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Come And Sit On Santa’s Lap

The streets of Shiganshina were empty, the air filled with howling wind and biting snow. Eren Jaeger tugged his coat tighter around himself, his teeth chattering as he trudged down the sidewalk. His boots crunched against the icy ground, the flakes falling faster now, sticking to his eyelashes and turning the world into a blurred haze of white.

„Should’ve just called Mom,“ Eren muttered to himself, blowing into his cupped hands for warmth. But he’d already decided against it. It was Christmas Eve, and the last thing he wanted was to interrupt his parents’ quiet evening together. Besides, he wasn’t a kid anymore. He didn’t live at home, and he could figure this out.

But right now, with the snowstorm growing worse and his face going numb, walking home felt like the worst decision of his life.

The streets were eerily quiet, save for the occasional howl of the wind. People had been smart enough to go home hours ago, leaving Eren to fend for himself in the quickly worsening storm. His steps slowed as his eyes scanned the street for a place to wait out the weather. That’s when he saw it—a soft, warm light glowing from the window of a small bookstore.

_

The words Rivaille’s Rare Reads were painted in delicate black letters across the frosted glass. The shop looked out of place, like something plucked from a postcard and dropped into the middle of Shiganshina. Warm light spilled onto the snow from the inside, illuminating rows of bookshelves and mismatched chairs scattered around the cozy interior.

Eren paused, his fingers stiff with cold as he stared at the door. He could just walk home. It wasn’t that far. But as the wind whipped violently against his back, sending a shiver straight down his spine, he sighed in defeat.

„Better than freezing to death,” he muttered, reaching for the door.

The bell jingled softly as he pushed it open, stepping into the warmth. The smell of paper and something faintly herbal—tea, maybe—hit him immediately, the air thick with a comforting stillness. Eren exhaled, running a hand through his snow-dusted hair as he stamped his boots on the mat.

From behind the counter, a sharp voice cut through the quiet.

„If you’re here to loiter, you can turn right back around.”

Eren blinked, looking up to find a man staring at him from across the room. He was older, maybe mid-thirties, with dark hair neatly parted and storm-grey eyes that practically glared a hole through Eren’s skull. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal lean forearms, and a black vest that somehow made him look even more severe.

The man didn’t move from his spot, leaning casually against the counter as he eyed Eren with open suspicion.

„Well, Merry Christmas to you too, Santa,” Eren said, smirking despite the frostbite creeping into his fingers.

The man’s eyes narrowed further, and he straightened, folding his arms across his chest. „Don’t call me that. And wipe your feet before you track snow all over my floor.”

Eren rolled his eyes but obeyed, stepping fully onto the mat and stomping his boots clean. „Relax, old man. I’m not here to rob the place.”

„That’s debatable,” the man muttered under his breath, picking up a cup of tea from the counter and taking a slow sip.

Eren snorted, pulling off his coat and shaking it out carefully before draping it over his arm. „Do you talk to all your customers like this, or am I just special?”

„Special,” the man said flatly, setting his tea down with a sharp click. „Now, what do you want?”

Eren glanced around, taking in the cozy yet meticulously organized space. Bookshelves towered to the ceiling, their contents arranged so precisely it almost hurt to look at. A worn rug covered the wooden floor, and mismatched chairs were scattered between small tables stacked with even more books. The faint crackle of a record player hummed in the background, though the music was too soft to make out.

„Honestly?” Eren said, shoving his hands in his pockets. „Just trying to warm up. It’s hell out there.”

The man’s gaze flickered to the window, where snow was piling up in drifts against the glass. He frowned but didn’t say anything, instead picking up his tea again and watching Eren like a hawk.

„I guess I could buy something,” Eren added, wandering toward one of the shelves. „I still need a Christmas gift for my mom. Got anything good?”

„If you’re looking for pop-up books, you’re in the wrong place,” the man shot back.

Eren grinned, glancing over his shoulder. „What’s your problem, huh? Did Santa leave you coal this year?”

The man scoffed, setting his cup down again. „I don’t celebrate Christmas.”

Eren arched a brow, turning to face him fully. „Really? What kind of Scrooge works in a bookstore that looks like this?”

„The kind who doesn’t appreciate brats barging in, dripping snow everywhere, and calling me ‘Santa,’” the man deadpanned.

Eren laughed, leaning against the nearest shelf. „You’re really selling the whole ‘grumpy old man’ thing, you know that?”

The man’s eyes narrowed dangerously. „My name’s Levi. Not ‘Santa,’ not ‘old man.’ Just Levi. Got it?”

Eren held up his hands in mock surrender. „Got it, Levi.”

Levi sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. „Make yourself useful and stop talking. This isn’t a daycare. Buy something, or I’ll throw you out.”

Eren smirked, already feeling the warmth returning to his fingers. Whatever Levi’s deal was, this was turning out to be far more entertaining than trudging through the snowstorm.

„Sure thing,” Eren said, his grin widening. „Anything for you, Santa.”

The glare Levi shot him could have melted ice.

_

Levi leaned over the counter, taking a slow sip of his tea, his sharp eyes tracking the young man as he wandered through the shop. He moved with a sort of restless energy, his gloved fingers trailing just shy of the spines of books on the nearest shelf, his eyes scanning titles with a mix of curiosity and distraction.

The bookstore itself was pristine, and Levi took pride in that. Unlike the modern „books and lifestyle“ stores cluttered with trinkets and useless decorations, Rivaille’s Rare Reads was unapologetically about the books. Wooden shelves stretched high to the ceiling, every row meticulously organized by genre and author. Soft lighting bathed the space in a warm, amber glow, and the faint scent of paper and aged leather filled the air.

There were no holiday decorations in sight—no gaudy tinsel or plastic Santas to disrupt the timeless charm of the place. It had the air of an old library, the kind you’d expect to find tucked away in some forgotten corner of the city. Levi liked it that way.

The young man—boy, Levi had initially thought, though he could see now he was more a young man—stopped near the history section. He fumbled with the buttons of his long, snow-dusted brown coat, finally shrugging it off with a dramatic sigh.

Levi’s brows furrowed slightly as he watched. The brat pulled a garish, colorful scarf from his face, stuffing it haphazardly into the backpack slung over his shoulder. It was only then that Levi got a proper look at him.

Handsome.

The word came unbidden to Levi’s mind, and he shoved it away immediately. But there was no denying it. The young man had striking features—sharp cheekbones, a strong jaw, and vibrant green eyes that seemed to gleam even in the dim light. His hair, dark brown with long strands escaping the edges of his beanie, framed his face haphazardly, giving him a rugged, almost endearing look.

He tugged off his gloves and shoved them into his bag, his movements quick and ungraceful as if he wasn’t used to slowing down.

„Hey,” the young man called out, his voice cutting through the soft silence of the shop. „How long are you open?”

Levi took another sip of his tea, setting the cup down deliberately before replying, „We close in one hour.” His tone was clipped, professional.

The man raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a small, playful smile. „It’s Christmas Eve. You’re not closing early?”

Levi exhaled a deep breath, already feeling the beginnings of a headache. „No. Why would I?” he remarked, his voice laced with sarcasm.

The young man chuckled, a low, warm sound that seemed to fill the quiet space. „I don’t know. Isn’t that what people usually do on Christmas Eve? Go home, spend time with their family?”

Levi leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. „I don’t run my shop for ‘usual people.’ Besides, books don’t care what day it is. They’re here whether it’s Christmas or the middle of July.”

The man hummed thoughtfully, turning back to the shelves. „Fair enough. Though I can’t imagine you’re swimming in customers tonight.”

Levi snorted. „And yet here you are.”

The young man laughed again, the sound lighter this time, almost boyish. „Touché.”

Levi watched him out of the corner of his eye, the way his fingers moved over the spines of books with a certain reverence. It wasn’t often someone wandered into his shop who actually seemed interested in the books, rather than looking for some kind of aesthetic photo op or a coffee they could drink while pretending to read.

For a moment, Levi allowed himself to be curious. Who was this guy? What brought him here on Christmas Eve, of all nights, looking like he’d walked straight out of a model magazine rather than a snowstorm? What a nice ass.

Not that it mattered.

Shaking the thought away, Levi straightened and picked up his tea again. „If you’re going to buy something, make it quick. I’m not here to babysit.”

The man turned to him, grinning that same teasing grin. „Don’t worry, Santa, I’ll be out of your hair in no time.”

Levi’s glare could have frozen the snow outside. „I told you, don’t call me that.”

The young man laughed softly, his green eyes sparkling. „Whatever you say, Levi.”

Levi sighed, rubbing his temple. This was going to be a long hour.

_

Trying to get the brat out of his shop sooner, Levi glanced up, a little frustration creeping into his voice. „What are you even searching for, brat? A way to get out of here faster, maybe?” His eyes flicked to the snowy window, and for a moment, doubt flickered through him. The storm outside showed no sign of letting up.

The young man smirked, taking a step closer. „Eren,“ he said, the name rolling off his tongue with an easy confidence. He flashed a smile that was just a bit too big and way too gorgeous for Levi’s liking. „I’m Eren, not ‚brat.‘„

Levi blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in the young man’s demeanor. „Huh?“

Eren stepped closer again, his eyes glinting with mischief. „I’m Eren. And as for what I’m looking for…“ He glanced around, running a hand through his disheveled hair. „My mom likes classic literature. But I thought I could spice up her life a bit with something different.“

Levi raised an eyebrow at that, an unamused look crossing his face. „I don’t sell fifty shades of fucked-up porn here.“

Eren chuckled, undeterred by the bluntness in Levi’s tone. „I wouldn’t expect you to.” His eyes lingered on Levi for a moment before turning back to the shelves. „Just thought something unexpected might be the right choice.”

Levi studied Eren silently for a few seconds, irritated yet oddly intrigued. There was something about the way the young man spoke, the confidence that practically oozed from him, that was… difficult to ignore.

„Fine. Look for whatever you want,” Levi muttered, turning his attention back to the tea in his hand, trying to hide the small spike of curiosity growing in his chest.

Levi studied Eren for a moment, his lips curling into a thin, annoyed line, but Eren wasn’t finished. He stepped closer to the counter, his posture relaxed yet purposeful.

„You could help me, you know,” Eren said, his voice light but with an edge of challenge. His head tilted slightly, eyes narrowing in on Levi as if trying to read him.

Levi raised an eyebrow, setting his tea down with deliberate slowness. „Help you?” He leaned back, crossing his arms. „What, like play matchmaker for you and your mother’s gift?”

Eren chuckled, a soft sound that seemed to echo through the stillness of the shop. There was something about the sarcasm, the directness of Levi’s tone that made it… amusing, in an odd way.

„I wouldn’t go that far,“ Eren said, shrugging, „But yeah, a little help wouldn’t hurt. Unless you want me to just grab something random, you know, to prove a point?” His smile widened slightly, the playful glint in his eyes betraying the calm facade he tried to keep up.

Levi let out a slow exhale, rubbing the back of his neck. There was something in Eren’s gaze that unsettled him, a mix of curiosity and something else—something more playful, maybe even challenging. It was that damn confidence, the ease with which Eren navigated the conversation, as if this were just another casual interaction.

Eren couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something about the way Levi spoke—so sarcastic, so grumpy—was oddly endearing. Maybe it was the way Levi’s words came with a sharp edge, but it wasn’t harsh. It was more like… a challenge.

And Eren liked that. He liked the way Levi seemed to know exactly how to hold his own, how to throw back an insult or a retort with the precision of someone who had perfected the art of sharp conversation. It wasn’t like the fake niceties that other people hid behind; it was real, even if it was wrapped in sarcasm and sharp edges.

Eren’s eyes flicked around the shop again. It felt right, in a strange way. Old-fashioned, maybe, but that was exactly what made it fit Levi. Nothing flashy, nothing out of place. No nonsense. It had a certain charm, even if the shelves were filled with centuries-old novels instead of the latest bestseller. And then, of course, there was Levi himself—the man who somehow was the bookstore.

No unnecessary stuff, nothing fancy. Just straightforward, to the point.

Levi noticed the shift in Eren’s gaze, the way the young man seemed to take it all in, sizing it up. Maybe he liked it.

„Fine,” Levi muttered, snapping out of his thoughts. „If you want help, you’ll need to be more specific. No ‘spicing up’ nonsense.”

Eren’s smile only grew, clearly entertained by Levi’s gruffness. „Alright, no nonsense. Classic literature’s good, but something more… unusual.” He hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting around the room, before meeting Levi’s gaze again. „You have anything that could—well—make her think a little differently?”

Levi stared at him for a long beat, then, with a slight tilt of his head, he jerked his chin toward a shelf in the far corner of the store.

„Over there,” he said gruffly, „Try the philosophy section.”

Eren’s brows shot up, a little surprised by the suggestion. „Philosophy?”

Levi didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he picked up his tea, taking a sip as he watched Eren make his way over to the shelf. The tension, though still lingering, had shifted into something else—a strange mix of curiosity and amusement. Levi could tell the young man wasn’t just looking for a simple gift anymore. There was something deeper at play.

Eren’s steps slowed as he reached the shelf, his fingers brushing over the spines of the books with interest.

„Your mother into philosophy?” Levi asked, his voice softer now, almost as though he was genuinely trying to understand what Eren was after.

Eren looked over his shoulder at him, his lips quirking into a small, amused smile. „No. But I’m starting to think she should be.”

Levi didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he continued to watch the young man, feeling that strange, persistent curiosity tugging at him again. It was like the storm outside had bled into the shop, making everything feel a little charged, a little unpredictable.

Eren slowly turned back from the shelf, a book in his hand. It wasn’t anything Levi would’ve expected—no classic or aged tome, no literary masterpiece. Instead, it was a brightly bound collection of love poems, the kind that seemed a bit too sentimental for Levi’s taste, but maybe it was exactly what Eren had in mind.

Levi lifted an eyebrow, his gaze flicking from the book to Eren. „You sure this is what your mom wants?” he asked, a touch of skepticism in his voice.

Eren chuckled softly, flipping the book over in his hands, as if weighing the decision for a second. „Well, she deserves a little more romance in her life,” he said, a small smile pulling at his lips. „My dad’s not exactly ecstasy good at that kind of thing.”

Levi snorted, the sound quick and almost involuntary. „Romantic is overrated,” he muttered, clearly not impressed by the sentimentality of the book.

Eren’s grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He leaned in slightly, the movement subtle but deliberate, like he was closing the gap between them. „Is it?” he asked, his voice low and teasing, as though the question wasn’t just about the book anymore.

Levi felt a strange heat rise to his cheeks, and he cursed himself for it. Why was this kid looking at him like that? He was just trying to sell books. He didn’t need this kind of attention.

„Save it for your girlfriend,” Levi grunted, forcing himself to look away, even though it felt like his words had come out with more force than he intended. He wasn’t going to fall for whatever game this kid was playing.

He reached to push the book back toward Eren, but the young man’s hand shot out to stop him, brushing against Levi’s fingers in the process. The touch was light, but it sent an unexpected jolt through him.

„No girlfriend,” Eren said, his voice suddenly serious, like he was offering some kind of important information. He paused, as if letting the words sink in before adding, „No boyfriend either.”

Levi’s breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, everything in the shop seemed to still. He blinked, trying to process what Eren had just said, his chest tightening for reasons he didn’t want to think about.

The snowstorm raged harder, but inside the warmth of the shop, it felt like something was shifting—something between them, something that was no longer just casual. Levi swallowed, his mind racing to push away whatever feelings Eren’s words had stirred in him.

„Right,” Levi finally muttered, his voice a little rougher than he intended. „So you’re just looking for something to keep you entertained, then?”

Eren didn’t answer right away. He just looked at Levi with those piercing green eyes, and for a brief, unsettling moment, Levi wondered if he could see right through him.

