Hello! I'm baaaack! :D

Sorry, for taking a leave from writing. I just got a new job.

I think I finally came to terms on how I want Eren to speak. Like Eren is old, depressing, and broody, but I wasn't sure how I wanted to present that. Throughout the story so far, Eren's speech pattern has jumped around. However, I think I finalized what I want from him. Later, I will be going back to change his speech in the previous chapters. Also, I finally settled on present tense, so that will change as well.

Please excuse my grammar.

Enjoy!

The house in this area is but a simple two story house. The second floor is for my own personal use. My sleeping quarters is there as well as the bathroom, which was renovated to house the kind of bathtub I prefer. There is also a work room where I spend majority of my free time. The first floor has the kitchen, living room, a full bathroom, and three bedrooms. Isabel and Farlan rules over the first floor, except for the kitchen. They are a riot in the kitchen, so they are banned from any attempts to cook. The second floor can be clearly seen from the first because there is no second floor, just hallways of rooms. The houses I own in other areas are generally the same set up.

I shove the front door open, walking through with no words falling from my lips. I never claimed to be a humble host nor do I strive to be. Turning my head, facing the pack following behind, I make a show of taking off my shoes. Isabel and Farlan roll their eyes as they close the door behind them. Levi nods in understanding and follows my lead. The rest of the pack simply stared, baffled. It doesn't help that they have yet to overcome their shock from the encounter we just had.

I suppose that it should be a surprise for them. They only hunt small groups of vampires. In addition, vampire organizations don't normally waste their time sending an army to attack hunters. They save that tactic for when facing other vampires, especially those with exceptional abilities. Chances are, Levi's pack has never engaged combat with a horde of vampires at once. In my unbiased opinion, they did well. Although, if I had not been there, they would've lost a comrade or two. If Reiner had any interest in them, they would have all died. Fortunately for them, they're lucky.

Unfortunately for me, I now have to house them for the night. The fight lasted long and now it's late. The hunters, especially, need their rest before they can journey back to their headquarters.

Turning away, I make strides towards the stairs. While doing so, I start stripping the bloody clothes sticking to my skin. Disgusting. With my shirt off, I start unzipping my slacks. I ignore the gasps of shock as I pull off my pants, along with my socks. Out of all of them, I am the bloodiest. I suppose I have my own abilities to thank for that, but I can't help. I don't get to choose my ability. I drop my clothes with no qualms. Without turning around, I call back, "Trash these."

"Yes, master!" Isabel answers back.

"Be happy he has underwear on," Farlan nonchalantly says.

"That's just so inappropriate!" Petra shouts. I'm assuming that's her name since her comrades kept crying for her during the battle earlier. It's quite unbefitting of her since it means stone or a rock. From what I can tell, she can not get her act together.

"Is he wearing panties?!"

"Yeah, he says that it feels nicer on his skin," Farlan replies.

These brats. They just keep talking and talking. Do they not understand that they are guests and they should act like one. They are all covered in blood which is, although, tempting for vampires, but also disgusting. Upon reaching the stairs, I finally grace them with my attention. I look at each and every single one of them. They have yet to all take off their shoes.

"Isabel, Farlan, I'm going to wash up. You would do your best to show them how to clean themselves," I order.

"Yes, master!" The call back in understanding.

I turn away, resuming my journey up the stairs. I hear Isabel quietly warning them that they should take off their shoes. Shaking my head, I shut away their voices from my head. Once I reach the bathroom, I leave the door open like I always do. I see no shame in being naked. It's more important that I am available if something were to happen. The bathroom has two parts, the toilet and bathing area. They are separated by a mini hallway. The floor with the toilet is flat, while in the bathing area it sinks towards a drain hole.

Walking pass the sink, I catch myself in the full body mirror. My whole upper body is covered in blood. I stare at my body starting from the bottom. I observe every curve of my own body. I come to a stop as I look into my own eyes. These eyes of mine are the color of water, specifically from somewhere tropical like, murky. My eyes currently hold no expression. My eyes are only capable of expressing anger and amusement. Every other emotion that has ever been inside of me has been washed away into nothing.

At least I hope that's the case.

Those silver eyes will be the death of me and all that I am. I would let it happen. I want it to happen. A death by those silver eyes would be a revelation. I am but a weak man. If I am to die, there's only one way I would let happen.

Shifting my gaze, my body shakes on its own accord. I am too dirty. Quickly, I go back to the task at hand. I glance at the one piece of clothing I have left on. I take notice of there being a lack of blood on it. My hands go to my waist, thumbs slipping under the band of the undergarment. I push the article of clothings down my legs, and then I step out of its clutches. Stark naked, my legs take me into the bathing area. Putting on the water for the bath is priority. I put on more hot than cold, just the way I prefer it. After getting that started, I move towards the shower head.

