Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kenny’s fingers almost crumpled the piece paper he had in his hands. He read it like ten times and he still couldn't believe what it said.

"Are you mad?" Queried a soft voice.

Kenny looked up from the paper to his 8-year-old nephew. Levi was drawing circles on the floor with his feet, eyes down and a cute pout on his lips.

"What? No, Le. I'm not mad." Kenny tried to smooth creases on the paper down before placing it down and grabbing the cookie jar on the center of the table. He gave Levi one cookie before helping the child to sit on his chair. Levi happily munched on his cookie.

"My classmates thinks it's gross because I'm a boy," Levi pouted.

Kenny couldn't help but smile, this was the first time Levi actually said a full sentence since he had the boy. "They will regret saying that. They will fall on their knees when they see you all grown up and pretty." Kenny mussed up the little guy’s hair and Levi slapped his uncle’s hand away.

"I don't want to be pretty! I want to be strong!"

Kenny eyes went wide at Levi's protest. This was also the first time Levi showed his true emotions. Kenny used this opportunity to show Levi that he supported him in every way and to let the child know that his uncle's always on his side. It's been 6 months since Kuchel died and Kenny's doing everything he could to make Levi feel that he's not alone. Not while he’s around.

"That's the spirit! When they say that you are gross again be sure to beat them up!" Kenny cheered.

The next day Kenny was requested by the school. Instead of scolding Levi for punching his classmates, Kenny just laughed it off and even cheered for his tiny nephew. Levi's once dull, resigned eyes was filled with shock then followed by happiness from his uncle’s praise.

During the car ride, Levi opened a conversation on his own for the first time in six months. Kenny would never forget that that day signified good news in terms of Levi’s mental and emotional state regarding Kuchel’s death. His little man is finally taking baby steps forward in life.

"Why?" He squeaked.

"Hmm?" Kenny looked at him in the mirror. Maybe make that, teeny tiny baby steps.

"It's bad to hit people."

"It is."

"Then why did you praise me? In school we only get 'good job' when we share or study well...."

"Levi, listen to me.” Even though he waa driving, Kenny made it a point to look at Levi’s eyes in the mirror to see how serious this talk would be and how he wanted Levi to feel like a grown-up. Learn the importance of his role in life and the hard lessons that will come his way in the future.

“Others deserve such treatment for them to learn their lesson. I don't advise it but there are cases that it's okay. Because no matter how many times you plead and beg for them to stop, some won’t do it for the sheer joy of being powerful against others. Some will depend on the fact that no one is standing up against them. It would be a slap of reality when they realize that being on the other side of that power and experiencing what they done to others will make them see clarity."

"Okay... I... Still don't like it."

"You don't like what?"

"Punching, my hands hurts."

Kenny almost panicked, he made a turn to a clinic before going home.

The little raven's classmates learned their lesson to never mess with Levi Ackerman. Once that ball of peace got to rolling, Levi's mood improved each and every day. So did his relationship with his uncle.

"My teacher said that being an Omega isn't that bad." Levi looked at his uncle at the rear view mirror. The talks in the car while riding home was one of the few moments Kenny cherishes.

"Really?" Kenny wanted to raise a brow but stopped himself. He heard his sister once said that being an Omega sucks, if Levi's teacher was sugar coating the truth then Kenny's willing to go just go with the flow for now until Levi's old enough to understand the real deal.

"Yes, he said that I can pick my own mate!"

"Awww, that's nice indeed."

"And he said that I can order them around like a slave!"

Kenny's breath hitched, he needed to talk to that teacher. If push comes to shove, he’ll do more than just ‘talk’. "Haha.... That's nice too..."

"I can order him to build a robot with my legos and tie my shoe laces... And! And! And order him to reach the cabinets!"

"Why do you want him to reach the cabinets?" Kenny wholeheartedly played along.

"No reason. I just want him taller. Oh! Can I have a giant for a mate? It would be fun! We'll destroy the city together like in the movies. BOOM! CLASH!" Levi thrust his arms around like he was destroying the city.

Okay. That's enough action movies for the little guy. Kenny did a mental note to limit those movies in the house.

"Uncle, I want a mate. Let's go to the park and find one!" Levi jumped on his seat when they passed the park.

"I... I don't think it's that easy Le but I know you will find your mate one day." Kenny cheered despite thinking the little tyke is a little bit carried away with the talk of mates today.

"I want the ice cream man! So I can have ice cream every day!" Levi said when they stopped at the ice cream parlor. It was Friday and Friday is always ice cream day.

Kenny got out and helped Levi with his seat belt. The little Omega never dared touch his seat belt again after it accidentally pinched his hand when he tried to remove it by himself. "If you are going to eat ice cream every day, your tummy will hurt again. Remember the last time it happened?" Kenny gave Levi a pointed stare.

"Oh," Levi frowned at the memory and rubbed his tummy.

Kenny thought that his nephew wasn’t the only one who was in agony during that incident. The bathroom needed to air for at least a week.

As Levi hopped out of the car, he took his uncle's hand as they walked in the parlor.

Once the inside, Levi ran towards the display. Every week a new flavor was added and Levi needed to taste the new addition before anything else. Standing on his toes, he struggled to look into the display as well as reading the complicated words.

"Hi, little guy. What can I get for you?" The ice cream man on the counter cooed at him.

Levi snapped his head towards on the ice cream man. He's not the same ice cream man before, he doesn't have yellow hair and bushy eyebrows but he had a messy hair, that reminded Levi of chocolate and eyes like.... the little Omega never knew the name of that color, it looked like green but it was not.

"The new flavor please," Kenny answered for him as he gave the ice cream man their payment.

"Coming right up!" The green eyed, chocolate hair teen smiled and gave Kenny his change.

Levi stared at the new ice cream man in awe while he prepared their order. He shamelessly stared at the man’s face that had a calm and serene expression. Like scooping ice cream for the customer was the most relaxing thing he had ever done. That made his eyes glow brighter and prettier. His hands were gentle yet firm as he scooped the sweet confection from their containers to transfer them on top of the ice cream cones. His fingers delicately pulled off a bowl from a dispenser and slowly topped it with ice cream before gently pushing the cone in the middle. It was the most hypnotizing and mesmerizing scene Levi had ever seen. So graceful. So gentle. So lovely.

Kenny tugged his hand so they could take a seat but Levi stood his ground, refusing to move. He was still busy staring behind the counter as the ice cream man began preparing the second ice cream that they ordered. Kenny sighed and picked him up instead. Levi tried to adjust from his uncle's hold so he could still have a better view at the teen.

"The ice cream man is different," Levi whispered to Kenny when he placed him on his seat.

"Yes, I think he is the new employee. Must be a summer job for the teens."

"He had that thing on his shirt what does it say?" He kept on whispering, all the while not tearing his gaze off the man for even a second.

Kenny crossed his arms. If Levi said he wanted something, he meant it. It also meant that he would do everything to get it and based on little Omega's reaction when he saw the new guy, Kenny knew exactly what he’s thinking. "It said Eren. Le, don't tell me-"

"I know..." Levi slumped on his seat with frown, finally pulling his gaze from the teen. Then the tears came, "I know... But I want him to be my mate... Even if my tummy will hurt again because of the ice cream..." He silently wept.

Kenny was shocked, after his brain processed the current information, he laughed.

"It's not funny!" With watery eyes, Levi glared at him.

"Oh, Le. You know, you don't have to eat all the ice cream." Kenny chuckled.

"Oh," Kenny could imagine the rain cloud above the little Omega's head sprouted rainbows. "I can marry him then! I'm going to propose now!"

Kenny winced. "Le, listen-"

"Here's your ice cream!" Eren came towards them with a bright smile while setting the bowl in front of Levi. "Enjoy!" The brunette patted Levi on his head before going back to his post.

"Yey!" Levi dug in on his ice cream. It was like he wasn't crying earlier and was fully confident, not to mention, earnest in making a proposal to matehood. Come to think of it, he didn’t even move a muscle when the teen went over to them to give their orders.

Kenny studied his nephew, eyes narrowing at the boy. Levi stopped eating and glanced at his uncle for a moment, the red blush on his cheeks made him more adorable.

"I'm... shy...."

Kenny sighed in relief. If Levi actually did what he said, Kenny had no idea what to do.

