The Only One I See

Confession

Levi sat down with his book. Flipping open the cover, he stared down at the poem that he had read about a thousand times in the past week. Hearts That Lie. He had read it over and over again so many times that he had questioned himself as to why he was even opening the book. It's not like he didn't have it memorized.

Levi didn't know what the significance of this particular poem was. Did he have feelings for Eren? If he did, was he trying to convince himself that his feelings were untrue? Anytime Eren and Levi would accidentally touch in tutoring he would get chills. Anytime Eren gave him that smile that scrunched up his nose, Levi got butterflies. He had never felt this way with any girl. He had only felt lust. Levi thought for a minute. Was it even lust that he felt? Or was it just boredom?

He shut the book and slid down in his chair. What was it about that boy that got Levi so worked up?

What was it that had Eren so worked up?

Levi could see him weaving through the bookshelves towards him. His eyes were wet and puffy; his breath was hitched and uneven. When Eren finally found the table where Levi was resting, they could see each other's surprise. He forced himself to keep a strait face. Eren, however, did not.

"I'm sorry," Eren chocked out, "I'll leave." He turned and began running again. Levi stood and grabbed his hood.

"Stop it, Brat," he took him by the shoulders and practically dragged him back to the table. "Tell me what's wrong." Levi was surprised by the amount of compassion and care in his own voice.

"It's n-nothing," Eren sniffled. Levi took his sleeveless palm and whipped his damp cheeks. Eren seemed to intake a breath and blush a little. Levi couldn't help but smile.

"It's obviously not nothing. You're crying," Levi stated. Eren took a shaky breath before telling Levi something he had never told anyone out loud, not even himself.

"I'm gay."

Levi sat for a moment in complete and utter shock. On one hand, he was hopeful. Maybe Levi had a chance with Eren after all? On the other hand, he felt for him. He knew what it was like to battle with homosexual tendencies.

Levi must have stared without speaking for too long because Eren burst into tears, regretting his decision.

"Eren, seriously," Levi said, "Stop crying."

"I c-can't," he sobbed, "Everyone h-hates me. Students hate me. Teachers hate m-me. You hate me. I'm just a f-faggot." Levi was almost beginning to get angry. He picked Eren up and slammed his back into the wall. Both him and Eren winched at the impact.

"Stop it, Eren," Levi growled, "No one hates you. They just don't understand you. But I do. You aren't a label. You are a friendly, generous, intelligent human being who should be treated as such. Being gay doesn't make you different than anyone else." There was an intense silence in the air as Eren soaked in what Levi had said. Levi loosened his grip on the younger boys shirt but didn't let go. If he let go, he had scared he may disappear. Instead, Eren wrapped his arms tightly around the slightly shorter male and hugged. Levi was surprised. Never before had a simple hug felt so warm or sincere.

"That's the first time anyone's ever said anything like that. I'm so happy someone understands."

"Well, I should understand," Levi smiled, "I'm gay, too."