Chapter Text
15 Months Later... June
He gave himself a final look over, pivoting his body to look at the back of his tuxedo. He sighed when he noticed his pant leg was stuck against his shoe and he moved down to adjust it. When he stood back up, he continued to observe himself in the full-length mirror. His chestnut hair had grown a bit longer as the months past, he held a strand of it between his fingers and debated on cutting it. Levi never said anything or complained, so he figured now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Today wasn't about him, after all. He smiled softly as he straightened his bow tie, unable to believe he could celebrate something like this.
After his mother's surgery and things had finally settled with Levi, Eren had gone to Long Lasting Memories and spoke with Nanaba. He didn't feel right about leaving without an explanation. She was more understanding than Eren felt he deserved but sympathized when he told her honestly what had happened. She wished him luck and Eren felt immense relief to leave the building and not look back. Eren wasn't going to waste the opportunity that Levi had given him so he moved forward. Instead, he focused on school and worked toward finishing and obtaining his degree. As far as work went, Eren had been fortunate to get a job at the very cafe he and Levi crossed paths at. He enjoyed how simple and fast-paced it was, plus he was able to sneak tea for Levi from time to time. Levi had rarely taken time to step away from his office but Eren would be ecstatic to see him stop by for lunch sometimes. It was temporary until he finalized what he wanted to do with his life. The options were endless and Eren wanted to take his time before deciding. He still wanted to continue with his art and perhaps teach, so that was still a plausible goal.
Levi had offered him a position at Smith Advertising, hearing the news that Erwin Smith would be relocating which meant Levi would take his place as CEO. Hange would become the new executive chief and Levi mentioned casually that the position of Art Director would be available. Eren told him he'd think about, unsure if that was the setting he wanted to really be in and Levi didn't argue with him about it.
Eren continued living at home, despite the fact he and Levi had been together for over a year. When Carla was released from the hospital, Eren, Mikasa, and Hannes did what they could to accommodate her while she slowly recovered. For many weeks, Carla would go through stages of sickness and her doctor assured her it was her body getting used to the shrinkage of the tumor. So the three of them worked together while his mother slowly made her way to being healthy again. Her skin was filling out again and she was gaining the necessary weight she had lost. Her hair was losing it's thin texture and began to grow fuller; stronger. There were several doctors she continued to see to check on her progress but they never gave them any reason to worry. They assured them she was on the right path and they were amazed at how far she had come. Hannes was right, Carla was strong and Eren was proud of her.
Which is why that day was a special one.
He and Levi were currently staying at a lodge in Upstate New York, along with many of his own family and friends. Hannes had proposed to Carla not very long after her surgery and she was elated when she accepted. Eren was strange about it at first but after spending more time with Hannes, he realized he truly loved and cared about his mother. He had dealt with Eren getting his car impounded and thankfully he was able to get the car out and had it sold. Even Mikasa, for God's sake, told him to take a step back. She had learned to tone herself down as well and Eren knew he could too. Hannes had even asked him to be his best man and Eren was startled but accepted with a smile.
With the time between work and school, Eren learned to balance his family, friends and especially Levi. There were many nights during the week where he'd stay over and they'd lay in each other's arms. Eren enjoyed that intimacy the most. They had their moments when things would get heated between them, Eren screaming and Levi just staring impassively at him like he was throwing a temper tantrum. It irked Eren more when he didn't respond, he learned. As their relationship progressed, they learned more about each other and handled it in a way that suited them. Their relationship was public knowledge at this point and things seemed to settle after the video had been posted a year back. It was never brought up when he went to school or work and he was thankful. He started to feel... normal, ordinary even. He basked in it.
It was quiet in the large room, decorated with lush summer flowers and pines. Upstate New York was beautiful during the winter season but even during the summer, it held it's beauty to appeal. Eren gave himself a final look over, knowing everyone would be gathering by the lake soon. He turned and walked away from the mirror and stepped out into the hallway. He was smiling as he walked, his shoes padding softly against the carpet. Oblivious, he let out a startled noise when a hand shot out and pulled him into a small room.
