I still do, but over the years had grown accustomed to it and just turned back to my view of open fields beyond the road. I missed the smell of fresh air.

It only took us an hour or so to get back to the city and upon our arrival, my uncle was greeted by two men. Both I recognised as his subordinates and they disgusted me, much as he did - although I'd never say it aloud at risk of him hearing.

After my parents died he was the last relative I had and at the age of eight he took me in. I knew from the start that there was something off, although he didn't involve me straight away. But down the line, as I got dragged further and further into his world he taught me things.

At ten I threw my first knife; at eleven shot my first gun. By the time I was twelve he had involved me in several robberies, saying that I was perfect - 'no one would suspect a child'. But now at the age of sixteen, I was pretty much just another one of his lackeys, someone to order about and do with as he pleased.

Although saying all of this, he was never cruel to me. If he was angry he might hit me, but I had learned the things that set him off and avoiding them wasn't too hard.

"Levi," Kenny's harsh voice spoke as I exited the car, stepping around to meet him, "go to your room. I'll have someone bring you dinner later, ok?"

I nodded, before taking my leave.

It wasn't that this life was bad, I just wanted something more. I'd never had a proper home, we'd always be moving about as Kenny had jobs to do and I never stayed at one school for longer than a month - friends were a foreign concept to me.

My plan was simple, when I turned seventeen I'd escape this life, run away and find something better to do.

+ + +

I once again awoke to an empty space next to me, another day had passed since us staying with Mikasa. Eren still hadn't spoken to me about anything that happened between us and I could tell Mikasa was starting to get anxious about us staying for so long. I had considered leaving a couple of times, but I couldn't do that to Eren. I'll admit I had grown to care for the brat and I wanted to keep him safe - even if he hated me.