A/N: Ackerbabes are classy as always in this installment ;)
She's sauntering curiously about the gallery in his absence, silently admiring his work as she waits for prospective clients to enquire within.
Levi's gallery is minimalist and serene, his theme an overall simple one of warm lighting fixtures and pristine white walls. Samples of his photography hang in display, each accompanied by small descriptions engraved on metal tiles below.
Mikasa's light footsteps echo gently on the glossy hardwood floors, the clicking of her heels resonating throughout the room in a way that adds to the percussive melody of quietness.
Though her job as Levi's assistant is a far cry from working at the beach club, she admittedly prefers the art gallery and its calm setting. The usual workday consists of greeting guests and answering any questions they may have, tracking daily attendance, filing appropriate paperwork, and overall maintenance of the gallery space to keep up its 'curb appeal' so to speak.
On the slower days, Mikasa indulges herself a bit and walks around, studying each piece as a means of getting to know Levi's style on a more personal level.
One photograph across the room suddenly catches her eye, standing out sharply from the others she'd previously observed. She's baffled at the mere thought of having overlooked this one, though its seclusion to a rather dismissive corner is to blame.
Upon even closer inspection, this one in particular instantly becomes her favorite.
Curious and thought-provoking, the image frames a ravishing view of humble countryside, emphasizing a tiny barn burrowed in fields of tall grass. It appears to have been taken during the blue hour, and she recognizes the use of a slow shutter speed. Visible stars in the sky drag along the backdrop in a linear glow, creating luminous streaks that complement the dreary evocation of emotions within.
It reminds her of her early childhood days. Her parents had been humble farmers in a neighboring town, the fertile earth nestled within the valley providing them with rich abundance each harvest season.
Mikasa will always be thankful to have been raised in Stohess Beach, but there are times when she wonders how her life would have turned out had she and her family remained secluded to their small homestead, living off the land in simpler conditions.
The tranquil imagery the rolling hills and lowland ridges have to offer would have ignited some sort of artistic inspiration, she reasons, convincing herself she would have taken an interest in the art of photography one way or another.
The fleeting period of reflection shifts to a brief contemplation over her future.
Her family encourages her to follow one path, but her heart yearns for something more.
If only… she thinks, brooding, there was an easy way to tell them…and if only… they could understand…
Mikasa finds herself torn between fulfilling certain obligations for her parent's sake and pursuing her dreams… her passions.
Sighing, she shrugs and moves on to organizing a few spreadsheets in a small room toward the back that serves as an office of sorts. Levi keeps everything in an already neat and orderly fashion, therefore minimizing her workload in his office to a rather small degree.
Finished making a few minor adjustments, Mikasa retreats to her usual post near the front entrance and waits.
It takes her a moment to realize she's not waiting for guests or potential clientele, nor is she waiting for the spontaneous arrival of her friends for that matter.
In actuality, she's waiting for Levi.
Waiting for his arrival so she can pry into more about the early beginnings of his career, about the story behind each shot he's taken in the gallery, about what truly inspired him to pick up a camera in the first place.
And about what exactly it is he sees in her.
Hopefully this time, however, she'll have finally gained the courage to ask.
By the time Levi does show up, Mikasa has yet to finalize her decision, let alone devise a plan to work her way around asking without coming off as intrusive or overbearing.
Levi appears to be a man on a mission, walking inside the gallery at a moderate pace as he makes a beeline for his office.
"Mikasa." He acknowledges her with a nod. "How did it go today?"
She bides her time, assuming professionalism as she follows him to his office. "It went well," comes her response, watching as he sifts through few various equipment. "Several people were interested in buying. I referred them to our sizing and pricing, took down their information, and let them know we would be contacting them soon."
Absentmindedly, she continues explaining the nuanced details in regards to the day's attendance; continues rambling rather.
Levi waits until she's finished providing a full report, and then, in a well-meaning tone, he asks, "And what about you?"
Mikasa bites her lip. "What about me?"
Levi reaches for his Nikon D600 and smirks. She's missed the point completely. "When I first asked you to take on this position, I knew you'd have no trouble adapting to a different work environment than what you're used to," he clarifies. "But I'd like to hear what your thoughts are."
My thoughts? Mikasa folds her arms across her chest.
"I do my best to ensure my employees are happy," Levi concludes.
Mikasa notices he's stopped what he's doing, giving her his full attention.
"Honestly," she begins, choosing her next words with tact, "I love being here."
Levi eyes her with approval. "This sort of thing is up your alley," he comments matter-of-factly. "I appreciate you helping out with tedious tasks around here, but, I think you're better suited to work behind the camera." When he doesn't get a reply from the young woman before him, he presses the matter further. "Isn't that what you'd rather be doing?"