***

"You think he will like me?" Levi looked up at Kenny in his pajamas. The boy refused to sleep and won't stop talking about the new employee in the parlor even during the ride home. Guess there goes his special and meaningful conversations with Levi.

"He will if you behave and be friendly," Kenny yawned as he settled on his bed. That didn’t seem to translate to Levi that it was bedtime already when the little dude crawled on bed to sit beside him.

"Eren is so tall. How old is he?"

"He's a teenager."

"How old is a teener?"

"It's teenager. I think he is about 15." He guess.

"He is old but not old like you."

"Alright, boy, go to your room and sleep." That last one made Kenny put the foot down. He could do with talks about that teen all day. But mentioning that he’s old crosses the proverbial line. Kenny is still hip! At least that’s what he wanted to project.

"You think he will be turned off of me because I'm tiny like a kindergartener?"

"What?" That took Kenny off guard as he sat up in bed, turning to his nephew and in full protector mode. "Did someone tell you that? Who is it? I want names. And where did you learn the word 'turn off'? How did you even know what that means? Is that what kids call these days?"

"No one, it was an accident. The new teacher thought that I'm from the kindergarten. And I got the word from the girls in the room. They would say: 'he's cute but he sniffs people, what a turn off!'" Levi mimics.

"Le, did you know that you'll grow up faster if you sleep? That is why dogs sleep a lot, did you see Petra's puppy?"

"Yeah, Pepper always sleeps."

"And look at her now, Pepper is big."

"Okay! Goodnight!" Levi gave him a kiss on the cheek before scooting off the bed and running back to his room.

Kenny let his head fall back on the bed again. "God, Kuchel help me."

----

edited 01/30/21

Chapter Text

"Hello," Levi shyly said to the brunet behind the counter, while standing on his tiptoes.

"Hello to my favorite customer!" Eren cooed at him. Levi simply stared for a good minute as he admired him with his uniform on with the cute hat sitting on his messy chocolate hair.

"I... I bought this for you," Levi offered the flower with a deep blush dusting on his cheeks.

Kenny watched from their table and can't help but smile at how determined his nephew on wooing the alpha teenager. The mothers in the shop awed at the sight, apparently Levi adorable acts attracted more Omegas in the parlor and they all loved to witness Levi's cute interaction with the brunet.

He eyed the boy behind the counter as he blushes deeply and scratches the back of his head. Kenny glared at the brunet, thinking if he refused his nephew's flower, Kenny won't hesitate and speak to the boy.

Before they stopped at the ice cream parlor, Kenny had to stop at the hardware store to buy something. Inside the shop, Levi got bored staring at hammers and screws and decided to check the shops next to it, which he thought was a flower shop. The small raven picked a flower and was about to run back inside the hardware, asking his uncle to buy him the flower when someone grabbed his wrist.

"Why aren't you a naughty boy!" The old woman glared at him behind her thick glasses.

"Wait, I'm not naughty!" Levi defended. "I'll ask my uncle to buy this for me, he's-he's inside the store."

"Is that so? Sorry, boy but these flowers are not for sale."

"What? Why?" Levi almost whine.

The old woman sighs and lets him go. "This is my house and my garden. You can't just pick a flower! It hurts them too and they will die!"

"I... I didn't mean to hurt it... I thought... this is a flower shop..." Levi looked down at flowers on his hand. Tears started to form in his eyes.

"Are you saying my garden's quality is of a flower shop? You flatter me, boy, I do work a lot to keep them healthy." The old woman giggled and patted his head.

"But they really are beautiful," Levi insisted.

"They are, now tell me. What are you going to do with the flower?" The old woman asks curiously.

"I'm... wait, you have to promise not to tell anyone!" Levi pouted. "Only me and uncle knows this!"

"I promised," she giggled.

Levi looked left and right when he is sure no one is around, stand on his tiptoes, and whispered to the lady's ear. "I'm going to give this to my Alpha."

"Oh, I see. Can I know who this lucky Alpha?" The old woman can't help smiling.

"He works at the ice shop, he is so nice and pretty, so tall too, and his eyes are so beautiful. They are green and blue, like the ocean, like deep ocean~" Levi described as best as he can. "His name is Eren."

"Oh, he sounds wonderful dear!"

"Levi!" Kenny called out and rushed to the small boy and hugged him. "Oh gods, where have you been?! I thought I lost you! Don't ever leave my sight again!"

Levi blinked and realized his mistake, this time he can't stop the tears. "I'm sorry, uncle," he cried.

Kenny sigh, pulling a handkerchief in his pocket and gently wipe the little boy's face. When he was looking at some of the tools, he occasionally stealing glances at Levi behind him, his heart almost jumps out of his chest when he didn't see him there. He searched each aisle just in case if Levi wonders in the store but the little raven is nowhere in sight. That's when Kenny bolted out of the store, eyes darts everywhere only until then he caught up his breath when he found him just a few meters away, talking to an old lady.

Speaking of the old lady, Kenny looks up and properly thank her. "Thank you for looking after him, I just took my eyes off him for a second and he was gone."

"It happens, he picks one of my prized flowers though."

That made Kenny's eyes widen as he looks down at his nephew, in his hands he held the said flower. "Levi."

"I thought her garden is a flower shop, I was about to show this to you so you can buy it for me..." Levi sniffs as he explained.

"I deeply apologized," Kenny bow downed sincerely. "I'll pay for your flower."

"It's alright!" The old woman cuts. "He's explained to me why he took it. He can have it for free I don't mind. Just go get him, tiger," The old woman winked at Levi and the said child giggled with glee.

When they reached the ice parlor after that, Kenny knew instantly why Levi badly wanted the flower. His nephew is fidgeting during the car ride and was shaking nervously when they step inside the ice parlor. It took almost 10 minutes for his little to raven to muster all the courage to go up the counter and give the flower to Eren.

Kenny smiled when the Alpha boy accepted the flower and gave Levi a big smile. But what Kenny didn't expect is that Eren walks out of the counter and kneeled in front of his nephew, he took Levi hand on his and kissed the back of the raven hand. The Omegas in the shop squealed and started taking pictures of them but the scene made Kenny worry. Levi is frozen in his spot and simply staring at the Alpha boy with wide eyes.

The cute scene didn't last when a customer came in. Eren stood but he patted Levi's head before leaving the raven and resume to his post.

Levi blinked and slowly went back to their table when he saw that Eren is now busy with the new customer.

The little raven went back to his chair and Kenny almost stood in his seat and beat the Alpha boy for breaking his nephew, then Levi spoke.

"Uncle," He called out. Still looking dazed. "Eren kissed my hand, I feel like a princess!" He giggled.

Kenny just sighs. Smiling as witnessed how happy his beloved nephew is. He reached out and ruffled his raven hair.

"Yes, you are Le."

Chapter Text

"Uncle, why are we leaving so soon?" Levi looked up at his uncle, pulling the tails of his shirt. "Can we please go back?"

"Levi," Kenny sighed and squatted down on his nephew's level. "I know how much you loved staying in the ice cream shop but we can't stay there for an hour or more."

"But why?" Levi whined.

Kenny sighed again and glanced at the shop's window. The ice cream shop was packed today, they had to share a table with the other customers and eat quickly so other people can sit. "Because a lot of people liked ice cream too, we have to leave so that other people can sit."

"But I want to spend more time with Eren," Levi whined louder. Kenny knew that tone, he knew a tantrum when it was coming up.

Levi rarely threw a tantrum but once he does, it's not going to be good. Kenny recalled the time when they visited the mall. Levi noticed a group of Omegas walk passed them, they all wore high heels. It gave the child an idea of how to be taller. He begged to Kenny to buy him those "tall pointy shoes" and reasoned that he badly needed it. At first, Levi listened when Kenny said no, nodding like an obedient boy. But every time they passed a store that displayed those types of shoes, the frown on the boy's face deepen gradually until he exploded when they reached their car and about to go home.

"Uncle let's go back! I need those shoes!" Levi screamed.

Kenny cringed while putting the child's seat belt on. "Levi, you don't need them and I don't think we can find those shoes in your size."

"That's unfair!"

The drive from home was torture. Levi kept screaming to go back to the mall, and it took Kenny's everything to ignore his shrieks as he concentrated on driving them safely. And that didn't stop until they reached home. It was then Kenny put his foot down.

