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Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House

previous ⏪︎ now playing back to playlist

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(For the “Reblog this if you want readers to come into your ask box and ask for the “director’s commentary” on a particular story, section of a story, or set of lines.  Or, send in a ⭐star⭐  to have the author select a section they’ve been dying to talk about!” post)

Okay, okay, okay - so this is in Ch 1 of TRS3, and I’m gonna chatter a tad about a section near the beginning, in Dustin’s POV. 

-_-_-_-

“You’ve been away a whole month, honeybun, maybe they just...” She wiggled her shoulders with a tilt of her head. “Forgot.”

She didn’t mean him. Of course she didn’t mean that they forgot him. She meant the radios; she meant they forgot what channel they’re supposed to be on. Or that they forgot what day he was coming home. She didn’t mean that they forgot about Dustin himself.

It’s just, it’s not exactly reassuring, you know? It’s the middle of summer already. All the roads are lined with tall, dark weeds. In a few days, everything will smell like sparkler smoke and kettle corn from the annual 4th of July fair. When he left it was barely June, and the weeds along the roadside were little more than sprouts. What else has happened since he left? What else has changed?

Okay so this is the first time I’ve written from Dustin’s POV, so this opening scene with him was a bit of a trial run. I had to establish several things, specifically for Dustin’s character in this story and where his arc starts out.

In this story, Dustin is starting out his arc in a place where he’s a little uncertain of his worth. Here, that specifically means within the Party. As we’ve seen, the Party in general has kind of started drifting apart this summer. Oh, they still hang out all the time, but they’re starting to push more towards “teenage” activities, most of them in a hurry to grow up and leave behind what happened to them as kids (except for Will, who’s clinging to the childhood that was stolen from him, but that’s another discussion). This push to “move on,” combined with the fact that Dustin has been away at summer camp for a whole month, leaves him a little worried that they may have moved on without him. 

Lately - probably ever since the Snow Ball, actually - it’s felt like everything has been changing, and not necessarily in a good way. So when Dustin goes away for a month and comes back and it’s like the whole summer has been going on without him (which... it has, really), he’s not feeling great about it.

Secondly: this scene is lifted nearly straight from the trailer we got (since for this fic I’m considering most S3 trailer/promo material “canon,” and then picking and choosing from the show). So, it’s not exactly how the scene in the show went down, but it’s pretty close to how I expected it to go down based on that one trailer we got. So that was fun to kind of re-imagine a little bit (although I think it ended up fairly close to the Netflix version, thus far).

A muffled little tink draws his attention to the vivarium on his left, where Yurtle is bumping against the side, stumpy little legs flailing as he fails to comprehend glass. Dustin grins at him.

“At least someone’s happy to see me.”

Yurtle continues his mission to pass through the solid glass wall, unperturbed by his complete lack of success. Determined little guy. Never gets very far, but he tries.

I love Yurtle. 

Dustin isn’t worried about it - the Party, that is. Honestly, he’s not. It’s not like they’ve all been acting weird for the past few months anyway. It’s not like ever since El reappeared Mike has been MIA more often than not, visiting her at the cabin for as long as Hopper will allow. It’s not like Max and Lucas have developed their own little language and routine together - not just boyfriend and girlfriend, but best friends. It’s not like Will has been a slightly different person since... well, since everything. It’s not like he misses how the Party used to be.

And here’s more of Dustin feeling a little insecure about the Party moving on without him - but more than that, I also needed to establish, in this first chapter, where the Party starts out in this story. Recap style. “Last time on: Hawkins, December through June.” What do we need to know to jump right into the story and have all the information we need? Mike has been hanging with El constantly. The Party is being a little weird (as discussed above). Everyone is kind of paired off except for Will and Dustin (until Suzie). Will is having Struggles (TM). Boom, boom, boom. We know what we need to; now on to the plot.

But Dustin doesn’t like to mope. He slaps his thighs and stands up, reaching into the vivarium to turn Yurtle around. Yurtle lumbers off towards his pool, apparently assured that his ability to move is due to his own success, and Dustin hums along with the radio as he unzips his duffel bag with a flourish. Who is he to complain? He just got back from possibly the most amazing summer camp ever. He’s got the whole rest of the summer ahead of him. He’s got things to do. Places to go. Popsicles to eat. (You know what they don’t have at Camp Know Where? Otter pops. Unbelievable, right? Three hundred acres, over five hundred campers and dozens of counselors, and not a single person could produce even one pack of sugary, brightly colored frozen goodness.)

He’s got plans. Specifically, an invention to get up and running - and he has the perfect place in mind. He bets he can get the gang to help him set it up - if they’d just answer.

Dustin is a fairly optimistic and resourceful person. We’ve seen that in seasons 1 and 2. He’s often underestimated, because he seems a little goofy at first glance - which he is, to be fair. But he’s also a problem-solver. He’s smart, and he doesn’t like to just sit and watch a problem get worse. He takes action. He’ll go to the library before school to check out extra books against the rules so he can identify the creature he found in his garbage. He’ll send his mom out of the house by having a fake one-person conversation on the phone, and then armor up in sports gear and single-handedly lure a baby demogorgon into the cellar. He’s not one to laze around and mope about his problems. 

So this ^ here is an example of me trying to feel out how this character thinks and acts, and portray it accurately (because, again, I’ve never written Dustin’s POV before.)

Okay, maybe he’s a little unsettled. The Party doesn’t just go radio silent on each other, okay? Because when a Party member goes radio-silent, it usually means that something is wrong. Really wrong.

His eyes slide over the stain in his carpet. It’s a barely-perceptible rusty brown, now, blending in with the striped carpet unless you know just where to look. He had to tell his mom it was spaghetti sauce.

Will wasn’t the only member of the Party who was scarred by what happened last fall. Everyone in the Party went through some shit, to varying degrees. Maybe Dustin wasn’t possessed by a shadow monster, but he did witness his cat being disemboweled and eaten by a baby demogorgon, and then he had to face said baby demogorgon, and scrub cat blood out of his carpet, and all the while make sure his mom wasn’t gonna be around to get hurt, and that would be pretty rough to go through for an adult - and Dustin was thirteen. (And that’s not even to mention the whole fighting-demodogs-with-Steve and infiltrating-the-Mind-Flayer’s-tunnels business.) 

His toy robot starts marching out of the corner just as Dustin turns away, chattering unintelligibly in its perpetual-low-battery fizzle, red eyes glowing.

Wait.

What.

Dustin turns back, slowly, and this time the robot is joined by a toy tank and R2D2.

Now, he’s no expert, but in Dustin’s fourteen years of experience on earth, toys don’t come alive.

I just love that little bit. 

Also, I REALLY REALLY WANTED TO FIND A WORD THAT MEANT “TOY EXPERT” BUT I COULDN’T FIND ONE. Like, the same way you might say, “Now, I’m no  podiatrist, but in my experience that’s too many toes for one foot.” That kind of tone. But apparently there’s not a word for “toy expert,” at least not that I could find. Everything google gave me when I typed that in was sex toy related lol. Not what I was going for. 

-_-_-_-

And that’s that little bit! It was fun doing Dustin’s POV, and this fic will be a fun challenge in that I usually write (at least in this fandom) nearly exclusively from Mike or Will’s POV, and in TRS3 we’re gonna get Dustin, Joyce, Nancy, Hop, Billy, the Mind Flayer... So, that’ll be a fresh challenge for me!

Thanks for the ask! I am also working on the others, I just completely forgot what the stars meant because I’m dumb lol

