0o0o0o0o0o0
Sometimes Levi hated bride-clients so much.
Levi was alone in the shop; soft music playing from his iPad, Corporal napping on the counter, as he stared at the mesh he finally finished it. At first, the bride wanted a simple heart-shaped display. Then she changed her mind and wanted it to resemble two teddy bears holding a heart. Levi spent an entire day building a new mesh per her request. When he sent the photo to her, she changed her mind once more, to a swan sitting on a heart base.
She paid for the extra chargers so Levi couldn't complain too much but he hated the client, hated the mesh, and wanted everything to be over.
He grabbed his phone and took a picture of the photo, sending it to the bride before he started to decorate it. Nearly slamming the phone on the counter, he lowered his head on his forearm. There was a throbbing, painful pulse at his temples.
A few minutes later, he got a reply from the bride, whom loved it (as she should) and Levi stood up to get the flowers from the back. As he stood, his knees buckled but he caught himself on the table.
"Shit."
Corporal lifted his head, eyes trained on him. Levi took a moment to catch his breath, waiting until the room stopped spinning. He felt sore all over. It wasn't surprising considering he'd been working almost non-stop for the past three days for this particular client. And he knew he should take a rest but he wanted to wash his hands of this job as soon as possible. He straightened up and made his way to the back, picking the flowers the bride wanted on the mesh.
When he walked back out, Corporal meowed at him.
"Corporal, I'm fine." He said, sitting back down on the chair in front of the table. He stared down at his phone, checking the time. It was only noon; Eren was still in school and Erwin wouldn't be home until late.
Levi groaned and he stretched his arms above his head, arching his back. Bones popped and creaked and he grumbled. He was tempted to close the shop early but was on tight schedule with this client. The fact that it was the beginning of November and gradually getting colder wasn't helping his health. She wanted this piece ready by tomorrow tonight and Levi was damned if he was going to spend one more sleepless night on her.
Levi rotated his shoulders once more, stretching his arms out in front of him before he started to work.
0o0o0o0o0o0o
"Eren, are you coming to the gym today?" Mikasa asked, walking beside Eren. They held hands as they walked and Eren looked up to the autumn sky.
"Only if you tell Annie to take it easy on me," Eren said. "She's going to hurt my fragile male ego if she keeps kicking my ass."
Mikasa laughed. "Your ego is fine. You keep losing because you keep holding back."
Eren sighed. "I know." The coaches at the gym loved pitting him against Annie in practice matches. Eight times out of ten, Annie would win and even though Eren was a much more capable fighter than he was two years ago when he started out, he couldn't help but hold back slightly because Annie still scared him.
Outside of the ring, Annie was mostly quiet, keeping her thoughts to herself but still sociable. Once inside the ring, though, and it was like seeing a monster emerge from the shadows.
"Speaking of which, I need to ask the gym for permission."
"For what?" Mikasa asked. She pulled back her hand, stopping Eren from walking into street as the light turned red.
"Rico suggested if I want to get into that arts college, I should start working on a portfolio. I figured I might as well start with the gym since I'm there half the time."
"Shadis won't mind much." Mikasa said as they continued walking. Eren grumbled, not quite sure if he completely agreed with her. If there was anyone scarier than Annie or Mikasa in that gym, it was definitely Shadis.
"Yeah, he probably won't." Eren replied. "Have you thought about what you'll do?"
Mikasa looked at him then shook her head. Her hair had grown long again and it swept across her face. She tucked a strand behind her ear as she looked forward. They were almost to the flower shop. "I haven't thought much. Shadis said I could definitely turn boxing into a career if I wanted to."
"He's right about that." Eren said, smiling. "Let me head in and see if Levi cooked anything. I'll go with you to the-" His words died on his lips as he looked through the shop's large window. Eren's heart slowed to a crawl and his blood ran cold.
Levi was collapsed on the floor, his tools and flowers scattered everywhere. There was blood pooled around his head. Corporal was sitting beside Levi's head, howling and nudging his forehead against Levi's.
Everything slowed down as Eren pulled away from her, bursting through the door. Eren held Levi's body against his own, checking for a pulse, desperately calling his name over and over. Mikasa felt rooted to the front door, unable to move, eyes glued to Levi's limp body.
"Mikasa!"
Time sped back to normal and Mikasa wasted no time in whipping out her cellphone to call 911.