"Levi, that's enough!"

"But-"

"Enough! Go to your room!"

Kenny almost regretted it when Levi cried silently and ran to his room. But all the guilt the old Alpha felt was thrown at the window when Levi slammed his door shut and it was followed but a piercing scream.

Kenny cringed. "What a brat."

It's when the house got quiet that made Kenny worry and decided to check on his tiny nephew with a chocolate cupcake as a peace offering. Upon opening the door, he saw Levi glaring at his dresser.

"Hey," Kenny called out. Levi turned to him with a tear-stained face. "I brought you a cupcake." He offered.

Then Levi shed another round of tears as he pointed at the dresser. "My dresser is much taller than me! Everything is taller than me! Why am I so short?!"

It was hilarious but Kenny can't find himself laughing as he watched Levi silently weep. It cost Kenny three cupcakes and almost an hour of explaining and reassuring to stop the little raven from crying and to understand that height never mattered.

Blinking back to reality, Kenny needed to think of something to distract his nephew before he threw a tantrum. "Come, Le, we still have to drop by the store to buy you some new socks, remember?"

"Oh, right. I want the softest socks! The one that had rabbits in it." Levi noted.

"Of course," he agreed as they approached their car in the parking lot.

"Uncle! Look! It's Eren!" Levi pointed at the side of the shop where the staff goes in and out. There he saw the said brunette, squatting down as he pet each cat that surrounded him.

"It looks like he likes cats." Kenny commented.

"Really?" Levi stared at the young Alpha with fascination.

Eren started giving out cat food and putting water, immediately the cats dug in. When the brunette stood, he saw his favorite customer and wave at them with a smile before he returned inside the shop.

Levi waved back with enthusiasm. Then turning to his uncle with the biggest smile on his face.

Kenny can't help but smile as well.

****

The Ackermans walked down the shop's aisles. Kenny held Levi's hand securely, ever since the flower incident happened, the old Alpha refused to let Levi walk around the shop. Thinking that the raven will get out and picked flowers again.

They passed the hair accessory aisle and Levi frowned at the revolting amount of pink in the shelves. He was about to declare that he hated that aisle forever until his eyes landed on a pink headband. It was not just an ordinary headband, it had ears. Cat ears.

"Uncle!" Levi stopped walking, making his uncle stop as well.

"What is it now?"

"Please buy me that," He pointed at the headband with cat ears.

Kenny stared at the accessory then back to his nephew. "You want that?" He asked, full of doubt. He knew that Levi doesn't like the color pink. It was quite a shock that Levi wanted the pink item.

"Yes! Umm," Levi looked back at the pink accessory. "It's pink but I think it's okay..." he pouted, wanting the headband to be any other color other than pink.

Kenny took the headband from the rack and checked for the price. It was cheap, the Alpha can afford a little DIY and buy some paint or something to make it black. But he still had no idea why his nephew wanted it, then again, he reminded himself that Levi is an Omega. It was natural for him to like those stuff. "Alright. We can paint it black if you want."

"Yes! Please!" Levi beamed as Kenny handed him the accessory.

They bought the little raven's new socks and some materials to turn the pink headband to black.

When they reached home, Kenny got to work while Levi ate pizza in the living room. The raven wanted to help but Kenny shooed him away because the old Alpha was worried about the smell of paint that can be harmful to his beloved nephew.

Levi was finishing his last pizza when Kenny came in and presented him with a black headband with cat ears.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Levi cheered, hugging Kenny's leg.

"Don't mention it, Le. Now go and wash your hands first."

"Alright!"

Coming back with clean hands, Kenny gave him the head. Levi inspected the accessory, eyes shine with delight. He placed it on his head and look up at Kenny. "How do I look?"

Kenny fished his phone and snapped a picture of Levi with cat ears looking up at him with big expectant eyes. That's a keeper for the albums.

*****

Friday came and thankfully the ice cream shop was not that busy unlike before. Upon opening the door, Levi, with cat ears dashed to the counter to where a very familiar brunette was posted. Eren seemed busy writing down things in his notepad that he didn't notice the tiny raven.

Kenny stood and observed his nephew. Now he knew why Levi wanted the cat ears so badly.

"Eren!" Levi called out, successfully grabbing the young Alpha's attention.

"Oh! Why it's my favorite customer-" Eren was taken aback with the sight in front of him.

"Meow!" Levi curled his hand and moved his wrist as if it was a paw.

"Omg! You are so cute!" Eren was struggling to lean over and pinch Levi's cheeks.

Of course, the mothers in the shop started cooing and saying how cute the tiny raven was. Kenny sighed, resting both hands on his hips.

Wondering what else that Levi can think about that will woe his chosen mate. As long as Levi won't get in trouble or hurt, he'll support his nephew.  

Chapter Text

Years past, Levi joined the karate club when he entered middle school. Levi grew up strong and became the MVP of the karate club, no one expected it from an Omega. He won dozens of gold medals and Kenny was always there to support and cheer for his beloved nephew. There are moments when Kenny thought that the school was wrong about his nephew's dynamics, there is no way Levi is an Omega with how fast he learns and pick up skills like an Alpha. But of course, the raven's height always remind Kenny his nephew's dynamic.

It was a pleasant Sunday afternoon, Kenny is watching his favorite survival reality show when a nervous Levi approach him."Ummm... Uncle?"

Kenny muted the TV and focused his full attention on Levi. "Yes?"

"I... I...." Levi fiddles with the hem of his shirt, a habit of his that simply says that he is nervous.

"I.... decided to quit karate." he finally said.

Kenny was taken aback. Levi loves and enjoys the sport why the sudden change of heart? Kenny was about to open his mouth when Levi spoke.

"But! I decided to enter another sport. Archery... I tried it and the coach said I have the talent and he is more than happy to have me on his team... So...." Levi bit his lower lip as he watches his uncle's expression.

"It's fine with me if you change sports but I would like to know why you want to quit."

"It's.... because....." Levi trails off. Kenny doesn't understand why the raven is so embarrassed about this. He can only think of one thing.

"Is someone bullying you in there?" Anger rose on his voice.

"What?! No! Everyone is nice and stuff! But...." Levi defends. "... It's just me...." the last one came like a whisper.

Kenny felt a shiver on his spine. Could it be that Levi was hurting from all the training?

"I.... just don't like other Alphas touching me..." he admitted shyly.

"Eh?" Kenny stared blankly at him. Well, karate can get a little handsy and most of his teammates and sparring partners were Alphas but Levi never complained about it before. Until now.

"I already ask permission to the coach and she said it was okay. Farlan will take my place, he's really good and just needs a little recognition." Levi finished. He watch his uncle and he panicked a bit when the older Alpha didn't comment. "Is it okay?"

"What?! Of course! As long as it makes you comfortable and happy!" Kenny stands up and pats his head. Levi gave him a bright smile in return, finally his nerves settled down.

Levi change sports and he easily went to the top. He still became friends with his teammates in the karate club, his group of friends grew and it made Kenny happy to see his nephew hang out with his friends. Ever since Kuchel died, Levi hardly talks or interacts with anyone but ever since Levi approach him with his dynamic diagnosis and the raven's fighting incident, Levi slowly opened up. Levi turned into a new leaf or more as he blooms like a flower. And Kenny can see his sister smiling down at them.

Though, Kenny doesn't have enough knowledge or experience about what to expect if you are raising an Omega. Sometimes he forgot that his Levi is an Omega.

Levi steps into high school, plenty of his friends are going on the same school making Kenny less worry about the new environment. That's the time when Kenny witnessed the changes in his nephew.

Levi will giggle. A lot. Sometimes it took Kenny off guard when they are relaxing in the living room in comfortable silence, Kenny would read his magazines or newspaper and Levi will be on his phone. It was peaceful, then, Levi will giggle out of the blue, startling the old Alpha.

Kenny would raise a brow at him until he remembers Levi's dynamic. "Right, he's an Omega..." The same words will keep popping on his head after but he will always forget it.

Then the change kept coming. Levi would bring paint on his room and paint his room himself, Kenny was shocked at first to see his once dark blue room turns into the lightest shade of blue and pink.