Eren’s lips curled into another small, knowing smile. „Maybe.”

Levi cleared his throat, taking a step back from the counter, his hands gripping the edge as he steadied himself. He wasn’t about to let this get out of hand. Not here. Not now.

The storm outside was picking up, but in here, in the quiet of the bookstore, it was almost as if Eren had brought a storm of his own. One that Levi wasn’t sure how to navigate.

„So, you’re buying this book or not?” Levi asked, trying to sound indifferent, even though his heart was pounding a little faster than it should’ve been.

Eren didn’t immediately answer, but the playful glint in his eyes told Levi that the tension wasn’t going anywhere.

He was starting to hate how much he enjoyed it.

Eren glanced down at the book, a playful glint still in his eyes as he leaned on the counter, watching Levi with a slightly amused smile. „Hey, can you wrap it up for me in some Christmas paper? Make it look all festive, you know?”

Levi gave him a flat look, his gaze unwavering. „No,” he said, his voice dry as ever. He wasn’t in the business of playing Santa for anyone.

Eren raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. „Oh, come on. Just a little bit of holiday spirit?”

Levi crossed his arms, leaning back slightly. „I’m not an elf, and this is a bookstore, not a gift shop. If you want that kind of service, try the mall,” he said, his tone as blunt as ever.

Eren chuckled, clearly unfazed by Levi’s refusal. „I figured I’d try,” he said with a shrug, but his smile never faded. He was beginning to enjoy getting under Levi’s skin—just a little bit.

Levi turned away from the counter, grabbing the register key and ringing up the book. „Holiday spirit doesn’t include indulging spoiled brats,” he muttered, tapping in the price.

„Who’s the brat now?” Eren teased, his grin widening as he pulled out his wallet.

Levi shot him a look, but the young man was already paying, seemingly enjoying the banter more than he should have.

Eren finished paying and tucked the book carefully into his bag. „Thanks, Levi,“ he said, his tone light but carrying an undercurrent of something more, something deeper.

Levi didn’t respond immediately. He simply watched Eren, feeling that same strange tension in the air, like there was more to the interaction than just a simple book purchase.

The storm outside raged on, the wind howling louder, making the old windows of the shop rattle.

„Guess I should head out before this storm gets worse,” Eren said, glancing toward the door as if the idea of leaving wasn’t exactly appealing.

Levi didn’t say anything at first. He just gave a slight nod, already reaching for his tea again. „You might want to reconsider. It’s not exactly a good idea to be out there in a storm like this.”

Eren looked over his shoulder, his lips curling into a faint smirk. „Are you offering to help me out, Levi?”

Levi froze for a second, not sure how to respond to that. It was a simple question, but the way Eren asked it made something tighten in his chest.

„Do I look like someone who’s going to go out there in a storm to save your ass?” Levi replied, trying to brush off the uneasy feeling that was creeping up on him. „I’m not that generous.”

Eren just chuckled, clearly enjoying the tension. „Alright, I get it. Just thought I’d ask.” He turned, stepping toward the door, but then paused, glancing back at Levi.

„You sure you’re not secretly a nice guy under all that sarcasm?” Eren asked, raising an eyebrow.

Levi’s gaze flicked up from his tea, and for a moment, his expression softened just slightly, but only for a split second. He shook his head, standing straighter. „Nice guys finish last,” he muttered, more to himself than to Eren.

Eren watched him for a moment longer, something unreadable in his gaze before he shrugged and opened the door, the wind howling as it pushed into the shop.

„Take care, Levi,” Eren called over his shoulder, his tone light but laced with something else.

As Eren reached for the door, the wind howling fiercely outside, Levi’s voice cut through the silence, unexpectedly sharp.

„Hold on a second,” Levi said, his tone firm but carrying an undercurrent of something almost… reluctant.

Eren stopped mid-step, turning back with a raised eyebrow. „What’s up?”

Levi sighed, exasperated, running a hand through his hair as he looked over at the young man standing by the door. „You’re not going out there in that storm,” he said flatly, his gaze lingering on Eren’s still-gloved hands and the way the snow had already started to stick to his coat. „I’m not going to drag your freezing corpse back in here.”

Eren blinked at him, caught off guard by the directness in Levi’s words, though the faintest smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. „And why would I need to stay? You’re not a fan of company, are you?”

Levi shot him a pointed look, his eyes narrowing. „I’m not asking you to stay for company’s sake,” he muttered, walking over to the counter and glancing toward the front window where the snow whipped violently against the glass. „But if you want to get home alive, you’d better stay here for a while. That storm’s only going to get worse.”

Eren paused, considering it for a moment. The idea of staying at a stranger’s bookstore on Christmas Eve wasn’t exactly ideal, but the thought of walking back into the storm was even worse.

„You’re serious, huh?” Eren asked, stepping away from the door, though he still seemed amused by the situation.

Levi just gave him a look that told Eren he wasn’t joking. „You’re not getting past that door unless you want to freeze to death.”

Eren laughed softly, shaking his head as he walked back toward the counter, slipping his gloves off and setting them down. „Guess I don’t have much of a choice then, do I?”

Levi didn’t say anything, just walked back to his usual spot behind the counter, picking up his tea again and taking a long sip. He felt an odd sense of satisfaction, though he wasn’t entirely sure why.

„So,” Eren said, leaning against the counter as he glanced around, „I guess this means I’m your guest for the night?”

Levi raised an eyebrow. „Don’t get too excited. I’m not here to entertain you.” He shot Eren a quick look, his expression flat. „You can sit down, but no funny business.“

Eren let out a soft chuckle, the playful smirk never quite leaving his lips. „What a shame,” he muttered, his tone laced with a hint of mischief as he glanced over at Levi. „No funny business, huh?” The way he said it almost made it sound like a dare, though it was clear Eren wasn’t taking Levi’s rules too seriously.

Levi shot him a quick, warning glance, but the words barely registered. Eren was still too focused on the unspoken tension lingering between them, that strange, simmering undercurrent.

„Like I said,” Levi replied, his voice firm but with a bit of a bite to it, „this is a bookstore, not a bar or a club. Keep your distance, kid.”

Eren gave a slight shrug, leaning back against the counter. „Fine, fine. You’re no fun,” he teased, but there was a softness in his tone that seemed to show he wasn’t seriously bothered by Levi’s gruffness.

Eren then pulled his phone out of his pocket, holding it for a second as if considering calling his parents to come pick him up. But after a moment, he hesitated.

The snowstorm outside had already become severe, and as Eren glanced at the screen, he noticed the reception was spotty. No signal. His parents wouldn’t be able to reach him anyway. He didn’t want to risk them driving in this weather, either. They’d have a hell of a time navigating the streets in this mess.

Instead, Eren sighed and slid the phone back into his pocket. „Guess I’m stuck here for the night, huh?” he muttered, mostly to himself, but Levi heard him.

Levi, who was trying his hardest to ignore the strange pull he felt at the sight of Eren standing there, still couldn’t help but notice the frustration in the younger man’s voice. It was the first real crack in his confident, carefree demeanor.

„You could’ve just called a cab or something,” Levi remarked, his voice flat, though he had a small part of him wishing Eren had actually done that.

„Right. And risk someone else getting caught in this mess? I’m not that selfish,” Eren replied, glancing out the window at the raging storm. „Looks like we’re both stuck in here.”

Levi didn’t respond, though he couldn’t help but feel something stir within him at the way Eren’s voice softened when he talked about not wanting to put anyone else at risk. It was… unexpected. And Levi hated how much it made him rethink his earlier judgments.

„So, now what?” Eren asked, pulling up a chair near the window, the storm still raging outside. „I guess I’ll just sit here and read or something. Can I grab a book, or are you going to be a hardass about that too?”

Levi rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the slight twitch of a smile that threatened to form. „Pick whatever you want. But no loud reading.”

Eren gave him a mock salute, settling into the chair and pulling a book off one of the shelves. Levi returned to his spot behind the counter, his mind still reeling with the strange shift in their dynamic. He had told himself that he wasn’t going to let this kid get under his skin, but somehow, Eren was doing it without even trying.

Minutes passed in an oddly comfortable silence, the storm outside becoming an unrelenting roar while the shop remained warm and safe. Eren had taken to reading, occasionally glancing over at Levi, who was lost in his own thoughts.

Levi found himself wondering how long this storm would last and, more uncomfortably, why it felt like he didn’t mind Eren’s presence so much.

Levi stood up from his chair with a small grunt, glancing toward the clock. It was nearly closing time, though the storm outside suggested it wouldn’t make much of a difference. He always cleaned up the shop around this time—an old habit he couldn’t shake, even if it meant he’d be staying much longer than usual.

As he walked between the rows of shelves, dusting off the occasional book or rearranging a few misplaced ones, his thoughts kept drifting back to Eren. The kid was still sitting by the window, absorbed in his book, occasionally glancing up when the storm howled louder, as if it might swallow the entire world.

Levi shook his head, trying to focus. Focus on the books, not the brat.

But Eren had a way of disrupting that. It was something about the way he seemed so damn… easygoing. Confident, sure, but also oddly respectful of Levi’s space. He wasn’t the type to push or be demanding—just a little cocky, a little too charming, but not in a way that Levi hated.

After a few minutes, the shop was nearly spotless—Levi’s favorite way to end his day. He might not be excited to stay here tonight, but at least he could appreciate a clean space.

Eren’s voice broke through his thoughts again, soft and casual. „You don’t have to keep cleaning just because I’m here.” He sounded amused, but there was a bit of concern underneath.

Levi snorted, the corner of his lips twitching as if he might smile. „Cleaning’s how I pass the time,” he said, his tone gruff but not unkind. „And the shop doesn’t stay neat by itself.”

Eren raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. „You make it sound like this place is a museum or something,” he said with a teasing grin.

Levi looked over at him, meeting his gaze for a moment, before turning back to the shelves. „It’s a bookstore. You don’t treat it like a pile of junk.” He straightened a few more books, ignoring the tiny smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Eren chuckled, clearly enjoying their back-and-forth. „I guess you’ve got a point. It’s… definitely not the type of bookstore I’m used to.”

Levi turned to face him, the flickering light from the candles casting shadows on his face as he stared back at the young man. „What does that mean?” His voice was sharp but not unfriendly.

Eren shrugged, looking thoughtful. „Most places nowadays try to be all fancy. You know, sell coffee, have comfy chairs, stuff like that. But your place? It feels… real. Like, it’s about the books.”

Levi felt something stir in his chest at the comment, though he quickly buried it under a thick layer of indifference. He wasn’t about to let the kid flatter him.

„Well, I’m not in the business of selling overpriced lattes,” he muttered, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes, something almost appreciative.

Eren smirked, clearly enjoying the fact that he had managed to get Levi talking. „I figured that out pretty quickly.”

Eren, still grinning from their back-and-forth, pushed himself off the counter and eyed the shelves. „You know, I could help with that,“ he said, his tone full of mischief.

Levi raised an eyebrow, preparing to protest. „You? Help me? Yeah, right,“ he muttered, but before he could say anything further, Eren was already moving, grabbing a cleaning cloth from the nearby cabinet.

With a confident grin, Eren reached up to start dusting the top shelves, effortlessly handling the task. He looked down at Levi, a mischievous glint in his eyes. „You’re too short for this anyway,“ he teased, clearly enjoying the sight of Levi’s mix of surprise and irritation.

Levi stood frozen for a second, momentarily taken aback, before quickly scowling, feeling a flush of irritation rise to his face. Eren’s taller frame towered over him, and damn it, he did look capable. Much taller than Levi, who barely hit 5’3”. Levi probably only reached Eren’s neck in height.

Levi didn’t like the fact that Eren was right in this instance. „Stop acting like you’ve just won the damn lottery,” Levi muttered, shaking his head as he turned away to hide the flash of embarrassment that bubbled up inside him. What the hell was he thinking?

Eren, for all his teasing, was already too quiet for Levi’s liking. After a few moments of stillness and only the sound of cleaning cloths against shelves, Eren broke the silence.

„So, no Christmas music?” Eren asked, his voice laced with mock disappointment. He spun around to look at Levi, a raised eyebrow and a playful smile on his face. „I thought this was the season for cheer.“

Levi glared at him, his eyes narrowing. „Christmas music is the last thing I need to hear right now.“ His voice was deadly serious, though there was an undertone of annoyance mixed with the slightest bit of humor.

Eren huffed dramatically, setting the cloth down. „Fine, fine. No Christmas songs. But seriously, it’s so quiet in here. It feels like we’re in some weirdly cozy, grumpy cave.”

Levi just grunted in response, returning to wiping down the counter as if to ignore him. But Eren clearly wasn’t done talking.

„You know, I didn’t even have time to really shop for anything this year,” Eren continued, leaning back against the counter, completely relaxed. „Work’s been crazy. I barely had a moment to think about Christmas presents.” He paused and shot Levi a glance. „I’m supposed to go to my parents‘ tomorrow. My sister and her horse-faced fiancé are coming too.”

Levi snorted, not able to stop himself. „Horse-faced fiancé? That’s an… interesting description.”

Eren smirked. „It’s the truth. But anyway, Mom keeps asking if I’m bringing someone along, but… well, here i am. No one to bring. Not that I wouldn’t want to—it’s just… relationships aren’t easy.” He gave Levi a casual shrug before taking a breath. „How about you? Do you have a Mrs. Grumpy Grinch at home?”

Levi froze, feeling a pang of discomfort at the question. He wasn’t exactly the kind of person to talk about his personal life, especially with someone like Eren, who was—well, way too young, and way too… charming.

„No,“ Levi muttered, not looking at Eren as he wiped the counter harder than necessary.

Eren raised an eyebrow, sensing the abrupt change in Levi’s tone. He didn’t let it go. „What, no girlfriend? No wife? No… special someone?“ Eren asked, his voice a little softer now, probing in a way that felt more serious than before.

Levi rolled his eyes, obviously uncomfortable. „No,” he repeated firmly, then added in a sharp tone, „No boyfriend either.“

The words hung in the air for a moment, and Levi regretted them the second they left his mouth. He quickly turned back to his cleaning, but not before he noticed Eren’s eyes lingering on him for just a beat longer than necessary.

Eren blinked, then gave a sly grin. „Well, that’s good to know,” he said with a teasing tone, though there was a touch of something else in his voice. Levi could sense it, but he wasn’t about to dive into it.

Levi huffed under his breath, ignoring the strange tug in his chest at the thought of Eren looking at him that way. „Don’t get any ideas,” he muttered, walking over to finish his task.

Eren chuckled lightly, but he didn’t press the topic further. Instead, he leaned back against the counter again, clearly intrigued by how easily he’d managed to crack Levi’s cool exterior.

While finishing his task, Eren couldn’t help but break the silence again, his voice a little softer now. „You know, I always liked Christmas,“ he said, his tone thoughtful. He glanced out the window, watching the snow continue to fall, then made a face. „As a kid, it was always so much fun. Playing in the snow, running around with my sister… my mom’s pie was the best part. And the decorations, the gifts…“ He trailed off for a second, his expression wistful. „I miss the gifts, to be honest. As a kid, everything felt exciting. But now? It’s just… ugly sweaters and socks.”

Levi, who had been quietly tidying up, paused for a moment, actually listening. He usually hated when people went on and on about their personal lives, but with Eren? It wasn’t as grating as it should’ve been. There was something oddly… comforting about hearing the young man talk about his childhood memories. Levi was never one for holiday cheer, but somehow Eren made it sound less sentimental, more real.

Still, Levi couldn’t help himself. His lips curled into a smirk as he picked up a rag, wiping down a shelf with unnecessary force. „Oh, come and sit on Santa’s lap and tell me what you want for Christmas, you spoiled little brat,” he shot back sarcastically.