I turn on the water, warm. My knees buckle from the thought of being clean once again. The water runs down my body, wetting every surface of it. Running a hand through my hair, crusty with dried blood, I sigh. There are many clumps in my hair. I grab the hair conditioner and squeeze out some into my hand. After a rub with my hands, I apply the conditioner to my hair. The conditioner foams up in my hair. As it washes away, the blood runs down my body, flowing into the drain hole. The blood doesn't mix well with the water, making it like sand.

Once the blood washes away from my hair enough for it to flow naturally, I start on scrubbing away the blood off of every crevice of my body. It's dirty, utterly disgusting. When I reach the point of my own level cleanness, my body is red and marked with scratches. However, my skin is already going back to its original state. Satisfied, I twist the knobs, closing the valves for the water. The showerhead quiets its hissing and I make my way to the bathtub.

It's full with water seeping out of the tub like a waterfall cascading through the grooves of the mountain of porcelain. It flows down into the drain hole on the tiled floor. I shut the water off for that as well. Turning to the door, I close my eyes, listening. Hearing Isabel and Farlan frantically ordering the others to be clean, I switch over my attention again. I look over the steaming bathtub. Climbing into it makes the excess water push out like a tide never to come back.

I settle in, leaning my back against the tub, letting the water reach over my shoulders. A sigh escapes me as the water seemingly pushes through my pores to warm me. Glancing at the white walls surrounding me, I can't help but close my eyes away from it all. I lean my head against the porcelain as the day's events roll through my head.

Those silver eyes may try to change as much as they can, but they will always remain the same. This world is deafening with all its noise, but I don't need to hear to see those silver eyes. I don't need to hear to feel those burning eyes. My beautiful ray of light. Those eyes never cease to move me. I think back to those mocking words that the commander said, and how Isabel effortlessly repeated the same thought. It's not about loving, it's simply about needing. I need those burning silver eyes, no matter how toxic they are.

However, those silver eyes do not need me. They would be far better off without me. It is my returning gaze that lets the darkness take notice of him. The damned darkness is circling around us, contemplating on its specific course of action for approaching my ray light, blowing out the fire. At this point, I am too far in to leave those silver eyes alone. Leaving would only mean letting that darkness to engulf that beautiful light.

I cannot allow for that to happen. Those silver eyes are owned by the boy… man. He may act indifferent, but I am not blinded by his light, no how bright it flickers. Those angular jaws of his tense at the thought of his pack members becoming incapacitated. Those eyes of his become downcast at the thought of being left behind, again. That sharp tongue of his cut sharper than any silver knife as a way to prevent himself from becoming too attached. He is strong and experienced. Those arms of his could crush me if I were not careful. Granted that I can regenerate, my opinion remains the same. It is no easy task to fight with the likes of me on equal standings. However, no matter how strong he is, he is far too sentimental. Scoffing, I wonder who he obtained that trait from. Despite the world around him, his crass language, his profession, he still retains that innocence I saw in him all those years ago. His hurt eyes command me to his bidding, and I would with no hesitation. It would not bode well for anyone to cross the owner of those silver eyes.

That's how I know that Chief is trying so hard to mess with me. Assassination attempts as well as bothering those silver eyes. Although they aren't actually putting in real effort to end me. What? Do they think that they can easily get rid me that they can choose the time they want? No. I don't know about the kids, but Chief is smarter than that. Chief knows that if I really wanted to, I can easily kill the kids Chief sends my way. Tonight, I definitely wanted to kill that kid. He's lucky that Chief chose that exact moment to call him back. The fucking bastard probably sensed it from wherever that bastard is hiding.

"That's some killing intent coming off you," a voice interrupts my thoughts.

Opening my eyes, I roll my head to the other side to see who came to disturb me. Levi is standing at the door, with his side leaning against the wall. His hair is wet from what I assume a shower. He's wearing sweats and a plain black tee shirt, probably from Farlan. Taking in the sight of him, I ease away my killing intent. I close my eyes again, throwing my head back.

"Is there a problem?" I ask.

"No," Levi deadpans.

Holding in the urge to roll my eyes, I sigh. I look over to the man to clarify my question. My lips pull to a stop when I see those silver eyes observing my body in the tub. My eyes follow his line of sight and I stare at my bare chest. My heart tightens as I discreetly move my arms to cover my body. My fists clench as my blood rushes. A beating sound takes over my senses. What is this?

I take a deep breath, and silently exhale. I stare at those silver eyes that are now staring back at me with its burning gaze. I clarify, "Is there a reason why you are here?"