COTW - 27 update

Moving Viren into his old room was more work than Eren thought it'd be. Hanji had left in a huff before they'd come out of the bathroom, but that was thanks to Erwin telling her she should take Anna home. Anna had left him a hand drawn card, congratulating him on Rei and telling him to get well soon so they could play again. Or at least that's what he got from her 4 year old pensmanship. Erwin and Mike made easy work of dismantling his old bed, the room soon freed from the ocean shades Levi had decked it in for him. Everything loose of his was moved to Levi's room for sorting, the tiny dolphin Levi had purchased for him so long ago, barely survived Mike and Erwin's less than gentle technique of emptying the room... and he may have screamed at them over it... and his books... his books barely survived his son. He'd never asked Levi why he kept the TV cabinet empty, but he'd never been more grateful for it as his alpha stashed books there for him. He didn't want to think about leaving their apartment, yet, somehow he's accumulated more than he'd realised. He'd already moved a lot of stuff to Hanji's when he was preparing to leave, and if he was to bring all that back, then... then there'd be no room at all. Especially when most of it was things he did want to bring back. Their family photos. Soft toys. Clothes. It was a few hours later that they actually got to sit down and go through things for Viren's room and the nursery. Since having Rei "removed", his appetite had come back. His already thin frame had grown thinner, despite eating everything he was supposed and ribs were painfully visible as his body readjusted to the space caused by his son being born. Demolishing six pieces of toast without thinking about it, he was curled into Levi who balanced his laptop in his lap. First thing they did was choosing a new single bed for Viren, which Eren wanted to be wood given wood lasted longer than that laminated crap they made most children's things from. Choosing bed with shelves at the top, they were a little more expensive than he would have liked, but they'd make up for the initial cost with the years of use they'd see. Peppering kisses to his cheek each time he moved, Levi made everything so easy, that he found himself crying against his mate. Eren couldn't stomach the idea of red sheets for their son, so they got blue and white... even if white wasn't the most kid friendly colour. Blankets would come from theirs, Eren liked the idea of this son being surrounded by their scents... and he had a lot of suitable blankets... maybe more than a lot. He had enough to rival a brand name store, though the one Levi had gifted him for the Christmas been, would always, always remain in number one position. Finding things for premie-pups was hard, and unreasonably expensive. It wasn't as if they needed everything at once, but things like bottle nipples were stupidly priced. It made their earlier shopping seem like child's play, and again came the tears and anger over it all. Discarding the laptop, he was pulled into Levi's lap. His husband gentle as he reassured him everything would be ok. It might be "ok" but it didn't feel great. Calling Erwin to make sure he and Mike were fine with Viren, Levi helped him change clothes into something a little more hospital appropriate, before insisting on carrying him down to the car. It was nice to be so close to his husband, but frustrating that he needed Levi like he did. His mate still wasn't as soft and purry as cuddling into another omega would be, but the attention was nice. Especially attention about the things that didn't remind him he'd fucked up the pregnancy. * Eren was still all over the place, but his husband's face lit up once he saw Rei. They might not be able to touch him, but they were able to talk about their son's upcoming surgery, the tiny pup finally strong enough to handle it, and by this time the follow week, he'd be tumour free... though they also would be operating on the pups bowel, as there were further complications from the growth that had become evident now Rei was toileting. Eren was too confused to keep up, but he was also enamoured with their son, everything bouncing off him as he talked to the little pup. Spending until the end of visiting times with their baby boy, Eren was quite as they left. Climbing into the car, Levi placed his hand on Eren's "What are you thinking?" "About much I wanted to hold him... I didn't understand what they were saying about the surgery, can you explain it to me, when we get home?" "Yeah... of course. I thought you were acting quiet" "I didn't want to interrupt, and I really didn't want to be thinking about his surgery, not with him laying there" "He's doing good, Eren. He's putting weight on, his vitals are doing better. I know it hurts, but he's doing so much better now, like you are" "You're right... it sucks to hear it" Levi laughed softly "We'll figure this out" "I feel like you keep saying that" "Because we will. It's pretty late now, what do you want to do for dinner?" "I don't feel like cooking. Can we pick something up on the way home?" "Are you up to that?" "People. Eyes, and staring... not really, but I can stay in the car" "Are you sure?" "Yeah... I could probably use some time to cry stuff out..." "I can drop you at the apartment, if you'd prefer?" Eren shook his head, turning his hand to interlace their fingers together "No. When we get home, I want to shut the world out again. I want you and Viren, and cuddles with both of you..." "You and those cuddles. You might even get belly rubs" "Belly rubs would be nice. And cuddles with you two are the best part of the day" "Then we should head home. Do you want to send Erwin a text? Let him know we're headed home soon?" "No. Not really... if they're having fun with Viren, I don't want to disturb that. And we're not even bringing him home a cookie. You're a genius distracting him with them" He'd only started buying their son cookies because he seemed to enjoy them so much. He didn't really think of it as distracting him, but now that he did, he might as well hide his awkwardness by agreeing "Well, if we brought one home for him, it wouldn't be the same. I just didn't want him associating the hospital with bad things" "That's what makes you a genius..." "Really? I thought I was pretty smart about falling in love with you" "I don't know..." "I do. What do you feel like eating?" "Food. I'm not really sure, but your kid is hungry" "For meat?" Eren let out something close to a giggle "Fuck... well, I wouldn't say no. But I want it dead and well cooked" "My meat doesn't like the sound of that" "Then it's a good thing we won't be eating you. Isn't there a shopping centre around here?" "Yeah. On the way home. Why?" "I was thinking we could get a few things, so we don't have to cook tomorrow..." This could work... "Lee? You just went from all frowny and wrinkly, want to tell me why?" "I was just thinking about a certain omega who has a certain birthday tomorrow" "You're supposed be thinking about food" "I am. And you..." "You're not eating me" He definitely wouldn't say no to that, but Eren was still bleeding from the birth. Not that he minded, but Eren did "I didn't say I was... anyway, I have a plan of action now, and all you have to do is let me do this" "You're going to anyway" "You know me so well" "Well, I am your husband" "The best husband in the world" "No, that's definitely you... can we go now? I'm starting too think" "We can't have that" "You're an arsehole" "I thought I was the best husband?" "You're both" "And you're my Bright Eyed, Shitty Brat" "I'm starting to really like "bright eyes"" "Bright Eyes it is... oooh. Oh. Do you have a map, because I'm getting lost I your eyes" Eren groaned at him "You get stabbed once, and they never let you live it down" "Nope" Hitting up the shopping centre, Levi was able to make up for his forgetfulness... Picking out several different types of cuisine in the food hall, his arms were laden once he made it back to the RangeRover. He'd picked up presents for Eren's birthday, from both him and Viren, as well as everything he needed to make his omega a birthday cake. Though not happy with himself for forgetting in the first place, he now had a new plan for Eren's birthday. Eren was crying when he climbed into the car, but that was what he'd expected. His omega had said he needed to cry, so Levi didn't try to comfort him, despite how uncomfortable his alpha was over it. Reaching the apartment building, Eren shook off his offer for help, leaving him to collect the shopping from the back as Eren waited for him near the elevator. All his husband did was give him a raised eyebrow at the numerous bags of shopping. Heading up to their apartment, the rest of the night was spent in the company of Erwin, as Eren insisted it was polite to feed him for helping out with moving the things out his old bedroom. Once dinner was done, Erwin took the hint and left. Levi doing bathtime with Viren while Eren went about remaking their bed. Thanks to his turbulent mood and sleepiness, Eren headed to bed with Viren straight over the boy's bath. Levi receiving a sleepy promise for cuddles when he came to bed, but as tempting as it was, the pair of them heading to bed early gave him time to prepare everything for Eren's birthday surprise. * Woken to the sound of his phone ringing, Eren answered without checking who it was. A wake up call from Floch on his birthday wasn't the nicest of wake ups, but it was nice to know he'd be back on the stand on the fourth of April, for the last time. Assuring Floch he was fine to take the stand, he hung up feeling oddly ok with it. Both sides would be questioning him, but that was it. Once it was done, he was done... so maybe it wasn't a horrible birthday present? at all. "Who was that?" Mumbling against his nape, Levi nuzzled into him "Floch. I'm due in court on the fourth, but that's it. Once it's over, I won't have to go back" "Mmm... that's good" "That's what I thought. I nearly hung up on him when I realised who it was" "I would have... what's the time?" "Something stupid. I have to pee, but Viren's on my stomach" Levi groaned, extracting himself from behind him. Eren missing the warmth once he was gone "He's not supposed to be" "He's sleeping. He didn't mean to... let's leave him sleeping" "Can you slide out from under him?" "Yeah..." With the grace of a drunk ninja, Eren moved Viren off him while Levi supported him. Creeping out their room, Levi took him by the hand and drew him into the bathroom. Eren pushed lightly against the door as Levi's lips found his. Surprised by the deep kiss, he returned it sleepily, Levi laughing softly as their teeth scraped and brought the kiss to an end "Happy Birthday" "Mmm... thank you" "I've got something planned, but I was thinking we could shower together" "Levi. I said I didn't want to do anything" "I know, but this is your 25th birthday and your first birthday as my husband..." "So?" "What do you mean so? It's your birthday and we're going to celebrate. I know you're hurting and you're still figuring everything out, but I want today to be about you" "The last 5 months have been about me" "If it was our birthdays, you'd go above and beyond. I want to start the day right. Starting with a bath" "Am I allowed to bath?" "There's this wonderful thing called a waterproof dressing. I stocked up yesterday" "Only on dressings?" He hadn't meant to sound so suggestive, but the smile Levi gave him was worth it "Oh. I got plenty, and intend to be a pretty bad daddy, but for now..." Levi stole a quick kiss, before pushing off the door and walking to the bath "We're going to take a bath, then you're going to let me spoil you" Whatever Levi had planned was still a mystery when they climbed out the bath. Mentioning his breasts felt full, Levi helped him express... and then jerked then both off. Sleepy all over again, he was ushered off to sleep while Levi got Viren up and ready. So far, he wasn't going to complain, though he really wished he knew what was coming. His anxieties were already starting to blow things out of proportion in his mind, and ruining the start of his birthday for him without his permission. Falling back to sleep, it didn't seem that long before tiny fingers were being shoved up his nose and in his eyes "Mum! Mum. Mum. Mum. Mum. Muuuuum. Mummy. Wake up!" "I'm awake baby..." "Daddy, what do I say?" "Happy birthday" Eren snorted, grabbing Viren's hand before he could further acquaint it with his nose "Happy Berfday" Close enough "Thanks, baby..." "We made breakfast and he's pretty excited over it" "I'm getting up. I feel like I just fell asleep" "You were out for about an hour. Anyway. I've got your clothes ready, and I'll do your shoes for you" "Shoes?" They were leaving the apartment?! What the hell was going on... he told Levi he didn't want to leave the apartment and that he just wanted to spend a quiet day at home with his husband and son "Yeah. Don't look so worried" "Muuuuuum! Cake!" "Cake? Levi... what did you do?" "Viren helped" "Lee, you can't pin this on our son" "I can, when it gets me off the hook. Trust me, it's nothing too strenuous" "I wanted to stay home" "I know you did, but this is nice too" Mumbling over his husband, Eren climbed out of bed. He better not have planned something huge, or with their friends. He didn't want a fuss made of his birthday... They'd made a fuss last year because of Marco roping Hanji into it. Sitting on the dining table was a chocolate cake with toddler sized fingerprints in the cream icing. Levi would have made sure it was perfect, before letting Viren help, or cover the top with rainbow sprinkles in this case. Taking his usual seat at the table, Eren smiled at his two loves "Viren, did daddy let you help?" "He said it wasn't colourful enough" Levi sounded pouty. His hard work upset by a three year old "It's perfect. Thank you, both" "Cake!" Holding onto the edge of the table, Viren grinned at the