Eren blinked, and for a brief moment, there was a pause in the air—just enough for the words to settle. Then, a soft laugh escaped Eren’s lips, clearly amused. „Is that how you treat all your guests, Levi?“ He leaned forward, an easy smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

Levi just rolled his eyes, his hands tightening around the rag as if it could somehow turn into a weapon.

Eren took a step closer, his confidence evident in the ease of his movements. He bit his lip, a playful glint in his eye, and rolled his hip slowly as he stepped forward. His movements were deliberate, almost teasing, and the way he carried himself with that easy swagger made Levi’s jaw clench.

Leaning in slightly, Eren’s eyes glinted mischievously as his voice dropped low. „I wouldn’t mind sitting on your lap for a while,” he said, the words light but with an unmistakable hint of challenge.

Levi’s jaw tightened, and his chest constricted at the sudden shift in the air. Eren’s proximity was overwhelming, and the mischievous gleam in his eyes only intensified the heat that was beginning to stir inside Levi. For a moment, all he could do was stand there, acutely aware of the younger man’s presence—too close, too much.

The teasing glint in Eren’s eyes sent a jolt of warmth through Levi, making it harder to maintain his usual calm. He couldn’t deny the effect Eren was having on him, the way the younger man’s boldness, his confidence, seemed to pull at him. Levi’s thoughts flickered, his pulse quickening as the tension in the air became palpable.

Before Levi could react, Eren swiftly grabbed the rag from his hands, his fingers brushing against Levi’s. „Enough cleaning,” Eren said, his tone lighter now, as though he were letting the moment pass—though there was still that little smile on his face.

Levi stood there for a moment, caught off guard, the heat in his face unmistakable. He quickly regained his composure, pulling himself away from the exchange. „You’re really pushing your luck,” Levi muttered, trying to hide the way his pulse had quickened.

Eren chuckled, the sound easy and warm. „Maybe I just like seeing you flustered,” he teased, leaning back against the counter, clearly enjoying the effect he had on Levi.

Levi let out a frustrated sigh, shaking his head. „You’re a pain,” he muttered, but his lips twitched upward, unable to completely hide the slight amusement.

Eren grinned, his eyes still locked on Levi. „Maybe, but you’re not exactly pushing me away.”

Levi made a sharp sound, „Tch,” and muttered, „I’ll make us some tea.” He turned on his heel and retreated to the small backroom, the weight of Eren’s gaze still heavy on his back. Once alone, Levi allowed himself a deep, steadying breath.

Was Eren teasing him, or was he genuinely flirting? If Levi had to guess, Eren was probably ten years younger than himself. But did that matter for one night? Maybe Eren was just bored, stuck in his „old” bookstore with a grumpy, „old” man, and was simply trying to make the best of it. Levi could picture it—Eren seemed like the type to flirt easily, to charm people without even thinking about it. It must be nice to get that kind of attention, especially from someone so… beautiful.

Levi ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands as his thoughts shifted. When was the last time he’d had someone flirt with him? When was the last time anyone had looked at him the way Eren did? When was the last time he’d—no. Levi shook his head, pushing the thought aside. He focused on the task at hand: making tea. One step at a time.

If Hange were here, they’d probably push him into Eren’s arms, laughing like a lunatic, as if it were some kind of divine fate. „Like a Yule sacrifice to the gods,” Levi muttered bitterly, making the tea with more force than necessary.

But no matter how many deep breaths he took, he couldn’t shake the way his body reacted to the thought of Eren. The heat from earlier, the way his pulse had quickened when Eren had leaned in so close… Levi had never been one for casual fun, not really. He liked control, liked things to be structured.

But right now? With the storm raging outside and Eren’s mischievous grin still lingering in his mind? Levi wasn’t so sure anymore.

_

As Levi stepped back into the front room, he came to an abrupt halt mid-step. Eren sat on the floor in front of the worn but comfortable-looking couch in the corner of the bookstore, cross-legged on the carpet. He had the book he’d bought for his mother in his hands. The beanie was no longer on his head, and his chestnut-brown hair was tied back into a messy bun that suited him far too well.

As Levi’s footsteps echoed in the room, Eren began to read aloud, his deep voice resonating through the quiet space.

„And neither the angels in Heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee…”

Eren’s voice rumbled low and smooth, filling the quiet room with a certain warmth that made the words feel heavier, more intense. His deep tone wrapped around each line, like the words themselves carried a weight of emotion, a longing that seemed to echo in the space between them. As he read, his eyes never left the page, but his voice held a quiet power that made the words resonate deeply, as if he were speaking from some long-hidden place inside him.

„For the moon never beams
Without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.”

Levi’s gaze fixed on Eren, captivated by the way his turquoise-green eyes shimmered in the soft light, drawing him in. He couldn’t help but notice how beautiful they were—bright and intense, almost impossible to ignore. The words Eren spoke seemed to hang in the air between them, heavy with meaning.

„And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful…” Levi continued, almost without thinking, his voice blending with Eren’s, his attention still caught on the mesmerizing depth of Eren’s gaze.

Eren closed the book with a soft snap, looking up at Levi with a playful but intense expression. „I thought you liked that. A little darker, you know. Edgar Allan Poe.” His voice was low and thoughtful as he glanced at Levi, gauging his reaction. „It’s so intense, isn’t it?”

Levi remained silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. Eren’s thoughtful tone caught him off guard.

„But we loved with a love that was more than love…” Eren’s voice trailed off, a soft sigh escaping his lips. „Loving someone this much, even in death.”

Levi swallowed hard, his throat tightening unexpectedly. Maybe this brat wasn’t as surface-level as he’d thought. There was something… intriguing about Eren, something that caught Levi off guard in ways he wasn’t used to.

And he was right—darker stories, the ones that dealt with real emotions, were always Levi’s favorites. They were raw and intense, far more so than the fairy tale romances that people adored. He wasn’t a romantic, not by any stretch, and he definitely didn’t read poetry books in his spare time. But Edgar Allan Poe? That was a classic. As a bookstore owner, he should know his stuff.

Levi’s gaze lingered on Eren for a moment longer before he cleared his throat, pushing his thoughts aside. „Yeah, I like Poe. More real than those fluffy love stories.” He gave a small, almost reluctant smile.

„You made tea?“ Eren said, stating the obvious as he pointed at the two mugs in Levi’s hands.

„Oh, yes,“ Levi replied, walking over to Eren and handing him a mug, which Eren accepted with a grateful „Thanks.” Levi sat down beside him, unsure of what else to do. It was strange. He hadn’t known Eren long, only a couple of hours, yet he felt surprisingly at ease. The scent of peppermint tea filled the air, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the room.

„With a few Christmas lights, this would be really nice and cozy,“ Eren said, his eyes drifting around the room. Outside, the snowstorm raged, the sky dark and cold, but inside, it was warm and inviting.

Levi nodded, taking a sip of his tea. „It’d be perfect, if it weren’t for the weather outside.“

„We need a blanket and… oh, I’ve got cookies!“ Eren suddenly grinned, setting his mug aside and reaching into his backpack.

Levi lifted an eyebrow. „Cookies?“

Eren’s grin widened as he pulled out a Tupperware box. It was half-empty, but still, the chocolate cookies inside looked tempting. He opened the box and held it out to Levi. „Take one,“ he said enthusiastically.

Levi eyed the cookies cautiously. „Are these… weed cookies?“ he asked, his tone skeptical.

Eren burst out laughing, shaking his head. „No,“ he chuckled. „Why would you ask that?“

Levi huffed, his lips twitching into an amused smile. „You look like a student. And well, students are up to this kind of shit.”

Eren burst into laughter again, the sound bright and easy, catching Levi off guard. „I can’t believe you think that,” he said, still chuckling. „But no, these are just regular cookies. No edibles, I promise.”

Levi narrowed his eyes, skeptical but intrigued. He wasn’t sure whether to believe Eren or not. The younger man’s playful demeanor made it hard to judge whether he was being serious or just messing with him again.

Eren, sensing Levi’s suspicion, leaned forward with a grin. „I baked them for the kids. So, I promise you, no drugs in these.”

„The kids?” Levi furrowed his brows, momentarily thrown off. His mind instantly went to a few unpleasant scenarios—Eren’s kids? He couldn’t mean his own kids, right?

Eren seemed to sense his confusion and quickly clarified, a light flush crossing his cheeks, though his smile remained easy. „Oh, from the Hospital. I work at the Shiganshina Maria-Rose Hospital. I’m a med intern, you know? I’m on the way to becoming a doctor.”

Levi blinked, genuinely surprised. That wasn’t what he’d expected at all. He’d thought Eren was just a carefree troublemaker, but this… this was different. Eren was working toward something serious, something admirable.

„Oh,” Levi said quietly, taking a sip of his tea, his mind processing this new information. „Not what I expected, but… impressive, in a way.“

Eren gave a modest shrug, his eyes lighting up as he continued. „Yeah, so after my shift, I stayed longer and went to see the kids. There are some who have to stay in the hospital over Christmas, so me and Armin—he’s a good friend of mine, he works at the hospital too—we wanted to cheer them up a little. I baked the cookies, and Armin read them a Christmas story. But I made too much, and these are the leftovers.” He offered the Tupperware box with a grin, clearly proud of his small but heartfelt gesture.

Levi’s gaze softened for a moment, seeing the sincerity in Eren’s expression. He’d never taken Eren for someone who would do something so selfless, but it seemed like the younger man had a side that was… unexpected. He was more than just the brash, playful guy Levi had first thought.

„Seems like you really care about those kids,” Levi remarked, his voice surprisingly steady. He couldn’t help but feel a flicker of respect for Eren, something he hadn’t expected to feel at all.

Eren’s smile grew, a slight twinkle in his turquoise-green eyes. „Yeah, I do. I know it’s tough for them, being stuck in the hospital during Christmas. If I can do something to make their day a little better, even just for a moment, I think it’s worth it.”

Levi nodded, his thoughts momentarily drifting. He didn’t know how to respond to that—didn’t know what to make of this warm, compassionate side of Eren. It was a side he hadn’t seen before, and it caught him off guard.

The moment hung between them for a second, the air filled with an unexpected sense of ease. But then Eren shifted, his usual playful grin back in place as he nudged the Tupperware box toward Levi. „But seriously, you should try one of these cookies. No surprises, I swear.”

Levi hesitated for a moment, glancing at the cookies before looking back at Eren’s eager face. He could feel the playful challenge in the air, but there was something else—something genuine. With a small sigh, he gave in and took a cookie, his lips curling into a reluctant smile.

„Alright, I’ll bite,” Levi muttered, his tone caught between amusement and resignation as he reached for another cookie.

Eren’s grin widened, clearly pleased with himself. „Good choice. They’re our holiday tradition now,” he said, his voice light but with a certain warmth.

Levi raised an eyebrow, a small chuckle escaping him as he shook his head. „A tradition, huh? We’ve already got a tradition now?” The words came out dry, but there was a faint undercurrent of amusement in his tone.

Eren leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on his knee as he held Levi’s gaze. „Every tradition has to start somewhere,” he replied, his voice quiet but steady. There was something in the way he said it, like he truly believed it—not just about the cookies, but about this moment between them. His turquoise-green eyes seemed to shimmer under the soft glow of the overhead light, the corners of his lips curling into an easy smile.

Levi looked away briefly, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through his chest. He let out a faint sigh, the corners of his own lips twitching upward despite himself. „Well, if this is what counts as a tradition, you might just have to stick around more often,” he muttered, the words almost too soft to hear.

Eren’s eyes sparkled with mischief, but beneath the teasing glint, there was something deeper—something genuine that caught Levi off guard. „I wouldn’t mind that,” Eren said softly, his voice losing some of ist playfulness but gaining a quiet sincerity. The words lingered in the air between them, and for a moment, Levi wasn’t sure if he should respond—or if he even needed to.

Levi bit into the cookie, unable to deny how annoyingly delicious it was. The sweetness melted on his tongue, a perfect contrast to the bittersweet tea in his other hand. „Do you want kids?” The question slipped out before he even registered it, blunt and utterly out of place. Levi inwardly cursed himself—he was absolute garbage at small talk.

Eren froze for a moment, the tips of his ears turning red as he blinked at Levi, clearly caught off guard. Then, to Levi’s horror, a slow, amused smile spread across Eren’s face. „You don’t ask a guy that on the first date,” he teased, his tone a mix of awkwardness and laughter.

Levi felt his own face heat up, his ears burning. „Tch,” he muttered, looking away to hide his embarrassment. First date? Had Eren seriously just called this strange little situation a date? And worse—why did that thought make his stomach twist in a way that wasn’t entirely unpleasant?

Before he could recover, Eren chuckled softly, setting his mug down. „Honestly, I think I’m more the ‘cool uncle’ type,” he said, his playful tone returning. „You know, the one who spoils the kids rotten and then hands them back to their parents when they’re too hyper.”

Levi raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. But before he could comment, Eren’s expression shifted. „I’ll just wait until Jean knocks Mikasa up and—” He suddenly made a dramatic gagging sound, scrunching up his nose. „Ugh, no. Now that image is stuck in my head. I don’t want to think about that.” He rubbed his face in mock despair. „My sister and Horseface are not having sex. Nope. Never happened.”

Levi blinked, caught between amusement and confusion. „Your sister… and her fiancé, I assume?”

Eren nodded, still looking like he’d just tasted something sour. „Yeah. Mikasa’s my sister—well, not by blood, but close enough— she is adopted. And Jean’s her fiancé. And now I hate myself for even bringing it up.” He groaned, shaking his head as if trying to dislodge the mental image.

Levi smirked, unable to hold back the small laugh that escaped him. „You’ve got quite the family dynamic, don’t you?”

Eren shot him a look, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. „You don’t know the half of it,” he muttered. „Trust me, it’s… something.” He leaned back against the couch, running a hand through his hair, the messy bun loosening just slightly.

Levi took another bite of the cookie, feeling the earlier awkwardness dissipate. The conversation, bizarre as it was, felt oddly natural. Eren’s ability to joke about the weirdest topics was almost endearing.

Eren leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and asked with a curious glint in his eyes, „What about your family?”

Levi gave him a flat look, the kind that usually meant, don’t even go there.

But Eren wasn’t deterred. Letting out an exaggerated huff, he gestured dramatically. „Oh, come on! I told you about mine! You even asked me if we’re having kids!”

„What? That’s not—” Levi sputtered, the tips of his ears turning red. „If you…not we…I meant you, not—” He broke off, cursing under his breath as Eren burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the way he’d managed to fluster him.

Eren smirked, leaning closer with a mischievous gleam in his eye. „I thought about my sister’s sex life because of you,” he hissed, his voice mock-accusatory.

Levi pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning. „Then think about someone else’s sex life.”

Eren grinned, his expression downright wicked as he nudged Levi lightly in the side. „Ours?”

Levi froze, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he turned to look at him. „You’re a bold little shit.”

Eren just laughed, leaning back with an air of triumph, clearly not the least bit intimidated. „Worth it,” he said, popping another cookie into his mouth and winking at Levi over the rim of his mug.

Levi let out a long breath, rubbing the back of his neck as he processed Eren’s shift in tone. „You could just stop teasing me, you know,” he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and helplessness. He hated how off-balance Eren made him feel. Was this flirting? Was Eren just having fun at his expense? And the worst part—why did Levi feel himself reacting to it in ways he couldn’t fully control? There was physical attraction, sure, but there was something deeper, something unsettlingly tender, and he wasn’t sure what to do with it.

Eren’s grin faded as if he sensed Levi’s internal struggle. The mischievous spark in his eyes dimmed, replaced by something softer, warmer. „Tell me something about yourself, Levi,” Eren said, his tone quiet but earnest.

