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Shadows Comes the Light - 3/? - Ereri

Title: Shadows Comes the Light’

Authors: websterwolf and jenneralgrievous

Rating: R

Pairings: Eren/Levi, mentions of Eren/Hange, Eren/Annie, various parings will be added as story progresses.

AO3: Chapter Three

Summary: From a family of hunters to being the hunted, Levi never though he deserved anyone. Until he saves a young Eren Jaeger and realizes the draw of a mate is stronger than anything in the world. Over the centuries, Levi finds himself drawn to various incarnations of Eren, young and old, both male and female. Starting from the 1700’s and leading all the way up to the canon period, Levi realizes that somethings are worth the lifetimes of waiting.

(Please note this is not a Supernatural crossover and has nothing to do with them in any way. Please don't get confused by 'hunters')

A/N: Hey everyone! Thank you for being so patient with us and getting this fic up! It took me a long time to write this chapter because ... well, you'll see. Heartbreaking chapter - I'm sorry for giving you guys this on Valentine's Day. Still, I hope you enjoy it! Please feel free to leave any comments you have either here, or you're welcome to send them to my tumblr or Twitter . You're more than welcome to add either (or both!) of us as a friend and send as many messages as you need!

Hope you enjoy!

A cold North wind blew through the small alley, causing leaves, trash and other such objects to rustle and fly around the legs of the young man standing by himself. Eren shivered and blew into his hands, his breath warming his cold fingers just slightly as he rubbed them together to keep the heat. He sighed and wrapped his arms around himself, doing a little dance to keep warm. It was ridiculous, Eren knew, to be standing here in this alley way on a cold October evening, but Levi had promised to meet him.

It had become a ritual of theirs in the time they had known one another - almost a year now. They would meet in the alley way, one place Levi could easily access and could keep away from the eyes of possible hunters and Eren could be sure that he wouldn’t be recognized by any of his father’s patients or Annie’s aristocratic friends. Their meetings in the alley would usually turn into renting a room over night at a local inn. The look the inn keeper gave them the first time let Eren know she knew exactly what was going on. Levi had not batted an eye, simply thanking the woman for the key and began heading upstairs. Sometimes they would only be there for a few hours, and during those times they didn’t speak much - they let their bodies talk for them, and the gasps, whines, and moans were enough for Eren. Other times they would stay all night, curled together under the blankets for warmth. Eren loved those times the most.

Levi talked a lot about his childhood, how he was the youngest child of four with one older brother, Jean, and two twin sisters, Adeline and Rosette. The LaMont’s had been a substantially prominent family within the French aristocrats, but they tended to keep to themselves. He had been raised on a small farm, with lots of cattle, chicken, goats, and horses. He lit up while speaking about the horses and Eren couldn’t keep the grin off of his face as he watched Levi talk. Levi also spoke of his families’ ‘profession’ - hunting.

“My father was raised as a hunter,” Levi explained as they lay together one evening, one hand lightly stroking Eren’s arm. “I do not mean hunting as in animals, although they were good at that as well. But hunting things like me - vampyres, witches, werewolves. We are all real, and we are all very dangerous. My grandfather taught my father how to hunt - raised him in it, actually. He knew how to shoot a gun and how to wield a sword and stab with knives before he stopped sucking his thumb. Father is very good at what he does, and he is actually known for being one of the best hunters in Europe. Father doesn’t seek the creatures out - he watches for signs of things happening. Mysterious deaths, plagues, groups of people dying for no apparent reason, those are all signs. Most of the time it means there is a clan that has gone out of control. Father raised Jean in the business as well, and the girls were taught how to defend themselves should an attack on our family ever take place. They’re both married to hunters and will probably raise their children as hunters. Well, Adeline is married with children - Rosette’s husband passed away a few years back.” The dark look that came over Levi’s face took the question (and the sympathy for the loss) straight out of Eren’s mouth. Something told Eren he didn’t want to pry into how the husband had died.

