Dangerous Territory

Kaleidoscope Light

Eren felt like he had not slept so well in his entire life. His body shifted, and satin sheets slithered with him. He was warm inside and out. Gone was the pain in his head that had plagued him since returning from Maizières-lès-Metz with a concussion. He had no idea what time it was. It felt like it should be almost noon, yet the room was dark. Then he realized there was a faint glow of daylight behind thick drapes.

Best of all, his memories of the night before were crystal clear. He turned his head over on the plump pillow and saw Levi still asleep, his face relaxed, his lips slightly parted, and his black hair a mess. Eren wanted to reach out and run his fingers through the hair, but he dared not wake him.

He lingered, too drowsy to get up. He imagined a life like this, living in comfort, not whispering and fearing a soldier would barge in on them.

"Eren, I say this as your friend. Escape with Levi."

It was so tempting.

It took another ten minutes before Levi stirred, at first just a slow shift out of dreams and into the world of the waking. Then he gasped and jumped as he felt the satin around him, only to sink as he also remembered where he was. He looked over and saw Eren's teal eyes already gazing at him.

His voice raspy and dry, he asked, "How long have you been awake?"

"Not long." Finally, he could reach forward and caress Levi's messy hair. How soft it felt!

"Any nightmares?"

Eren shook his head, smiling as he realized what a relief it was to sleep solidly and wake up without the dark storm of memories. He squirmed around in the satin sheets, giddy to feel such luxury. "I wish we could have breakfast right here."

"We probably could," Levi reasoned. "I'll hide, you go fetch some food. Carly would let you come back here. We still have a few more pears and apples." He had no idea how she got fruit. Everything in Metz was getting locked down, and food was carefully rationed out. Carly must have some powerful connections ... and Levi wondered how many men she had to sleep with just to obtain that bowl of fruit.

"I'll get dressed," said Eren. "Maybe I can find tea or coffee."

"I have tea."

Eren perked up. "You do?"

"I packed that tea tin you bought me for Rosh Hashanah." He leaned on Eren's chest and stroked his hand down the firm torso. "You get food, I'll get tea, and we'll meet back here. I'll hide until you come back. Knock three times on the wall when you return."

Eren wrapped his arms around Levi and held him on top of his chest. "We can wait a little."

Levi scoffed out a laugh. Yes, it was tempting to just skip breakfast and stay in the comfortable bed. He leaned down to give Eren a kiss. He felt those rough, battle-hardened fingers caress down his back, grasp his butt briefly, and then slid back up, feeling along the scars of his back to his shoulders. Levi ran his fingers through Eren's hair, down to his neck, and along the broad, muscular shoulders. Then Eren's arms grabbed him again, a strong and secure hold, like if he squeezed tightly enough, no enemy could ever pull them apart.

Levi saw a wistful darkness in Eren's eyes. He kissed him on the forehead, wishing there was a way to create a world where Eren never had to look so sad.

He leaned over and simply kissed him. It was such a gentle morning kiss, and he saw the worries melt into bliss. Levi kissed him again, letting their lips linger. If Eren wanted a moment of happiness first thing in the morning, Levi would give it to him.

Anything for his takhshet.

Finally, it was Eren who pulled back. "We should eat."

That was all that needed to be said. Levi rolled off. Eren got up and went to the bathroom. He cleaned himself up a bit. As he was shaving, Levi walked in.