Levi hesitated, his fingers tightening around his mug. „Fine,” he muttered finally, his voice low. „I don’t have much family left. An uncle who lives in Trost, but he’s an asshole, so I don’t bother with him. My mother’s dead, and I don’t know my father.” He shrugged, trying to keep his tone nonchalant, though there was a faint edge of bitterness beneath the surface. „Not exactly the kind of Christmas story you wanted to hear, right?”

When Levi risked a glance at Eren, he braced himself for pity or an awkward attempt to lighten the mood. But Eren’s gaze wasn’t filled with pity. It was soft, understanding, and steady. He didn’t flinch, didn’t try to fill the silence with empty words. Instead, Eren reached out and cupped Levi’s cheek with his hand, the touch warm and grounding.

Levi froze, startled by the contact. Eren’s hand was large and gentle against his pale skin, his thumb brushing in slow, soothing strokes over Levi’s cheekbone. It was far too intimate, and yet… Levi didn’t pull away. His chest felt tight, his heart pounding in a way that left him breathless. It wasn’t just the warmth of Eren’s touch—it was the way Eren looked at him, quiet and focused, like Levi was the only person in the world.

Eren didn’t say anything stupid. No half-hearted apologies, no awkward jokes, no condescending attempts to cheer him up. He just stayed there, present, offering something that felt both unspoken and profound.

Just as Levi thought he might give in—lean into the touch, let himself linger in this fleeting moment of comfort—Eren pulled his hand away. The absence of warmth left Levi’s skin prickling, and he blinked, trying to steady himself.

„How did you want to spend Christmas?” Eren asked, his voice gentle, as if giving Levi the space to change the subject.

Levi exhaled slowly, grateful for the shift. „A friend of mine, Hange, was supposed to visit. She’s a pain in the ass, but she’s… reliable. Called me earlier, though. She’s stuck in Stohess. Said the storm’s too strong to travel.”

Eren glanced out the window, where the howling wind and swirling snow made it impossible to see anything beyond the glass. „This storm really did mess up a lot of plans,” he murmured.

Levi nodded, his gaze following Eren’s. „Yeah. But it’s not like I had anything elaborate planned. Hange and I were just going to sit around, drink too much tea, and argue about books or some dumb shit.” A faint, almost wistful smile tugged at his lips. „She’d probably bring some ridiculous gift I don’t need, and I’d tell her to stop wasting her money, and then she’d ignore me like she always does.”

Eren smiled at that, his expression thoughtful. „Sounds nice, actually. Quiet. Comfortable.”

Levi gave him a sideways glance. „You don’t think it sounds boring?”

„No,” Eren said simply, meeting Levi’s gaze. „Not at all.”

For a moment, the silence between them was calm and easy, filled only with the soft sounds of tea being sipped and the occasional creak of the storm outside. Levi found it oddly comfortable, something he wasn’t used to feeling with someone he’d barely met.

Then, Eren broke the quiet. „I just realized,” he said, his tone casual but curious. „I don’t know your last name. Or how old you are, for that matter.”

Levi glanced at him, one brow arching. „A lot of questions.”

Eren snorted, setting his mug down on the floor beside him. „We’ve got the whole night, Levi. I’m just getting started. So?”

Levi sighed, leaning back against the couch. „Ackerman,” he answered. „And I’m thirty-four.”

Eren nodded thoughtfully, as if filing that information away. „My last name’s Jaeger,” he offered. „And… well, if I tell you I’m twenty-four, is that too young for you?”

Levi’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Eren’s expression. „Too young for what exactly?” he asked, his tone dry but tinged with genuine curiosity.

Eren grinned, a little sheepish but also mischievous. „I don’t know. Whatever it is you’re wondering about.”

Levi rolled his eyes, setting his mug down as well. „I wasn’t wondering about anything,” he muttered, though the faint heat creeping up his neck betrayed him.

„Sure, you weren’t,” Eren teased, leaning his chin on one hand and looking at Levi with those damn bright, piercing eyes. „But I guess you don’t mind the age gap, then?”

Levi scoffed, trying to hide how flustered he felt. „As long as you’re not some nineteen-year-old brat trying to get me high with weed cookies, everything’s fine.”

Eren’s grin widened, his amusement bubbling over into a soft laugh. „Noted. Good to know.”

Levi glanced down at his own cup, feeling the weight of Eren’s gaze still on him. He didn’t know how to react to the blatant flirting—it had been years since he’d entertained the thought of letting anyone close. „I’ll make us another tea,” he muttered, reaching for Eren’s mug. Their fingers brushed briefly, the warmth of Eren’s hand lingering for just a moment too long.

Eren smiled, soft and genuine, like Levi had offered him something special. „Thank you.”

Levi huffed, his tone gruff. „It’s just tea.”

He turned away quickly, retreating to the small backroom that served as his makeshift kitchen. As he prepared the tea, the faint sound of the storm outside punctuated the silence, a reminder of how isolated they were. Levi found himself oddly at ease with it, though—Eren’s presence didn’t feel intrusive, even if it was unexpected.

Opening a cupboard, Levi rummaged around for the extra blankets he knew were tucked away. The shop was well-heated, but the snowstorm had a way of making everything feel colder than it was. Pulling out a couple of neatly folded throws, he glanced toward the door, his thoughts drifting back to the man sitting in the other room.

Eren’s teasing smile flashed in his mind, and Levi shook his head with a faint scoff. „Damn brat,” he muttered to himself, though there was no bite to the words.

With the tea steeping and the blankets in hand, Levi returned to the front room. Eren had shifted on the couch, sitting more comfortably now, his legs stretched out and his eyes scanning the room like he belonged there.

„Here,” Levi said, placing the blankets on the couch beside him and handing over the fresh mug of tea.

Eren’s face lit up, and he grabbed the blanket, draping it over his lap. „Thanks, Levi. This is nice.”

Levi sat down in the chair opposite him, taking a sip of his own tea. „Don’t get too comfortable. I’m not running a hotel.”

Eren chuckled, his voice low and warm. „Could’ve fooled me. Between the tea and the blankets, this feels pretty damn cozy.”

Levi fought the twitch of a smile and instead focused on his tea, letting the comfortable silence stretch between them. For once, he didn’t mind the company.

Eren stood up, stretching his arms over his head before letting them fall back to his sides. Levi’s gaze flickered to him briefly, catching the casual way Eren moved, like he’d already made himself at home. It wasn’t until Eren shifted that Levi noticed his boots—heavy, scuffed things—neatly set to the side next to his backpack. Levi hadn’t even heard him take them off.

Eren wandered toward the bookshelves again, his fingers brushing lightly over the spines as he walked. There was an energy to him, a restlessness that Levi recognized. The kind that made it hard to stay in one place for too long.

„Hey,” Eren called, his voice breaking the quiet. He turned, looking at Levi with a spark of curiosity in his eyes. „Which books do you like?”

Levi raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair with his tea in hand. „I live in a bookstore. Take a wild guess.”

Eren huffed a laugh but didn’t let the sarcasm deter him. „Okay, smartass, but what kind of books? Like, what’s your favorite? Mystery? Horror? Romance?”

„Not romance,” Levi replied quickly, his tone flat but decisive.

Eren smirked, leaning against one of the shelves. „Why not? Too fluffy for you?”

Levi shot him a look, setting his cup down. „You’re fluffy enough for both of us. I don’t need that in my reading, too.”

Eren grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. „Fair enough. So? What’s the answer?”

Levi sighed, glancing over at the nearest shelf. „I like the darker stuff. The kind that doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Things that don’t have some neatly wrapped happy ending.”

Eren nodded thoughtfully, his gaze wandering over the shelves. „Makes sense,” he said after a moment. „You don’t strike me as the type to go for fairy tales.”

Levi snorted softly. „Yeah, well, life isn’t a fairy tale, is it?”

Eren tilted his head, studying Levi with that same curious intensity. „Maybe not, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find something good in the story.”

Levi blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Eren’s tone. He didn’t reply, instead reaching for his tea again to avoid meeting Eren’s gaze.

Eren didn’t press, though. He just turned back to the shelves, pulling a book down at random and flipping it open, the quiet hum of the storm outside filling the space between them.

Eren flipped through the book in his hands, his fingers idly thumbing the pages before he glanced back at Levi. „I like stories that surprise me,” he said, his voice thoughtful.

Levi raised an eyebrow, curious despite himself. „Surprise you how?”

„You know, the kind where it’s not all laid out for you from the beginning,” Eren explained, turning a page as he spoke. „I hate it when everything’s too obvious. I want to get to the end of a story and realize there was something deeper the whole time—something I missed but could’ve seen if I’d just looked closer.”

Levi tilted his head, considering that. „You mean like a plot twist?”

Eren nodded but shook his head slightly, like that wasn’t the whole picture. „Kind of, yeah. But not just for shock value. I like it when the twist makes you rethink the whole story—like it was always there, hidden in plain sight, but you didn’t see it until the end.”

Levi hummed, leaning back in his chair. „So you’re one of those types who overanalyzes everything.”

Eren grinned, closing the book and resting it against his hip. „Maybe. But isn’t that what makes it fun? Finding the details that make the story come alive?”

Levi shrugged, though he found himself oddly impressed. „Guess that’s one way to look at it. Got a favorite example?”

Eren’s grin turned a little sheepish, and he rubbed the back of his neck. „I mean, Attack on Titan is a classic for that.”

Levi blinked at him, deadpan. „Attack on Titan?”

Eren laughed, holding up his hands defensively. „Hey, don’t judge! It’s got everything—layers, twists, moral dilemmas. I mean, yeah, it’s dramatic, but it makes you think. That’s what I like about it.”

Levi shook his head, hiding the faintest twitch of amusement at the corner of his mouth. „You’re such a nerd.”

„Better a nerd than boring,” Eren shot back, his grin widening as he set the book back on the shelf. „What about you? You like anything with a twist?”

Levi thought for a moment, his gaze drifting to the storm outside. „Not twists for the sake of it. But yeah, I like stories that aren’t afraid to get messy. The ones that don’t try to make everything black and white.”

Eren nodded, his eyes bright with interest. „Like life, huh?”

Levi smirked faintly. „Yeah. Like life.”

Eren wandered over to the bookshelf again, his fingers trailing along the spines as if searching for something specific. Levi watched him with mild curiosity, expecting him to pick out some novel or maybe another romance book like the one he’d mentioned buying for his mother. Instead, Eren pulled out a slim, weathered poetry book, flipping through the pages before glancing over his shoulder at Levi.

He didn’t say anything as he made his way back to the carpet in front of the couch. He sat down, leaning his back against the edge of the cushions, and pulled the blanket higher around his shoulders. Holding the edge of it up, he looked at Levi with a casual, almost teasing invitation. „Sit with me,” he said, his tone light but leaving no room for argument.

Levi hesitated for a moment, the gesture catching him off guard. Sharing a blanket wasn’t something he usually did—not with anyone. But something about Eren’s expression, the way his eyes sparkled with warmth, made him give in. He moved from the couch to the carpet, sitting down beside him. Eren adjusted the blanket, subtly shifting closer, but Levi didn’t push him away. It wasn’t uncomfortable—just… different.

Eren held up the book, his grin softening into something more playful. „Getting to know each other, remember?” he said, as though the act of reading poetry somehow fit into that plan.

Levi raised an eyebrow, skeptical but curious. „Poetry, huh?” he muttered, his tone dry.

Eren only winked at him and flipped the book open, clearing his throat dramatically before he began to read Invictus by William Ernest Henley:

„Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul…”

The words flowed effortlessly from Eren’s lips, his voice low and smooth, carrying the weight of each line. As he read, the storm outside seemed to quiet, the howling winds and rattling windows fading into the background. Levi found himself drawn into the rhythm of the poem, ist defiance and quiet strength matching the energy he’d come to associate with Eren.

„In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.“

When Eren finished, he closed the book gently, letting the final words linger in the air:

„It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.”

He glanced sideways at Levi, as if gauging his reaction.

Levi returned the look, his gaze steady but thoughtful. „It’s fitting, I guess,” he muttered. „You strike me as the stubborn little shit type. Restless. Likes to make his own choices, no matter what anyone else says.”

Eren chuckled, the sound warm and unrestrained. „Can’t argue with that,” he admitted, leaning his head back against the couch. His eyes turned contemplative, though the ever-present mischief in his expression hadn’t completely disappeared. „But really, doesn’t everyone want to feel like they’re the captain of their own soul?”

Levi scoffed softly, shaking his head. „Yeah, maybe. But most people just drift along and let the tide take them wherever. You…” He gestured vaguely at Eren. „You seem like the type to swim against the current, just to prove you can.”

Eren grinned at that, looking almost pleased. „And what about you, Levi? You swimming, or just drifting?”

Levi gave him a long, unreadable look, the flickering light from the storm casting shadows over his face. „I don’t drift,” he said finally, his voice quiet but firm.

Eren smiled again, this time softer, more genuine. „Didn’t think so,” he said, settling back into the shared warmth of the blanket.

Levi’s gaze flickered to the book in Eren’s lap, then back to Eren’s earnest face. He shrugged, though there was a weight to it. „I try not to. Life’s thrown a lot of shit my way, but…I figure if I let it control me, I might as well stop trying altogether.”

Eren studied him for a moment, the playful spark in his eyes softening into something deeper. „That sounds like something out of the poem.” He hesitated, then added quietly, „Master of your fate, huh?”

Levi scoffed lightly, though there wasn’t much bite to it. His tone was calm, steady. „Maybe. More of the no regrets, no bullshit type. But don’t go writing poetry about me or anything.”

Eren laughed, nudging Levi lightly with his shoulder. „I’ll save the poetry for special occasions.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, the storm howling softly outside. The warmth of the shared blanket and the quiet presence of one another seemed to create a bubble, shutting out the chaos beyond the walls.

At one point, Eren shifted, sliding his arm around Levi’s shoulders and pulling him closer. The motion was casual, almost natural, but it caught Levi off guard. His body stiffened immediately—not because he didn’t want it, but because the sensation of being held like this was so foreign to him.

When was the last time someone embraced him? Hange’s hugs were always too energetic, and Erwin’s heavy claps on his shoulder felt more like commands than comfort. This was different. This was good.

Levi exhaled slowly, letting himself relax into the warmth of Eren’s side. The weight of Eren’s arm around him, the steady pressure on his shoulders, felt grounding. Intimate. Eren was warm, and the way he leaned against Levi, their sides pressed together, was incredibly comforting.

Eren shifted slightly, leaning his head closer until his nose brushed against Levi’s black hair. Levi blinked, caught off guard by the gesture.

„You smell good,” Eren murmured, his voice soft, almost drowsy.

Under different circumstances, Levi might have found the comment inappropriate. Creepy, even. Someone sniffing him? That was a Mike thing, and Levi had always thought it was a little weird. But Mike sniffed everything. Eren wasn’t Mike—he wasn’t one of Levi’s old friends.

Eren was…cute. Levi’s stomach twisted, not in discomfort, but in something he could only describe as excited anticipation. Something warm and thrilling tugged at him from the inside.

He didn’t pull away. Didn’t scold Eren or brush it off. Instead, he let the words settle in the quiet room.

Eren smelled good too.

Even with the flirtatious undertone, Eren was easy to talk to. Mostly because he did most of the talking and didn’t seem to mind Levi’s short, rude answers. But more than that, he actually listened—listened without judgment or unnecessary prying. It was… nice. Eren was nice. The flirting was nice—especially the flirting.

Levi found himself drawn to Eren more and more as time passed. He didn’t even know the brat for long—a few hours, really. But sitting here, in his own bookstore, in this cozy, intimate setting, actually talking about themselves—it was already so much more than some fleeting bar hookup. People went home with strangers all the time knowing far less about them, with lower intentions.

Was there an intention here?