Of course it's what she wants to do. To build up a portfolio. To strive for a prospective career. To share her work with others. To offer her view on the world around her with the simple flick of a button.
She wants nothing more than to capture life's most beautiful moments; her one true escape.
Levi is able to find the beauty in something as simple as a feeble barn house, a single ray of light beaming over a dying fir tree, or a lost ribbon in the wind; the saturation of its colors conflicting with sepia tones in the background.
Mikasa wonders if she's capable of the same.
"I don't know." She elects to answer evasively, mentally exhausted from thinking too heavily about what could be. For now, she has to face reality, and as it stands, her reality mirrors that of an anxious pre-med student; one who's precariously uncertain about her future. "A lot of people can still be passionate about something. Even if it is only a hobby."
Levi considers her reply, noting her usage of the term 'hobby' in place of something connoting security or stability. "That's one way to look at it," he says. "But I think some people make the mistake of limiting themselves. There's been plenty of people I've met over the years with an absurd amount of talent- and yet they squander it, wasting their days away working a job they hate because they settled for 'the safe option' rather than their own happiness."
Well, people can't rely on mere 'happiness' to pay the bills, Mikasa thinks in utter cynicism. "That's reality for most." Hopeless as it may seem.
Levi shakes his head in disagreement. "Not for me," he asserts. "I wasn't going to settle for a boring desk job, working business hours Monday to Friday. So I chose to do something about it." He looks up at her, analyzing the look of uncertainty she's giving him. "You have to be willing to take risks, Mikasa. You'll never know what you're capable of if you never try."
You'll never know… if you never try.
She lets his words sink in, consuming her entirely. Her shoulders tense up a bit as she's unable to formulate the right words in response. She'd like to take his advice to heart, but she's hesitant.
It's all she can do to say his name. "Levi…"
She desperately wants to ask him why he wastes his time with attempts at nurturing what she's forced herself to accept could only ever be a measly pastime.
Or why he wastes his time with her at all.
Levi interjects, a look of resolve claiming his face. "Hold that thought for one moment," he implores, turning his back to her. He begins rummaging through old equipment in a collection of boxes yet to be tampered with. His movements are cautious, handling each and every item he comes across with care. Before long, he finds the alluded object.
He hopes at the very least the gesture will inspire her to heed his advice.
"Let's make a deal, shall we?" He presents a Nikon S2, paired with a 35mm rangefinder that gives it a vintage look. Mikasa already looks lovelorn over its classic design and top-notch condition. "You can borrow this for the summer," he continues. "Take it when you're out with friends, out on the road- anywhere you go," he says. "Don't second guess yourself. If something strikes even a semblance of inspiration, take the shot."
Accepting the camera from his hands, Mikasa's eyes light up in pure amazement.
She can already envision the unfathomable amount of possibilities.
But first thing's first…
Looking back up, she ceases any further entertaining of thoughts to finalize the proposition. "What's the catch?" she asks tentatively.
Levi's expression remains solemn, though his gaze seems to have softened at her query. "The catch?" He rubs his chin. "Only that you'll give it back, of course. That includes the film."
So… he'll want to see my shots? she thinks with a grin. Fair enough.
Agreeing to his terms, Mikasa nods. "Deal."
Had it not been for the sudden surge in confidence, Mikasa might have simply said her goodbyes then and there, pivoting on her heel with a polite smile before heading home; done for the day.
Except, she has a proposition of her own- and she's willing to utilize this opportunity as a means of taking chances.
More importantly, she's also willing to trust him.
"Can I ask you something in return?" she conjures from the arousal of efficacy. "While we're on the subject and all."
Levi nods, patient. Prepared.
"The next time you go out on a photo excursion," Mikasa begins, "I'd like to go with you."
Levi doesn't question her reasoning. He senses that his gesture has successfully ignited a spark; enough to influence the young aspiring artist to challenge herself.
What hits him hard on a more personal level, however, is that he can't help but see what's been clear from the moment they first met.
He sees himself in her; taken back to a time when he'd been labeled a 'starving artist,' with no one to help guide him or steer him in the right direction.
Levi takes it upon himself to ensure that she'll have the proper guidance.
So long as it's what she really wants.
Mikasa's determination is further punctuated through her expressive demeanor, persuading Levi to reciprocate the trust she's put in him.
Adhering to his conviction, Levi complies with her request.
"Deal."
A/N: All right! That's it for the July ficlets! August will conclude the series! Stay tuned! ;)