Eren was awoken by the sudden and sharp vibrations of his phone on his bedside table. It was far too early for this. It was summer break and all he wanted to do was sleep, was that too much to ask for? Eren rolled over, cracking open an eye to inspect the phone. Obviously it was. He cursed as the vibrating phone increased in urgency, trying to ignore it for as long as he could. Eren groaned.
Incoming call: Armin.
Sighing, Eren reached over to the phone and brought it up to his ear, he pressed the answer button.
''You woke me up.'' He instantly commented, closing his eyes and clenching his jaw as he waited for Armin to say something. What part of 'I'm going to sleep my summer away' had Armin not understood? He had made it perfectly clear on the last day of school that he was, by no means, taking part in anything 'summer related' this year. No.
''Open your curtains.'' Armin ordered. Eren could hear the grin on his face, and it grated on his nerves.
''But that means actually getting up.''
''Just do it.'' Eren moaned loudly, throwing his legs out of the bed.
It was half way through the summer break and didn't Eren know it. It was hot. Too hot. So hot that all he wanted to do was literally melt. He had managed to spend most of his holiday how he liked - sleeping with the occasional trip to the refrigerator and back in search for food. And especially the last few days had been bliss. His mother had gone to some friends with Mikasa, his adoptive sister, for a several days and Eren had the house to himself. That meant doing all the stuff he enjoyed the most with out being disturbed. Which didn't include waking up at the crack of dawn with Armin yelling down the phone line at him.
''What am I looking for?'' He asked, moving over to the opposite side of his bedroom and grabbed a curtain.
''You'll see.'' Eren sighed, grumbling down the phone line as he pulled the two drapes away from each other. Oh Jeez. Groaning again, he clenched his jaw and lowered his brow into the most unimpressed glare he could muster.
''I really hate you. I hope you know that.'' He ground down the phone line, glaring across the road at Armin who was waving. He was leaning on the bonnet of his car, grinning widely.
''What makes you think that I particularly like you either?'' Eren saw his mouth move, his voice coming through the phone. ''Get dress and come down. Oh and bring your swimming stuff. We're going out.'' Eren clenched his jaw, raising his middle finger up at Armin through the window.
No. Way. Literally no way. He wasn't going out.
He hung up and drew the curtains again.
Eren let out a long sigh and leant back against the pillow mound littering Armin's bed. Okay. Why had he given in again?
Running a hand through his hair, he shook his head. He had been adamant that he wasn't going. His plans for that day had consisted of sleeping until mid-afternoon and then, perhaps, rising out of bed to go downstairs and sprawl on the couch. Nowhere had he made any kind of room for Armin and his 'ideas'.
Armin had promised not to be too long, apparently he needed to finish something for his grandfather before he could get changed and then they could leave. Eren hated waiting for people. No, that was a lie, he just waiting in general. Why did he even agree to go out today? It was far too hot. He blew upwards as he reached behind him to fish out several of the scattered pillows he was leaning on, throwing them over to the top of the bed and relaxed again. Fanning himself slowly, he closed his eyes.
Though, if Eren was honest with himself, he had no idea why Armin had insisted he had to come round then. Why had he not just waited until Armin was actually ready to leave before trailing all the way out to get him? No. That seemed far too a logical idea for Armin to come up with at this point in time - despite Armin's usual intelligence, Eren just couldn't see where his logic had come from with his journey. He'd felt the need to have to drive from his to Eren's and back again when he could have quite simply, just gotten ready, driven over to Eren's and then gone to where ever the hell he was planning on taking him. Or, Eren thought sourly, missed Eren out all together.
He looked down with a sigh, opening his left eye and pressing the middle button of his phone. It flashed alive; Three forty three. Dammit. It was too hot. He should be sleeping. Or at least lying on the couch, his iPod in and staring at the blank screen of the TV. It wasn't fair.
''Good, I see you didn't walk out.'' Eren turned his head at the sound of the voice to see Armin walking through the door way, his blond hair pulled back into a tiny pony tail that Eren had to force himself not to snigger at. ''I was worried I would have to drive all the way back to your house and drag you out again.''