This wasn’t planned. It wasn’t a date or some cliché romantic setup. And yet, it felt like one. Levi knew it wasn’t all in his head—wasn’t just wishful thinking. Eren made it feel that way, with the way he acted, the way he flirted, the way he looked at Levi with that warm, playful smile. There was something so genuine about him, even as he teased. The blanket, the damn cookies, the fucking poems—Eren had created something between them without either of them trying.

Levi caught himself staring. Not just at Eren’s unique turquoise-green eyes but also at his lips. His plump lips.

Levi swallowed hard, shifting slightly under the blanket, hoping Eren wouldn’t notice the direction of his thoughts. But the warmth between them, the faint thrill buzzing under his skin, was undeniable.

Levi looked at Eren’s profile, the gentle slope of his nose and the way his lips curved faintly even in silence. Without thinking, his hand moved on ist own, brushing a stray strand of Eren’s hair out of his face.

The moment stretched, Levi realizing only after the fact what he’d done. His fingers froze midair for a second before retreating quickly. He cleared his throat, trying to fill the suddenly charged space between them. „Uh… you can sleep, if you’re tired,” he offered, his voice a little too gruff to sound casual.

What else could he say? You’re beautiful? Wanna kiss me? His heart thudded faster at the thought.

The hours were ticking close to midnight, and there wasn’t much reason to stay up all night. The thick carpet wasn’t uncomfortable, and the blankets were warm. Levi wasn’t particularly in the mood to sleep—he didn’t sleep much anyway—but Eren shouldn’t feel obligated to stay awake just because he was.

Eren turned his head slightly, meeting Levi’s gaze with an unguarded softness. „But I’m not tired,” he murmured.

The quiet words hung in the air, and Levi swallowed hard, the faint warmth spreading in his chest making it harder to look away. Something in Eren’s tone—soft, almost intimate—made Levi’s stomach twist in that same unfamiliar, excited way. Eren’s eyes didn’t falter, his gaze steady and searching, like he was waiting for Levi to say something else.

But Levi didn’t know what to say. Words felt clumsy and unnecessary, yet the tension in the air demanded something. Instead, he nodded, letting the silence speak, though he was certain Eren could feel the weight of his racing pulse.

Eren glanced over at Levi, noting the faint tension in his frame. His voice softened as he asked, „So, why don’t you like Christmas? You said you don’t celebrate?”

Maybe he wanted to lighten the mood, shift the conversation to something less charged, or just get to know Levi better.

Levi hesitated, his fingers tightening briefly around the edge of the blanket. „It’s just not my thing,” he muttered, his tone dismissive.

„But you wanted to celebrate tomorrow with your friend Hange?” Eren pressed, his brow furrowing slightly.

Levi shook his head. „Hange doesn’t celebrate Christmas either. She celebrates Yule. You know, the old traditions—before fucking Jesus…” He trailed off, cursing under his breath. Then, realizing he might’ve overstepped, he added quickly, „Sorry.”

Eren didn’t seem fazed, giving a small shrug. „It’s okay. I get it. So…you were going to celebrate Yule?”

Levi sighed, the weight of the conversation pressing down on him. „It’s not Christmas or Yule. It’s…complicated,” he admitted, his voice quieter. He glanced away, his next words almost reluctant. „It’s my birthday—December 25.”

Eren blinked, sitting up straighter as the realization hit him. His lips parted in surprise, and his turquoise-green eyes widened. „Wait, it’s your birthday? You didn’t say anything!” He glanced at the clock, his expression turning urgent. Only two minutes until midnight.

Levi shrugged, avoiding his gaze, as if brushing off the importance. „It’s not a big deal. Never has been.”

Eren frowned, visibly upset by Levi’s indifference. „No way. Birthdays are a huge deal. You should’ve told me!”

Levi shifted, clearly flustered by Eren’s sudden intensity. „What would you even do about it?” he mumbled, his tone both defensive and self-conscious.

The clock began to chime midnight, and Eren sprang into action, determination lighting up his face. „Well, if I don’t have a gift, I’ll just have to improvise.”

Levi arched an eyebrow, his skepticism clear. „What are you—”

Before Levi could finish, Eren leaned forward, closing the distance between them. There was a flicker of nervousness in his gaze as he locked eyes with Levi, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. For a moment, he hesitated, the charged air between them holding still. Then, his hand came up to cup Levi’s cheek, his thumb brushing gently along Levi’s sharp jawline.

Levi froze, his breath catching as Eren’s warm palm pressed against his skin. The touch was intimate, steady, and before Levi could react, Eren leaned in and pressed his lips softly against Levi’s.

The kiss was warm and lingering, a mixture of daring and tenderness. Levi stiffened in surprise, his hands hovering awkwardly for a moment, unsure of where to go. But as the seconds stretched, something in him softened. He leaned in, his lips responding hesitantly at first, then with growing certainty.

Eren’s lips moved against his, unhurried and unassuming—offering rather than taking. They were soft and full, carrying the faint taste of peppermint and chocolate cookies. Levi inhaled sharply, a small gasp escaping him, and Eren made a quiet sound in return, low and warm, that sent a flutter through Levi’s chest.

Eren’s hand slid from Levi’s cheek to the back of his neck, his fingers tangling gently in the short hair of Levi’s undercut. His touch was deliberate but soothing, holding Levi in place without force. The steady, affectionate motion sent a shiver down Levi’s spine, one he didn’t bother trying to suppress.

When they finally pulled apart, Levi stayed frozen for a moment, his breath unsteady and his mind reeling. His usually sharp, controlled expression was softer, his grey eyes wide and searching. He blinked up at Eren, struggling to process the warmth still lingering on his lips and the steady, grounding weight of Eren’s hand resting on the back of his neck.

„What the hell was that?” Levi murmured, his voice quieter than usual, almost vulnerable.

Eren didn’t pull away entirely, his forehead nearly brushing Levi’s, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. A slow, almost sheepish smile spread across Eren’s face, but there was a flicker of nervousness in his eyes, like he was bracing himself for Levi’s reaction.

„Happy birthday, Levi,” Eren said softly, his tone warm and full of sincerity.

For a moment, Levi just stared at him, his heart pounding in his chest. He could still feel the ghost of Eren’s lips on his own, could still taste the peppermint and chocolate.

Levi didn’t move for a moment, his breath catching as he watched the shift in Eren’s expression. The flicker of nervousness was gone, replaced by something sharper, more intense. Eren’s turquoise-green eyes burned with a fire that wasn’t just playful anymore—it was hungry, consuming. The fingers resting against Levi’s neck tightened slightly, not in a way that hurt, but in a way that sent a thrill racing down Levi’s spine. It was possessive, grounding, like Eren wasn’t going to let the moment slip away.

Levi’s heart was pounding, each beat echoing in his ears as the atmosphere between them shifted, the cozy warmth of their shared blanket now crackling with something raw, something electric. It wasn’t just tension anymore—it was need, building steadily with every second.

Eren leaned in closer, his breath brushing against Levi’s lips, and Levi could feel the pull in every part of him. His lips tingled, his fingertips itched, and that spark from before had become a roaring flame. He needed more. More of that kiss, more of Eren, more of everything.

And as if Eren felt the exact same way, they moved at the same time. Their mouths collided with a heat and urgency that left no space for hesitation. Levi’s hands shot up, grabbing Eren’s shoulders and pulling him in closer. Eren responded instantly, surging forward with the same ferocity, shifting in one fluid motion as he straddled Levi’s lap.

The blanket slipped off their shoulders as Eren settled against him, their bodies pressed together. Levi’s hands gripped the firm muscles of Eren’s shoulders, his fingers digging in slightly as if to anchor himself. Eren’s hands moved too, one tangling in Levi’s hair, the other sliding down to rest against Levi’s chest, right over his hammering heart.

Eren kissed him deeply, his lips moving against Levi’s with a hunger that matched his own, his tongue brushing teasingly against Levi’s bottom lip before slipping inside. Levi let out a soft sound, his head tipping back against the couch, granting Eren more access. The heat between them was intoxicating, their breaths mingling in short, heated bursts as they explored each other’s mouths.

Eren pulled back slightly, his lips flushed and slightly parted as he studied Levi’s face, his gaze dark and heavy with desire. „You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that,” he murmured, his voice low and rough. „I want more.“

Levi’s chest heaved as he stared up at him, his own lips tingling from the kiss. He swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. „You’re bold, I’ll give you that,” he managed, his tone gruff but lacking ist usual sharpness. Instead, there was something softer beneath it—something vulnerable.

Eren smirked, leaning down again, his nose brushing against Levi’s as he whispered, „And you like it.”

Levi didn’t answer with words. Instead, he grabbed the back of Eren’s neck and pulled him into another kiss, their bodies molding together seamlessly, the tension finally finding ist release.

What had started as something soft and new quickly ignited into something urgent and consuming. Levi’s fingers curled tighter against the back of Eren’s neck as their mouths moved together, heat building with every shared breath, every press of lips. Eren’s hands were restless, tugging at Levi’s black vest with impatient fervor. The fabric slid down Levi’s shoulders, and Eren pushed it off his arms, letting it fall to the floor in a forgotten heap.

Levi wasn’t far behind, his own hands moving to the hem of Eren’s hoodie, pulling at the fabric with the same frustration. The barrier was unbearable—Eren’s warmth teased him through the layers, and Levi wanted to feel him. All of him. Eren caught on immediately, and as soon as Levi’s vest was gone, he yanked the hoodie over his head, tossing it aside without care.

The tank top Eren wore beneath clung to his body, accentuating his lean, strong frame, and Levi didn’t waste a second. His hands slid under the hem, palms pressing against smooth, warm skin. Eren’s breath hitched, and with a low, desperate sound, he grabbed the shirt and pulled it off in one quick motion, leaving his upper body bare.

Their lips crashed back together, the kiss turning deeper, more frenzied. Eren moaned softly into Levi’s mouth, the sound sending a shiver down Levi’s spine. Levi’s hands moved instinctively, sliding over Eren’s broad shoulders and down his back, fingers tracing the lines of muscle beneath the caramel skin. Eren arched into his touch, his movements bolder now, his own hands skimming under Levi’s shirt, fingertips grazing over the taut muscles of his stomach.

The air around them felt electric, heavy with desire and the unspoken understanding that they were crossing into something neither of them wanted to stop. Eren shifted in Levi’s lap, pressing closer, his body fitting perfectly against Levi’s. His lips trailed from Levi’s mouth to his jaw, then down to the curve of his neck, where he pressed a lingering kiss that made Levi’s breath hitch.

„Eren,” Levi murmured, his voice rough, almost breaking. His hands gripped Eren’s sides, steadying him as the younger man nipped lightly at his neck, then soothed the spot with his tongue.

Eren pulled back just enough to meet Levi’s gaze, his eyes dark and glinting with desire. „Tell me if it’s too much,” he said, his voice low but edged with genuine concern, even as his hands slid up to rest on Levi’s chest.

Levi shook his head slightly, his lips quirking into the faintest smirk. „You talk too much, brat,” he muttered, his tone rough but tinged with warmth. He pulled Eren back down, their mouths meeting once again in a kiss that left no room for doubt, only the burning need they both shared.

Eren’s fingers fumbled with the buttons of Levi’s white shirt, his movements frantic and impatient. The tiny closures proved more of a hindrance than he could handle, and he let out a frustrated huff as one of the buttons popped loose. It wasn’t neat, it wasn’t careful, but it was raw and full of need, and Levi found he didn’t care in the slightest.

„Just get it off,” Levi muttered, his voice rough and edged with impatience. He shrugged out of the shirt, pushing the fabric down his arms until it joined the growing pile of discarded clothing on the floor.

Eren’s eyes swept over Levi’s now-bare chest, and he made a low, throaty sound in the back of his throat. His hands slid over Levi’s pale skin, fingers brushing over the fine silver scars scattered across his torso. Levi’s skin was alabaster, a stark contrast to Eren’s warm, tanned complexion, and the sight of their bodies against each other seemed to mesmerize Eren.

„You’re beautiful,” Eren murmured, almost to himself, his voice barely audible as his thumbs grazed over Levi’s rosy nipples. The touch was gentle at first, but the way Levi’s breath hitched made Eren bolder.

Levi’s heart pounded in his chest, the intensity of Eren’s gaze almost too much to bear. He wanted to say something—anything—but the words caught in his throat as Eren leaned in, pressing his lips to the spot just above Levi’s racing pulse. Eren’s tongue flicked out, tasting the warmth of his skin, and Levi’s hands instinctively gripped Eren’s hips, steadying him.

Eren’s lips and tongue worked their way along Levi’s neck, his breath hot against sensitive skin. „Levi,” he murmured, the name slipping from his lips like a prayer, filled with want and reverence. The sound sent a shiver down Levi’s spine, and he tilted his head slightly, giving Eren more access without even realizing it.

Eren’s hips shifted in Levi’s lap, the friction making them both gasp softly. His fingers trailed over Levi’s chest, exploring every line and curve, lingering on the scars as though committing them to memory. Levi felt his pulse quicken under Eren’s touch, the heat between them building with every passing moment.

Levi’s voice broke through the haze, low and gravelly. „Eren, if you keep doing that…” He didn’t finish the sentence, but the unspoken promise hung in the air, heavy and charged.

Eren pulled back just enough to meet Levi’s gaze, his lips curved into a teasing smile. „Doing what?” he asked, his voice playful yet thick with desire as his fingers trailed lower, ghosting over Levi’s sides.

Levi narrowed his eyes, his smirk returning despite the flush coloring his cheeks. „You know damn well what.”

„Yeah,” Eren murmured, leaning back in, his lips capturing Levi’s in another searing kiss. There was no hesitation, no restraint—just raw, unfiltered passion.

Eren’s hands moved with purpose, tugging at Levi’s belt. The sharp click of the buckle breaking open echoed in the quiet room, a sound that felt charged, electric, almost too loud against the backdrop of the distant storm. It wasn’t the sound of something holy or serene like Christmas bells—it was primal, raw, and it sent a shiver down Levi’s spine.

Levi was hyper-aware of every movement, every touch, how hard he was. His pulse quickened as Eren’s fingers brushed against his erection while popping the button of his dark jeans. The pressure that had been building became almost unbearable, and a low, involuntary sound escaped his throat as his hips shifted slightly, seeking more contact.

But then Eren’s hands disappeared, leaving Levi momentarily bereft. The younger man sat back on his knees, straddling Levi’s thighs, and quickly worked to unbutton his own pants. His chest rose and fell with rapid breaths, his fingers fumbling slightly in his haste. Levi’s sharp eyes caught the flush spreading down Eren’s neck to his collarbone, a warmth that mirrored his own heat.

Levi’s gaze trailed down Eren’s body, taking in the way his muscles shifted under his golden skin, the slight tremor in his hands as he pushed his jeans down over his hips. The anticipation thrumming between them was almost unbearable, each movement adding to the tension.

Eren glanced up, meeting Levi’s eyes, his expression equal parts confidence and vulnerability. „You good?” he asked softly, his voice a little breathless but laced with genuine care.

Levi’s lips quirked into a small smirk, the heat in his stormy grey eyes betraying how affected he really was. „I will be, if you stop stalling.”

Eren let out a quiet laugh, his cheeks dimpling slightly despite the intensity of the moment. „Bossy,” he teased, leaning back in.

Their lips met again, and this time, the kiss was even deeper, hungrier. Levi’s hands found Eren’s hips, fingers digging into warm flesh as he pulled him closer. The friction between them sent sparks skittering through Levi’s body, his breath catching as Eren’s body pressed firmly against his.

Eren’s hands wandered again, one sliding up to tangle in Levi’s dark hair, tugging lightly, while the other ghosted over the now-open waistband of Levi’s jeans. His touch was teasing, deliberate, as if savoring every reaction he could pull from Levi.

