Chapter Two- Levi

I didn't bother taking a drink from the glass I was given, the residue easily visible. It appeared that my so called competition couldn't be bothered to wash their glasses. I gave them three days before they went out of business. The place was filthy and I couldn't believe I wasted my time coming here, it wasn't worth it. I left the sorry excuse for a bar and got into my suv. Traffic was terrible, but that was to be expected of a Friday night. Tomorrow could be even worse and I wouldn't have time to make any stops before I headed to my club. We were dominating the area and I was determined to keep it that way.

The club had everything—atmosphere, music and most importantly, drinks. I had high standards and our success was well earned. I knew little to nothing about the business, but I had learned and I had learned quickly. It was important for me to check in and see how the club was doing every week. It wasn't that I didn't trust my employees, I had hired all the managers personally, but I needed to be involved. Unfortunately our reputation left us short handed and I had to pick up some shifts. With our newest hire, however, it should be manageable. Eren Yeager. He was young and green, but I was satisfied with what I had seen. He was a hard worker and picked things up quickly.

Hanji wouldn't shut up about him and even from her that counted for something. The fact that he could work with her and not want to commit murder was impressive, only a handful of people were capable of such a thing. I pulled into my reserved parking spot in the back before getting out and making my way inside. He would be working again tonight with Hanji and Historia, but it would be crazier than yesterday. I wouldn't step in this time. If I did then he wouldn't learn how to handle things on his own and he had two other bartenders to back him up. For him, this was just another test to see if he truly wanted the job.

I walked past the line and nodded at Jean when I went inside. Erwin was working the floor, gaze sharp and form intimidating. Reiner was at the VIP section and his expression alone stopped most from trying to sneak in. I slid along the wall as the mob of people crowded the dance floor, Marco already on the DJ stage. I saw drinks in everyone's hands as I looked around and got closer to the bar. It was certainly packed, but this was nothing compared to Saturday nights. Hanji was being as loud as ever and roped people into cheering with her. She was in the middle while Historia was on her right, Eren on her left.

The three of them were working their asses off and I decided to sit in Hanji's area so I wouldn't put pressure on the other two. A drink was placed in front of me moments later and she winked at me before focusing on the crowd. She was my best bartender, not that I would ever utter the words out loud. I looked over at Historia as she rushed around, Ymir seated front and center. The girl only showed her face when Historia was working, stopping any attempts to flirt with the blond in mere seconds. It worked out considering Historia's more timid nature and was almost like having another bouncer.

My attention went over to Eren who was moving around just as quickly. He was doing well so far under the pressure, but I found myself frowning into my glass as some people shouted at him to hurry up. It seemed he had a lot more people who were more interested in drinking than having a good time. Usually people would roam and mingle, coming by to get drinks every so often. However, there was still a good amount who came just to get drunk and would sit at the bar demanding drink after drink. As a bartender you gave them what they wanted as long as they paid, but you still had to know when to cut them off. You had to know the difference between drunk, hammered and fucked up.

I sipped my bourbon as I waited to see how he would handle himself. Though a part of me knew I would step in if I needed to, I wouldn't leave him completely on his own. A couple seated in the corner got impatient enough to start smacking the bar to get his attention and I didn't particularly like the snapping either. Eren kept his expression in check, but I could imagine how annoyed he felt. I had been there many times in the past. At first it looked like he was going to ignore them, but then his face brightened in a sweet smile. He served the couple their drinks without a hint of anger and once again proved to me that he could do this job. The couple was appeased and even returned his smile, though it wasn't nearly as sweet. I felt content enough to leave the floor for awhile and headed up to my office.

It was located on the top floor of my apartment. I lived in a house a few streets down, but it came with the club and became a home away from home. It wasn't often, but sometimes I would sleep here. All of the paperwork and cash was kept in the apartment, the only ones with a key being Hanji, Erwin and I. There were a few things I needed to go over and I spent the next half hour working. I could still hear the music from the club below, but it was dulled to the point that it faded into the background. It certainly was crazy how this was my normal day to day life. I sure as hell wouldn't have guessed I'd end up owning a club five years ago, no one would. I hadn't intended this to be permanent, yet here I am and I didn't plan on going anywhere. It was as if I found my calling.

