An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Rodney McKay/John Sheppard
Characters: John Sheppard, Rodney McKay, Original Female Character(s)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Dad!Sheppard, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Summary:
Just because you hear your soulmate’s voice inside your head doesn’t mean the path from you to them is a straight line. Sometimes to take a step forward, you have to take a few back.
"That's a good look for you." Ereri ? (づ◕‿◕)づ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ pretty please ?
The meeting ran late. Too many men slapping each other on their backs and chewing the fat. Eren was flagging, having a hard time decidingif he should grab his coat and leave or if he should wait for Erwin to dismiss him. He didn’t want to interrupt to ask, so he stood there in the corner, a stranger to these celebrations. Being an assistant to a high powered figure like Erwin Smith was incredibly exhausting. His stomach rumbled audibly and he wondered if he could sneak off to grab an energy bar.
“It’s getting late,” Mr. Smith said, catching sight of Eren’s drooping head. “We should order some food.”
“I can’t sit in this stuffy board room anymore,” Pixis stretched, ignoring that the real reason it was so stuffy was the cigars they had lit in celebration. “Let’s go to Maria’s.”
“I—“ Eren stammered. “I don’t think you can get in without a reservation.”
Pixis and Erwin stopped and let out sharp laugh, Erwin clapping Eren on the shoulder.
It turns out if you’re in a group with Dot Pixis and Archibald Balto you didn’t need a reservation. Maria’s was famous for sittingat the top of one of the largest buildings in Trost, offering an impressive view of the bay below. And if that wasn’t enough of a pull, it offered live music by famous lounge artists. As they entered the restaurant the first thingthat pulled Eren’s eye was the giant crystal chandelier in the center of the room. Below the glittering fixture was a raised white platform and sitting at a gleaming polished Baby Grand was a confident pianist. Eren stared as Pixis and Balto dropped their coats into his hands. Erwin took his to the coat check himself and when he returned Eren was still staring wide eyed at the interior.
“Eren, the coats,” Erwin indicated and Eren jumped to hand them over to the smiling woman behind the coat check.
The manager came out to talk to them personally as a server took their drink orders.
“Anything for you, sir?” he asked Eren kindly.
“None for me thanks,” he shook his head.
“We’ll get a bottle for the table,” Erwin said tapping the page at a figure as expensive as a new phone. Then he leaned over and whispered to Eren, “Don’t worry about paying for this.”
Eren nodded.
They went through the bottle fast enough, Eren barely sipping at his glass. The men grew louder and their faces red as they laughed at some joke or another. Eren didn’t join in. He was there in an official capacity as Erwin’s assistant and nothing more. It was his job to be invisible. These men made his yearly salary in a fortnight. He spent much of his time looking over and adjusting Erwin’s schedule for the week on his tablet. Soon he finished with that and tried instead to enjoy his time. After all, there was noway he’d ever be able to afford eating at a place like this. Many of the patrons were quiet and respectful of the pianist, but Eren’s table was so loud he could barely hear. So he turned his chair and angled better.
The pianist launched into a crooning ballad and Eren absentmindedly shoved the food into his mouth as he watched the stage. He finished and Eren applauded enthusiastically. People turned to stare at Eren, including the pianist and he froze with his fork in his mouth.
“Oh you like the show, eh?” nudged Pixis. “They had Audra MacDonald in the other night and let me tell you—“ He kissed his fingers.
“Last time I was here it was that Buble kid. My wife loves him,” Balto nodded, talking over Eren’s head to Erwin.
“The man playing, his style reminds me of Levi Ackerman,” Eren said by way of apology, still a little embarrassed.
“That is Levi Ackerman,” Erwin said and Eren’s eyes widened.
Levi Ackerman finished another gorgeous piece and Eren resisted from clapping, but watched longingly as Levi stood up for his break.
“You want to meet him?” Erwin asked and then without waiting for Eren’s response waved him over.
Eren froze as Levi walked over grabbing a glass of water from a tray offered by a server.
“Look at you windbags,” he drawled in a low voice that was nowhere near as sweet as his singing. “Can barely hear myself play up thereover your noise.”