“What about you? Weren’t you raised as well?”

“No, not me. I was taught how to fight and defend myself, but I wasn’t shown how to kill a vampyre, or how to look for them. I wasn’t taken on raids. Mother wanted one child that was not a part of it. She wanted one child that she didn’t have to worry and pray for his safety and safe return when he leaves town to take care of something.” Levi gave a short snort. “Look how that turned out.”

Levi fell silent for a moment before Eren spoke up. “How were you turned?”

“A mistake.” Levi answered quickly. “I was turned because I made a very deadly mistake. A mistake that has caused my family much grief.”

That was all he would say on the matter.

A movement caught Eren’s attention from the corner of his eye and he turned to see Levi walking toward him, his hood pulled over his head to obscure his face. Eren lifted one hand that was quickly taken by Levi’s and their fingers entwined around one another. Eren let out a breathy laugh as he pulled Levi closer, leaning over to steal a quick kiss. They were careful and always had been about showing affection in public. Still, Levi leaned his forehead against Eren’s and as he spoke their lips brushed against one another. “I missed you.” Eren said quietly.

“Me too.” was the breathy reply against his mouth. They shared another slow, sweet kiss before Levi pulled away. “I already paid for the room tonight, so all we need to do is just go up there.”

An involuntary shudder ran through Eren’s body and he nodded, taking Levi’s hand and pulling him toward the inn and in the direction of their room. Eren was pushed against the wall the minute the door closed, Levi’s mouth on his and his hands running against his sides. Eren groaned as the hands moved up to his chest, pinching and tugging on his nipples. It was something Eren had discovered aroused him beyond belief and Levi took advantage of it often. He tilted his head to the side and heard Levi’s groan in response as he kissed his way down Eren’s neck, and he felt the sharp sting of fangs lightly grazing his pulse point.

That - that - always got them both going. Eren had learned early on that arousal brought out Levi’s fangs and in turn, his fangs and the act of feeding usually brought arousal. Eren barely felt himself being moved to the bed and the feeling of pulling Levi on top of him. They panted together after, pressing kisses against one another’s shoulders and tracing hands along every bit of skin they could find. Eren threw his head back and let out of a breath, shuddering with the feeling. He felt Levi move from him and curl against his body, pressing one small kiss to his shoulder. He licked at his neck, at the place where he had removed his fangs moments ago. They had found (through trial and error) that a lick to the spot closed the wound. Another few made it almost completely disappear. Thus far, Eren had not had anyone ask him about it. He curled into Levi’s body. “Do you feel good?”

“Always.” Levi replied softly, turning to look at him his grey-blue eyes catching the light from the moon.

~

There was an invitation when Eren arrived home the next morning and Annie had carefully laid it on the bedside table next to his side of the bed. He picked it up, opening it and looking at it with interest. It was an invitation to a party from a Mr. And Mrs. Emile LaMont and the name caught Eren’s eye. He looked up from the invitation to find Annie standing in the door way of their bedroom, beautiful as always, and dressed as though she were going to a social gathering for a prince rather than lounging around their home. “What is this?” he asked, waving the paper in his hand.

“It arrived yesterday.” She answered, leaning against the doorframe as she spoke. “I was not familiar with the family name, so I thought it might have been from friends of your fathers. Do you not recognize the name?”

He did, of course. It was Levi’s family name. “I know of the family,” he answered carefully. “But I do not know them personally. Do we want to make an appearance?”

Annie’s eyes lit up just slightly as she spoke, as they always did when she was invited somewhere that allowed her to show herself off. “I think we should.” She said, smiling at him. Annie paused a breath. “Eren? May I ask a question?”

Eren paused from unbuttoning his jacket and he turned to look at her, tilting his head in curiosity. “Of course.”

“This … person you’re seeing. Is this their family?”

