Disclaimer: I own none of the characters!

Notes: Woooooooooooo okay so this chapter was hella writer's block. It wasn't originally planned/plotted so I had no image for it. But everyone really wanted a Levi-Carla meeting and I wanted to deliver! Y'all have been amazing readers and supporters so I didn't want to disappoint! I hope everyone enjoys this chapter! Updates will return to normal after this. Also: if you haven't checked out the Danger Line doujin, please do! :D *3* Love y'all!

The weather got nicer, the snow melting and green grass poking through the dirt. Heavy sweaters started to disappear in favor of lighter ones and Eren was bugging Levi for a ride in the Porsche after the first clearing rain.

Of course, Levi was quick to indulge him.

They drove around the lake, not too far from Levi's home. The lake was sparkling and looked inviting, but the air was far cooler by the water than Eren had expected. Thankfully, Levi brought an extra jacket for Eren for that very reason.

Snuggled into the car, Eren snapped a few pictures as Levi drove. Just of the trees and lake, a few runners, a picture or several of Levi; nothing in particular. He waited until they stopped before tugging out his sketchpad to doodle. Levi lit a cigarette, taking a sip of his coffee and watching a few runners as Eren drew.

A few birds flew overhead. The water rippled. A car or two drove by. People ran with their dogs.

It was quiet and peaceful. Completely serene and everything a Sunday afternoon drive should be.

Eren paused only to take a drag of Levi's cigarette, returning it to the man's lips right after. Levi smirked and flicked ash away outside the window.

"What are you drawing?" Levi asked. Eren continued, swiping away loose led on the paper.

"Trees."

"That's the most descriptive things you've ever said. Good fucking job."

Eren groaned and sat up, flipping his book around to show Levi. "It's a rough draft for a painting I'm planning."

"Those look like big-ass trees."

"They're supposed to be big-ass trees," Eren teased back. "Dr. Schultz said whoever gets the highest marks on their final will get a spot in his gallery. So I'm working on some new pieces. Just in case."

"Just in case? You say it like you may not get it," Levi mused. Eren laughed and bit his lip.

"Well…yeah," he said. "You never know! I may not…"

Levi smiled, watching the boyish grin on Eren's face. "You'll do great."

"You'll come, wont' you?" Eren asked. "If I get a spot?"

"Of course."

"I mean…," Eren flushed, biting his lip. "You'll come as my date. Not just…show up?"

A gentle look came over Levi's face. He took Eren's hand, running a finger over his knuckles. Eren smiled, seeing the faint flush of color on Levi's face. It was daring, he knew, but he was tired of having such a secret boyfriend. And what better way to show him off to everyone than at a nice event. Even if he didn't get a spot in the gallery, he still wanted to go. And Eren still wanted to go with Levi at his side.

"I would love to. Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Fuck no."

"You little fucker," Levi laughed. "You know, if you ever feel up to it, you should come paint at the house."

"Hm?"

"Just so you can have more space," Levi said, "and a change of scenery."

"I feel like I would just end up making a mess," Eren said. "Painting is messy."

"I've noticed, trust me," Levi said, nodding his head at Eren's paint-covered hands.

Eren stuck his tongue out at Levi before leaning in. They shared a quick kiss that lingered longer than either of them had planned. A gentle brush of Levi's tongue against his lips quickly let Eren know that their kiss was going to continue.

Levi pressed a hand to Eren's cheek, keeping him still as their kiss grew passionate. Sweetly passionate and gentle, not quite anything lewd. Eren felt butterflies squirm in his stomach and he smiled against Levi's lips. The sudden buzz of his phone interrupted them.

Eren pulled away, rolling his eyes and checking who was calling. He turned pale as "Mom" flashed across the screen. Everything came to a halt as his thumb hovered over the "decline call" on his screen. He answered in his panic and held it up to his ear.

"Hey!"

"Are you okay, Eren?" she asked, hearing the sudden shock in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm great," Eren said. "Uhh…what's up?"

"You're doing something with Levi aren't you?"

"No!"

"Eren, you're terrible at lying," Carla sighed. Levi raised his eyebrows at Eren and Eren could only smile, sinking lower into his seat. "I just wanted to ask if you'll be coming home next weekend. It is your birthday after all."

