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Description

Warning: Language
__

It was astonishing how a few simple emails could tilt the solid foundation you had been treading on for months. Not only did the perpetual raincloud that had formed above your head completely soak you in anxiety and new found fear, it ate away at the happiness simple moments used to bring. The constant jitters and uneasy stomach had begun to take a toll on your usually charming and bright features. Ink colored bags hung beneath your eyes, barely covered by the make-up you rarely ever touched. Even your work began to suffer, bringing an end to your vividly creative streak that had been bursting from your fingers the moment you touched your beaten drawing pad.

Levi was not an idiot nor was he a man who allowed things to slip past him regardless of the hectic work schedule and family life he was juggling. Seeing you drag yourself out of bed in the morning with a sunken frown and tired eyes cast a wave of panic over his usually calm demeanor. In front of the children you acted yourself, still preparing them smiley face pancakes and helping them with their homework while managing to keep the new house spotless. Though he often found you staring at Eren so intently it was near frightening, as if he would fall into a hole in the ground never to be seen again if you let him out of your sight.

Brushing his bangs out of his face with his palm he watched you enter the bathroom connected to your shared bedroom and splash water on your face. He remained in bed with his legs crossed and back against the headboard, rolling over any recent fights or problems that had sprang up in the past month. He remembered a small fight about if Mikasa should cut her hair or not since she was becoming active in soccer and ballet, and then your boss had given you a hard time about something or other, but none of those things warranted a change this drastic. Frowning he rose from the bed and padded over to you, wrapping his arms around your waist tightly.

"What's going on with you?" He asked while placing a soft kiss on your neck. "And don't say nothing I know when you're lying."

You scrunched your nose and faced your husband, guilt and anguish bubbling at the pit of your stomach. Nothing felt worse than keeping something so immensely shocking and gut wrenching, as much as you wanted to break down and release the building tension stacking higher and higher within your chest, you couldn't. He was working far too hard for his family and the last thing he needed was another added stress atop the building pile of bills, schedules and two kids.

So you lied.

"My creativity is just shot, I have no idea what the hell happened. One minute I was practically shitting ideas and now I'm just..."

"Creatively constipated?"

You snorted and smacked Levi on the head, earning a dark chuckle and a kiss on the nose. Partially satisfied with your answer he gave your ass a light tap and turned on the shower, dropping his pajama pants onto the floor and beckoning you over with his finger. For the first time in weeks he saw that cute, devious little glint in your eye and a dirty smile spread across your peach tinted lips. Even though he had a strong feeling something else was stirring in that messy mind of yours, he'd settle for a happy and lust filled morning--for now.

Feeling refreshed and a bit better after your pre-breakfast rendezvous you headed downstairs towards the kitchen while Levi made sure the kids were getting ready for school. Living with Levi had improved your cooking skills tenfold and sparked another way for your creativity to shine. After making the kids chocolate chip waffles topped with powdered sugar and sliced mango you poured yourself some coffee, smiling as the trio bounced down stairs towards the island. Levi winked at you before grabbing his coffee thermos from the counter and giving the kids a kiss on the top of their heads.

"Daddy are you going to the office again?" Mikasa pouted, swirling her milk with her straw. "You're going to miss Eren's game."

"I know babygirl I'm sorry but this new promotion has Daddy working a shit ton more hours and I've got to actually go into work or else all those dumbasses would mess everything up." Levi glanced at Eren who was cutting his mango in pieces, his tiny lip turned downwards. "Hey, I'll have your mom facetime me so I can watch from my office alright? I promise I'll try and make it if I can alright punk?"

"Okay dad. I hope you can make it."

Levi's eyes widened for a moment, Eren had yet to call him dad and you hadn't expected it to come so soon. You locked eyes with Levi momentarily, the happiness bouncing off his face even though it remained steady save for the small smile. He ruffled Eren's hair and blew you a kiss before tossing you a set of unmarked keys.