Then, Levi starts collecting giant teddy bears. Kenny's mouth was wide open in shock when Levi came home with a giant bear that barely fits on the door. The Omega bought it with his prize money as self-congratulations when he got high scores in the local archery tornaments. And thus, every time Levi wins he will always have a new bear in his clutches.

Kenny didn't mind this as long as Levi is happy and not developing any allergies on the number of stuff toys in his room. He doesn't know what to expect next but he is preparing for it.....

The other one was an exception, that one took him off guard. Levi once asks if he could hang out with his friends at the mall and Kenny agreed. He was preparing dinner when someone hops on his back. Kenny didn't process that the person bought a cake and lit up the candles, he hardly noticed that the person was singing him a happy birthday song. He doubts the person in front of him is Levi. His nephew is wearing a dress!

"Make a wish!" Levi cheered.

"Levi... Is that you?" Kenny tried hard not to let his voice shake.

"Oh, Hange got me a dress." Levi twirled like a high school girl (he is in high school). "What do you think?"

Kenny smiled and pat his head. He tried to brush off he stared, mouth open like a gapping fish in front of his nephew. "You look beautiful."

"Hehehe, Thanks! Now, make a wish."
Kenny made his wish and he hopes that it will come true.

"And... uncle," Levi set down the cake in the end table and face his uncle nervously. "I have news for you..."

Kenny braced himself to what might come.

"I'm getting married!" Levi announced cheerfully.

*****

"No!" Kenny bolted upright from his bed, whizzing for air as his knuckles turned white from clutching the sheets too hard. Blinking several times, he glances at the clock in the end table. He stares at it until his breathing started to even out, just to make sure he didn't time travel because that dream feels too real.

His little raven growing up to fast for his liking, it was like his future flashes before his eyes. It was quite terrifying.

"Uncle?" A sleepy eight-year-old Levi in his pajamas padded in his room, eyes still dazed from sleep. "I'm hungry." He whined.

Kenny felt tears started to form in his eyes. "Alright, let's get you something to eat."

"Can we visit Eren in the ice shop later?" Levi asked while Kenny got out of bed.

Kenny chuckled. He can set his worries aside about what future in store for him later, for now, he'll concentrate in the present and make sure Levi won't hurt himself when wooing that icecream boy.

Chapter Text

"Armin! Thank goodness! You're a life saver!" Kenny patted the teenage blonde Omega on the shoulder.

"No problem, Mr. Ackerman. I'm always here when needed," Armin smiled, his blue eyes shines as he watched the old Alpha hurriedly wear his coat.

"I'm aware that you study during Saturdays but the office demanded my presence. I've already told Levi to behave," Kenny reassured while putting his shoes on. "I can't find a good babysitter at this time."

"It's fine. Levi is such wonderful child," Armin invited himself in, setting his bag down and took off his shoes.

"Alright," Kenny straightened and handed the teenager a few bills before leaving. "Just order pizza and some snacks. Thanks Armin!"

"Don't mentioned it," Armin waved as he see the Alpha off before closing the front door.

Picking his backpack on the floor he went to the living and saw the adorable little raven playing with his legos. "Hello, Levi."

"Hello, Armin!" Levi looked up from his toys and gave the blonde a smile.

"I'm sorry that I can't play with you right now. Perhaps you're uncle already informed you?" Armin pulled out of his books and set them on the coffee table. Levi was one of the darling children that he babysits, the raven hardly made trouble or any sorts but Armin rather stayed near just to keep an eye on him.

"It's okay, school is very important!"

"Right. And have you finished any of your homework?"

"I do, it was very easy. I finished it before going to the ice shop yesterday!" Levi said proudly.

"That's very good Levi!" He praised. "How about pizza for lunch?" Armin pulled out his phone and opened a food delivery app. "What pizza do you want?"

"I like ham and cheese."

"Alright," Armin tapped on his phone, the order in cart for easy access later on.

Armin was able to study well while Levi was so emersed with his legos. When lunch time arrived, both of them were eating pizza. Levi told Armin all about the adventures he had while playing legos, how he built a house and summoned a dragon. Armin was confused at first but after taking a good look at all the legos that the raven built on the floor. There was a lego dragon.

With both of them fed, Levi automatically went back to his legos and continued building.

Armin cleaned up the boxes and returned to the living room to continue his studies when his phone rang. Looking at the caller I.D. the blonde Omega sighed and accepted the call. "Eren, please. I can't hang out with you and Mikasa on Saturday."

Levi perked up and turned to the blonde on the couch.

"You guys know it's my study day and besides, I'm babysitting right now."

Levi crawled towards the coffee table and observed the blonde as he took his call.

"Eren, you know I can't leave," Armin huffed. "Let's just go out tomorrow. Sunday. How's that? Alright."

Setting his phone aside, Armin opened his textbooks and noticed a pair of eyes staring at him. Looking up from his book, he saw Levi blue-stormy eyes fixed on him. "Yes? Do need anything?"

"Eren called you?" Levi asked shyly.

"Um, yes. That was my friend."

"Does... he works in the ice shop?"

"Well, yeah. You know him?"

"Yes, he is going to be my mate..." Levi covered his red face.

"Aww," Armin couldn't help but coo.

"Can you... um... ask him to play with me?" The little raven asked as he fiddled with the hem of his shirt.

"Well," Armin winced. He's not sure if Eren had other plans, plus the brunette's an Alpha. Kenny made it clear that Armin could invite friends over while looking after Levi as long as they were all Omegas.

"I really want to play with him," Levi pressed.

"Levi, darling, you see, your uncle doesn't want any Alphas in your house when he is not here," Armin explained as best as he could.

"Why? Eren is a nice Alpha and you're his friend," The raven pouted.

"I'm sorry, Levi."

"Please," Levi looked at him with glassy eyes. "Or I'll-" the raven paused and glared weakly at the blonde. "Or I'll put thumbs down on your paper!"

Armin froze. He couldn't afford a thumbs down rating on his records, he was after an all thumbs up rating from the kids he babysits. One thumbs down and it would ruin his reliability. "Wait, Levi sweety. Let's not get into that okay?"

"No!" Levi stompped his foot weakly, it was obvious how the child tried to look tough. "I... I want Eren."

Armin was silent as he stared at the child.

"Please?" Levi pleaded.

Armin sighed.

-----

"Mr. Ackerman! I'm really sorry. I've tried my best to say no to Levi but-" Armin babbled the moment Kenny opened the front door that afternoon.

"Whoa, breath kiddo," Kenny said. He knew what's going on, Armin did informed him at work about Levi's request. And Kenny agreed to invite the Alpha over since he'll be off earlier at work. "It's okay. I said yes, remember?"

"Yes, but... this is against your rules and I should have turn Levi down but-"

"It's fine, Armin. I knew how much you value your rating. I have to talk to Levi about this."

"Thank you, but I made sure Levi will take his afternoon nap."

"Good, he's awake now? And where is that Alpha," Taking off his shoes, Kenny strode into the house.

"He's still asleep and well, he refused to sleep in his room-" Armin supplied as he followed the old Alpha.

"Huh," Kenny raised a brow at the amount of legos on the living room floor. Levi never pulled out all of his legos out like this, it would be a pain to clean up after all. But seeing his sweet nephew sleeping soundly in the floor with a three pillows and a blanket over him, Kenny let it slide.

Right next to him was the ice cream boy. Eren kept on building with the his nephew's legos and made a metropolis in the living room floor.

The teenage Alpha perked up at Kenny. "Hello! Sir!"

Kenny gave him a court nod before turning to Armin and pulling his wallet. "I'm sorry for the trouble Levi caused you, here."

"Thank you sir. It's okay, I finished studying anyways and Eren helped me keep Levi entertained."

"Alright, then here's some extra. You guys can buy some chocolate or play at the arcade," Kenny added a few bills on Armin's pay.

"Let's go Eren," Armin announced as he packed his things.

"Okay, let me just place this last piece," Eren placed the last piece of what it seems like a tall building, similar to the one's in the King Kong movie.

After seeing the two teenagers off, Kenny went back to the living room. Levi was awake, still daze from sleep.

The little raven survey the room before whining. "Eren?"

Kenny sighed, expertly stepping out of the legos. When he was near the raven, Levi automatically raised both hands up to him. Kenny shook his head, his back still ached a little but knew he'll regret not picking Levi up frequently if the raven was all grown up.