cake "I take it we're having cake for breakfast?" "Yeah. Viren saw the cake and that was that" "That's why you do the cake last" "I couldn't. I had to get things ready while you rested" "I wouldn't have minded helping" "That ruins the whole plan... let me get the candles" "We don't..." "Eren. You're getting candles" Viren helped blow out the candles, before Levi presented him with presents. Not expecting all of this, he couldn't help but tear up. Viren wanting to know if he was crying over the cake, while Levi was trying to keep the toddler from crying by bribing him with the first piece. It was all so terribly domestic, that it was perfect. Leaving Viren to Levi, Eren went about opening the first present, which he promptly left half unwrapped, before hiding it from prying eyes. Scowling at Levi, his husband just smiled happily "I told you I feel like being a bad dad" That didn't mean Levi needed to gift him vibrating nipple clamps and a remote vibe... "Don't worry, everything else is age suitable" "You could have gifted this to me earlier, or when we were alone" "Where's the fun in that. Besides, there's more where that came from" Oh fuck... "Just open your presents" "I don't get to cut my cake?" "You're the one who knows how this birthday thing goes better than I do" "Lee. Seriously? How many time have I told you about cutting the cake. You get to make a wish. You don't cut all the way through on the first cut or your wish doesn't come true" "I know, but seeing you get so worked up is adorable" "Well sometimes not getting a mention in my wish" "I don't want to know. If you say it out loud, it won't come true" "Fine. Now let me cut the cake before Viren has a tantrum" Cutting his cake, Eren wished for the safety of his pup during birth, and that Rei's surgery would be successful... and of course, that he could be with Levi forever. Opening the rest of his gifts, his husband had worked fast. He'd gifted him an "R" for his charm bracelet, a few books, a voucher for a mani-pedi and some face cream. Viren gifted him scented bath oils and bath bombs, with a huge blue towel that looked more like a blanket. His son disappointed at the lack of things to play with, while Eren was pretty happy. The face cream set was his favourite brand, as were the bath oils and bath bomb... Levi might have played it down, but to him it meant a lot, because it meant that Levi had actually payed attention to the things he liked... even if to Levi, they weren't practical gifts. After cake for breakfast, Levi did his shoes for him and Eren was whisked away from the apartment. * Levi was feeling pretty invincible. Eren might have been playing nice over leaving the apartment, but the moment his omega put two and two together, he'd been buzzing with excitement. They were heading to the Aquarium... and it was Viren's first time going there. Hanji had mentioned things like visiting the zoo and the aquarium with the kids, but Eren would be disappointed over not being there to see Viren drinking everything in, in wonder. Having not seen Armin in a few years, he'd totally forgotten they'd first run into the blond alpha behind the reception desk. Standing there, he couldn't place him, until Armin joyously called out Eren's name, and Eren stuttered out Armin's. Not shying away, the pair dissolved into conversation and that was that. Armin discounted their tickets, waving them through happily and promising to catch up with them later. It was just like the first time they were there, but this time, instead of him teaching Eren the letters and words, Eren was teaching their son... to which Levi may have shed a few small tears over. He was so fucking proud. Both Eren and Viren were in awe of everything, Eren shooting him small, and happy glances as they brushed hands, or bumped sides. He hadn't known if Eren would enjoy being forced out the house, or made to walk, but by taking it slow Eren's mood never dropped. Armin joined them for lunch, and Levi found out that his husband and the blonde alpha had been in contact off and on. He'd heard Eren was pregnant, but not about the complications, which Eren didn't mention. Viren was over the moon as Armin had brought gifts with him. Simple promo items like pens and stickers, but there was also a stuffed dolphin and their son decided that he and the dolphin were sharing their lunch while the adults talked. Stopping by the gift shop, Levi swore it was the same as last time. Eren shooed him off to shop with Viren, while his omega happily went about shopping. Looking at the jewellery, he was reminded of the turtle he'd purchased all those years ago. He wasn't exactly sure what had happened to it, but knowing Eren, it would be somewhere safe. The rush of nostalgia was ridiculous, but filled his heart with warmth. They'd shared their first real kisses here. Eren had agreed to be his and he'd opened up about Isabel... he'd always compartmentalised everything before Eren came... because he was too afraid it'd all fall apart if he didn't, but now... Eren had taught him not to be afraid of himself and that it was ok to remember, while moving forward. Still riding the rush of nostalgia, he made an impulse purchase of a stingray keyring. The shark Eren had bought him lived on the shelf by the rabbit, even after all this time. Instead of gifting it to Eren, he attached it to his own keys, quietly laughing as he mentally joked over how long it'd take Eren to notice. The rest of Eren's birthday was spent at the apartment. They stopped by to see Rei, and Viren told his brother all about the fishes he'd seen, looking both torn and proud as he told his little brother he could have the dolphin Armin had gifted to him. Eren every bit the proud mum as he pulled Viren close. Exhausted from his big day out, Viren fell asleep in the car on the drive home, making it easy to put their son to bed when they finally made it back into the apartment... Once he was sure Viren's was asleep, Eren led him into their room. His omega not shy as pulled him into hungry kisses. Still recovering and tired from his own big day, Levi didn't want to mount to him, and hurt him, but that didn't mean the nipple clamps and his mouth couldn't make Eren feel good. The sight of his omegas weeping breasts was beautiful. Eren was beautiful as he sobbed for more. Falling apart completely when Levi inserted the vibe on the lowest setting. Bringing his mate to orgasm without even touching him was erotic as hell. Eren so lost in pleasure as he babbled and thanked him, over and over again. It stroked his ego to make his husband feel so good. Laying next to him, he praised Eren softly. Kissing him and thanking him for feeling it so much, before turning the clamps off and releasing Eren's nipples. Hissing with pain, Eren mewed as Levi sucked each nipple gently, then kissed the angry red buds. He wanted nothing more than to fill his mate and knot him, but Eren was over stimulated. His mate too tired for such things. He would have left it there, if Eren hadn't asked for more. Rewarding him with a blow job in the place of sex. In the end, he wasn't sure who had a better day... both lovers curling into each other as they purred... though he'd never admit that he actually purred. He had his pride as an alpha, after all. * The next few days passed slowly. It was a haze of moving Viren's things new room, having Mike, Erwin, Eld and Hanji in and out the apartment and a haze of yoyoing moods. Eren was slicking harder than ever, and wasn't able to do a damn thing about it. Levi wouldn't knot him, no matter how much he begged. He couldn't help how horny he felt, it came with pregnancy, but it did lead to some pretty spectacular tantrums on his behalf. He appreciated that Levi was looking out for him, and that he wasn't really up to being fucked like he needed, but he had needs for a thick fat knot filling him... that were going unmet. Levi was sleeping in Viren's room, because Eren had thrown him out their room and didn't know how to invite him back. He didn't like sleeping alone. If he slept alone he had nightmares, or even worse, his mind wouldn't let him sleep as it tag teamed with his bladder to keep him up all night. When the 4th of April finally came, Eren found himself in a foul mood. He was trying his hardest to keep a lid on it, but every little thing seemed to be conspiring against him. Viren had had a tantrum that morning because he wouldn't let him watch him in the bathroom. Levi had accidentally spilt tea on the shirt he'd been going to wear to court and then when they finally got to court, he was back to waiting in that stupid room alone again. He already knew the others were there. Levi had tried to settle him down by reassuring him that he wasn't alone... he thought maybe that meant Mike and Hanji were there. He didn't expect Mike, Hanji, Erwin, Eld, Krista, Armin and Mikasa. Armin and Mikasa... The things he had to say weren't for their ears, and while it'd been nice in its own way to catch up with Armin on his birthday, this... was too much. He had no idea how they even knew he'd taking the stand... The confidence built up by reminding himself repeatedly that "if things changed for just one omega, then it was worth it all", faltered. Mikasa and Armin had a very different memory of their childhood together. He was about to shatter that... and Levi looked pissed... fuck... gritting his teeth and rubbing his stomach, he tried to remember the most important thing, to breathe. Nick's lawyer had his shot first. Eren all but smacked in the face by the man's smug and knowing looks. Having pulled himself to his full height, waves of alphaness? rolled off of him. His scent telling Eren he thought nothing on him. Even if he was pregnant, he couldn't care less. To him his scent said "Eren was an omega and needed to know his place". Forcing himself not to whine, he then forced himself to sit a little straighter, his eyes narrowing as he did "Eren Yeager. Finally you come before court again. Are we to understand you've had health problems this entire time?" Well. Fuck... ok... he could do this. He'd dealt with plenty of arseshole alphas before... he needed to be sweet. Everyone loves a sweet omega and then... Well, the then usually involved throwing down with the alpha causing the problem "Yes. That is correct" And there it was, the looks between jurors. They'd been sympathetic towards him in the past, but now it looked like the sympathy had run dry "Would you please explain to us, why?" "Why? What?" "You have been in and out of hospital, I think the good members of the jury deserve to know why you've messed us around so much" Floch's lawyer didn't object, and Eren wondered who did the research on Nick's team... because if he was trying to imply that omegas were basket cases, well... he'd just shot himself in his foot. Was it wrong to feel a certain degree of glee over how badly the lawyer had just fucked up... maybe it was time to rub a little salt in the wound "Of course. Which time are you referring too? In February I suffered complications with my pregnancy when I was intentionally pushed down the stairs at the front of the courthouse. I then flew out to Mitras to have lifesaving surgery on my son who wasn't even born yet. He had a tumour growing at the base of his spine. At the start of March, while still recovering, I collapsed due to a panic attack from the stress of the trial and the fact I wasn't yet recovered from the surgery, and was told not to come back for the time being. On March 21st, my son was delivered via a caesarean to save his life, while I am still pregnant with his twin brother" He hoped his honey sweet tone didn't rile up the jury as much as it had seemed to rile up Nick's lawyer. Looking to his peer, the man swallowed hard... yep. He'd gone and fucked himself... "So what you're saying is that you have had an abnormal pregnancy, filled with complications" Abnormal. Who the fuck got to call his pregnancy abnormal?! "It isn't all that abnormal. The type of tumour isn't such a thing that it's unknown" "But isn't it true you initially considered abortion? Before selfishly deciding to keep the pup? Subjecting him to repeated extended hospital stays and surgery, practically torturing the child for a chance that you may get to play happy families? Do you really expect us to believe that with a murderer for a brother, and a sorely misguided abuser for a father, that you are no better than they are?" Eren felt as if he'd been smacked over the head with a baseball bat... How the fuck did they know he'd considered aborting? And... and all he'd wanted was for Levi's pups to live. No matter what it cost him... Floch's lawyer objected, the judge let out a sigh that Eren was sure he wasn't allowed to, but Eren raised his hackles like a cornered animal, hissing "You have no idea what it's been like. You have no idea at all! You're an alpha! The top of society! Well try being at the bottom! Did you know there are places that won't let you work there if you're an omega?! Did you know there are places that won't even let you shop there or buy anything if you're an omega! That they expect you to bring your alpha in, and for you to have permission from them to be there?! I know I am far from fucking perfect, but you do not get to turn this pregnancy against me! You have no idea what Levi and I have been through over it! My father was fucking piece of shit. He was a spineless coward who worked for Nick and his friends, because he believed Zeke and I would be murdered if he didn't. And then. When he found I was pregnant with my first son, he finally grew a backbone..." The judge was trying to get him to calm down, buuuuut calming an angry omega was hard at the best of times, let alone one that was pregnant and pissed before taking the stand "... He went after the board of directors or whatever they were that worked out of the main building at the compound. He burned the facility to the ground while we lead the omegas from there. So many had joined thinking