Chapter Text
''Damn it!''
Levi cursed under his breath as he walked as fast as his legs, not as long as he'd like them to be, could carry him towards the room. Down a path, he knew all too well.
Straight from the entrance, first left, then up the stairs to the second floor and then right and straight about 50 meters until the end of the corridor, the very last room on the right.
He passed a desk on his way and nodded his head towards the lady sitting behind it. A simple courteous gesture but it was almost like a reflex to him. Just like the path was automatic, this motion was as well. Repeated and repeated until it sunk deep underneath his skin, like a Pavlov's dog case – a classical conditioning. Levi almost smirked to himself at this stupid thought.
He hated it, he despised that he went through this corridor so many times that it had this kind of effect on his psyche.
Still, he walked on, in a hurry to get to his destination.
He arrived later than he anticipated. It was one hell of a day. His whole work day sucked, nothing went the way it was supposed to, everything today was nothing but chaos and if Levi didn't like something, chaos and disorder were on top of the list.
To add to it all, it was already after 8 p.m.; he would barely have an hour until the end of the visiting hours. When he finally got to the room, he slowed down and stood in front of the doors, with his hand on the handle for almost a minute. He took deep breaths to calm down his heart.
It wasn't beating faster just because of his almost sprint; it was beating with anticipation that this time would be different, that this time he would meet a different picture after opening this damn and cursed hospital door. But he was too realistic, almost a pessimist, to hold on to that faint light of hope for too long. If anything changed they would've called him. But his irrational, human side would still send him this slight nudge of anticipation every time, just before going inside.
He sighed and pushed the door with much reluctance. When it was finally opened and he could see inside it, his heart sunk low like it did every time he saw him like this. The most important person in his life, lying in the hospital bed, surrounded with machines, ticking and beeping away as the only indicator that the person attached to them was alive. For he was listless, unmoving, eyes closed, face expression with no emotion at all. The sight pained Levi every single time.
Some side of him hoped, the very egoistic one, that with time he would grow accustomed to this scene, that it would hurt less with his next visit. But like everything else in this situation – it was a fool's hope. Seeing Erwin today, unmoving and still, hurt him just the same the way it did three years ago.
Levi pushed away all the heavy thoughts and walked up to the bed. He put his bag on the back of the chair next to it and stood right over the bed. With the faintest smile, he took the older man's hand into his own two and brushed his thumb over it. The sensation of the touch all too familiar to him.
''Heya, buddy.'' He whispered, never letting go of the hand while sitting down on the chair.
Levi never was one to talk too much but each time he came to see Erwin, he felt the urge to talk, the overwhelming need to tell him all about his day. Whether it was messed up or if it went smoothly, he told him all about it. In the beginning, he was shocked with himself; surprised that he was actually capable of talking so much, that it didn't annoy him like it always did when he had to talk to other people.
But deep inside he knew the reason he did this. He deluded himself that if he told Erwin all about it that it would feel like his friend wasn't missing out, that when he would finally wake up from this hell called coma, he would know all about Levi's life when he was not in it. Once again – a fool's hope.
''I'm sorry I am this late but you cannot imagine the hell of the day that I went through today. It was like Friday the 13th or something, maybe even worse. I mean, I know I tend to get a bit too strict about my day's plan but today would make even the most disorganized person want to rip someone's head off.
And Hanji? I do not know to this day how you can put up with this person! I mean, we have this chaos in the office, one order and meeting falling through after another and what do they do?! They look like they're a cat in a sea of catnip! Like life couldn't get any better than this! I am there, making two, three phone calls at the same time, talking to them about what we should do to get, well, anything done today and they just gladly accept the orders. I am not saying Hange isn't sufficient. They works hard as hell. But can't they do it a bit less…cheerful?''
Levi sighed as he let off some of the day's worth of steam, saying all of this rant in one breath. He realized he was squeezing Erwin's hand a bit too hard and loosened his grip but did not let go. He picked up Erwin's hand and leaned on the bed with his elbows. He stayed quiet for some time, just looking at Erwin's face. Levi brought the much bigger hand up to his face and leaned in to feel its warmth. He longed so badly to feel the touch of these fingertips on his cheek, but this would have to do.