"Eren and Armin went home now," Kenny explained while raking his fingers on the raven's bed hair.

"Why?" Levi whined softly as he slumped on his Uncle's shoulder.

"Because it's four in the afternoon. Now can you tell me what you guys did?" Kenny skipped off the metropolis lego and walked towards the kitchen.

"Eren and I made a city in the living room. While Armin study for school."

"That's wonderful but Levi," Kenny started. "I heard that you said that you'll give Armin a thumbs down if he doesn't invite his friend Eren. Is that true?"

"Ummm...." Levi whined, hiding his face on Kenny's neck.

"Levi, listen. The reason why I don't want other Alphas or other people here when I'm not home is because I want you safe. Do you understand?"

"Yes but-" Levi straightened and face his uncle. "But Eren is a good Alpha."

"I know Le. But let's not do it again okay? You made me worry."

Levi frowned, his eyes were glassy with unshed tears. "I'm sorry Uncle."

"Promise me to never do it again. And please don't threated Armin like that."

"Okay," Levi nodded.

"But you have fun playing with Eren?"

"I did, but not that long, I was so sleepy. We made a city, and Eren built me a robot and then-"

Kenny allowed the raven to slump back on his shoulder. Humming with interest as Levi continued his story.

Chapter Text

"Levi, I see that you made a new friend," Kenny smiled proudly at his small nephew.

"She is not my friend!" The raven exclaimed while he struggled to remove the female Beta that was hugging him.

Kenny didn't expect this. He was going to pick up his dear nephew as usual from school but this time around, Levi was running towards him in panic, right behind him was Beta in his age.

She wore glasses, hair tied up in a ponytail and she had a mini lab coat on with pins saying: "I'm going to be a doctor", "Dr. Hange Zoe", and "Best Doctor in the World". She was squealing loudly and easily captured the raven in her arms.

"I can see that." Kenny humored.

"Mr. Ackerman!" Petra Ral, one of his nephew's Omega classmate approached him. Her short strawberry blonde hair was adorned with small clips and was arranged in the order of a rainbow. She pointed at the Beta that was hugging the little raven. "Levi is a hero! He saved the new student from the bullies that were from another class!"

"Wow, that's amazing Levi! I'm proud of you!"

Levi smiled from his uncle's praise but immediately his face turned sour as he focused on removing the Beta's arms around him.

"My name is Hange Zoe, Mr. Ackerman. And I love Levi!" The Beta squeals.

"Nice to meet you Hange." Kenny chuckled.

Levi wasn't able to fully remove the Beta's hands around him when another set of arms wrapped around him.

"I love Levi too! He's my hero!" Petra squealed.

"No! Uncle help!" Levi whined and raised both his hands to his uncle, begging to be picked, and be away as possible from the two.

"Hahaha, you didn't tell me that you're popular Levi." Kenny teased and picked his nephew up while the two children looked up at him with a pout.

"Levi! Let's play at my house tomorrow!" Hange jumped excitedly.

"I want to play too!" Petra jumped as well.

"No!" Levi shook his head. "I don't want to!"

"But it's going to be my birthday tomorrow." Hange deflated and looked up at the raven with puppy dog eyes behind her glasses. "Mama said I should invite everyone in class but I'm new here and I don't have enough friends."

"I can be your friend and Levi too!" Petra raised her.

"Really? But Levi..." Hange glanced at Levi.

Kenny turned to his nephew who was still glaring at the two with his arms crossed against his chest. He sighed and ran his hand on Levi's raven hair. "Levi, what did we talk about?"

Levi's glare crumbled down and he frowned at his uncle. "Be nice..."

"Look, Hange invited you to her birthday party. That sounds fun right?"

"Um..." The raven hesitated.

"Yes! It will be super fun! There is cake, candies and mama said we can dissect a frog!" Hange listed excitedly.

"Ew!" Levi and Petra said in distaste.

The small Beta deflated once again. Kenny panicked a little and attempted to mend the situation. It made sense that Hange would enjoy those kinds of activities with her little lab coat on.

"Hey, chin up you two," Kenny comforted. "How about we skip the frog dissecting activities?"

"But... I want to dissect a frog." Hange whispered sadly.

Kenny felt horrible. It was going to be the Beta's birthday after all, and who was he to say she can't dissect a frog on her special day? Maybe Hange meant that the activity would be similar to a piñata party? But only a frog? Either way, Kenny had to fix this.

"How bad can a frog be?" He tried his best to keep the conversation going.

"I don't like frogs." Levi huffed and shook his head.

"I'm scared of frogs!" Petra squeaked

"It's not scary! I did it with my mama several times! It's fun!" Hange defended.

Kenny could tell the small Beta was getting frustrated and her eyes started to water behind her glasses. He had to think of something, not only he wanted Levi to had more friends but also give the new student a chance. Kenny knew how hard it was for a kid to adjust on a new school, he witnessed it with his nephew. Levi had no choice but to switch schools after his mother passed away and needed to move across the country to be under Kenny's care.

"Did you know that frogs hid magical coins in their bellies?" He asked the three.

"Magical coins?!" Petra awed.

"Really?" Levi turned to him curiously.

At first, Hange shook her head at Kenny's input but after seeing the two's interest grew at the topic, she jumped happily, and played along. "Yes! Mr. Ackerman is right! I got a magical coin on my first frog!"

"Where is it?" Petra asked. "Can I see it?"

"They grant wishes and disappeared after! I already used it!" Hange announced proudly.

"What did you wish for?" The strawberry blonde Omega asked with pure curiosity.

"It's a secret!" Hange laughed.

Kenny wiped the imaginary sweat on his forehead. He was glad that the situation lightened up and it seems like Petra would attend Hange's birthday. Though he noticed that Levi was silent on his arms.

"What is it, Le?"

Levi turned to him. He wrapped his arms around Kenny's neck, and whispered in his ear. "I want a magical coin. So, I can wish that Eren will be my age and we can be together and play."

"Oh, Le," Kenny sighed and patted the boys back. He looked down at Hange and winked at her. "Maybe you can get a magical coin if Hange gets it from the frog's belly. Right, Hange?"

"Yes! I'll get you a magical coin Levi! I promise, just come to my birthday party!" Hange chipped.

After a few seconds of silence, Levi nodded. "Okay."

"Yes!" Hange cheered and jumped in the air.

"I want a magical coin too and cake!" Petra cheered as well.

Kenny smiled, knowing that his nephew made a new friend and now invited to a birthday party.

-----

It was a normal kids' birthday party, complete with birthday hats on. They gave Hange gifts, sing her happy birthday, and ate cake.  It was when Mrs. Zoe gave everyone little lad coats and started the frog dissecting process.

Kenny was amazed by Hange. Before they begin, she taught everyone about the do's and don'ts for safety purposes and the purpose of the activity.

She dissected the frog expertly while the other watched silently. When the process was over, Hange put away all the equipment she used and clean the table. Once cleaned, Levi climbed on the table and squinted at the open belly of the frog. He took one of the unused straw and poked its insides.

"Where is the coin?!" He exclaimed.

"This means that this is not a lucky frog!" Hange huffed, pretending to be disappointed.

"I can get more frogs in the garden!" Petra raised her hand and pointed at the garden.

Kenny watched silently with Petra's parent as they dissected the frog and their cute disappointed reactions when they realized that there was no magical coin in its belly.

"I thought this will end up badly but," Petra's parent whispered to Kenny with a smile. "My girl had been scared of frogs ever since, it's nice to know that she learns that they can't hurt her."

"Me too," Kenny sighed with a smile. "Levi doesn't like the idea of dissecting a frog but I'm glad he's comfortable with it now."

"And I can't thank you enough for that Mr. Ackerman." Mrs. Zoe approached them and gave them a glass of wine. "It made me so happy that my little doctor had new friends."

The three adults watched from the side while the children fussed over the frog. Not a minute long, Petra came running from the garden with an alive and struggling frog in her hands.

"I caught one!" She cheered, lifting the frog like it was a trophy.

"Haha!" Levi laughed devilishly. He reached for the tape dispenser and pulled a long strip of the tape. "Hold it, while I tape it down!"