When I came back down it was the same as before, the bar was just as swamped as the dance floor. Hanji was throwing back a shot and then went back to serving drinks. I noticed that Historia was gone and Hanji was covering her section, the blond on break with her now absent and dark haired admirer. Eren was fixing a bunch of shots, glasses lined up as he poured drink after drink. A smirk found my lips at the cheeky look on his face, but I was quick to wipe it off. It might not be too long before he crafted his own bartending style. I went into the back to check our inventory and made mental notes along the way. Not long after I started, Eren came into the back. He got a glass of water and patted his brow with the back of his hand.

I paused and waited until he had downed his water before I spoke, "How are you holding up?"

Eren gasped, nearly dropping the glass in his hand as he turned to face me with wide eyes. "Shit, you scared me!" He groaned, laying his free hand over his chest.

I coughed to cover up my amusement, but a few chuckles escaped. "Sorry about that."

He took a deep breath and calmed down, exhaling a loud sigh. "It was my fault for not paying attention." He said and set his glass down on the table. "Have you been here long?"

"A couple hours." I told him and repeated my earlier question. "How are you holding up?"

"Oh, fine!" He laughed nervously and scratched his chin. "It's crazy out there tonight, but it's… entertaining."

"The first week is always the hardest." I said. "Next week will be better, you'll know exactly what to expect."

He nodded in agreement. "I think I'm catching on pretty quick. Of course I know there's still a lot I can learn, and I want to learn. So, I think that helps a lot. It's fun to me."

"You like a challenge?" I clarified, knowing the feeling all too well.

Eren shrugged at that and crossed his arms. "Maybe. I guess. I don't really know what I like."

"Well, you can start with what you don't like and narrow it down from there." I said and glanced at my watch. The DJ's should be rotating soon. "A lot of people will be coming off the dance floor for drinks in a few minutes, it'll be hard on just two bartenders."

"Don't worry, I'm going back." He said as he peeked out of the window. "I was just trying to avoid this one customer until they left."

I hummed and unbuttoned my cuffs before I rolled up my sleeves. "Finish your break, don't let Hanji's thoughtfulness go to waste." I said, knowing she had given both him and Historia a break without taking one herself. "I'll take your place."

"What?" Eren screeched, shaking his head and holding his hands up. "No way!"

"I wasn't asking." I said and walked towards the door. "I'll relieve Hanji when you get back so that maniac can take a breather as well."

"Well tell her to take a break then, because I'm going back." He said as he glanced out of the window again and grumbled something under his breath. "Well, it's now or never."

"Stubborn." I pointed out as I led the way back onto the main floor. "You should take advantage when I offer things because I rarely do, but if you're determined to get back to work, I won't stop you."

"Good." He said cheekily, almost seeming eager to get back to work.

We walked behind the bar and I called Hanji over. "Get lost, four eyes. I'll cover for you."

Hanji smiled and moved a stray hair out of her face. "You got it, midget."

"I'd kill you where you stand, but you'd only haunt me." I scowled and she patted my shoulder as she passed me.

"Be back in ten. Take care of my love bug while I'm gone." She said, knowing Historia was already in good hands with Ymir.

A few moments later and we were rushed by the dancing crowd. I took Hanji's place at the middle and cut a dent in the demands, sending off as many people as I could with full glasses. Both Historia and Eren were doing well and were mixing drinks at a good pace. I was knocking them out quickly and efficiently, my own bartending style being my speed rather than my personality. I had done this too many times to count and my ears were trained to pick out orders that were shouted all at once. That was why when someone was calling for something other than a drink, it caught my attention. It was a male's voice coming from Eren's section and he was very persistent in his drunken state.

"C'mere pretty boy, stop all that runnin' I wanna talk to you!"

I glanced out of the corner of my eye, spotting the man leaning over the bar. Eren was doing his best to brush him off and once again I felt myself getting irritated. Being hit on was another thing a server had to learn how to deal with, it came with the territory considering alcohol was involved. That didn't make it acceptable and sexual harassment would get thier asses thrown out, but people did have the freedom to say just about anything. It was shitty, but that was life. I kept putting out drinks with half of my attention on Eren in case he looked to me for help. I wouldn't get involved unless he couldn't handle it. Despite that, my eyebrow twitched at the man's instistant yelling.

"C'mon over here pretty boy, I need a drink!"

Eren looked a bit distraught at having to serve the man any more to drink, but he got him another beer and placed it on the bar in front of him, turquoise eyes widening when the man grabbed him by the wrist.

"Don't go runnin' off again, lemme talk to you." He grinned and Eren frowned.