Leaning in on this immobile hand had to do it.
For now – he always told himself. Just a bit more.
But it was harder as he went on; it was more and more tough with every passing day, week, and month to even lie to himself. To some, it was only three years, especially to those who waited twice, thrice and four times as long for their loved ones to open their eyes and come back to them.
But these three years weighted on Levi and on his soul.
He was realistic; anyone who knew him, the first thing they most probably would say about him was that he was practical, organized and earthbound. The one that held everything together and rarely let any emotions show.
But when Levi was here, when he was in these four walls with the tubes and the machines beeping in an annoying rhythm, he just had to act against his nature. He felt he had to lie to himself because if he didn't, he would fall apart again. He would crumble under the pressure and the cruel realism of a faint possibility that his only family would never come back to him; that he wouldn't see Erwin's eyes of striking icy blue shade again, a color that pierced through Levi every single time.
He kept the hand against his cheek and carried on with speaking, this time slower as the first urgency to tell Erwin about his day was gone and now he could just be himself more; the composed and quiet Levi.
''But they did save us today. Somehow they managed to calm down a client that stormed into the office saying there was something…''
He stopped in mid sentence as he heard the door behind him open with a significant squeak. He jumped up a bit in his chair and turned around.
In his hurry to get to the room, being quite exhausted amongst everything else, he didn't even turn on the light in the room; the light of the machines and a small lamp on the nightstand on the other side of the bed gave him enough comfort. So when the door opened, the light from the hallway poured in and blinded him; he had to squint to see anything.
All he could see at the moment was a male posture standing in the doorway with his hand still on the handle. For some reason he was not coming inside or leaving, just standing there and looking at Levi. At least that's what Levi thought the man was doing because he couldn't see his face at all. It seemed to Levi that, for some reason, he was surprised to see Levi in here.
Just when Levi was about to speak, to tell him to close the goddamn door or to ask him who the hell he is, the man spoke first. Well, more like murmured to himself but Levi heard nevertheless.
''Oh, you're here…'' The stranger said as he closed the door behind as he walked inside the room.
''Huh? What are you talking about?''
Levi lowered his eyebrows, blinking rapidly to get his vision back.
In the meantime, he let go of Erwin's hand, let it lay on the bed and covered it with the blanket. When he came in earlier and took it in his hands he felt it was slightly cold so he did not want that to happen again. The stranger walked around to the other side of the bed, scratching the back of his neck as if he was embarrassed. When he stopped next to the machines, Levi finally had a clear view of him and now at least understood the reason why this person was here.
He was wearing a light blue shirt and identical matching pants. He had an I.D. clipped to his shirt's pocket and a stethoscope around his neck.
''He doesn't have a smock so he has to be a nurse right?''
The man smiled awkwardly when he caught Levi scanning him from head to toe. When their eyes met for an instant, the young male spoke while leaning in to get the chart from the head of the bed.
''I'm sorry to disturb your visit but I have to change his IV and note down today's stats.''
Levi only nodded but kept his gaze on the stranger. He was quite surprised. Somehow he almost always managed to miss the times they changed Erwin's IVs or gave him any meds, especially lately. He forgot the last time he saw someone else in this room besides himself and his comatose friend. He knew his condition had to be monitored 24/7 and probably happened at any given time of the day but he simply missed those medical visits from the hospital staff. The only time he spoke to the doctor was when they wanted to change Erwin's meds for some reason or the other and those times too, were done over the phone.
But even though seeing another living being in this room besides the two of them, shocked him, there was another thing. It was something silly and ridiculous when Levi ponders on it later. What had surprised him was the fact that he was a male nurse. Levi knew it was quite common today but he simply didn't see one before. Even though he spent every other day, if not almost every, of last three years in this hospital.