0o0o0o0o0o0o
Eren's nerves and anxiety did not let up as he rode in the ambulance with Mikasa and an unconscious Levi. Once they arrived at the hospital, Levi was whisked away to the intensive care unit and he was stuck waiting, pacing around, sitting, and then getting back up only to pace around again. Erwin arrived ten minutes later, looking rushed and worried.
"Eren, are you okay?" He asked, walking up to the teen. Eren nodded, looking up to the tall man.
"…but Levi… no one's come out yet…" His voice cracked and it took all his will power to not sob right then and there. Erwin smiled gently and pulled the smaller teen towards him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
"It'll be okay. Levi's tough." He reassured, petting his head. Eren nodded into Erwin's chest, gripping the man's jacket. He felt better now that Erwin was with him but he was still scared. "And how are you holding up, Mikasa?"
Hearing her name, she lifted her eyes off the floor. "Okay." She said. The corners of her slightly red eyes said otherwise. Erwin walked over and sat next to Mikasa, placing his hand over hers, comfortingly squeezing it. Mikasa immediately gripped his hand, glad for his strong presence.
The three of them sat together in silence, waiting. Another fifteen minutes passed before a doctor called for them. Eren immediately stood up but Erwin held him back, telling him to stay while he talked to the doctor. Eren reluctantly sat back down and Mikasa's warm hands were intertwined with his. Erwin and the doctor talked for a couple of minutes before the doctor went away.
Eren stared, eager and anxious and scared as Erwin walked back.
"He's going to be fine. It seems like Levi overworked himself and he collapsed. The blood came from a cut on his head when it must've hit the table as he fell. The doctor said it wasn't hard enough to cause any serious damage but we should still watch him. We can take him home tonight."
Eren nodded, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Can we see him?"
Erwin nodded and he led the two to Levi's room. Inside, Levi was sitting upright on the bed, his head bandaged up. He looked paler than usual and the bags underneath his eyes were more pronounce. One look and Eren suddenly couldn't hold back the tears. Levi looked at him, a slightly guilty expression on his face.
"Eren, come here." Levi said. Eren did as he was told, walking over then sat beside him. Levi turned towards him and pulled his teary-eyed teen into a hug. Eren gripped Levi's shirt as he finally cried onto Levi's shoulder.
"…I was really scared…" His whole body was trembling. He was glad it was nothing serious. All he could think as he waited in the spacious waiting room was the fire that took his parents. The most he could remember was the blazing orange and red that took everything away from him. Eren was long over the accident, having accepting it but Levi was all he had left to call his own family.
"I know." Levi replied, gently patting Eren's head. "It was my fault. I got worked up in this client's requests that I forgot to take care of myself."
"…are you going to be…okay…?" Eren asked through hiccups and sobs.
"I'll be just fine." Levi replied. "C'mon, I want to get out of here. We need to drop Mikasa off as well."
Eren nodded and he pulled away to let Levi get off bed. He rubbed at his eyes, drying his tears, and when Levi stood up, Eren immediately grabbed hold of Levi's hand. The older man looked down surprised but he didn't ask. He could tell through the trembles that he felt that Eren was still shaken up.
"Thank you, Mikasa." Levi said as they left the room. "Erwin told me you were the first to call him and the ambulance."
"…It was nothing." She replied quietly. Levi stared at her and he lifted his free hand towards her. She looked at the hand then at Levi in surprise.
"I still have this hand free before Erwin decides to take it." He said with a gentle smile.
Mikasa could feel the tears well up at the corner of her eyes. She spent so many days and hours in Levi's apartment and shop, grown up together with Eren that Levi was just as much family as her own parents. And she was petrified when she saw that blood, of how lifeless Levi looked on that floor.
She took his hand, holding it tightly. With an exchange of looks with Erwin, they headed out the hospital.
0o0o0o0o0o0
Once Mikasa was dropped off home, the three went back home. Levi went into the shop to clean up the blood and took Corporal with him while Erwin ushered him upstairs to his bed. When Levi was finished, he locked up the shop, Corporal wrapped around his neck, then headed upstairs.
Inside the apartment, the cat jumped off and slinked away to his food bowl. Levi sighed, rotating his shoulders as he walked to his bedroom. As soon as he entered his lit bedroom, Erwin swept him up in his arms, pressing the smaller man against the wall. The blond sighed deeply, burying his head against Levi's neck.