Levi growled softly, his patience fraying. „Eren—”

„Yeah?” Eren murmured, his lips brushing against Levi’s as he spoke, his fingers dipping just below the waistband, testing.

„Don’t make me wait.” Levi’s voice was low, a growl edged with something dangerously close to pleading.

Eren smiled against his lips, his pupils blown. He exhaled a shaky „shit, yes,“ his body pressing against Levi’s, the friction sending jolts of heat through both of them. He shifted slightly, grinding his ass down on Levi’s crotch with an unspoken promise of what was to come.

But then Eren suddenly paused, his gaze darting around as though remembering something important. Before Levi could voice his confusion, Eren was moving, slipping out of Levi’s lap just enough to reach his backpack.

Levi growled low in his throat, the absence of Eren’s weight frustrating. „What the hell are you—”

„Pants off,” Eren interrupted, his tone playful but commanding as he rummaged through his bag.

Levi raised an eyebrow but didn’t move right away, watching as Eren pulled out his wallet and retrieved two small packages. The crinkle of foil caught Levi’s attention immediately, and his sharp eyes locked onto the condom and single-use pack of lube now in Eren’s hand.

Eren tossed his wallet back on top of his bag, completely unbothered by Levi’s scrutinizing gaze. There wasn’t even a flicker of embarrassment in his expression. Instead, he grinned, setting the supplies down beside them with an ease that made Levi’s pulse spike.

„Better safe than sorry,” Eren quipped, his tone light but his eyes dark with intent.

Levi huffed, the corner of his mouth twitching as though caught between a smirk and a scowl. „You come prepared for everything, don’t you?”

Eren shrugged, kneeling in front of Levi as he reached for the waistband of his own jeans. „Not everything. But yeah…” He trailed off, his grin turning softer, a touch of vulnerability slipping through the confident façade.

Levi snorted, shaking his head as he lifted his hip to help Eren get his jeans off. „Cocky brat.”

„And you like it,” Eren shot back without missing a beat, tugging his jeans the rest of the way off and tossing them aside.

Levi didn’t bother to argue, letting his pants slide down his legs and kicking them off carelessly. Eren’s gaze fixed on Levi’s hard cock for a moment, something close to admiration and lust flickering in his green eyes. It filled Levi with a strange sense of pride, boosting his ego to be desired in that way. He leaned back on his hands, watching as Eren closed the space between them again, his lean, tanned body a stark contrast to Levi’s pale skin.

Eren settled back onto Levi’s lap, his thighs bracketing Levi’s hips. His hands skimmed over Levi’s chest, his touch reverent yet hungry. „Damn,” Eren murmured, almost to himself, his fingers tracing the faint scars scattered across Levi’s torso. „You’re gorgeous, you know that?”

Levi’s cheeks flushed, but he rolled his eyes. „Shut up and get on with it.”

Eren chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to Levi’s neck. „Whatever you say, babe,” he teased, the nickname carrying a playful weight that made Levi’s heart skip a beat.

As their lips met again, the tension reignited, sharper and more urgent this time. Eren’s hands moved with purpose, reaching for the supplies beside them, the promise of what was to come making

Eren’s mischievous grin widened as he nipped at Levi’s earlobe, his voice dropping into a teasing murmur. „You invited me to this, remember?” He punctuated the words with another soft bite, sending a shiver down Levi’s spine.

Levi’s heart jumped, and his mind flashed back to the sarcastic line he’d tossed out earlier in the evening: „Come and sit on Santa’s lap and tell me what you want for Christmas, you spoiled little brat.”

Eren clearly hadn’t forgotten.

„Well, Santa…” Eren drawled, his voice low and sultry, laced with a teasing edge. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against Levi’s ear as he purred, „…how about you let me sit in your lap for a while…having you inside me.”

Levi swore under his breath, his grip tightening instinctively on Eren’s hips. The younger man’s words sent a bolt of heat straight through him, and it only intensified when Eren shifted, his hand slipping between their bodies.

Eren’s fingers wrapped around Levi’s cock, stroking him with a deliberate, almost reverent touch. „Hm,” Eren gasped softly against Levi’s neck, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and hunger. „So big.”

Levi groaned, his head falling back against the couch as Eren’s touch sent waves of pleasure through him. His hands gripped Eren’s thighs, pulling him closer as his chest heaved with uneven breaths. „Eren, come on,” Levi managed, his voice rough, almost gravelly.

Eren laughed softly, his breath warm against Levi’s skin as he trailed a line of kisses along his neck and collarbone. „Oh, you like that?” he teased, his strokes on Levi’s cock becoming firmer, more confident. „So big, so hard, Levi. Only for me, right? I can’t wait to feel you deep inside me.”

Levi growled low in his throat, his hands sliding up Eren’s thighs to grip his waist firmly. „If you’re going to talk like this, make it worth my while, brat,” he muttered, though the heat in his voice betrayed just how much he was enjoying every word.

Eren grinned, his teeth grazing lightly over Levi’s pulse point. „Oh, I plan to,” he whispered, his tone promising everything Levi didn’t realize he’d been craving. „I’m gonna ride you, baby.“

Levi moaned at that, a sound so raw and unfamiliar that it startled even him. When was the last time he’d felt this electrified, this utterly consumed? He couldn’t remember, and right now, he didn’t care. His eyes were locked on Eren, who looked devastatingly sexy as he ripped the lube packet open with his teeth, his movements smooth yet brimming with unrestrained eagerness.

Eren met Levi’s gaze, a wicked grin curving on his lips. „You’re staring, Levi,” he teased, his voice low and husky.

Levi’s lips twitched into a smirk, his usual sharpness softened by the heat pooling between them. „Shut up and do something useful with that.”

„So bossy, i like it,” Eren quipped, but there was no hesitation in his movements. He shifted, leaning down to kiss Levi again, his lips claiming Levi’s in a way that was both playful and possessive.

Eren held up the lube, his expression a mix of anticipation and playfulness. „You want to?” he asked, his voice soft but edged with heat, offering Levi the chance to take control.

Levi’s sharp grey eyes flicked over Eren’s body, his gaze lingering on the lines of his toned frame—the faint definition of his abs, the curve of his thighs, the trimmed brown curls framing his cock, and the way his skin flushed with arousal. His hands moved instinctively, sliding up Eren’s strong thighs until they cupped his nice ass, firm and enticing. Levi squeezed, eliciting a soft gasp from Eren, whose lips parted slightly, his breath catching.

„You’re damn perfect, you know that?” Levi muttered, his voice rough but laced with appreciation. He let his fingers knead the soft, plump flesh, feeling the tension and heat radiating off Eren.

Eren leaned in closer, his forehead brushing Levi’s as he whispered, „Then show me.”

Levi didn’t need more encouragement. Taking the lube from Eren’s hand, he squeezed the lube onto his fingers, coated them with the slick clear liquid as he locked eyes with Eren. There was a sielend exchange, an understanding that made the moment feel electric.

„Come here,” Levi said, his tone low but commanding.

Eren nodded, shifting forward, his knees settling on either side of Levi’s hips as he braced his hands on Levi’s shoulders. He leaned in for another kiss, soft at first but quickly deepening as Levi’s slicked fingers slid between his cheeks, teasing the sensitive ring of muscle.

Eren gasped into Levi’s mouth when the first finger pressed inside, his body tensing for a moment before he relaxed, trusting Levi completely.

He worked slowly at first, his movements deliberate, taking in every reaction from Eren—the way his breath hitched, the soft moans that spilled from his lips, the way his hips rocked instinctively toward Levi’s touch. By the time Levi added a second finger, Eren was pliant in his hands, his body arching slightly, seeking more.

„Shit,” Eren whispered, his voice trembling as he adjusted to the intrusion. „You’re good at this.”

Levi smirked against Eren’s lips. „I don’t do half-measures, brat.”

A third finger followed. „You okay?” Levi asked, his tone softer now, a rare flicker of concern beneath his gruff exterior.

Eren nodded quickly, his cheeks flushed, his lips red and swollen from their kisses. „Yeah. More,” he murmured, rolling his hips to meet Levi’s hand, the need in his voice unmistakable.

Levi chuckled softly, obliging as he scissored his fingers, stretching Eren carefully while pressing against the spot that made Eren’s body shudder. The younger man’s hands tightened on Levi’s shoulders, his nails digging in slightly as he moaned, his head tipping back.

„God, Levi,” Eren panted, his voice cracking with pleasure. „I need you.”

Levi withdrew his fingers slowly, his hands sliding up to grip Eren’s hip.

Levi grabbed the condom, tearing it open with a quick, practiced motion—less sexy than the way Eren had handled the lube earlier, but efficient enough. He rolled the latex over his length, barely taking his eyes off Eren. The younger man had already positioned himself, straddling Levi’s lap with a sense of urgency, his hands resting on Levi’s shoulders as he steadied himself.

Levi’s hand gripped Eren’s hip, holding him firmly in place as he prepared for what was about to come. He could feel the heat radiating from Eren’s body, the tension in the way Eren was looking at him. His heart raced, his thoughts briefly scattering as he took in the sight of Eren above him, so unbelievably sexy in this moment.

Eren sank down slowly, his body surrounding Levi, pulling him in deeper. Levi’s breath hitched, a low groan slipping from his lips as the sensation of being inside Eren overtook him. His grip on Eren tightened, fingers pressing into soft, warm skin. Eren moaned softly as their bodies met, and Levi’s chest tightened with desire.

Levi exhaled sharply through his nose, struggling to maintain control as Eren moved above him. Every inch of his body felt like it was on fire—the heat, the tightness, the overwhelming intensity almost too much to bear. He bit down on his lip, cursing mentally as the urge to give in completely grew stronger, but he fought it. He knew it wouldn’t be long before they both lost themselves completely.

Eren wasn’t simply riding Levi—he wasn’t using him for pleasure. No, this was something deeper. He melted into him, surrendering himself entirely—his body, his lips. He kissed Levi fiercely, his tongue slipping into his mouth, tasting him, as he rolled his hips in time with the movement. Eren’s arms wrapped tightly around Levi’s shoulders, his fingers pressing into the muscles of his back, grounding them both in the moment.

Levi responded in kind, pulling Eren closer, his hands gripping him with the same urgency. He felt the ripple of Eren’s muscles beneath his palms, the way they flexed and moved in perfect rhythm. Their bodies were tangled together in a rhythm that was both primal and tender. He breathed into their kiss, feeling the way their lips moved together, as if they were one. His heart hammered in his chest, the beat so loud he thought it might burst through his ribs. His face was burning with heat, his body trembling as waves of sensation washed over him—heat pooling in his gut, sparks shooting through him with every shared movement.

The world outside seemed to fade as they became one. Their bodies moved together, a seamless, fluid dance—intimate, consuming, and full of an undeniable connection that neither of them could pull away from, even if they wanted to.

Eren let out a deep moan, rough and thick with ecstasy. The sound sent a jolt straight through Levi, pooling heat and pressure in his core. He bit back a groan, his cock throbbing at the sheer intensity of Eren’s voice and the way it echoed in his chest. Levi didn’t want this to end. He wanted to stay here, caught in this perfect moment with the beautiful man in his arms. He wanted to feel this closeness forever—needed it, craved it.

The desperate thought made his breath quicken, and a low growl rumbled in his throat. His body ached, every nerve alight with the primal urge to let go, to spill deep inside Eren and claim him completely. His hands slid lower, gripping Eren’s hips tightly, holding him in place as their rhythm grew more frantic.

Eren’s cock rubbed against Levi’s stomach with every roll of his hips, the slick friction sending waves of heat between them. Each movement was desperate, rough, yet full of an undeniable intimacy that made Levi’s breath catch. Eren’s whimpers and gasps only deepened the fire in Levi’s chest. His body trembled with need, his motions growing more erratic as his head dropped to Levi’s shoulder, his breath hot and ragged against his skin.

„Levi…“ Eren breathed, the word more a moan than a plea. His voice cracked, thick with desire. „Levi, please.“

The desperate sound of his name sent a jolt of heat straight to Levi’s core, and for a brief, wild moment, it felt like nothing else existed but Eren and his need. Levi gripped Eren’s hips, pulling him closer, wanting nothing more than to hear that voice again, to feel the way it vibrated in his chest. He needed this. He needed Eren.

Levi took hold of Eren’s hips, ready to do anything for him just to hear his name like that again.

Without a second thought, Levi shifted them both. In a single fluid movement, he flipped them so that Eren was lying on his back, Levi now caged between his thighs. They were both panting heavily, their chests rising and falling in quick, frantic rhythm. The world seemed to slow for a moment, everything fading away except the two of them, tangled in the heat of their shared intimicy.

Levi took a second to drink in the sight of Eren beneath him. His eyes traced the way Eren’s big eyes were half-lidded, the flush of lust on his cheeks, the way his lips were parted, gasping for breath. His brown hair was a mess, wild and tossed from their movements, adding to the chaos of their passion. It was beautiful—Eren was beautiful.

Levi licked his dry lips, the hunger in him not for release but for the sight before him, for the connection they shared. In that moment, nothing else mattered. He cupped Eren’s face with both hands, his thumbs gently caressing his cheeks, wiping away the sweat that clung to his skin. He looked at Eren like he was a fragile thing, a treasure to be held close, to be cherished. Nothing was more important than the intimacy they were sharing, not even their own desires.

He leaned down, their lips brushing in a soft kiss.

When they pulled apart, Levi’s gaze was soft yet intense, locking onto Eren’s with an expression that spoke volumes. He tucked a lock of Eren’s long hair behind his ear, his fingertips tracing the line of Eren’s jaw, the curve of his neck, and the smoothness of his shoulders. Each touch was careful, reverent, as if Eren were something sacred. It wasn’t just about the heat of the moment; it was about showing him, through every kiss, every touch, how much he meant.

Levi’s voice was low, almost a whisper, but it carried the weight of his emotions. „You’re… perfect, Eren,” he murmured, his breath brushing against Eren’s lips. „Every part of you. I don’t think I could stop wanting you, even if I tried.”

Eren’s eyes widened slightly at the words, the flush in his cheeks deepening. He didn’t have the strength to respond—not with words, at least. Instead, he cupped Levi’s face, pulling him into another kiss, soft at first but quickly growing deeper, more desperate, as if he needed Levi to know he felt the same.

Levi began moving his hips again, rolling into Eren with a sensual, deliberate rhythm that left no room for uncertainty. He wasn’t rushing; he wanted to savor this, to feel every moment of their connection. Eren gasped against his lips, his hands tightening their grip on Levi’s back, fingers digging into his shoulder blades as if holding him tighter could bring him closer.

One of Eren’s legs hooked around Levi’s hip, pulling him deeper. Their bodies moved together, perfectly in sync, as though nothing else existed outside of this moment. The soft carpet of Levi’s bookstore floor offered little comfort, but it didn’t matter. The snowstorm raging outside, the chaos of the world beyond the walls—it all faded into nothing.

All that mattered was the heat between them, the fire coursing through their bodies. Eren’s body was a hot embrace, his skin slick against Levi’s as they moved together. A low, breathy moan escaped Eren’s lips when Levi shifted, hitting just the right spot inside him. The sound was raw and unrestrained, filling the room like music.

Eren’s cock was trapped between their bodies, the friction of their movements sending shudders of pleasure through him. He arched his back, his body trembling under Levi’s touch. „Levi,” he gasped, his voice shaky with need.

Levi responded with a kiss, his lips fierce and hungry against Eren’s, as if he couldn’t get enough of him. The hunger and passion that had marked the beginning of their encounter hadn’t faded—it had only transformed. This wasn’t just about release or raw lust anymore. This was something deeper, something more.