The room was dim, curtains drawn as he was pushed against the wall, a mouth claiming his heatedly.
"Eager, much?" Eren asked once he regained his composure, staring with amusement into stormy eyes.
"You left before I could get my hands on you this morning," Levi said simply, his mouth trailing down to Eren's neck and sucking gently on that spot. Eren groaned, his head tilting back to give the other man access. His hands gripped the front of Levi's dark suit and Levi reached behind him to lock the door.
"With - ah! - good reason," Eren replied huskily, trying to stop any noise from leaving his lips as Levi move downward. "Best man, remember?"
Levi hummed, pushing Eren's suit jacket open and untucking the white button-up shirt beneath it. He placed open kisses on Eren's stomach and his skin twitched at the contact, already feeling heat pool to his groin. "How much time do we have, brat?" Levi asked.
"Uh," Eren's eyes were looking up to the ceiling, the sensations of Levi so close to his erection killing him. "5 minutes?"
"Good enough," Levi reached and pushed against the back of Eren's knee, moving his leg to drape over his shoulder while he kneeled in front of him. Eren finally released the moan that was building in his throat when Levi's hands moved to unbutton his slacks. They had arrived late last night due to Levi's schedule and they were exhausted from the ride, immediately going to sleep once they were in the comfort of their room at the lodge. It had been a few weeks since they initiated any contact with each other and Eren knew from his own frustration that Levi couldn't hold back.
Levi was moving too slowly to Eren's liking, nipping and kissing not just his stomach but his hip bones and he shimmied his pants down a bit. Eren groaned appreciatively when he felt Levi finally take his cock in his hand and those piercing orbs stared up at him, pinning him in place as his breathing became intense.
Eren couldn't stop the strangled sound that left him when Levi took him into his mouth, clawing helplessly at the wall behind him. He was too good at this, Eren thought unfairly as Levi didn't waste any time, sinking his mouth to the base and having Eren see white. His hands shifted and sunk into Levi's hair, the soft threads grounding him before he lost his mind. His entire body shuddered when Levi dragged his tongue, his eyes never leaving Eren's and that was always what triggered his release.
"Oh ah!--" Eren moaned, trying to stop his hips from moving. His leg tightened on Levi's shoulder and he tore his gaze away. "Stop l-looking at me, you're gonna make me--"
Levi hummed and Eren felt it on his length, not able to stop the sounds of praise leaving his lips. He felt the familiar tightening inside his lower belly and Levi's hand snaked up and wrapped around the base of Eren's erection, pumping in time with his mouth. It sent Eren over the edge too quickly, releasing with a whine into Levi's mouth. Levi pulled back, a flush on his cheeks and he reached into his own pocket, taking a handkerchief and wiping his mouth with it. He kissed Eren's stomach again, letting his leg fall from his shoulder and moving to button his slacks again.
Eren was panting, his eyes closed as he tried to collect himself. His peace was interrupted when his phone began chiming away and it caused him to tense against the wall. Where Levi kneeled, he reached into Eren's pocket and held it out his phone to him. "Your sister," he said simply.
Eren fumbled with the device and brought it to his ear. "H-hello?"
"Where the hell are you, Eren? Carla is ready and everyone is waiting," Mikasa said, exasperation evident in her tone.
"Oh, uh, I'm--" Eren started, his voice higher in pitch.
"Are you-- are you panting right now?"
"What? No, I'm--"
"Eren, for God's sake, have some self-control!" Mikasa said loudly enough for both of them to hear and ended the call, leaving Eren to stare at his phone helplessly.
Levi chuckled, tucking Eren's shirt back into place while saying, "Yeah, Eren. Have some self-control."
Levi stood up fluidly, looking at Eren with a twinkle of mirth in his eyes. Eren glared, tucking his phone back into his pocket and straightening his tuxedo.
"If you didn't just give me such an incredible blowjob, I would be pissed at you right now," Eren muttered.