''I swear I considered it.'' Eren pursed his lips as he watched Armin cross the floor of his bedroom, walking over to his desk and checking his phone. ''I only stayed 'cause I couldn't be arsed to move.''
''Fair enough'' The blond stated, obviously distracted by texting someone.
Armin's room was small, however was still several times bigger than Eren's. He had framed posters lining the walls and his single bed was situated in the corner of the room, buried in a mountain of cushions and pillows. Armin's desk, unlike Eren's, could actually be seen and was fairly tidy in a layout the blond had obviously spent time sorting- secluded in the corner of the room out of the way of everything else. Only a few books and papers littered the surfaces of Armin's room and he liked to keep all his dirty washing in tight pile under his desk. Once again, unlike Eren. His room looked more like someone had let a bomb go off and allowed him to live in the wreckage. Although, Armin's bedroom was like a second to Eren. Considering how much time he spent in it, he pretty much knew the way round like it was his
''So, why the hell am I here?'' He asked, leaning forward and crossed his legs.
''Well, I thought that would be pretty obvious -considering what you brought with you.'' Armin gave a small smile before shoving his phone in his jeans pocket. ''We'd better be going. The others will be there already.'' Others? Eren sighed. It was far too hot to be dealing with other people. Why did he have to?
''Who?''
''Some people from school.'' Groaning inwardly, Eren slid off the bed. People from school. That narrowed it down, to about several thousand. But really? He hated seeing people he knew in the holidays. It was like when he was dragged out shopping, and he saw someone from his year, it pissed him off. Like, really pissed him off. Of course, he knew they had as every right to be there as he did, but why couldn't they just stay out of his way? It wasn't even like he enjoyed being alone or had no friends. He just liked to know he was going to see whoever it was before they popped up all over the place.
''Like?'' He prompted, knowing it really did depend who it was if he was going to enjoy himself or not.
''Like a few people. You'll see. Now, will you get a move on?'' Grabbing his bag, Eren followed him out of the room as slowly as he could, wanting to point out his complete reluctance of the whole situation to Armin. He guessed it was either the beach - which it was far too hot for in Eren's humble opinion- or swimming - which, on the whole, he couldn't care less for. Either way, there was a million or one places he would rather be. Granted it was hot enough for swimming, and he would definitely welcome being immersed in the cooling water, but if he had to deal with several others as well.
Eren followed the blond back down the stairs. Waiting patiently as he waved his grandfather off, promising to be back soon, before Armin opened the front door and allowed him to walk through it first.
The heat was even more unbearable outside. Waves of it shimmered the other side of the road and the complete lack of wind made the air stuffy and almost unbreathable. It was a kind of day that Eren would much preferred to have spent inside; constantly covered by the shade of a roof and not have to deal with the beating sun for a second. However, unluckily, he had to but it wasn't long until Armin had unlocked the car door and Eren could clamber into the passenger side, leaning his cheek on a fisted hand as he waited for Armin to start the engine.
''Onwards.'' Armin chuckled, flicking on the air-conditioning - much to Eren's delight. ''Roll a window down if you want.'' He signalled as he pulled out, keeping his eyes on the road.
Eren did. Aware that he looked the spitting double of a large dog, sitting with his head almost hanging out of the open window, enjoying the feeling of the wind blowing through his hair and finally cooling him to an acceptable temperature. It took only a few minutes to arrive at their apparent 'destination' and from the look of it, Eren thought as he flicked his gaze around the car park, plenty of other people had also had a similar idea. Armin had organized for a group meet at the local outside pool - which Eren had never been to, however he had known that it was close to the indoor pool on purpose. The indoor pool that he had been dragged to only once before by Armin and had vowed that the experience would never be repeated. Though, here he was. Waiting for Armin to park so he could, albeit reluctantly, get out of the car and be forced into swimming for several hours with people it was mostly likely he wouldn't be happy to see. He sighed, reaching for the door. Better get it over with so he could go home.
''Cheer up, okay. Actually look like you are enjoying yourself.'' Armin shook his head, rolling his eyes. ''This place is really not as bad as you think.''
