Before You Go [R-18 Erotica By ♡DiLo]

Interference

Eren felt like it had been raining for weeks, a pathetic parody of his mood being taken out on the rest of the city. He took a deep breath and got out of his car, letting the just-slightly-harder-than-mist coat his tresses. He had driven past the salon every day this week, deliberating on whether or not he should make an appointment. In the end, it would be all too easy for Levi to avoid him if he did call in advance.

He pushed through his nerves as he walked into Hanji's Hair Studio only to feel instantly out of place. The place was upscale, definitely fancier than anywhere Eren had ever gotten his hair cut. The salon was brightly lit but cozy, with black slate floors and clean lines and angles. It was modern and minimalistic but somehow also comfortable and it wasn't empty. Sleek, professional looking staff stood at their stations working with clients in a quiet and efficient manner.

Aproned workers buzzed around the place brushing hair clippings off the floor and sanitizing surfaces that were not in use. It was a cool place to observe but Eren's heart sank, because the one person he wanted to see wasn't there.

"Sir? I'm Mabel, welcome to Hanji's Hair Studio. Do you have an appointment?"

Eren blinked up at the woman behind the desk. She was slim and pretty with dark bangs that brushed the top of her glasses but was otherwise unremarkable.

"Uhm. Hrm. Sorry, no, I'm a walk in."

Mabel blinked at him with nothing more than professional curiosity, shifting her glasses around a bit with a perfectly manicured red fingernail.

"Do you have a preferred stylist? I can see if we have any appointments available."

"I was hoping...uhm...is Levi available?"

Mabel had been tapping away at her computer, most likely pulling up the salon's scheduling interface, but she froze at the sound of Levi's name, an apologetic pout appearing on her lips.

"Oh dear, I'm sorry, he's not in today. But I have to warn you, he's not usually available for walk-ins. You would need to make an appointment. If you give me your name I can-"

"No...it's not necessary."

"Your name?"

"It's Eren...but I don't want to make an appointment."

Mabel cocked her head to the side, her eyes shifting from curiosity to something else and all of a sudden Eren had the feeling that Levi's friends knew more about him than he did about them. A loud voice cut through their conversation.

"Did you say your name is Eren?"

Eren turned, to come face to face with a person who was as interesting as Mabel was plain. They stuck their hand out and grinned broadly.

"Hanji. Would you like a cup of coffee?"

•°☆°•

Zedd shifted his weight restlessly as the Keurig filled another mug, checking that Eren hadn't run from the staff room the moment he turned his back. Despite his skittishness, he could see what Levi saw in the younger man. He had the lean, exotic look Levi was partial to and was clearly soft and sensitive despite his athletic build. He could well imagine them together and liked the image.

"How much has Levi told you about himself?"

Eren blinked up at him, seeming relieved that he had spoken first.

"Enough, I guess. He doesn't have much family. An elderly mom and some cousins out in California. He also mentioned some extended family in France. Uhm, he's a hairstylist...obviously...a-and recently divorced."

Zedd nodded, bringing the coffee to the table and seating himself.

"I've known Levi for a long time...a very long time."

He gestured to a picture on the wall and Eren turned to look at it, squinting. He knew the younger man would be confused...Levi was standing with two people Eren had met but wouldn't recognize.

"He was the best man at my wedding...back when I was Zoe and Mabel was Moblit. He supported me through my transition and is godfather to my children. He's my family."

Eren accepted the coffee and sipped it thoughtfully.

"Why are you telling me this?"

Zedd grinned widely, fiddling with his long blue hair.

"I was the best man at his wedding, too. I wish I could say that Levi and I have always supported each other...but I have had a distinct failing as his best friend, Eren. I never liked the man he married. Sairam was a sniveling, selfish little fool from the beginning. I never understood what Levi saw in him. When Levi caught him cheating and they divorced I was glad."

Eren frowned and Zedd chuckled.

"I'm sorry if that seems cruel to you, but I knew Levi deserved better. Someone who would see his worth. Someone like you, maybe?"

Eren's frown deepened and his fingers flexed around the mug displaying a barely leashed temper.

"I didn't come here for a history lesson."

"Why did you come here?"

Caribbean blue eyes flashed.

"I came here to see Levi...he...he blocked my number. Everything was fine and he just...disappeared. I'm not some stalker or anything but I...I care about him and I wanted to ask him why...what I did...to make him leave. I-If I knew...maybe he would change his mind."

He trailed off and Zedd stared at him, his heart flipping with joy. This guy had fallen hard and he was exactly the type of person Levi needed. He bit his lip to contain his excitement.

"Levi has been missing work a lot lately. In the beginning I'm pretty sure it was because of you...and before you ask, no, I don't know anything about that. But a few days ago he called to tell me his ex husband showed up on his doorstep begging him to take him back."

Eren blanched, his coffee cup nearly getting turned over as he shot to his feet. He stopped just short of the door.

"Do you think there's a chance for me?"

Zedd smiled at him kindly, his heart beating out of his chest. This person would fight for Levi...for his happiness.

"I wouldn't have told you otherwise."

Eren nodded and was gone, striding out of the salon with purpose. Zedd grinned in self satisfaction as Mabel wandered over, taking in his expression with a raised eyebrow.

"Have you been meddling again? You know Levi is going to be pissed as hell."

He grabbed her arm and flipped her into the staff room, pressing her small body against the wall before kissing her until they both had to straighten their glasses.

"Don't be silly, my dove, I never meddle..."