Levi shrugged and said, "I'll go out first so it isn't obvious."
"But what about..." Eren nodded his head down, noticing the tightness in the front of Levi's slacks.
Levi looked down and then back at Eren. "Oh, don't worry. We'll address that tonight," he stated flatly and reached up to kiss Eren gently.
The raven-haired man went ahead of him, going to the restroom to straighten himself up. Eren took in several deep breaths before pushing himself off the wall and making his way back into the hallway. He let the door close with a soft click and was about to make his way to the restroom as well when a voice stopped him.
"There you are!" Mikasa rushed over to him, trying her best to balance on the heels she was wearing. It was more than obvious she didn't wear them very often and Eren wanted to snicker. Her hair was tied up in an elegant bun and she wore a shimmering chocolate dress. "Come on, Carla's waiting!"
Eren was dragged away, inwardly mortified at the fact he didn't get a chance to clean himself up. When they arrived in the room Carla was getting ready in, she turned toward them and smiled. She looked beautiful, dressed in a laced white dress that flowed at her feet. The top of her dress slid on her shoulders, revealing the curve of them. She looked radiant. Her smile fell when she caught sight of Eren.
"Honey, you look a mess! Your hair is all over the place!" she said as hurried over and started fixing it with her own hands. Eren batted her hands away, narrowing his eyes.
"Stop! Okay, I know! I'll fix my own hair!" Eren retorted, grumbling under his breath. Levi strode into the room and Eren could have slapped him for how immaculate he looked. Not a hair out of place and his suit crisper than before. He walked in and watched Eren swat his mother's hands away.
"Levi! You look wonderful, we missed you this morning!" Carla complimented brightly, walking over and placing a hand on Levi's shoulder. Levi didn't shy away from the touch, he returned with a polite smile of his own. "Maybe you can teach my son a thing or two since he looks like he just stepped out of a wind tunnel," she teased lightly.
"We get it!" Eren exclaimed and threw his hands in the air.
"I'll fix that, Carla." Levi stepped forward and in front of Eren, tugging him close and smirking up at him. Eren leveled a glare at him.
"We're going to go on ahead, we'll see you outside!" Carla called, taking Mikasa's arm as she went to leave the room. As she passed Eren, she smiled fondly at him and then exited the room.
Eren kept his eyes narrowed as Levi straightened out his tuxedo and ran a hand through his hair.
"That's quite a scowl you've got there," Levi commented, not taking his eyes off of his current task. There was a vanity with a comb laying on it and Levi reached to pick it up, examining it for cleanliness before pressing it into Eren's hair.
"I feel like you and my mother are plotting against me," Eren mumbled, tilting his head to give Levi room to move.
Levi sighed and chuckled out, "You and that fucking imagination of yours. Don't forget Mikasa."
Levi worked in silence and Eren couldn't help but watch his face as he concentrated.
"Your hairs gotten pretty long, thought about cutting it?"
"I probably should've before the wedding, but we've been busy. Why, don't like it?" Eren asked.
"I like your hair any way you have it, don't be a little shit. I was just asking. Now hold still."
"Sure you can reach from down there, old man?" Eren teased.
Levi tugged on a piece of his hair in warning and Eren yelped, trying to not laugh.
"There," Levi took a step back. "Much better, go look."
Eren looked in the mirror behind them and saw the reflection of the two of them standing next to each other. At least his hair was somewhat tamable, thanks to Levi. But something about seeing the two of them together made Eren's heart swell. Maybe it was just the atmosphere of the wedding making him feel so much.
Levi must have seen the soft look on Eren's face because he said, "Come here."
Eren didn't hesitate and Levi reached behind his neck and kissed him soundly. Eren could never get enough of him and was disappointed when Levi pulled away too quickly. "You'd better get your ass in gear, best man."
Eren grinned and the two of them stepped out of the room together.