Something in Eren’s stomach fluttered, but it wasn’t out of nervousness. They had both been open with one another’s infidelities since their affairs had begun, yet being asked so directly was something Eren still wasn’t used to. It only added to the uncomfortableness that his party happened to be of the same gender and Eren was fairly certain hers was not. Still, Eren nodded in response. “It is. Why?”

“Is there a chance I’ll see her there?”

Most likely, although it won’t be who you are expecting. “I’m fairly certain you will.”

“Hm.” Was her only response and the silence fell between them.

“Will that be a problem?”

Annie shook her head, the blonde curls framing her facing bouncing with the movement. “I just wondered if you were going to introduce me to her, or if I should make myself discreet for the evening. She does know you’re married, right?”

“They know.” Eren said, swallowing after he did.

Her eyes narrowed some. “There’s a problem. What is it?”

“Nothing! Nothing’s wrong. I’m sorry, it just threw me off for a moment that you would even want to meet them.”

“I can not help but notice you always refer to the person as ‘they’.”

Eren stared at her, eyes wide as he mentally tried to climb upwards from the hole he had dug into. Annie said nothing, waiting patiently with her arms crossed as he stared at her and tried to think of something he could say that would throw her from the trail. He had nothing. Eren had never been particularly good at lying and he wasn’t entirely sure how he was going to be able to talk himself out of this one. “Annie - “ He started, but he was barely able to get a word out before her eyes widened and she sucked in a breath.

“Oh my God.” She said, her blue eyes wide as she gaped at him. “Oh my God. It isn’t a her, is it?”

“Annie - “

“Is it?”

“I can explain.” Eren finished weakly.

“Is this - are you -?” Annie trailed off, clearly unable to find words for what she wanted to say. Instead, she just made gestures with her hands and stared at him expectantly.

Sighing, Eren let his head fall. “Yes. I mean, yes to the fact is … a male.” He snapped his head up. “Annie, please do not be upset with me. I would have told you - I wanted to tell you - but I was never really certain how.”

Eren could see her trembling just slightly, although she hid it well. “Are you attracted to males?”

That was the question of the hour, wasn’t it? Eren didn’t know how to respond to that, so he gave a weak shrug instead. “I never have been before. It has only been him. I don’t even find other males attractive, to be honest.”

“What is his name?”

“Levi.”

“Ah.” She said and added nothing more.

“Annie. Please talk to me.”

Annie hesitated just briefly, a small blush tinging her cheeks pink. “The other night when we were … intimate, you started to breathe a name, but stopped yourself. I don’t even know if you knew you had done it. The name started with an ‘l’. It makes sense now.”

Eren’s face fell and he moved toward her, reaching and taking her hands in his. To his surprise, she didn’t pull away. “Annie, I am so sorry. I am so sorry if I’ve hurt you, because that was never my intention. Especially during those moments. We’re just now even beginning to … enjoy them together. I wouldn’t want to do a single that would make it anything but enjoyable and pleasurable to you.”

“You didn’t.” She said, and her smile told Eren she was telling the truth. “It hasn’t been the first time for either of us that we’ve breathed another’s name. It just made sense. I’ve been trying to think of anyone we knew together whose name started with an ‘l’. I guess it would make sense I wouldn’t know him.”

He squeezed her hands. “I’m so sorry.”

Annie shook her head. “You have nothing to apologize for. I assume I’ll be seeing him at this party?”

“I don’t know why he wouldn’t be there.” Eren replied.

Annie grinned at him, a devilish look in her eye. “Well then. I suppose I will just have to dress my best, now won’t I?

~

The party was a fancy event indeed. Although the LaMont’s had not been in England but only a few years, they had gathered a rather impressive group of acquaintances. There were people from all different types of families, some Eren recognized, but most he didn’t. He had to wonder how many in the group were fellow hunters, although Eren doubted there were many since Levi would probably be a part of this. As he and Annie arrived, a smaller woman around Annie’s height met them at the door and extended her hand. Eren kissed it gently and gave her a smile. Without even introducing herself, Eren knew immediately this had to be Levi’s mother. She was smaller than Levi, but she had the same definitions on her face, the same eyes, and the same calculating look Levi had a tendency to give. She was absolutely gorgeous.