"Oh shit, it is!" Eren gasped. "Yeah, of course!"

"Good," Carla said. "I was thinking of making dinner. Me, you, Armin and Mikasa—your father if he's home—and…" She trailed off, as if waiting for Eren to finish her sentence.

"Annnnddd…?"

"Anyone else you want to invite," she said.

Eren swallowed, looking at Levi. He was busy with his coffee, looking away to give Eren some phone privacy. Eren shook his head.

"Is that really…necessary? I mean…you don't really need to…"

"I think it's only fair that I get to meet him!" Carla cried.

"But ma, no! You'll embarrass me and run him off and—" Eren paused, staring at Levi's outstretched hand. Without having to say a word, Eren knew what Levi wanted when he wiggled his fingers.

He groaned in defeat and handed his phone over.

"Hello, Mrs. Jaeger?" Levi asked. There was a paused and he smiled. "Yes, it is. Ah, it's very nice to talk with you as well." He laughed. "I know, he definitely can be."

"I am not!" Eren gasped. Levi waved him off.

"Hm? Ah, yes. No, that sounds wonderful, I would love to."

"Fuck…"

"You're very thoughtful. I look forward to it," Levi continued. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't. Have a good day."

And as easily as Levi took the phone, he handed it back to Eren.

"What did you say?" Eren hissed, covering the phone's speaker before getting back to his mother.

"I'm sure you can guess," Levi hummed. "We have dinner plans next weekend."

"At my fucking parents' house?!"

"Mhm."

"Fuck."

The week went by faster than Eren wanted. He was all sweat and worries the closer his birthday weekend came and all because it was real. The day of reckoning. Levi meeting his parents. He feared what his father would say, given that his father would even show up. He wasn't afraid of his father hating Levi, because he could honestly care less, but he was afraid his father would cause a scene. That was still nothing in comparison to his mother.

Because if she hated Levi, that was it. There was no coming back from it. Her opinion mattered the most; more than Mikasa or Armin's opinion. Her seal of approval was important to Eren and it apparently showed because Levi went out of his way to find gifts to bring.

A dessert. A bottle of wine. Flowers.

"You don't have to bring something," Eren said, watching Levi from the other end of the shopping cart. Levi held up two bottles of wine, one red and one white, with a determined look on his face.

"I know, but it's polite," Levi said. "So which fucking one would your mom like more?"

"Uhh…I don't know, the red?" Eren said, more as a question to himself than a direct answer. Levi sat down the white wine and Eren sighed. But that relief was snatched away when Levi picked up another two bottles.

"So the cabernet, merlot or pinot noir?"

"What?"

"Eren."

"I don't know! I'm a college student; wine is alcohol that will get you drunk off your ass faster than beer. That is literally all I know," Eren sighed.

Levi's shoulders slumped. "It'll also make you piss nonstop."

"I know. That's why I don't do wine very often," Eren said. "I just prefer shots."

"And fruity drinks with extra cherries," Levi added, still staring down the two bottles. "Now which one?"

"I really don't think mom is going to care," Eren said. "She's going to be more focused on the fact that you're a lawyer twice my age and half my size."

"Both of those are overstatements, you brat," Levi said, tugging the cart forward to look at another shelf of wines. Eren grinned big as Levi lead the way. "What should I expect from your mother? Other than death threats?"

"Well…she's sort of loud," Eren said. "And pretty straight forward. But she's nice; genuinely nice. Unless she hates you then she's just…polite because she has to be but it's pretty fucking obvious that she hates you."

"So that's where you get it from."

"Get what from!?"

"Everything," Levi teased, glancing down at his shopping list. "Alright so I'm making chicken alfredo, chicken curry, and beef bourguignon for the week. Does that sound alright or do you have any requests?"

"Can we do chili one day? Just regular beef chili?"

Levi took out a pen and scribbled on his grocery list. He handed it to Eren with a flick of his fingers. "Go grab the stuff? I'm still debating wines."

Eren took the list from him, glancing over it. He walked around the cart, pulling it by the basket, to place a kiss on Levi's cheek. "Be right back then."

"Thank you, my love."

