If Only For A Little While

We're in

"Ms. Zoe?" Eren gaped, looking between us, "How many teachers are actually gangsters!?

"What the hell!" Hanji shrieked, dragging me into the hall beyond the rigged door, "Levi what the fuck are you doing bringing a kid -Our student of all people- to the Recon's base? Have you gone mad?" Eren followed us silently into the hall and closed the door behind him.

"Perhaps," I muttered, rubbing my shoulder, "Look we need to talk to Erwin, where is he?"

"In his office," she answered, "But Levi I swear to god if you're trying to recruit that innocent kid-"

"I'm not, I replied sharply, "You know for a fact that I'm the last person on earth who'd try to force some innocent kid in here against his will."

Her face fell, "You know I wasn't responsible for making you and your friends-"

"We're not talking about that."

Hanji nodded then turned to Eren with a smile, "How are you my dear? Finish that packet I passed out yet?"

Eren laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head, "Actually I won't be in school for the next two weeks so I haven't even started."

"Two weeks?" She shot me a concerned glare, "Why so long?"

"Well me and Levi are-"

"We need to speak with Erwin," I interrupted.

Hanji crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes at me, "Fine, but promise you'll tell me what's going on afterwards."

I hesitated a bit before giving in, "Fine."

"Good," she smiled, "I'll take you to him." We followed her down the musty hallway. Once you got past the "bomb room" the innards of the base weren't as bad as you'd think, though they were still less than decent. The yellowing wallpaper peeled off the wall like snakeskin, dropping flakes onto the worn orangish carpet that had once been red. Unmentionable stains and patches adorned the horrible thing. The only light that illuminated the space was the little light that shone through the boarded windows and the dim, moth-covered sconces nailed along the wall.

No one spoke as we walked through the filthy place, it took everything within me not to demand we start cleaning immediately. How did I live here for one year? I glanced over at Eren who looked about as excited as a curious puppy. I supposed I couldn't blame him, the idea of being involved in gang related activity did seem like a romantic situation to someone who'd never actually been a part of it before. Hopefully by the end of our mission he'd change his mind about all of this.

"We're here," Hanji announced, gesturing to a set of heavy oak doors, "Erwin is most likely inside working on patrol routes, nothing we can't interrupt." She slammed the doors open forcefully, "Hey Erwin! Guess who's back?"

Erwin's office was what you'd expect. He'd pulled up all the carpet to reveal the rotten wooden floor beneath. A few wooden chairs were placed strategically around the room and in the center sat a large mahogany desk. He must have brought it from home because there was no way he found furniture that beautiful here. Papers and pens were scattered across the desks surface and behind it, sitting in front of a large boarded up window sat Erwin Smith himself.

"I never thought you'd ever willingly come back," Erwin smiled, not looking up from his paperwork, "I have to admit it's good to see you."

"Erwin." I gritted his name out like a curse.

"Levi," he acknowledged, finally looking up at me for the first time in years, "Oh, who's this?" He pointed at Eren with the tip of his pen and something ferrel awakened in me. An wave of protectiveness washed over me and part of me wanted to take Eren home without looking back. I took a step forward so the boy was behind me, not saying a word."

"I'm Eren," he answered, putting a hand on my shoulder to calm me down, "I'm one of Levi's students."

"Ah that's right," Erwin chuckled, "You're a teacher now, algebra according to Hanji. How's that going?"

"How much has Hanji been reporting back to you?" I asked, disregarding his question and glaring at Hanji.

"Not much," Erwin laughed, "Now I know you're not just here to introduce me to your star pupil so tell me what you want."

"It's about the Titans. We want to end them."

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"So you really think that this boy can help us take out our adversary?" Erwin asked skeptically, "Aren't you putting too much faith in one kid?"

"I might be," I replied, "He has a motive and a passion that rival any other I've seen. It's worth a shot."

Eren and Hanji had left the room so I could talk to Erwin alone. I'd told him about Eren and our plans to ambush the Titans.

"I suppose it's possible, but an operation like this could take months of preparation and you want this done in two weeks? I'm not a miracle worker Levi."

"I know but I think we can do this."

"You think?" Erwin laughed curtly, "Many of my men will die, is that worth yours and Eren's vengeance?"

"Yes," I nodded, "This could be our chance to destroy that pack of murderers for good."

"We've been trying to destroy them for years, what makes this any different?"

"Look I have a good feeling about this, I came back to this hell hole didn't I?"

"True," Erwin chuckled, "But what if Eren dies?"

My blood ran cold. I'd considered the possibility yes but for the first time it was being put into words.

"I'll protect him."

"Will you?" Erwin rose to his feet and leaned forward, bracing his hands on his desk so he could look down at me, "Protect them like you protected Farlan and Isabel?"

The next moment was a blur. I grabbed Erwin by the collar of his shirt and yanked him down to my level. My fist slammed into his surprised face, I could feel a spray of blood on my face as I dove back in, punching his gut. I barely noticed Hanji screaming my name as a pair of familiar arms pulled me back. Hanji rushed forward to tend to Erwin's broken nose. My vision had gone red and I attempted to pull away from my captor's hold. He pushed me to my knees, dropping down with me and holding onto me so tightly I could barely move. He was murmuring something I couldn't hear. I flailed unsuccessfully in his arms until finally I'd tired myself out enough to hear him speak.

"Shh, Levi I'm here, there's nothing to worry about, just breathe," His hand stroked my head, smoothing my hair down as I burrowed myself into his familiar warmth, "It's just you and me Levi, you and me," Eren's gentle voice whispered directly into my ear. I was overcome by a feeling of calmness and all at once forgot what I was angry about. I turned my body so I could wrap my arms around him like a child and breathe in the scent of him.

"Wow Eren," Erwin laughed from behind me, "You tamed the beast. Impressive." His voice was nasally due to his broken nose.

I growled at the lighthearted way he spoke to Eren but he ran his fingers through my hair and held me down.

"I have to say Levi, I missed your fire. I'll tell you what, I'll let you stay for the two weeks and help me plan a mission. If I think we're ready we'll attack the Titans. If not you leave revenge-less. Deal?"

"Deal." Eren answered for me.

"Wonderful," Erwin grinned, "We start first thing tomorrow."

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Aw yeeah, 2nd update in one day! I'm on a roll XD

Keep on reading because things are just barely getting good!

-KarinParker