"I'm glad you're okay." Erwin said, lifting his head. He held Levi's face between his hands as he kissed him.
"I'm surrounded by worrywarts." Levi said, slightly out of breath.
"And whose fault is that?" Erwin said, kissing him between words. "You rarely get sick that when you do, we almost don't know what to do."
"It'll take more than a table to get rid of me." He said, pulling Erwin's head away. Erwin smiled and brought Levi over to the bed. They laid down together, Erwin spooning Levi against his chest.
"Let me be selfish and hold you tonight. When I got that frantic call from Mikasa, all I could think was the worst."
Levi stared at the wall across from him. He wiggled in Erwin's arms, loosening his hold enough to turn around to face his chest. He looked to Erwin's eyes, could see the care and love he held for the other man. Levi lowered his gaze, resting his head on Erwin's arm.
"…Sorry I worried you." He said. In response, Erwin simply kissed Levi's forehead and held him tighter.
0o0o0o0o0o
For the next couple of days, Erwin worked from home since Levi, unfortunately, developed a fever over night. Eren wanted to stay behind as well but a well leveled glare from Levi put an end to that and Eren dejectedly went to school. But he went back home as soon as he was out.
Erwin took care of the client Levi was working with before he collapsed, delivering the finished piece and closed the shop for the rest of the week.
Levi slept through most of his fever, waking up at random moments to see either Erwin or Eren beside him. It wasn't until his fever broke almost four days later that he was well enough to climb out of bed. He heard muffled chattering outside his closed door and wondered what the hell was going on. Levi changed out his shirt into a new one, not bothering checking whose it was, before he headed out.
Hanji was out there, talking with Erwin on the couch. Corporal noticed him first, mewling loudly as he rubbed himself against Levi's leg. Hanji and Erwin both looked towards the hallway to see him petting Corporal before moving closer to them.
"Welcome back to the living!" Hanji greeted cheerfully.
"It's good to be back." Levi dryly replied. He walked over to where Erwin was sitting and settled himself on Erwin's lap. It was then that Hanji and Erwin noticed the shirt Levi wore. It was several sizes too big on his small frame. Levi seemed to be unaware and they said nothing. "Aren't you supposed to be at work?"
Hanji shook her head. "Molbit and I are going on a date later tonight so I called in sick."
"Then why are you here?" Levi asked.
"Seeing for myself that you're okay." She said in a much somber tone.
"…Still alive and kicking." Levi mumbled. Hanji grinned and she stood up.
"Since I'm here, why don't I make that tea you love?"
"Help yourself to the kitchen," was Levi's instant reply.
With a laugh, she nodded and headed towards the kitchen. Levi sighed as he relaxed against Erwin's chest. Erwin's arms settled around his waist, bunching up the fabric of his shirt around his forearms.
"Where's Eren?" Levi asked, closing his eyes.
"He should be here soon. School let out."
Levi nodded and in a couple of minutes he was fast asleep. Erwin pulled back Levi's hair, feeling his forehead. It wasn't burning up any more and he was relieved. Erwin listened to him sleep, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest.
"Did he fall asleep?" Hanji asked, walking back with a cup for Erwin. He nodded as he took the mug.
"Once he's fully recovered, we should go out to our bar with the others. Y'know, proof he ain't dead yet."
Erwin chuckled, "Mike and Nanaba are coming over next weekend, we'll go then."
As Hanji nodded, the front door jangled and Eren stepped through, routinely dropping his backpack by the door. When he saw Levi sleeping on Erwin, his face lit up; glad to see him away from bed. Armin slipped in beside him, greeting both Hanji and Erwin. Eren was about to speak when he stopped himself. He stayed quiet then dashed off to his room, leaving the others slightly confused.
He came back with his camera, quietly walked around Erwin and pulled back some of the curtain. When he was done, he stepped away, pleased with the lighting, then he stepped a few feet away from where Erwin and Levi sat.
"Erwin, can you look at Levi for a moment?" He asked.
"Sure." He replied. For a few moments, all they heard were clicks of the camera's shutter going off. Satisfied with the series of photos he'd taken, he got off the floor. Hanji grinned and slung an arm around the teen's shoulder.
"What was that?" She curiously asked, peering at his camera. "I don't think I've ever seen you look so serious."
At that, Armin couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping him. Glowering at his partner, Eren looked down at his camera, scrolling through the series of photos.