She curtsied as Eren introduced himself and Annie and beamed at the pair of them. “Rosalind LaMont,” she said as an introduction. “My husband Èmilie is around somewhere.” Rosalind turned her head slightly to look, but gave up soon after with a shrug of her shoulders. “I always lose him at parties. He goes from guest to guest. Please, come in and make yourself at home. We have many foods and drinks. I baked most of the bread and pastries myself.”

The smell of the food hit Eren as they walked in and he took a breath, sighing. “It smells wonderful, Madam. Thank you for the invitation.”

Rosalind beamed and moved away, almost in a dance as she flitted from person to person. Annie wrapped her arm through his, smiling at guests as they passed, but sticking very close to Eren. She looked absolutely gorgeous tonight. Annie had pulled her hair up high, and let some of the tendrils fall and frame her face. She had not gone as far as the latest fashions in France (Eren had heard rumors of women with hair so high, they needed someone to walk behind to steady it.), but still higher than most of the women attending the party. Eren was not oblivious to the fact many men were staring at his wife as though she were a prize to be gained.

Leaning down, he whispered in her ear. “See any that you like?”

Annie gave him an almost startled looked before she softened and smiled. “No. Most of the gentlemen here are older. Nothing of my type.”

Eren chuckled and lifted his head, his eyes scanning the room for any sight of Levi. There was nothing until - yes, there he was. Standing in the corner speaking with a taller man, whose light brown hair was pulled into a string at the nape of his neck. Levi’s eyes were narrowed and his jaw was clenched, a sure sign something was annoying him. Despite all of this, Eren must have reacted in some way, for Annie was tugging on his arm and giving him an amused look. “Do you see your boy?” She asked, her eyes bright and mischievous.

He nodded. “There, in the corner. The dark-haired shorter one.”

Annie blinked in surprise. “Honest? I thought you would go for the taller one.”

Eren laughed at that, shaking his head when he realized Levi had caught sight of him. His face softened instantly and he gave a surprised look at the other gentleman, who was laughing. The gentleman pushed Levi a little and Levi moved, starting to weave his way through people to get to Eren. Annie let go of Eren’s arm, smiling. “Go to him. He looks happy to see you. I will be entertaining myself with the food.”

They met together and both smiled at the same time, Levi’s hands moving as though he wanted to grasp Eren’s, but stopped himself just short of it. Instead, he folded his hands in front of him. He looked beautiful as always, dressed in a light cream colored and patterned waistcoat, black breeches and finishing with a dark blue striped velvet coat that was complete with sequins and jewels and embroidered with a metallic thread. He smiled up at Eren. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“You didn’t know I was coming?”

“Not at all. My brother, Jean - the one I was speaking with - forced me downstairs for the party this evening. It actually annoyed me, but he kept assuring me it would be worth it. I am glad to see his little bet paid off.”

Something nagged at Eren in the back of his mind and he didn’t get a chance to filter it before it came out of his mouth. “Does he know about us?”

Levi frowned. “He does. He has been tailing me, apparently. Don’t worry, Jean won’t say anything. He and I have been keeping each other’s secrets since I was small.” Levi tugged at his coat. “Come with me.”

Eren followed him through a long hallway that winded through the house. As soon as they turned a corner, Eren found himself pushed up against the wall, Levi’s lips against his. He made a small groan into the kiss and nibbled on his bottom lip, sucking it into his mouth. Levi made a small whimper and his hands found Eren’s waist, his fingers rubbing lightly at him through his clothes. “Levi,” Eren whispered, more as a warning but it came out almost like a prayer. Perhaps this was his prayer, his God. He had never found it in anything else and following religion had done nothing for him. He shook his head slightly, meaning to shake the thoughts out of his brain, but Levi stopped his movements and lifted his head.

“Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine. I was just thinking.” Eren smiled at him and leaned down to kiss him, cupping his face between his hands. Levi’s skin was cold against his hands but it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered as long as they were together and nothing would ever change that.

~

It had been a shock when Annie came to him a few months later, her hand hanging as she told him she was with child. It was his, she assured him. Her lover, Bertholdt, (this was the first time Eren had learned his name) had moved away some months previous and they had not been together since. “The timing is not right for him.” Annie said, tears in her lovely blue eyes. “Eren, I am so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. Not now, especially not when you’ve finally found happiness with your lover. I did not mean to do this to you.”

He held her, whispering assurances to her that she did not ruin his life. Excited as he was for the prospect of a baby - a possible heir finally - he was terrified as well. Terrified for parenthood and terrified to let Levi know. How could he be a father to his child and a husband to it’s mother if he were sleeping around on them both? A sinking feeling took over Eren’s stomach at the realization he would have to break this off from Levi.

Annie spoke up. “You don’t have to stop seeing him, Eren. I don’t mind if you do - I won’t hold anything against you. I’ve actually been thinking … thinking about asking if he wanted to live here, with us. I know it is unconventional, but it isn’t unheard of. Offering a friend a home and having a little extra help when the baby comes? It would allow you two to be together without sneaking around.”

Eren frowned. “I don’t think that would be the best option. Annie, you would be jealous. Don’t even try to say that you wouldn’t be.”

She shook her head, reaching up to cup his cheek. “I’m not asking you to kiss him in front of me. It would be better than you sneaking around.”

It was a thought, Eren considered. Still, this wasn’t something that was set in stone. It honestly was probably the worst idea for any of them. He told Annie he would talk to Levi about it, but in his heart, he knew he never had any intention of bringing it up.

He avoided Levi for two weeks. When Levi finally cornered him in an ally one evening, he was understandably livid. He raged and cursed at Eren, not understanding why this was happening or why Eren was ending their relationship. “You told me she wouldn’t be a problem. Even if she gave you a child, this wouldn’t be a problem. You promised me that, god damn it!”

“I’m sorry.” Was all Eren could say.

“Jean was right.” Levi muttered, his hands clenched into fists so tightly that had he been human, he would have certainly drawn blood from the pressure. “I knew this was too good to be true. I knew this was going to happen and I am a fucking idiot for not trusting my own instincts. That makes twice in my life that I’ve ruined myself.” He turned on his heel and walked away only to stop and march right back to Eren. “Actually, no. I did not ruin myself. You ruined this, Eren! With your promises and your lies and your stupid honor. Fuck your honor! I don’t want to be a part of it anymore.” At that, Levi finally turned and left.

All Eren could do was stand there as he left, closing his eyes and giving a deep shudder.

The following month was hell in Eren’s eyes. There wasn’t a day that passed that he didn’t want Levi and even Annie caught him moping around more than once. She finally rolled over in bed one evening, staring at him intently. “Eren. You have got to talk to him. You’re miserable.”

“I’m not miserable.” Eren said, but his tone of voice was that of a dead man. He didn’t care anymore.

“That isn’t true and you know it. Eren, please talk to him. You can’t just wait until the baby is born to be happy. You deserve to be happy. I don’t know why you are doing this to yourself.”

“I’m doing this because of you.” His tone was harsher than he expected and he saw her flinch in response. “Annie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. I really am okay, and I am excited for the baby. No matter what it’s gender, it’s going to be beautiful and it’s going to be ours.” He smiled at her. “I do miss him … but I want to be there for you as well.”

“You are here for me. You always will be.” Annie replied softly, reaching out to cup his cheek with one soft palm. “You aren’t leaving me and I will forever be grateful for that. But I want you to be happy as well, Eren. You deserve happiness. Real happiness. Not just something you’re forcing on yourself.”