the organisation was something completely different from what it was. They couldn't cope with the aftermath of their pregnancies. Most of them were there as victims of abuse or were sold by their partners, or even family. It wasn't until they were locked away at night, or their children taken from them that they knew what all that meant. And my father... he knew what he was doing was wrong, but he still did it anyway. Then... when we were escaping, the guards turned their guns on us. Weapons pointed at kids and omegas with no way to defend themselves. My father gave his life to stop me from dying... he left me with the weight of his sins. All I ever wanted was to help omegas... and he did something as dirty and vile as that. It's wrong and it's disgusting" At some point he'd risen to his feet. The guards had moved closer and everyone had shut the fuck up, while openly gawking at him. Sinking back down, he felt foolish for yelling... especially about things he wasn't asked about... whelp... "I think we could all use a moment to compose ourselves. The jury is to disregard Mr Yeager's outburst" It was fucking Ackerman. He was so done with being a Yeager... but he wasn't about to correct the judge... and beside, even if you told them, it didn't stop them from hearing the words. It didn't magically go back in time and take them back... "Mr Yeager, one more comment like that and you will be found in contempt of the court, and you will be removed" He felt like a kid being scolded by a grandparent. Judges were supposed to be fair and impartial, but the man seemed completely done with everything. After so many weeks of dealing with Nick and his legal team, yeah, he could see why "I'm sorry, sir" The judges lips twitched, the smile not forming, though he did seem amused over Eren's weak apology. Turning back to Nick's lawyer, he switched back to professional mode "Keep your questions relevant to the current case councillor, or I will have to find you in contempt of court" "I was merely trying to ascertain Mr Yeager's current state of wellbeing, may bring to light the fact he may not be the best witness to call given his health issues" Wanker... like anyone was going to believe that "We all have a firm idea of Mr Yeager's health. Now I strongly suggest you keep your questions a little less loaded" "In that case, Mr Yeager. Can you please tell us about the incident with Reiner Braun" "Which one?" "The one that ended up with him dead" "You mean the one when he abducted me from the apartment I share with my alpha, at gun point?" "Mr Yeager..." "Sorry. Yes. I knew Reiner Braun from the time he and his alpha mate, Bertholdt Hoover, lived with my brother Zeke, and I. I was waiting at home as my alpha was at work. He worked as a paramedic for the city. I was around 8 months pregnant with my first son Viren, when Reiner came. I'd ordered some things online, and I foolishly believed it was the delivery man. Opening the door, Reiner shoved a gun in my face. He was acting crazy, and he knocked me down. He wanted both Levi and I. I can't recall if it was Levi or I who called each other, but I tried to tell him what was happening, but sadly he didn't understand. Angered that Levi wouldn't be returning soon, Reiner struck me again. From my apartment I was taken to an abandoned house... where I was bound to a dining room chair. Reiner returned with the dead body of Bertholdt Hoover. He blamed me for the death of his mate, and intended for Levi to suffer by losing his mate and son, like Reiner was suffering. Bertholdt had been in a coma since the compound burned down, and when he passed, Reiner lost his mind with grief. Reiner left and I was left bound. I tried to escape the binding around my ankles and wrists, they cut so deep I still have the scars. When Reiner returned with Levi, Levi was unconscious..." Eren paused to take a breath, this was no doubt karma for feeling the tiniest bit cocky before. Tears were running down his cheeks, despite the anger in his tone and scent "... He was acting insane. From being struck, I was already in labour. When Levi came to, he was angry. Reiner and he were yelling back and forth... Reiner got mad over it all, shooting between my legs... then... then he shot Levi again, and again, and again. He nearly killed my alpha and all Levi cared about was getting me out of there. I can't really remember what happened next, but somehow we ended up on the floor. The chairs were old and snapped with the weight. Getting... getting a hand free... I stabbed him... I wanted him to stop hurting Levi... he wanted us gone and Levi was in so much pain. Levi got the gun from Reiner and shot him... Levi was bleeding so badly, he still has the bullet near his spine, but he tried to get me out the house. After that, I was told Erwin contacted Floch about the message I tried to give Levi. They tracked the GPS in the car, while I was bleeding from labour complications and Levi... Levi was dying in my arms..." "So you and your husband killed Reiner Braun? Without even waiting for police help? Did you even try to reason with him?" "Reiner was lost to his grief. The house was the house he and Bertholdt intended to start a family in, but they were pulled in by "The Church", and ultimately lost their lives because of it. There was no reasoning with him. He wanted it all to end" "And now we'll never know. You seem to survive a lot. It would have driven the normal person insane" "If you're asking if I have mental health issues I do. For years I've had nightmares of my mother's death, and my time being treated like a dog. I have PTSD, anxieties, depression, Post-partum depression. I have panic attacks and screaming nightmares. For years I was told my heats were wrong and bad, and because of that, my scent is weak for an omega and my body tries to send me into heat under stress. But I also have the most amazing support network I've ever had. My husband is infinitely patient. My therapist is the first person I felt I could tell everything to. My friends are trained medical professionals. So yes. I do have mental health issues, but I have people that have helped me more than I thought any alpha would ever" "You openly admit you're mentally ill. How do you know these relationships mean the same to them as they do to you?" "Because they're here today..." He probably wasn't supposed to wave, but he raised his hand, Levi smiling as he did "How do we know the things you're saying are true at all? And not some figment of your imagination?" "I have the scars and the medical history. And yes, coming into this trial, I knew my word would be doubted as I'm an omega. So all I could tell you was my truth. I can't speak for anyone else, other than me. The way you take it is up to you..." "You are a thoroughly unpleasant man, Mr Yeager" "Coming from someone like you, that's a compliment" "Learn your place omega! Your place is to bow before alphas! Omegas need The Chuch! Where else would take them and their bastard children!" On his feet, Nick was furious. "You sit there and you lie!" "This coming from the man who elbowed me in the stomach, then had someone push me down the stairs! You knew what was going on at the compound! My father had photos of you! I know you knew! You were there! You paid the people who hurt so many others and you raked in the money from all your dirty deals! You tried to have me and brother killed! You blackmailed my father! Drove him to kill my mother... ngh..." Hunching over his stomach, his pup gave him a particularly hard kick to the ribs and silenced his yelling. Yeah... he was getting kicked out of court... "Guards, please remove Mr Yeager. Medic, if you please" Yep. He'd called it... a pregnant, frustrated omega who wasn't getting any, and had been insulted... they were lucky he hadn't been screaming at people from the start. * Leaving the others to watch over what happened next in the courtroom, Levi waited for Eren to reappear in the hallway down from the courts door. With his mate's performance on the stand ending with him being kicked out of court, he probably should have felt something other than proud. Nick's lawyers had fucked the case for themselves, letting their egos believe they were better than Eren, and Nick's outburst had been the final nail in the coffin. There was no coming back from that. Practically throwing himself on Eren as his husband stepped through the door, his omega smelt of pride. Eren knew he'd done a good job, but that didn't stop Levi nuzzling the fuck out of his husband's neck. He was luckiest alpha in the world. Laughing as he nuzzled, Eren tried to push him off "Calm down!" "No. Never. You were amazing, Eren. You are amazing" "I don't think Nick's legal team agrees" "When you called him out... it was fucking gold. That piece of shit had no idea what happened" "I know... Lee. It's over right. I don't have to go back in?" "Not after being kicked out like that. Are you ok? You groaned..." "The pup kicked hard, and I kind of need the bathroom. But right now, I feel really proud" Lifting Eren off his feet, his omega let out a small cry of surprise. Carrying Eren down to the bathroom, his omega was gazing up at him so lovingly, that Levi's racing heart skipped a beat. The sweetness of his scent more than Levi could handle, and the warmth of his omega's skin was like sending his blood into a roaring flame. He'd been too scared to touch Eren directly, more than jerking or sucking him off to give him some relief, but right now he couldn't care less. Bursting into the bathroom, he stood Eren up, before shoving him into the first available stall. Locking the door behind him, Levi let out a growl as Eren forced a hard kiss to lips, his husband's hand already tugging on his belt "Fuck... me..." "I've got it... shit. Watching you up there... got me so fucking hot for you" Whining, Eren bared his neck in the small space, his hands moving to fumble his own pants down before turning to present himself the best he could. Warm wet slick was flooding down Eren's thighs in long wet ribbons "Fuck. I want to eat you out so fucking badly, brat" Slapping Eren's arse, Eren mewed "Alpha... I've been good, haven't I?" "So fucking good, baby..." Finally getting himself out of his pants, Levi took Eren by the hips to pull him back "Not going to last" "Don't care. Need it, Lee... need your thick knot" Releasing Eren's left hip, Levi guided himself into Eren's wet heat. Having not mounted his mate in days, he nearly came from how good it felt as he slowly pushed in. Eren threw his head back, moaning through the burn that accompanied the action. The fact they could be caught at any moment only adding to the appeal, and after how strong Eren had been on the stand... he needed him so fucking badly "Need it hard, Levi. Don't hold back..." Growling, there really wasn't any way he could hold back. He was desperate to feel connected to his omega. Riding Eren hard and fast, Eren's moans filled the space, his omega jerking himself desperately as Levi felt his knot starting to form way too fast. Coming within minutes, Levi saw fireworks behind his closed eyelids, Eren clenching and rippling deliciously as his omega came, then pissed with him still buried inside. It wasn't the cleanest or sweetest of fucks, but it'd been what they both desperately needed... followed by a few very awkward moments as they rearranged themselves so Eren was sitting in his lap as the both regained their breaths. Rubbing his mate's stomach, Eren's head lolled on his shoulder, his omega shooting him a dopey and satisfied smile "Feels like you're still coming" "I am... I always come so fucking hard when I'm buried inside you..." "It's good... I feel it... I've needed that for days" "I didn't want to hurt you" "Mmmm... so we both reached the limit of our self control" "You make me so fucking proud of you. Every single day, you make proud of you. You're so fucking perfect" Eren gave him a soft giggle "I don't think the court agrees" "You yelling like that... it went right to my dick" His stubborn little brat rolled his hips, drawing a gasp from him. He was so getting it when they got out of the bathroom "I can tell. Talking about you dying... it hurt so fucking bad... I hate it. I hate remembering it" "I know. I know you do" "I love you so much, Levi. I won't let anyone ever take you from me" "No one's going to. You make me so happy, Eren. Watching you yell and get so passionate about something... it makes me fall for you all over again" "Lee... take me home. Take me home and take me bed. I want to feel my husband. I want to forget everything and be in your arms. I want to see you" Taking his left hand, Eren kissed both sides of his scar, before nuzzling into it "I want to see it all. Every single scar..." "Bright Eyes..." "I don't want to live without you, Levi. Wherever you go, I'll follow you. So please don't leave me" Nuzzling into Eren's hair, he kissed his husband softly "I'm never going to leave you. Even when the whole worlds against you. You're my hope for the future. You. Viren. Rei..." Moving his right hand to the centre of Eren's swell, he splayed his fingers over the bump "This little one. I want it all, with you" "If I wasn't already your husband, I'd say that was one hell of a proposal" "Mmm. Maybe. You're my everything" "And you're mine. When I'm with you, I can do anything" "Like a bird? Dancing in the wind?" "You remember that?" "I remember" Waiting until his knot deflated, cleaning up Eren became priority, yet the more the tried to, the more Eren slicked and the more aroused he became until he finally called fuck it. Giggling again, Eren held his hand as they crept from the bathroom. No one was around, and though Levi kept trying to hush Eren, his husband was just too happy. He didn't have to come back here. Judging from the judges attitude, the man already believed it was all a waste of time, and was simply letting things play out. Nick had fucked his own argument... and yeah... he was the proudest alpha in the world.