"They looked really peaceful together." Eren replied.
0o0o0o0o0o
After Levi fully recovered, he opened up the shop again, promising both Erwin and Eren that he wouldn't take any weddings for awhile. Everything went to normal; Erwin returned to work after opting to work home for a few weeks, Eren continued to take photographs of people and places, Mikasa and Armin kept loitering in his shop and apartment.
With that, the seasons gradually changed.
For Christmas, they celebrated at Hanji's place, which ended up as a huge party involving too many shots and a photo Levi very much wanted to cease existing. His birthday was, thankfully, a much quieter event. New years was spent in a similar fashion except for Levi's encouragement in underage drinking.
Eren's face was flushed red and Levi leered at the teen sitting across of him on the counter, similarly red in the face as well. Erwin was standing in the kitchen, watching the two with amusement. Eren's eyes stared to water but he desperately kept them open. Levi, on the other hand, seemed to have no problem staring, as if it was his life's greatest mastery of useless abilities.
The young teen whined and blinked, tears welling in the corner of his eyes. Levi grinned and poured Eren another half glass of Smirnoff Ice while he drank from his much stronger bottle of whisky.
"This is why you don't challenge me to a staring contest." Levi said. Eren replied by sticking his tongue out at him. Levi responded by flipping him the bird. Erwin merely shook his head with a chuckle.
The blond walked over to Levi's side, sitting beside him. He took the bottle from Levi, all pleasant smiles as the shorter man accursedly glared at him then the bottle. Eren stared at their backs while they talked to each other.
He remembered times when he'd constantly watch Levi's back, always thinking that they were so broad and strong. Compared to Erwin's, they were definitely smaller than but still as strong as he remembered them. Eren reached for his camera beside him, focused the lens and took a few shots. At the sound of the shutter, Levi turned around.
"Levi, it's still okay for me to go for photography?" Eren asked, out of the blue.
"You love it, right?" Levi asked.
Eren nodded, fondling his camera softly. Levi stared at the teen then sighed.
"Then go for it. You still have half a year before your final year starts." Levi said. He took back his bottle from Erwin. "Whatever you do decide to choose, you have Erwin's and my support.
Eren nodded again, feeling a bit lost for words. The front door opened and Armin stepped through, Mikasa standing right beside. "Eren, the fireworks are about to start." He excitable said, flakes of snow falling from the top of his head.
"Got it." Eren said. He left his camera at the counter as he went towards his friends. They were heading for the roof of the building, which had the best view of the park nearby where they launched the fireworks to mark the beginning of the New Year.
Levi and Erwin both decided to not go, opting to stay indoors.
"Erwin, Eren turned out pretty decent." Levi said, taking another swing of the bottle.
"No police records, a few fights, decent grades… I think you raised him well."
Levi nodded, "Compared to me, he's a goddamn saint."
Erwin chuckled and turned Levi around, making Levi face him. "Are you worrying?"
"I would say no but then I'd be lying and you wouldn't believe me." Levi said. The look in Erwin's eyes confirmed that. He grumbled and glared at the blond. Erwin held Levi's face between his hands, leaning in close. "You did an excellent job, considering the circumstances."
"He's kind of a hoe, tho."
Erwin blinked, eyes slightly wide as he leaned back to laugh loudly. Leave it to Levi to utter something so ridiculous with that straight face of his.
"So you noticed?"
Levi shrugged, "It's hard not to with those three. I kind of suspected they would hook up with each other."
"No objection?" Erwin asked.
"That'll be a shitty thing to do." Levi said. "Eren knows what he's doing. Besides," Levi stood up from the stool, parting Erwin's legs apart as he pressed himself closer to Erwin's thick body. He draped his arms around Erwin's shoulder, directing a lusty gaze towards the older man. "I think we should celebrate the New Year in our own way."
He teasingly licked his lips, watching Erwin's eyebrow twitch as he felt those large hands grasp his waist. Erwin kissed him deeply, hands already tugging off Levi's shirts. They pulled apart only to completely remove Levi's shirt. Then Levi instantly began biting and sucking Erwin's neck. Erwin slipped his hand lower, hoisting the smaller man to his lap as Levi locked his legs around Erwin's waist.
"The bedroom?" Erwin asked, standing up.