Levi watched as Eren moved into place beside Hannes, bringing his hands and clasping them in front of him as their attention turned the entrance in which Carla would appear. The summer air was comfortable, not heavy and thick like Levi expected. He silently wondered why he hadn't ever thought to vacation here. The sunlight reflected against the lake behind the altar, offering a brightness to where the main wedding group was standing. It was a thought stored away for later, seeing how excited Eren was when they drove up. At first, Levi was going to decline and have Eren go on his own. He was sure his family would have their reserves about an ex-customer being with an ex-escort, but the topic was never discussed by anybody other than Eren himself or Mikasa. From what Levi understood, Eren's mother and Hannes were not aware of Eren's past and he planned to keep it that way.
Mikasa had tried hard to be accepting, anytime she'd bring anything negative up would result in Eren shooting her a deadly look. He gave the woman credit, he understood she was weary and he did what he could to make Eren happy. But she really did try and didn't bombard Eren nearly as much as she used to. They weren't perfect by any means, but Levi couldn't lie to himself and could admit he was falling more in love with Eren as each day passed. He learned about his quirks, like how he had to shake his leg when he sleeps or that he counts his sips when he drinks from a glass. He learned of his habits, like how he was accustomed to leaving a terrible mess behind whenever he worked on his projects in his garage. It was alien to him to have his life intertwined so deeply with another but he was learning each step of the way.
After two months of insistent pleading from his mother, Eren had told Levi is was time for him to finally meet her. That night they had dinner at Eren's house and he played the perfect boyfriend card. Carla had taken quite a shine to him. Levi couldn't help but admit Carla was quite charming in her own way and he could see where Eren picked up many of his mannerisms from. And he couldn't refuse when Carla determinedly told him he'd have to come by for dinner at least once a month.
Levi had close friends, sure. But he didn't have any family so when he was around Eren's, it was unsettling and it took some getting used to. But he found there was always a warmth that lingered just as there always had been with Eren. He hadn't realized the actual impact Eren made in his life until it became a routine.
Levi glanced around as he took his seat, seeing several of Eren's friends that had made it up to attend. Armin and Annie sat next to each other while Reiner and Bertolt did the same. Jean was conversing quietly with Marco and Connie and Sasha sat behind him. Levi knew Eren's father had passed on but there didn't seem to be much family left on his side either. Aside from close friends of the family and a few of Hannes' family and co-workers, it was a small and quiet occasion. Levi was sure they all preferred it that way. Anything more would have been overwhelming, he was sure.
His train of thought shifted when Carla Yeager appeared, dressed in white and walking slowly toward the altar near the lake. She stood in front of Hannes and he offered her a sheepish but sincere grin while she smiled sweetly in return. Her dark hair had a single white lily placed where it was tied up and it added to the stunning contrast of her dress. The altar itself help several of the same flowers that would their way around the structure. The officiant began speaking shortly after, although Levi didn't follow every single word. His eyes watched Eren instead, how his bright gaze shined and he leaned in a bit to listen. He looked... so immensely happy.
Levi would sometimes bare the guilt of feeling this happiness, particularly when Petra came to mind. He did think of her from time to time and the guilt nestled it's way inside of him at the thought that she never had the chance to experience beautiful things like this. Especially love. He could picture her scoffing softly at him, shaking her head with a smile that said not to worry. He felt that Eren could sense it as well because as soon as his eyes looked up again, Eren was gazing at him with a soft smile. It reminded him that he was alive, here in the present, and his once gray world held color again. He always said that Eren deserved to be happy and Eren reminded him that he did as well.
Suddenly, Eren's eyes broke away from Levi's and he turned toward the officiant, who was holding his hand out to him. "The rings, please."
"Oh! Ah..." Eren patted his pockets and let out a huff of relief when he found the wedding band and Mikasa, standing beside Carla, handed a ring over as well. Levi couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes fondly. Carla and Hannes exchanged their rings and repeated after the officiant, staring at each other affectionately as they were announced husband and wife. They kissed briefly and those who were sitting stood up to applaud, including Levi.