Levi almost let a smirk break through his face at the stupidity of his thoughts but controlled himself.
The stranger must have felt Levi's stare on him because when a new IV was hanging on the stand and he finished attaching the other end to Erwin's arm, he looked up at him, and after clearing of his throat, he spoke.
''Um, if you'd like to know anything, ask about his condition you can go ahead. I am not a doctor but I might be able to provide the information that you need.''
The nurse surprised him when he looked him straight in the eyes while speaking. Not many people did that. For some reason they were intimidated by Levi's presence, overlooking his lack of height. It was like his persona was that of someone you shouldn't underestimate; not that that wasn't true. He may lack in physical strength but in character – he just knew he could coerce a man even twice his size when he wanted to. But Levi never did it intentionally. It was just how he was and because of that, people kept their distance. But then again, Levi was somewhat grateful for that. In the end, he wasn't an open person. But at times it weighed on him and he felt that burden when he let his guard down. But not this kid. He looked Levi straight in the eyes as he talked and didn't let his gaze wander as he awaited Levi's reaction.
Levi, a little lost in thought, took some time to actually register what was said to him.
''What? Oh, no. I don't have any questions. I mean... – he sighed as he looked at Erwin's face for a moment and then back at the kid – unless there was some change that I should know about?''
The male nurse looked down at the chart that he was holding against his chest and studied it for a moment. When he looked up, his expression showed sadness and remorse. Levi knew the answer right away without him saying a single word.
"I'm sorry but…"
"Don't. I know what you're going to say." Levi said instantly while looking away, stopping the young man in mid-sentence.
When Levi looked up at him again, he saw it. The hurt and the surprise in the kid's eyes.
It took him back actually. Not that he was shocked by the reaction. He knew he caused these types of feelings in many people when he spoke in a very straightforward and harsh way. Not that he cared much. He wasn't acting like an asshole on purpose, it just happened to him at times. He simply spoke his mind straight on. Only later he consulted with his heart that he might've gone overboard. Seeing anger and distance on people's faces was nothing new to him and he couldn't blame them. At times, he didn't like himself much either.
But this here, this look on this young male nurse's face was one he didn't see before.
Sincere hurt and sorry. It was written all over his face. The pain was there, in those deep, emerald green eyes. It was like they were emanating his feelings, pouring out of him and either he didn't realize he was like an open book to anyone who looked or he just didn't care.
"I-I am sorry that I can't give you good news. It was stupid of me to ask and …"
Levi looked as the man fumbled with his fingers on the chart he was now holding onto for the dear of life. His knuckles started to become white with the strength he was putting in the grip. Suddenly Levi felt he needed to apologize, he felt he shouldn't have jumped at the other man when it wasn't his fault whatsoever for what the cruel reality was.
''No. Don't apologize. It's not your fault, you can't change what is written on that piece of shit.''
Levi once again just spoke his mind. Not that he was a saint and didn't curse. He did like any other person but thought it wasn't polite to do so when speaking to people he didn't know.
''Sorry for my language. It was just a very long day.'' He sighed as he rubbed the spot between his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, hoping to release some pressure that was gathering up. Then he heard a small chuckle and looked up.
The kid was smiling.
No, it was too much to say it was a smile. It was only a tiny grin, his lips barely pulled up at the sides but smiling nevertheless.
At that instant, Levi felt that this expression fit those green eyes much better than the look of hurt he gave Levi before.
''No need. Well, I did what I had to do so I'll be going now. I don't want to interrupt your visit anymore.''
He nodded politely towards Levi, put the chart back in its place after noting something down on it and went on his way to exit the room.
He was almost at the exit when Levi turned around in his chair and felt the need to stop him for some reason. Normally he wouldn't give it a second thought but he felt he needed to ask him his name. It was a simple task but when the words were about to come out, Levi's throat tightened. He cleared his throat and when he finally managed to speak, what his ears heard wasn't exactly what he was planning to say.
''What did you mean when you came in?''
