Chapter Three—Eren

After my first week of work and learning a lot about the inside of the nightlife, the only thing I knew for sure anymore was that I had a crush on my boss.

There was nothing wrong with having a crush, I hadn't had one in so long though that I didn't know how to act about it. Something about Levi was intimidating and it took little to nothing for me to become flustered by him. I could tell he was nice and considerate and while I knew he'd never take an interest in someone like me, I didn't really mind admiring him silently.

Yes, my boss was sexy as hell and I was going to enjoy working for him—soaking up the opportunity to gaze at him as often as I could. It seemed he only dropped in on the busier days of the week and it wasn't like I had much time to talk to him, or even stare like I wanted to, but I would take what I could get.

Bartending could be quite demanding and other than working my ass off on those three super busy days, I'd been hit on so many times and in the most repulsive ways that for the first time in my life, I realized how much patience I had. I wasn't a pushover and I felt like I could handle myself in most situations—I had been in my fair share of fights in my life. But when someone was so adamant that it got a little scary, I caved because I loved my life and I didn't want to die or get kidnapped or anything.

Being flirted with was actually flattering, but some of these people took things too far and that was when I had to put them in their place. It was harder to take being sober, but I wasn't one for constant random hookups, never had been. Even if it had happened on occasion. I wasn't looking for anyone, not even for sex. After countless horrible experiences, I'd happily decided to just keep to myself, hang out with my friends, do what I want and stay single. Things were simple this way.

I had a feeling this new job would be enough of a distraction to keep me from worrying about being single for the rest of my life. I was so busy I wasn't even drinking anymore. When I wasn't working, I was eating and showering and then passing out, sleeping as much as I could. But no matter how hard a night was, I was always excited for my next shift. I liked my coworkers. I really liked my boss. I liked Rivaille's. I was having fun and making good money. I didn't need anything else.

We were closed on Sundays, so that left us an entire day and night to rest up before getting back to work. I didn't have anything I wanted to do on my day off and I ended up sleeping until late in the day as usual. But then I decided to get dressed and go do a little shopping because I wanted food and some new clothes never hurt anyone.

It was nice to enjoy a good meal by myself in peace, my favorite restaurant not crowded being early Sunday evening. I took my time and scrolled through my phone until I finished eating and decided to go do what shopping I wanted to do. The mall was only open for a couple more hours, but that was more than enough time for me.

Shopping for me was more browsing than anything. Even after the first hour, I hadn't bought more than a single pair of jeans. I was currently in a shoe store thinking about buying a new pair of sneakers when somebody tugged on my bun and I turned around to glare at them.

"Damn it, Jean!" I shoved him in the chest and turned back to my browsing, hating that he'd messed with my hair.

"I know you can't stand it, but I just couldn't resist. You're so cute with the bun."

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes and walked through the racks of shoes slowly, knowing I couldn't just run away from Jean. He'd follow me no matter how fast I went.

"So what are you up to? Want to go grab something to eat?" He asked once I stopped to look at a pair of high top Nikes that caught my eye.

"I already ate." I mumbled as I picked the shoe up and examined it.

"Oh." He hummed. "Well let's hang out then. It's our only free night. I'm sure you could use a drink as much as I could."

A drink did sound nice and I didn't want to push Jean away. We'd been friends for so long, even if things were awkward in my head, I knew I could get over it eventually as long as he could accept that we wouldn't be making any more mistakes in the future.

"Alright. We can have a few drinks somewhere." My mouth watered just at the thought of alcohol. "But first I think I'll get these shoes."

"They're nice, you should." Jean agreed as I found a pair in my size and went to purchase them.

Jean and I went to one of the local clubs that was opened on Sundays. It wasn't the lively place that Rivaille's was, but it had alcohol and that's all that mattered to me at the moment. Jean always had been fun to drink with and we were able to have a good time wherever we ended up—just like tonight. A few drinks turned into a few more and before long, I was loose and giggly, ready to go all night unless somebody stopped me.

The awkwardness was forgotten and Jean and I took shot after shot, bouncing around on the dance floor and making easy friends with everyone we met. I was a flirty, happy drunk—always. All I wanted was to have a good time and dance. Dance. I was pretty sure that I'd danced with almost everyone in the club, at least those who were dancing. It hadn't been that long, but it had still been too long since I'd been able to have a good night like this and I didn't want it to end.

