The Toxic Wasters

26. Lost in the Darkness

- Present Day -

The incessant creaking of their cellmate's cot began like clockwork. Every night, not ten minutes passed everyone climbed into bed, it would start. Reiner seemed to be doing it to irritate Eren as if it were some type of revenge.

Eren held Levi tightly against his chest, shielding him from Reiner's view. Eren had always been protective of Levi but since Reiner had attacked Eren, his protective nature had increased tenfold.

It'll be over soon

He registered the taps against his hips. Levi knew Eren wasn't sleeping, he hadn't been getting much sleep since he returned from solitary confinement. But he hadn't expected much more talking from his husband.

We're leaving next week

Levi felt his heart rate speed up. He thought of the vent that was finally wide enough to allow the couple to escape.

How will we get passed them?

The rhythmic creaking emphasized his concern.

Don't worry, I'll handle it

Levi's gut didn't love what thoughts popped in his head.

Don't do anything that'll get you in trouble

"I can't bare it again," Levi whispered, positive he wouldn't be heard by their cell mates.

Eren pressed a kiss to the column of Levi's neck before he tightened his embrace around the raven's hips.

"Don't worry," was all the reassurance Levi received.

He had never believed in a god—how could one be so cruel to him—but for the first time, he recited a silent prayer. He prayed they would escape; he prayed his husband would stay safe.

- -

Fishing could always calm Erwin. Perhaps it was the still of the water or the light chirping of birds or the serenity of it all, and he enjoyed sharing the peace with his family. Isabel had never fished with Erwin, and he was adamant she would experience it on their camping trip. He had bought a small pink fishing rod in preparation.

They had pitched the tent on a small hill overlooking the lake. No one else decided to camp near them, the closest sign of human life being across the body of water.

"To cast your line, all you need to do is pull your rod back," Erwin demonstrated by steadily pulling his fishing rod back, "and snap it forward." He brought the rod forward and watched the line sail into the lake.

Isabel tried to mimic his demonstration. But they both hopelessly watched as her pink fishing rod sailed into the water. Erwin could barely hold in his laugh as he watched the fishing rod slowly float away. But when he saw his daughter's pout, he was quick to regain his composure.

"Don't worry sweetie, dad will grab it."

Digging his fishing rod into the sand, Erwin waded in the water. The lake was still enough, the rod couldn't travel far, so Erwin didn't have to find himself soaked to his shoulders chasing after his daughter's fishing rod.

"I got it!" Erwin exclaimed as he held the sparkling pink rod above his head like a prize. Isabel cheered for her dad as he took heavy steps toward her.