Of tea, apples and embarrassing dates // Ereri //

8- Levi would like to be taller

Levi grunts and stiffens a bit. Yeah okay, he knows he's short. Like, short short. It's something that's always bothered him; you'd think after thirty-five years of living some acceptance would sink in but, well, that's not the case.

Eren must have noticed the weak spot he's touched, because he leans closer across the table and says, loud and clear, "I like the way you're much shorter, tho. It makes me think about hugging you from behind and placing my head onto yours. Very nice indeed."

Levi says nothing at first because, sincerely, what could he even say? Then he remembers. "Still. I'm older anyway. Pay some respect."

Eren leans back on his chair, seeming extremely comfortable and, yes, pretty full of himself. "Not a problem. For a matter of fact, I like them mature."

That's it. Levi is gonna fucking stand up and run away like a rabbit fleeing from a dog and go hiding under a pile of blankets on his perfectly clean bed before exploding. He needs time to process, okay? No judging.

Unfortunately, the stars have other plans for him, as a waitress arrives with their orders and his stomach sings the choir of angels and okay, that's quite the good reason for staying. The woman who brought the dishes wishes them a good diner and walks back inside after greeting Eren by name.

Levi lifts an eyebrow and Eren smiles almost - almost - affectionately. "I moved in this street four years ago after receiving the best proof studying wasn't the right path for me. I was lucky enough to be hired in the coffee shop almost immediately. You can figure yourself a twenty years old with no life experience and living on his own became a regular of the restaurant downstair very quickly. Especially when the food is that tasty."

"So, uhm, you abandoned studying?"

"That's it. You might think it's sad such a young boy gave up on every ambition and refuged in a comfortable life. But I love it this way. No regrets."

Levi is impressed, honestly speaking. Eren seems to be way more mature than what he looks like. "Not really. The sad part, I mean. When I graduated I instantly felt relieved. I couldn't bear studying anymore, just wanted to get to work."

"How long is it since you opened the gym?"

"Almost ten years." He scrunches his eyebrows. "Fuck, time sure flies."

They both fall silent and Levi finally takes a spoonful of his Cantonese rice. His eyes widen and Eren laughs. "I know! Good, isn't it?"

Levi nods and continues eating. Shit, he really was starving and the dish is delicious.

He hums and eyes Eren biting on his lip. Fuck. He's delicious too.

***

There's no meaning denying it: he had an amazing time. Eren offered to accompany Levi home, but knowing his flat was just meters away from there, he couldn't do anything other than decline the offer and greet him goodbye.

Just before he could exit the street and turn around the corner, Eren's sparkling voice calls his name and he turns around to see the boy bent on the table to scribble something on a napkin.

"Here, take it."

Levi takes the napkin and represses a smile. Eren's handwriting is a bit shaky and messy in a funny way, but the lines are firm and confident. Just like him.

"Call me, okay?"

Levi stares at him, no words spoken. He's noticed with a spark of pride he hasn't stuttered his usual lot during the dinner, but he's positive he's gonna make an awkward mess if he tries and speaks now.

Eren lands a hand on the other's shoulder and bents a little to deposit a chaste kiss on Levi's cheek. "Levi, I must tell you I'd like to call this a date."

He nods, his hands tightening on the napkin with Eren's cell number on it.

Eren smiles widely, his face bright and his eyelashes long and his dimples-

Okay Levi, contain yourself. You don't find him attractive at all, remember?

He just stands still in the middle of the sidewalk, watching Eren as he opens the doorway of a close building and disappears in it.

He's so head over heels, ugh.

***

"You're telling me you really did avoid him today?"

"For the tenth time, yes! Yes I did, okay? I need time to make it all sink in."

Hange looks like she's that close to punching him. She might as well try, she's gonna fail anyway.

"You're so stupid, you know? Give me your phone."

"I'm not giving you my phone."

She points her index finger on the counter Levi's cleaning and he truly might kill her now. "Your phone, Levi."

"Zoe, quit it. You know I'm not used to this kind of thing."

"That's why I'm here to help you!"

Levi sends her a skeptical look and she sighs dramatically loudly. "Okay, keep your phone for yourself then! But please I'm begging you, text him."

"I really wanna see you begging me before I do."

Hange groans, getting more and more frustrated. "Listen there you incapable human being, I am doing this for you!" She fakes wiping a tear. "Such a meanie..."

Levi pulls her hand away from the counter and scratches the surface with the cloth. "Okay, okay. What should I text him?"

She grins happily, knowing she's won once again. "Ask him if he's free this evening. And maybe tonight too, if you know what I m-"

"I'm gonna kick your ass, Zoe."

He puts out the phone from the bag and cautiously goes through the registered numbers.

"I see you already saved his cell number. Good boy."

"Zoe."

She holds her hand up and finally shuts her mouth.

Levi: Are you free tonight? That's Levi by the way.

"Here. Are you happy now?"

"Very."

The cell phone vibrates shortly after and Zoe makes a run for it, essentially snatching it from Levi. "Aw," she says, "Such a cute baby! Look at his profile pic, too!"

Levi takes the phone back abruptly, looking for the answer.

Eren: I always am if you ask me. I'm so relieved you texted me, I thought I scared you yesterday when you didn't stop by in the morning.

"Cute my ass... sneaky bastard."

The profile picture is cute, tho. He's sitting on a bench in a park under a shower of golden sun rays, genuinely smiling and not looking at the camera, but more likely at the person holding it.

Levi is not staring at the picture. He is not, okay?

He ignores Hange's maniacal laugh and types a text back.

Levi: There's somewhere you'd like to go?

Eren: There's a luna park in town. Sounds good to you?

"Zoe."

"Yes, darling?"

He has to ignore the mocking tone.

"Luna Park?"

"Perfect place for a date, if you ask me. You can even hide behind some stall and-" The death glare is enough to stop her. Luckily, 'cause Levi's sure his ears are gonna bleed by the time he's done talking to her.

Levi: Whatever. I close late today. I'll pick you up when I'm done, around 10 pm.

Eren: See you later then. Since I didn't get to see you this morning, I cannot wait ;)