He took a sip of water as Eren stared open mouthed. The table broke into uproarious laughter and Eren joined nervously. Levi flopped into a chair next to Eren and Eren jumped.
“Balto you got fat. Pixis look at you, you’re balder than ever. How’s the game gents?”
Eren managed to close his mouth and twisted the napkin in his lap instead.
“What were you all chatting about while some of us had to work for our meal?” Levi asked, crossing his legs.
He looked directly at Eren. Somehow Eren gathered that Levi knew exactly how small and unimportant Eren felt surrounded by these men. And yet he was completely at ease, busy insulting them and inquiring about their wives. They loved him for it. Each snarky barb drew raucous laughter.
“Levi, let us grab you a drink!” Pixis offered, flagging their server.
“Ah, drink is no good for my voice,” Levi shrugged off.
“Nonsense!” Balto barked. “Sinatra drank!”
They brought Levi over a martini and he took a sip and nodded appreciatively. They chatted about music and “the industry.” Eren was never sure exactly which industry they were talking about. He stayed silent watching the way Levi’s thin and dexterous fingers stayed folded over the rim of his glass as he listened to Pixis recount a visit to the opera.
“So Levi, can you get us tickets to your show?” Erwin asked
“Fuck no,” Levi grunted. “You bastards better all pay full price.”
They roared with laughter.
“I wanted to see your Wings of Freedom show two years back,” Eren said quietly, a little unsure of his own voice. “But it was completely sold out. I have all your albums. You’re really good.”
Levi fixed Eren with an unimpressed expression.
“It’s always so great to meet a fan,” he said flatly.
His speaking voice was completely devoid of that musicality which drew Eren to his work to begin with and not at all what Eren had expected.
“Right, sorry. You must hear that a lot. You don’t need to hear you’re great, you know you’re great.”
Eren stared at his lap.
“I am. But if I heard it from any of these pricks I would have thought they were just blowing smoke up my ass.”
He held Eren’s gaze as he leaned back into the chair as the others guffawed.
“Eren spent a year at Juliard,” Erwin offered and Eren’s eyes widened. “I remember from your CV.”
“Oh really? Erwin you always keep people with such hidden talents,” Pixis laughed. “What did you go for?”
“Piano,” Eren said, now panicking a little on the inside as the conversation focused on him.
“Oh, so not a layman, a true lover of the arts,” Levi said and his words might have been mocking if it weren’t for the appraising look hegave Eren. “How did you go from that to—what business is it you all do again?”
They chuckled appreciatively but none offered Levi any information.
“Money,” Eren said honestly.
“Isn’t it always?” Levi asked.
“You have to be extremely talented to make it,” Eren said, avoiding Levi’s eye. “Or a prodigy. Like you.”
“Well I hope Erwin here is paying you well. Here it is 11pm on a Monday you’re still on the clock aren’t you?” Levi asked knowingly.
“I’m well compensated,” Eren said quickly, rising to his boss’ defense. “Mr. Smith is really a great boss. And if it weren’t for him I’dnever get to go places like…here or meet famous people like you.”
“You know given the chance to complain about their boss most people would take it. Eren, you’re better than all of us. To men like Eren,”Levi raised his glass.
“To men like Eren,” Erwin raised his glass and the others joined.
Levi downed the last of his martini and stood up, refastening the buttons on his suit.
“Gentlemen,” he nodded and then took his place at the grand piano.
The restaurant was nearly empty and still the group continued. Eren pulled up at a closer table to watch Levi’s performance. After finishing a song, Levi paused and looked over at Eren. He motioned to Eren with a jerk of his neck and Eren looked behind him. When he realized Levi was looking at him, he pointed at his chest. Levi nodded impatiently and Eren stumbled from his chair. Levi stood up as Eren approached and motioned for him to sit down.
“I—what—no I’m not nearly—“ Eren stammered.
“Eh, no one’s here to notice,” Levi shrugged and pushed on his shoulders. “Just use the sanitizer first. Don’t want your germs.”