Levi pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against Eren’s. His breath was hot, uneven, his voice a low growl. „Eren,” he whispered, his gaze burning with intensity, „I want to give you everything.“

Eren’s chest heaved, his hands sliding up to frame Levi’s face. „You already do,” he murmured, his voice soft but full of emotion.

Levi’s heart clenched at the words, but he didn’t pause. Instead, he thrust deeper, his movements slow yet purposeful, drawing out every gasp and moan from Eren’s lips. The way their bodies fit together felt like fate, like nothing else in the world could compare to this moment.

Eren’s nails raked down Levi’s back as another wave of pleasure crashed through him. His body writhed beneath Levi, caught between the overwhelming sensations and the depth of his feelings. This wasn’t just physical—it was all-consuming, intimate, something neither of them could escape.

The bookstore, the snowstorm, Christmas night—it all blurred into insignificance as they lost themselves in each other.

Eren came with a broken moan, his voice raw and trembling, his body stiffening and twisting in Levi’s arms. His head tilted back, exposing the graceful line of his throat as he shuddered violently. His cock twitched between their bodies, slick and pulsing as warmth spread between them. The tightness of Eren clenching around Levi was overwhelming, drawing a deep, guttural moan from him in return.

Levi pressed his open mouth against Eren’s throat, his lips moving between hot, desperate kisses and whispered breaths of Eren’s name, like a prayer. His hands gripped Eren’s hips with a strength he didn’t know he had, grounding himself in the body beneath him. Nothing else existed—only Eren and the pleasure that surged through Levi’s body like a tidal wave.

Levi’s hips stuttered, his movements losing rhythm as the intensity peaked. His cock throbbed deep inside Eren, the heat, the tightness, the sheer intimacy of the moment sending him over the edge. He buried himself fully as his release tore through him, spilling into the condom with a strangled groan.

Their bodies trembled together, locked in a shared moment of ecstasy that seemed to stretch into eternity. The air around them was thick with the scent of sweat and lust, their heavy breathing filling the quiet of the bookstore. The muffled howl of the snowstorm outside were the only other sounds, fading into the background as the two of them clung to each other.

Levi’s chest heaved as he slowly lifted his head, brushing damp strands of hair away from Eren’s flushed face. His own body was trembling, his muscles taut from the intensity of their shared high. Eren’s eyes fluttered open, dazed and half-lidded, his gaze searching for Levi’s.

Levi couldn’t stop himself from leaning down, brushing his lips softly against Eren’s in a kiss that was far gentler than the ones before. This wasn’t a kiss driven by hunger or desperation; it was a kiss full of quiet affection, a silent thank you for what they’d just shared.

„You’re incredible,” Levi murmured, his voice low and hoarse from exertion. His hand cupped the side of Eren’s face, thumb brushing over the flushed skin of his cheek.

Eren gave a soft, tired laugh, his lips curling into a small, blissful smile. „You’re the one who’s incredible,” he whispered, his voice still shaky. His arms wound around Levi’s shoulders, pulling him close as if he never wanted to let go. „Happy Birthday, Levi.”

For a long while, they simply lay there on the soft carpet, their bodies entwined, the warmth of their connection chasing away the chill of the winter night. The storm outside howled, but it was distant, unimportant compared to the quiet intimacy they shared.

Levi eventually withdrew from Eren with care, his movements deliberate as if not to break the delicate stillness of the moment. His palm trailed across Eren’s chest and stomach, his fingers savoring the feel of caramel-toned skin beneath them, slick with the remnants of their passion. He paused briefly, as if committing the image of Eren to memory—his flushed face, his tousled hair, and the peaceful way his chest rose and fell.

Reaching for one of the blankets from the nearby armchair, Levi unfolded it and carefully draped it over Eren’s body. „Don’t want you catching cold,” he murmured, his voice quiet but tender. The gesture earned him a tired, glowing smile from Eren.

„Thanks,” Eren whispered, his tone filled with warmth.

Levi nodded, his lips twitching in a small smile of his own. „I’ll get you something to clean up,” he said, his tone matter-of-fact but gentle. He stood, removing the condom carefully and tying it off before tossing it into the small trash can near the counter. Padding across the room with a quiet efficiency, he grabbed a handful of paper towels from the supply shelf near the smal restroom.

When he returned, Eren hadn’t moved much, still wrapped snugly in the blanket. He had tucked one arm behind his head, lying on the floor in front of the couch. His gaze followed Levi as he knelt down beside him, handing Eren the towels and pausing to brush a strand of hair from his face.

„Here,” Levi said softly, his thumb lingering on Eren’s cheek for a moment before pulling away.

Eren took the towels with a small nod, his fingers brushing against Levi’s. „You’re so thoughtful,” he murmured, his voice soft and full of affection. As he cleaned himself up, Levi sat back on his heels, watching him with an intensity that made Eren’s heart race despite his exhaustion.

When Eren finished, Levi took the used towels and disposed of them, returning once again to sit beside him. This time, Levi stretched out, pulling Eren into his arms, cradling him like he was the most precious thing in the world. The silence was comfortable, filled with unspoken words neither of them needed to say.

„Was this what you imagined for your birthday?” Eren teased softly, his voice playful but drowsy.

Levi huffed a quiet laugh, resting his chin on Eren’s shoulder. „Not even close,” he admitted, his voice laced with a rare softness. „But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Eren’s hand rested on Levi’s chest, fingers lightly tracing idle patterns. „Good,” he whispered, a small smile playing at his lips. „Because neither would I.”

They kissed softly, Eren’s lips curling into a grin as he stayed snug in Levi’s arms. He shifted slightly, cozying up against Levi’s chest before reaching for his half-empty cup of tea on the table beside them. Steam no longer rose from it, but Eren didn’t seem to mind as he took a sip, savoring the faint traces of warmth.

Levi watched him quietly, his grey eyes tracing the soft curve of Eren’s cheek, the peaceful expression on his face, and the way he fit so perfectly against him. For a moment, Levi allowed himself to relax, to simply be in the moment. But as his gaze drifted around the dimly lit bookstore, his stomach tightened with a sudden realization.

Levi groaned, the sound cutting through the quiet comfort like a jagged knife.

Eren tilted his head, one thick brown eyebrow arched in question. „What?” he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

Levi hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck, his expression shifting into something between regret and sheepishness. „Maybe it’s the wrong time to mention this,” he began, his voice low, „but I have security cameras in here.” He nodded toward a camera in the far corner, ist lens angled perfectly toward the space they’d on the floor.

Eren blinked, his lips parting slightly in surprise. For a moment, he was silent, his brain working to process what Levi had just said. Then, as the realization hit him, his lips formed a small „oh.”

The information hung in the air for a beat before Eren broke into a chuckle, the sound light and amused. „Did we just make a porn?” he asked, his tone playful but tinged with a slight undertone of embarrassment that was quickly overtaken by his natural mischief.

Levi rolled his eyes, though the faintest hint of color crept up his neck. „Looks like it,” he muttered, his voice gruff.

Eren leaned back against Levi, grinning shamelessly as he looked up at him. „Aw, come on. You’ve gotta admit, that’s a hell of a birthday gift.”

Levi shot him a deadpan glare, though his lips twitched in what might have been an attempt to suppress a smile. „Remind me to delete the footage first thing tomorrow,” he said, brushing his fingers through Eren’s messy hair.

Eren tilted his head thoughtfully. „Or…“ he teased, his grin widening, „you could keep it. You know, our first time together, forever on camera.“

Levi pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh, but the corner of his mouth betrayed him, quirking upward despite his best efforts. „Idiot,” he muttered, pulling Eren closer.

Eren laughed softly, setting the now-empty tea cup aside and wrapping his arms around Levi’s waist. „Relax,” he murmured, his voice warm and teasing. „You’re the one who said you wouldn’t trade this for anything. Security footage or not, I’m pretty sure tonight’s one for the books.”

Levi let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. „One for the books, huh? Fitting, considering where we are.”

Eren nudged Levi in the side, his grin mischievous as he nestled closer, pressing his lips to the crook of Levi’s neck in a playful kiss. „But seriously,” he murmured, his voice soft but brimming with amusement, „I wanna watch it with you.”

Levi groaned, his head falling back against the arm of the couch. „You’re impossible,” he said, the exasperation in his tone offset by the way his hand came to rest lightly on Eren’s waist, keeping him close. „Why would you even want to do that?”

Eren tilted his head, his cheek pressed against Levi’s shoulder as his fingers began to trace small circles on Levi’s chest. „Because,” he said with mock innocence, „it’s not every day you get to see yourself starring in the hottest scene of the year.”

Levi gave him a withering look, though his lips quirked in a way that betrayed his amusement. „You’re ridiculous,” he muttered. „And you have no shame.”

„None at all,” Eren replied cheerfully, planting another kiss on Levi’s jaw for good measure. „But come on, don’t you wanna see what we look like together?” His voice softened slightly, a hint of genuine curiosity seeping through his playful tone. „I bet it’s beautiful.”

Levi’s expression softened despite himself, his fingers brushing idly through Eren’s hair. „Beautiful, huh?” he echoed, his voice quieter now.

Eren lifted his head just enough to meet Levi’s eyes, his grin softening into something more sincere. „Yeah,” he said simply. „Beautiful. Hot. I mean, did you see yourself tonight? Because I couldn’t stop looking at you.”

Levi’s breath caught, his usual composure faltering under the weight of Eren’s words. He looked away for a moment, his cheeks tinged faintly pink, before he glanced back at Eren with a small, lopsided smile. „You’re too much,” he murmured.

Eren laughed softly, resting his head against Levi’s shoulder again. „And you love it.”

„Tch. Unfortunately,” Levi replied, but the way his hand tightened on Eren’s waist betrayed his words.

They sat like that for a while, the playful banter giving way to a comfortable silence. The warmth of the fire crackled in the background, and the storm outside seemed a distant concern as they held each other close.

After a moment, Levi spoke again, his voice low but tinged with humor. „If we do watch it, I’m deleting it immediately after.”

Eren’s laugh bubbled up, light and free. „We’ll see,” he said, snuggling deeper into Levi’s embrace. „But let’s not do it tonight. I don’t want anything to ruin this.”

Levi pressed a kiss to the top of Eren’s head, his lips lingering there for a moment. „Nothing could ruin this,” he said quietly, and for once, he allowed himself to believe it.

They stayed wrapped up together, the storm raging outside, while inside, the world felt still, warm, and utterly theirs.

They lay side by side, wrapped in the warmth of the blanket, still naked, the heat of their bodies a comforting presence against the cold night. Eren’s fingers traced the smooth lines of Levi’s neck, his lips grazing the skin there in soft, lingering kisses. His gaze never left Levi’s face, watching the way the soft glow of the dim room reflected in Levi’s eyes.

„Your eyes are like the moon—
Cold, distant,
but they pull me in,
draw me to you with gravity I can’t resist.

In their light, I burn,
but I don’t care to escape.
Every glance a quiet promise,
every stare a silent challenge.“

Eren muttered the words low, almost to himself, the weight of the poem lingering in the air between them. His cheeks were flushed, the words feeling strange but sincere as he held Levi’s gaze, not looking away, even as his heart raced from the vulnerability.

Levi hummed, his voice quiet but edged with a touch of amusement. „I don’t know that, but it sounds… nice, I guess.“ He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought, before adding, „From who is it?“

Eren’s smile bloomed, a mix of mischievousness and awkwardness flickering across his face. „From me to you,“ he said, his voice light but carrying a sense of sincerity, even through the teasing.

Levi blinked, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. He turned his head slightly, his expression unreadable for a moment. „You really are full of surprises, Eren,“ he murmured, his voice softer than before. Then, he leaned forward, his lips brushing lightly against Eren forehead, letting the warmth linger between them. The kiss was simple, but it carried all the weight of everything unspoken.

Levi pulled back slightly, his lips still hovering near Eren’s forehead, his expression shifting into something more amused, yet still tinged with a quiet warmth. Eren’s words caught him off guard, the playful tone clear in his voice, but it didn’t erase the moment that had just passed between them.

Eren chuckled, watching Levi’s reaction, his playful side quickly resurfacing. He grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. He leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing. „Or would you perfer:

„You’re so hot,
and you make me wet.
How about we watch porn?“

He paused, letting the words hang in the air, before adding with a playful smirk,

„Forget the world outside
—just us, getting lost in it.“

Levi raised an eyebrow, a quiet chuckle escaping his lips before he regained his usual composure. „Fucking terrible,“ he muttered, his eyes narrowing slightly, though the corner of his mouth betrayed the amusement he tried to mask. He tilted his head, giving Eren a look that was both challenging and affectionate. „I should’ve known you’d turn it into a joke.”

Eren laughed, leaning in to press a brief kiss to Levi’s cheek, his eyes twinkling with mischief. „I’m just keeping things interesting,” he teased, his fingers lightly tracing Levi’s arm, still warm from their earlier closeness.

Levi let out a sigh, though it was more fond than frustrated. „You’re impossible,” he said, but there was no heat in his words. Instead, there was something almost tender, a quiet acceptance of the way Eren was.

For a moment, the playfulness in the air hung between them, lightening the space between their shared intimacy.

_

They dressed quickly, pulling on their pants and shirts. Eren grabbed his dark hoodie, Levi slipping into his white shirt—neither of them eager to sleep naked on the floor, no matter how warm the bookstore was.

Eren shot a half-hearted apology when he noticed the two buttons on Levi’s shirt were missing. The remnants of their earlier passion were evident, but Levi just huffed, a small, amused smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He couldn’t bring himself to be upset about it. Not after what had just happened. Instead, he offered, with a slight nod, to make some more tea.

While Levi prepared the tea, Eren leaned back against the couch, the exhaustion starting to seep into his bones. He watched Levi move around the room, the way the soft light from the lamp caught his features, his movements graceful and calm. There was something soothing about him, even in the midst of their earlier chaos.

Once the tea was ready, Levi brought over two fresh cups, setting them down between them. The warmth from the cups filled the space, and they settled back against the cushions. The storm outside had subsided, leaving only the quiet hum of the world at peace.

Eren felt the heaviness of his eyelids, the sleepiness slowly creeping in as the minutes passed. His body, still warm from their earlier closeness, felt heavy and content. He leaned closer to Levi, his head resting on Levi’s shoulder, the familiar scent of him soothing his racing thoughts.

Levi, the more composed of the two, took a longer sip from his tea before setting the cup aside. He glanced down at Eren, noticing the way his breathing had slowed, the exhaustion finally claiming him.

„You’re falling asleep already,“ Levi murmured, his voice barely a whisper.

Eren mumbled something inaudible, his nose buried in Levi’s hair as he pressed closer, not caring that he was already half asleep.

Levi chuckled softly, shaking his head. „Idiot,“ he muttered affectionately, but there was no malice in the word. He let Eren rest, his arm slipping around the younger man’s shoulders, holding him close. The warmth between them felt comforting, more peaceful than any storm outside.

Soon, both of them were still, the quiet hum of the bookstore their only company. As the clock ticked, Eren fell asleep beside Levi, his body nestled against him, the warmth of their shared space the only thing that mattered in that moment.

_

The soft touch of lips against his neck roused Levi from his sleep, a familiar warmth spreading across his skin. Eren stirred beside him, the movement subtle but enough to pull him out of his dreamlike state. Levi blinked slowly, adjusting to the light filtering through the bookstore’s windows.

He could feel Eren’s presence close, the warmth of his body pressing against his side. Eren placed another small, gentle kiss on Levi’s neck, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Levi let out a quiet breath, the gesture simple yet comforting, his muscles still heavy with sleep.

When Eren noticed Levi’s stir, he murmured, his voice still half asleep and raspy, „Morning, handsome.” The words were soft, and Levi could feel the smile in Eren’s voice.

