His Promise [Riren/Ereri Fanfic]

Chapter 18: Call me "mom"

Levi blinked awake, his eyelids feeling as heavy and slow as the rest of his body. When his vision cleared he located Eren who was asleep curled up on the window sill, his phone dangling haphazardly from his hand as though he had passed out literally in the middle of texting someone. Movement drew his eye to the other side of the room, where a delicate looking woman in a yellow blouse and tailored navy blue skirt was flipping through his chart. She must have felt his scrutiny because she looked up and gave him a smile that nearly stopped his heart. Eren's smile.

The woman glanced nervously at his heart monitor when his rhythm changed and approached the bed. She spoke softly, probably in an attempt to not wake Eren, but Levi got the immediate impression that she wasn't the type of person to typically raise her voice in any situation.

"I'm sorry if I startled you. We met earlier, but you probably don't remember that. I'm Carla Yeager."

Levi watched as Carla flipped his chart shut and set it on the side table before expertly fiddling with the machinery next to his bed. Levi cleared his throat which felt dry and weird. His voice was a raspy croak.

"Are you a nurse...?"

Carla flipped her long black hair over her shoulder and sat daintily on the edge of the bed. Levi could barely take his eyes off her face. He wasn't exactly attracted to her, but the similarities she shared with Eren were staggering. He clearly got his looks and his gentle, caring personality from this woman. But not her coloring...Carla's eyes were a warm, honey brown and her hair was much darker than her son's. Levi tried to picture Eren's father but struggled- he had only seen the man for a moment and he couldn't remember seeing any similarities at all between him and his son. What unique genetic combination had created his lover's chocolate colored hair and aquamarine eyes?

Carla giggled softly at his question and looked adorably guilty. She held a plastic cup to his lips and nodded at him to take a drag from the straw as she answered.

"I have been a nurse for 15 years. But I'm not your nurse, so I shouldn't be looking at your chart. Old habits die hard, I'm sorry."

Levi twitched a smile.

"Not at all. I'm glad to be in such capable hands..."

He glanced at Eren, who hadn't stirred.

"How is he?"

Carla smiled over at her son but turned her attention back to Levi.

"He is exhausted, physically and mentally. I...I'm not sure what the relationship is between you two...but...I've never seen Eren act this way about anyone before."

Levi started to speak but she cut him off. Eren didnt speak often about his family, but it was clear from offhand remarks that he had a close relationship with his mother. He knew that Eren's family was accepting of his sexuality, but he had no idea how much they knew about him or their relationship.

"Either way, Levi..."

Carla placed her small hand over Levi's on the blanket.

"Thank you, for what you did, for protecting my children. I can see how much Eren looks up to you...you've even impressed Mikasa..."

She shook her head at that and Levi grinned unexpectedly.

"...I have to admit you are quite special. But you do know that I will kill you if you hurt my little prince."

Levi's eyes widened in shock and he chuckled. Hearing a death threat come from such an adorable human being was not what he had been expecting at all.

"I have nothing but proper intentions towards your son, Mrs. Yeager. Besides, you would have to get in line behind your daughter."

Carla nodded but frowned.