Levi shook his head, directing Erwin to set him down on the counter of the table. He went back to kissing Erwin's neck, practically ripping off his shirt. He glided his hand down the blond's broad chest, fingers hastily fumbling with the belt.
"What about-"
Just as he spoke, Eren opened the door with Armin and Mikasa behind him. Levi grabbed the empty plastic cup beside him and flung it towards the door.
"You're sleeping with Armin tonight!" Levi shouted, ignoring them as he continued to unbuckle Erwin's pants. The situation hadn't caught up to Eren's mind but as soon as he saw Erwin's pants drop to the floor, he shrieked and nearly slammed the door behind him. He looked at Mikasa then Armin, both just as red as Eren.
They said nothing but one look around and they were laughing, making their way down the stairs. Once back out, Mikasa grabbed Armin and Eren's hand.
"Let's head back to my place. My parents left a ton a food before they left." Eren and Armin both eagerly nodded at the prospect of more food. Hand in hand with each other, the trio walked down the street as more fireworks from the nearby park lit up the star-filled night sky.
0o0o0o0o0o0
The remainder of the school year passed without much excitement. Eren's birthday passed and now at the ripe age of seventeen, Levi gave him the keys to his old car.
"You're going to get busier." Levi had said as he handed the keys to Eren. "Wreck it and you'll be shit out of luck."
At the start of April, Levi began to take more weddings, hiring an assistant during the daytime at Erwin's and Eren insistent prodding. She was a young girl in her twenties, recommended to him by Hanji since she knew the girl was looking for a job. Nifa worked during the day till closing, handling simple orders, booking appointments, pretty much anything that was needed for the shop.
"Nifa, I'm heading out to lunch, you okay with watching the store?"
Nifa peaked around the corner of the door to the backroom. "I still can't make an arrangement though." She said.
"Don't worry. I doubt you'll get anything more complicated than a simple bouquet. If someone does come in, take down their information so I can contact then later."
"Got it, sir!" She replied with a grin. Levi waved goodbye and stepped outside to the cool spring air. He pulled out his cell phone just as Erwin's car pulled up. Levi got in and Erwin drove off.
"Thanks for doing this." Erwin said as he drove towards the highway exit. They were headed to the city to meet with Nile and his fiancée. Erwin had mentioned that Levi worked with flower arrangements when Nile was having trouble finding a florist Marie would like. Nile asked for a favor, Erwin relayed the message, and now they were heading to meet Marie and Nile to discuss the venue for the wedding and general sense of what she had in mind.
"Nile's your friend." was all the answer Erwin got. "I'll make sure it'll be perfect."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Eren leaned against his car, staring as other students left the school building with their friends. School was officially done for the year and both Armin and Mikasa forgot to empty out their lockers, which left Eren to wait for them. Eren yawned, leaning his head back on the hood.
It was cloudy but the swelter humidity made up for the clouds blocking the sunlight.
He turned around, grabbing the brochure Rico had handed to him before he left the school. The college he wanted to attend in Sina had a sort of open house that lasted a full week. It entailed sitting in some classes based on your major during the summer, living in the dorms with an upperclassman, and ending with a competition for the prospective students. Rico said he should think it over, if he was dead set on that college.
Eren turned the brochure over in his hands before he decide to put it away in his car. The deadline to enter was at the end of June. He had a good week to decide.
"Jeager!"
At the call, Eren turned around to see Jean walking towards him. He was alone, which was unusual considering he and Marco were always together. To be honest, Eren liked Jean when Marco was around. He was less of an ass. But the way Jean was now was much preferable to how he used to be.
"Kirstein," He greeted. "You haven't left yet?"
Jean shook his head, stopping in front of Eren. "I got bitched at by my homeroom teacher to make sure I think about my future over the summer."
"Have you?" Eren asked.
Jean started to shake his head but he stopped. "It's not like I haven't thought about it but it seems kind of surreal. I don't have anything in particular I want to do whereas Marco has his heart set on that art university in Sina."
Eren's eyes widened. "He's going into art?"
Jean nodded, "He's been painting a lot since we were kids but always kept it on the down low…" While Jean talked, Eren pulled out his cell phone, going through his list of contacts.
"Hey," he said, interrupting him. He held his phone in front of Jean's face. "This is his number, right?"
Jean squinted and held Eren's hand still as he stared at the screen. "That's it."
"And is he going to that week long open house thing for potential students?"
