Chapter 9

Eren's eyes widen in shock and surprise at Erwin's words. That does explain a lot. He glances around nervously, hoping nobody else is nearby. Levi seems to notice the sudden tension in Eren's frame. His heart sinks when he sees how tense the blonde becomes when faced with something bad. His stomach drops and he swallows. I knew that something was wrong. He mentally curses Erwin for causing such a reaction.

So he told you to leave school, right? He adds cautiously.

Yeah. You know that I hate going to school, it just means that I'm forced to study harder. He shrugs slightly, looking away embarrassed.

But you still love studying!

Of course, I do! He scoffs at the suggestion. Besides, I have to pay for the rent. Which reminds me; when am I gonna get paid, huh?

Levi frowns in confusion.

Eren? He stares at him blankly. I thought you had gotten an allowance from your father or something.

Oh yeah, it should be coming soon! Hanji exclaims.

Wait a sec, I have to send it somewhere. 

He presses his hands against the glass, searching for the address on the phone. After he finds it, he quickly types in the letters and sends a text message to the address. The phone then rings shortly afterwards.

After hearing the ringtone of his cellphone, he picks it up, putting it on speakerphone.

Hello?

He can hear Armin's nervous tone coming out of the phone. Why didn't you reply? Did something happen?

I'm sorry, Armin, but my phone broke. 

Are you ok? 

Yes, everything is fine, Armin. He reassures him.

Good. Can we talk now? Levi looks towards the door, making sure no other customers were around. There isn't. It'll only be a couple of minutes if that. Just make sure to keep your voice low alright? 

Okay, Armin replies.

The call ends shortly after that, and Levi places the phone back on its stand. The rest of his evening passes quietly, and Eren returns to their house later on in the evening once they've finished their meal. Levi doesn't bother asking him about the phone call. He knows that Eren won't share whatever happened.

After dinner he heads upstairs to his room and lays down on top of his bed, staring up at the ceiling.

Eren is sitting on the sofa playing his video game when Levi approaches him and plops down beside him. I brought some homework over.

Eren pauses and puts the controller down.

You sure you don't need me to do it tonight? He says, glancing over at him.

If you don't mind I would rather do it myself. Levi shrugs.

He walks over to the desk chair and sits down. He begins flipping through his textbook. Eren gets up from his seat and walks over to stand next to him. The two stare at the textbook together while Levi continues to flip through the pages with his free hand, occasionally stopping his fingers by marking certain passages. Eren is still sitting in the chair when Levi decides to speak.

What happened today? I heard that you got into an argument with him.

Eren looks at him, his eyebrows raised in confusion. Who told you that?

Hange mentioned it to me earlier today when she called you.

Eren bites his lip. He has a bad feeling about this. But even if she said something bad, shouldn't I be able to defend myself? He thinks for a moment.

Maybe I shouldn't have listened to her?

He stares at Levi. Levi stares at him too. Eren sighs deeply. I guess I should explain what happened.

He starts telling him about how he fought within his apartment yesterday. They argued about who would sleep on his living room sofa. Then he explained what happened in his office afterwards. When he finished, neither of them said anything for a while. Then Levi finally broke the silence. Eren?

He looks at Levi and waits for him to continue.

Are you mad at me? He asks hesitantly.

No, he answers immediately. Of course, I'm not! I could never!

Then why...?

It's a bit complicated, okay. But that wasn't all. I also talked to your father before I left. He told me that you're planning to transfer to a different university. Is that true?

I didn't plan on transferring... I only wanted to work part-time. It'd be better for me anyway. He shrugs, continuing to stare at the television screen.

Why would it be better for you?

Because I'd never find anyone there that I liked and I wouldn't get hurt... Like you said: we don't deserve happiness anyway. He lets out another loud sigh.

That's nonsense! Don't try to act tough, brat. You're one of the most sensitive people I know! If anyone deserves happiness it's you! You always try so hard... You deserve to be loved, you deserve to be cared for, and you deserve to feel safe.

A faint blush rises to Eren's cheeks and his eyes begin watering. Levi notices and closes his eyes, taking deep breaths as he tries to calm himself down. Why are you crying... Eren?

Shut the fuck up... Levi murmurs as tears slowly roll down his cheeks. I'm not crying because I'm sad... I'm crying because you're saying things like that...

I'm sorry I said that... I just...

I know... It's okay. Levi wipes his cheek.

Sorry for yelling at you earlier. I think it was a bit stupid of me. Eren smiles slightly. You didn't mean it, you know.

I know that... But still... 

Eren sighs and pats Levi's shoulder. Come to bed. We're both exhausted. Levi nods in agreement.

Armin is surprised to find his friends at his doorstep late that night, but he invites them inside without asking any questions. He leads them upstairs and turns on the lights.

I brought beer... Do you want some? He offers.

Sure. Both of them agree. Armin goes towards the kitchen to grab three cans of beer, placing them on the table in front of his friends.

Thanks for inviting us here, Armin tells them as he opens the first can of beer. He takes a big gulp and winces slightly when the taste hits his tongue. Sorry, that tasted disgusting.

It's fine. You'll get used to it. He laughs, shaking his head at the memory of his first beer.

We didn't invite you here for a beer, Armin explains. Mikasa wanted to show you something.

Show me something? What did she want to show me? 

I think you'll like it. She smirks, glancing toward Levi. Levi raises his eyebrow in curiosity, not quite knowing what is happening.

She grabs a small bag from under his bed and pulls out a few pieces of paper.

What are these? Armin asks curiously.

Just watch, Armin. Levi leans forward with interest as well.

Mikasa carefully unfolds one of the papers and flips it over. On the paper lies a sketch done in blue crayon. The lines seem sharp and realistic. She hands the drawing to Levi who takes it reluctantly and examines it closer. A smile grows on his face as he recognizes what the drawing resembles.

This is the painting that Levi showed me at the art gallery. She tells him. It's of Eren and me. And a girl named Eren too.

Who is this girl? Levi asks suspiciously, turning back towards Armin.

Well, it's our little friend Eren, idiot! Her face turns red instantly, remembering that he didn't remember her name. I mean... He's not exactly my best friend but he is cute enough so it's fine.

Hmm. Levi continues inspecting the sketch. His smile fades as he becomes more aware of the implications behind her words. She can tell from his expression that he realized just what she meant by that. Eren's face turns bright pink as he tries to hide from view. Armin gives him an apologetic look.

You're not...

Not what? Eren asks.

Gay? Levi asks.

Huh? He turns his head towards them.

No. No. I mean, I am but... He trails off. Does Levi believe that I'm gay?

Levi shakes his head, handing the sketchbook back to Armin. It probably seems weird for him to assume such things about your sexuality based on a drawing, but I'm pretty sure you know that I'm not homophobic, right? That's why he doesn't care about your sexuality if it means that you're happy.

Eren looks towards Armin uncertainly. I guess you are right.

Of course, I am. Levi chuckles.

Thank you, Levi. Armin smiles.

Don't mention it. Now let's go downstairs. I'm tired.

Yeah, me too. Eren gets up from his seat and follows Levi downstairs.