(AN: please keep in mind that i (unfortunately) have never been to a competition before myself. (band trips don't count because we're all in a group) i'm using your lie in april scenes as a reference. also, in past chapters it is said that this competition was supposed to be in england. i kinda screwed up.)

It was hot behind stage and Eren thought his skin was going to melt right off his skeleton.

He wasn't nervous, but it was as if he could feel the stage lights even if he wasn't in front of the audience yet. A few people actually approached Levi, asking him questions and praising him. He looked dashing and was quite charming, whereas Eren thought he looked like a sweaty mule. Damn Levi always seemed to be a little more superior than he was somehow.

There wasn't too many musicians there that night because after all, it was like a finale. All the great and talented were gathered here, only the ones that managed to catch everyone's attention from the past. Levi, on the other hand, was a god compared to everyone else.

"Can you stop that?" Levi said as he watched Eren's fingers shake uncontrollably.

"Hmm this? Just a natural reflex," Eren said.

"You're nervous," he stated.

"Of course I am, you idiot," the teen said a little too loudly, attracting some more curious eyes to stare at them. "I've been looking forward for this my whole life."

Levi took his hand and intertwined his own fingers into his and squeezed lightly, getting even more attention. "Okay you were right; you might mess up."

"Thanks," Eren replied sarcastically.

"But that's only if you think you will. Just believe you won't mess up and you won't."

"You really think so? Sorry to burst your bubble, but you're overestimating me and having way too much faith in me."

"Of course I am, you moron, because it's you. What kind of boyfriend would that make me if I wasn't so supportive?"

A few people around them were snickering now but tried to make it not so obvious that they were eavesdropping.

"You're flattering," Eren said, once again using the same sarcastic tone of voice.

They didn't talk much later after that and silently decided that they would just wait with one another. Eren was sure Levi wasn't aloud to be back stage, but it seemed like no one cared nor had the guts to tell him so.

It was strange how the very presence of someone he used to detest would make him feel so whole, so wonderful. It was like having a pet cat because they didn't talk, but sometimes they can make your heart feel so full that it would explode. Only Levi wasn't a cat, he was more; he was something that Eren would never trade for in the world and he loved him so much he could cry a waterfall. The overwhelming euphoria he felt when he was with him was crushing and squeezing at his poor heart.

His worries were always erased.

The show soon began after long and tedious minutes. The sound of the crowd hushed down and Eren could hear the clacking of dress shoes echoing from the stage. The announcer finally showed up and he could see the side of his head from where he was. He wore a bright smile, almost fake, and had a microphone held in his hand.

"Thank you for coming tonight! I'm sure every musician here appreciates your company. Up first, we have Kalista Adeline with her amazing and outstanding talent with the violin." His voiced boomed and bounced off the walls.

Eren didn't pay attention much soon after that, because when you're scared it's like all senses are wiped away from the face of existence. Time went by in a flash and he could feel his heart shattering from all the heavy heartbeats it had to endure. Like glass, it was going to be smashed by the adrenaline. His ears were like a wall when the sound of the bow gliding along the violin failed to be heard. It was like his first competition all over again. Feeling like he was trapped inside an aquarium; slow, dragged movements and sounds that were too faint and mushy to hear. Like a rock slowly sinking to the bottom...

"Eren," Levi called out to him. "It's your turn. Get up."

How could so many names pass so by so quickly?

"Levi" Eren spoke. "I'm going to be sick-"

"No you won't," he interrupted sharply. "I'll be watching you. I'm going to be right here, okay?"

He stumbled to his feet and wobbled away but spun around to look at Levi one more time before leaving.

"I'm starting to panic and I think I'm going to faint."

Levi merely rolled his beautiful, grey eyes and stepped toward Eren in flawless strides and was in front of the younger male before he could even register what was happening. His hand grasped his chin quickly and pulled his face towards his and softly pressed their lips together for a small but passionate kiss, and it got Eren's heartbeat racing even faster than before.

"If you're going to faint, the cause might as well be me," he told him when he parted from the unexpected kiss.

"You ass," Eren muttered and started to shuffle away.

He squinted as the stage lights blinded him when he walked onto the smooth and shiny wooden floor. His shoes squeaked when he got closer and closer to the stunning grand piano patiently awaiting him.

"Here we have Eren Jaeger!" the spokesperson announced.