"Yeah!" Hange cheered, jumping on her spot excitedly. Her mama told her that she could only disect one frog but not anymore with everyone's help.

The three adults stared with their jaw slack in shock at the sudden turn of events. Before Mrs. Zoe could intervene, Erwin, also one of their classmates, stepped in and took the poor frog from the strawberry blonde's hands.

"No!" He held the frog up high so no one could get it from him. He's the only Alpha in the group and was exceptionally taller than anyone in his class.

"Get your own frog!" Petra hissed.

"No! You don't understand! Frogs don't have magical coins in their bellies!" The little blonde Alpha explained.

Kenny tensed and had the urge to flee at the possibility that the children would attack him for lying.

"I read from a book that you kiss them and they turn into a prince or a princess!" Erwin continued.

"Ew!" This time, it was Hange who scrunched up in distaste at the idea.

"I want a prince!" Petra beamed and jumped on her feet to reach for the amphibian.

"Well, I still want my magical coin!" Levi huffed, sliding off the table, he ran towards Erwin and Petra, and attempted to steal the frog from the blonde.

"I want to join too!" Hange squealed and joined in.

"Okay!" Mrs. Zoe clapped her hands. She went to Erwin and took the poor, shaking frog from the child. "I think this is where the frog activity ends!"

The children whined sadly while the adults tried not to laugh. Overall, it was a successful birthday party.

Chapter Text

Levi removed his backpack, he placed it next to him as he sat patiently on the waiting bench for his Uncle to pick him up. He eyed the cars as they started parked on the side of the school, trying to spot his Uncle's car when someone sat next to him.

"My Dad won't arrive until 4:30." Erwin pouted.

"Uncle usually arrived at 4:30 too. What's up with that?" Levi asked. He did notice that some parents were already waiting outside at exactly 4:00. While Levi had to wait on the waiting bench until 4:30.

"Dad said because he could only go out of work at 4:30," Erwin explained while he played with a small caterpillar plush hanging on his backpack.

"Adults are weird," Levi mumbled.

"I don't think so, they have to work for money. So, we can go to school and buy food." Erwin explained.

"I know!" Levi huffed. "But adults are weirdos, they don't eat candies."

"I don't eat candies too."

"Then, you're a weirdo too," Levi stuck his tongue at him. His Uncle told him to be nice but it was hard to be nice with an Alpha, especially since Levi got bullied by Alphas before.

"Hey," Erwin frowned. "I'm not, I just don't like sweets, and ice cream makes my teeth sting."

"Why is that?" Levi asked with curiosity. His teeth doesn't sting when he ate ice cream. Maybe his blonde classmate had sick teeth?

"I want to eat ice cream so bad but I couldn't because my teeth sting so much!" Erwin whined.

Levi frowned. He felt bad for Erwin, ice cream was a cold treat worth fighting for. Levi ate ice cream every Friday while Erwin... ate ice cream once a month? Levi gasped at the thought.

"I'm sorry that I called you weird," Levi whispered. "I love ice cream and you can't eat ice cream... Poor you."

"It's okay, my cousin worked on an ice parlor before." Erwin sighed. "I'm jealous of him."

"Does he know Eren?!" Levi screamed and Erwin jolted.

"Eren? Who?" Erwin blinked at him, confused.

"I remembered before that someone with blonde hair and bushy eyebrows worked as the ice cream man in my favorite ice cream parlor!"

"I'm not sure, Levi. My cousin works in a candy shop now." Erwin shook his head.

"Oh," Levi's shoulders slacked. "Okay..."

Before Erwin could ask the little raven what he meant, Hange jumped right in front of them like a monkey that escaped from the zoo.

"GUYS!" She shrieked.

"Ah!" Levi yelped while Erwin gasped in fear.

"Hange!" The little raven Omega hissed at her.

"What's up, Hange?" Erwin smiled, despite that the little Beta frightened him.

"Puppies!" Hange shrieked and threw her hands in the air.

"Really? Where?!" Erwin's big blue eyes scanned the area around them to find the said puppies.

"You mean dogs?" Levi said flatly, unimpressed.

"Baby dogs, Levi! They're just at the shelter!" Hange pointed across the street. "Let's go and play with them while we wait for our parents!"

"Let's go!" Erwin jumped out of the bench excitedly.

"Come on, Levi! Let's go!" Hange took his hand, pulled him up to his feet, and help him put on his backpack.

"Wait!" Levi cried desperately while Hange dragged him. He struggled to catch up with the Beta's speed that he almost tripped on his own feet but Erwin saved him by holding his hand and supported him.

Levi slightly smiled at him while they ran to the gates. They all stopped at the open gate and stared at the animal shelter a few blocks across their school. They had a big pen outside their lawn, inside were yellow fluffy puppies barking at anyone who walked on the sidewalk.

"Ohhh," Levi stood on his tiptoes as he eyed the little furballs inside the pen.

"They're so cute!" Erwin cooed.

"Let's go!" Hange cheered.

"Wait!" Levi screamed and held Hange's and Erwin's hands firmly, stopping the two from stepping out of the gate. "We're not supposed to step out of the gate without our parents!"

"But-" Hange protested.

"Levi's right, Hange. And we need an adult to cross the street."

The three of them stared at the road as the cars zoom past, a few small rocks tumbled around the asphalt while the cars continued to run over them. The children eyed the stray rock as it rolled towards them and it stopped right at Levi's feet.

"We should go back to the waiting bench," Erwin suggested and tugged Levi with him but Hange refused to move when the raven tugged her.

"Wait! Mama is here!" She pointed at the blue car that just parked near the gate.

Mrs. Zoe came out, she eyed her daughter and then the two boys. Her heart almost jumped out of her chest when she saw the children ran hand in hand to the open gates but thankfully stopped there. "Were the three of you planning to leave the school grounds?!" She scolded.

Levi and Erwin lowered their heads while Hange bounced on the balls of her feet and pointing at the shelter. "Mama! Can we go to the puppies? Please? Please? Please?" She begged.

"The ones in the shelter?" Mrs. Zoe glanced at the said building across the street.

Erwin looked at Mrs. Zoe with big, glassy blue eyes and a small pout. "Please help us cross the street, Mrs. Zoe. My Dad won't be here until 4:30."

Levi watched Erwin and imitated him. Pulling his best puppy dog eyes and pouted. "My Uncle too. It's boring in the waiting bench and I want to pet the puppies."

Mrs. Zoe gaped at the two boys with their adorable puppy eyes and her excited daughter. She sighed.

----

Instead of parking on the school's lot, Kenny parked at the animal shelter just across it. Mrs. Zoe called him earlier and informed him that Levi's currently with her and playing with the puppies in the shelter.

Getting off his car, Kenny walked towards the big pen. Mrs, Zoe was on her knees while explaining to her daughter about something. When Mrs. Zoe noticed him, he thanked her for looking after his nephew before going to the pen.

Inside was Erwin giggling. The little Alpha was laying on his back while the little golden retrievers climbed on him and licked his face. Some were biting his shirt and playfully tugging him.

And on the far corner was his little Levi sitting on the small mushroom chair with a small puppy in his arms. He was humming as he cradled the pup in his arms like a baby. The pup was smaller compared to the others. The small furball was also well-behaved on the little raven's arms, Kenny figured that it was the runt of the litter.

Kenny silently took his phone and snapped a picture of his dear nephew. Another one for the albums.

Levi beamed when he saw his Uncle, he stood and carefully walked towards the old Alpha. "Uncle! Meet Captian!" He slightly raised his arms to show the puppy.

"Huh, he's a cute one," Kenny chuckled and reached out to pet the pup.

"Can we keep him?" Levi looked up at him with big expectant eyes.

Kenny's breath hitched. In his peripheral vision, he could still see Mrs. Zoe talking to her daughter. Hange was pouting and whining despite her mother's effort to talk her out. Now, Kenny knows.

"Oh, Le-"

"I'll be very respon... responsible!" Levi struggled. "I'll feed him, and bath him, and... um... and clean his mess! I promise! Please?"

Kenny winced. He never fancy animals, he got his hands full on taking care of Levi, and adding a puppy on the list would make things harder. "I'm sorry, Le."

Levi's face dropped and he looked down at the puppy in his arms. He stood there, looking down at the pup for a few seconds before he knelt and put the puppy down. Some of Captain's littermates came to him and initiated a play fight the moment Levi put him down.