"What is this?" You asked, barely catching the keyring before it fell into your coffee.

"Honestly ____, how the hell have you not noticed?"

With another glance at the kids Levi turned and headed out the door leaving you confused and a bit suspicious. You eyed Mikasa who was now face deep in her waffle while Eren had suddenly found his milk extremely interesting. Sighing lightly you watched the kids eat in silence, a thick and burning sensation billowing up your throat. Despite your elated joy at Eren's new title for Levi, it had come at the most heart wrenching moment.

His father was a subject rarely spoken of, much less a subject you enjoyed thinking about. You had accepted long ago that Eren would live feeling a bit empty inside as many kids did when their birth father ignored their existence, even though you had showered him with love since the day he was born. He was happy, smart, driven, all the attributes you had hoped for him but every so often after the age of five he began asking random questions about his father. It was only after you and Levi had told the children of your relationship had he shown his true feelings, after Mikasa and Levi had left that night he had sobbed in your lap, muttering that he was happy someone finally wanted to be his father.

You jolted at the loud vibration coming from your phone, a fresh wave of panic and dread eclipsing your body. Forcing a neutral expression on your face you slipped your phone in your back pocket and cleared the plates from the breakfast island, hurrying the kids towards the front door. Mikasa grabbed your hand abruptly and whipped you around towards the door leading to the attached garage.

"Honey I parked out front."

"Shh Mommy."

Eren snorted and bumped Mikasa in the shoulder making her grin widely. Cocking your brow you let the tiny girl drag you down the hall and fling the door open. You stepped down onto the concrete, slightly bewildered at the odd shaped shadow in front of you. Feeling along the wall you flicked the switch and gasped at the sight before you. A sleek dark blue Ford Escape glimmered beneath the garage light, a bright white bow placed on the windshield.

"Tada!" Shouted the kids, hugging you from behind before running up to the car.

"Open the door momma!"

"Yeah we're gunna be late!"

Dumbfounded you scrambled for the keys Levi threw you and clicked the unlock button, barely able to contain your elation. Nearly tripping over yourself you rounded the car, hopped into the drivers side and ran your fingers along the new dash and digital buttons of the radio. Blinking back tears you tapped the automatic start and pressed the garage door opener at the top of your sun shield, zooming out of the driveway and heading towards Trost Academy.

After spending twenty minutes fiddling with the new controls on the car you finally figured out how to connect your phone to the bluetooth in your car, happily clapping to yourself when the feature popped up on the screen on the dash. The joy was short lived though, as five new messages from an unsaved number bombarded your screen, the automatic rolling text feature displaying the words that had been driving into your heart like a steak knife.

10:27pm: You can't keep him from me

10:42pm: I got your number do you think I can't find your house???

11:02pm: Answer me or I'll take legal action. He's MY son too.

7:12am: Public information is more than helpful.

7:30am: I'll see you later

The last text on your screen burned holes in your chest and shook you down to the core. You stared at the closed door of your garage, fresh tears slipping down your cheeks while your hands gripped the steering wheel tight enough to turn your palms pink. Worry and fright consumed you, pushed themselves deep into your skin making you tremble and whimper beneath their weight. Slumping down into your seat you eyed the clock, in fifteen minutes Eren's game would start and you still had to pick up Mikasa before heading towards the field.

As you reversed onto the road the phone icon on your screen began shaking, Levi's name blinking in bold white letters. Adjusting your posture you clicked the button on your steering wheel, exhaling deeply through your nose before answering.

"Hey, I actually might be able to leave this fucking shithole early enough to catch the end of the game."

"Levi I am in a brand new car and you wanna talk about baseball! Where did this even come from my Subaru was fine!" You stuttered, still shaking from your earlier thoughts.

"____ that thing was a fucking death trap. Why are you crying? Are you really that upset baby?" His voice strained, a tinge of worry clearly amplifying through the car speaker.

"I'm crying out of happiness, this is amazing and I love it. I love you."