"He… did mention that." Jean said, unsure of what Eren was getting at. Eren didn't notice his confusion as his mind raced with thoughts. "Anyways, I'm getting a party together at my place since my folks are out of town. Are you and the other two coming?"
"As long as you're not in charge of the music, we're coming." Eren replied with a grin.
"You little shit." Jean grinned back and the pair laughed. With that, Jean left to get things ready just as Mikasa and Armin were stepping out the building. He hurriedly waved them over, eager to get home to ask Levi about the week-long open house.
0o0o0o0o0o0o
That afternoon, Eren found Levi reading a book in the apartment; Corporal lazily sprawled across the man's lap. Levi set the book down on the arm rest.
"Do you need dinner tonight?" He asked. Corporal stirred and gracefully hopped off Levi's lap in favor of the empty chair across the room.
Eren shook his head as he dropped his bag by the door. "I'm going to a party later at Jean's place."
"Come home drunk and I'm kicking your ass." Levi replied going back to his book.
"I won't." He said. He paused for a moment before he powered through his question. "Levi, in July there's going to be a sort of open house at the college I want to go to in Sina. I would basically be staying there for a week as a sort of trial run to get a feel for the college." Eren watched, nervous, as Levi put his book back down, turning in his chair to look at the teen.
"What about guardians?"
"The first day is an open house to everyone, for information and stuff." Eren walked over to Levi and handed him the brochure Rico had given him. He idly stayed near as Levi read it over.
"You're going to the photography department, right?"
"Yeah," Eren said then added. "Is that… fine?"
"What do you mean 'is that fine'? You like photography, don't you?"
Eren nodded. It was more than like. He was doomed to this hobby the moment Armin had lent him the Polaroid camera years ago. He wasn't sure what exactly he wanted to do but he loved the weight of his camera, the moments he captured through his lens. Eren's hesitation came from the tuition estimate he saw for the university.
"Is it the tuition you're worrying about?" Levi asked. Eren blinked in surprise. He nodded, turning red in the face for being read so easily.
"Listen you," Levi said. "Leave the tuition to me. You'll have enough worries once you're actually in college. The fees are my department." Eren nodded, some of his concern melting away. If Levi said not to worry then he believed him. Levi's words had always been reliable and reassuring over the years.
"But you didn't finish college, right?"
Levi nodded. "Raising you was more important to me. I was only in college because my mother wanted me out of her sight." At hearing that Levi had dropped out to raise him, Eren made a pained face. Levi noticed and quickly jabbed him in the stomach. The teen winced, rubbing the sore spot above his hips. "I was going to drop out sooner or later. College wasn't meant for me."
"Do you regret it?" He asked. "Not finishing?"
Levi shook his head. "I got to watch you grow up, after all. I couldn't regret that even if I wanted to."
0o0o0o0o0o0
In the middle of July, Levi drove Eren to the city, nearly to the heart of Sina. The university itself was a building surrounded by a park, various statues made by previous graduate adorned the park. The dorms and rented apartment were a few blocks away.
The parking lot was filled with cars of parents and other potential students. Eren anxious looked around as he got of the car, a duffel bag full of clothes slung over his shoulder. Everything looked so threateningly spacious. As they walked to the building where the orientation was held, Eren couldn't image himself walking the same path again if he was ever accepted.
At the front of the building, Eren was handed a form to fill, as well as a name badge for himself. Once filled out, Eren and Levi headed inside. They were guided through a hall into a large room filled with chairs that were slowly filling up. Parents were talking to each other, as well as other teens. Eren was about to head towards someone to start up a conversation when he noticed someone familiar walk past him.
"Marco?" Eren said. The freckled teen smiled as he waved at Eren, walking up towards him and Levi.
"Hello, sir," Marco said to Levi. "I'm Marco Bott."
"I'm Levi." He replied, shaking Marco's extended hand.
"I didn't know you painted." Eren said. Marco looked at Eren and turned red, nervously laughing.
"Jean opened his big mouth, didn't he."
Eren grinned. "It's hard for him not to." They both laughed and began walking towards the row Marco's Mom sat at. Levi greeted her then towards to Eren.
"Eren, I'm going to head out."
"Huh, you're not sticking around for the presentation?"
Levi shook his head. "I have a better way of getting information about places. This is more for your benefit than mine. Give me a call before the open house ends so I can hand you some things to survive the week."