Eren leaned his forehead against hers, leaning in to kiss her on the lips softly. She made a surprised but pleased noise, looking up at him in confusion. “I am so lucky to have you, Annie. You really are the best wife any man could ever ask for.”

~

Annie was in tears when he returned from the market a few days later. She was holding a paper in her hand and covering her mouth, giving him a look of sheer distress as he walked through their front door. Eren’s heart dropped to his stomach and he went to her, taking her hands in his own. “What happened?”

“It’s Father.” She replied, swallowing and shaking the letter at him. “They arrested him.”

“Who has arrested him? What has he done?”

“Some court has arrested him, saying that he has committed crimes of treason against the country.” Annie shook her head against his shoulder, taking in a deep breath. “I don’t understand, Eren. Father has never done anything that could be considered treachery. The only thing he ever did against the country was leave it. But he was there on business and …” She gave a small sob. “I can’t lose him Eren. I can’t.”

Eren held her closely, kissing the top of her head. “We’ll think of something. Did he write to you just to tell you goodbye, or was there a request?” Annie hesitated and Eren latched on to that. “What was the request?”

“That someone come for him.” Annie whispered and immediately gripped Eren’s arms tighter. “Eren, please don’t. You don’t know the situation over there right now. There is so much unrest and terror and rumor has it they’re trying to bring down their king.” Annie’s eyes were wild, fierce. “Please don’t. Think of the baby, think of me . . . Think of Levi.”

He was thinking of them, Annie most of all. Her father had raised her by himself after her mother died in childbirth and had taught her how to be a fine young woman. If the court had him, they certainly had the wrong man in their custody and Eren would see to it that it was corrected. Perhaps a character witness would be exactly what was needed in this situation. Eren bent to kiss Annie’s cheek, ignoring her concerned face and set to work on getting to France.

The last thing Eren did was send Levi a message, asking him to meet Eren in their old spot. It was a bit of an emergency, Eren said, and he honestly wasn’t joking. He had no idea what to expect and for days Eren waited for hours in the ally, still holding out hope but realizing it was growing dimmer each day. Because of this, Eren was surprised to find Levi in their old meeting spot on the night before his departure. It had been well over a month since the last time they saw one another. He didn’t miss the widening of Levi’s eyes as he approached him or the disbelief that passed over Levi’s pale face. The disbelief quickly gave way to anger and Levi opened his mouth to speak - perhaps to give Eren a piece of his mind - but Eren cut him off. “I don’t have time to argue with you. Please just hear me out. I’m not excusing what has happened in the the past or that I’ve hurt you. I know I have and I would do anything in my power to take that away. But I’m leaving tomorrow and I don’t want to be gone thinking you hate me. Especially not if something were to happen to me.”

“Where are you going?” Levi’s voice was careful, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Eren.

“I am going to France. There has been some sort of miscommunication with my Father-in-Law and I am going as a character witness to clear things up.”

Levi’s eyes widened and a panicked expression took over his face. “Eren, no. You can’t go to France. Do you have any idea what is going on there right now?”

“I know there is unrest between the commoners and the aristocrats, but that doesn’t involve me. I’m neither French no aristocratic.” Eren gave a small chuckle while Levi frowned. Eren reached out a hand to cup Levi’s face, giving him a genuine loving smile. “Levi, there is no need to worry. I’m going to be fine. I’m only going to be gone long enough to collect my father in law and return with him to London. You’ll barely even know I’m missing.”

“I should go with you.” Levi muttered, almost to himself.

“No.” Eren’s tone turned sharp, so sharp it actually startled Levi. Eren gave him a hard stare, hoping he was imitating the look his father used to give him when Grisha meant business. “You are not to follow me. I am not a child and you would be in far more danger than I. There are hunters who would receive a high price for your head and you would be in danger of their revolution as well. You are not to follow me, do you understand?”