It was no surprise that the night ended as most of them did when I went out with Jean—with him carrying my drunk ass out over his shoulder. He'd always take my keys and either drive me home or take me to his place. That's one reason I planned to only have a few drinks, while I should have known it wouldn't go down like that. Because it never did.

"My place or yours?" Jean asked after he'd got me into the passenger seat of his car.

"Mine." I muttered, smacking him in the face when he leaned over me and tried to buckle me in. "I can manage!"

"Ow." Jean whined but left me alone, closing my door and walking around his car while I got my seatbelt on.

I couldn't sit still as we got on the road, my body never wanting to settle with alcohol in my blood—not until it was time for me to pass out. Jean threatened me to keep me from taking off my seatbelt, but that only had me taking it off faster. I didn't like being tied down at all. I wanted to move. I wanted to drink.

"Why the hell did you make us leave?" I snapped, reaching over to smack him in the forehead. I didn't care that he was driving at the time.

"Because the damn club was about to close and you were about to get yourself into trouble."

"How?" I snorted, crossing my arms and looking out the window.

"If you're drunk enough not to know that then that should tell you something." He told me, suddenly reaching over and sliding his fingers through my hair. "You lost your hair tie."

"Guess so." I grumbled, pushing his hand away.

It seemed as if Jean understood my not so subtle attempt to brush him off and he kept quiet, not trying anything after that. When we made it to my house, I did have to fight him on letting me get inside by myself, but he didn't bother arguing when I told him to crash in the guest room while making my way to my own. Drunk or not, I was well aware of that one time mishap and I wasn't going to be letting that happen again.

After locking my door, I stripped with a bit of a hassle and got into a pair of my sleeping pants before falling on the bed. It took me little to no time to fall asleep, and I was out cold until the sound of my phone ringing woke me up. Groggy as I was, I'd missed the call before I'd managed to stumble out of bed and locate my cell phone in the pocket of my jeans that were on the floor. The call had been from Sasha.

I called her back and found that she'd been hoping I would let her work for me tonight and take her shift on Thursday when I was meant to be off. I agreed because I didn't care when I worked but also knew that Levi was likely to be at work on a Thursday. It was ridiculous that I even thought of that, hungover and half asleep as I was, but I didn't really care. Sasha was happy and now I had more time off and nothing to do with myself.

After a shower, I trudged out of my bedroom and wandered into my kitchen. I needed to eat and maybe then take a nap. It was too early for me to stay up when I had to stay on a schedule. Toasting some bread to have with my favorite jelly, I prepared two pieces but didn't even finish the first, my stomach unsettled from all the alcohol still in my system. The couch called to me, and I played a movie that didn't get far before I was sleeping once more.

Jean was what woke me next, he had to get going so he would be prepared for work and I couldn't pass up the ride to my car even though I really didn't want to get out of the house. I didn't even change my clothes, not caring that I left in nothing but my sleeping pants with my hair a mess—at least until I realized I needed to get gas.

Having no other choice, I drove to a nearby gas station and parked at a tank, searching my backseat in a wish for a shirt.

"Fuck." There was no shirt and I couldn't believe I had to be in public like this.

It was simple. I'd just get the gas pumping and then sit in the car while it filled up. Easy as that. People went out undressed all the time, nobody would notice me anyway. Resolving myself, I got out, slid my card into the slot and grabbed the nozzle, turning to put it in place when I noticed a familiar black SUV pulling up on the other side of the pump.

No. There's no way my luck could be that bad.

Cursing everything in existence, I hurried to get the gas pumping and was a hair away from safety, having just laid my hand on my door handle when I saw Levi rounding the SUV out of the corner of my eye. No way was I going to actually look at him and let him know I knew it was him. I just had to play this out and if he ever mentioned it, I would definitely say it wasn't me.

As if I would leave the house without being properly dressed. Shit, I was a mess.

"Eren?"

Fuck. Fuck. I flinched and knew I couldn't very well ignore him since he'd called me out. Fuck. I turned my head in his direction, forcing a smile on my face. "Oh. What a surprise to see you here."

Why the hell was he getting gas anyway? This kind of thing wasn't for bosses.

"Rough night?" He smirked, taking in my appearance.

Great. Fucking great. "Sorry you had to see this." I faked a laugh and turned back to my pumping gas, however much I had would have to do. It was past time to make a getaway.

"It's not a bad view." He told me as he came over, shrugging off his jacket. "But you don't want just anyone seeing it. Here."

