Chapter Text
“Oh my god! Ahaha!”
Levi heard Eren’s cackle drift from the kitchen as he toweled off from his shower.
It was Friday. Levi had finished his exercise routine a bit earlier and they were going to make lunch together. Well...more like Eren was going to make lunch for them.
Eren had let himself in while Levi was in the shower. Of course he sneaked a quick peak around the shower door before getting started in the kitchen. And of course Levi’s response had been a non-plussed look and, “Like what you see brat?”, to which Eren just nodded and smiled.
“What the hell is going on in there?” Levi called as he moved to the bedroom and began slipping into his clothes; snug black jeans and a thin maroon hoodie with the sleeves pushed up over his elbows. The day was gloomy, the air brisk; promises of rain later.
Instead of a yell back, Eren appeared at the end of the hall with a grin on his face and his hands hidden behind his back.
“What are you doing?” Levi was immediately suspicious. Eren only wore that smile when he was up to no good. He happened to be wearing that damn shirt with Levi’s face on it, but he didn’t think that’s where this smile was coming from.
“Nothing.” Eren began walking down the hallway towards him; an unnaturally controlled walk, the kind of pace someone keeps when they want to move faster but are trying to remain composed.
Levi narrowed his eyes and slowly started to step back as Eren stepped closer. “What’s behind your back?”
Eren’s smile got a little wilder, and he just responded with, “Come here.” as he continued to walk forward.
“No.”
“I just want to give you a hug.”
They were slowly circling each other now; Levi trying to see what was behind Eren’s back, Eren trying to keep what was behind his back hidden.
Then they both stopped. There was a moment of silence as they eyed each other, and then they both moved at the same time. Levi darted towards Eren’s hands. Eren moved one long arm out to the side in a ‘keep-away’ type motion.
Levi spotted his glasses in Eren’s hand. “Damnit.” he growled, and he was no longer moving towards Eren, but trying to get away.
“I don’t know why you’re surprised I found them.” Eren laughed and grabbed Levi’s shoulder with his free hand, swinging him around so they were face to face again. “The kitchen is a pretty bad hiding spot considering how often I make you food.”
“They were way up out of sight.” Levi defended his hiding spot.
“Maybe for you.”
Levi glared.
Eren was coming at him with the glasses, he turned his head, ducking away from them.
“Jesus brat, you’re going to poke my fucking eyes out.”
“Just let me put them on you and your eyes will be safe.” Eren said matter-of-fact.
Levi escaped his grasp and stepped back. “You lost your glasses privileges.”
“That was forever ago!” Eren whined. “I don’t even remember why you’re so mad about it. What did I even say?”
Truth be told, Levi didn’t really remember the interaction word for word. “Something shitty.”
“See,” Eren smiled. “You don’t even remember either.”
“I remember you being a brat.”
“Fine.” Eren shrugged dramatically. “Guess I’ll just go home and make delicious jalapeno grilled cheeses for myself...somebody’s gotta eat all this home-made sourdough bread...”
Eren shuffled to the door and started slipping his shoes on, glasses still in his hand.
Levi rolled his eyes and followed after him. “Fine by me. Just leave me a couple slices, I’ll make my own sandwich.”
“Nah.” Eren unlocked the door and put his hand on the knob. “See ya.” He said with false remorse.
Levi looked from Eren’s face to the glasses in his hand, and then to the kitchen where all of the grilled cheese ingredients remained on the counter.
“K bye.” Levi folded his arms and waited.
Eren’s eyes made the same path that Levi’s had, glancing at the glasses in his hand, then at the food still on the counter.
“Bye.” Eren said but didn’t move.
A few more motionless seconds passed.
“You are such a dork. Take your stupid shoes off. Give me the glasses.” Levi put his hand out.
“Are you going to put them on?”
“Why would I put them on right now?” Levi asked. “I only need them when I’m reading.”
“Don’t you want to...like...read the ingredients on the...jar of jalepenos? Make sure they’re...kosher?”
Levi couldn’t help but snort a laugh. “I’m not Jewish dumbass.” He motioned for the glasses again.
Eren placed the glasses in Levi’s hand and slipped his shoes off.
“You better make my sandwich extra hot and delicious.” Levi put the glasses on and looked away from Eren at nothing in particular.