Levi at first looked offended, then his expression softened slightly. He gave a sigh along with a nod, bowing his head as he replied, “I understand. Please be safe, Eren. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

As they lay together after, Eren gently stroking Levi’s hair and kissing the nape of their neck, he started talking. He told Levi about his life growing up and how he had fantastic parents, but his father was gone a lot of the time. Grisha Jaeger was one of the well known doctors in Europe and with that came many requests for his help. They spoke of Mikasa, his sister that had been adopted into the family when he was nine - they got along well, but she was very protective of him. “She can’t stand Annie,” Eren said, rolling his eyes and he felt Levi chuckle against him. It wasn’t as if Levi hadn’t heard any of these stories before; they had both talked about their lives in great detail over the course of the year they had been together. Tonight was different, however. It seemed so slow, but it felt like time was rushing and Eren had a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach that he couldn’t get rid of. He swallowed.

“I want you to do something for me.” Eren said suddenly. Levi sat up against him, propping himself up on one shoulder and looking at him intently.

“Anything.”

“There is a prostitute that works in town,” He started slowly, and he gave Levi the name of the street. Levi nodded slowly and Eren knew he was familiar with the area - it was where he often fed. “Her name is Zoe and I have been seeing her for a little longer than I have known you. It isn’t sex or anything with us anymore, but I help her out. She has a small child that lives with her mother and she’s trying to save enough money to live on her own with her son. Zoe helped me a lot since I’ve been married and really is responsible for my discovering I do have a sex life.” Eren gave a little chuckle; Levi smiled in response. “Please continue this while I’m away? I send the money straight to her mother so I know the Madame isn’t getting any, but I will ‘buy’ her just so she has a break now and then.” He trailed off as Levi stared at him, his eyes narrowed and calculating. Eren hesitated. “What?”

Levi’s skin felt cold under his touch (nothing new) as he rubbed his hand. “You’re a good person, Eren Jaeger. There aren’t many people in this world who are willing to go out of their way to help others. Just when I think I may know everything about you, I learn something new that surprises me.” Levi leaned forward, pressing his forehead to Eren’s and letting their lips move together as he spoke. “You know, scientists say there are millions of stars in the sky and many different planets, each with their own unique atmosphere, but none of them able to sustain life. In the millions of stars and possible galaxies, there are only one of each of us. Think about that for a moment, Eren. We are the tiniest, most insignificant things in the universe when you put it to scale, but damn if we aren’t unique.” Levi closed his eyes and kissed him gently, pouring all the love and affection into the kiss. He pulled away, barely, their lips still touching. “Please don’t destroy the one named Eren.”

Eren didn’t move. “When I come back, you are coming to live with us. Annie, me, and the child. She’s offered and for once I am taking her up on the offer. We deserve to be happy together, Levi.” They breathed against one another, each one of them desperate for something they couldn’t quite put their fingers on. “You’re going to live with us and we’re going to be happy. Okay?”

He barely felt Levi nod against him. “Okay.”

~

This wasn’t how this was supposed to turn out. For once, this life had been turning the right direction, with the make up between himself and Levi, his friendship with Annie, and the baby on the way. Eren was happy for the first time in his life. He was content. This was supposed to be a quick journey to rescue his father in law from the court that had wrongfully accused him of treason - a month at the very most, travel time included. Eren was going to return home and officially start his family - parents and sister be damned.

This was not supposed to turn out like this.

Prison was uncomfortable, and the the conditions the prisoners were kept in currently were despicable to say the least. The guards and authority had no real concern for the care or well being of their captives. No, this was a temporary holding cell on the way to the guillotines; if the prisoners starved to death or caught sick in between their sentencing and beheading, it was of no concern to them. Eren shivered against the wall, huddled in a small ball with his knees pulled up to his chest. It was cold and had been raining the evening before, making the wind and temperature inside his cell downright freezing. He leaned his head against his knees, taking a deep breath to calm himself. There was nothing he could do now; what had been done was done.