"Stop!" Levi pushed the bigger puppies away from Captain. "Don't hurt Captian!"

"Come here!" Erwin came to him and took the bigger pups' attention by throwing a ball. Captain saw the ball too but he was so small and with his short legs, he stumbled on the grass and fell.

"Oh," Levi went to him and helped the pup up to his feet. With hesitance, Levi left Captian, he went to the small gate and stepped out of the pen.

He was silent as he walked towards Kenny. The old Alpha frowned while he watched Levi blinked several times to stop himself from crying.

Kenny sighed and took his hand. "Come on, Le. Let's go."

They waved goodbye to Mrs, Zoe, Hange, and Erwin before going to their car. On the road, Levi was silent as he picked the loose threads on the hem of his shirt.

Stopping on the red light, Kenny noticed in the rearview as Levi pulled the thread on his shirt. "If you continue pulling the thread, you'll ruin your uniform."

Levi immediately stopped and looked down at his shoes.

Kenny sighed. The light turned green and instead of driving straight home, he made a turn on the store. Parking his car, he unbuckled his seat belt before going to Levi.

Levi remained silent as they walked hand in hand in the shop. He was slowly getting irritated, he wanted to go home and cry in his room because he believed that big boys don't cry in public. He tried so much to keep his tears.

Kenny knelt on his level and showed an item to him. Levi's eyes grew wide at the sight of a small dog bed with cute paw prints all over it.

"You think Captian will like this?" Kenny asked.

Levi switched his gaze from the dog bed to his Uncle. "I thought-"

"Captain can't live with us if we don't buy him a bed."

Levi let out a high-pitched squeal and jumped as high as he could. Kenny felt his chest warmed at the nephew's happiness. Some people stared at them but Kenny doesn't give shit, if Levi's happy, then he's happy.

With dog food and other essentials were bought and packed on the trunk, they drove back to the shelter.

When Kenny removed Levi's seatbelt, the little raven jumped out of the car, he ran as fast as he could to the pen, and immediately Captian came to him when he saw the raven.

Kenny was glancing at his nephew while he signed the adoption papers at the clerk who's waiting patiently behind her desk near the puppy pen.

Kenny noticed three recently signed copies of adoption papers aside from his. Two were signed by Zoe's and one was from Smith's.

Levi came back to him with a big smile and Captain in his arms. "Thank you, Uncle! You're the best! I love you!" He beamed and snuggled the pup on his face.

Kenny knew that he'll experience more struggles with a new addition to their little family. But seeing his dear nephew so happy like this, Kenny knew it would be worth it.

Chapter Text

"Why are you sniffing me?!" Levi hissed at his classmate, Mike.

The little blonde Alpha had been sniffing him from the moment he entered the classroom. Mike even moved his chair next to the little raven Omega.

"Levi, maybe he had some reasons. Right, Mike?" Erwin tried to calm the fuming raven at Mike's odd behavior.

"Hm!" Mike nodded. He gestured for Hange who just entered the room and placing her bag on the shelf.

"Oh! What is it, Mike!?" Hange cheered and skipped towards their table.

"Levi," Mike pointed at the said raven and Levi wanted to melt when Erwin and Hange's eyes landed on him.

"What?!" Levi grumbled. "Just tell me!"

"He looks pale," Mike finished and Hange jaw dropped.

She dashed to the raven Omega and rested her forehead on Levi's.

"Wha?" Levi asked with pure confusion.

"Ohhh! Your forehead is hotter than mine!" Hange announced.

"Really? Can I?" Erwin asked when Hange stepped out of Levi's personal space.

"Um, okay," Levi nodded and closed his eyes. Unlike Hange, Erwin placed the back of his hand on his forehead.

"Hange's right!" Erwin gasped and turned to Mike. "And you were able to know just by his scent, Mike?"

Mike nodded and immediately went to the teacher who just arrived in their room.

"I'm not sick!" Levi pouted. "I feel okay."

"Oh, I heard from mama that thisbmonth is flue season!" Hange pointed out.

"Yeah, I heard dad saying it too," Erwin supported. "He said that I should always wash my hands and tell other kids to cover their mouth and nose when they sneeze."

While his friends discussed about the flue season, Levi blinked at them as the yesterday's events. The class had ended and Levi was packing his things when Petra came to him. She was asking if they could play together with Hange while waiting for their parents. That's when Petra sneezed at him.

Levi turned towards Petra's table. She was absent today. The little raven had no idea what to do, he's scared, he didn't want to get sick. He didn't want his uncle to get worried.

"Levi, deary?" His teacher cooed at him and placed the back of her hand on his forehead. "Oh my, you have a fever. Let's go to the clinic. Don't worry, I'll call your uncle."

Levi pressed his lips in a thin line. He could feel the heaviness of his body, he thought he was just sleepy but no. He felt cold and vulnerable.

Levi nodded and let his teacher carry him instead of walking along.

----

"This is because Petra sneezed on me!" Levi cried out, tears streaming down on his face. He kept on sobbing as he held onto his uncle's shoulders.

"You're going to be okay, Le," Kenny gently patted his back. "Don't worry, I'm here and so as Captain."

Kenny was called by the little raven's teacher, the old Alpha excused himself at work and immediately drove to the school. When he arrived at the school's clinic, Levi was looking pale. The nurse gave him some chewable medicine but he needed to get the little Omega checked.

The old Alpha did notice that morning that Levi had less energy in him but he shrugged it off. Since they adopted Captain, Levi had been running around and playing with the pup, Kenny assumed he was just tired from all the playing.

Kenny tried so hard not to show his panic and took care of Levi, his workplace allowed him a week off since they knew how important it was for Kenny to be with Levi. Younger Omegas preferred to be together with their mothers when they were sick but since Kuchel passed away, Levi was dependent on Kenny.

They just left the clinic and the doctor explained to Kenny that it was normal for Levi to cry frequently at his state since he didn't have his mother by his side. Kenny was concern at first as to why the little raven cried so much but he did his best to make Levi smile. Threw some dad jokes, read him stories, snuggled with him with Captain. Kenny was now thankful he adopted the dog, Captian helped Levi so much. The pup would sleep next to the little Omega and Levi would eventually fall asleep right after.

"Hey," Kenny lightly knocked on the open door. "I bought your favorite banana cupcake."

"Hmmm," Levi hummed weakly. He was covered in layers of blanket like a cocoon and Captain was all curled up on his side.

Kenny settled at the edge of his bed and help his nephew sit up. Levi took the cupcake and took a bite. Pushing some of the raven hair off the little Omega's face, Kenny observed his nephew. Levi's complexion looked better than before. That's the signs he wanted to see.

Reaching for the thermometer on the bedside table, Kenny placed the device under the raven's arm. After a few minutes, Kenny sighed in relief to see that the fever was going down.

"Just keep eating that cupcake and drink plenty of water. Tomorrow, you'll be well," Kenny ruffled his bed hair.

"I will never let anyone sneeze on me," Levi swore.

"Yes, tell them to cover their mouth and always wash hands."

"I hate Petra," Levi huffed.

"Now, it's not Petra's fault. She's sick now like you too."

"Good for her, now she feels my pain," Levi growled and took a big bite on his cupcake.

Kenny kept on his patient smile. Levi never failed to surprise him. Captian whined and scratch his paw on Levi, his big-sad-puppy eyes zoned on the half-eaten cupcake on Levi's hand.

"I should get Captain fed, don't give him your cupcake," Kenny said as he stood but he didn't miss how his dear nephew tear about 1/3 of his cake and gave it to the puppy. Kenny let it slide.

On the second day, Levi's fever persisted but he was getting better and better. The little raven was out of his bedroom and now in the living room playing with his legos. Kenny made sure the little raven won't get cold and draped a blanket over his shoulders.

In the kitchen, Kenny made a mug of chocolate for his nephew. Hoping that the child would take more liquids. He gasped when a small ball of yellow fur zoned past his legs and body-slammed Levi down on the floor.

"Captain!" Kenny scolded the energetic puppy.

Captain didn't pay him any attention and continued licking the raven's face.

"Captain! No!" Levi laughed. "Ew! Gross! Hahaha!"