COTW 27 - start...

Moving Viren into his old room was more work than Eren thought it'd be. Hanji had left in a huff before they'd come out of the bathroom, but that was thanks to Erwin telling her she should take Anna home. Anna had left him a hand drawn card, congratulating him on Rei and telling him to get well soon so they could play again. Or at least that's what he got from her 4 year old pensmanship. Erwin and Mike made easy work of dismantling his old bed, the room soon freed from the ocean shades Levi had decked it in for him. Everything loose of his was moved to Levi's room for sorting, the tiny dolphin Levi had purchased for him so long ago, barely survived Mike and Erwin's less than gentle technique of emptying the room... and he may have screamed at them over it... and his books... his books barely survived his son. He'd never asked Levi why he kept the TV cabinet empty, but he'd never been more grateful for it as his alpha stashed books there for him. He didn't want to think about leaving their apartment, yet, somehow he's accumulated more than he'd realised. He'd already moved a lot of stuff to Hanji's when he was preparing to leave, and if he was to bring all that back, then... then there'd be no room at all. Especially when most of it was things he did want to bring back. Their family photos. Soft toys. Clothes. It was a few hours later that they actually got to sit down and go through things for Viren's room and the nursery. Since having Rei "removed", his appetite had come back. His already thin frame had grown thinner, despite eating everything he was supposed and ribs were painfully visible as his body readjusted to the space caused by his son being born. Demolishing six pieces of toast without thinking about it, he was curled into Levi who balanced his laptop in his lap. First thing they did was choosing a new single bed for Viren, which Eren wanted to be wood given wood lasted longer than that laminated crap they made most children's things from. Choosing bed with shelves at the top, they were a little more expensive than he would have liked, but they'd make up for the initial cost with the years of use they'd see. Peppering kisses to his cheek each time he moved, Levi made everything so easy, that he found himself crying against his mate. Eren couldn't stomach the idea of red sheets for their son, so they got blue and white... even if white wasn't the most kid friendly colour. Blankets would come from theirs, Eren liked the idea of this son being surrounded by their scents... and he had a lot of suitable blankets... maybe more than a lot. He had enough to rival a brand name store, though the one Levi had gifted him for the Christmas been, would always, always remain in number one position. Finding things for premie-pups was hard, and unreasonably expensive. It wasn't as if they needed everything at once, but things like bottle nipples were stupidly priced. It made their earlier shopping seem like child's play, and again came the tears and anger over it all. Discarding the laptop, he was pulled into Levi's lap. His husband gentle as he reassured him everything would be ok. It might be "ok" but it didn't feel great. Calling Erwin to make sure he and Mike were fine with Viren, Levi helped him change clothes into something a little more hospital appropriate, before insisting on carrying him down to the car. It was nice to be so close to his husband, but frustrating that he needed Levi like he did. His mate still wasn't as soft and purry as cuddling into another omega would be, but the attention was nice. Especially attention about the things that didn't remind him he'd fucked up the pregnancy. * Eren was still all over the place, but his husband's face lit up once he saw Rei. They might not be able to touch him, but they were able to talk about their son's upcoming surgery, the tiny pup finally strong enough to handle it, and by this time the follow week, he'd be tumour free... though they also would be operating on the pups bowel, as there were further complications from the growth that had become evident now Rei was toileting. Eren was too confused to keep up, but he was also enamoured with their son, everything bouncing off him as he talked to the little pup. Spending until the end of visiting times with their baby boy, Eren was quite as they left. Climbing into the car, Levi placed his hand on Eren's "What are you thinking?" "About much I wanted to hold him... I didn't understand what they were saying about the surgery, can you explain it to me, when we get home?" "Yeah... of course. I thought you were acting quiet" "I didn't want to interrupt, and I really didn't want to be thinking about his surgery, not with him laying there" "He's doing good, Eren. He's putting weight on, his vitals are doing better. I know it hurts, but he's doing so much better now, like you are" "You're right... it sucks to hear it" Levi laughed softly "We'll figure this out" "I feel like you keep saying that" "Because we will. It's pretty late now, what do you want to do for dinner?" "I don't feel like cooking. Can we pick something up on the way home?" "Are you up to that?" "People. Eyes, and staring... not really, but I can stay in the car" "Are you sure?" "Yeah... I could probably use some time to cry stuff out..." "I can drop you at the apartment, if you'd prefer?" Eren shook his head, turning his hand to interlace their fingers together "No. When we get home, I want to shut the world out again. I want you and Viren, and cuddles with both of you..." "You and those cuddles. You might even get belly rubs" "Belly rubs would be nice. And cuddles with you two are the best part of the day" "Then we should head home. Do you want to send Erwin a text? Let him know we're headed home soon?" "No. Not really... if they're having fun with Viren, I don't want to disturb that. And we're not even bringing him home a cookie. You're a genius distracting him with them" He'd only started buying their son cookies because he seemed to enjoy them so much. He didn't really think of it as distracting him, but now that he did, he might as well hide his awkwardness by agreeing "Well, if we brought one home for him, it wouldn't be the same. I just didn't want him associating the hospital with bad things" "That's what makes you a genius..." "Really? I thought I was pretty smart about falling in love with you" "I don't know..." "I do. What do you feel like eating?" "Food. I'm not really sure, but your kid is hungry" "For meat?" Eren let out something close to a giggle "Fuck... well, I wouldn't say no. But I want it dead and well cooked" "My meat doesn't like the sound of that" "Then it's a good thing we won't be eating you. Isn't there a shopping centre around here?" "Yeah. On the way home. Why?" "I was thinking we could get a few things, so we don't have to cook tomorrow..." This could work... "Lee? You just went from all frowny and wrinkly, want to tell me why?" "I was just thinking about a certain omega who has a certain birthday tomorrow" "You're supposed be thinking about food" "I am. And you..." "You're not eating me" He definitely wouldn't say no to that, but Eren was still bleeding from the birth. Not that he minded, but Eren did "I didn't say I was... anyway, I have a plan of action now, and all you have to do is let me do this" "You're going to anyway" "You know me so well" "Well, I am your husband" "The best husband in the world" "No, that's definitely you... can we go now? I'm starting too think" "We can't have that" "You're an arsehole" "I thought I was the best husband?" "You're both" "And you're my Bright Eyed, Shitty Brat" "I'm starting to really like "bright eyes"" "Bright Eyes it is... oooh. Oh. Do you have a map, because I'm getting lost I your eyes" Eren groaned at him "You get stabbed once, and they never let you live it down" "Nope" Hitting up the shopping centre, Levi was able to make up for his forgetfulness... Picking out several different types of cuisine in the food hall, his arms were laden once he made it back to the RangeRover. He'd picked up presents for Eren's birthday, from both him and Viren, as well as everything he needed to make his omega a birthday cake. Though not happy with himself for forgetting in the first place, he now had a new plan for Eren's birthday. Eren was crying when he climbed into the car, but that was what he'd expected. His omega had said he needed to cry, so Levi didn't try to comfort him, despite how uncomfortable his alpha was over it. Reaching the apartment building, Eren shook off his offer for help, leaving him to collect the shopping from the back as Eren waited for him near the elevator. All his husband did was give him a raised eyebrow at the numerous bags of shopping. Heading up to their apartment, the rest of the night was spent in the company of Erwin, as Eren insisted it was polite to feed him for helping out with moving the things out his old bedroom. Once dinner was done, Erwin took the hint and left. Levi doing bathtime with Viren while Eren went about remaking their bed. Thanks to his turbulent mood and sleepiness, Eren headed to bed with Viren straight over the boy's bath. Levi receiving a sleepy promise for cuddles when he came to bed, but as tempting as it was, the pair of them heading to bed early gave him time to prepare everything for Eren's birthday surprise. * Woken to the sound of his phone ringing, Eren answered without checking who it was. A wake up call from Floch on his birthday wasn't the nicest of wake ups, but it was nice to know he'd be back on the stand on the fourth of April, for the last time. Assuring Floch he was fine to take the stand, he hung up feeling oddly ok with it. Both sides would be questioning him, but that was it. Once it was done, he was done... so maybe it wasn't a horrible birthday present? at all. "Who was that?" Mumbling against his nape, Levi nuzzled into him "Floch. I'm due in court on the fourth, but that's it. Once it's over, I won't have to go back" "Mmm... that's good" "That's what I thought. I nearly hung up on him when I realised who it was" "I would have... what's the time?" "Something stupid. I have to pee, but Viren's on my stomach" Levi groaned, extracting himself from behind him. Eren missing the warmth once he was gone "He's not supposed to be" "He's sleeping. He didn't mean to... let's leave him sleeping" "Can you slide out from under him?" "Yeah..." With the grace of a drunk ninja, Eren moved Viren off him while Levi supported him. Creeping out their room, Levi took him by the hand and drew him into the bathroom. Eren pushed lightly against the door as Levi's lips found his. Surprised by the deep kiss, he returned it sleepily, Levi laughing softly as their teeth scraped and brought the kiss to an end "Happy Birthday" "Mmm... thank you" "I've got something planned, but I was thinking we could shower together" "Levi. I said I didn't want to do anything" "I know, but this is your 25th birthday and your first birthday as my husband..." "So?" "What do you mean so? It's your birthday and we're going to celebrate. I know you're hurting and you're still figuring everything out, but I want today to be about you" "The last 5 months have been about me" "If it was our birthdays, you'd go above and beyond. I want to start the day right. Starting with a bath" "Am I allowed to bath?" "There's this wonderful thing called a waterproof dressing. I stocked up yesterday" "Only on dressings?" He hadn't meant to sound so suggestive, but the smile Levi gave him was worth it "Oh. I got plenty, and intend to be a pretty bad daddy, but for now..." Levi stole a quick kiss, before pushing off the door and walking to the bath "We're going to take a bath, then you're going to let me spoil you" Whatever Levi had planned was still a mystery when they climbed out the bath. Mentioning his breasts felt full, Levi helped him express... and then jerked then both off. Sleepy all over again, he was ushered off to sleep while Levi got Viren up and ready. So far, he wasn't going to complain, though he really wished he knew what was coming. His anxieties were already starting to blow things out of proportion in his mind, and ruining the start of his birthday for him without his permission. Falling back to sleep, it didn't seem that long before tiny fingers were being shoved up his nose and in his eyes "Mum! Mum. Mum. Mum. Mum. Muuuuum. Mummy. Wake up!" "I'm awake baby..." "Daddy, what do I say?" "Happy birthday" Eren snorted, grabbing Viren's hand before he could further acquaint it with his nose "Happy Berfday" Close enough "Thanks, baby..." "We made breakfast and he's pretty excited over it" "I'm getting up. I feel like I just fell asleep" "You were out for about an hour. Anyway. I've got your clothes ready, and I'll do your shoes for you" "Shoes?" They were leaving the apartment?! What the hell was going on... he told Levi he didn't want to leave the apartment and that he just wanted to spend a quiet day at home with his husband and son "Yeah. Don't look so worried" "Muuuuuum! Cake!" "Cake? Levi... what did you do?" "Viren helped" "Lee, you can't pin this on our son" "I can, when it gets me off the hook. Trust me, it's nothing too strenuous" "I wanted to stay home" "I know you did, but this is nice too" Mumbling over his husband, Eren climbed out of bed. He better not have planned something huge, or with their friends. He didn't want a fuss made of his birthday... They'd made a fuss last year because of Marco roping Hanji into it. Sitting on the dining table was a chocolate cake with toddler sized fingerprints in the cream icing. Levi would have made sure it was perfect, before letting Viren help, or cover the top with rainbow sprinkles in this case. Taking his usual seat at the table, Eren smiled at his two loves "Viren, did daddy let you help?" "He said it wasn't colourful enough" Levi sounded pouty. His hard work upset by a three year old "It's perfect. Thank you, both" "Cake!" Holding onto the edge of the table, Viren grinned at the cake "I take it we're having cake for breakfast?" "Yeah. Viren saw the cake and that was that" "That's why you do the cake last" "I couldn't. I had to get things ready while you rested" "I wouldn't have minded helping" "That ruins the whole plan... let me get the candles" "We don't..." "Eren. You're getting candles" Viren helped blow out the candles, before Levi presented him with presents. Not expecting all of this, he couldn't help but tear up. Viren wanting to know if he was crying over the cake, while Levi was trying to keep the toddler from crying by bribing him with the first piece. It was all so terribly domestic, that it was perfect. Leaving Viren to Levi, Eren went about opening the first present, which he promptly left half unwrapped, before hiding it from prying eyes. Scowling at Levi, his husband just smiled happily "I told you I feel like being a bad dad" That didn't mean Levi needed to gift him vibrating nipple clamps and a remote vibe... "Don't worry, everything else is age suitable" "You could have gifted this to me earlier, or when we were alone" "Where's the fun in that. Besides, there's more where that came from" Oh fuck... "Just open your presents" "I don't get to cut my cake?" "You're the one who knows how this birthday thing goes better than I do" "Lee. Seriously? How many time have I told you about cutting the cake. You get to make a wish. You don't cut all the way through on the first cut or your wish doesn't come true" "I know, but seeing you get so worked up is adorable" "Well sometimes not getting a mention in my wish" "I don't want to know. If you say it out loud, it won't come true" "Fine. Now let me cut the cake before Viren has a tantrum" Cutting his cake, Eren wished for the safety of his pup during birth, and that Rei's surgery would be successful... and of course, that he could be with Levi forever. Opening the rest of his gifts, his husband had worked fast. He'd gifted him an "R" for his charm bracelet, a few books, a voucher for a mani-pedi and some face cream. Viren gifted him scented bath oils and bath bombs, with a huge blue towel that looked more like a blanket. His son disappointed at the lack of things to play with, while Eren was pretty happy. The face cream set was his favourite brand, as were the bath oils and bath bomb... Levi might have played it down, but to him it meant a lot, because it meant that Levi had actually payed attention to the things he liked... even if to Levi, they weren't practical gifts. After cake for breakfast, Levi did his shoes for him and Eren was whisked away from the apartment.