The young man stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. There was confusion written all over his face while he tilted his head a bit in question. So Levi, after his mind caught up with what his mouth was saying, specified his question.
''When you came in and saw me you said 'You're here.' What did you mean? Why did it sound like you knew someone... No; that I might be in the room?''
The young man widened his eyes as he suddenly realized something. It seemed the kid himself forgot he said anything in the first place and didn't even realize Levi heard him as well.
He smiled an awkward smile this time while his hand traveled to the back of his neck, scratching it. It seemed he was buying himself time to come up with an answer.
''Um….'' He spoke after a longer moment.
Levi just sat there wondering what was going through the other man's mind. And even more so, he was wondering why he even cared?
And then the nurse looked into Levi's eyes once more and as he held Levi's gaze, he suddenly felt really tired and decided that he lacked the strength to go and try to figure out what was going through some kid's head. He opened his mouth to speak, to tell him that it didn't matter, that he didn't care in the end but the young man spoke first after letting out a very long sigh. It seemed that he finally made his decision and gave up on whatever his explanation would bring him.
''Well, I've been working on this ward for almost six months now. And it just happens that most often I get the middle shift, you know the one that no one wants to take. Between 4 p.m. and midnight but it doesn't bother me all that much.'' Levi sat there really confused why he was listening to some nurse's life but didn't want to interrupt him again so he just kept quiet. ''But never mind that. Well, my work at the evening hours is to give the meds, check and change IVs and so on, but also, as the visiting hours are until nine I have to check that people go home. And well…," He swallowed really hard as if he was a child standing against the wall, telling the teacher why he hit his friend, confessing his crimes in a way that would get him into the least amount of trouble. "I watched you.''
''Huh?'' Now, Levi did not see that one coming.
The nurse must have noticed shock on Levi's face because he put up his hands in a defensive gesture and kept on speaking, this time much quicker. Trying to get his explanation out in the open as fast as possible.
''It's not like it sounds! Well, this room here is one of the last ones on my list but I noticed that he would almost always have a guest in the evening," The younger man looked for a second at Erwin's bed and then back at Levi, "so I thought that I would wait till you would leave, leave this room for last so I wouldn't disturb you.''
Levi was once more, for the umpteenth time this evening, not sure what to say. This kid here was willing to bend his working plan for Levi's convenience, a stranger and a visitor like many others. He wasn't used to these simple gestures of kindness. And Levi was sure that the man in front of him wouldn't be able to imagine how much such a simple task meant to Levi.
He didn't have too many hours in the day to spare for these visits; busy with work and everything else going on in his life, he tried his hardest to visit every day. But sometimes it was simply impossible. So when he finally did come over, he wanted peace and quiet to share with Erwin. To simply hold his hand, tell him about his day, other times to not speak a single word; just sit there and enjoy the tranquillity that Erwin's presence brought.
But something in this situation didn't make sense.
''Really? You did that? But it's still after 8 p.m. and I always leave just before the end of visiting hours. You thought I wouldn't come in today?''
What appeared on the green-eyed man's face, the expression that Levi received, was not one that he would ever expect. It was a simple question but then why in the world the man in front of him was blushing, his cheeks tainted with more and more shade of crimson?
Again there was guilt written all over his face and if Levi had known what was going on for a moment, he was lost again.
''Um, not really. Can I be honest with you?'' Levi only nodded in response. ''After a little while, I noticed that you would have this kind of a routine. Around 8:30 you would go downstairs to get something to drink and then be back and stay till the very end. Though I never had to ask you to leave, you would leave this room like 9 o'clock sharp. And well, I always went while you were gone for those 10 – 15 minutes. It made it a bit easier on my schedule and … ''
His voice trailed off and he looked down at his hands.
To be honest, Levi felt a little awkward knowing that he was being, well, watched. But he understood. And he knew what the nurse meant; he did tend to have small routines during the day. He would always get a coffee before leaving the hospital. He would buy it downstairs in the small shop they had there, come back up and drink it quietly in the room. He never finished it, though. He left some for the way back to his house that was not so close. Around 20 – 30 minutes by foot and Levi always walked that distance. He just had to walk it all off. The feelings that always gathered up inside him after seeing Erwin's unmoving, frozen expression.