They held hands as they walked down the path and away from the altar, smiling and waving as they did. Soon everyone was standing from their seats and following Hannes and Carla to where the reception party would be held. Levi waited for Eren, who beamed at him and slipped his hand into his.
The sun had set and the festivities carried on into the late evening. The terrace was brightly lit with wedding lanterns and surrounded by towering pine trees and luscious greens. There had been delicious food catered and the newlyweds had cut their respective pieces of cake, Carla catching Hannes by surprise when she smeared some against his nose. The was lightness in the air and everyone could feel it. For a majority of the night, Levi had been by Eren's side. He briefly spoke with some of his friends and even got to speak with Hannes. He hadn't really interacted with him very much since he seemed to work just as much as he did but it wasn't unbearable, especially since this was Eren's new step-father. It was actually an interesting conversation and Levi came to the conclusion that Hannes was a nice fit into Eren's family.
Eren bounced between conversations, casually sipping on his champagne while catching up with his family and friends. Levi broke away at some point and sat at one of the tables on the terrace, enjoying the moment of solitude.
Levi didn't dance, he just didn't. It wasn't that he didn't know how to, more so because he didn't see the point. He sipped on his cocktail and watched as Eren danced with his mother, both of them laughing as Eren twirled her. Hannes stepped in and Eren shrugged when Mikasa walked up to him, offering her some time as well. Levi couldn't help but chuckle when Eren started talking adamantly while it appeared Mikasa scolded him. Jean soon cut in and Levi groaned when Eren walked over to him, grabbing both of his hands and saying, "Dance with me."
"I don't dance, Eren."
"Oh, come on! If you're nervous, I can lead. You owe me for catching me off guard earlier," he said seriously. He glanced around and then leaned in the whisper in a sultry voice, "Dance with me and I'll do anything you want later. No objections."
He was going to be the fucking death of him.
"You're drunk, aren't you?" Levi asked, hiding the hint of a smirk in his tone.
"No, I'm tipsy. Huge difference. It's an open bar. Less discussing, more getting up."
Levi sighed indulgently. "Fine, but I'm leading," he said.
Levi followed Eren toward the center of the terrace and they stood in front of each other, Levi reaching to snake one arm around Eren's slim waist while the other took his hand into his own. Eren's dark brows rose in surprise when Levi began moving them in time with the mellow and soothing music that was playing, his feet moving expertly and his hold on Eren steady. Levi kept his gaze on those stunning bright eyes, feeling somewhat smug as he dipped Eren gracefully and caused him to gasp.
"I thought you said you don't dance," Eren said breathlessly as Levi brought him back to his feet.
Levi hummed, leaning and placing a small kiss near Eren's ear. "I said I don't dance, not that I can't. You're surprisingly good at this considering how clumsy you are."
"You won't be saying that once I step all over your feet," Eren chuckled and Levi extended him with a twirl and then brought him back close.
"You're such a brat," Levi responded as his hips moved in time with Eren's. There was something seductive about the way Eren's hips swayed, the light blush that adorned his cheeks and his hair falling just near his cheekbone. Eren's hands roamed over Levi's back, pressing tenderly and making the other man's breath hitch.
"I really am," Eren agreed lightly.
"You're making it really difficult to not drag you off into another room right now," Levi's voice was a bit rougher than he intended it to be but Eren didn't seem to mind. Instead, he leaned forward and kissed Levi solidly, not caring that several heads had turned to stare at them. Let them stare, Levi thought. Suddenly, dancing didn't seem so pointless. Perhaps it was the way Eren seemed to be an exception to just about everything that made him decide this.
"They're going to open their gifts soon," Eren said as he pulled back. The music had died down and Levi felt a small tendril of disappointment when Eren stepped away from him. "I need to get my gift ready and since you held up your end of the deal, I'll hold mine later," he whispered and kissed him one more time before adding, "I love you."
