Eren had never seen anything like it. People were mingling about the room, holding flutes of champagne and light conversation. When the door had opened, everyone had fallen silent. As Levi entered, people bowed their heads as a sign of respect. Eren felt like an exhibit at the zoo, curious eyes were on him.
"Hello Rivaille. It's been ages," a portly old man said, coming to address the two of them.
"It has." Levi sounded bored.
"Tell me, where did you find this beauty?" the old man continued. He leaned in, leering at Eren's chest. Or lack of one.
Eren felt sick. Did these people really think he was a girl?
Levi looked up at Eren and then back to the old man. "She's Turkish."
"My isn't she a lovely thing," another man said joining the conversation.
"You always did have the best luck," laughed a third, stubby fingers choking the delicate stem of the flute.
"Was she hiding in the village? Come Levi, where do you find such stunning creatures?" asked the second.
Levi smirked, "they come to clean."
"A maid?" asked the third in surprise. "Your maids are always so beautiful. Mine are just old bats, blind and dumb."
"Mm, do you remember that girl from a few years ago? Wasn't she your mother's lady maid? My she was a charming thing. What I wouldn't give for a girl like that," brayed the second.
Bile rose in Eren's stomach to hear these old men talking about Petra that way. Unconsciously he moved closer to Levi, trying to put as much distance between himself and the crowd around him. Levi noticed, and what's more he liked it. He dropped Eren's arm, his own snaking around the brunet's waist, tugging him in even closer.
A glint was in his eye. "Yes, you are referring to Petra. But I am afraid gentlemen, that she is still in my services."
That got a laugh from them.
"It would appear that Master Rivaille is a greedy young lord," laughed the second.
"Yes," Levi chuckled. "What's mine, is mine."
"How can you chose just one?" asked the third.
Levi cocked a brow, "Who says I have to chose."
This got another set of deep throated chuckles from his guests. Again Levi felt Eren's body tense up against his, he smirked. Yes, Eren had been the right choice.
"Come Levi, there must be an agency for women like these," laughed the first.
Levi smirked, "I'm afraid I just have wonderful taste."
"Perhaps one day you will chose to share your tastes with the rest of us," the second said.
Levi tensed up, "I don't like leftovers."
The men chuckled again, making Eren squirm.
"Perhaps this is not proper talk to have before such a fine, young woman," the third said. "Come lady, what would you speak of?"
"She has nothing to say to gentleman like you. To say anything would soil her," Levi said coldly.
At that moment they were approached by another gentleman. "Good evening Levi."
"Hannes," Levi said with a smile.
"Some of your friends over there are dying to meet this lovely creature," the mayor continued, glancing at Eren as if he ought to recognize him.
"Ah you will excuse me, I must go chat with some of my associates." Levi said excusing himself from present company.
The gentlemen nodded their farewells, as Eren and Levi continued to circulate the room.
"Who were those men?" Eren asked under his breath, once they were out of earshot.
"Merchants. They think they run this city, but the lot of them are just pigs," Levi said in disgust.
"Then why did you invite them?" asked Eren.
"A necessary evil." Levi replied.
"Ah, Levi," another man turned welcoming them into the circle.
"Good evening Mike, it has been awhile," Levi said dryly.
Mike laughed. "The last time I saw you, you were at Madame Fray's society dinner. Of course you had a different woman on your arm, then."
"Zakarius," cautioned the tall man beside him.
"Smith," there was a purr of amusement in Levi's tone causing Eren to turn and look at the tall man he had addressed.
Smith was quite tall, with sparkling blue eyes beneath a set of overgrown eyebrows. "Levi," he said softly, tenderly. "It's been quite awhile."
Levi smiled, the first genuine one Eren had ever seen, "Indeed it has. Tell me, how has the army been treating you."
Smith smiled back, "Is that what you really want to discuss?"
Levi's devious smirk returned, "I have a feeling that you want something more of me. Tell me, Erwin, what is it that you really want to discuss?"
"How can you two be flirting while Rivaille has this alluring lady on his arm?" laughed a third man.
"Pixis," any seduction that had previously been in Levi's voice disappeared. "It has been awhile, now hasn't it."
"Not too long," Pixis replied, still eying Eren with interest. "There will be plenty of time to talk business. I am more curious about the shy creature you have beside you."
Levi glanced up at Eren. "Well, Eren, don't you have some things to tell my friends?"
Eren grimaced slightly as Levi gave a sharp, hard pinch to his ass.
"Come, there is no need to be shy," Mike said with a laugh. Erwin just looked him over like he was goods at a market.
"Je suis la pute de Levi. Je fait ce qu'il demande. Il me fait prie pour la misericorde," Eren stuttered out. He looked over at Levi for confirmation, or praise. Levi was smirking, the same deviant smirk as before.
Erwin looked slightly amused, an eyebrow arched. Meanwhile Pixis was chuckling, his shoulders shaking. Eren frowned, was it his pronunciation?
"A lovely display," Erwin said coldly.