Why was today different? That question lingered in the air and it seemed that this change in plans baffled this man; he wasn't expecting to see Levi in the room at this precise hour. The blush wasn't leaving the nurse's face so Levi felt that he should do something to ease the tension that gathered up in the room. For both of their sakes.
''Ease up, kid. I understand. It was really kind of you to go out your way for me." His eyes shot up right away and the light in them literally lit up the room. "But let's start over. What's your name anyway?''
''Oh right! I didn't even introduce myself! My name is Eren. Nice to meet you.''
Eren walked up to him, with his hand extended. He was very straightforward and awaited Levi's response. Levi got up from his chair, took a half a step forward and took Eren's hand in his.
''Likewise. My name is Levi.''
"Oh, I know. Oops.''
Levi just looked at him with eyebrows raised and their hands still connected.
''I mean it's in the papers who can visit Erwin.''
''Oh right. Well…'' Now came the moment when Levi's lack of interpersonal skill showed. He had no idea what to say. He just let go of Eren's hand and stood there with uncomfortable silence hanging in the air. Thankfully Eren seemed more sociable; he just smiled as if the awkwardness never appeared.
''Anyway. I should go. I took up enough of your time already.''
''No, it's ok. I think I'll be going now anyway. I came here later than usual so that's why I didn't get my drink. The visiting hours are almost over anyway so…''
''No!'' Eren almost shouted, making Levi step back in surprise.
''Huh?''
Blush reappeared on Eren's face.
''I mean, stay a bit longer if you want. I'll talk to Mrs. Gray. That's the lady at the desk that you pass by and ask her to let you stay a little longer.''
Levi was stunned; he wasn't sure what to say.
''No. That's against the regulations. You don't have to trouble yourself. I'll just…''
''It's no problem at all. I'll talk to her right away.''
Before Levi could say another word the kid was out and gone from the room. He stood there for a moment, not sure what to make of this situation. He turned around to look at Erwin, his hand reaching for his head to scratch it in confusion.
''See Erwin? I can be nice when I try. Though this situation here…''
Levi sighed and shook his head. He went to sit on the chair once more. Somehow he felt a tad better now. He was still tired from the chaos that went on the whole day at his office, but it seemed some weight was lifted off his shoulders, he felt lighter in spirit. It must be the thought that he could stay with Erwin a little bit more, no matter how small, every extra minute counted to Levi just the same.
He put his head on the edge of the bed, his right hand holding Erwin's hand through the covers as he closed his eyes. He just needed a moment to let them rest; just a minute or two to regenerate. He really doubted that Eren would be able to pull off staying after visiting hours. Levi was certain that he wasn't the only guest that would love to stay longer. But wanting something didn't mean you would get it, even if you wished for it with all your heart. The real world just didn't function that way. Levi knew all too well. But it was still kind of Eren to try.
Levi hasn't realized he dozed off. He didn't actually think that he was that tired to fall asleep in such a position, almost sitting up. He was quite confused where he was and what was going on. He was in that awful state when a person wakes up and doesn't know which way is up and which down. He quickly sat up straight and looked around, trying to catch up and let his brain start working again. When he looked left he saw Erwin lying on the bed, when he looked right he was faced with deep green eyes. The problem was – they were on the zoom in. They were mere centimeters away from his face.
The lethargy and the sleepiness were gone in an instant when he jumped back in his chair. He was awake in a flash and finally understood that it was just Eren, waking him up. His reaction must have looked somewhat foolish because he heard a small chuckle coming from the young man. Levi looked at him and then realized Eren had his hand on Levi's shoulder and glanced at it, still confused and just a tiny bit uncomfortable. Levi wasn't too keen on people touching him. Eren saw his look and took his hand off right away but the smile did not leave his face. Levi still could hear faint laughter coming from the young man.