"I love you too ____. But I don't believe you for shit, when we get home we're going to talk about whatever the fuck is bothering you, understand?"

"Yeah okay. I'm about to pick up Mikasa and head to Eren's game. I'll facetime you alright?"

"Don't bother, I'm leaving now, I'll see you at the game."

The line clicked and you shuddered as you pulled up to the curb. Mikasa hopped in and began babbling about her day at school, her bright eyes catching yours in the rear view. She frowned just as her father did, noting your tear stained cheeks shining under the sunlight. Knowing that her tendencies and perceptiveness nearly rivaled her fathers you jumped topics, crossing your fingers the tactic would work. Thankfully her new interest in the Russian Ballet granted you ten minutes of non stop facts about various dancers, the happiness in her voice helping ebb your anxiety.

Mikasa led the way up the bleachers to the top row, sitting right in the middle and pulling her back pack onto her lap. You smirked as she pulled her matching sunglasses from her backpack, mimicking you and placing them on her nose while leaning back against the railing. Draping your arm around her you smiled widely, catching Eren's tan hand waving widely at you from the dugout. The sun beat down against your arms as Eren went up to bat, smacking the white ball far into the outfield. He proudly made it to third base, sliding in the dirt and creating more stains for Levi to grumble about later tonight.

The influx of nausea had finally dwindled down to a mere twist of nerves tugging at the back of your mind. Focusing on Eren you watched him make it to home base, tag three people out when his team took the field and jump excitedly against the fence when his team was up at bat again. Mikasa stood on the bench and waved back then cupped her hands around her mouth and screamed for his team to 'kick ass' causing a row of parents to stare back at you. Immune to the judgmental looks you shrugged your shoulders and sipped on your lemonade, staring down a snobby and constipated looking woman effortlessly.

Feeling triumphant once she turned her squished face back towards the field you skimmed the crowd for Levi, nearly choking on your spit when a discouragingly familiar mop of chocolate brown hair wove its way through the throng of parents near the fence. It felt like a bomb had gone off in your chest, sending unrelenting rapid fire tremors down your entire body. He turned his head, catching your eyes and glaring mischievously before heading towards the fence.

"Daddy!" Mikasa called, holding her arms out towards Levi who was making his way up the stairs.

"Hey babygirl, c'mon over here so you can tell your brother good luck before he goes to bat again."

You pulled your sunglasses tighter to your face and rose silently, allowing Mikasa to slide in front of you and clomp down the stairs with Levi behind her. He shot you a look over his shoulder, brows kitted together disconcertingly. You managed a weak smile and followed, heart hammering roughly against your ribcage as you descended towards the fenced area.

"What the hell is going on?" Levi whispered harshly, wrapping his arm around your waist protectively.

Before you could open your mouth something bumped your shoulder roughly making your throat go dry and your palms sweat. His cologne drifted beneath your nose stirring up the contents of your stomach and sending a sharp tingle down your spine. It took Levi one glance to realize who had just passed, his granite hues darkening and fists clenching.

"Mommy I wanna go home." Eren whimpered, grabbing at your hand through the wire fencing, tears welling in the corner of his eyes.

"Honey what happened?" You croaked as his bottom lip trembled.

Levi's hands were already shaking as he turned away and began walking towards the parking lot, anger circulating his body tighter and tighter the further he walked. Biting your bottom lip you eyed Eren's coach who was standing behind him, nodding in approval as he asked you once again if he could go home. His team waved good-bye to him as he stepped through the gate and ran straight towards you, grabbing your hand strongly and fighting back his own low cries. Mikasa entwined her hand in his, shooting you a look of confusion as you headed towards the parking lot.

"Where's dad?" Eren sniffed, burying his nose against your forearm.

"Who's that?" Mikasa asked, pointing towards the far end of the parking lot.

"Shit. Kids go to the car and wait there, understand?" You hissed, handing Mikasa the car keys and shoving them off.