The day came that Eren had to formally introduce Levi to his mother. He went over early, to help his mother with dinner and to try to make sure things were perfect, just to settle his nerves. Carla was calm, more amused by Eren's frantic running and constant frets. Armin and Mikasa arrived first, to help set up the table and attempt to make Eren feel a little more comfortable.

But between Mikasa's criticism and Armin's sassing, Eren was beyond stressed.

"Eren, that is the third time you've mopped the floor since we've been here," Mikasa said. It was clear that her attempts at making him feel any more relaxed were failing. Eren looked up at her and Armin, a glare on his face with his hands still tight around the mop.

"You don't understand," Eren spat, "Levi is really particular about things being clean."

Carla turned around, swinging her spoon in Eren's direction. "You know damn well I cleaned this entire house because there's no way in hell I'm having guests over when it's dirty."

"But it's Levi," Eren stressed.

"He will be fine," Carla snapped back. "Now finish up cleaning and go sit your ass down like everyone else."

Eren sighed and groaned and mopped the floor where food had spilled. The entire time he made as much displeased noises as he could, earning him scornful glares from his mother and a few laughs from Armin.

"You should be careful," Armin hummed. "Cleaning the floor too much is going to leave it super slick. Someone may fall."

"At least if it's Levi, he'll be close to the floor already and won't have to fall far," Mikasa added. Eren's eyes widened in absolute horror before he remembered that Mikasa and Levi already knew each other. She grinned playfully and took a sip of her tea as Eren finished with the mop.

He finished and sank into a bar chair at Armin's side, but just as he did the doorbell rang. Eren shot out of his chair, nearly slipping on the kitchen floor as he ran to the door.

"Be careful!" Carla shouted. "Don't fool around and slip!"

"I'm not!" Eren spat back.

He opened the door and smiled big seeing Levi on the other side of the door. He was dressed nice, as always; a button up under a loose jacket and slacks. He had that bottle of red wine tucked under his arm.

"Wow…," Eren breathed, running a hand through his hair.

"I don't get a hello?" Levi asked.

"I mean—well, yeah! Hi! But…wow you look really nice," Eren said. "I knew you would but you look really…just…"

Levi raised a hand, pressing a finger to Eren's quivering lips. He smiled as Eren grew silent and let his hand slip to Eren's chin, grabbing him gently. He tugged Eren forward and into a light kiss.

"Hush?"

"Yeah…yeah, I can do that," Eren said, kissing Levi again.

Armin catcalled from the kitchen and it echoed into the entrance hall, catching their attention. Eren took Levi's hand and gave him a little tug.

"Happy birthday, by the way," Levi said, his voice steady despite the nervous way he looked around. "I take it everyone is here—?"

"We're in here!" Everyone called. Eren winced, closing the door.

"They're embarrassing."

"Family does that," Levi shrugged, following Eren into the kitchen.

Eren's heart was racing. First impressions were important and this would be the first, real impression his mother would have of Levi. He feared it would be bad. But maybe it would be alright? Maybe things would go smoothly. Hell, Levi looked like a model and had a bottle of wine under his arm, it had to be good.

"Alright," Eren said, spinning around to face Levi. "This—"

Perhaps his mother was right about the floor and moving around too fast because the moment Eren spun, he felt his balance slip from right under him. He landed on his ass with a yelp.

"Eren, what the fuck are you doing?" Levi asked as Carla ran around the counter to check on him. Levi was kneeling down, wrapping his arms around Eren's waist to pull him back onto his feet. "You're a fucking mess." Levi suddenly gasped. "Fuck, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to curse—"

Carla waved him off. "You're fine. But Eren, I told you to be careful," Carla sighed.

"He doesn't listen for shit," Levi said, rubbing Eren's back. "I'm sorry, I'm Levi."

"Carla," Carla replied, extending her hand to Levi. He shook her hand and even managed a rather friendly smile.

"It's nice to officially meet you, Carla," Levi said.

"I've heard amazing things about you," Carla said as Eren slipped away to sit with Armin and Mikasa at the bar.

He sighed with a smile, looking to Armin and Mikasa. Things were going smoothly as they could after he fell on his ass. Levi and his mother were talking on a friendly basis, chitchatting about nothing in particular as she stood by the stove. Eren fiddled with his hands over the countertop, watching them nervously. Mikasa patted him on the knee and offered him a gentle smile.