What? What? "What?" I blinked at the jacket in disbelief. Did he say it wasn't a bad view?

"Put it on unless you want me to do it for you." He warned as he held it out in front of me.

I wasn't even able to breathe after that, but I did as he said, sliding my arms into the jacket while he held it in place. It wasn't until he'd brought the zipper together and slid it up that my face erupted into a blush and I feared I'd die on the spot. No way.

"There." His eyes went back up and he hummed upon seeing my flustered state. "Better?"

"Y-Yeah." I said, unable to look him in the eyes. "I'm sorry."

He reached up and gently tapped my forehead with his knuckle. "Stop that. You don't see me complaining, do you? Just take care of yourself and remember to put a shirt on." He said and stepped away to pump his own gas.

Calming a bit then, I took the nozzle and put it back in its holder, screwing my gas cap in place before going to get in my car. I hesitated and couldn't prevent myself from peering around the pump at Levi.

"Um. Thank you. I'll get this back to you tomorrow, or whenever I see you." I promised with a genuine smile.

He gave me a curt nod with a small smile of his own. "Thursday."

Thursday. I knew that and yet hearing the confirmation really made me happy—that and the sight of his unexpected smile. "See you then." I waved before opening my door to get in my car and far, far away from this gas station. I'd never been more humiliated.

I did nothing but lay around and rest for the rest of the day. To keep myself up that night, I studied up on different drinks and cuddled under Levi's jacket until I fell asleep, much earlier than I should have. His cologne was so alluring and calming that I just couldn't help it, and I wished I wouldn't have to give the jacket back to him. It was warm and reassuring like a security blanket.

Having to work for the rest of the week was welcomed, it gave me a meaning unlike any I'd ever had before. Time flew by when I was there and in little time, my coworkers were starting to feel like a family. I was happy, even more so on the days I could see Levi. I'd reluctantly given him back his jacket and spoken with him when he spoke to me, however it was always him starting conversation between us.

On Saturday night, after the club finally closed, we were all cleaning up and talking about the night we'd had until something unexpected was mentioned. It was Hanji, asking Erwin if he was going to make it to the cookout at Levi's after all, apparently something beforehand having been preventing him from going. I didn't know what they were talking about and I knew it wasn't polite to eavesdrop but I couldn't help it. Levi was involved.

"You guys are having a cookout?" I asked as I mopped the floor behind the bar, scrubbing thoroughly even though I was tired and ready to go.

"We are having a cookout." Hanji corrected and then gasped. "Oh, but Levi wanted to ask you himself! Pretend you didn't hear anything love bug."

Levi is going to invite me? "Oh, sure." I nodded, turning back to my work. He'd disappeared not long before now and I didn't know what he was doing. However, I assumed it was something boss related.

We all finished around the same time and I spotted Levi coming from the back just as I walked from behind the bar. Not allowing my eyes to linger on him, I looked over at Hanji and Erwin instead who were walking over to Jean and Reiner. Everybody got along, which was a good thing. It was a comfortable environment.

"Eren, are you busy tomorrow?" Levi asked, suddenly right next to me.

"Tomorrow? No, I don't have any plans." I answered as calmly as I could. How does Hanji know everything?

"I hold a cookout once a month for all the employees." He told me. "Though you might get enough of this lot during the week, you're invited as well."

I laughed at that. "It sounds like fun to me." I liked everyone, I wasn't really even intimidated by the brutes anymore. And if Levi was going to be there, I definitely wanted in. "Should I bring anything?"

He shook his head. "Just be on time. I'll text you the address, it's at seven."

"I'll be on time for sure." I smiled, trying to dim down my excitement.

"I'm not promising it'll be fun, but you will get to see the creature of the night out in the sun." He said as he gestured to Hanji.

"Ah. Hanji outside of work sounds like fun to me." I grinned then as I watched her laughing with Erwin. I had a lot of respect for her and I considered her a good friend, even if our relationship was based on work and nothing more. "How do you put up with everyone?"

"Practice, patience and bourbon." He answered and looked at me thoughtfully. "You're actually one of the easier ones to deal with despite being the newest."

"Really? Then I'm glad I'm not causing you any trouble." I really wanted to do my best and make things easier on everyone, yet I felt like I was causing problems at times. Whenever Levi stepped in to help me, I didn't like it—even though I did. And I couldn't refuse him.