"Is sent me to make sure you haven't fallen asleep in the tub," Levi answers with a raised eyebrow. "Apparently, in your sleep, you repeatedly let yourself drown to death and come back alive."

"Ah, I see," I reply. "Do not fret as I have not fallen into slumber. I was about to get out."

"Alright," Levi says.

The man doesn't move. He leaves his eyes on me, waiting. Suddenly, Isabel's and Farlan's insistence on wearing clothes to hide their bodies makes a little sense. The way those silver eyes bore into me makes me feel like I'm naked. The fact that I am naked only makes the feelings inside me more confusing. I want to curl away from the man's sight, but that's ridiculous.

I shove those feelings away with a grind of my jaws. Putting my arms on the side of the tub for support, I stand. Water falls down my body. Squatting a little, I reach forward to pull on the drain of the bathtub. The water bubbles from the new pressure and starts falling down into the drain.

I step out of the tub, scratching my head. I ask, "Can you get a towel. It's to your right."

Those silver eyes glaze over me from top to bottom. For another second, those silver eyes look into mine before the man turns his head. This lustful brat. He picks up a clean folded towel from the stand beside him. He walks over to me, offering the towel. I don't take it. I merely offer a dripping wet arm to him. The temperature up in the air has my skin slightly shivering.

Silvers eyes meet my own. Levi throws his head to the side, watching me. He tries to gauge my intentions. Coming to a loss, the man simply purses his lips as if he's going through his options. It's as if hours pass as those silver eyes burn into me, never leaving its place. Finally coming to a decision, Levi shakes the towel free from its constricted organized form. One hand holding onto one side, the man moves his other hand to grab the other side.

Levi pushes the towel to my skin, his eyes watching as the towel devours my skin. He then moves his hands in slow motions, chasing all the water on my arm. Deeming it dry, those silver eyes peer up at me. A glint glosses over those burning eyes. Another shiver runs down my spine. I wordlessly dare the man to finish his deed. Levi bites his lower lip as a tinge of pink reaches his cheeks.

The man continues his quest on drying my body. His eyes never leaving my own. He finishes my upper body and then moves to my legs. He makes no hesitation on drying my nether regions. Once finished, he stands upright and places the towel on my head, letting the sides fall against my shoulders.

He steps back, waiting for my reaction. I stare at those silver eyes, that fire. I, indubitably, want to play with this fire that burns so bright. I want to burn. I want to hurt. I want to… feel. The restraints I had put on myself are rusting away, making it so easy for me to break through.

I am but a weak man.

My lips pull into a smirk, before I leave the man to follow me. Before I leave the bathroom, I say, "If you would be so kind, please pick up my clothes."

I hear a scoff behind me, but no protest. I direct myself to my destination, my chambers. Walking down the hall, I ignore the gasps and comments about my attire. Which is evidently nothing seeing how I am still naked. Entering my room, I turn around to see Levi dutifully following behind with my undergarments in his hand. He stops to stand in front of me. He raises the clothing, silently requesting the knowledge as to where to put it.

I rub my hair with the towel, quickly drying it as I jerk my head to the hamper. Levi turns away from me and starts his short journey over to it. I throw the used towel at his head before turning my back to him. I walk to my dresser.

"Brat," the man mutters.

"No. You're the brat," I retort as I open up a drawer.

Grabbing a new undergarment, I lean over with it to slip my feet into it. I pull them over my legs and only turn back when I hear Levi's voice hitched. I stare at those silver eyes that stay burned to my nether region.

"What is with you and lace panties?" Levi questions.

"The texture is nice against my skin," I answer as the panties firmly fit onto my waist.

"Right," Levi drawls.

"Is there a problem?" I smirk at him before turning around.

I squat down as I open a lower drawer. I don't have to see it to know that the brat is glaring at me. I can just feel it. I bite my lower lip to stop a chuckle from leaving me. I grab some pajama shorts and lazily put them on. Lastly, I open a different drawer to grab a large white tee shirt and slip that on as well. I turn back to Levi, whose eyes obviously haven't left their sight from me.

"Well… is there?" I repeat.

Levi slowly gulps, making his adam's apple bounce up and down. He scoffs, "No."

"Good," I smirk, before walking past him again.

The man follows closely behind as I make my way down the stairs. I find the two brats arguing with Levi's pack about where they will be sleeping for the night. Isabel and Farlan are unwilling to give up one of their beds for our guests. Knowing who our guests are, it is not a surprise that the two of them are reluctant to share. If they do not share their bed with even Levi, three of the hunters will have to find comfort on the floor. I am almost positive that there are enough blankets to go around somewhere in this house. Pillows, though, they will have to fight Isabel for them. Hearing the edge in both the brats voices bugs me. I head towards the kitchen, not sparing them another glance.