Eren nodded, confused, as he watched Levi leave the room. But he quickly sat down and talked more with Marco as the room continued to fill up.
Outside the building, Levi looked around until he spotted a familiar tall figure standing by a bench. He waved towards Erwin as he walked towards the man.
"The presentation would've been enough, you know." Erwin said as they walked towards the administrative building. "Eren chose an exceptional school, all things considering."
"It would but I might as well do things thoroughly. It'll be a waste not to use your family influence in cases like these."
0o0o0o0o0o0o
During the week Eren was gone, Levi came to realize how much his life had revolved around the boy. The walls that were once picture-less now held various frames of pictures Eren had taken along the years. The nearly empty bookshelves were filled with books about cameras, a few of Eren's childhood books, and many potted plants. Corporal slinked by Levi's feet.
"I know, it's quiet without that loudmouth around."
It was weird not knowing what to do in the silence. Eren usually barged into the shop to announce where he was going to go, if he went anywhere then just as loudly he would leave.
Levi picked up Corporal from the floor and he smiled fondly. "I never would've guessed there would be a time when I wouldn't know what to do with my free time."
And once Eren graduated from high school and headed to college, he'd have much more time for himself. But there was no use thinking of what was to come. Eren still needed help growing. But at this point, Levi didn't think he needed anymore help. Eren was already a fine young man.
"Well Corporal, let's clean that shitty liter box of yours. Eren isn't here to do it for you."
0o0o0o0oo0o0
"Levi, why do we have a lot of these plants?" Eren asked, staring at the potted impatiens on the bookshelves. Levi glanced over to where Eren was, the young 10-year old stood on the tips of his feet, staring at the colorful plants on the top shelf.
"They're my favorite flowers; they're called impatiens."
Eren hummed and he stepped back, taking his place beside Levi on the sofa. "Why?"
"These were the flowers your mom gave me when we first met." He said. He rolled up his sleeve on his right arm, showing the half sleeve tattoo to Eren.
"They're kind of simple and not all complex but I find them beautiful." He said. Eren nodded as he prodded Levi's forearm, fingers tracing over the colorful flowers inked on the older man's skin.
"So they're mom's flower?" He asked.
"I guess they are." Levi said. Eren hummed thoughtfully.
"I want a flower too!" He said, nearly hopping off the couch. "Let's go get an Eren flower from downstairs!" He pleaded with Levi with his eyes but Levi didn't need Eren's persuasion to get off the couch. If anything, he was curious what flower Eren would pick.
"Alright." He said. Eren grinned and he followed Eren as they walked down stairs to the shop. Levi unlocked the front door and flicked on the lights. Eren immediately ran over to the wall lined with the coolers, peering into each one. Levi watched the boy intently stare at each potted plant.
With the heaviest sigh he heard for that small body, Eren pulled his face from the windowed doors. "I don't like any of them." He dejectedly sat by the counter, all pouty and angry. Levi walked into the back room and when he walked back to the front, he carried a potted daffodil with him. Eren watched him set the pot on the counter.
"These are daffodils." He said, sitting beside the boy. "These are special flowers because they represent March and mean a lot of great things."
"Like what?"
"Happiness, friendship, respect."
Eren ears perked at the last word. He looked to the bright yellow flower. It was a beautiful flower and he liked that the back of the flower looked like a star. But what he really loved was what Levi said the flower meant.
"Do you like it?" Eren asked.
Levi nodded. Eren grinned and he grabbed the pot, holding it close to his chest. "Then we need a lot more for the bookshelf! These are my flowers now so they gotta be upstairs along with mama's flowers!"
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Marco's parents dropped Eren off in front of the shop when the week was over on Sunday. Erwin and Levi were in the living room, the latter sitting on Erwin's lap as they watched a particularly bad horror film. Spread out in front of them on the coffee table was two boxes of pizza; one empty and the other half full. Levi looked towards the door as he heard very familiar footsteps.
"I was beginning to enjoy the silence." Erwin said as a loud woman's scream echoed on TV. "Do you think he liked the college?"
"We'll see." Levi said as Eren opened the door. One look at Eren's expressive face and he knew Eren loved it. Levi paused the movie as Eren began yammering about the classes he sat in, the impressive photography lab and studio they had, the store an upperclassman took him that specialized in cameras and camera equipment. He made friends with different departments and talked about the other departments he'd seen. Then he talked about the competition that was held yesterday and mentioned he won first place in the photography portion.