''I'm sorry to scare you like that," Levi could clearly see that Eren was holding in his laughter, "but I just thought you wouldn't want to spend your time here sleeping. If I did something wrong, if I should've let you sleep…''
''No. Thank you. I didn't even feel I was sleepy and thought I should rest my head for a moment. I must've dozed off. What time is it anyway?''
Levi suddenly felt panicky. If the kid actually managed to get him some more time with Erwin and he spent it sleeping he would be really pissed with himself. Not to mention Eren's thoughtfulness would go to waste.
Eren must have noticed Levi's sudden panic as he looked around in search of the clock because he spoke.
''Oh, don't worry about it." This time he was calm, held in laughter gone but a smile still painted on his face. It was such a warm, calm and sincere smile that filled his eyes. Eyes that were once again locked with Levi's. "You couldn't be asleep for more than 15 – 20 minutes. It's only little after 9 p.m." Levi opened his mouth to speak but he was never able to utter a single word. "And before you get up to leave you don't have to. I spoke to Mrs. Gray and after a bit of persuasion, she let you stay a bit longer. So just sit and enjoy your tea.''
Levi thought that he must be still a bit sleepy because once again he had no idea what Eren was talking about.
''Oh, right. I got you a tea when I went to talk to Mrs. Gray. I didn't know what kind of coffee you drink or if you would want one at this hour so I went with the safer choice of tea. Um, you don't have to drink it if you don't want to, I just thought… Well, never mind. I will leave now and leave you alone with him.''
Eren started walking away but Levi stopped him. He was as confused as the kid seemed to be in this situation, but he still felt the need to speak to him.
''Eren?" The kid stopped walking, "Um… Thank you.''
These simple words made Eren turn around and give Levi the biggest grin of the evening. He didn't say anything, just nodded his head and left the room. Levi sighed to himself and turned around. He looked at the bedside table and indeed there was a big cup standing on it. Levi reached out and took it in both his hands, feeling the warmth of it. He took a small sip, wondering if Eren added sugar. Right away he felt none of the awful sweetness he despised. He didn't notice any sugar slips on the table either so Eren must have assumed Levi didn't add sugar to his tea. And the truth was that he assumed correctly.
Levi wasn't sure till what hour he could stay, so he just sat back in his chair, slowly sipped his tea and talked to Erwin about really random stuff. He told him about the client that Hanji tamed today, the same one he started talking about when Eren first came into the room.
''Thank goodness Hanji was there. I would've just asked the security to take him out. I cannot learn how to deal with people, especially ones like that. He accused us that the cards that he received were of a different size than the ones he ordered, that his boss was furious with our mistake. I tried telling him that it was impossible, that my company was not the one in the wrong, and I swear I was doing it as polite as possible but for some reason he just wasn't getting the point. That's when Hanji came in and took over. And it turns out I was right – it was his crew that had to sent in the wrong information.''
Levi took another sip of the tea, let its warmth spread through him. It was almost end of September and random nights tended to get a little bit chilly.
''Oh, and I got good news. I think I must be really tired that I didn't tell you about it right away. I paid off the last installment on the house. It's paid off in full and officially ours. It took one year longer than we thought but it's done. So when you'll wake up…''
Levi's voice trailed off, unable to continue his speech. He put the cup up to his lips and drank the tea in silence. He sat there quietly, not feeling like speaking anymore. And he was in the same exact position, about half an hour later, 10 p.m. closing in when Eren came into the room for the third time that evening.
This time Levi was neither surprised by his visit nor asleep so he met the kid's eyes with his usual look – an expressionless face and did not speak a word. He was hidden deep inside himself, blocked everything and everyone by walls he put up daily. His defense was in full mode, now that he was awake and ready for the conversation. But his usual personality wasn't the only factor that made this ''safe on mode'' come up.
