STRONGEST HOPE (ERERI❤RIREN)

CHAPTER 42 - LOVING LEVI (MATURE CONTENT 18+)

Eren took a deep breath before turning the knob to Levi's door and pushing it open. A fire burned in the room, casting long shadows across the Captain's face. He sat slumped in his desk chair, his jacket still draped across his shoulders.

Eren crossed the floor quietly and leaned down in front of him, resting his hands on Levi's. "Levi," he whispered. He lifted a hand to the man's cheek. "Heichou?"

Levi's eyes blinked, and he sucked in a breath, as if Eren had started his heart. He looked at the boy for a moment, trying to focus on his beautiful face. "Eren?"

"Yes, love. I'm here now."

"He's gone."

"I know." Eren brushed his fingers across his cheek. "I'm so sorry."

Levi stirred and took the hand at his cheek and held it. He cleared his throat. "How's Armin?"

Eren's eyes welled up. "He's sleeping finally. Hange gave him something to help him sleep."

"Is Mikasa with him?"

"Mhmm, so I can be with you." Eren squeezed his hand and kissed his forehead.

Levi frowned. "I'm fine."

"I know you are, love." Eren stood up and brought the man to his feet. "But I need to be with you now. It's where I belong."

Wrapping his arms around Levi, he guided him to the bedroom and sat him on a chair. Without another word, he loosened Levi's cravat and unbuttoned his shirt. Levi sat still and allowed the boy to attend to him. Every so often a soft sob would escape him, and Eren would pause to kiss his face or his hands. When Levi remained in his boxers, Eren went to the bathroom to run a bath. When he came back out, Levi was in the same spot, staring down at the floor.

"Heichou," he whispered. "Come take a bath with me." Once again, he took the man's hands and led him to the bathroom. Levi stood still and let him pull his boxers down and then his own. Eren stepped in and sat down. "Be careful." Levi took his hands and stepped in, lowering himself between the boy's legs.

Eren got to work washing the man's hair and massaging his scalp. He could feel the Captain's body melt against him while he hummed a song. The memories of the last day flooded through him. Laughing with his friends in the ready room, making love with Levi in the afternoon, the sight of so many titans rushing towards them, biting his hand, lunging forward to keep the titan from crushing the soldiers, and watching Erwin fly out to save Armin...watching him fall. Seeing the look on Armin's face as he reached for him. Erwin never had an intention of saving himself...only saving his friends, winking at Eren right before he hit.

"Eren?" The boy's hands had begun to shake, and Levi was brought out of his own stupor by the irregular breaths against his back. "Babe?"

"Huh?" Eren straightened and started moving his fingers against Levi's head again.

"You're shaking, love."

"I'm sorry. I guess I just spaced out for a second." He lifted a cup to rinse his lover's hair.

"That feels good," Levi murmured. "Thank you, Eren."

Eren rolled a bar of soap in a sponge and ran the sponge over Levi's chest. "I feel better being able to be with you right now." He continued on to the man's arms. "Is that okay?"

"Yes, of course," Levi whispered. "I need you with me too."

The boy smiled and pressed his cheek to Levi's. "I'm not going anywhere, Heichou."

The Captain let out a deep breath and turned his head to kiss the cheek against his. "I don't want to be without you ever again."

"Me neither." He turned and kissed his lips softly. "Let's finish and get in bed. I need your arms around me."