''Whatever.'' He scoffed, opening the door and grabbing his bag. He was met on the outside of the car by Armin, who had already moved around the vehicle, his own swim bag thrown loosely across his shoulder.
He lead Eren to a small hut located near the pool, clearly labelled 'changing rooms' and pushed him inside before he could search the pool for faces he knew. Changing at a purposely slow speed, Eren rejoined Armin outside, standing next to him more than slightly self-conscious in tight swimming trunks that hugged his arse. He didn't go often, Eren never saw the need to make sure they fitted properly but he supposed they would have to do. They weren't overly noticeable, only slightly uncomfortable.
''Come.'' Armin signalled him, before being distracted by a wave from the pool and a distant shout of his name.
''Armin! We said half three - you're late!''
''Armin you brought Jaeger.''
''Hey Jaeger!'' Eren lowered his brow, setting his jaw. Jean Kirstein. Why the hell-?
''Jaeger!''
''Come on.'' Armin walked back, taking his arm and dragging him to the pool edge with a sigh.
''Armin, you invited that bastard?''
'''That 'bastard' invited me. And he let me invite you. Besides, Jean's not actually that bad, and you would know that if you actually bothered to get to know him, Eren.'' Eren rolled his eyes. Armin had been playing that card for a while now - annoyingly enough - the 'Jean's not that bad' act was kind of pissing Eren off.. It wasn't even like Jean wasn't a complete idiot, or was actually nice to people. No, Eren knew that he was stupid and completely used anyone who let him, unfortunately Armin included.. Jean was probably the one Eren had been wishing most to not be there. Certain that he would now not be enjoying the swim, Eren sighed deeply and entered the water.
It actually wasn't as warm as he had expected. With the burning sun beating down viciously, Eren could feel it slowly tanning the top of his head with the promise of a dull ache later because of it. However, even though the air was warm, the actual water that he now immersed himself in was slightly chilly. Or maybe, it was just the change that made it seem colder?
He shivered slightly as he pushed his feet up off the pool floor and dived under the water, letting the chlorinated liquid wash his sweaty hair from his face and sway in the water above him. Slowly, he opened his eyes. Squinting as the reflection of the sun shone through the water and onto the pool floor, shimmering. Despite being busy, the water muffled all calls and splashes from the outside world, leaving Eren alone enough to relax in the solitary world of under the water. It was calming, and even though he would aim to constantly complain about being dragged out to Armin, Eren enjoyed this quiet new environment. Eren often wished he could stay under the water for longer, even though he didn't come to the pool often, he enjoyed baths and the feeling of the water surrounding his head. Blocking everything for just a few moments.
''Eren-'' He heard the faint call of his name, the tap on his shoulder and breathed out the rest of his lung full of air in an underwater sigh, letting the bubbles travel upwards before following them to the top. Pushing up from the pool floor, Eren was greeted by the sticky heat yet again and the unneeded closeness of Armin's concerned expression.
''What?'' Eren brought a hand up to scrape back the strands of hair off his face as the sun instantly caused it to latch onto his skin.
''Nothing.'' Armin shook his head, thought quite visibly relaxed now that his brunet friend was above the surface again. Eren sighed in answer, sliding closer to him and half treading the water, bouncing casually to keep his head above water.
''The water's fucking cold.'' Eren complained, well aware that he was exaggerating greatly. Sure, compared to the rest of the summer's day it was cold. But it was actually a welcoming change for Eren, he just felt inclined to complain about everything to Armin today - he would make him feel guilty about waking him up.
''It's really not. It'll warm up once you've started swimming.'' Armin said as he rolled his eyes, forcing back a light chuckle at his friend's stubbornness. ''Right, I'm going over to the others.'' He stated, pointing over to the loudest group of people in the corner - even though Jean's voice was most definitely the loudest. Still trying to be the centre of everything, Eren noticed with a sneer. ''Feel free to actually socialize when you're feeling civil enough.'' The blond said before diving under then. His golden hair flowing behind him as he disappeared; only the small splash of his legs, trail of air bubbles bringing up the rear and the parting of people as he swam through them, signified him actually being there at all.
Eren sighed deeply again and turned to look round him. Swimming over to the side of the pool, he grasped onto it and swivelled his head, trying to get his bearings.
