House Cat [Neko!Levi x Eren, Attack on Titan]

Chapter XI

Christmas was one of Eren's favorite times of the year. He loved to go all out, even when he was the only one living in his house and his father rarely came home for Christmas. He was especially excited for this one because he would be spending it with Levi. Although to his disappointment, Levi didn't let him splurge (author-chan: *has internal debate on whether splurge is actually a word*)on Christmas decorations as much as he wanted to.

"Come on we need a real tree!" He pleaded with Levi. "It doesn't have to be very big."

"It will be a pain to take care of and the needles will get everywhere," Levi said stubbornly.

"But we need a tree."

"We can get a fake tree and if you're so intent on it being realistic we can get pine scented candles or something."

"That defeats the purpose!"

"I don't want pine needles all over the apartment."

"Here why don't we get a small, real tree and I'll take care of it and clean up after it."

Levi put his hand to his face. "Fine, but I'm going to hold you to it."

"Of course!" Eren said excitedly.

The next day he bought a small Christmas tree only about two feet tall. Eren decorated it with more lights than there was tree. He did his best to keep his promise and was constantly checking around the tree for stray needles. Levi, although still annoyed by the tree, respected the fact that Eren was trying so hard.

Christmas was only a couple days away and Eren was still unsure on what to get Levi. He didn't know what possessed him to do this, but he decided to text Hanji.

Hanji: Those are good ideas I'm sure he will like whatever you get him

Eren: Yeah I'm probably stressing for no reason

Hanji: It's understandable especially since it's like twice as important

Eren: Twice?

Hanji: He didn't tell you? Levi's birthday is on Christmas

Eren: Seriously! Why didn't he tell me?!

Hanji: Levi doesn't like to make a fuss over it he doesn't really like his birthday

Eren: Can't say I'm surprised

Hanji: Like l said he will love anything you get him, I have some ideas if you want to hear them

Eren had a bad feeling about whatever Hanji might suggest so he felt it best to avoid knowing all together.

Eren: I'm good, thanks for listening Hanji

Hanji: of course, anything for my friends:)

Eren leaned back in his chair and sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought, he didn't know if he should do something especially for Levi's birthday. He figured he would eventually figure something out.

•••

Christmas morning Eren woke up and went out into the living room. Levi had fallen asleep on the couch that night. Eren smiled to himself and made the both of them breakfast. Once Eren finished he went over to Levi and ruffled his hair a little. Levi shifted slightly and peered up at Eren.

"Merry Christmas and happy birthday, Levi!" He said cheerfully.

Levi just made a grunt noise and sat up just enough to take the tea Eren had handed him.

"Who told you?" He asked.

"Hanji."

"I should have guessed."

Eren smiled at his Neko and brought over the rest of breakfast putting it on the coffee table. He then grabbed one of the presents from under the small tree.

"Happy birthday!" He handed the present to Levi.

Levi took it and unwrapped it carefully. It was a 20 by 25 canvas. Levi turned it over to see a beautiful acrylic painting. It depicted a forest scene with the sun setting in the in the background, lighting up the sky with orange and yellow hues. The focal point was two birds, one dark blue and one white, like in the Wings of Freedom mural. The birds appeared to be flying fast into the sunset. As if they had just escaped from a cage.

"Wow," Levi said under his breath.
Eren grinned at this response. "I'm glad you like it."

"It's very good, you could get a lot of money for this, why are you giving it to me?"

"You inspired me to make it and I want you to have it."

Levi looked him, then looked back at the painting.

"Thank you," he said quietly.

"Your welcome," Eren smiled.

Levi gently set the painting down in front of him and grabbed an envelope from underneath the tree. He handed it to Eren.

"This is all the money I possess, most of it is from random cleaning jobs I took, so it isn't very much. Since I plan on staying with you, I want you to have it. You can do whatever you want with it."

Eren looked at him, shocked. "Are you sure? You trust me enough to take care of it."

"I'm not leaving so I have no use for money. If it anything it says I trust you to not abandon me," Levi replied, solemnly.

Eren felt himself tearing up and he pulled Levi into a big hug. He couldn't bring himself to say words but Levi didn't need any. They pulled away from the hug and Eren wiped away a couple of tears that had formed in his eyes. He then reached under the couch and pulled out a large gift. Levi furrowed his eyes together in confusion.

"Merry Christmas!" Eren said, giving him the gift.

Levi unwrapped it and unveiled a box containing a keyboard. Levi's eyes widened, making Eren smile.

"Back when we babysat Mina that one time it looked like you really missed playing, sorry I couldn't get you a real piano, they are kinda expensive and I wouldn't know where to put it." Eren explained.

"It's fine, this is perfect," Levi said studying the box, wondering what he had done to deserve Eren's kindness.

"That's good, I think we can set it up in the guest room or maybe that empty corner in the art room, it seems pretty easy to transport."

"Okay," Levi said, then he looked up at Eren. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome," Eren responded.

Eren pulled Levi into another hug. Levi yawned causing him to release a tiny meow, making Eren giggle. Levi then snuggled on Eren's lap until Hanji and Erwin came by to wish Levi a happy birthday and the both of them a Merry Christmas. They exchanged gifts and chatted until the two guests had to leave to have Christmas dinner with their families. Eren and Levi then had a peaceful Christmas dinner together. That night Eren let Levi sleep in his bed with him again and they both fell asleep happy.