"I'm going to have to ask you to take your damn hand off of me, sir." He said calmly but with a bite. "If you haven't gotten the hint yet, let me make it clear. I'm not interested. So leave me alone." Eren snatched his arm away from the guy and walked away, his smile quickly returning as he waited on some less annoying customers.

It was good to know that he could be professional and still get his point across. The man left him alone after that and I was glad I didn't have to have him escorted out. Once the crowd was served and back on the dance floor, the three of us got a few minutes of peace until the next wave hit with the drunks around the bar. I glanced over at Historia's station and then Eren's to make sure they had clean glasses, if we ran out then someone would have to collect dirty ones and wash them. They had a few stacks and there were more in the middle, but it wouldn't last the rest of the night. Hanji came back and while it had been more than ten minutes I didn't mention it. She wasn't one to let on when she got tired, a trait we both shared.

She reclaimed her position and I exited the bar from Eren's side, telling him good job as I passed him. I made a walkthrough of the club again to make sure everything was in order before I grabbed a tub from the back. Then I began grabbing dirty glasses from tables and brought them to the sink. We didn't have traditional servers that went to tables to take orders and deliver drinks from the bar, I didn't like how much that resembled a restaurant. It had slowed business at first, but once our customers realized it was worth having to go to the bar it picked up again. However, that also left more work for the bartenders. Things like collecting dirty glasses was hard to make time for on a Friday night. I paid them good money for the hard work they were doing, but if I was here then I would pitch in.

This was my club and I wasn't above washing some glasses when my bartenders needed the extra set of hands. After I had collected enough and made my water, I took off my watch and started washing. I didn't get very far before the door behind me opened and I glanced over my shoulder to see Eren hurrying over to me.

"Hey, I'll help with those." He said, taking the place beside me to rinse and dry.

"Don't they need you on the floor?" I asked as I continued to wash.

"The DJ is on a roll right this second and nobody is trying to get a drink. So, I'll help get this done." He gave me a smile and got right to work.

I didn't see a reason to deny him and we got the clean glasses ready quickly. Next we carried them out to the bar and refilled the stations, Marco keeping the crowd occupied. I paused at the side door of the bar to regard Eren before I went back to doing the inventory check.

"Is there anything else you and the others need?" I asked him.

"Oh, no sir. Not that I know of." Eren shook his head and smiled at me.

I nodded, slightly distracted by his happy demeanor. "Keep your chin up, we don't have too much longer." Not that he seemed to have any problems with remaining positive.

"Yes sir, I will."

Satisfied, I went to the back again and put my watch on. Then I resumed checking our inventory and headed up to my office to put some orders in. There would be a delivery tomorrow night with sets of glasses I had purchased. Supposedly, their shape held together mixed flavors well while enhancing the overall taste. There was enough evidence and positive reviews for me to go ahead without testing them personally, but I would be testing them before I even considered adding them to the menu with a new drink. The club had a lot of the classics and some themed drinks, but a lot of the menu was completely original and unique. Creating drinks was a talent I hadn't known I possessed until I got into this line of work and it set us apart from the competition.

If the glasses did in fact do what they were guaranteed then I would be adding another original to the list, though I had no idea what it would be just yet. I watched the cameras from my office for awhile and focused on the VIP section. Nothing seemed amiss and I returned to the floor some time later. It was past closing time and people were leaving, the last call having ended a few minutes ago. Erwin and Reiner were making sure everyone got out safely and without issues while Hanji, Historia and Eren cleaned up their stations.

"Hanji." I called as I went over. "Think you can come in an hour earlier tonight?"

Her expression was curious, but willing. "Sure thing. What do you need me for?"

"A delivery truck. I'm going to ask Erwin to help me unload it, but I need you as a taste tester." I explained and her eyes lit up.

"Wot woot! Liquor! You know I'm game!" She cheered and I shook my head. Maybe I was encouraging her behavior after all.

I made sure I had everything and didn't forget any tasks. Once I was ready to leave, I waited by the stairs for Erwin. He made his rounds to assure that the club was empty and said goodnight to the other bouncers as they left. Eren approached him at one point and they had a short conversation before he went back to check in with Hanji, probably to see if there was anything else she needed him to do. He honestly was hard working and offered his help quicker than you could ask for it. I was absentmindedly watching him when Erwin came up to me.

"Worried about the newbie?" He asked and I turned my gaze over to him.

"Why would you think that?" Eren was doing well on his own and had settled in nicely. What was there to worry about?

Erwin shrugged, but I could tell he was holding something back. "You just pay a lot of attention to him."