He was quiet for a moment before he changed the subject. "Dessert. What kind do you like?"

"Oh, I'm not picky really. Though I do tend to pull towards anything strawberry related." I admitted, wanting to be honest about what I liked.

"Alright." He said and took one last look around. "Good work tonight, as always. Go home and get some sleep."

I nodded. "Yes sir."

Getting home was simple and I was more than ready to pass out on the spot. Right after I got in the door though, I received a text from Levi. It was nothing more than the address he promised to send me and I responded with only a word of thanks before deciding to take a quick shower before bed.

I'd set my alarm for five in the evening, and ended up waking up an hour before that. I had a light snack before taking a long shower and pondering what I'd wear to Levi's cookout, ending up deciding on a pair of my favorite faded jeans, my new high tops and a long sleeve, teal button up shirt. There was no help for my hair besides my usual bun and I wasn't sure why I hadn't cut it yet. It was definitely something on my todo list.

Feeling that I looked presentable, I spritzed myself with my favorite cologne and checked the time. I still had plenty of time and I wasn't going to show up too early and look needy, so I sat around watching TV until it came time for me to leave.

It wasn't far from the club and his house wasn't overly huge, but it was a nice size and a beautifully built home. I parked next to Hanji's car, not noticing any other vehicles besides Levi's and then made my way to the front door a bit anxiously.

This is Levi's house.

I knocked on the door and waited, unsure what to expect for the night, but I was excited nonetheless.

"Ooo, maybe that's Eren!" Hanji gushed enthusiastically from inside. "Are you going to rush to the door like you did with me?"

"Shut the fuck up!" Levi hissed and a few seconds later he opened the door. "Hey, come on in." He said after he cleared his throat and stepped aside.

"Hey, thank you." I smiled and walked in, making sure to wipe my feet on the rug.

He closed the door behind us and motioned to the living room. "Can I get you anything to drink?" He asked as we walked the short distance, his hand at the small of my back.

I tried to fight the burning sensation on my ears as I nodded. "Sure." Anything with alcohol.

"Love bug!" Hanji greeted me happily. "Glad you could make it! Come sit by me while Levi does all the work for once."

Though the idea was intriguing, it also left me feeling a little guilty. Was it really alright for him to do all the work? "Okay." I said hesitantly, looking to Levi in uncertainty but finding some form of relief in the calm look in his eyes.

I went over and sat next to Hanji on the couch while Levi wandered off. We hugged once I was settled next to her and I noted how different she looked in clothes that weren't work related.

"This is nice, huh?" I said with a big smile, thrilled to be a part of something like this and glad I was early enough to arrive before the whole crowd had shown up.

"It is." She agreed, returning my smile. "We should hang out more often! Would you mind if we exchanged numbers?"

"Actually I already have yours. I got it from Erwin in case I needed to call you. I'll text you so you'll have mine." I said, going ahead to send her that text as I explained. "Hanging out more sounds like a plan to me. We should do it."

Her phone pinged and I saw her save my number under 'love bug'. "I can't wait, you're one of my favorite people to be around. I was so excited when Levi told me you decided to come, not that I had any doubt. Though he was more pleased than me. You should have seen him earlier when I got here, it was so funny. He thought I was you." She giggled.

"Why do you think that?" I asked, amused even though I didn't understand and figured she was just saying that.

"Well," She began and leaned in a little closer, "he about tripped over his own feet to answer the door and I heard him bump into something. Then when he opened it his face fell and not in the oh no it's Hanji way, it was disappointment in not seeing someone else. Considering he let you in himself when usually sends me to answer the door, he was expecting you."

"Don't be silly." Or absurd rather. "Who else is here?" I asked to change the subject, because the idea did make my heart beat a little faster even if I knew Levi wouldn't be like that because of me.

Hanji wagged her finger. "I know these things, baby bird. And he hurried to the door again when you knocked. I know for a fact that when another person arrives, he'll send me to answer." She stated with confidence and then let the subject go. "It's just you and me for now, but Erwin should arrive next."

I didn't know what Hanji was trying to get at, but claiming Levi hurried to the door was just too much. Sure it didn't take him long to let me in, that had to be because he was near the door when I knocked. There was a logical explanation for these sorts of situations. "Will everyone come?"

"Sometimes, but it's rare that the whole gang shows. All the bartenders for sure and a couple bouncers." She said and picked up a glass from the coffee table. "For everyone else it depends on if they have plans."