After they had walked behind a few cars you bolted towards Levi who had Alex slammed up against the door of a beaten up van. Your pulse throbbed in your temples as you made your way towards the pair, praying nobody else had noticed the commotion, all you needed was police involvement while the kids were present.

"Listen you absolute fucking waste of human life, you threaten my wife or come near my kids again I will make sure you permanently eat from a tube for the rest of your miserable fucking life. Understood?" Levi's voice boomed louder than thunder in a ferocious tone that gave you goosebumps.

"He's my fuck-" Alex's word were lost as Levi's fist collided with his face with a loud crack.

Blood splattered against Levi's shirt making him visibly cringe in disgust, the muscles in his arms tensed with fury as he hit Alex once again in the side of the face. Levi's newly bruised knuckles wrapped their way around Alex's neck, tightly holding him in place while he slammed his other hand against the side of the van, denting it further.

"You're nothing but a disgusting pile of trash, how you ever got ____ to give you the time of day is beyond me. Just because you couldn't hold your fucking load doesn't make you a father. Eren is MY son, ___ is MY wife and you are nothing but a cockroach in need of a good fucking stomp. I know damn well you don't give a fuck about Eren, whatever bullshit you're trying to pull is all to benefit you somehow. Whatever you plan on doing ends right fucking now or I will kill you. Now get the fuck out of my sight before I decide to crush your windpipe with my bare hands."

Alex dropped to the ground, red imprints of Levi's grip sinking into his skin. Levi spat on Alex's trembling body before turning and pulling your wrist towards the car. You silently followed, barely able to register what had just happened. Shaking profusely you stopped in the middle of the road, panic suddenly enveloping you in a tight grasp making your breath hard to catch.

"I just-I-"

Levi hushed you and pulled you against him tightly, rubbing your back with his knuckles and whispering little words of comfort in your ear. You two stayed in silence, snuggled against each other until your breathing slowed and feeling returned to your legs. The smell of burning rubber caught your attention followed by the harsh squeal of tires against the warm asphalt. Levi clicked his tongue and kissed your cheek, pulling you forward and catching your lips in a soft kiss briefly.

"You should have told me." He scolded, knocking his head against yours lightly. "That fuck..he had the balls to..-" His voice quivered, anger boiling up once more.

"I never thought this would happen and part of me felt guilty for keeping Eren from him but I just..I know he isn't trying to get Eren's attention because he wants to be a dad..I can just..feel it. God I sound fucking crazy." You sniffed, averting your gaze to the ground.

"I got that feeling too. He's a scumbag fuckstain and I'll never let him near either of you, understo--oof!" Levi fell forward a bit as Eren crashed into his legs, squeezing them tightly.

Your eyes widened as Eren pulled harder at Levi while Mikasa stood by the car with her hands folded in front of her. Eren shook a bit as he craned his head to look up at Levi with wide eyes.

"You're the only Dad I want okay? You wont let him take me will you?" He sniffed, hugging Levi tighter.

"Is that what that shithead said? He's never coming anywhere near you, I promise."

"Promise?"

"Isn't that what I just said brat?"

Eren smiled and released Levi, running over to you and giving you the same treatment. Warmth fluttered along your arms, chest, and abdomen, knocking away any remaining reverence. You knew eventually you'd have to have a more in depth conversation but right now all that mattered was the ever growing bond between your two favorite boys.

"Momma can I ride with Dad?" Eren pleaded.

"Yeah sure, traitor."

"Love youuu!" Eren called, running towards Mikasa to give her a hug before darting to Levi's car.

Levi pulled you into another hug, leaning his forehead on yours and holding your gaze for a few moments. His nose bumped yours, a soft gesture of his unrelenting dedication to you and your family, regardless of the luggage you bore. His arms wrapped tightly around your shoulders so he could claim your lips once more, securing you in a world all your own for a few precious seconds. You parted, breathless and calm, a mix of feelings you had been missing for far too long.