"Isabel, Farlan," I call.

"Yes, master," they both reply, dropping the argument.

They trail along with Levi behind me. I open up the cupboard, reaching inside. Finding two goblets, I pull them out, one in each hand. Setting them on the counter, my wrist tingles as if it knows that it's going to bleed. I lift it and do just that. Blood starts pooling into one goblet, like a waterfall into a lake.

"Is that my shirt?" Farlan asks, bringing my attention to the trio.

"Those are my shorts too, aren't they?" Isabel complains.

I stop the bleeding in my wrist once the goblet fills up. I look down at my attire. The shirt is big enough that it shows a lot of my collar, clearly belonging to Farlan. The pajama shorts fails to even reach up my mid thighs. They are purple, Isabel's favorite color. Gripping the hem of the shirt, I tilt my head towards the complaining brats with feigned innocence. I inquire, "Would you like them back?"

"No, it's fine," Isabel shouts.

"Please remain decent. We have guests," Farlan says.

"As you wish, children," I reply as I move to fill the other goblet. I take notice that tonight, Isabel has refrained from asking her usual question of the impracticality of letting my wrist heal if I am to do the same yet again. I purse my lips to stop the huff of irritation leave my lips. These two must be far more exhausted than I originally assumed.

"What are you doing?" Levi questions me.

"Bleeding," I answer curtly as the second goblet fills up.

The man rolls his eyes at my obvious answer. I pick up the two goblets and place them in front of my two fledglings. The both of them gaze at their respective goblets with hunger as they slowly reach for it. They are finally learning the art of restraint and showing manners without instructions. Bringing the goblets to their lips, they gulp down my blood. I can feel the tension easing off their bodies, as they immerse themselves with the task of building back up their strength.

Silently, Levi watches his old comrades and thoughtfully thinks to himself. He's probably coming up with his own conclusions and theories. To be fair, I hardly think that it's even that difficult to understand what is happening before his eyes. The man is not stupid, so he's more than likely just surprised at how the two receive their required nutrients.

"What the hell?" One of Levi's pack members grimaces as he bumps Farlan's shoulder. "That's disgusting. Is there real food here?"

His words do not register in my head as I simply stare on at Farlan's shoulder. How undisciplined. The heathen pauses his movement, actually expecting an answer. He makes noises of complaints when he did not receive one.

The heathen moves to walk past me, towards the fridge. Swiftly, my dominant hand shoots out and grabs the heathen by the arm. I pull him, jerking his body back. By my ministrations, his body turns around with his arm twisted. With my free hand, I grip him by his awfully chosen hair and push him down, successfully slamming his face on the counter. The heathen groans in pain and shock. All eyes in the room fall onto me in silence. Except for Isabel and Farlan. No, those two brats continue to drink their goblets, unfazed as they watch.

"Listen, you brat," I, all but, growl. "You are under my roof… no… you are under my protection by the extension of Levi. You will learn to respect me and those I see fit. Or else, I'll do you the favor of cutting off that tongue of yours so that you don't have to bite it off yourself. It would do you well to heed my words. Is that understood?"

"Y-yes, sir," the tongue biter breathlessly answers.

I look over the heathen as he struggles to calm his own breathing. Releasing the poor pathetic creature, I step back as I glance up at the audience. Glancing at Levi's pack members one by one, I warn, "The same goes for all of you."

"Me as well?" Levi asks.

"As if you need to be threatened," I scoff. "I'd like to think that I raised you enough to be more disciplined."

"You were barely present in my life to even 'raise' me," Levi retorts.

"Please," Farlan says with a roll of his eyes. Isabel laughs as well.

"Apparently, my fledglings would beg to differ," I smirk.

The man's eyebrows furrow as he purses his lips. He shifts the gaze of those silver eyes but offers no further retort. He merely addresses his pack, "If I were you guys, I would do what this vampire says. It's not pretty when he's angry. Well… it's not safe."

"But, Captain, he just beated up Oluo," the chimp one says.

"Are you not going to do anything?" The topknot asks.

"Oluo… deserved that. I already warned you pathetic lot to behave yourselves. I don't like repeating my words," Levi declares.

"How do you know these vampires?" Petra demands.

Caught off guard, Levi blinks. He's contemplating on telling the truth or making up a lie. He rubs his face in weariness. I wonder what he will choose? As far as I can tell, Levi's allegiance lie nowhere. He does as he is told, because he has nothing to do. He likes humans simply because he is sentimental. He holds no hate for vampires, expect for maybe making his job a little more complicated. Despite all that, he is a man of his own conviction. It's no secret to me that the man has his own agenda.

