STRONGEST HOPE (ERERI❤RIREN)

CHAPTER 20 - STRAWBERRIES

Eren dressed slowly while Levi arranged to have his mare brought around. While fumbling with his pants, he eyed the basket the Captain had prepared. He had to sit down after getting his pants on. He still felt weak and more than a little wobbly. The horse was a compromise, as Levi had insisted on carrying Eren to the spot he'd chosen for their outing. The thought of anyone seeing the Captain carrying him anywhere was just too much to take.

He jumped when Levi barged in. The older man smirked. "Afraid I'd see you naked again?" He chuckled.

"Not funny." Eren pulled on his boots and ran a hand through his messy hair.

"Don't worry about how you look, brat." Levi grabbed a blanket and stuffed it into the basket. "No one is going to see you, I promise."

Eren sighed. "I still feel like such an invalid."

"That's normal, apparently. It will be good for you to get some fresh air." Levi opened the door and gestured for Eren to come on.

The boy nodded and walked through. "Thanks, Heichou."

Levi nodded. "Just go slow, okay, brat?"

They walked out of the headquarters building through the back and away from prying eyes. The mare was tied to a tree branch waiting. Levi secured the basket to the back of the horse, then supported Eren's foot and arm as he pulled himself up into the saddle. Levi swung his leg over the back and settled behind Eren, whose back fit snugly against the Captain's chest, making the boy blush deeply.

Leaving the Survey Corps grounds, Levi let the horse find her way on the familiar path they'd often traveled together. Eren unconsciously leaned his head back on Levi's shoulder to let his face soak in the sun's rays. Spring in this country was just glorious, and the combination of the warmth and the horse's gentle gait lulled the boy to sleep.

Levi wrapped an arm around Eren's waist to steady him. He knew Eren had fallen asleep because his face had rolled slightly into Levi's cheek. He could smell his hair and the faint scent of his skin.

The trees thickened and shaded them from the sun. The density of the forest amplified the sound of birds and insects, and the garbling sound of a small stream not far away. Soon they came into a clearing. The mare announced their arrival with a nicker and a shake of her head. The noise startled Eren, who sat up straight and looked around in a panic.

"Easy, brat. We're here."

Eren looked around and rubbed his eyes. "Oh, Heichou, it's just beautiful!" He had never seen so many shades of green, undulating in the breeze above him. "How did you know about this place?"

Levi slid from behind Eren and dropped to the ground. Eren tried to follow, but got stuck in the reigns. "Jesus, kid! How did you ever get through training?"

The boy finally hit the ground with a huff, but stumbled a little, causing Levi to grab his arms and pull him up straight. Eren chuckled a little. "I've never been very graceful."

"Yeah, no shit!" Levi spread the blanket out and took Eren's hand. "Sit now."

Eren turned red and crossed his legs. "I've made up for it in other ways though."

Levi smirked. "Turning into a titan doesn't count if you're just as clumsy at 15 meters."

"Haha! Laugh it up!" Eren scowled. "Next time I just might step on you!"

The Captain raised his eyebrow. "Just try, brat. I can take you down either way."

They settled into silence while Levi unpacked the basket. Eren's eyes grew big at the sight of strawberries and fresh bread. "Where did you get the berries, Heichou?