"Compared to who?" The bartenders got more of my attention than the other positions, but I hadn't given Eren any special treatment.

"No one, forget I mentioned it." He brushed off and I furrowed my brow.

What the hell is he being coy for? "If you have something to say then say it, eyebrows."

"Eren talked to me about some drunk." He said, changing the subject. "He asked me to walk him to his car."

I suspected it was the man Eren had shot down, but he had handled it. Was there another reason for him to seek out protection? "You have to close tonight." I reminded. "And it would be rude to make him wait on you."

"True, but I already agreed." Erwin told me.

"That's ridiculous. I'll walk him out so he can get home and rest." I stated, the words leaving my mouth without thinking, but it wasn't like it was out of my way. I didn't mind. "Tell him to meet me out front and I need you here at six tonight so you can help me put up a truck."

"Alright." He grinned, weirdly pleased by the situation.

I studied him for a second before heading outside to wait by the front door. I looked out the window to see if anyone was out there lurking around. If the drunk had threatened Eren in even the smallest way, I would have to get involved after all. I had no tolerance for harassment and I wasn't about to let someone think that would fly here. After a moment, Eren came out and quickly settled his eyes on me with a look of worry.

"I'm sorry. I don't want to be a bother to you, I really didn't mind waiting on Erwin." He told me as he peered around nervously. "You didn't have to wait on me, I'm sure I'm just worrying for nothing."

I took a step closer to him, trying to get his attention on me. "Eren, it's fine." If he thought it as nothing then he wouldn't look on edge. "Where did you park?"

His eyes returned to me and he shifted his feet. "Around the building. A little further than necessary." He frowned at himself and sighed. "I'm sorry again."

"Stop that." I ordered. "I parked in the back as well so this works out. Come along now." I said and started walking, keeping an eye out for that drunk.

As we rounded the corner, Eren walked closer to me, so close he kept brushing up against me. "Shit. He's really still here." He shuddered.

"Tsk." I spotted the man off to the side. He shrunk further back when our eyes met, but he didn't flee. "He won't do anything to you." I said with certainty, my hand moving to his lower back as I guided him to his car.

"I'm fine." Eren told me, though the concern in his voice wasn't missed by me.

It appeared that he had been shaken up more than I first thought. I glanced back at the man to see him shuffling to another car, his intent startling. Was he really about to go this far? Once we reached Eren's car, I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture before the drunk got in his own vehicle. Then I sent the photo along with a message to Erwin.

"What's your phone number?" I asked as I looked back up.

Eren looked surprised at the question, but quickly shook it off and gave me his number. Then he got into his car, looking back over his shoulder and knowing the guy had gotten in his. He wasn't stupid. "I'll be fine. It's nothing to worry about." He murmured, talking to himself though I was able to hear him.

"Put me on speaker." I said before I turned on my heel and headed to my suv.

If I could handle this without confrontation then I would. Perhaps the man wasn't normally like this when he was sober, but being drunk didn't excuse his actions. I called Eren as I got into the driver's side and put on my seatbelt. I'd try one more thing before I went down a more personal route.

"Hello?" Eren answered the call in a soft tone.

"Take the long way home and I'll follow." I instructed as I put my phone in the stand on the dashboard. "We'll lose him on the way, make sure not to hang up."

"Right. Yes sir."

I cut on the engine and saw Eren do the same in my rearview mirror. He pulled out first and I followed soon after, ensuring I was between him and the persistent man. I hated having Eren go through all this instead of calling the police, but I knew how I got when pushed. If the man came over while we waited for the cops then I would have intervened. I was a patient man and had a fair hold on my temper, but once I decided to handle things like harrassment it tended to get messy. I wasn't one to do anything half-assed. I drove closely behind Eren and glanced at the car that was tailing us.

I waited until Eren said we were halfway there and then had him take a detour, coaching him through a neighborhood before intentionally slowing down at a light. Eren made it past while the man and I got caught by the red light. I told him to turn so we couldn't see him anymore and continue on his way home. He was in the clear despite the man pulling up beside me after the light turned green, passing my SUV in an attempt to catch up. I memorized his license plate and stored the information away to write down later. I stayed on the line with Eren as I headed to my own place to make sure he got home safely.

"Are you there?" I asked.

"I just parked in my garage." He sighed in relief. "Nobody followed me."

"Good. Now get some sleep, tonight will be the worst yet." I warned. "But then we're closed tomorrow."

I heard him close his door and the sound of him shuffling around before he said, "I'll be ready. Promise."