The ratio of people he didn't know far outweighed the ones that Eren did. It seemed that half the city had shared the idea of visiting the pool today, and Eren knew that if they lived near the sea at all, most of these people would have been at the beach on such a stunningly hot day. The majority of crowd seemed to be around his age or slightly older, all clearly having no better way to spend their summer other than goofing off in the nearest swimming pool. Eren could bet that at least thirty percent of the people there had all used the same excuse to their parents; ''I've been working on my homework already, I need a break''. All claiming that they had done work, but if they were anything like Eren, procrastination was also their middle names.
He flicked his gaze around, looking at all the people actually swimming before glancing at the lifeguards. There were three on duty today; due to how busy it was. Eren didn't really normally pay attention to stuff like this, however there was either that or swimming over to join the others and he really couldn't be arsed.
Each lifeguard wore a clear sign; Eren had found that the pool in their town seemed to have some weird obsession with codes, and it was a good thing that they made sure to include posters surrounding the pool to explain to what each diagram meant. Each of the lifeguards sat on the generic raised seats, however their swimming gear was obviously especially designed for that pool and that pool alone. Each wore dark costumes, covered by green shirts that held the large winged crest that - if the poster was checked - meant 'Lifeguard'. Eren always scoffed at that. It seemed ridiculous that they hadn't just gone for the generic 'lifeguard' labelling. (Even though they did have the word 'lifeguard' - or insert an other pool staff job- labelled on the front of the shirt, above their name, just in case someone missed or didn't understand the key.)
There were several different jobs that one could get in the pool, and Eren had always thought the key a slightly childish way of sorting out the pool staff from visitors, but it had been the same for the whole of Eren's life. Swimming instructors wore swords - literally no one had any idea why - which were crossed together, and these were also given to members of the swimming clubs. Lifeguards where -'obviously'- wings, and other members of the swimming pool staff -like café workers and pool maintenance and so forth- all wore roses.
And then there were the main runners of the pool. Actually important people who worked the pool as a business and not just a place to waste time in the summer. They all wore unicorns, and to be honest, were hardly ever spotted actually inside the facility building.
It seemed clear to Eren that the more that you went, the more the staff got to know you. A lot of people from his school, who seemed to regularly visit, had gotten used to the members of the pool work force, and could be seen laughing and shouting at them jokingly as they tried to convince them to time them racing or play catch. Eren didn't. He never went so the idea of him knowing one of the lifeguards or other staff on duty that day was pretty slim. Slim, he scoffed, none existent more like. He had no one else to talk to other than the group of people he didn't want to see. He groaned.
''Oi, brat-''Eren frowned, looking up as the severely pissed off tone cut through the air before flicking his head around to see who it was they were actually referring to. ''You actually going to swim, or just going to cling to the sides all day? 'Cause you need to or you can get the fuck out.'' An exasperated sigh followed. ''Jesus Christ, yes moron, I'm talking to you.'' Eren lifted his hand to shield his eyes from the glare of the sun and looked up at the owner of the voice.
Fuck.
Eren looked back at the lifeguard, his mouth going dry and a blush instantly colouring his cheeks. He had never really put much thought into his sexual orientation - only ever really being forced on 'group dates' where he would either be set up with somebody or go alone while everyone else had their partner- but he instantly noticed everything about this lifeguard. It wasn't that he didn't want a girlfriend -or now he thought about it, a boyfriend too - he just couldn't be bothered half the time. It seemed more trouble that it was worth, especially when he had exams and apparent work that needed doing. But, he stared at the lifeguard, there was no way he could deny that this guy was hot. Very hot.
''I-'' He cleared his throat, trying to tear his eyes away from the tight shirt that hugged the man's clearly well-toned chest. ''I'm not clinging.''
''Do you even know how to swim?'' The lifeguard sneered, propping up his head on a clenched fist, the other equally muscular arm draped lazily across his waist. Oh Jeez. Eren's eyes flickered across his rather tight swimmers, the science behind it telling Eren that it was obviously to help him be fast in the water, but it didn't help Eren's complexion. ''Tsch, I'm actually talking to you, brat.'' The lifeguard clicked his tongue with experience, glaring down with slanted, grey eyes and a completely unimpressed expression carved into his straight facial features.
