By Your Side - EreRi (ErenxLevi)

Chapter 5 - I'll Protect You

(Author's Note) -- I'm sorry if this update his bit late. But lemme tell ya things get a little 'heated' at the end. *wink wink* any-who enjoy chapter 5.

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Third Person

After Eren's horrifying nightmare he became more skittish around everything, constantly looking over his shoulder and being jittery. Of course Levi had taken notice to his even MORE dramatically changed behavior now.

It had been two days since the nightmare incident and since then he hasn't left Levi's quarters. Neither had Levi, although he still had to maintain his responsibility and role in the Survey Corps. He couldn't bring himself to be away from Eren for more than 5 minutes. Levi always wanted to be with Eren and with everything that has been happening to him he has become very protective of the boy.

Eren has since then continued to have nightmares every time he slept. Though none were as traumatizing as the one where he had collapsed. He still would wake up screaming and shaking but not alone. Levi was always with him, they slept together in his quarters and when Eren would have nightmares and get scared Levi comforted Eren and calmed him down in a way that no one else could. The Corporal would hold him close and kiss him and whispers gentle, loving words in Eren's ear. Eren would fall back asleep just like a child.

"Okay brat you've been staying in my quarters avoiding everyone else but me for like two days now. It's time you face everyone again. You know Ackerm- I mean Mikasa has gone into a frenzy every time I leave and she sees me I can't escape without frantic questioning. You know your friends and everyone are worried about you Eren, you need to talk to them." Levi said. Eren though didn't want to hear any of it he was completely content on staying in Levi's room and not seeing anyone but him. He hesitantly answered "b-but I don't really-" right away Levi knew he was resisting. "Do as I say brat or I'm not allowing you to stay here anymore! Now I may not like Ackerman all that much or anyone for that matter, but her and that little friend of yours are worried sick. Not to mention that everyone is getting suspicious of the fact that I'm the only one in contact with you." Eren could feel the annoyance radiating from the Corporal and immediately regretted resisting. Maybe he really did miss his friends too and he wanted to see them and let them know that he was alright. Or at least make them believe that he was. "I'm sorry Levi you're right I think it's about time I saw my family" Eren said with a slight ring of confidence. A smirk flashed across the Corporal's stoic face "it's about time."

They made their way down the corridor downstairs to the gathering room where everyone was. Levi stood close to Eren in a protective manner as they approached the room. Eren was fidgeting with his fingers as they were walking "relax brat everything is okay, I'm going to be with you the whole time I won't leave your side. I don't give a single fuck what Ackerman or anyone thinks." Levi stated this sternly and grasped Eren's hand.

They entered the room and immediately all eyes set on them particularly Eren. Everyone was shocked to suddenly see him even though it had only been two days it seemed like awhile for certain people. As soon as Mikasa saw him she scrambled out of her seat and rushed to him, Armin not far behind. She opened her arms wide and wrapped him in a tight embrace as though she had just recovered something precious she had lost. Levi was standing behind Eren the whole time and as Mikasa hugged Eren and had her face behind him she shot Levi daggers. "Eren where have you been? I missed you" she said.