Description

Warning: Language
__

It was astonishing how a few simple emails could tilt the solid foundation you had been treading on for months. Not only did the perpetual raincloud that had formed above your head completely soak you in anxiety and new found fear, it ate away at the happiness simple moments used to bring. The constant jitters and uneasy stomach had begun to take a toll on your usually charming and bright features. Ink colored bags hung beneath your eyes, barely covered by the make-up you rarely ever touched. Even your work began to suffer, bringing an end to your vividly creative streak that had been bursting from your fingers the moment you touched your beaten drawing pad.

Levi was not an idiot nor was he a man who allowed things to slip past him regardless of the hectic work schedule and family life he was juggling. Seeing you drag yourself out of bed in the morning with a sunken frown and tired eyes cast a wave of panic over his usually calm demeanor. In front of the children you acted yourself, still preparing them smiley face pancakes and helping them with their homework while managing to keep the new house spotless. Though he often found you staring at Eren so intently it was near frightening, as if he would fall into a hole in the ground never to be seen again if you let him out of your sight.

Brushing his bangs out of his face with his palm he watched you enter the bathroom connected to your shared bedroom and splash water on your face. He remained in bed with his legs crossed and back against the headboard, rolling over any recent fights or problems that had sprang up in the past month. He remembered a small fight about if Mikasa should cut her hair or not since she was becoming active in soccer and ballet, and then your boss had given you a hard time about something or other, but none of those things warranted a change this drastic. Frowning he rose from the bed and padded over to you, wrapping his arms around your waist tightly.

"What's going on with you?" He asked while placing a soft kiss on your neck. "And don't say nothing I know when you're lying."

You scrunched your nose and faced your husband, guilt and anguish bubbling at the pit of your stomach. Nothing felt worse than keeping something so immensely shocking and gut wrenching, as much as you wanted to break down and release the building tension stacking higher and higher within your chest, you couldn't. He was working far too hard for his family and the last thing he needed was another added stress atop the building pile of bills, schedules and two kids.

So you lied.

"My creativity is just shot, I have no idea what the hell happened. One minute I was practically shitting ideas and now I'm just..."

"Creatively constipated?"

You snorted and smacked Levi on the head, earning a dark chuckle and a kiss on the nose. Partially satisfied with your answer he gave your ass a light tap and turned on the shower, dropping his pajama pants onto the floor and beckoning you over with his finger. For the first time in weeks he saw that cute, devious little glint in your eye and a dirty smile spread across your peach tinted lips. Even though he had a strong feeling something else was stirring in that messy mind of yours, he'd settle for a happy and lust filled morning--for now.

Feeling refreshed and a bit better after your pre-breakfast rendezvous you headed downstairs towards the kitchen while Levi made sure the kids were getting ready for school. Living with Levi had improved your cooking skills tenfold and sparked another way for your creativity to shine. After making the kids chocolate chip waffles topped with powdered sugar and sliced mango you poured yourself some coffee, smiling as the trio bounced down stairs towards the island. Levi winked at you before grabbing his coffee thermos from the counter and giving the kids a kiss on the top of their heads.

"Daddy are you going to the office again?" Mikasa pouted, swirling her milk with her straw. "You're going to miss Eren's game."

"I know babygirl I'm sorry but this new promotion has Daddy working a shit ton more hours and I've got to actually go into work or else all those dumbasses would mess everything up." Levi glanced at Eren who was cutting his mango in pieces, his tiny lip turned downwards. "Hey, I'll have your mom facetime me so I can watch from my office alright? I promise I'll try and make it if I can alright punk?"

"Okay dad. I hope you can make it."

Levi's eyes widened for a moment, Eren had yet to call him dad and you hadn't expected it to come so soon. You locked eyes with Levi momentarily, the happiness bouncing off his face even though it remained steady save for the small smile. He ruffled Eren's hair and blew you a kiss before tossing you a set of unmarked keys.