"It's okay," she said. "They're getting along."

"They're getting along amazingly," Armin chimed.

Carla and Levi suddenly laughed, catching the kids' attentions. Levi was opening the bottle of wine he brought and was still smiling big at whatever Carla said. He had a paper out on the counter and was apparently taking notes on how Carla cooked her lamb.

Eren raised his head, looking at them curiously. "What's so funny?"

"Levi," Carla said, "he's absolutely charming."

"Yeah but what are you two laughing at?" Eren pushed. "It's weird."

"We're laughing because we both know how bratty you can be," Levi said, pouring two glasses of wine.

"I am—" Eren started, huffing and cutting himself off once he realized he was walking right into Levi's clever trap. Levi winked at him and returned to his conversation with Carla. "…not."

Eren let his hands slip through his hair as Mikasa and Armin snickered. Tonight was going to be a long night.

Dinner was far more successful than Eren ever expected it to go. Probably more than anyone expected it to go and mainly because Grisha had to work overtime. They moved their little dinner party outside, along with baklava and coffee, much to Colossus' pleasure. The dog ran around, flopping its tail around until he rested his head on Armin's knee.

Levi and Carla were still all jokes. It made Eren smile, to see the two of them talking so lightheartedly. Levi had her approval. He was cleared. And Eren knew it was a relief to Levi, judging by how comfortable he was, that Carla liked him.

"Does anyone want refills?" Carla asked, standing up.

"Let me help, ma—"

"No, no," Levi said, patting Eren on the hand, "let me."

"You're the guest!" Eren cried. "Don't be ridiculous."

"Let Levi help me," Carla said. "I want to talk about you but I can't because you're in front of us."

"Thanks, mother, wow," Eren said. Armin snorted, barely able to hold back his sudden laugh.

"Glad we're at an understanding," Carla hummed, taking her plate back inside with Levi at her heels. He closed the door behind them and she went to the large tray of treats, scooping more pieces onto her plate.

"You're a wonderful lady, Mrs. Jaeger."

Carla laughed. "Please, just call me Carla."

"I feel like Mrs. Jaeger is more appropriate," Levi said, pouring himself more coffee. "I am dating your son."

"But you're also not one of the college kids," she laughed. "Keep it informal."

Levi refilled her cup of coffee and went to grab the creamer from the refrigerator.

"Levi…"

"Yes, ma'am?"

"You…you really do like Eren, don't you?"

Levi paused, gripping the creamer tighter. "I do, yes. More than anything."

"Even if he's younger?"

Levi nodded. "Yes. I've always…ever since I first met him."

Carla turned around to face him, her eyes scanning his face. "And you'll always stay strong for him, right? And protect him?"

"If there's one thing I've always been good at, it's being the strongest," Levi said firmly, knitting his brow. "I just…I really love to see him smile."

Carla smiled big, a hint of tears at the corners of her eyes. "Age doesn't matter. The fact that you go so far out of your way to make him happy…I know he's in good hands."

There was a clicking and the front door opened. Levi's stomach dropped as he heard the sound of a case being dropped and a heavy sigh. From what he has heard…

"Carla, whose car is parked—"

The old man walked into the kitchen and stared at Levi with narrowed, confused eyes. Levi held his gaze, unable to look away as he tried to place Eren's features on the man.

"Who is this?" Grisha asked, eyeing Levi carefully.

"I'm Levi, sir," Levi said, extending his hand.

"Eren's boyfriend," Carla added.

Levi and Grisha were busy sizing each other up when the backdoor opened. Eren poked his head in, looking around.

"Ma? Levi? Do you two need help…Oh fuck," Eren breathed. His eyes widened and a look of pure worry crossed his face. And Levi instantly saw the change in the boy's eyes.

"Levi, huh?" Grisha said after a deep breath. He walked up to Levi and extended his hand to take Levi's. "It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Levi replied.

A silence fell over them. From what Levi knew of Grisha, there was a storm brewing. And from the way Eren fidgeted around, that only confirmed Levi's suspicion. However, Grisha simply made his way over to the stove to look at what was for dinner.