There was always a sweltering heat and tightening in his chest whenever Levi heard those words. It never failed to make his heart race or his lips twitch. He never grew tired of hearing it. Whether it's in a fleeting pass or in the midst of making love, it was always expressed and said. Levi didn't know when Eren showed up to his doorstep, leaning against the frame and smiling deliciously, that this is where he'd end up. In the end, he didn't know what he did to deserve it but he certainly didn't fight against embracing it.
Carla and Hannes had opened several gifts together, whether it was gift cards, cash, household items or jewelry. They sat at a table that was placed at the front of the terrace, overviewing everyone in the room. Hannes wrapped an arm around Carla's shoulders and Carla smiled expectedly at Eren.
"So, none of you can laugh," Eren started, which caused several of his friends to laugh on purpose. "Ha, ha. Funny guys. Anyway, I started working on this a little later than I wanted to. Which I know sounds like me, but I really poured my heart into this. I hope you both like it."
Levi leaned his elbow on the table, watching Eren quietly. Eren had his gift covered with a white sheet and displayed on the same table the other gifts had been on. Levi himself was curious since Eren hadn't told him what he had been working on. Levi recalled the piece he had given him over a year back, which was displayed proudly in his living room. Every time he walked past it, he'd find himself stopping and staring with tenderness.
Eren removed the sheet, revealing a silvered wire piece. Many of the guests made short gasps of awe and Levi could see Carla bringing a hand to her mouth, smiling brightly beneath it. Levi pushed himself off of his elbow and stared in wonderment. Deep silver wiring wrapped around each other, twisting into two people with their arms wrapped around each other. It reminded Levi deeply of the work of art Eren had given him but it had striking differences. What was the most unmistakeable about it was the colorful red strings that were displayed in the gap between the figures.
"It took me a while to find a quote that suited this design. But I think I found it one that does it justice. 'Your understanding of a place changes the longer you stay; you discover more, and your own life gets woven into the strings of that love.'"
Levi knew he was affected just as profoundly as everyone else in the room, especially when some guests started clapping. Carla had rushed over to Eren, embracing him affectionately. Hannes clapped him on the shoulder, saying something Levi couldn't make out that caused Eren to laugh. Mikasa hugged him as well, smiling more brightly than Levi had ever seen her.
He wondered if it went unnoticed that Eren had looked at him while saying those words.
Levi slipped away and walked toward the lake, the moonlight reflecting brilliantly off the water's surface. Carla and Hannes would be departing in the morning and on their way to their honeymoon. It was late, probably 11 PM and he knew many guests would be saying their goodbyes. He and Eren would be there for another full day, which would be nice since it would ensure the private time they craved. Eren's friends would be there as well, but with enough convincing Levi wondered if he could enjoy an entire day with Eren away from home. He congratulated Carla and Hannes and took a moment to gather his thoughts.
Levi briefly closed his eyes when he heard the sound of sand crunching behind him.
"How many times have we done this?" he heard Eren ask, his voice teasing.
Levi turned and said over his shoulder, "I'm not hiding, brat. Just needed a minute to catch my breath."
"I'm joking," Eren chuckled as he walked and stood beside Levi. After a few moments, Eren took a seat on the ground and sighed. "Sit with me?"
"On the fucking sand? No thanks."
"Live a little, it's not wet or anything. Come on," Eren beckoned, holding a hand out toward him.
Levi sighed, unable to resist. "Fine."
He took a seat next to Eren, lips twisting in distaste at the feeling of sand against his trousers. But that annoyance melted away when Eren leaned his head on Levi's shoulder, sighing appreciatively while saying, "You know my mom closed on the house last week."
"Oh?"
Eren nodded, smiling tiredly. "Her and Hannes are buying a house about a half hour away."
"So where does that leave you?" Levi felt a hopeful tilt in his voice that he tried to hide.
"Well, I have a week to get my stuff out. Mikasa is going to move in with Jean, which is just gross. I'm sure I can find a bench in Central Park though."
Levi kicked his foot against Eren's, causing the brunette to laugh.