"What is this?" You asked, barely catching the keyring before it fell into your coffee.

"Honestly ____, how the hell have you not noticed?"

With another glance at the kids Levi turned and headed out the door leaving you confused and a bit suspicious. You eyed Mikasa who was now face deep in her waffle while Eren had suddenly found his milk extremely interesting. Sighing lightly you watched the kids eat in silence, a thick and burning sensation billowing up your throat. Despite your elated joy at Eren's new title for Levi, it had come at the most heart wrenching moment.

His father was a subject rarely spoken of, much less a subject you enjoyed thinking about. You had accepted long ago that Eren would live feeling a bit empty inside as many kids did when their birth father ignored their existence, even though you had showered him with love since the day he was born. He was happy, smart, driven, all the attributes you had hoped for him but every so often after the age of five he began asking random questions about his father. It was only after you and Levi had told the children of your relationship had he shown his true feelings, after Mikasa and Levi had left that night he had sobbed in your lap, muttering that he was happy someone finally wanted to be his father.

You jolted at the loud vibration coming from your phone, a fresh wave of panic and dread eclipsing your body. Forcing a neutral expression on your face you slipped your phone in your back pocket and cleared the plates from the breakfast island, hurrying the kids towards the front door. Mikasa grabbed your hand abruptly and whipped you around towards the door leading to the attached garage.

"Honey I parked out front."

"Shh Mommy."

Eren snorted and bumped Mikasa in the shoulder making her grin widely. Cocking your brow you let the tiny girl drag you down the hall and fling the door open. You stepped down onto the concrete, slightly bewildered at the odd shaped shadow in front of you. Feeling along the wall you flicked the switch and gasped at the sight before you. A sleek dark blue Ford Escape glimmered beneath the garage light, a bright white bow placed on the windshield.

"Tada!" Shouted the kids, hugging you from behind before running up to the car.

"Open the door momma!"

"Yeah we're gunna be late!"

Dumbfounded you scrambled for the keys Levi threw you and clicked the unlock button, barely able to contain your elation. Nearly tripping over yourself you rounded the car, hopped into the drivers side and ran your fingers along the new dash and digital buttons of the radio. Blinking back tears you tapped the automatic start and pressed the garage door opener at the top of your sun shield, zooming out of the driveway and heading towards Trost Academy.

After spending twenty minutes fiddling with the new controls on the car you finally figured out how to connect your phone to the bluetooth in your car, happily clapping to yourself when the feature popped up on the screen on the dash. The joy was short lived though, as five new messages from an unsaved number bombarded your screen, the automatic rolling text feature displaying the words that had been driving into your heart like a steak knife.

10:27pm: You can't keep him from me

10:42pm: I got your number do you think I can't find your house???

11:02pm: Answer me or I'll take legal action. He's MY son too.

7:12am: Public information is more than helpful.

7:30am: I'll see you later

The last text on your screen burned holes in your chest and shook you down to the core. You stared at the closed door of your garage, fresh tears slipping down your cheeks while your hands gripped the steering wheel tight enough to turn your palms pink. Worry and fright consumed you, pushed themselves deep into your skin making you tremble and whimper beneath their weight. Slumping down into your seat you eyed the clock, in fifteen minutes Eren's game would start and you still had to pick up Mikasa before heading towards the field.

As you reversed onto the road the phone icon on your screen began shaking, Levi's name blinking in bold white letters. Adjusting your posture you clicked the button on your steering wheel, exhaling deeply through your nose before answering.

"Hey, I actually might be able to leave this fucking shithole early enough to catch the end of the game."

"Levi I am in a brand new car and you wanna talk about baseball! Where did this even come from my Subaru was fine!" You stuttered, still shaking from your earlier thoughts.

"____ that thing was a fucking death trap. Why are you crying? Are you really that upset baby?" His voice strained, a tinge of worry clearly amplifying through the car speaker.

"I'm crying out of happiness, this is amazing and I love it. I love you."