COTW chapter something update...

Moving Viren into his old room was more work than Eren thought it'd be. Hanji had left in a huff before they'd come out of the bathroom, but that was thanks to Erwin telling her she should take Anna home. Anna had left him a hand drawn card, congratulating him on Rei and telling him to get well soon so they could play again. Or at least that's what he got from her 4 year old pensmanship. Erwin and Mike made easy work of dismantling his old bed, the room soon freed from the ocean shades Levi had decked it in for him. Everything loose of his was moved to Levi's room for sorting, the tiny dolphin Levi had purchased for him so long ago, barely survived Mike and Erwin's less than gentle technique of emptying the room... and he may have screamed at them over it... and his books... his books barely survived his son. He'd never asked Levi why he kept the TV cabinet empty, but he'd never been more grateful for it as his alpha stashed books there for him. He didn't want to think about leaving their apartment, yet, somehow he's accumulated more than he'd realised. He'd already moved a lot of stuff to Hanji's when he was preparing to leave, and if he was to bring all that back, then... then there'd be no room at all. Especially when most of it was things he did want to bring back. Their family photos. Soft toys. Clothes. It was a few hours later that they actually got to sit down and go through things for Viren's room and the nursery. Since having Rei "removed", his appetite had come back. His already thin frame had grown thinner, despite eating everything he was supposed and ribs were painfully visible as his body readjusted to the space caused by his son being born. Demolishing six pieces of toast without thinking about it, he was curled into Levi who balanced his laptop in his lap. First thing they did was choosing a new single bed for Viren, which Eren wanted to be wood given wood lasted longer than that laminated crap they made most children's things from. Choosing bed with shelves at the top, they were a little more expensive than he would have liked, but they'd make up for the initial cost with the years of use they'd see. Peppering kisses to his cheek each time he moved, Levi made everything so easy, that he found himself crying against his mate. Eren couldn't stomach the idea of red sheets for their son, so they got blue and white... even if white wasn't the most kid friendly colour. Blankets would come from theirs, Eren liked the idea of this son being surrounded by their scents... and he had a lot of suitable blankets... maybe more than a lot. He had enough to rival a brand name store, though the one Levi had gifted him for the Christmas been, would always, always remain in number one position. Finding things for premie-pups was hard, and unreasonably expensive. It wasn't as if they needed everything at once, but things like bottle nipples were stupidly priced. It made their earlier shopping seem like child's play, and again came the tears and anger over it all. Discarding the laptop, he was pulled into Levi's lap. His husband gentle as he reassured him everything would be ok. It might be "ok" but it didn't feel great. Calling Erwin to make sure he and Mike were fine with Viren, Levi helped him change clothes into something a little more hospital appropriate, before insisting on carrying him down to the car. It was nice to be so close to his husband, but frustrating that he needed Levi like he did. His mate still wasn't as soft and purry as cuddling into another omega would be, but the attention was nice. Especially attention about the things that didn't remind him he'd fucked up the pregnancy. * Eren was still all over the place, but his husband's face lit up once he saw Rei. They might not be able to touch him, but they were able to talk about their son's upcoming surgery, the tiny pup finally strong enough to handle it, and by this time the follow week, he'd be tumour free... though they also would be operating on the pups bowel, as there were further complications from the growth that had become evident now Rei was toileting. Eren was too confused to keep up, but he was also enamoured with their son, everything bouncing off him as he talked to the little pup. Spending until the end of visiting times with their baby boy, Eren was quite as they left. Climbing into the car, Levi placed his hand on Eren's "What are you thinking?" "About much I wanted to hold him... I didn't understand what they were saying about the surgery, can you explain it to me, when we get home?" "Yeah... of course. I thought you were acting quiet" "I didn't want to interrupt, and I really didn't want to be thinking about his surgery, not with him laying there" "He's doing good, Eren. He's putting weight on, his vitals are doing better. I know it hurts, but he's doing so much better now, like you are" "You're right... it sucks to hear it" Levi laughed softly "We'll figure this out" "I feel like you keep saying that" "Because we will. It's pretty late now, what do you want to do for dinner?" "I don't feel like cooking. Can we pick something up on the way home?" "Are you up to that?" "People. Eyes, and staring... not really, but I can stay in the car" "Are you sure?" "Yeah... I could probably use some time to cry stuff out..." "I can drop you at the apartment, if you'd prefer?" Eren shook his head, turning his hand to interlace their fingers together "No. When we get home, I want to shut the world out again. I want you and Viren, and cuddles with both of you..." "You and those cuddles. You might even get belly rubs" "Belly rubs would be nice. And cuddles with you two are the best part of the day" "Then we should head home. Do you want to send Erwin a text? Let him know we're headed home soon?" "No. Not really... if they're having fun with Viren, I don't want to disturb that. And we're not even bringing him home a cookie. You're a genius distracting him with them" He'd only started buying their son cookies because he seemed to enjoy them so much. He didn't really think of it as distracting him, but now that he did, he might as well hide his awkwardness by agreeing "Well, if we brought one home for him, it wouldn't be the same. I just didn't want him associating the hospital with bad things" "That's what makes you a genius..." "Really? I thought I was pretty smart about falling in love with you" "I don't know..." "I do. What do you feel like eating?" "Food. I'm not really sure, but your kid is hungry" "For meat?" Eren let out something close to a giggle "Fuck... well, I wouldn't say no. But I want it dead and well cooked" "My meat doesn't like the sound of that" "Then it's a good thing we won't be eating you. Isn't there a shopping centre around here?" "Yeah. On the way home. Why?" "I was thinking we could get a few things, so we don't have to cook tomorrow..." This could work... "Lee? You just went from all frowny and wrinkly, want to tell me why?" "I was just thinking about a certain omega who has a certain birthday tomorrow" "You're supposed be thinking about food" "I am. And you..." "You're not eating me" He definitely wouldn't say no to that, but Eren was still bleeding from the birth. Not that he minded, but Eren did "I didn't say I was... anyway, I have a plan of action now, and all you have to do is let me do this" "You're going to anyway" "You know me so well" "Well, I am your husband" "The best husband in the world" "No, that's definitely you... can we go now? I'm starting too think" "We can't have that" "You're an arsehole" "I thought I was the best husband?" "You're both" "And you're my Bright Eyed, Shitty Brat" "I'm starting to really like "bright eyes"" "Bright Eyes it is... oooh. Oh. Do you have a map, because I'm getting lost I your eyes" Eren groaned at him "You get stabbed once, and they never let you live it down" "Nope" Hitting up the shopping centre, Levi was able to make up for his forgetfulness... Picking out several different types of cuisine in the food hall, his arms were laden once he made it back to the RangeRover. He'd picked up presents for Eren's birthday, from both him and Viren, as well as everything he needed to make his omega a birthday cake. Though not happy with himself for forgetting in the first place, he now had a new plan for Eren's birthday. Eren was crying when he climbed into the car, but that was what he'd expected. His omega had said he needed to cry, so Levi didn't try to comfort him, despite how uncomfortable his alpha was over it. Reaching the apartment building, Eren shook off his offer for help, leaving him to collect the shopping from the back as Eren waited for him near the elevator. All his husband did was give him a raised eyebrow at the numerous bags of shopping. Heading up to their apartment, the rest of the night was spent in the company of Erwin, as Eren insisted it was polite to feed him for helping out with moving the things out his old bedroom. Once dinner was done, Erwin took the hint and left. Levi doing bathtime with Viren while Eren went about remaking their bed. Thanks to his turbulent mood and sleepiness, Eren headed to bed with Viren straight over the boy's bath. Levi receiving a sleepy promise for cuddles when he came to bed, but as tempting as it was, the pair of them heading to bed early gave him time to prepare everything for Eren's birthday surprise. * Woken to the sound of his phone ringing, Eren answered without checking who it was. A wake up call from Floch on his birthday wasn't the nicest of wake ups, but it was nice to know he'd be back on the stand on the fourth of April, for the last time. Assuring Floch he was fine to take the stand, he hung up feeling oddly ok with it. Both sides would be questioning him, but that was it. Once it was done, he was done... so maybe it wasn't a horrible birthday present? at all. "Who was that?" Mumbling against his nape, Levi nuzzled into him "Floch. I'm due in court on the fourth, but that's it. Once it's over, I won't have to go back" "Mmm... that's good" "That's what I thought. I nearly hung up on him when I realised who it was" "I would have... what's the time?" "Something stupid. I have to pee, but Viren's on my stomach" Levi groaned, extracting himself from behind him. Eren missing the warmth once he was gone "He's not supposed to be" "He's sleeping. He didn't mean to... let's leave him sleeping" "Can you slide out from under him?" "Yeah..." With the grace of a drunk ninja, Eren moved Viren off him while Levi supported him. Creeping out their room, Levi took him by the hand and drew him into the bathroom. Eren pushed lightly against the door as Levi's lips found his. Surprised by the deep kiss, he returned it sleepily, Levi laughing softly as their teeth scraped and brought the kiss to an end "Happy Birthday" "Mmm... thank you" "I've got something planned, but I was thinking we could shower together" "Levi. I said I didn't want to do anything" "I know, but this is your 25th birthday and your first birthday as my husband..." "So?" "What do you mean so? It's your birthday and we're going to celebrate. I know you're hurting and you're still figuring everything out, but I want today to be about you" "The last 5 months have been about me" "If it was our birthdays, you'd go above and beyond. I want to start the day right. Starting with a bath" "Am I allowed to bath?" "There's this wonderful thing called a waterproof dressing. I stocked up yesterday" "Only on dressings?" He hadn't meant to sound so suggestive, but the smile Levi gave him was worth it "Oh. I got plenty, and intend to be a pretty bad daddy, but for now..." Levi stole a quick kiss, before pushing off the door and walking to the bath "We're going to take a bath, then you're going to let me spoil you" Whatever Levi had planned was still a mystery when they climbed out the bath. Mentioning his breasts