The Ereri Project!

Future (Deaf)

Levi decided not to go through with surgery.

At least for now. He said that something permanent like that seems like a bad idea if he isn't positive it's what he wants. And they're only eighteen, he has the rest of his life to change his mind if he wants. Celia and Eren were very supportive of this decision.

That said, though, Levi has no idea what he's going to do once he has his diploma. He doesn't know why, but he's never really thought about what he wants to do when he grows up.

It's a week until Eren's graduation and the two of them are at Eren's house, waiting for the mail to arrive. Eren's waiting for a letter telling him whether or not he got accepted into the college he wants to go to. He got accepted into his second, third, and forth choices; but he hasn't heard back from his first choice yet. He's nervous.

And he hasn't told Levi where he wants to go or what he's going for.

So instead of staring at his jittery boyfriend, Levi starts making dinner for the two of them and probably their moms when they both get off work. It's kind of become a daily occurrence that the four of them have dinner together and it's usually Levi that cooks.

In the living room, Eren perks up when he sees the mail truck getting closer to the house. 

He runs out and waits at the mailbox for the truck to room up. "G'day, son," the old mailman says; it's the same man who's delivered mail to their house since before Eren's dad left so they're pretty familiar with each other.

"Hey Mr. Hannes."

The man picks up their mail. "I believe this is what you've been waiting for."

On top of the stack of mail is a thick envelope with the name of the school Eren wants to go to at the top. He grins. "Thank you so much!"

Hannes smiles. "Good luck, kid," he says and drives off.

Eren runs back in the house and drops all of the mail but the envelope he's been waiting for on the couch before walking into the kitchen with Levi. 

He taps Levi shoulder so his boyfriend can sit with him when he opens it. Levi looks at the envelope, he recalls that this school is a big one for teachers. And it's three states away.

A knot twists in his stomach while Eren bites his lip and stares at the envelope.

Open it, Levi signs.

Eren looks at Levi and then nods. Slowly, he tears the envelope open and takes out the letter. Levi bites his lip while Eren reads it. Well? Did you get in?

A disbelieving grin cracks across his face and he nods, embracing Levi.

Levi squeezes him, grinning as well. Just then, Carla comes home. "What's going on?" she asks.

Eren looks up and holds out the acceptance letter to her. She reads it and grins, hugging him as well. "Oh my god, congratulations sweetheart."

Levi goes back to cooking, trying to will away the thick feeling in his stomach.

~~~

When they go home that night, Celia can't ignore the pensive look on her son's face.

What's the matter? She asks.

Levi sighs. Nothing.

She smiles gently and shakes her head. I've known you since you were smaller than a watermelon, something's the matter.

Levi makes a face at her. Eren's going away for school.

I know, he looked really excited.

No, he's going away and I still don't have a plan, mom. What am I going to do?

Celia looks at Levi seriously. Well, you can do whatever you want.

Levi stares back at her. I want to go with Eren.

Is there a school you want to go to near where he's going?

You know I haven't really thought about college.

Well. She thinks for a moment. Do you even want to go to college?

What do you mean?

I have an old friend that owns a bakery in the town where Eren's school is. If you're comfortable moving there, I'm sure she could give you a job.

At a bakery? I don't know if I can do customer service without hearing or speaking.

No, not customer service, baking.

Baking?

Yes, she told me just this past week that she's going to need more night bakers over the summer.

Baking.

Celia smiles. I know you love cooking more than baking but I think you'll like working in a big kitchen like that.

Levi thinks for a moment. Can I meet her before I think about this seriously?

She's coming up next week because her nephew is graduating with Eren.

Levi leans over and hugs his mom, signing, Thank you, against her back.