"I love you too ____. But I don't believe you for shit, when we get home we're going to talk about whatever the fuck is bothering you, understand?"

"Yeah okay. I'm about to pick up Mikasa and head to Eren's game. I'll facetime you alright?"

"Don't bother, I'm leaving now, I'll see you at the game."

The line clicked and you shuddered as you pulled up to the curb. Mikasa hopped in and began babbling about her day at school, her bright eyes catching yours in the rear view. She frowned just as her father did, noting your tear stained cheeks shining under the sunlight. Knowing that her tendencies and perceptiveness nearly rivaled her fathers you jumped topics, crossing your fingers the tactic would work. Thankfully her new interest in the Russian Ballet granted you ten minutes of non stop facts about various dancers, the happiness in her voice helping ebb your anxiety.

Mikasa led the way up the bleachers to the top row, sitting right in the middle and pulling her back pack onto her lap. You smirked as she pulled her matching sunglasses from her backpack, mimicking you and placing them on her nose while leaning back against the railing. Draping your arm around her you smiled widely, catching Eren's tan hand waving widely at you from the dugout. The sun beat down against your arms as Eren went up to bat, smacking the white ball far into the outfield. He proudly made it to third base, sliding in the dirt and creating more stains for Levi to grumble about later tonight.

The influx of nausea had finally dwindled down to a mere twist of nerves tugging at the back of your mind. Focusing on Eren you watched him make it to home base, tag three people out when his team took the field and jump excitedly against the fence when his team was up at bat again. Mikasa stood on the bench and waved back then cupped her hands around her mouth and screamed for his team to 'kick ass' causing a row of parents to stare back at you. Immune to the judgmental looks you shrugged your shoulders and sipped on your lemonade, staring down a snobby and constipated looking woman effortlessly.

Feeling triumphant once she turned her squished face back towards the field you skimmed the crowd for Levi, nearly choking on your spit when a discouragingly familiar mop of chocolate brown hair wove its way through the throng of parents near the fence. It felt like a bomb had gone off in your chest, sending unrelenting rapid fire tremors down your entire body. He turned his head, catching your eyes and glaring mischievously before heading towards the fence.

"Daddy!" Mikasa called, holding her arms out towards Levi who was making his way up the stairs.

"Hey babygirl, c'mon over here so you can tell your brother good luck before he goes to bat again."

You pulled your sunglasses tighter to your face and rose silently, allowing Mikasa to slide in front of you and clomp down the stairs with Levi behind her. He shot you a look over his shoulder, brows kitted together disconcertingly. You managed a weak smile and followed, heart hammering roughly against your ribcage as you descended towards the fenced area.

"What the hell is going on?" Levi whispered harshly, wrapping his arm around your waist protectively.

Before you could open your mouth something bumped your shoulder roughly making your throat go dry and your palms sweat. His cologne drifted beneath your nose stirring up the contents of your stomach and sending a sharp tingle down your spine. It took Levi one glance to realize who had just passed, his granite hues darkening and fists clenching.

"Mommy I wanna go home." Eren whimpered, grabbing at your hand through the wire fencing, tears welling in the corner of his eyes.

"Honey what happened?" You croaked as his bottom lip trembled.

Levi's hands were already shaking as he turned away and began walking towards the parking lot, anger circulating his body tighter and tighter the further he walked. Biting your bottom lip you eyed Eren's coach who was standing behind him, nodding in approval as he asked you once again if he could go home. His team waved good-bye to him as he stepped through the gate and ran straight towards you, grabbing your hand strongly and fighting back his own low cries. Mikasa entwined her hand in his, shooting you a look of confusion as you headed towards the parking lot.

"Where's dad?" Eren sniffed, burying his nose against your forearm.

"Who's that?" Mikasa asked, pointing towards the far end of the parking lot.

"Shit. Kids go to the car and wait there, understand?" You hissed, handing Mikasa the car keys and shoving them off.