Eren was meant for this kind of life, he was already so used about it; the lights, the loud audiences and the way his fingers would ache after playing for too long. It was somewhat comforting in some strange way as he moved closer and closer to the instrument. He sat down and had his fingers poised to attack the keys and played. All the nerves were rushing to his head, but disappeared as he felt the music surround him, embrace him.

It was like he was playing only for himself, and he felt so good. It probably felt a hundred times better than sex.

His eyes were in slits but open enough to see the keys. It was a weird habit he always did when he played so that he didn't see the audience. A way to calm himself down without having to throw a fit first. Eren soon realized that this may be the second time Levi has seen him play professionally on a stage. It was like reliving the moment ten years ago all over again and he was punched by the intense nostalgia. This was it.

The sound of the piano tinkled in his ears and he played with more force and emotion than ever before. He wanted his music to slap everyone in the face as if saying 'Listen to me and listen only to me.' His shoulders dipped and swayed as if in a trance; he was being hypnotized by the music as he tapped his foot along to the beat. He was transported in a while different world and nothing else mattered, everything else felt irrelevant.

How could it feel this way? Eren thought.

The scene was bewitching and extravagant and bitter shivers were sent down his veins and spine as he moved along to the rhythm. He finally opened his eyes and engulfed everything around him. His hands were moving on command as they played the overwhelming amount of bars. Eren knew they didn't announce the winners yet, but he felt victorious. So triumphant and confident as he blew the breath away from everyone in the theatre.

He was one of those wind up toys that would usually go on sale during Christmas time. By the time he was finished, his shoulders and bod slumped to a stop and he was panting now. He was welcomed by nothing but silence, but relief flood when the clapping finally began slowly. It was like being hit by a meteor, so sudden and so big.

His mouth was dry and his eyes stung as he stole a glance at the crowd. They were clapping so loudly and even a few cheers erupted from them. Eren turned his head to look at where Levi was. He was still there, standing on the side but behind the curtain with his arms crossed and his lips twitched in a small smirk as he stared back at the younger male.

Eren couldn't remember much after that, and he only paid attention when they were finally going to declare the winners and runner up's. Who was going to be the one going to England? He hoped it was himself. He wanted to see the real world and he knew it wasn't going to be as perfect and dreamy as he imagined. He was smart enough to know that it was going to rough and cruel and that there would be people who wanted to use him and kick him around, but he was ready for that. If he was going to win, he knew that horrible things were going to be in the way as well.

All of the musicians were all lined up on stage like a crescent moon with anxious expressions painted on their faces. Some looked fearless as if knowing they were going to get first place. That's when you're wrong, Eren thought.

His hands were cold and clammy and he waited patiently for them to tell everyone who was the lucky musician. He felt sick and he wanted to run away and just vomit in the nearest potted plant, but he held his ground. There was a young looking blonde woman who sashayed her way on stage with a slip of paper in her hands, followed by an old man carrying what looked like two medals and one trophy.

My trophy...

"I am so blown away by all the performances we've seen tonight!" she exclaimed into a microphone. "Unfortunately, only one may get first place I'm afraid to admit."

She was beaming at the crowd with her bright, white teeth.

"Third place goes to Annie Leonhardt with her wonderful performance with the alto saxophone! Congratulations!"

Another blonde girl around Eren's age stepped up to retrieve a medal. She looked oddly familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He could have sworn that he's seen that long nose and cold eyes somewhere before...

"Second place goes to Bertolt Hoover. Your violin skills are amazing!"

Eren was shaking now. He's never wanted anything so bad since he's met Levi. He knew he had to win.

"First place goes to..." she trailed off the add more suspense. The whole crowd sucked in their breath and was on the edge of their seats when she continued. "Eren Jaeger for his absolutely beautiful piano playing."

Eren could feel his vision fog up. He was going to faint and his heart was going to explode.

He stepped up and gave his best smile as the lady patted him on the back and handed him the trophy- his trophy. His hands were trembling now and his voice shook when he said his thanks. Euphoria was injected into his body as she announced the end of the show and everyone was allowed to leave. He found Levi quite easily shortly after that. Many of the other competitors congratulated and praised him, chatting up a storm with friendly faces. Though, there was also many who sent him sour and envious looks. He was told they were going to send him more information via email.

"I told you so," Levi said when he met up with him.

"Can we please head home before I pass out?" Eren asked in quiet voice. "God that was exhilarating."