"I see." I hummed, secretly hoping that Jean wouldn't show up. I doubted I'd be that lucky. He never had days off considering he ran the door every night they were open, so maybe he would want to get away from the club squad. "I feel like I should be doing something. And hasn't Levi been gone a long time?"

Hanji took a few sips before responding. "He's probably checking the grill. Should we go investigate?"

Should we? "Can we?"

"Lets." She said and stood, holding her drink in one hand and reaching for mine with the other.

I took her hand with a grin and the two of us wandered through the house, into the kitchen where we found Levi mixing a drink. Hanji pulled me over to where he was, even though I was fine with maintaining a distance.

"Shame on you, short stack, leaving a guest thirsty and waiting." Hanji scolded. "Ooo, is that one of the new glasses from the bar?"

"Yes." He answered, not sparing her a glance. "Call me short again and your next drink will be poisoned." He finished with the glass and handed it over to me, eyes meeting mine. "Sorry for the wait, I was checking on the food."

"Oh, no no. I wasn't in a rush!" I shook my head, scowling at Hanji for causing a scene on my part.

She simply smiled and helped herself, making another drink.

"Try it and let me know what you think." Levi said, watching my expression. "It's new."

New? I raised the glass to my lips and took a decent swallow to get a good taste. As a lover of Tequila, I tasted the liquor right away but it was immediately washed out by the taste of a mix between something sour and fruity. It was like nothing I'd ever had before and I was impressed.

"Whoa. It's delicious." I beamed at him, having definitely taken a liking to the drink he'd made me.

"Not too fruity?" He asked and I shook my head. "Alright, we'll be adding it to the menu."

"Will you show me how you made it?" I asked excitedly before having another sip. It really was good.

A knock sounded at the door before he replied. "Hanji, go get that." He ordered and waved me over, not seeing the smug look Hanji sent my way. "I'll teach you."

I ignored her and stood close to him, watching carefully. He poured the liquor and then the mixers, making a combo that I would have never thought of and I couldn't help but have another swallow of my drink. He really knew what he was doing and I shouldn't have been surprised considering he owned his own club, but still.

"I'll have to try it next! It's really good. What made you come up with this mixture?" I asked eagerly, grinning behind the glass I held at my mouth, already wanting more. However, I knew I needed to pace myself.

"I was scouting one of the bars close by and tried one of their 'famous' drinks. It tasted like shit." He told me and leaned back against the counter. "The base was Tequila and it made me think about how it was misused, how well it could go with other combinations. That started the idea and I ran with it. What you're drinking is about two days worth of work."

So then he put a lot of thought into this? Of course he did. "It was well worth it. This is going to be popular. I love it."

"Is that so?" He mused, a smirk on his lips. "Maybe I should let you name it."

"What?" I squeaked, shaking my head. "I could never think of something good enough."

"Try me."

"Hmm…" I gazed at the drink in my hand while thinking over the taste. Then I laughed. "I can only think of silly things. Like Peach tart." Because there was definitely peach with that sour kick and the color even resembled a peach with its mixture of red and yellow.

He chuckled and crossed his arms. "It's not bad, I've heard a lot of crazy drink names in my career."

"Like what?" I asked curiously, though even I was aware of how crazy some drink names could be.

"A recent one . . ." He said and thought for a moment. "Yum like your mum."

"Okay that's a first for me." I laughed. "I wouldn't order that ever." Not even if it tasted as good as this drink in my hand that I couldn't stop drinking and had almost finished. "Did Hanji get the door?" I asked when I realized she'd never returned.

Levi pointed to the window with a tilt of his head and I saw her out on the deck with Erwin who was manning the grill. "That was one of the more serious ones, but even as a joke there are names that are just plain bad."

"That's true. I think people want the names to be crazy. Something to laugh about after you've had a few drinks, right?"

"Supposedly, but I would never try something called art that makes you fart." He said, grimacing at the idea.

"Yuck. Me either." I laughed so loud and hard that I snorted and then my face went hot in embarrassment. Jeez way to go, Eren.

"You liked that, huh?" Levi grinned devilishly.

Oh my god. "Please pretend you didn't hear that." I pleaded in my humiliation. It had to be in front of Levi of all people.

"I could, but what if I make you do it again?" He countered. "I'll have you rolling on the floor in minutes."

My face grew even warmer and I turned my head away from him even if it wouldn't do me any good. There was no hiding my shame. "Don't do that. I might die."