Kenny sighed and let this one slide again. He didn't want Levi crying again because he felt vulnerable without Kuchel. Kenny swore to the stars that it would never happen again.

Once Captain finally calmed down, Kenny took a damp towel and wipe the raven's face before giving him the coco.

Levi took a sip and his face grimace at the taste. "Even chocolate taste weird," he whined at Kenny.

Kenny sat down next to Levi with his legs crossed and gently patted his back. "Hang in there, Le. Once you get well, everything will taste like it normally should."

"I want to get well fast," Levi pouted and took another sip with his eyes squeezed shut.

Kenny hummed, knowing exactly what Levi's next words. The little raven gulped down the chocolate and turned the cup to his uncle with determined eyes.

"I want ice cream and see Eren again."

Kenny smiled. "Don't worry. When you get well, I'm driving you straight to the ice cream parlor."

Chapter Text

As promised, Kenny took Levi to the ice cream parlor after a week and a half. The little raven recovered in a week but Kenny wanted to be sure this, Levi's rest day extended. He made sure to inform the school, his nephew's teacher understood and said that it was for the better because Levi's classmate, Erwin Smith, also got the flu just recently.

"Hurry up, Uncle!" Levi jumped on his seat.

"Okay, okay, hold on, I have to find a good parking spot," Kenny chuckled at his nephew's excitement.

"Why can't we bring Captian again?" Levi whined.

"Because Captain will get sick if he eats ice cream," Kenny reasoned with a small smile.

"Then, we're not getting him ice cream!"

"I'm sorry, Le. The ice cream parlor doesn't allow pets," Kenny finally told him the truth. The raven had been going back and forth as to why the little golden retriever couldn't join them. Kenny didn't want to tell Levi that pets were not allowed in the shop because-

"Then, I'll ask Eren and he'll allow it!" Levi explained.

Kenny nodded at himself. Yes, he knew that Levi would say that. The old Alpha didn't want to bother the brunette teen any further, it was unsanitary to bring an animal in an ice cream parlor anyways.

"Levi," Kenny slightly dropped his tone. "Captian is having fun with Ms. Rico's German Shepards."

"Yeah," Levi pouted. "But those German Sheepers were so big, what happens if they stepped on Captain?"

Kenny tried to suppress a chuckle, the raven wasn't wrong when he misses said 'shepherds as 'sheepers', those dogs do herd sheep. "Don't worry, they won't step on Captain."

"But..." Levi dragged on, looking out of the window with a sad pout when they finally park. Then, his blue-stormy eyes landed on something in the parking and he squeaked. "Eeek!"

Kenny almost jumped at the sudden noise and whipped his head back at his nephew. "What's wrong? What is it?!"

"Uncle, let's go home," Levi shrunk on the seat.

"What?!" Kenny couldn't believe what came out of his nephew's mouth. They finally arrived at the ice cream parlor after a week and a half. Levi's been begging to buy some ice cream when he was sick and almost threw a tantrum. Thankfully at that time, the little raven had taken his medicine and the drowsy effect was working, if it didn't, had no idea how to handle Levi's sick tantrum.

Levi pointed at the red car that just parked next to theirs.

Kenny's eyes grew in recognition. "Oh, that's-"

"LEVI!" Hange Zoe suddenly appeared right at Levi's window. She was screaming the raven's name while jumping as high as she could and knocking at the window.

"Nooooo!" Levi hissed before turning to Kenny. "Let's go home! Now!"

"But isn't Hange your friend?" Kenny smiled.

"LEVI! I MISS YOU!" Hange screamed.

"She's not my friend!"

Finally, Mrs. Zoe came in and stopped her daughter from screaming and knocking on Levi's window. Kenny smiled as he gets off the car and greeted the other parent.

Levi froze when his uncle open the backseat door. He expected Hange to pop in but thankfully the Beta was out of sight.

"It's okay, Le. I talked to Hange. She promised to behave," Kenny reassured while he took off the raven's seatbelt and gathered Levi in his arms.

Levi held onto his Uncle for dear life. He felt safe when Kenny carried him because the old Alpha was tall, there is no way Hange could reach him.

"I promise!" Hange raised her hand when Levi was finally out of the car.

Levi pouted down at her but he nodded. Eyes then fixed on the ice cream parlor's window. He finally saw Eren again and eat ice cream.

"Let's go?" Mrs. Zoe was prompt and they all walked to the parlor.

Once they have taken their seat (they decided to share a table), Levi was surprised to see how well-behave was Hange was. While the two adults talked about the weather and taxes, Hange and Levi talked about their pets.

"I bet Captain is so cute!" Hange squealed but it was toned down compared to her normal volume.

"Captain is cute!" Levi pouted and crossed his arms on his chest.

"Children, why don't you buy your ice cream," Mrs. Zoe suggested and gave Hange a bill.

"You too, Le." Kenny winked at him and passed him a bill.

"But..." Levi looked up to his Uncle. He never bought anything by myself, plus, he was going to talk to Eren. What happens if he couldn't speak? And he couldn't see the ice cream flavors in the display because he's so short.

"It's okay, honey," Mrs. Zoe cooed. "Hange will help you."

"Don't worry Levi!" Hange dropped off her seat and took held Levi's hands, helping the little raven slid off his chair. "I was able to buy my own food at the fast-food restaurant!"

"Really?"

"Yeah, Mommy let me. It's very easy!" Hange smiled as they both walked to the counter.

There were a few people in the line and Eren looked very busy but he kept that beautiful smile on his face and his green eyes were very bright. Levi was transfixed once again.

"The ice cream man is handsome," Hange blurted out.

"What?" Levi snapped at her.

p"He's so cute!" Hange giggled as she eyed Eren behind the booth.

"No," Levi said flatly and moved in front of Hange. Hands up, palms open to block the Beta's view.

"Hey," she whined and moved away but Levi kept his pace and continued to block her view.

"No," Levi warned.

"Why?" Hange pouted before her eyes widened behind her glasses. "Levi, you also like the ice cream man?"

"N-No!" Levi put his hands down and shook his head. Wishing the heat creeping on his cheeks would stop.

Hange smirked and crossed her hands on her chest. "Then why don't you like it when I look at the ice cream man?"

"Because! B-because..." Levi was lost for words.

The beta stared at her friend, witnessing how the tough Levi she knew melted right there with a red face. She knew and understood. Instead of teasing Levi further, she grabbed his hand and dragged him to the counter.

"Look! It's our turn!"

"Um, yeah," Levi momentarily forgotten his embarrassment and simply stared at Eren who smiled at him.

"Hey! Welcome back!" Eren greeted him.

Levi felt like his face would split at how wide his smile became. "Yes!"

"Where have you been?" Eren leaned on the counter and rested his chin on his knuckles.

"I was sick," Levi reasoned, blue-stormy eyes never leaving the brunette Alpha.

"Oh, are you okay now?"

"Yeah," Levi nodded with full enthusiasm. "I can eat ice cream now."

"Well, I'm glad that you are well and back!" Eren giggled.

"Also, I got a puppy!" the little raven announced.

"A puppy?!" the brunette gasped. "What their name?"

Hange stayed silent on the sideline and simply watching the little Omega and the teen Alpha interact with each other.

The two started talking about puppies and as much as Hange wanted to join and share about her two puppies, she refrained.

There's something between the two. Like, there's a protective bubble around them and everything in the world didn't matter.

The ice cream, Eren, that's what she heard Levi said, was smiling widely. It's was not the same smile that he wore when he was serving the customer before them. It looked different.

"I see you bought a friend?" Eren turned to her.

"Yes, she's from my class. Her name is Hange!"

"Hello, Hange. It's nice to meet you," Eren smiled.

"Hello," Hange bowed her head slightly, eyes still busy observing the two.

"I can tell you guys are good friends," Eren turned back to Levi.

There. Hange pointed mentally. Eren's smile was different when the brunette smiled at her compared to when talking to Levi.

"She's not my friend!" Levi protested and glared at her.

"Levi, let's not be mean," Eren chuckled.

"Um, m'kay," Levi pouted before smiling widely at the young Alpha.

Hange blinked. She moved to cover her mouth to suppress her giggles. She wanted to eat some sweet ice cream but just watching Levi talking to his future mate was too sweet that she could get cavities.