"It's none of your concern on how I know them," Levi says.

Ah, I see. This man doesn't like troublesome things. I move on to grab the two goblets from Isabel and Farlan. I walk to the sink. As I turn on the faucet, I say, "There is food in the fridge. Do not cook. Only eat the leftovers."

"Why can't we cook?" Petra asks with suspicion.

Drying the now clean goblets, I stare at the female. She flinches from my gaze. I don't understand humans. Why continue to cause problems when you know you can't win? Besides, does she think I have poisoned food in my house on a regular? Although vampires generally are not bothered by poison, it still tastes gross for the likes of Isabel and Farlan. Not only that, why would I offer poisoned food if Levi could eat it as well? What part of "under my protection by the extension of Levi" does she not understand?

Inside me, I feel a bubble trapped. Slowly, it rises, just waiting to burst out onto the surface. If not, I would be left with this suffocating atmosphere. However, I cannot release it. Once popped, I have no doubt that I will lose control.

"Can any of you even cook? You guys are hunters. The organization babies hunters, so that all they have to do is hunt vampires or train. None of you probably even know how to wield a kitchen knife properly," I seethe, because humans are annoying. This is why I do not interact with them, especially this generation. "I would prefer if my property was not destroyed because your petty suspicions."

"It's not 'petty,'" Petra growls.

"Petra, do-"

SLAM!

Isabel and Farlan flinch from the sound of me slamming the counter with a dried goblet. As I walk the way to the island, the two of them take a step back, advising Levi to do the same. Those silver eyes attempt to go against their advice, but the two fledgling physically pull the man back into a safe zone, shutting down any protest. They are such good children, because heat is rising within me.

I cannot deal with this bullshit. This has to stop before I explode, bursting that bubble. I have Chief fucking with me. A damn organization of vampires out to kill me. An unknown future with the hunter's organization. Then there are these brats who are not disciplined. I am beyond exhausted, because I can't kill them. Even though it's one act after another, I cannot end their pathetic lives. Not without having those damn silver eyes pleading me to do otherwise. Then I have two kids to care for. And lastly, one man with those burning silver eyes to unpuzzle.

I am far too thirsty for this.

Reaching the island, I reach across it and grab the female by her hair. I pull her to me, forcing her body up on against the island. Her screams do nothing to quelch my anger.

"It's not 'petty?'" I smile, pulling my facial muscles far too hard and tight. "Do tell me, who is the one who hasn't killed any of you yet? You've seen my powers. With just a lift of my finger, you all would be as good as dead. But no. Who is the one who saved all of you from vampires that which are, apparently, your sole life goal to kill? What do you mean 'it's not petty?' As far as I'm concerned, the only reason why you despise me and refuse to listen to me, despite your direct superior's words, is because I am what you love to call a 'Blood. Sucking. Barbarian.' It's beyond petty, so I suggest for all of you to grow the fuck up and do not fuck with my kitchen. Lest you want to turn into that which you hate and be decapitated a thousand times, because you see, I find pain… to be the best form of discipline."

"F-fuck you!" Petra cries as she squirms. My fingers tighten the grip on her hair, and I pull her closer. My breath breathes down on her cheeks.

"Oho? Is it not pain you seek, but pleasure?" I ask, dropping an octave. "I do not mind for pleasure is second best to pain in the art discipline. I would not be adverse in teaching you all through that means."

The other three members of the pack flinch and move to help their female companion. However, they stop midway, remembering my strength. Ah, humans. They only save themselves.

"Eren," Levi says, putting a hand on my shoulder. He jerks his hand away once he touches me. My body heat is far too hot for him to handle. It takes a vast amount of restraint for me to not attack the man of those silver eyes. How devastated I would be if I let myself lose it in front of this man.

"I merely jest. None of you qualify to share a bed a with me," I say as I shove the female back. "But know this, Levi, I will not kill them. However, as you can clearly see, that will not stop me from hurting them."

I stare into those silver eyes, challenging him to say otherwise. He doesn't. It's not because he concedes. It's because he is at lost for what exact words to say to the likes of me. In the end, he nods his head in understanding, keeping his original thoughts to himself. At that, I step away from the island and start making my way out of the kitchen's vincity.

"Eat and sleep. You two, female and tongue biter, will be sleeping on the ground. If I see otherwises, you will be disciplined. Your Captain can't protect you. Also, clean up your blood. It is repulsive," I grimace. "Isabel, Farlan, make sure to pack only what you need."

"Yes, master!" They respond.