"What photo was it?" Levi asked.
Eren opened his mouth to answer but he quickly shut it. "Just a photo." He said. Levi arched an eyebrow but he didn't pry. If Eren didn't want to say what it was, that was perfectly fine. Eren grabbed the duffel bag from the floor. "I'm tired so I'm gonna take a nap."
"Oi, what do you want for dinner?"
"Cheeseburger." He called out as he entered his room.
Levi nodded as he stood up from Erwin's lap. He gazed towards the hallway and gripped his right forearm. His graduation was still a long ways away but when he looked at his tattooed arm, he couldn't help but feel like now was the time to get it completely done.
"I've been thinking about it this week but I finally decided to finish my sleeve tattoo."
0o0o0o0o0o0o
Eren was sweeping the shop when Armin walked into the shop, all sleek smiled and mischievous. Eren stopped working, weary of that look. Nothing good ever came from Armin when he had that look. As if he could read Eren's mind, Armin slinked around the table, making sure Eren couldn't reach him as he settled himself beside Levi.
"Do any of you ever have anywhere else to go?" Levi asked, not bothering to look up from his transaction book. At this point, there was no point asking since he knew the answer but it was an automatic question he had to ask every so often. Mikasa herself was at the shop but she had stepped out, per Levi's request, to get a few ribbon bands from the art store a few blocks away.
"Levi, did Eren ever show you the winning photo from that week he spent at the college?"
Eren's face instantly turned a shade redder, leveling a glare at the impish blond. Armin grinned and he pulled out his phone.
"Armin, don't you even-"
"See, now I'm interested." Levi interrupted, leaning against the counter. Eren's face turned brighter still; the fact that they could see just how red he'd gotten considering his caramel skin tone was a feat all in itself. Eren grumbled and he continued to angrily sweep the floor, muttering his hate for both Levi and Armin.
"This is it." Armin said as he pulled up the college's article and zoomed onto the picture. He handed the phone to Levi as Armin went to console his petulant boyfriend.
The photo in question was one Levi never saw before nor even remembered it being taken. It was a close shot of himself sitting on Erwin's lap, in a shirt that was clearly Erwin's. He was asleep, head resting against Erwin's chest with Erwin's arms wrapped around his face. Erwin was looking at him with a gentle expression. The sunlight that filtered through the background gave the entire photo a warm glow to it. It was surprisingly domestic. Levi wondered if that was how he looked like around Erwin.
"When was this taken?" He asked.
Eren released Armin from the headlock he had him it, face still flushed. "Last year, after you got hurt. I came home and I guess you woke up from your fever because you were sitting on Erwin… I thought you two looked nice."
Levi looked back at the phone, tapping the screen to keep it from locking. Eren started to get nervous when Levi didn't speak. He turned to grab Armin into another headlock but the blond was cleverly out of reach.
"Eren, out of curiosity, how many photos have you taken of me?"
"Um, a lot?" He replied with a nervous chuckle.
"Give me a rough estimate, dumbass."
"Umm, maybe a few hundred? A lot of it is mostly repeats so it might be fewer."
"So would you call Eren a daddy's girl or mommy's boy?" Levi asked Armin. Armin stared wide-eyed at Levi before he busted out laughing. Eren groaned and hid his face in his hands, wishing the floor could swallow him up.
"Eren is definitely a mommy's boy." Erwin said, walking out from the back room. Eren screeched, dropping the broom to the floor as he knelt, desperately wishing for anything to swallow him up. Armin laughed even louder, holding his sides as tears rolled down his cheeks.
"So that'll make you daddy." Levi said, looking to Erwin.
"Please shut up," was the whimpered reply from Eren as he looked at his ridiculous family. Levi smiled, very much amused at Eren's state.
"It's a good photo." Levi said, deciding he should stop before his actual skin color stayed red. Eren looked up from his hands. "Even I can tell you've improved and put in a lot of work into it."
Eren smiled, ready to speak but then Levi began to call Erwin daddy and Erwin called him mommy and Eren was completely done with the both of them.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Okay
so like, chapter 9 is 100% gonna be the last chapter, had to split chapter 8 into two cause it got too long for my preferences
I don't know when it will be posted, since the last chapter is 90% done, but it will definitely be posted before october ends