A small smile found my lips at his words. "Goodnight, Eren."

"Thank you, sir. Goodnight."

The call ended and I was able to cross another thing off my list. That man wouldn't be allowed back at the club and Erwin would send his face to the other bouncers. It would be all hands on deck tonight, Saturdays were always the most intense. I went straight to bed when I got home, but it took me a few hours to fall asleep. Around four in the afternoon, I woke up and went ahead to the club. I started and finished the prep work in the back for the night, but left the stations for the bartenders. I didn't want to spoil them after all. While it was rare that I offered help, it wasn't rare that I gave it. My team worked hard everyday and I was determined to do the same.

Ewrin arrived a little early and we did a walk through of the club, checking equipment and lighting. The truck came not too long after and we unloaded it before Hanji got there. She was right on time and just as loud as ever. She sat next to Erwin at the bar while lined up the things I needed for one of our drinks, the new glass at the ready. I wouldn't be adding a new drink tonight, but that was going to be my next project. Well, as long as the glass did what it was supposed to do.

"It's been awhile since you made me a drink." Hanji grinned as she watched me start mixing.

"Why should I when you're so good at making your own?" I asked and she laughed. "Fair point, but what about Erwin? He deserves a drink."

Erwin shook his head. "Oh no, I gave up drinking in highschool."

"Only because you're such a lightweight." I pointed out, remembering a lot of examples from back then. A lot had changed, but Hanji was still trying to slip him alcohol to this day.

"Those where some fun times." Hanji reminisced. "We would all hang out and drink, Erwin would go on a rampage and our tiny but mighty hero would come to the rescue." I reached over the bar and flicked her in the forehead. "Ouchy!"

"You two are still at each other's throats." Erwin chuckled. "But we have grown up, if just a little."

I snorted. "Really? Because Hanji is the same annoying alcoholic she's always been." I said as I handed over the drink.

Hanji nodded her head, admitting the fact before she took a sip. "And you're as work obsessed as ever. Ooo, that's good. More vibrant." She said and took another sip. "It's sad to think about, you don't even have a pet to keep you company."

"What are you on about?" I huffed. "I don't need a pet and I certainly don't want to deal with their shit."

She gasped. "What? Come on, dogs are cute."

"I'm not picking up shit."

"Cats are cuddly."

"I'm not scooping shit."

"Fish." She tried. "Fish are easy."

"They swim around in their own shit, disgusting." I scrunched up my face at the thought alone.

Hanji sighed and downed half of her glass. "You're impossible."

Erwin patted her shoulder, a knowing smirk on his face. "Don't lose heart, he won't be alone forever."

"Oh ho ho, how could it have slipped my mind." She giggled with that evil glint in her eyes.

I narrowed my gaze at the both of them. "What are you two plotting?"

"Nothing, my dear and vertically challenged friend." Hanji grinned and I scowled. Damn four eyes. "You just carry on like usual."

"The boys will be here soon, I'll have Reiner and Berholt work the floor tonight while I take the VIP section." Erwin said and took his leave.

Neither one of them was convincing, but I had a club to run and interrogation would come later. "Your verdict?" I asked Hanji as I glanced at my watch.

"It's a go!" She said, giving me a thumbs up.

"Alright. Now get your ass to work." I ordered as I put everything back in its place.

Hanji finished the rest of her drink and then came behind the bar. I paused on my way to the back with her dirty glass, looking over Eren's section. I debated with myself for a moment until I decided to go ahead and prep the area for him. After having to deal with that creep from last night, I didn't mind cutting a little slack. I ignored the smug look Hanji sent my way and continued on to the back when I was done. I washed the glass and put it to the side with the others. Then I went back out front and up the stairs to my apartment, making myself some tea. It was about the only thing I bothered to stock in the kitchen.

I counted money and put it away in the safe to take to the bank later, noting with satisfaction that everything was accounted for. Next I went through paperwork and checked the orders I had put out. By the time I had finished, it was past opening time and the bar was already getting busy. I leaned back and watched the cameras, keeping an eye on things from afar. Hanji worked everyday, but tonight Eren, Sasha and Historia were behind the bar with her. They seemed to be keeping up with the crowd and I knew she would handle things if they fell behind. She might not be as fast as I was, but she was someone to strive for.

