STRONGEST HOPE (ERERI❤RIREN)

CHAPTER 45 - CONSTANT AS THE NORTHERN STAR (FINAL CHAPTER)

Eren left the archive room as the sun was setting. He had talked Armin into getting some rest and walked him to his room. Once he got the boy into bed, he fell asleep immediately. Grief was an exhausting emotion he knew all too well.

As he made his way to Levi's room he thought about the day. All he really wanted to do was hide under the covers with the love of his life until they grew old together. It felt like they were made of glass walking around in a hail storm...like anything could take them out without warning. It was terrifying to walk about and painful to not have Levi safely by his side.

As he approached Levi's door, he was relieved to see light shining under the door. He opened the door and called the man's name. His eyes darted about for evidence that he was near. He walked into the bedroom, bathroom and walked back out into the office. Where could he be?

Looking around again, he noticed a couple of blankets, his jacket, and a piece of paper sitting on the stack. He walked over quickly and plucked the paper up. Recognizing his Captain's handwriting, he smiled. Meet me under the stars on the wall. You know the place. Always yours, Levi and P.S. Bring the blankets.

Filled with a childlike excitement, Eren put his jacket on and took his gear from the hook on the wall, noticing that Levi's was already gone. He buckled himself in, as quickly as possible, and scooped up the blankets. He took one quick look around and stepped out the door, closing it behind him.

There was a cool breeze. The blankets would come in handy. Eren walked quickly down the path to the spot that he knew would bring him closest to where he wanted to land on the wall. He could barely contain himself, anticipating seeing Levi. He shot his hooks and hoisted himself up the wall, landing quietly on the edge. He narrowed his eyes and searched for Levi. He walked a little farther and the outline of his Heichou became clearer and clearer as he approached. The man turned to him and waved. Eren grinned from ear to ear and jogged the rest of the way.

Levi stood and turned to meet the arms that shot around him. He wrapped his arms around Eren and kissed him sweetly. "I was afraid you were going to stand me up, Yeager."

"Never, Heichou," he said out of breath. "I go where you go!"

"That's great, because otherwise, what would I do with all of these strawberries."

Eren's eyes blew wide and he gasped. "I thought your criminal days were behind you."

"I never said that," he scoffed. "I do whatever I have to do...especially if it makes you happy." He took a strawberry by the stem and held it out to the boy, eyes sparkling with temptation.

Eren leaned forward and took the soft flesh with his teeth. He groaned as he chewed it, closing his eyes and leaning on Levi.

Levi frowned and said into the boy's ear. "Should I be jealous of a berry, Eren?"

He laughed beautifully. "They almost taste as good as you, Heichou."

"Good answer, love." Levi sat down on the edge of the wall and motioned for Eren to join him.

"Okay, but can we bring the strawberries with us?"

"Yes, you whore."

Chuckling, Eren scooched over to sit closely next to his Captain. "How did things go with Hange today?"

Levi looked into Eren's eyes and then away. "We tend to handle these things differently than most people I guess."

"What does that mean?"

Levi kicked his feet out and looked at Eren sideways. "We insult each other."

"Aaaahhh." The boy reached for Levi's hand. "Does that work?"