Levi’s eyes fluttered open fully, and he groaned, not out of annoyance but from the lingering grogginess that always came with mornings. He was never a fan of mornings, never had been. But, with Eren so close, the usual bitterness of waking up early faded into something more bearable.

„Morning,“ Levi mumbled, his voice thick with sleep, and despite his usual cold demeanor in the mornings, there was a warmth in his words when he looked at Eren. „You’re too cheerful this early.“ His tone was soft, teasing, but it was clear he didn’t mind. Not really.

Eren only chuckled, rubbing his face against Levi’s neck in a playful way, making Levi sigh again. Eren’s warmth was enough to chase the lingering sleepiness away, and even though Levi wasn’t one to express it much, he didn’t mind the closeness, the softness Eren brought with him.

Levi rolled his eyes slightly but didn’t push Eren away, his hand finding ist way to the back of Eren’s head, gently tugging him closer. „You’re lucky you’re cute,” he muttered, his tone still gruff but with a hint of affection, his fingers brushing through Eren’s messy hair.

Eren laughed softly, leaning into the touch. „I know,“ he said with a grin, and the warmth between them grew, quiet but undeniable.

Levi chuckled softly, his eyes lingering on Eren for a moment longer than usual. He was still waking up, the grogginess of sleep fading slowly, but the warmth of Eren beside him made everything feel… different. In a good way. He caught himself staring for a beat too long, and his cheeks flushed a little before he cleared his throat and turned his gaze back to the window.

The world outside had already come to life. The snowstorm was winding down as Shiganshina started to hum with the familiar rhythm of a city waking up. Street cleaners were already hard at work, clearing the paths for cars and traffic to resume their usual flow. Inside Levi’s bookstore, however, there was a quiet stillness. The world outside didn’t seem to matter. Not when Eren was still there, warm and real beside him.

Levi wasn’t planning to open the shop today. Not with the memory of the night before still fresh in his mind, and certainly not with Eren still beside him, looking as if he belonged there.

He swallowed slightly, the thought lingering in the back of his mind. It hadn’t been a dream, he thought. The young man beside him was real. And… Levi had the footage to prove it. He flushed a little at that, still not quite sure how he felt about it. Then he glanced over at Eren, who still looked just as cute in the morning light—somehow more so than ever.

Levi couldn’t help but wonder how that was even possible.

„I would offer you coffee and breakfast after last night…“ Levi started, his voice trailing off. He didn’t need to say the obvious: there was no food in the bookstore, no coffee to offer.

Eren raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a soft smile. „How gentlemanly of you,“ he said, but there was something different in his tone this time. It wasn’t as playful as usual; this time, it was more real, a little more intimate, and Levi wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.

Levi rolled his eyes, though there was no real annoyance behind the gesture. „You’re lucky I like you,“ he muttered, though it sounded less like a joke and more like something he meant.

Eren’s smile deepened, and he leaned in just enough to brush his lips against Levi’s cheek, a soft kiss that was almost too gentle for someone so playful. „You do?“ he murmured, his voice still warm with sleep. „I like you too.“

Levi’s heart skipped a beat, and his gaze flicked to Eren for a split second. Dammit, he thought, feeling a strange flutter in his chest. He quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the view outside, though his mind was anything but calm.

The thought of last night—of the connection they had shared—was still fresh in his mind. As the morning light filtered through the bookstore, Levi realized just how much things had changed. And perhaps, he wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about that, but he knew one thing: it was definitely not something he was ready to push away.

So Levi did something to show Eren that he cared, even if his communication skills were lacking. He turned to Eren with a purposeful look, leaning over him and pressing him gently back onto the ground. Eren blinked up at him in surprise, his eyebrows slightly raised, but he didn’t say anything. He just watched Levi, a curious, warm smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Levi leaned in, his hand braced on the floor beside Eren’s head. Now was not the time to worry about morning breath or the lack of toothbrushes lying around. No, now was the time to kiss Eren and make him feel, in the simplest way Levi knew how, that last night had meant something. That he meant something.

The kiss was slow, deliberate—not the kind of desperate, heated connection they’d shared the night before. It was softer, more tender, yet still charged with unspoken words Levi couldn’t bring himself to say aloud. His hand moved to Eren’s jaw, cupping it gently as he deepened the kiss, his thumb brushing over Eren’s cheek.

Eren’s initial surprise melted away quickly. His hands came up to rest lightly on Levi’s sides, his touch steady but unhurried, as if he was savoring this moment. When Levi finally pulled back, just enough to meet Eren’s eyes, the warmth in his gaze was unmistakable.

Levi’s thumb traced absent circles against Eren’s skin, grounding him. „I’m not great at this crap,” he admitted gruffly. „Talking and… you know, feelings.”

Eren laughed softly, the sound light and carefree, breaking the tension. „You’re doing just fine,” he said, his grin widening mischievously. „Though if you’re this sweet in the mornings, I might have to stick around more often.”

„I’m not sweet,” Levi protested, his expression twisting into a mock scowl, though the faint pink dusting his cheeks betrayed him.

„Well,” Eren began, his tone shifting to something more intimate, „I guess I’ll have to find out for myself.”

Levi blinked, the weight of Eren’s words slowly sinking in. It took him a moment to realize the deeper meaning behind them: Eren wanted more. This wasn’t just a one-night stand born from a snowstorm and fleeting circumstances. He wanted to see Levi again. Maybe even more than that.

For someone who usually prided himself on composure, Levi felt uncharacteristically thrown off. He cleared his throat, his thumb still brushing gently along Eren’s side. „I guess…” he started, hesitant but honest, „I wouldn’t mind that either. Waking up beside you isn’t bad.”

Eren’s smirk softened into a genuine smile, his hand sliding up to rest against Levi’s cheek. „See? Sweet,” he teased lightly, though his voice held no mockery, just warmth.

„Don’t push it,” Levi muttered, though he leaned slightly into Eren’s touch, his tone far less biting than usual.

Levi hesitated, his usual guarded nature flickering across his face, but he couldn’t suppress the ridiculous hope creeping into his voice as he asked, „But seriously? You want to—what? See me again?”

Eren’s thumb brushed softly against Levi’s cheek, his gaze steady and sincere. „Yeah,” he admitted, his voice low but unwavering. „This night with you was something special, Levi. I can’t just walk out of here and never see you again. The storm, everything that led me here… it feels like it was supposed to happen. Like I was meant to be here, with you.”

Eren paused, his voice softening as he added, „It’s like that poem, the one about the two roads in the woods. You know the one?”

Levi nodded faintly, still searching Eren’s expression.

Eren continued, his words careful but heartfelt. „‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I… I took the one less traveled by. And that made all the difference.‘ Getting stuck in this snowstorm , coming here, being with you—that feels like my road. The one I had to take.”

For a moment, Levi said nothing, his throat tightening against the unfamiliar emotions surging within him. He wasn’t used to this—to someone like Eren, with his raw honesty and unabashed affection. It scared him, but it also drew him in.

Levi’s fingers tightened slightly on Eren’s waist, grounding himself. „You’re such a sap,” he muttered, though his voice lacked any edge.

Eren chuckled, leaning in closer. „Maybe,” he said with a grin, „but at least I’m your sap.”

Levi let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.

Levi sighed, his thumb still idly tracing circles on Eren’s waist as he fought the warmth creeping up his neck. „Fine,” he muttered, glancing away for a moment before meeting Eren’s amused gaze again. „Give me your number.”

Eren’s grin widened, his eyes lighting up with that teasing sparkle Levi had already grown far too used to. „Was that so hard to say?” he teased, shifting just enough to reach for his jeans crumpled nearby, fishing out his phone.

Levi rolled his eyes, his hand dropping to his side. „Don’t push your luck,” he said flatly, though his lips twitched, betraying his amusement.

Eren unlocked his phone and handed it to Levi, still smiling. „Here. Type it in yourself.“

Levi took the phone, raising an eyebrow at Eren’s choice of words, but dutifully typed in his number, handing the phone back. „There. Happy?”

Eren glanced at the screen and grinned again, saving the contact. „Very.” His fingers moved swiftly as he typed out a short message.

Somewhere in the bookstore, Levi’s phone buzzed faintly against the wooden counter.

Levi raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of suspicion and curiosity. „What did you just do?” he asked, his tone low and measured.

„Just making sure you know I’m serious,” Eren replied, his grin as mischievous as ever.

Levi sighed, getting up and walking over to retrieve his phone. Unlocking the screen, he found Eren’s message:

*Dear Santa, sitting on your lap was amazing, but waking up next to you is even better. Don’t delete this.*

Levi stared at the text for a moment, his lips twitching into an almost-smile despite himself. He turned back toward Eren, leaning against the counter with a look of exasperation that couldn’t quite hide the warmth in his eyes.

„You’re impossible,” he muttered, placing the phone back on the counter.

„Now you’re stuck with me,” Eren quipped, leaning back on his elbows with a smug yet affectionate expression.

Levi shook his head, the faintest hint of a smile lingering on his lips. His voice was quieter, softer, when he replied, „Yeah. I’m starting to get that.”

Eren gave Levi a warm smile, one of those rare, genuine ones that made Levi’s chest tighten just a little. But before Levi could dwell on it, Eren’s attention shifted back to his phone.

„We’ve got internet again,” Eren announced, unnecessarily pointing out the obvious. He squinted at the screen, scrolling through the flood of notifications. „Oh, shit. My parents tried calling me like a dozen times…” His fingers flew over the keyboard as he quickly typed out a message to reassure them he was fine.

Next, he opened a message from Armin, his best friend, who had clearly been worrying all night. Armin’s last text read:
*Are you safe? Call me as soon as you see this!*

Eren chuckled to himself and typed back instead of calling:
*Not at home. I’m in a bookstore. Night was amazing. I’ve got my own grumpy Santa now… and I did a porn.*

The three little dots showing Armin was typing popped up instantly, followed by the reply:
*WTF??*

Eren snickered, the sound catching Levi’s attention as he wiped down the counter. Levi glanced over with a raised eyebrow. „What’s so funny now?” he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

„Armin,” Eren replied, biting back a grin. „He’s losing his mind over my text. Wanna see?”

Levi shook his head. „No thanks. Whatever dumb thing you sent him, keep me out of it.”

„Too late for that,” Eren teased, holding his phone up like a trophy. „You’re part of my story.”

Levi sighed, though a faint smirk betrayed his amusement. „God help me.”

Eren grinned wider and typed another reply:
*Relax. I’ll explain later. He’s really hot, though. You’d approve.*

Armin’s reply came back instantly:
*CALL ME NOW*

Eren laughed out loud, shaking his head. „Yeah, I’m not doing that right now,” he said, tossing his phone onto the table and stretching lazily.

Levi crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. „Shouldn’t you call him? Sounds like he’s freaking out.”

„Nah,” Eren said breezily, stepping closer to Levi. „He’ll survive. Right now, I’d rather focus on you.”

Levi narrowed his eyes, though the faint flush rising to his cheeks betrayed him. „You’re such a brat,” he muttered.

„And yet, here I am,” Eren shot back, sitting up straighter with a mischievous grin. „And i’m yours.“

Levi huffed, turning away to hide the growing smile on his face.

But even as he tried to act annoyed, the warmth between them lingered, unspoken yet undeniable.

Eren went to the small restroom, and when he returned, he looked refreshed, his hair tied back into a neat bun. Meanwhile, Levi had rummaged through his sparse stash of supplies and found two protein bars—the rare snacks he occasionally brought to the bookstore for long days. Handing one to Eren, he said, „Sorry, that’s all I can offer for breakfast until we head out.”

„Thanks,” Eren said, taking it with a small smile. He peeled the wrapper open and took a bite before asking, almost too casually, „So, what’s your plan for the day?”

Levi shrugged. „No big plans. Hange isn’t coming by, it’s Christmas, and the city’s still half-buried in snow.” His tone was indifferent, but it didn’t take much to see there wasn’t much else on his agenda.

Eren frowned thoughtfully, his expression shifting to something more determined. „Hey,” he said, straightening up. „If you’re free today, why don’t you come with me? Spend Christmas with me and my family.”

Levi froze mid-chew, his eyes widening a fraction. „Meeting your parents?” he repeated, sounding both surprised and mildly alarmed. „I’ve known you for less than 24 hours.”

Eren blushed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. „It’s too fast, isn’t it?” He let out an awkward chuckle, clearly second-guessing himself. „I get too enthusiastic sometimes. Bringing a guy home after the first night isn’t exactly in the dating handbook, huh?”

Levi arched a thin eyebrow, his usual stoicism softening just slightly. „We’re dating now?” he asked, his tone equal parts skeptical and teasing.

Eren’s face fell for a moment, then he shot back with mock offense, „We’re not?” He crossed his arms, looking at Levi like he’d just suggested the most ridiculous thing.

Levi blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness of Eren’s response. But slowly, his shoulders relaxed, and something in his expression shifted, the tiniest smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. „We are,” he said, his voice quieter now. He paused for a moment before continuing, „We can. I mean… I’d like that.”

Eren’s smile brightened again, and he leaned forward just enough to close the space between them. „Good,” he said softly. „Because I like that too.”

Eren pulled Levi gently by the hips, closing the distance between them, and leaned in to kiss him. Levi didn’t resist; instead, he melted into the touch, the way Eren’s lips moved against his own—confident yet soft, as if they had done this a hundred times before.

When they parted, Eren kept his hands on Levi’s waist, his forehead resting lightly against Levi’s. „But seriously,” Eren murmured, his voice low but full of sincerity, „I don’t want you to be alone today. It’s your birthday and it’s Christmas.”

Levi blinked, a bit startled at the reminder of his birthday. He had almost forgotten, as he usually did. Birthdays had never been something he celebrated much, let alone on Christmas. He tried to brush it off, but the way Eren was looking at him—with so much affection in those bright green eyes—made it impossible to retreat into himself. It was overwhelming, too much feeling for such a short time of knowing each other. And yet… it didn’t feel wrong. In fact, it felt strangely warm, like a fire starting in his chest and spreading outward.

„You’re too sentimental,” Levi muttered, though his voice lacked ist usual bite. He didn’t pull away.

Eren smiled, brushing a strand of Levi’s hair out of his face. „Maybe I am, but I mean it. Let me share today with you, Levi. My family can wait—if you don’t want to meet them yet, that’s fine. We can spend the day together. Just us. Whatever you want.”

Levi furrowed his brow. „You don’t have to change all your plans and ditch your family for me,” he said, though his voice was quieter than usual, almost reluctant to let Eren sacrifice anything.

Eren shook his head, the warmth in his expression never fading. „I can see them tomorrow. Mikasa and Jean are there, they’re not alone. They’re staying a few days, so there’s no rush for family time.”

Levi hesitated, the vulnerability in Eren’s words and actions making him feel exposed in ways he wasn’t used to. But he couldn’t deny that the thought of spending the day with Eren—not alone in his quiet bookstore—felt… good.

Finally, Levi sighed, giving in with a small but genuine tilt of his lips. „Fine. But don’t expect me to be all cheery and festive.”

Eren grinned widely, his eyes softening with affection. „I wouldn’t dream of it, Santa.”

Eren’s gaze shifted toward the window, where the street outside was slowly clearing up as snowplows made their way through. „The street’s getting cleared. We should head out now,” he suggested, his voice light with excitement. „My place isn’t far, and I’ve got coffee at home. Tea too, I know you’re more of a tea person,” he added with a knowing smile. „I can make us breakfast, we can shower… and then maybe get comfortable again in bed.”

Levi’s brows arched slightly at the suggestion, the implied meaning behind Eren’s words not lost on him. Before he could respond, Eren winked at him.

Levi scoffed, rolling his eyes.

But Levi’s heart wasn’t scoffing. No, it was racing—and for once, he was okay with that

The End