Biting his lip Eren turned once more to look at Levi. Had he screwed up? Had he ruined everything? Big pleading green eyes met Levi's own.
"Very good, Eren," Levi said slowly. Still unsure Eren nodded, before returning his eyes to the ground.
"As you gentleman can see it has been a long day for her, she is tired," Levi continued.
"Of course we understand," Mike said with a nod. "It is perfectly reasonable that such a fair creature would tire after a long days activities."
Erwin smiled at Levi, muttering under his breath, "you know I never tired, master."
Levi's cold steel eyes glanced up at Erwin. "Down. Boy."
The conversation continued, as if that entire exchange had not happened.
After a few more minutes, the doors were opened and a footman stepped into the antechamber announcing that dinner was served. Slowly people made their way into the large, ornate dinning room, where a table was set. Gentlemen found their seats, as Levi lead Eren to the seat on the right at the head of the table. Nearest to them were Dot Pixis, Erwin, a few of the merchants, and someone who made Eren's blood go cold.
"Ah, Dr. Jaegar. It has been awhile since I've seen you," Hannes said turning to the man beside him.
"Mayor, it is a pleasure as always to see you here," the doctor said with a smile. Grisha turned, catching sight of Eren for the first time. His face hardened, his lips drawn tight. "And who is this?"
"It is Mr. Rivaille's date for the evening, I'm afraid I didn't catch your name," Hannes said turning to Eren.
Eren gulped, but before he could speak dinner was being served. This distracted any current attention away from him and towards the food. Before they began to eat, Levi gave a short toast to the prosperity of humanity. But Eren couldn't focus on the words, his whole body was tied up in knots. He felt himself quaking in his seat. Around him conversations were to be heard. Levi turned to his date, noticing that something was wrong. Looking down the table he saw a familiar face. The face of Grisha Jaegar. So that explains it, thought Levi, he is from this city. Dinner continued, Levi making small comments on the country's market and foreign exchange. A pleasant affair, most people believed.
After the final dishes were cleared, the guests were ushered into the large library of Wing Maria. Gentlemen smoked cigars, and drank whiskey. The few women in attendance sat together to gossip.
"Lord Rivaille," Grisha approached the young man, "Might I speak to this charming lady for a moment."
Eren hoped that Levi would say no, anything to discourage his father speaking to him. Levi merely glanced over and gave a small nod.
Grisha held out his arm, and with no other choice Eren took it. He was escorted out into the hall. Once the door had shut behind them, Grisha's grip turned firm as he dragged his son over to the wall.
"Dad, you're hurting me," Eren said trying to twist away, it only mad the pain worse.
"What do you think you are doing here? You are disgracing me, acting as a whore to these rich men," growled Grisha.
"I'm not a whore," protested Eren.
"Oh really? I am this city's best doctor, one of it's only patrons. And here my son is dressing up in drag to please perverted old men, just so Rivaille's business transactions go through. Did you ever think about what your actions would do to me?" the words came out in a cold whisper.
"I'm not here to please old men dad. I'm just his maid," Eren said, again trying to pull away. His father's grasp only tightened.
"Maids don't dress like this, Eren. What would your mother think?"
"Mom's dead," Eren replied tears in his eyes.
"You piece of scum, it's your fault she died. You don't even deserve to say her name," Grisha hissed.
"Dad. She died in an accident, there was nothing I could do. I'm here because of what you did," Eren said, a fire in his eyes.
"Me?" Grisha sounded offended.
"If you hadn't gotten all those debts from drinking, and sleeping around-"
Eren cheek burned as his father slapped him hard. "Don't. You. Dare. Don't you dare think you are better than me. Don't you even suggest that this is my fault."
"Mikasa needed an education, and you were in no capacity to pay for it. Hell you still aren't. Your practice is almost in shambles. Your good name is the only thing keeping you afloat."
"I know that," Grisha howled. "And you, my only son, are ruining it. If word reached the rich part of the city that I had gambling debts, and even drinking debts, I'd be through. You'd have no house. Mikasa would be thrown out of her fancy school. And then she would be no better than you. So keep your mouth shut, Eren, unless you want Miss Mikasa to join you in whoredom."
"Don't you dare threaten her," Eren cried struggling in his father's firm grasp.
His father sneered. "Why do you care, pig. You left her to come here. To enjoy carnal pleasures, and forget all about your sister."
"I left school so that I could keep her in it! I was failing, but she has a chance," Eren argued.
Grisha took a deep breath. "I am used to a certain style of living. I will not use what little money I have left towards something as frivolous as an adopted daughter and her education. She is your responsibility now. I am through with the lot of you."