After they had walked behind a few cars you bolted towards Levi who had Alex slammed up against the door of a beaten up van. Your pulse throbbed in your temples as you made your way towards the pair, praying nobody else had noticed the commotion, all you needed was police involvement while the kids were present.

"Listen you absolute fucking waste of human life, you threaten my wife or come near my kids again I will make sure you permanently eat from a tube for the rest of your miserable fucking life. Understood?" Levi's voice boomed louder than thunder in a ferocious tone that gave you goosebumps.

"He's my fuck-" Alex's word were lost as Levi's fist collided with his face with a loud crack.

Blood splattered against Levi's shirt making him visibly cringe in disgust, the muscles in his arms tensed with fury as he hit Alex once again in the side of the face. Levi's newly bruised knuckles wrapped their way around Alex's neck, tightly holding him in place while he slammed his other hand against the side of the van, denting it further.

"You're nothing but a disgusting pile of trash, how you ever got ____ to give you the time of day is beyond me. Just because you couldn't hold your fucking load doesn't make you a father. Eren is MY son, ___ is MY wife and you are nothing but a cockroach in need of a good fucking stomp. I know damn well you don't give a fuck about Eren, whatever bullshit you're trying to pull is all to benefit you somehow. Whatever you plan on doing ends right fucking now or I will kill you. Now get the fuck out of my sight before I decide to crush your windpipe with my bare hands."

Alex dropped to the ground, red imprints of Levi's grip sinking into his skin. Levi spat on Alex's trembling body before turning and pulling your wrist towards the car. You silently followed, barely able to register what had just happened. Shaking profusely you stopped in the middle of the road, panic suddenly enveloping you in a tight grasp making your breath hard to catch.

"I just-I-"

Levi hushed you and pulled you against him tightly, rubbing your back with his knuckles and whispering little words of comfort in your ear. You two stayed in silence, snuggled against each other until your breathing slowed and feeling returned to your legs. The smell of burning rubber caught your attention followed by the harsh squeal of tires against the warm asphalt. Levi clicked his tongue and kissed your cheek, pulling you forward and catching your lips in a soft kiss briefly.

"You should have told me." He scolded, knocking his head against yours lightly. "That fuck..he had the balls to..-" His voice quivered, anger boiling up once more.

"I never thought this would happen and part of me felt guilty for keeping Eren from him but I just..I know he isn't trying to get Eren's attention because he wants to be a dad..I can just..feel it. God I sound fucking crazy." You sniffed, averting your gaze to the ground.

"I got that feeling too. He's a scumbag fuckstain and I'll never let him near either of you, understo--oof!" Levi fell forward a bit as Eren crashed into his legs, squeezing them tightly.

Your eyes widened as Eren pulled harder at Levi while Mikasa stood by the car with her hands folded in front of her. Eren shook a bit as he craned his head to look up at Levi with wide eyes.

"You're the only Dad I want okay? You wont let him take me will you?" He sniffed, hugging Levi tighter.

"Is that what that shithead said? He's never coming anywhere near you, I promise."

"Promise?"

"Isn't that what I just said brat?"

Eren smiled and released Levi, running over to you and giving you the same treatment. Warmth fluttered along your arms, chest, and abdomen, knocking away any remaining reverence. You knew eventually you'd have to have a more in depth conversation but right now all that mattered was the ever growing bond between your two favorite boys.

"Momma can I ride with Dad?" Eren pleaded.

"Yeah sure, traitor."

"Love youuu!" Eren called, running towards Mikasa to give her a hug before darting to Levi's car.

Levi pulled you into another hug, leaning his forehead on yours and holding your gaze for a few moments. His nose bumped yours, a soft gesture of his unrelenting dedication to you and your family, regardless of the luggage you bore. His arms wrapped tightly around your shoulders so he could claim your lips once more, securing you in a world all your own for a few precious seconds. You parted, breathless and calm, a mix of feelings you had been missing for far too long.