"Good. I will take my leave. I leave you all in the hospitality of these two children," I announce. "Oh, how I do hope a few of you will be having nightmares tonight."

"Wait, master, don't you ne-"

"No, Farlan," I cut him off. I drank liters of the blood of red eyed babies, but they can only do so much. Especially when the energy is merely shifted immediately for the use of my powers. I am thirsty, but I do not need blood. I will not take their blood. A little sleep will give me enough energy back.

"But Eren, you haven't ta-"

"Oi, you two brats, would you like to be decapitated as well?" I ask.

"No, master," they concede.

I take my leave and make my way to the stairs. The faces in my passing are of shock, fear, and disgust. I pay it no attention as I take the first step of those stairs. Bicker occurs between Levi and the two brats, but I give them the privacy of having a conversation to themselves. Just because you can see and hear everything, it does not mean that you have to. It was the only way I could go through this dark world with all its sorrow.

I head to the bathroom and freshen up for bed. Vampires cannot die, but they can have disgusting teeth if they are not taken care properly. Alternatively, I could just pull out my teeth that have cavities and regrow them, however, it is a waste of energy. All I have to do is brush my teeth, so I mind as well simply do that.

In my chambers, I grab a suitcase and place it on my bed. I dig through all my clothes, picking out the most comfortable sets. No matter where we go, I can always buy more clothes for myself and the two brats. I, especially, need to buy another hoodie. I do mourn for the lost of my previous hoodie. It was a my favorite hoodie and the last I had. Although, I do believe I should not have to buy a new one. Hunters are humans so they should be human enough to offer to replace what they destroy. However, I highly doubt that would ever occur.

I head to the closet and run through the coats. I pick out a simple black peacoat. I can wear this on the morrow. It's still winter, so I suppose I should look like a human civilian. Next, I'm rummaging through my scarves. My black one was destroyed in Vatican as well. Shame. I pick out my grey, red, and green scarves and pack it safely. I'll wear the white one on the morrow as well.

Deeming it well enough, I zip up the suitcase and set it aside. Walking to turn off the light, I'm stopped by the sight of Levi at my door. The man is staring at me with furrowed eyebrows, clearly not knowing what to say.

"Yes?" I inquire.

The man purses his lips as he shifts that silver gaze of his. His hands are joined behind his back. He stays still as he tries to form words in his head. Seeming to give up, he sighs as he steps forward.

"I'm going to share your bed with you. Technically, you're still a vampire so I need to keep you on watch," Levi slowly answers. "You do have a history of running away and I doubt Is and Far would run away without you."

"I see," I respond as I resume the task of shutting off the lights. "I am heading to bed now. You are welcomed to join."

"Alright," Levi nods.

Turning the light off, the only thing left keeping the room illuminated is the moon shining through the arch window. I leave Levi to follow me to the bed. I climb into the bed, under the covers. The man travels around the bed to claim the other side. After a bit of hesitation, he joins me. He turns his back towards me, and we lie on the bed in silence.

Staring at the ceiling, I hear the man breathing. In and out. There is no rush, no forced calmness. It is a simple even breathing of in and out. The cadence of the man's pulse is relaxed. It beats faster than the man breathes, but that is a given. I listen to that living heartbeat. Ah, so that is what it means to be alive. The beats are so soft and well timed. DA THUMP. DA THUMP. DA THUMP.

This is the heart of someone who is alive.

Quietly, I gasp for air. My vision blurs. I cannot see what is ahead of me, so instead, I close my eyes away. This man, this ray of light of mine, is breathing with his beating heart. I dare assume that my weariness allows me the excuse to hurt those silver eyes? I dare assume that I can have this man, even if barely a sliver of him? I dare assume that I can play with this fire?

Ah, but I am weak. I am going to hurt those silver eyes. I am going to devour this man whole. I am going to play with this fire. I crave for it more than anything. This man and his beating human heart. Those burning silver eyes. I need it. All of it.

I listen to his heartbeat, immersing myself with its rhythm. This is what Farlan meant on so many occasions. I feel Levi's heartbeat wrapping around me, taking me to a different world. Maybe this night, I can finally dream. Before slumber can take me away, I notice that the man's breathing has yet to relax.

Opening my eyes, I turn over to face the man's back. The moon gifts me with the outline of the man's body. I reach for the man's head, rubbing his undercut. The man flinches, but doesn't face me. I continue my ministrations, feeling the shortends of his hair run through my fingers. Soon, the man relaxes to my touch.

"What's wrong, child?" I inquire. "Are you not weary?"

"Don't call me 'child,'" Levi retorts sharply and then calms his tone. "I'm an insomniac. I hardly sleep."