Eren smiled. “I’ll make it as hot and delicious as you.” He liked to throw out dumb comments like this just to watch Levi squirm.
“Don’t say cheesy shit like that, you’ll make me lose my appetite.”
Eren snickered and stepped in for an innocent kiss, smitten by the surly hottie that was his boyfriend.
Levi responded by slipping him some tongue and grabbing his ass.
When Eren pulled away he was flustered, seemed a little confused about what to do next, then breathed, “Right, grilled cheese.” and turned his attention to all the ingredients he’d brought over for lunch.
Levi held back a smile, set his glasses on a bookshelf, and then moved into the kitchen to help in whatever way he could.
Lunch was delicious and they languished in each other’s company longer than they should have. It was always such a buzz-kill having to go to work after hanging out.
They nearly worked the same schedule now. Eren’s hours had shifted to starting and ending a little bit later. This way he had about an hour and half after the shop closed to prep and bake the pastries for the following morning. Part of him really liked hanging out after hours just baking on his own, and part of him was scared shitless to be alone in that old building at night.
Before the shop became a coffee shop it was an old printing shop. It had a basement that was only accessible through a door out back with an old shadowy stoop that hobos liked to camp in. Nobody ever went in there. Levi had shown it to him once a long time ago to creep him out. It was full of antique printing equipment; forgotten and covered in dust.
One night during the first week he had started baking he got the distinct feeling that somebody was standing directly behind him. He had whipped around, and of course nobody was there, but he really had to steel his nerves to finish out the rest of that night. Since then he’d gotten pretty good at just zoning out on his work and forgetting about the creepiness.
It was a typical Friday night at Sina. There was less of a dinner rush and more of an entire shift rush. Levi kept the bar organized; keeping their drink output steady but also high quality. There was always at least one person on a Friday who let loose a little too much and either ended up getting belligerent or sloppy. Tonight it was a middle-aged business man, sloppy but apologetic after knocking over an end table and breaking a glass.
Levi thought he’d been monitoring everyone’s intake levels pretty well, so he was a bit confused about how this guy ended up getting so smashed. He had to call the man a cab, and when he was shuffling him out the door the man pulled a silver flask from his jacket pocket and it all made sense.
Levi eyed the flask and said, “Do yourself a favor and pour that out.”
“Guess es already gone.” The man slurred, tipping the flask up, searching for any last drops. Levi steadied him as he nearly stumbled over.
The cab arrived and Levi pushed the guy in the back seat with a “Good luck with that hangover tomorrow.”
It was near the end of the night now. Sina was officially closed. Tips were better than usual. Petra politely hinted at all the stragglers that it was past close while she cleaned up the lounge area. Oruo washed dishes and restocked the bar. He was given the go-ahead to leave after taking all the trash out and wiping down the bar top and counters. Petra left soon after, once she was finished cleaning up the lounge. She gave Levi a little wave and a smile on the way out.
That left Levi on his own in the bar. He finished marking down inventory for the next order of spirits and beer, then counted down the til for the night and locked the money away in the safe
He had just gathered his things and put his coat on when Erwin caught him in the back room.
“Hey Levi, would you mind sticking around for a bit? I’ve got something I want to get your opinion on.” Erwin’s large frame filled the doorway, one hand resting on the door-frame.
“Uh...”Levi looked down at himself, coat on ready to leave.
“Shouldn’t take long.” Erwin reassured.
“Yeah sure.” Levi shrugged.
“Follow me.” Erwin smiled and disappeared out of site.
Erwin led him back into the bar, now empty and silent. He motioned for Levi to take a seat at the bar. “Have a seat, I just need a minute.”
Levi sat down, feeling awkward on this alien side of the bar.
Erwin busied himself on the other side, his back to Levi. After a minute or two he walked back around, two drinks in hand. He set one in front of Levi and sat in the seat next to him.
“Oh, no thanks, I’m good.” Levi put his hand up, declining the drink. “What did you want my opinion on?”
Erwin chuckled, revealing his too-white teeth.
“This.” He slid the drink closer to Levi. “I’ve been working on a new cocktail I want to add to the bar menu, and I want to get your take on it. You do know the crowd better than me after-all.”
“Ah, I see.” Levi said. Well, what was one drink anyway? He took a sip and stifled a reflexive cough.