felt full, Levi helped him express... and then jerked then both off. Sleepy all over again, he was ushered off to sleep while Levi got Viren up and ready. So far, he wasn't going to complain, though he really wished he knew what was coming. His anxieties were already starting to blow things out of proportion in his mind, and ruining the start of his birthday for him without his permission. Falling back to sleep, it didn't seem that long before tiny fingers were being shoved up his nose and in his eyes "Mum! Mum. Mum. Mum. Mum. Muuuuum. Mummy. Wake up!" "I'm awake baby..." "Daddy, what do I say?" "Happy birthday" Eren snorted, grabbing Viren's hand before he could further acquaint it with his nose "Happy Berfday" Close enough "Thanks, baby..." "We made breakfast and he's pretty excited over it" "I'm getting up. I feel like I just fell asleep" "You were out for about an hour. Anyway. I've got your clothes ready, and I'll do your shoes for you" "Shoes?" They were leaving the apartment?! What the hell was going on... he told Levi he didn't want to leave the apartment and that he just wanted to spend a quiet day at home with his husband and son "Yeah. Don't look so worried" "Muuuuuum! Cake!" "Cake? Levi... what did you do?" "Viren helped" "Lee, you can't pin this on our son" "I can, when it gets me off the hook. Trust me, it's nothing too strenuous" "I wanted to stay home" "I know you did, but this is nice too" Mumbling over his husband, Eren climbed out of bed. He better not have planned something huge, or with their friends. He didn't want a fuss made of his birthday... They'd made a fuss last year because of Marco roping Hanji into it. Sitting on the dining table was a chocolate cake with toddler sized fingerprints in the cream icing. Levi would have made sure it was perfect, before letting Viren help, or cover the top with rainbow sprinkles in this case. Taking his usual seat at the table, Eren smiled at his two loves "Viren, did daddy let you help?" "He said it wasn't colourful enough" Levi sounded pouty. His hard work upset by a three year old "It's perfect. Thank you, both" "Cake!" Holding onto the edge of the table, Viren grinned at the cake "I take it we're having cake for breakfast?" "Yeah. Viren saw the cake and that was that" "That's why you do the cake last" "I couldn't. I had to get things ready while you rested" "I wouldn't have minded helping" "That ruins the whole plan... let me get the candles" "We don't..." "Eren. You're getting candles" Viren helped blow out the candles, before Levi presented him with presents. Not expecting all of this, he couldn't help but tear up. Viren wanting to know if he was crying over the cake, while Levi was trying to keep the toddler from crying by bribing him with the first piece. It was all so terribly domestic, that it was perfect. Leaving Viren to Levi, Eren went about opening the first present, which he promptly left half unwrapped, before hiding it from prying eyes. Scowling at Levi, his husband just smiled happily "I told you I feel like being a bad dad" That didn't mean Levi needed to gift him vibrating nipple clamps and a remote vibe... "Don't worry, everything else is age suitable" "You could have gifted this to me earlier, or when we were alone" "Where's the fun in that. Besides, there's more where that came from" Oh fuck... "Just open your presents" "I don't get to cut my cake?" "You're the one who knows how this birthday thing goes better than I do" "Lee. Seriously? How many time have I told you about cutting the cake. You get to make a wish. You don't cut all the way through on the first cut or your wish doesn't come true" "I know, but seeing you get so worked up is adorable" "Well sometimes not getting a mention in my wish" "I don't want to know. If you say it out loud, it won't come true" "Fine. Now let me cut the cake before Viren has a tantrum" Cutting his cake, Eren wished for the safety of his pup during birth, and that Rei's surgery would be successful... and of course, that he could be with Levi forever. Opening the rest of his gifts, his husband had worked fast. He'd gifted him an "R" for his charm bracelet, a few books, a voucher for a mani-pedi and some face cream. Viren gifted him scented bath oils and bath bombs, with a huge blue towel that looked more like a blanket. His son disappointed at the lack of things to play with, while Eren was pretty happy. The face cream set was his favourite brand, as were the bath oils and bath bomb... Levi might have played it down, but to him it meant a lot, because it meant that Levi had actually payed attention to the things he liked... even if to Levi, they weren't practical gifts. After cake for breakfast, Levi did his shoes for him and Eren was whisked away from the apartment. * Levi was feeling pretty invincible. Eren might have been playing nice over leaving the apartment, but the moment his omega put two and two together, he'd been buzzing with excitement. They were heading to the Aquarium... and it was Viren's first time going there. Hanji had mentioned things like visiting the zoo and the aquarium with the kids, but Eren would be disappointed over not being there to see Viren drinking everything in, in wonder. Having not seen Armin in a few years, he'd totally forgotten they'd first run into the blond alpha behind the reception desk. Standing there, he couldn't place him, until Armin joyously called out Eren's name, and Eren stuttered out Armin's. Not shying away, the pair dissolved into conversation and that was that. Armin discounted their tickets, waving them through happily and promising to catch up with them later. It was just like the first time they were there, but this time, instead of him teaching Eren the letters and words, Eren was teaching their son... to which Levi may have shed a few small tears over. He was so fucking proud. Both Eren and Viren were in awe of everything, Eren shooting him small, and happy glances as they brushed hands, or bumped sides. He hadn't known if Eren would enjoy being forced out the house, or made to walk, but by taking it slow Eren's mood never dropped. Armin joined them for lunch, and Levi found out that his husband and the blonde alpha had been in contact off and on. He'd heard Eren was pregnant, but not about the complications, which Eren didn't mention. Viren was over the moon as Armin had brought gifts with him. Simple promo items like pens and stickers, but there was also a stuffed dolphin and their son decided that he and the dolphin were sharing their lunch while the adults talked. Stopping by the gift shop, Levi swore it was the same as last time. Eren shooed him off to shop with Viren, while his omega happily went about shopping. Looking at the jewellery, he was reminded of the turtle he'd purchased all those years ago. He wasn't exactly sure what had happened to it, but knowing Eren, it would be somewhere safe. The rush of nostalgia was ridiculous, but filled his heart with warmth. They'd shared their first real kisses here. Eren had agreed to be his and he'd opened up about Isabel... he'd always compartmentalised everything before Eren came... because he was too afraid it'd all fall apart if he didn't, but now... Eren had taught him not to be afraid of himself and that it was ok to remember, while moving forward. Still riding the rush of nostalgia, he made an impulse purchase of a stingray keyring. The shark Eren had bought him lived on the shelf by the rabbit, even after all this time. Instead of gifting it to Eren, he attached it to his own keys, quietly laughing as he mentally joked over how long it'd take Eren to notice. The rest of Eren's birthday was spent at the apartment. They stopped by to see Rei, and Viren told his brother all about the fishes he'd seen, looking both torn and proud as he told his little brother he could have the dolphin Armin had gifted to him. Eren every bit the proud mum as he pulled Viren close. Exhausted from his big day out, Viren fell asleep in the car on the drive home, making it easy to put their son to bed when they finally made it back into the apartment... Once he was sure Viren's was asleep, Eren led him into their room. His omega not shy as pulled him into hungry kisses. Still recovering and tired from his own big day, Levi didn't want to mount to him, and hurt him, but that didn't mean the nipple clamps and his mouth couldn't make Eren feel good. The sight of his omegas weeping breasts was beautiful. Eren was beautiful as he sobbed for more. Falling apart completely when Levi inserted the vibe on the lowest setting. Bringing his mate to orgasm without even touching him was erotic as hell. Eren so lost in pleasure as he babbled and thanked him, over and over again. It stroked his ego to make his husband feel so good. Laying next to him, he praised Eren softly. Kissing him and thanking him for feeling it so much, before turning the clamps off and releasing Eren's nipples. Hissing with pain, Eren mewed as Levi sucked each nipple gently, then kissed the angry red buds. He wanted nothing more than to fill his mate and knot him, but Eren was over stimulated. His mate too tired for such things. He would have left it there, if Eren hadn't asked for more. Rewarding him with a blow job in the place of sex. In the end, he wasn't sure who had a better day... both lovers curling into each other as they purred... though he'd never admit that he actually purred. He had his pride as an alpha, after all. * The next few days passed slowly. It was a haze of moving Viren's things new room, having Mike, Erwin, Eld and Hanji in and out the apartment and a haze of yoyoing moods. Eren was slicking harder than ever, and wasn't able to do a damn thing about it. Levi wouldn't knot him, no matter how much he begged. He couldn't help how horny he felt, it came with pregnancy, but it did lead to some pretty spectacular tantrums on his behalf. He appreciated that Levi was looking out for him, and that he wasn't really up to being fucked like he needed, but he had needs for a thick fat knot filling him... that were going unmet. Levi was sleeping in Viren's room, because Eren had thrown him out their room and didn't know how to invite him back. He didn't like sleeping alone. If he slept alone he had nightmares, or even worse, his mind wouldn't let him sleep as it tag teamed with his bladder to keep him up all night. When the 4th of April finally came, Eren found himself in a foul mood. He was trying his hardest to keep a lid on it, but every little thing seemed to be conspiring against him. Viren had had a tantrum that morning because he wouldn't let him watch him in the bathroom. Levi had accidentally spilt tea on the shirt he'd been going to wear to court and then when they finally got to court, he was back to waiting in that stupid room alone again. He already knew the others were there. Levi had tried to settle him down by reassuring him that he wasn't alone... he thought maybe that meant Mike and Hanji were there. He didn't expect Mike, Hanji, Erwin, Eld, Krista, Armin and Mikasa. Armin and Mikasa... The things he had to say weren't for their ears, and while it'd been nice in its own way to catch up with Armin on his birthday, this... was too much. He had no idea how they even knew he'd taking the stand... The confidence built up by reminding himself repeatedly that "if things changed for just one omega, then it was worth it all", faltered. Mikasa and Armin had a very different memory of their childhood together. He was about to shatter that... and Levi looked pissed... fuck... gritting his teeth and rubbing his stomach, he tried to remember the most important thing, to breathe. Nick's lawyer had his shot first. Eren all but smacked in the face by the man's smug and knowing looks. Having pulled himself to his full height, waves of alphaness? rolled off of him. His scent telling Eren he thought