Disclaimer: I do not own shingeki no kyojin / Attack on Titan.
This story may contain some mild swearing, and it might not be suitable for younger audiences to read.
A/N:
Hello there,
Thank you for visiting this story, and welcome.
Feel free to leave me a review at any time, your feedback is always greatly appreciated.
If you think you have an idea for the plot, don't hesitate to tell me about it!
While writing, I make stuff up as I go, so there is always room for plot twists and other additions.
I will make sure to reply to each and every review at the bottom of every chapter!
Furthermore, I hope you will enjoy what I'll post in this story and don't forget to have a good day!
Love, DustyBooks
-xoxo-
It had been the headline of all the important magazines.
It would be the most exclusive show this season, more grande than anything they'd ever done before, and there was only one more week to go before it all begun. He couldn't go anywhere without paparazzi waiting for him- camera's flashing and microphones being held up in his face.
Levi took a breath, steadied himself and pushed open the door of his apartment. Blinding light assaulted his tired eyes immediately- loud clicking and photographers asking him to look their way. Mike was waiting for him, holding open the door of the limousine for him to get in. Ignoring the people around him, Levi hurried to the vehicle, muttering a 'thank you' to Mike before he slammed the door shut.
Today he had a tight schedule. First he would have to help Erwin with his final fitting and make the necessary adjustments. After that he would head out again for the first practice round on the actual runway. His models would be there at 10 am. If he made haste he might be able to finish up around 3 pm, get back to his atelier and work on some of the costumes he would be displaying.
It was a lot of stress, but Levi dealt with it quite well. Of course his insomnia and panic issues begged to differ, but as long as nobody knew about that Levi felt he was doing okay.
They arrived at his atelier where some of his employees had already started their day.
At the gate, there were a few people to take pictures, but not as many as there usually were at his home. He had always made sure there were enough people to hold them back, and the blinds were always drawn shut so they couldn't see through the windows. Not only to keep his new creations hidden, but also for the privacy of himself and his employees.
Upon exiting the car, he gave Mike a short wave to tell him he could leave.
"Good morning sir!" Several voices called out when he entered the atelier through the back door.
Levi nodded in acknowledgement before heading to his workplace. He had given everybody enough space for their work, they all had their own large table and sewing machine, including himself.
Today, they were with a group of four.
Petra was busy with her sewing machine, working with a very soft dusty pink fabric. She was humming quietly to herself, probably the songs she sang to her little girl at home.
She was a sweet woman, a great seamstress and an even better mom. Her little girl was now four years old, an adorable little shit. Levi wasn't always very fond of little kids, but this one was a different story.
He had been there when she was born, when she learned to talk she called him Uncle Levi, and for every birthday, Levi made sure to design a little dress for the kid.
Next to Petra's table sat Levi's childhood friend Hanji, typing wildly at her keyboard.
She was basically the one who sorted out e-mails and letters, communication had never really been Levi's forte. She was also the one who planned shows and made deadlines, without Hanji Levi probably would've remained where he had been a few years ago. Designer in a small atelier, making everything himself and earning just enough to rent a small apartment.
Ever since she started to promote and showcase his work, especially the more eccentric things he usually kept to himself, he got more and more attention, climbing up to be one of the most well-known designers in Europe. Never had he thought he was capable of this, and yet here he was, getting request after request for the most important business people, the most high-end fashion shows, photoshoot after photoshoot. Important people wanted him to talk to them, asked him to visit their parties.
Despite these ridiculous changes that took place in his live, Levi still quietly lived in his tiny apartment, and he still made a lot of clothing by himself.
He had enough employees now to do this for him, all he really had to do was to make the initial design and they would put it together, but one needs to remain humble and Levi took great pleasure in his work.
His employees were more like colleagues- some even friends- to him and he liked it that way.
Sometimes he found it difficult to be at this place in the industry, he was famous now, something he had never planned for- it just kind of... happened.
"Levi, I've scheduled an interview for next week, on Thursday." Hanji told him as he walked past. "I know we have little time but I saw you had a gap at 5."
Without giving it any thought Levi threw her a glare. "Call them back and tell them I don't want to waste my precious time on their uninspiring small talk." He said.
Before Hanji could reply, there was a soft bell. The guests entrance, must be Erwin.
"Armin, we've got a customer." Levi said.
Quickly, the young intern got up and hurried to the front of the building. No time to waste- one of the first things the blonde kid had learned here in the atelier.
Whilst Armin went to fetch Erwin, Levi grabbed the suit he'd been working on- internally screaming because he knew Hanji wouldn't cancel that stupid interview.