"Birthday dinner?" Grisha asked.

"Yes," Carla replied.

"Looks good," Grisha said. "I'll eat in a minute. And...uhh…" He looked at Levi again, words escaping him. "Have fun? Or whatever."

"I will certainly whatever," Levi said. He bit his lip, holding back the rest of his snarky comment. He took the plate of baklava pieces from Carla and hurried to the door before Grisha could respond.

Eren closed the door as Levi stepped outside. He sighed as Eren let out a little laugh.

"You're ridiculous."

"Just for you."

Despite the little hiccup with his father, Eren's entire birthday weekend was rather nice. To top it off, he spent his Sunday with Levi, doing nothing but lounging in the man's bedroom.

The weather was cool when windy, but the sun kept the air warm. They left the window cracked, letting in the nice air, while they cuddled extensively on the bed. The television was on low, providing a soft background buzz while Eren laid with his head tucked under Levi's chin and arm thrown over his boyfriend's waist. Levi had an arm over Eren's side; his other arm curled to let his hand rest in Eren's hair. Despite their t-shirts and boxers, neither of them were aroused enough to have sex.

They were more pleased with their sleepy cuddles and whispered declarations of love and disgust of unwashed hair (that was mostly Levi).

Another absolutely lazy Sunday. It was becoming more routine for them to spend Sundays lounging around or going on drives. A resting day in pajamas or sweats. As opposed to their Friday and Saturday nights of a nice dinner and rough sex. And for both, it was Sunday they looked forward to the most.

"Oi, look at me."

Eren's eyes fluttered open and he tilted his head back, looking up at Levi. He waited for his next command, expecting a kiss or a head pat. But nothing came. Levi only smiled and Eren raised his eyebrows in confusion.

"Hm?"

"I just wanted to look at you."

"You're so fucking weird."

"Can you blame me, brat? Sometimes I have to stare to make sure I'm not dreaming."

"Is this some weird old man thing?"

Levi kissed Eren on the head and nodded. "Probably."

"I'm okay with it," Eren hummed, snuggling in closer.

"I think you like the attention."

"I only like your attention," Eren said.

"Good."

They both laughed, resting back into the pillows. Levi suddenly gasped.

"You have a birthday present."

"From you?"

"From Erwin."

"Why…why would Erwin—"

"Sarcasm." Eren groaned and Levi stole a kiss from him. "Do you want it now?"

"Yeah!" Eren cried, suddenly feeling very excited for a Sunday afternoon.

"You have to come with me then."

"Huh?! You can't bring it to me?" Eren laughed. Levi shook his head.

"I actually can't, brat," he replied, holding Eren's hand. "Come on."

Eren stood up, groaning a little as Levi tugged on him. They pulled on fluffy robes and Levi lead Eren through the house and to a closed door. Eren yawned as Levi pushed it open.

A white room. Blank. White walls and a hard floor. Eren looked to Levi and waited for an explanation as the man turned.

"Eren," Levi said, taking his hands, "you are such an important part of my life. And your art is important to me because it is such a part of you. This room was nothing but an eyesore but I believe I've given it a new purpose. I am giving it to you as an extra studio space."

"W-What?"

"You can set it up for your photos or a paint space or whatever you want to use it as," Levi said. "This room is yours. It was remade for you. Erwin and I took up the carpet and stained the concrete. Hanji and I painted the walls white so even if you want to paint the walls, you can. Eren, this is your space and you can use it however you want."

Eren looked around at the blank space. It was his. This room was his. All his and his alone and that was an overwhelming truth. Eren cupped his own face, feeling his eyes swell up.

"Levi…this is too much. I can't…I…"

"Eren, don't think about it," Levi said. "I know it's very personal and you don't have to use it but I'm giving it to you. I've told you that it's important to me and I want to support you in any way I can."

Eren inhaled, letting it sink in. This was his studio space and Levi had given it to him. He draped his arms over Levi's shoulders, holding him close as he tried not to cry.

"Stop being perfect," Eren whispered into his hair. "Because I can't fucking compete. I can't make you happy like you do me."

Levi held him close, running a hand along his back. "Eren, you make me happy by being in my life. And I can make you smile. That's all I want. That's all I've ever wanted."