"Of course. Wait for me outside, I have to talk to a few people first, okay? Well done." He pecked him on the cheek before strolling away.

The night was young but cold as Eren exited the theatre. Time went by fast and he started to wonder what he was so worked up about earlier. His skin felt raw as the wind nipped at his skin. The sunset was colored a shade of orange and a little bit of faded pink when he looked up at the sky. It was enchanting.

Eren leaned against the side of the building as he waited patiently for Levi. He flinched as he heard gravel crunching under shoes, but it sounded like two pairs were walking his way. He looked up and saw the face of the guy who got second place and another musician who didn't win anything. They were tall and intimidating. The new guy had blond hair and he looked like he had a lot of muscle under that suit. He was a little shorter than Bertolt, but still equally scary.

"Hello," Eren said with a tone of confusion in his voice.

They didn't say anything nor smiled and just glared at him as if he were a piece of gum that got stuck to their fancy and expensive shoes.

"I'm Eren," he said. "You guys did very well tonight. I'm amazed."

"Yeah, yeah we know who you are," the shorter guy said.

"Can I help you?" Eren asked and raised an eyebrow.

"Don't act so friendly. You probably cheated or something," Bertolt spat as his eyes darted to the trophy in his hands.

"What do you mean? I would never do such a thing, and how would I cheat?"

"Don't act so stupid, Jaeger. You're aware that you're pretty well known, right? You probably toyed with their heads or something and bribed them."

"You have a point, Reiner. Seems like it."

"I'm sorry, but I swear I didn't do anything. I just moved and there's no way I could possibly know anyone well to actually do something so atrocious."

"Reiner, hold him down."

He was knocked violently to the ground and his trophy fell out of his hands. He tried to get up but his hands were pinned to the ground painfully.

"What are you-"

Bertolt raised his foot and stomped as hard as could on Eren's hands. Fear washed over him when he heard something crack. He yelled out in pain and struggled against the blond's grip, but failed. His hands felt numb with the new and foreign pain and he knew something was broken. Bertolt did it over and over again until Eren was begging.

"Stop," he choked out.

He didn't understand how there could be so many bad people out in the world, people who were willing to hurt others for their own benefit. It was plain rude and mean and he asked himself why they even existed. He couldn't move his fingers anymore when he tried to unclench them.

"If a pianist has broken hands, they wouldn't be able to play anymore, right?" Bertolt snickered. "This was your last taste of victory, Jaeger."

How could the world be so wicked?

Just when he started to enjoy playing it again, it was falling between his fingers like sand so easily. So soon, so sudden. Eren's hands were so numbed by pain that he couldn't even feel them when he began to stomp on them more and more and more.

His life grew dark and monochrome and his heart was incredibly empty. He didn't know how to feel, he just knew that he was empty inside. He looked up at the sky once more and thought how ridiculous it could be that it was the same sky that towered over thousands and thousands of horrible tragedies in one day, but could still look so magnificent. Eren thought it could possibly be karma after abandoning piano playing for so long, but he wasn't angered. He knew he deserved this cruel punishment somehow.

"Hmph, he's not saying anything. Come one, Reiner, let's scram before anyone can find us."

It was so quick and easy to break him; hot just his hands, but his soul too. He was left shattered and neglected on the gravel like a broken flower vase. Something that was once so beautiful and brought joy to others, but was now so tattered and ruined. He watched as their backs faced him and began to walk away. Eren's eyes widened when he heard another voice and spotted another figure step in front of him.

"Have you seen Eren Jaeger? I'm sure he was supposed to be just around-"

He shortly interrupted himself when he glanced over at Eren behind the two other teens and gasped loudly, his eyebrows furrowed and his mouth turned into a scowl.

"What did you do to him?" he demanded. "You better run if you don't want your asses kicked."

They did what they were told and ran as fast as they could. They disappeared behind a corner as Levi approached Eren as if he were an injured animal laying on the forest ground.

"Eren," he breathed and sucked in a breath. "I shouldn't have left you. What did they do to you?" He ran to his side and held his face and pulled him onto his lap, stroking his cheeks tenderly as he whipped out his cellphone. Eren didn't answer because he knew Levi didn't need an answer.

---

AN:

i was originally intending to kill off eren, but knowing me, i don't have the heart nor strength to kill my precious baby

thank you so much for reading this and i hope you enjoyed the longer update! leave a vote if you wish and comment what you think! i love you my beautiful readers <3

~your main babe takeshi