-xoxo-
It was a very beautiful work, a two-piece suit- cashmere and pashmina wool combined to make a very soft and shiny fabric perfect for daily wear, yet eye-catching and outstanding. The color was a dark aubergine like purple. The added tie was a high contrast blue, matching the color of Erwin's eyes spot on. Purple made blue appear much more intense, and since Erwin secretly really liked to stand out, a purple suit was the way to go.
Levi sat on one knee, a few pins between his lips as he adjusted the suit where needed.
"There we go, should be ready by tomorrow." Levi said, looking up at the tall man he kneeled before.
He knew that he was going to have to work through the night to get it done, but Erwin was a loyal customer and this was important to him.
"That's great. I'll send someone to pick it up by noon." Erwin said, his voice smooth like velvet.
Levi got back up, favoring his bad leg and then helping the man out of the jacket. "Oh, and Levi. I heard all about the show next week, and I want you to know that I will be present. I am very much looking forward to see the new collection, please look for me in the crowd, will you?" His blue eyes sparkled. "It'd be good to see you for a bit after the show, too."
A bit confused, Levi nodded. "Yeah, sure, that'd be good."
Once Erwin was done changing again, he gave the designer a firm squeeze on the shoulder. "Good luck." And while he walked to the door, he added one more thing. "I'll wait for you."
The door closed quietly behind him. Half an hour left before runway practice.
-xoxo-
The space seemed way too big now, without any audience or decorations. It seemed impossible to think that there would be hundreds of people here soon, that his hand-picked models would walk the runway, that he was going to have to stand there too- if only for a few seconds. There was no time to worry about it though, he had work to do.
"Eren! Keep your expression blank. This is not about you, it is about the clothing you are wearing." He said.
The boy pouted at this, a bit disappointed.
This would be his first big show, he was absolutely pumped, beyond excited to be in the spotlight next Friday.
If anything the designer felt the complete opposite. And on top of that, his thoughts kept going back to Erwin. Seeing Erwin after the show, what was that about?
Everything went smoothly, the models knew exactly when to come on stage, where to look and how to pose. Levi felt a slight amount of relief.
They went through the details together, did one practice round and discussed what needed to be improved, then they tried again. Even though things appeared to go well, Levi couldn't help but notice some imperfections.
"Jean, get down here, your shoe is loose- Who tied your shoes? You could easily break your legs on those if they don't strap you in right."
"Eren- YOUR FACE. BLANK. NOW."
"My god, Mikasa you too. No expression please, you look like you're about to kill someone."
"Have you ever walked in heels before?"
"Dear Lord have mercy on my soul."
Then Levi called for a lunch break. Whilst everybody relaxed for a bit and ate, he called the atelier to see how far they'd come and to see if his fabric had been delivered yet. Of course it hadn't. He would have to go pick it up himself. Again. Like things weren't too busy already.
After his models had gotten something to eat, he made them do another round on the runway, from the beginning to the end in one go.
Everything went a lot better this time, even the less experienced Historia managed to keep up with his demanding routine.
His phone buzzed.
FROM: Shitty Glasses. 2:01 PM.
-Did you have lunch today? I know you forgot to eat breakfast.
He didn't bother to respond, instead helped Ymir with her walk. His face was bored as usual, though he knew he wouldn't keep it up for long. Any moment now, he could just snap. Anything could trigger it.
He knew he just needed to get through the day, he only had to finish Erwin's suit and then he could go home to hopefully catch some sleep. One more week before it was all over. Then he could break down all he wanted. Just not now. Not yet.
When they were all done, he gathered the group around to have a word. He took a breath, this wasn't something he was good at, but it was important for his models to know he didn't mean to hurt them with his harshness. It was just his way of improving their skills.
"Everybody. Thank you for your efforts today, you did surprisingly well. This show, this means a lot to our name. I'm very proud of you all, you came a long way. Well done."
Their faces lit up and although they would never say it to his face, most of them knew that Levi was kinder than he liked to admit. The designer gave them a nod. They could go home.
-xoxo-
Mike kindly picked him up to drive to the atelier. Levi always disliked the idea of having a driver, but ever since the accident a while ago he didn't really trust himself to stay focused on the road. He would go back to driving in some time, he had promised himself, but that could wait until after Friday. There was enough to deal with already.
He thanked Mike for his work, told him he didn't need a ride to his apartment tonight. Mike protested, it was a long walk, but the glare he got in return made him shut up.
Levi reminded himself to give the guy a bonus on top of his regular salary, and made his way to the atelier.
At 5 pm Petra, Hanji and Armin went home one by one. Only Hanji stopped by his working space real quick.
"Promise me to eat dinner tonight, okay? And don't overwork yourself." She said.
Levi nodded, not really listening as he worked on Erwin's suit. Hanji waited a few seconds, but when she got no response, she sighed and left as well.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Little one."
-xoxo-
A/N:
Well, here we are. Chapter one is up! I hope to see you in the next chapter!
Love, DustyBooks.