Eren's presence meant that he had to leave. Leave Erwin behind once again, hooked up to the hospital apparatus, tubes sticking out of him, all alone in the darkness of the room. Levi had to put the barriers around himself this instant if he was to be able to take that step, that painful step through the threshold of this hell.
Levi knew that Eren either felt or saw his change in attitude. He had to notice that the man in front of him was unpleasant and subconsciously making him back off.
Eren took a deep breath and spoke quietly, awareness of the wall that protruded between them could be heard in his voice.
''Um, I came to tell you that you really have to leave now…''
Levi only nodded and started to get up but Eren wasn't done with whatever he had to say.
''And actually, I came to get you because you have to leave with me." Before Levi could say a word Eren continued. "Well, as you know you shouldn't be here so you have to leave the hospital with me because I am going outside for my break. This way the security won't say anything. So I'll give you a minute to pack and I'll be waiting at the stairs. ''
Again, Levi just nodded. He knew he was being a dick but he couldn't help it. Especially not right now. For some reason, Eren didn't say anything about it and just left the room. When Levi heard the door close, with his bag already put on across his shoulders, he bent down and hovered for a minute over Erwin's face. A smile suddenly appeared on Levi's face but it was filled with sorrow, hurt, pain and grief that were just a shadow of what Levi really felt on the inside. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to push that look away. A moment later he placed a faint kiss on Erwin's forehead.
He straightened himself and walked out of the room as fast as possible. He needed fresh air and he needed it now.
Eren was standing right where he said he would, still in his nurse's outfit but a small leather bag across his chest, fumbling with his phone. When he looked up and saw Levi, he put the phone in his pocket right away and gave Levi a faint smile.
''I'm sorry for this but this was the only way to let you stay here a bit longer. Our hospital is actually really strict about it, so all in all, I just have to somewhat escort you outside.''
Leaving the room seemed to loosen Levi's tongue a little because he was finally able to answer Eren with more than a nod of his head.
''You tend to apologize a lot, don't you? When there's nothing to be sorry about. On the contrary, I should be saying sorry for the trouble I caused you.''
''No! It was no trouble at all.''
Silence fell upon them again but they both could feel the awkwardness of Levi's unpleasant behavior fading. They walked on, down the stairs and towards the exit of the hospital when in the meantime Levi noticed that Eren was trying to hold in his laughter once more. This time Levi just couldn't keep himself from it and asked.
''Am I missing something? What's so funny?''
''Um, it's nothing. I just remembered when you woke up.''
''You mean when you woke me?''
''Yeah. I mean your face… you looked like a startled little kitten…''
Levi could not believe what he was hearing. His eyes wide, digesting the words Eren spoke. He was sure he just heard being compared to a freaking kitten.
''Did you just…?''
Eren gritted his teeth with a smile plastered.
''You're one cheeky brat, aren't you?''
Whatever Levi's face looked like, it must have done it for Eren because he let out a full laughter. It was light and honest, the ones that start at the very bottom of the stomach and go through you. It filled his eyes and face as he laughed, quietly but fully, never stopping his walk. Levi felt he should be pissed off at this kid for laughing, well, at him, but just couldn't find it in himself to do so.
He just shook his head and walked on, but still feeling a little embarrassed.
When they got to the double doors, Eren was through with his laughing fit and waved at the security man standing near. The guard smiled at Eren and nodded. Levi assumed he must have spoken with him about Levi being his ''guest''. They were outside, the automatic doors slowly sliding behind them when Levi heard the security man's voice.
''Good luck, Eren!''
The door closed and Levi looked at Eren, whose eyes widened while looking at the guard and shaking his head. He looked at Levi and sighed.
''Don't ask. Anyway, it was nice meeting you, Levi.''
''Yeah. Thanks for…today.''
"No problem. I hope…" he looked down for a second and then up again, "that your… That Erwin wakes up soon… Anywho! I gotta go! See you around?''
Levi nodded and the brat was gone, walking away in an opposite direction to where Levi was going. Suddenly he felt really tired and wanted nothing more than to get in his bed and sleep for the next 24 hours.