Grisha let go, and walked purposefully back into the living room. Eren sunk down against the wall, his hand fluttered up to the hot spot his father had slapped. Tears burned his eyes as he buried his head in his knees. His father had once been a kind man. But once his mother had died, Grisha had turned to drinking and gambling to distract himself. He had disappeared from Mikasa and Eren's life for the last ten years. They had been forced to go stay with Armin's grandfather, and later in an orphanage. They had heard rumors about the great Dr. Jaeger, and how marvelous he was. But they knew it was lies, lies to ensure that he had money...not that he had any interest in paying off his debts. No that burden had fallen to Eren, Grisha had helpfully dropped his and Mikasa's names to the men he owed money to. And then promptly vanished for a few months. When payment was due, it was Eren they had found, not Grisha. And it was Eren who had to pay up. But then, Mikasa had gotten a wonderful opportunity. After schooling at the orphanage, she was offered a spot in the city's top university. She hadn't wanted to take it, not with all the debts, but Eren had promised to find a way. And now he had. The pay wasn't too bad, it was enough to cover Mikasa's expenses as well as the monthly payments due to bookies and bars. They were surviving, for now.
"Eren?" a soft voice asked.
He looked up, eyes bright with tears, to find Christa and Petra standing before him. It was Christa who had spoken. She set the tray of coffee down on the side table, and knelt down before him.
"That man...he was your father?" she asked.
Eren nodded.
Petra gave him a sad smile. "Christa, stay with Eren. I'll cover you."
Petra took the other tray, and carefully made her way into the drawing room.
"Are all those things he said true?"
Eren looked at his nails ashamedly.
"It's alright if they are," she said, sitting down.
"He cares so much for his reputation, and for money. He believes that that is the only way he can find happiness," Eren's voice was laced with bitterness.
"So you got a job, to support your sister?"
Eren nodded. "And to pay off his debts."
Christa gave one of her brightest smiles. "That is so good of you to do Eren."
He shrugged. "I don't want Mikasa to be forced into a life like this. She doesn't deserve it."
Christa nodded. "You're a good boy, Eren."
"Eren." Levi's voice was sharp. "Petra sent me out here."
Eren looked up, hastily wiping his eyes. "I'm sorry master-"
"None of that. Christa, come into the drawing room and relieve Petra. She will take Eren back to his room, and clean him up. You're a mess," Levi sneered, before turning away.
With one last look Christa followed Levi into the living room. Minutes later Petra exited.
"How much of the conversation did you hear?" Eren asked, as they made their way to the servant's quarters.
Petra gave him a sad look. "We heard all of it. We didn't mean to intrude, but we reached the hall just as that man...your father...dragged you out of the party. We didn't want to interrupt, so we decided to just wait till you were through. I'm sorry if it felt like we were eavesdropping."
Eren shook his head dully. "It's okay, Petra. I'm sorry you had to hear about it."
Petra grabbed his hand and gave him a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, you can trust us. We'll keep his secret. Even though a man like that deserves to be locked away."
They had reached Eren's little room. Petra hastily helped him out of the dress and corset, and for the first time all evening Eren felt air return to his lungs. He changed into normal clothes, before Petra was pulling him from his bed. Something which made him very disappointed.
"Petra?" Sasha seemed surprised to find Eren and Petra in her kitchen.
"The poor boy's had quite the shock. Could you brew up some tea for him?" Petra asked, practically pushing Eren into a chair.
Sasha looked sympathetically at him. "Sure."
Eren had to admit, the tea did help. It burned his esophagus, but the searing heat healed the pain his body felt. It was like the baths, burning away the hurt that previously had plagued his body.
"Tell Levi, that I'm sorry," Eren said drowsily as he and Petra left the kitchens.
She nodded. "I'm sure he already knows."
Just as a mother would, Petra tucked Eren into his bed. Under her breath she began to sing a lullaby to the boy, one her father had sang to her.
Wohlan Freie! / Jetzt hier ist an Sieg. / Dies ist der erste Gloria. / Wohlan Freie! / Feiern wir dieser Sieg Für den Sieges Kampf!
Slowly Eren fell into a deep sleep. Satisfied, Petra took her leave. She made her way down the hall to her own room. On the way she ran into Marco, who had just finished preparing Levi for bed.
"Is he very angry?" Petra asked.
Marco looked weary. "Yes. Doctor Jaeger is just lucky that Levi didn't try to break his neck."
Petra nodded.
"Will Eren be alright?"
"I hope so."
"Is he asleep?" Marco asked in a hushed tone.
"Yes," Petra replied glancing back at the door she had just left.
"Damn. I had something to tell him, I suppose it will have to wait until tomorrow," Marco sighed.
Petra nodded. "That boy has had enough to deal with today, let him sleep."
Marco understood. They said their good nights, before heading to their own rooms for the evening.
NOTES: okay. So the song Petra sings to Eren is in fact Jiyuu no Tsubasa. I imagine it like Wings of Freedom (performed by Lizz) on youtube. If you search Jiyuu no Tsubasa music box, it should be the first one. It's a music box version that I strongly recommend you listen to so you know what it's like in lullaby form. It's real sweet.
Also sorry to any Grisha fans, but he is kind of a major A-hole in this story. For the purposes of this tale we are just going to say Mikasa is a few years younger than Eren (who's like 23? I think) so she's like 18 or 20.
Thanks for all the continued support! Please leave a review, and tell me what you thought of the party. Don't forget to favorite and/or follow! ~T.W.o.W.