What Eren had failed to realize was in between his learning of the capture of his father in law and his arrival in Paris, the revolution had taken a nasty turn - the beheading of their king. With the king and queen taken down and no one in power, the poor, the unappreciated, and the starving peasants rose up with a confidence no one had ever seen before. If they could take down a king, there was nothing that could stand in their way. Soon, anyone found looking suspicious, rich, or perhaps had an air about them that the People didn’t like, they were taken and charged with outlandish things. Eren himself had been tried for conspiracy and treason against the country of France. His crime? Being English.

Eren had screamed until his throat bled from use. He had cried until he had no more tears left in his system. Now, the morning of his death, he sat silently, waiting to hear the bells that would signify the guards arrival to take him to his final destination. Eren supposed he should be spending these moments praying, but he couldn’t bring himself to. He had always wavered on religion in life, and he certainly wasn’t going to start making giant waves now. Still, he muttered a silent prayer to whoever or whatever was listening to take care of Annie and the baby. For them to take care of Levi. Eren’s heart clenched as he thought of Levi and his stomach felt hollow. He took a shuddering breath, knowing tears would come if he had any left.

Outside, he could hear talking, both yelling and just the low rumbles of normal conversation. He wondered what time it what, how much time he had left. There was a part of him, the part that said ‘You should have let him come’ that ate at him … but what was Levi to do? Get himself captured as well. Eren didn’t know how you killed a vampire, but he was sure it wouldn’t be something simple as a beheading. Eren lurched forward, heaving suddenly as his stomach twisted in to knots and turned inwards on itself. He panted, his eyes watering and arms shaking as he held himself above the floor.

The door opened. A guard stood in front of it, nodding his head in a gesture of ‘come on’. He paid no attention to the vomit on the floor. Eren stood shakily and followed him, watching as others started pouring out of the cells and into the common area they had gathered everyone in. Eren surveyed the room, his eyes falling on a young woman who was standing by herself, looking as frightened as a newborn. He walked toward her, pushing down every instinct of avoidance and placed an arm on her shoulder. She jumped and looked at him, her big eyes watery and her face streaked with red. “There’s no need to cry.” Eren said, gently as he could. The woman flung herself into his arms - there was no need for shame here. Not in this hour as they were all being packed into a cart that would lead them to their deaths. The girl clung to Eren’s arm as they moved, her small fingernails digging raw marks into his skin.

She told him a little about herself - she was a poor hunters daughter, charged with conspiracy and plotting against the Court. She had no one but herself; her family had long since died, and she only had one friend, a young boy from a neighboring village. “He doesn’t know of my fate.” She said sadly.

“You’re so calm,” she mentioned as they stood in line, numbers 23 and 24, looking at each other instead of the device or the crowd of people cheering their deaths. “You act as though you aren’t scared at all.”

There was something calming about her, Eren couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He wished for a moment they had known one another previously - they probably could have been good friends. Eren reached out and took her hand, cradling it in his own as the line moved forward. “I am scared.” He admitted, his nerves feeling as though they were going to come out of his skin. “But I’m better now that you’re here. Keep your eyes on me; mind no one else.”

She shook as number 22 was called. “Will they be quick, when they -“ The girl trailed off.

Eren nodded. “They will be, they will be.”

Her number was called and Eren gave her a kiss on the cheek and one last squeeze to her hand as they led her away. He closed his eyes as the drums rolled and he heard the machine fall. Number 23.

They grabbed him by his arms, hauling Eren up the stairs. His first thought upon seeing the machine, it’s blade already bloodied with how many citizens it had killed, was to turn and flee. He was fast; he could out run all of them. There wasn’t any time for running and Eren was forced to his knees, panic overcoming him at last. Please be quick, please be quick… Eren focused his thoughts on the on Levi. On his face, on his smell, the way he laughed. God, he wished he could see him, hear him, one last time and in desperation he pushed something toward the front of his mind, calling out his name.

There was only half a second to register there had been a reply back. “Eren?”

Number 24.

#fic: sctl

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#fic: sctl