"You practically stay at my apartment through the week anyway, don't be a little shit. I can make room in my office for your art supplies."
Eren's laughter turned into soft chuckling. "I'll start moving my stuff in next week."
Levi nodded, satisfied with his answer. They sat in serenity while the water swished against the shore in front of them.
"It's been a long day," Eren murmured softly.
Levi hummed, placing a small kiss on Eren's head. "It has, but it wasn't bad."
"Thanks for coming with me, by the way. I know you didn't really want to."
"It's not that," Levi stated, his steely gaze looking out toward the water. "Your family... fuck, I can't believe I'm saying this. They can be intimidating sometimes."
"You didn't stray when Mikasa went after you with a baseball bat, so I'd like to think you're here to stay."
Levi laughed lightly at that, his shoulder shaking against Eren's face. "A solid point, but not what I was referring to."
Eren turned his head slightly and said, "Okay, so what are you referring to?"
Levi pondered silently, considering his words. "This made me think about the future, our future."
He could feel Eren's orbs on him.
"That quote," Levi murmured quietly. "It made me think... that this wouldn't be so bad one day."
A dark brow arched. "What wouldn't be so bad?"
Eren's voice was slightly slurred and tired, but Levi gestured with his hand and said, "You know... this."
That sobered Eren up quickly, the younger man raising his head and cerulean eyes widening in realization.
"Did you just... indirectly propose to me?"
Levi's heart slammed against his chest but he repressed his emotions. "Tch, don't be silly. Erwin will be leaving in October and you still have six months left of school. It wouldn't be practical."
"So...?" Eren pressed, making it hard for Levi to look at him.
"What I mean is that if this is something you'd want after we get situated and you graduate... I wouldn't be opposed to it."
Levi cleared his throat and felt his cheeks burn. Fucking shit. Why the hell am I saying this? It's the wedding, I know it is. It's making me sappy as all hell.
Even without looking, he still felt Eren's gaze piercing through him. All that was heard around them were the faint voices from the terrace and the wind tousling the water. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything, taking Eren's silence as a negative.
"Okay," Eren eventually said. "I'm just going to make one thing clear right now, I'm not wearing a dress."
Levi laughed unexpectedly at that. "Is that your way of indirectly accepting?"
"Maybe," Eren teased. When they faced each other again, Eren leaned and pressed his forehead against Levi's. "But if this is going where I think it is, then you'll just have to find out my answer when the time comes. Right now though, this is enough."
Levi's eyes fluttered closed and dammit, his heart was spasming inside of his chest. He finally reached and grasped the back of Eren's head gently, coaxing him to his lips. Eren let out a quiet sound of appreciation, moving and pressing Levi against the sand beneath. Levi wanted to say that the feeling of the dirt under him was uncomfortable but couldn't focus on it with Eren above him. From their spot on the shore, Levi wasn't sure if they could be seen. Neither of them seemed to care though.
"I love you, you know," Levi said softly as Eren pulled back. His gray eyes bored into stunning turquoise. "I know I don't say it enough, but I hope you know that."
Eren smiled, revealing even white teeth. "After everything we've gone through to get here, you think I don't know that? I don't need you to say it every chance you get because I feel it here," he emphasized with his hand touching the corner of Levi's chest, right beneath his heart. "We're better at this now."
"Sure as shit took us long enough," Levi responded. He reached up and carded his hand through Eren's chestnut hair, his gazer warmer than Eren had ever seen it.
They didn't know how much time had passed, savoring each other in the quiet tranquility of the lake. Both of them exhausted but neither making a move to leave. They simply brushed their lips against one another, holding onto each other with grazing touches. Eren was right and he felt that assurance when Eren reached for his hand, threading their fingers together like string. Levi knew he had never been surer of anything in his life. From the moment they had first been brought together to the very moment they shared intertwined along the shore...
Yes, Levi thought as he grasped Eren's hand tightly. This will always be enough.
"Your understanding of a place changes the longer you stay; you discover more, and your own life gets woven into the strings of that love."