A/N) Ha! Not that late. I really thought I would be, but I wasn't! I worked on this a lot on my birthday which was on the 20th! I know it's kind of short, but I knew I needed to get a chapter out soon. I got some new games for my birthday and I will try very hard to not let them consume me to the point where i stop writing. (Which I am very prone to doing.) Still, a big thank you to everyone who favs, follows, or reviews. You guys really mean the world to me and it makes me so happy to see so many people enjoy my writing.
Levi held Eren's hand, as they walked into the gallery. Immediately, Eren was in his mom's arms, and she was hugging him, really tight.
"Oh Eren, your paintings are beautiful. I am so proud of you."
"Mom...my abdomen..." he squeaked out.
"Oh, sorry dear. I'm just so proud." She wiped tears from her eyes, after she let go.
A hand came crashing down on his back, and Eren nearly fell over. It was Hange "Nice drawings Eren! You did a really great job! You're quite the artist." They said, with a large grin on their face.
"Thanks, Hange."
Mikasa came out from behind Hange, and held her brother tightly "I'm so proud of you! Maybe, this will give you some direction in your life."
"I heard that!" Carla said.
"Mom! Mikasa! Really?" Eren asked, with a blush on his face.
Everyone in their group laughed. A flushed Armin came running up "Eren! Someone is looking to buy one of your paintings!"
Eren's eyes went wide. He wasn't expecting that. Someone wanted one of his paintings? He quickly followed Armin to where his pictures were hung. He hadn't even had a moment to see how they looked. His heart sunk when he saw what painting them buyer wanted. It was the Wings of Freedom. The one he intended to give to Levi.
"I can't give that one up." Eren whispered to Levi.
"Don't be an idiot, brat! This is an opportunity to make a name for yourself, and sell a painting. I can watch you paint another one. That's a bonus in my book."
Eren nodded, and made his way over to the potential buyer. Levi immediately recognized the person, but Hange beat him to it
"Hey Nanaba."
The blonde haired person turned around, and smile warmly "Hey Levi, Hange."
"Who is she?" Eren asked.
Hange smacked him playfully "They Eren. They! What have I told you about making gender assumptions?"
"Sorry. Sorry who is this?" He asked Levi.
"My name is Nanaba. I'm a non binary. I work in an independent firm with Levi, Erwin, and Hange, a lot. You must be the artist. And based on Levi's posture, his new lover."
Eren blushed. Levi really did know everyone in this city. Being called his lover, was incredibly embarrassing, but almost heartwarming.
"Yes I am. I use he/him pronouns, so I'm actually his boyfriend."
Nanaba's eyes widened "Oh, a title? Fascinating. Anyways, you probably know why I want this painting. How much do you want for it?"
Eren stiffened. He never thought of prices. He never thought anyone would bother to buy his paintings.
Nanaba laughed "Took you off guard? How about this: three thousand dollars for it?"
Eren's mouth dropped "Are you serious?"
"Like a heart attack. Honestly, I'm getting it for a steal. I've bought pieces for much more. But, because your up and coming, that amount should be adequate. Yes?"
"Well, yeah! Perfect thank you."
"No, thank you. I was wondering how to display my wings of freedom, about time someone did an artwork of it."
Eren had this warm feeling in his chest. Nanaba had called him up and coming. An actual artist. Suddenly, pieces started to snap into place. Eren realized, this was what he wanted. He wanted to be an artist. To be recognized as someone involved with art. He didn't care if it was photography, artistry, or whatever. He knew Levi could help him, and Levi would support his desire. Hopefully.
Armin noticed the look on Eren's face "You just made decision about something. Didn't you?"
Eren nodded "I know what I want to do for the rest of my life."
The rest of the gallery was great. Eren only heard positive reviews, got a public recognition, and received a wad of cash from Nanaba. As he and Levi drove home, Levi gave Eren a rare smile
"You haven't stopped smiling since you sold that painting."
"I-i think I know what I want to do with my life." Eren told him.
"Oh? What?"
"Some how, I don't care how, I want art to be involved. I know I can't live off of selling paintings, and that's fine. I just want something with art."
"That's really smart, brat. I will help in any way that I can. I know lots of different ways for you to use your talents."
"Really? You...you are supportive of me?"
Levi rolled his eyes "Eren, I've told you from the beginning, that you should be an artist. I wasn't going to push, but the way you light up when you paint, you can't fake passion like that."
Eren blushed "Thank you Levi! Thank you, thank you!"
"Calm down, brat."
"How can I be calm? I've got public recognition as an artist, sold a painting, and I have an amazing boyfriend. Levi, this is the best night of my life."
Levi smiled again, and grabbed Eren's thigh. Seeing his boyfriend so happy, was everything to him. This is what he wanted, to make Eren ridiculously happy. Eren was not a play thing, or a quick fuck. Eren was his everything. He just wished he could say those words.
"Eren...I..." he started to say, but when a pair of gorgeous aquamarine eyes looked up at him, he lost his nerve "I was wondering if we were going to spend Christmas with your mother?"
Eren looked a little disappointed, but then smiled "Sure are. If you are alright with that. I know it's your birthday, but it'll be special. I swear!"
Levi waved it off, as he pulled into the garage "I understand, even if it's not. Really, I stopped celebrating my birthday years ago. It's Just one year closer to death." Levi stepped out of the car, and shut the garage door.
"No! It's the day my wonderful boyfriend was born." Eren told him, while climbing of the car. "I can prove it to you right now." He began loosening his tie, ready to get down and dirty.
Levi wanted to, he really did. Eren was fucking tempting, but he couldn't "I have some work piling up, and you have finals in a few days. Get studying."
"But...but... Levi..." Eren was pouting.
"But nothing. Listen, if you do well on finals, I will take a day off work, and I will literally fuck you into our mattress."
Eren's eyes lit up "Do you really mean that?"
"I swear."
Eren ran off to find his books, to study really hard. He was going to hold Levi to that promise.
Levi laughed, as Eren ran off to study. Eren was so damn easy to manipulate, but damn he was so cute. Levi felt terrible he couldn't tell Eren that he loved him. But he knew that his brat knew, because even if one doesn't say it, one can show it. Words, although important, they were trivial. The old saying was true. Actions do speak louder than words, but he really wanted to work up the courage to say them.
But like everything else so far in their life, when he said them, it would be unexpected.