''And I'm listening to you.'' Eren replied, dragging his gaze up to look in his eyes. Even despite the burning sun, he looked pale, obviously either didn't burn easily or had coated himself in a layer of sun cream to protect himself from the harsh UV rays. The man hummed, looking down at him with an unconvinced expression.
''You claim. What did I just say then?''
''You just said; What did I just say.'' Eren replied instantly, slightly worried about being 'smart' with him. He looked capable of making the phrase 'if looks could kill' an actual reality.
''Fucking smart arse.'' The man scoffed irritatedly, shaking his head and turning away. There was a pause, unsure if the conversation was over or not, Eren diverted his gaze. Looking anywhere but at the lifeguard. Eren could barely keep his eyes off him though.''You know, if you can't swim you shouldn't be here.'' The man stated, pausing regularly as it seemed he wasn't used to speaking for long periods of time. No more than a few sentences at once. ''We have to turn people down because of idiots like you thinking they can swim and take up room.'' He shook his head again before he smirked and looked down at Eren, who shivered. That smirk. It looked both a mixture between terrifying and highly attractive. ''Also, you splashing about while drowning will disturb other visitors.''
''Oh, not concerned about my safety at all then?'' Eren frowned, slightly confused about whether he was joking or not. He looked serious. It just seemed odd that a lifeguard would only care if he could swim or not because of other people coming into the pool. No concern at all about him drowning.
''Should I be?'' The man smirked, shifting on his seat slightly.
''I-I guess not. But it kind of is your job, isn't it? I mean to make sure I don't drown.''
''Are you going to drown?''
''I don't think so.''
''Then I don't care. My job is to help you if do you drown. Not to worry about if you are going to or not. I don't give a damn. I only care if you do and then it's only 'cause I get paid.'' Oh lovely, Eren raised his eyebrow at his answer and shook his head.
''You seem lovely.'' Eren muttered.
''Once again, brat, I don't care. So, can you fucking swim or can't you?''
''Don't worry about yourself, I can swim.'' The lifeguard shrugged then, the fabric of his shirt moving being pulled by his muscles.
''I would ask you to prove it, but I just remembered that I don't actually care.''
''You're actually charming.''
''Piss off.'' The lifeguard closed his eyes and leant back in his raised chair, trying to look like he was finished speaking with the kid.
''What's your name?'' Eren asked, watching him, unable to tear his eyes away. He was strangely memorising. His muscular arms. Tight shirt. Even tighter swimming shorts.
''So you can swim but you can't read. Congratulations.'' He replied, pulling Eren's thoughts back into reality. Sarcasm dripped from every word but the lifeguard moved his arm to point with his middle finger to his chest, it took Eren a moment to realize he was actually pointing, pointing to the name sewn into his dark green shirt.
''Rivaille?''
''That's what it fucking says, idiot.'' Rivaille cracked an eye open to glare at him. ''Now piss off.''
''My name's Eren.'' He said, un-fazed by the death glare and verbal abuse it seemed Rivaille had targeted him with.
''Tell someone who cares.'' Eren smirked, happy to see that he had got Rivaille's attention enough for him to actually open his eyes and look at him. If he was fully against him being there, he could have quite easily just ignored him completely. Rivaille let out a deep sigh and sat forward, resting his head on his hand as he lent his elbow on his knee. ''Do you not have any friends? I thought you were with that blond kid.'' Eren raised his eye brow.
''You've been watching me?'' Eren stated with a beam. He'd noticed him enough to see who he'd come in with.
''Fuck no.'' Rivaille scoffed, ''You're way too full of yourself, brat-''
''Eren.'' He corrected.
''I actually don't give a shit.'' Giving Eren a half arsed searching glance, Rivaille sighed and leant back again, moving his arms behind his head. ''I just mean are you either that rude to ignore the person who came with you. Or that annoying that he escaped at the first chance he got?''
''I have friends. Armin didn't escape'' Eren said, bouncing slightly in the water that caused Rivaille to lower his brow again in an annoyed glower.