Those words take time to sink into my understanding. My ray of light has been plagued with the curse of lack of sleep. I think of numerous things. Nightmares. Fear of surroundings. Distrust in oneself. Darkness is enclosing in those silver eyes, yet he still tries to keep at bay. Resulting to this.

"Ridiculous," I say, as I pull the man to me.

Turning around, Levi protests, "What are you doing?"

"You are sharing my bed," I remind him as I trap his face to my chest. I warm up my body, getting the man to relax once more.

"You…" Levi trails off. He does a sharp intake. Then he sighs, saying nothing more.

"What is it?" I ask as I resume rubbing his undercut..

"I don't know," Levi whispers. He sighs, covering a yawn. "I guess… I…"

"Hmm?" I hum.

There is no reply. The man falls into slumber, leaving me to myself and my thoughts. I lean over to place a chaste kiss on the man's pale forehead.

I relish the thought of the man falling asleep in my arms. I am selfish and weak, but knowing that does not erase the small pull of my lips. The man's breathing is slower than before. His heartbeats are more far apart. Again, I am engulfed by the sound of this man's heartbeat. I pull the man closer, trying to feel the beat against my own skin.

I do not know how much time passes, but I stay here. Weariness lingers on my eyes, but these eyes of mine cannot be taken away from what is laid before me. I am far too fascinated with the sight of Levi, even with his silver eyes hidden away. The moonlight glows against he man's face, showing me the real beauty of my ray of light.

Suddenly, Levi's heartbeat increases at a dramatic rate. His face pinches in itself. His body squirms, trying to wake himself up. His breathing becomes heavy. His skin becomes cold as sweat weeps from his pores.

I bring my lips back to his forehead. I take a hand away from his undercut and place it on his cheek. Caressing his skin in slow circles, I hold the man even closer than before.

"Shh," I shush his nightmares away.

Levi's face unwinds as his body stops shaking. His breathing goes back to normal, as well as his heartbeat. This time, I am being pulled into slumber. I only concede once I made sure that Levi's nightmares are long gone.

I open my eyes to find myself in front a maze with a sun shining down on me. I suppose that I am far too old to not dream lucidly. Not bothering to change the scene, I enter the maze. I am quite interested in seeing what my subconscious is thinking about.

The maze is made of stone. It is familiar with its earthy color. They are shaped like a brick wall, but much bigger in size. The sun is blindingly bright, but I do well on not bumping into the walls. Then I hear it. It's light and far away. The pitch is high. Immediately, I recognize it.

A child's laughter.

I run through the maze, trying to find the source. I hit dead ends after dead ends. I become frustrated, but I resist the urge to change the scene. I did not want this image to run away from me. Taking a deep breath, I will myself to calm down. I turn back around to start a new attempt through the maze. But now, I see it. It came to greet me.

A child stands down the pathway. They are facing me with their hands behind their backs. Their hair is raven black and falls onto their face. Their skin is pale. Their eyes… are obscured from my sight. Nevertheless, the child smiles at me. They sway left to right as giggles escape them. Other than that, they do no move from that spot.

I cautiously take a step forward. Seeing no change in the child's demeanor, I walk to the child with steady steps. Now in front of them, I can see how small the child is. This child has to be no more than five years old, but I could be wrong. I have been wrong before.

I reach forward, but the child takes a step back. They shake their head "no" while keeping that smile on. They giggle as they walk away. I do not chase, for I fear that they would run away altogether. Instead, the child turns back around, and waits for me. I follow.

We walk in silence. Occasionally, the child looks back, confirming my presence behind them. We are weaving through the maze with such ease. Maybe this child is taking me to the end? Time passes, and yet it does not. The sun has not moved once since my appearance. I am not bothered by it. The child's giggles bring a smile on my face. The endless amount of time spent here bothers me no.

Suddenly, the ground roars as the walls of the maze rumbles. The child looks back at me and their smile is of no more. I look behind me and see nothing of unusual. Turning back to the child, my heart nearly jumps out of my chest.

Black clouds rise from the ground. The come to us like a tidal wave. The child looks back at me and reaches out a tiny hand to me. Coming out of shock, I run to the child. I reach out my hand, but then I am pulled away. The ground moves and extends itself and the child goes further and further away. While those black clouds expands, gaining on the child.

I try to outrun the ground, but it is futile. Tears run down those small cheeks. The child is screaming for me, but no sounds register. Both of those tiny hands are reaching towards me, and my heart wrenches at the image. Those long black clouds eats away the child, leaving me the sight of one hand. Then I hear it. A high pitched scream crying. Gasping, my heart stops. I cannot do this.

I need to wake up!

