The Toxic Wasters

14. Road To Hell

TW: Talk of abuse
And another really intense chapter warning

-4 years ago-

Levi's mental stability wasn't much of a secret in school. Every student knew his mind was muddled. His reality wasn't the same as theirs. Most students kept to themselves, but they still looked at the raven like he was a monster. Further feeding the demon inside him.

Some cliques of students were verbally abusive. Words like: 'freak' and 'psycho' passing their young lips. Words his mind repeated.

Teachers were equally bothered by his mental state. Irritated by his terrified eyes. Antagonized him for his absences and truancies. Turning the cheek to his bullies. Expecting a healed mind by the next class. An inconvenience in their classroom.

An inconvenience in their world.

The worst was recess. A playground of weapons for his tormentors. Levi would be pushed, punched, and kicked. Stones and kickballs pummeled his easily bruised skin.

By the time he returned home, he was covered in blood, bruises, and blisters. Only to be hit by his dad.

But every night, his mother sat him on the bathroom sink and tended to his injuries. Bandaging his cuts, applying ice to swollen skin, and wiping away his tears. She always had a smile on her face, even after meeting the back of her husband's hand.

He wanted to be as strong as his mother someday.

But the cycle continued, year after year; only getting worse and worse. He made no friends, opting to keep to himself. His grades were not favorable. Therapy stopped.

The voice got worse.

So when Oluo moved into his old home, Levi was furious. He had been the worst of his offenders. Could remember where his fist had connected with his skin. Remembered how many stones he threw. His harsh words still rang in his ear, repeated by his damaged mind.

Eren didn't seem too fond with the idea either. Most likely because Levi was uncomfortable. The brunet reassured they would handle him.

But it took months for the promise to be fulfilled. Eren claimed it would draw too much attention to them. With Petra being found last year, it would be suspicious if Oluo died only a few days after moving in.

They avoided him at all costs. If he spent the day on his porch, the couple were inside. If he were inside, they'd go on a date or go out with friends. Snow had fallen by the time they visited Oluo's home.

Levi was lounging on the couch when Eren came out of the kitchen with a casserole dish. Comical hot pads covered his hands. One was a gift from Mrs. Jaeger. White thread spelling 'I like big bundts and I cannot lie' stitched into black fabric. The other was a house warming gift from Armin. 'Hot Shit' threaded into green fabric.

"Let's go," he demanded hastily. Levi didn't know where the couple would be going; nonetheless he shot up from his spot.

"Where are we going?" Levi asked as he grabbed Eren's bicep.

"Oluo's."

Levi felt excitement course through his veins. It was finally happening.

The fucker will pay for his actions

"Take this for a minute, I'll grab our coats," Eren said as he handed the dish and hot pads to the raven. He grabbed their coats out of the hall closet. Putting his on first before pulling something out of his pocket. "Make sure these don't fall out."