''You look like you're about to piss your self.'' Rivaille scoffed, though clearly slightly amused by the image and Eren returned with his own glare, however ceased moving. He bent his legs as he gripped onto the side and half lay in the water, looking up and taking the man in again. He had short cut black hair, an undercut, and his angular features were actually stunning. Eren mentally traced his jaw line, his thin neck, his Adam's apple. His eyes were a stormy grey, and Eren instantly noticed how he raised his left eyebrow instead of his right, and then how his jaw clenched, how his arms flexed as he folded them. And his chest moved the fabric of his shirt so Eren could actually see his muscles - though Eren forgot at this moment that he was, in fact, more exposed that Rivaille. The lifeguard could see his entire chest and his swimmers that were too small. He was too busy taking in the lifeguard to become self conscious at that moment.
''Quit staring, would you.'' Eren was shocked at the sudden movement of his lips, yet again being slammed face first back into the reality of the situation. He shook his head, flushing instantly as he realized what he had been doing.
''Sorry.'' He mumbled, turning his gaze away.
''Fucking brat.'' Rivaille shot back, also looking away, not going out of his way to hide the smirk. ''You're so damn annoying.''
''How long have you been a lifeguard? Is it just like a summer job?''
''You still here?'' Eren moved his head back again, Rivaille's voice sounded serious enough but there was something about his eyes that made Eren not want to swim away. Like he didn't actually want him to leave, he just felt he had to use the sassy remarks. Eren rolled his eyes.
''Yeah. I am. I just asked a question.''
''Christ, kids these days can't even take a fucking hint.'' Eren watched him for another moment,
''So,'' Eren leant on the side of the pool, deciding to take the chance to get to know the lifeguard before he really did want him to leave, to just ignore Rivaille's comments and continue for as long as he could.. ''You say 'kids these days' and stuff, but you look like you're just out of collage. Seriously, you can't be that much older than me.''
''No, seriously, brat. Don't start the twenty questions now. And like hell I'm telling you my age. Moron. You don't just ask people that.''
''I didn't ask you. It was just a conversation starter.'' Rivaille eye brow raised and he opened his mouth to say something - something that Eren later tried to guess what it could have been but only could come up with ideas that it was something along the lines of 'why the hell would I want a conversation with you in the first place, brat' - however the lifeguard was cut off by Jean's voice cutting through the air from behind them.
Rivaille sighed, smirking as Jean had called his last name and nodded his head forward, behind the brunet to where Armin was waving and Jean yelled. ''I think you're wanted, Eren Jaeger.'' He scoffed, Eren returning the comment with a loud groan and ran a hand through his already wet hair, strands sticking up.
''You are charming.'' Rivaille repeated with an amused smirk at his hair. ''I thought they were meant to be your friends.'' Eren scoffed.
''They are my friends. They're just bloody annoying is all.'' Muttered Eren before he turned, rolling his eyes, and shifted in the water to be hanging onto the pool side with one hand and leant back slightly so he could use his legs to push himself off and through the water, leaving Rivaille with his empathetic nod.
''I can relate.'' Rivaille said, but scoffed at the raise of Eren's eyebrow. ''Yeah, I have friends, brat. Better believe it.'' Eren nodded, trying to make his face look as unconvinced as possible to answer Rivaille's sarcasm he had been giving him through out the conversation in one move. ''Ah, brat.'' Rivaille nodded, already clearly trying getting a come back for Eren's expression. ''So you can swim. You must be so proud.'' Rivaille smirked, watching him let go of the side.
''I'll see you later, Rivaille.'' He scoffed, twisting in the water and pushing off the side to glide over to Armin and the other's enough before he .
''Whatever.'' He said, turning his head away, and took up the position he had been in before ''Just don't drown, brat.'' Rivaille muttered, hoping Eren hadn't heard, however he had, and he was more than thankful that he already had his back facing him as his cheeks suddenly increased drastically in colour.
A/N: Okay well this took far longer than I ever expected to write. I kind of want to make this a multichapter AU but I suck at writing and can't promise when how long it will take me to finish the next chapter - but I will try.
Please review! It means a lot to me and thank you for reading!