nothing on him. Even if he was pregnant, he couldn't care less. To him his scent said "Eren was an omega and needed to know his place". Forcing himself not to whine, he then forced himself to sit a little straighter, his eyes narrowing as he did "Eren Yeager. Finally you come before court again. Are we to understand you've had health problems this entire time?" Well. Fuck "Yes. That is correct" And there it was, the looks between jurors. They'd been sympathetic towards him in the past, but now it looked like the sympathy had run dry "Would you please explain to us, why?" "Why? What?" "You have been in and out of hospital, I think the good members of the jury deserve to know why you've messed us around so much" Floch's lawyer didn't object, and Eren wondered who did the research on Nick's team... because if he was trying to imply that omegas were basket cases, well... he'd just shot himself in his foot. Was it wrong to feel a certain degree of glee over how badly the lawyer had just fucked up... maybe it was time to rub a little salt in the wound "Of course. Which time are you referring too? In February I suffered complications with my pregnancy when I was intentionally pushed down the stairs at the front of the courthouse. I then flew out to Mitras to have lifesaving surgery on my son who wasn't even born yet. He had a tumour growing at the base of his spine. At the start of March, while still recovering, I collapsed due to a panic attack from the stress of the trial and the fact I wasn't yet recovered from the surgery, and was told not to come back for the time being. On March 21st, my son was delivered via a caesarean to save his life, while I am still pregnant with his twin brother" He hoped his honey sweet tone didn't rile up the jury as much as it had seemed to rile up Nick's lawyer. Looking to his peer, the man swallowed hard... yep. He'd gone and fucked himself... "So what you're saying is that you have had an abnormal pregnancy, filled with complications" Abnormal. Who the fuck got to call his pregnancy abnormal?! "It isn't all that abnormal. The type of tumour isn't such a thing that it's unknown" "But isn't it true you initially considered abortion? Before selfishly deciding to keep the pup? Subjecting him to repeated extended hospital stays and surgery, practically torturing the child for a chance that you may get to play happy families? Do you really expect us to believe that with a murderer for a brother, and a sorely misguided abuser for a father, that you are no better than they are?" Eren felt as if he'd been smacked over the head with a baseball bat... How the fuck did they know he'd considered aborting? And... and all he'd wanted was for Levi's pups to live. No matter what it cost him... Floch's lawyer objected, the judge let out a sigh that Eren was sure he wasn't allowed to, but Eren raised his hackles like a cornered animal, hissing "You have no idea what it's been like. You have no idea at all! You're an alpha! The top of society! Well try being at the bottom! Did you know there are places that won't let you work there if you're an omega?! Did you know there are places that won't even let you shop there or buy anything if you're an omega! That they expect you to bring your alpha in, and for you to have permission from them to be there?! I know I am far from fucking perfect, but you do not get to turn this pregnancy against me! You have no idea what Levi and I have been through over it! My father was fucking piece of shit. He was a spineless coward who worked for Nick and his friends, because he believed Zeke and I would be murdered if he didn't. And then. When he found I was pregnant with my first son, he finally grew a backbone..." The judge was trying to get him to calm down, buuuuut calming an angry omega was hard at the best of times, let alone one that was pregnant and pissed before taking the stand "... He went after the board of directors or whatever they were that worked out of the main building at the compound. He burned the facility to the ground while we lead the omegas from there. So many had joined thinking the organisation was something completely different from what it was. They couldn't cope with the aftermath of their pregnancies. Most of them were there as victims of abuse or were sold by their partners, or even family. It wasn't until they were locked away at night, or their children taken from them that they knew what all that meant. And my father... he knew what he was doing was wrong, but he still did it anyway. Then... when we were escaping, the guards turned their guns on us. Weapons pointed at kids and omegas with no way to defend themselves. My father gave his life to stop me from dying... he left me with the weight of his sins. All I ever wanted was to help omegas... and he did something as dirty and vile as that. It's wrong and it's disgusting" At some point he'd risen to his feet. The guards had moved closer and everyone had shut the fuck up, while openly gawking at him. Sinking back down, he felt foolish for yelling... especially about things he wasn't asked about... whelp... "I think we could all use a moment to compose ourselves. The jury is to disregard Mr Yeager's outburst" It was fucking Ackerman. He was so done with being a Yeager... but he wasn't about to correct the judge... and beside, even if you told them, it didn't stop them from hearing the words. It didn't magically go back in time and take them back... "Mr Yeager, one more comment like that and you will be found in contempt of the court, and you will be removed" He felt like a kid being scolded by a grandparent. Judges were supposed to be fair and impartial, but the man seemed completely done with everything. After so many weeks of dealing with Nick and his legal team, yeah, he could see why "I'm sorry, sir" The judges lips twitched, the smile not forming, though he did seem amused over Eren's weak apology. Turning back to Nick's lawyer, he switched back to professional mode "Keep your questions relevant to the current case councillor, or I will have to find you in contempt of court" "I was merely trying to ascertain Mr Yeager's current state of wellbeing, may bring to light the fact he may not be the best witness to call given his health issues" Wanker... like anyone was going to believe that "We all have a firm idea of Mr Yeager's health. Now I strongly suggest you keep your questions a little less loaded" "In that case, Mr Yeager. Can you please tell us about the incident with Reiner Braun" "Which one?" "The one that ended up with him dead" "You mean the one when he abducted me from the apartment I share with my alpha, at gun point?" "Mr Yeager..." "Sorry. Yes. I knew Reiner Braun from the time he and his alpha mate, Bertholdt Hoover, lived with my brother Zeke, and I. I was waiting at home as my alpha was at work. He worked as a paramedic for the city. I was around 8 months pregnant with my first son Viren, when Reiner came. I'd ordered some things online, and I foolishly believed it was the delivery man. Opening the door, Reiner shoved a gun in my face. He was acting crazy, and he knocked me down. He wanted both Levi and I. I can't recall if it was Levi or I who called each other, but I tried to tell him what was happening, but sadly he didn't understand. Angered that Levi wouldn't be returning soon, Reiner struck me again. From my apartment I was taken to an abandoned house... where I was bound to a dining room chair. Reiner returned with the dead body of Bertholdt Hoover. He blamed me for the death of his mate, and intended for Levi to suffer by losing his mate and son, like Reiner was suffering. Bertholdt had been in a coma since the compound burned down, and when he passed, Reiner lost his mind with grief. Reiner left and I was left bound. I tried to escape the binding around my ankles and wrists, they cut so deep I still have the scars. When Reiner returned with Levi, Levi was unconscious..." Eren paused to take a breath, this was no doubt karma for feeling the tiniest bit cocky before "... He was acting insane. From being struck, I was already in labour. When Levi came to, he was angry. Reiner and he were yelling back and forth... Reiner got mad over it all, shooting between my legs... then... then he shot Levi again, and again, and again. He nearly killed my alpha and all Levi cared about was getting me out of there. I can't really remember what happened next, but somehow we ended up on the floor. The chairs were old and snapped with the weight. Getting... getting a hand free... I stabbed him... I wanted him to stop hurting Levi... he wanted us gone and Levi was in so much pain. Levi got the gun from Reiner and shot him... Levi was bleeding so badly, he still has the bullet near his spine, but he tried to get me out the house. After that, I was told Erwin contacted Floch about the message I tried to give Levi. They tracked the GPS in the car, while I was bleeding from labour complications and Levi... Levi was dying in my arms..." "So you and your husband killed Reiner Braun? Without even waiting for police help? Did you even try to reason with him?" "Reiner was lost to his grief. The house was the house he and Bertholdt intended to start a family in, but they were pulled in by "The Church", and ultimately lost their lives because of it. There was no reasoning with him. He wanted it all to end" "And now we'll never know. You seem to survive a lot. It would have driven the normal person insane" "If you're asking if I have mental health issues I do. For years I've had nightmares of my mother's death, and my time being treated like a dog. I have PTSD, anxieties, depression, Post-partum depression. I have panic attacks and screaming nightmares. For years I was told my heats were wrong and bad, and because of that, my scent is weak for an omega and my body tries to send me into heat under stress. But I also have the most amazing support network I've ever had. My husband is infinitely patient. My therapist is the first person I felt I could tell everything to. My friends are trained medical professionals. So yes. I do have mental health issues, but I have people that have helped me more than I thought any alpha would ever" "You openly admit you're mentally ill. How do you know these relationships mean the same to them as they do to you?" "Because they're here today..." He probably wasn't supposed to wave, but he raised his hand, Levi smiling as he did "How do we know the things you're saying are true at all? And not some figment of your imagination?" "I have the scars and the medical history. And yes, coming into this trial, I knew my word would be doubted as I'm an omega. So all I could tell you was my truth. I can't speak for anyone else, other than me. The way you take it is up to you..." "You are a thoroughly unpleasant man, Mr Yeager" "Coming from someone like you, that's a compliment" "Learn your place omega! Your place is to bow before alphas! Omegas need The Chuch! Where else would take them and their bastard children!" On his feet, Nick was furious. "You sit there and you lie!" "This coming from the man who elbowed me in the stomach, then had someone push me down the stairs! You knew what was going on at the compound! My father had photos of you! I know you knew! You were there! You paid the people who hurt so many others and you raked in the money from all your dirty deals! You tried to have me and brother killed! You blackmailed my father! Drove him to kill my mother... ngh..." Hunching over his stomach, his pup gave him a particularly hard kick to the ribs and silenced his yelling. Yeah... he was getting kicked out of court... "Guards, please remove Mr Yeager. Medic, if you please" Yep. He'd called it... a pregnant, frustrated omega who wasn't getting any, and had been insulted... he was lucky they hadn't been screaming at people from the start.