My eyes shoot open and I am greeted with the familiar sight of my chambers. I release a sigh that I had no knowledge of holding in. The room is no longer illuminated by the moon, but now the sun. It's late in the morning.

Glancing down, I see Levi still in my arms. I bring my lips back to his forehead as I lie there in silent for a moment. I concentrate on the sound of Levi's breathing and his human heart beating. This man remains alive and well. There is no immediate darkness looming over him. He sleeps ever so beautifully.

My limbs untangle themselves away from the man's body. The man shifts in his sleep from the lost of heat, but does not wake up. With one final pat onto his head, I take my leave.

Outside my chambers, I see the other hunters are still asleep. The female and tongue biter are, in fact, sleeping on the ground. Some of them do not have pillows, so I can only guess that Isabel tried to bite them. I head to the bathroom and freshen up. I wash my face in cold water and brush my teeth. Afterwards, I walk down the stairs for the kitchen.

Opening the fridge, my eyes dart around, trying to see what can be made for breakfast. Do I have to cook for the humans? If I do not do it, it would be bad hospitality. I may be an irritable host, but I still offered them all a place to sleep, did I not? It irks me to do so, but I try to estimate how much of each ingredient I would require for making everyone breakfast. It would be better this way anyway, because we will not venture over here for quite some time.

I heat up a pan on low heat, as I go about my on pace as I prep the pancake batter. Heating up a cast iron, I quickly cook up bacon on the other pan. While the meat sizzles, in intervals, I cut up fruits, strawberries and oranges, and chocolate shavings. Dropping butter into the cast iron, it sizzles and melts away. I pour a measured amount of pancake batter in the cast iron. I drop chocolate shavings into the batter in every other pancake. I multitask in cooking it all and make sure that everything warm, remains warm.

When I am squeezing out fresh orange juice, I hear heavy footsteps scrambling from above. Not daring to leave my task, I look up towards the door to my chambers. Soon, the door slams open, and Levi runs out with disheveled hair. Upon hearing noises from the kitchen, he looks down at me and then clenches his jaws. His cheeks slightly pink as he narrows his burning silver eyes at me. He then jerks his head away from my gaze and makes his way to the stairs.

A snort escapes me, because this man is far too adorable. Alas, it is the fault of my own, but nevertheless, adorable.

Once the man reaches the island, I slide him a plate of pancakes, all chocolate, kept warm by yours truly. The island has a plate of strawberries, butter, a large pitcher of orange juice, over easy eggs, and cooked bacon for anyone's discretion. I grab the whipped cream I had prepared and left to chill in a pastry bag and place it on the island. Then I offer him a small pitcher of syrup and his silver eyes glare at it. I can see him frowning at the thought of me treating him like a child that needs to further sweeten his breakfast. However, I know him too well. Reluctantly, the man grabs the pitcher and I warm it in his hand.

"What is your ability?" Levi cautiously asks as he makes up his pancakes how he wants.

"I am not inclined to tell you," I reply. "What would you give me in return for that information?"

"What would you want?" Levi furrows his eyebrows.

You.

"Nothing," I say instead.

"Then there's no point in me asking," Levi rolls his eyes, offended that I made him waste his breath.

"Exactly," I smile. "When do we depart?"

He takes a bite of the pancakes with a fork and his eyes seem to light up. Levi slightly puffs his cheeks and answers, "After breakfast would be the best."

I outright laugh at that. This man is strong and has his own conviction. He is broken, but merely cracked. He is innocent even with his upbringing. His silver eyes shine brighter than anything I have seen. Despite the lost time, this man still holds me in his sights. He is just too adorable to not play with. Do I even care if I were to burn?

Thank you all for reading! You are all loved. 3

Okay, lemme be honest, I'm a little sad that there is some tension from you guys and my Levi in this story. Don't hate him, even a little. He's a baby. The personality that I have planned for him is definitely ooc, but I think it'll match the circumstances of the story well.

Here's why I am late in writing. It is not writers block... anymore. Lol. I'm late because I just got a new job, second shift. Also, a few weeks ago when I planned to write this... I have been introduced to a new fandom. I am not leaving this fandom, merely adopting a new one. Let's be real honest, until a few weeks ago, I never once watched any Avengers movies. After one, I binge watched the whole MCU and went to go see infinity wars three times in one week. After that, I got sucked into frostiron fan fiction. So for this, I do apologize for the lateness.

Speaking of other fandoms, for the longest time, I had idea for a fan fiction project. I think I am finally ready to take on that long ass project while I continue to write this specific fan fiction. Seriously, it's like an itch I've been needing to scratch, so look forward to it. Levi/Eren will have a part of this, so you guys can pick and choose what you want to read.