Reiner and Berthold were a good team and walked the floor like clockwork. Erwin had his attention divided between making sure the VIP's were behaving and keeping any wannabes out. While every club had its strengths and weaknesses, I was proud of the fact that none of my bouncers could be bribed. Marco hadn't stepped up to the turntables yet, but the other DJ was keeping the energy up on the dance floor. So far so good. Things ran smoothly and I was able to plan some scouting spots as I glanced at the computer screens every now and then. New bars seemed to be opening a lot these days, but not too many clubs. That was idle for me although the building down the street had finally been finished and I suspected competition from the design.

I didn't head down until the last call had been given and waited for the crowd to move away from the bar, taking a seat in Eren's section. I watched him for a few minutes and frowned. He wasn't moving around slowly or anything, he had done well tonight, but there was a spark missing. He seemed a little out of it and when his eyes met mine I noticed how tired he looked. It couldn't have been from working his shift, there was more than simple fatigue. How much sleep had he gotten yesterday? A glass of bourbon was placed in front of me with a smile and I knew I couldn't scold him for it. Damn brat, staying up for who knows how long after I told him to get some sleep.

"You look like you need that." He said teasingly. "What's up with the down look you got going?"

"Eren," I began calmly, "how much sleep did you get before work?"

He flinched, face falling at the question but it wasn't more than a few seconds before he smiled again. "I slept. Why?"

"For how long?" I reiterated, raising an eyebrow at him. He was avoiding giving me a straight answer.

Eren frowned and sighed, mumbling something I couldn't make out.

"That's what I thought." It hadn't been nearly enough. "Once the bouncers clear everyone out, I want you to head on home. I'll take care of your station."

"What?!" His voice was suddenly back and he leaned against the counter, shaking his head at me. "I can stay, I'm fine."

"No."

He gaped at me and then shook his head once more. "I have to clean up. I'll be quick about it."

He was determined, but I wasn't going to allow it. "You can be quick about getting home and into bed." I said and downed half of my bourbon. "Stop trying to fight me on this."

"Well you're not giving me much of a choice. I'll go since you're making me, but I really am fine."

"Don't sulk." I said as he pouted and fought off a smile.

"I can't help it. You're being mean." He grumbled.

"You'll thank me later." I predicted as people started being ushered out. "Your health is important."

"I know… I just… Well it doesn't matter."

I waited for him to elaborate, but he left it at that. I finished off my bourbon while he got his things together. The club was clear of customers soon enough and everyone else went to their last tasks of the night. I watched Eren leave with a stern look, knowing he really didn't like going home without cleaning up but not willing to give in. He glanced back a few times, but reluctantly left the club. I got to work on closing and cleaning his station while Hanji bounced over.

"If I didn't know you so well I wouldn't believe it, but it's becoming more noticeable every night." She said and I side eyed her.

"What are you talking about?"

The distance between us lessened. "You know . . . Eren."

Yeager? "Stop playing games and just speak plainly." I huffed, wanting to know what she was getting at.

"Admit it!" Hanji demanded and pointed her finger in my face. "You're interested in my love bug. You want to butter his bread, fry his fish, cook his meat! It didn't take long and I wasn't going to confront you yet, but I've been drinking more than usual, so now it's out there!"

"Get your fucking finger away from me unless you want to lose it." I warned and she moved back, but she wasn't done grilling me. This was what she thought? That I was interested in Eren?

"Am I right or am I right?" She asked.

I thought about it, about Eren's long dark brown hair and turquoise eyes. Anyone could see he was attractive. His personality wasn't bad either from what I had experienced. However, I barely knew him and he was my employee. It wouldn't be ethical for me to be interested in him. Then again . . . I wasn't the type of man to let my personal feelings interfere with my work. I didn't do casual flings either, it was like a half-assed relationship. Damn it, now that she said something I couldn't get the thought out of my mind.

I clicked my tongue in annoyance. "Tsk, get back to work and quit gossiping." I ordered and was mildly surprised she left it at that.

What made her think I was interested in him? Were my actions somehow suspicious? Hanji tended to get crazy ideas in her head, but this one had me stumped. The fact that I couldn't come up with an answer right away only furthered my confusion. I continued to ponder as I went back to working on Eren's station. When was the last time I had closed someone's area of the bar for them? It certainly didn't sound like me though here I was, I had offered without so much as a second thought.

I did a few things for Eren that I wouldn't normally do for anyone else . . . perhaps I really was giving him special treatment. But why? Surely this wasn't as complicated as I was making it out to be. If I was interested in Eren then I would know it, it was that simple. I needed to pay more attention to him and determine a verdict, I would find out if he had what it took to make me tick.