“Jesus Erwin, what is this, straight Everclear?” Levi cleared his throat.
Erwin chuckled again. “That bad huh? Too strong?”
“Yeah...a bit strong.” Levi cleared his throat again. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I like a stiff drink now and then, but you do want your patrons to pay for their alcohol right? This is like three drinks in one.”
“Here, let me fix it.” Erwin grabbed the glass and moved back around the bar. He did a little more mixing and then returned the drink to Levi and settled back in next to him.
“Try it now.”
Levi took a cautious sip and swallowed. “Better.”
“Really?” Erwin gave him a small relieved smile.
There was a lingering floral flavor on Levi’s tongue and he took another taste to try and identify it. “Is that Elderflower I’m tasting?”
Erwin nodded. “You like it?” He sipped at his own drink.
“Yeah, I mean, now that it’s less flammable...”
“Such a harsh critic you are.” Erwin gave him a playful nudge to the shoulder.
“Hey you asked for my opinion.” Levi put his hands up in defense.
“I did.” Erwin smiled. “I did.”
There was a moment of silence and then Erwin turned on his stool so that he was now facing Levi. “I was thinking of doing a whole series of cocktails that are floral themed. What do you think?”
Levi mulled it over. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea. I think they’d sell...with some fine tuning that is.” Levi allowed himself a quirk of his lips at the jab.
“Alright alright, fine tune me.” Erwin stood up and beckoned Levi around the counter. He pulled out a couple more expensive looking bottles with French writing on them. A variety of floral liquors.
Levi felt more comfortable back behind the bar, mixing drinks. He whipped up a new and improved version of Erwin’s cocktail.
He handed one off to Erwin and then sipped on his own.
“Mmm.” Levi hummed. “See when you decrease the vodka, and cut it with the triple sec it brings out the floral aspect and gives it just a hint of citrus. What do you think?”
Erwin took a long sip then set his glass down. “Very nice, well done.” He licked his lips.
“Thanks.” Levi replied. He set his glass down and turned back to tell Erwin it was time for him to take off.
As he turned back he was completely caught off-guard by Erwin’s lips against his own, and a large hand at his waist pulling him close.
Levi took a surprised breath in through his nose and put both palms to Erwin’s chest, pushing him back as he turned his head away. “Erwin...”
Erwin followed the turn of Levi’s head, keeping his mouth close, seeking another kiss.
“Stop.” Levi dodged and took a step back. “We can’t do this.”
“Oh come on… sure we can.” Erwin smirked. “It’s my bar, I am the boss after-all.”
“That’s…” Well that was one reason, but not one of the many reasons on Levi’s mind. “Not what I mean.”
A look of confusion flitted across Erwin’s hungry eyes, and then his expression changed to something Levi had never seen before.
Erwin let out a small snort and shook a strand of blonde hair out of his eye. “Don’t tell me you’re still playing around with that kid? What was his name? Eric? No… Eren?”
Levi was stunned. He tried to keep his expression neutral but Erwin had caught his surprise.
“Oh you’re not quite as sneaky as you think you are Levi.” Erwin smiled a devilish smile. “Sometimes I’d get bored here at Sina after close, log onto the Rose cameras, see what you were up to when you stayed after hours. I had almost resigned to the fact that you’re just a troubled pretty boy who doesn’t know how to have fun, but then I happened upon a real show one night and well... you changed my mind.” Erwin lips curved lasciviously.
There was a lot to take in there and all Levi could manage was a glare before Erwin continued.
“You really proved me wrong Levi.” Erwin looked him over hungrily. “It’s too bad you stopped the kid though, I was really hoping to see some of your porcelain skin.”
Erwin took another step forward, covering a large distance with his long legs, and snatched Levi around the waist with his large hands, attempted to pull him in for another kiss.
“Don’t fucking touch me!” Levi shoved him, hard. His temperature was starting to rise.
The shove didn’t give Levi as much room as he was hoping for; Erwin was just such a giant of a human being, but the push certainly managed to flip a switch with Erwin.
The back of Erwin’s right hand hit Levi hard across the face and he stumbled to stay on his feet. He should have seen it coming, was disappointed in himself for not, maybe the alcohol was making him slow.
