The Only One I See

Thank You

Eren glanced around the corner. The usually full space where the jocks lockers were all coincidentally crammed together was only filled with the soft speaking of two unconfessed lovers. Jean held Marco's hands as they spoke. The freckled boy broke into a smile and grabbed his friend, pulling him into a tight embrace. Jean caught Eren's eye across the room and smiled. His thumb popped up, providing Eren with an inaudible sign that everything had worked out according to plan.

This school was something else. Eren would have never believed that he would share his biggest secret. Nor, would he have believed that both his past and present crushes shared the exact same one.

Jean kissed Marco right on his blushing cheek. Eren hoped that they could someday do that in school instead of just after.

Eren admired the beautiful day as he walked happily through the outdoor hallways. Wednesday was tutoring day and Eren could not wait to see Levi. He turned the corner to him a tall, dirty-blond boy smoking a cigarette. He continued to walk, avoiding eye contact.

"Hey, kid," he called, "Come 'eer." The cigarette in his mouth muffled his sinister voice. Eren had seen him before but he couldn't place where. "I said come 'eer. What are you? Deaf?" Eren slowly approached him. The other boy unexpectedly flipped positions. Eren was now tucked under the other, who was pushing him into the wall. He took the cigarette out of him mouth, blowing smoke as he talked, "The names Oluo. Wanna mess around a little?" Eren coughed and tensed. Oluo had stuck his hand up the younger boys shirt and was now playfully tweaking his nipples. He stuck the cigarette into Erens mouth. "Come on take a hit. It'll loosen you up. Don't be a pussy, kid. Just take a drag." Eren let the stick fall from his lips to the gravel.

"No, thank you." Oluo growled slightly and picked up his cigarette. He slammed the lit end into Eren's neck. The tears came instantly.

"You like that, don't you. You know, you're pretty cute for a faggot." Oluo sneered. Eren snapped his eyes shut.

Suddenly all the weight fell off of him in a thud. Eren opened his eyes to find Oluo and Levi in a not so passionate embrace.

"What the hell, Levi?! You don't care about this little prude, do you?"

"Get out of here," Levi replied with such intensity that it made Eren shudder, "I said get out!" Eren watched helplessly as Oluo took Levi to the ground, landing a punch not only in his jaw, but also on his left eye. Levi kicked Oluo in the stomach and stood up, gaping over him.

"Don't touch Hange, don't touch me, and do not touch Eren." His voice dropped an octave. He was almost growling now. "Got it?"
...

"It's bad," Eren said, dabbing Levi's black eyes with a wet rag. He knew Oluo's second punch would leave a mark.

"How bad?"

"Black eye," Eren handed him a mirror, "You've really got to be more careful."

"Yeah. I'll try and think a little more about myself while I'm defending you." Levi's voice still held a hint of ferocity that made Eren flinch. He must have noticed because he shot the younger boy a small grin on which Eren returned. "I think your neck looks worse than I do." His light touch send spears of pain through Erens wound. "Sorry."

"It's okay, "Eren paused, observing Levi. He felt terrible about what had happened, even if it wasn't his fault. He carefully chose his next words. The only words he could say, "Thank you," he said quietly, "for today and the other day and tutoring and just everything... Thank you."

Suddenly Levi's arms was around his waist and Eren's were around his neck. Levi stepped forwards a tiny bit. This was it. He was about the kiss Levi. His Levi. His whole body tensed from his toes to the fingers around Levi's neck.

Levi pulled away abruptly. His breathing hitched and his eyes darted around the room.

"Levi?" Eren reached out towards him. "Are you okay? Did I do something? Levi?! Levi!"

He watched as his Levi fell to the floor.