Eren obliged and when they dried he cautiously set his fingers over the keys. He thought for a moment, thinking about what would impress the famous pianist, something fast that soared and raced. But Eren was out of practice and besides anything he did Levi could do a million times better. After all this moment wasn’t for Levi. Levi had given it to Eren. Eren tried to think back to when his one dream was to play for Levi Ackerman in a place like Maria’s. So he picked his favorite. A piece he’d played accompanying Christa Lenz’ singing many times. Frühlingsglaube by Schubert. And it feltright. He may have given up on playing as his dream but it felt good to revisitthat time in his life. He didn’t expect Levi to sing along in German in his soft crooning voice. In the empty restaurant his words floated and hung there as if suspended.
Eren finished, the notes seeming to taper off like a question unanswered.
“Not bad,” Levi offered softly, standing next to him.
The table erupted into loud applause, half teasing, but very enthusiastic and Eren flushed.
The group disbanded, they all piled into a towncar, leaving Eren to trudge to the subway. Except when he got there he found Levi on the platform. He stopped short.
“You…take the train?” Eren asked.
“Of course. Pianists—even famous ones—don’t make that much money.”
They sat next to each other in silence. Eren rifled through his pockets and swore.
“What?” Levi asked swiftly.
“I…” Eren trailed off, not exactly knowing if he should share this information. “Left my apartment keys in my bag at work and my roommate is out of town.”
“Do you need a locksmith?” Levi asked.
“No, I’ll just call my friend and stay with him.” Eren shrugged.
Except Armin didn’t pick up the phone or answer his texts.
“You could stay with me,” Levi suggested, looking nonchalant. “At least until you work things out with your friend.”
Eren chewed his lip making up his mind. He nodded.
Levi unlocked the door and ushered him inside. Eren took off his shoes and set them at the door. It was a beautiful apartment, but notnearly the size Eren thought it would be. And in the center was a giant grand piano and several keyboards off to the side with recording equipment—a makeshift studio. Eren could make out rough drafts on neatly organized sheet music.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” Levi offered.
His voice sounded a little fuzzy and he cleared it.
“No, I’m fine,” Eren said swinging his arms anxiously.
“I’m going to have some tea with honey and lemon for my throat,” Levi said, pulling down loose leaf.
Eren paced the living room, hands in his pockets as he eyed the piano.
“Walls are soundproof, so go ahead.” Levi waved his hands at the piano.
Eren sat down and traced his fingers over the keys. He tried a few arpeggios getting used to that familiar feel.
“That’s a good look for you,” Levi praised, leaning against the wall and sipping his tea as he watched Eren.
Eren started in on a flighty piece and he felt Levi leave his spot and stand behind him. He pressed his fingers on top of Eren’s guidinghim along at a slower pace, resting his cheek against Eren’s temple. They played together and whenever Eren hesitated on the next chord, Levi was there to adjust his hands. Together they hit the last note and stayed that way, Levi’s fingers intertwining with Eren’s. Eren turn his head towards Levi.
“Does this always work?” Eren asked, smiling a little.
“Hm?” Levi asked, pressing his mouth against Eren’s cheek.
“You ask a lover up for a private concert and then…” Eren trailed off.
Levi’s laugh was a puff of air in Eren’s ear.
“Sometimes,” he teased. “I’ll make up the couch for you.”
He made to untangle his fingers from Eren’s, but Eren squeezed his hands.
“Don’t bother,” Eren said, leaning in to Levi’s arms.
He turned his head and felt Levi’s lips brush against his own and he felt that familiar song rise within him and surround him. Fumbling fingers tripping over notes and buttons, a soft melody that grew into a tumultuous crescendo and then fading and finally blinking out like a light.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Summary:
When Satsuki was five, she learned that girls were supposed to love boys.
It wasn’t so much of what she was actually told, honestly. No one said right out that ‘girls love boys and boys love girls’. But therewas ‘Oh Daiki sweetheart, have you gotten yourself a girlfriend? You’re such a cute couple!’ and ‘Izuki’s only teasing you becausehe likes you’ and ‘Look at Yukio and his future wife!’.