The slap was immediately followed by large hands pushing him backwards until his back hit a wall and the wind was knocked out of him. Erwin’s right hand ended up on Levi’s throat, his left hand trailing from Levi’s chest downward towards his waist. Erwin’s lips growled over Levi’s, “I will have what I want.”
That large hand on his neck, thick fingers squeezing his throat. Something deep inside Levi’s psyche jolted, exploded and spread out like hot blood in a dark ocean. Fear, the vulnerability of a small helpless child, but different in his adult mind, his adult body, a body that knew how to kill, saturated in rage. Levi was on fire.
He had no memory of removing the knife from his clothes and flipping it open. Had no idea how he had managed to lift his right leg between them and slam his knee into Erwin’s stomach. He barely recognized his own voice as he snarled “Back the fuck up or I will slit your throat I swear to god...” the knife pressed against Erwin’s neck. His hand was firm, unwavering in a way that nagged at the back of his mind.
Erwin was gasping, recovering from the wind being knocked out of him. He slowly raised his hands and took a few careful steps back, away from the wild animal in front of him. “Levi, relax...I just thought you might like it a little rough, that’s all.” He backed up a few more paces and brought his hands back down.
“Fuck you!” Levi literally spat on the floor, trying to rid his mouth of Erwin. His spit was pink, the taste of iron in his mouth coming from his lip ring. Erwin’s slap must have jarred it enough to bleed. “You really are just a fucking snake aren’t you?” He still had the knife out in front of him.
“Watch yourself Levi.” Erwin warned, somehow still maintaining his self-importance in the situation.
“I’ve given you everything you have right now. You were riffraff with a criminal record a mile long and I let you in, I gave you a job.” He put his hand on his chest with the word ‘I’ as if identifying a saint with the motion. “You’re nothing without me Levi and you know it. This job at Sina, your last job...you wouldn’t even be able to get around the city without me.” He was obviously referring to the motorcycle. He was regaining more of his composure with each sentence, his own words repairing his ego.
Levi was still a ball of rage, eyes aflame, the bile spilling from Erwin’s mouth disgusting him more and more. But Levi was afraid of himself right now, afraid of what he might do. The rational person inside of him was throwing ropes out and around him, trying to pull in the chaos that threatened to unleash. He was breathing deeply in an attempt to control himself.
Erwin went on, “I’m very wealthy Levi. Wouldn’t you like to know what that feels like, to have money? Wouldn’t you like to know what it feels like to be part of high class society? I can make that happen.” He motioned to himself again as if he was God’s gift to the earth. “Clearly it’ll take some time as you obviously haven’t left your criminal behavior behind...” With that he nodded to Levi’s current stance, knife still grasped firmly in his right hand. “Eren is a nobody Levi, he has nothing. What can that stupid kid possibly offer you that I can’t?”
Levi was already seething, but he could not tolerate hearing those words about Eren, Eren’s name, slither out of this snake’s mouth. He boiled over and found himself kicking Erwin’s legs out from under him, found himself on top of Erwin, his right forearm pressed hard against Erwin’s neck, the blade in his right hand millimeters from Erwin’s cheek.
“Everything.” Levi hissed, inches from Erwin’s face. “You do not speak his name again. You do not speak to him ever again. You do not speak to me ever again. You forget Eren, and you forget me. We do not exist to you anymore. Do you understand?” Usually angry Levi's words were cold and harsh, but these words dripped like magma; breath from a dragon, searing Erwin with their blistering heat.
Erwin failed to swallow under the pressure of Levi’s arm and blinked a nod.
“Good.” Levi stood, flipped his knife closed and it disappeared back under his clothes somewhere. He spit on the floor again, desperate to get the taste of blood, Erwin, this whole fucked up situation, out of his mouth. “Fuck you, fuck this job, fuck this bar, and fuck your stupid fucking motorcycle.” He pulled the motorcycle key from his pocket and threw it at Erwin. Erwin jerked his arms up to shield his face from the key. With that Levi stormed around the counter and to the front door of the bar. It was locked, and instead of unlocking the deadbolt like a sane person, he growled and punched his right fist through the glass pane of the door. Shards shattered to the floor. He stepped through the decimated door and out onto the street into pouring rain; rage carrying him to anywhere but here.