"Hm, I guess I can let you off the hook this time." He teased and then made himself a drink, straight bourbon with no ice.

I finished the drink in my hand, set the glass on the counter and grabbed the other one that he'd made. "I'll just have this." I said, sliding it over to myself. "Wouldn't want it to go to waste."

"Waste not want not." He thought out loud. "A little corny perhaps, but not a bad name either."

"Funny. And funny is good." I told him, happily having a sip of the fresh drink. It tasted just the same, Levi had it down to a science just like I figured.

Talking with Levi was great and much to my disappointment, it made the time fly by. In what seemed like minutes, nearly an hour had gone by and I wasn't sure if it had only gone unnoticed by me. We were still in conversation, me on my third drink that I had made with Levi's help and him on his second bourbon when Erwin came in through the side door, carrying food from the grill.

Behind him was Hanji, Reiner, Sasha, Historia and Ymir. Marco too. The last to enter was Jean and I wasn't sure how I felt about seeing him. Jean was my friend, but I really liked talking to Levi and I didn't want him or anyone else interfering. That was wrong of me though, and I didn't want to come off as some needy brat to Levi. Besides, I couldn't let myself expect anything from him—at least nothing more than his usual considerateness.

Everybody started eating while they drank and it was one of the best nights I'd had in a long time, even from the beginning. Unfortunately, Levi and I did get separated. When he got pulled into conversation with the brutes, I walked over to the girls, wanting to talk to them and avoid Jean for as long as possible. I didn't know if he would ever look at me as just a friend again, or if I could move past what had happened.

I was pretty sure I was mixing the drink a little stronger than Levi had been, but as he was busy I didn't want to interrupt or disturb him so I just went with it, doing my best. By midnight, I'd attained a serious buzz and was only wanting to drink more and more when Hanji pulled me into the living room, getting me to take a couple shots with her. I didn't need them, but since I never got to drink with her I wasn't going to turn her down.

"Hanji you're so cute." I cooed, throwing my arms around her. "Let's be best friends."

"Yay! Best friends!" She cheered. "My love bug is the sweetest! I'll kick anyone's ass who messes with you!"

"Aww. I feel so loved." I grinned and hugged her tight and we stumbled around and laughed.

Hanji held fast to her drink, but her arm was around me securely. "Whew, I haven't drank this much since the last cookout. It's damn good."

"Are you sure about that?" I laughed, not trusting that one bit.

"Nope!" She giggled and we went into another fit of laughter.

She was so crazy, but that was one of the things I loved most about her. "We should drink more. Let's get another shot."

"I want to drink a shot too." Jean said, suddenly leaning between us and resting his arms over our shoulders.

"No." I huffed and shrugged him off. "Hanji and I only." And maybe Levi.

"You heard the man, Jeany beany!" Hanji solidified and pulled me closer to her. "It's our bonding time and I'm not sharing."

"Exactly!" I stuck my tongue out at him and he scowled.

"What's your problem, Eren?" He scoffed and I gaped at him.

"You obviously. Damn." I said, pulling Hanji back towards the kitchen. Away from Jean. "I need another drink too. So strong." I explained as we wandered over to the liquor.

Hanji was quick to the rescue. "I know just the thing, leave it to me."

"What? What you making? I want Levi's pop tart." I pouted.

That made her pause. "Oh, you sure? Well what my love bug wants, my love bug trooper!" Hanji hollered. "Kitchen, stat!"

"What are you doing, Hanji?! Nooo!" I shook my head quickly and then shook her by her shoulders. "Take it back. We take that back."

Levi came in from the deck, glaring at hanji. "Eren, step away from the walking dead."

I gulped and did as he said, even though I wanted to protect Hanji. She did it to herself really, so what could I do?

"Ooo, you want to dance butter pants? Bring it on!" She smiled and surprisingly set her drink down.

"Hanji Zoe." Levi spoke slowly. "Don't test me, I've had enough to drink to finally end your ass tonight."

Erwin stood at the side door, shaking his head. "Here we go again."

"Do what you will, I'll just keep coming back." Hanji stated and pushed up her glasses. "Come at me, midget."

"Fucking foureyes!" Levi yelled and charged at her, but she didn't waste any time making her escape as he chased her out of the kitchen.

I frowned, supposing I would have to try and figure out this rocket science on my own. I turned to the liquor and mixers, grabbing a fresh glass and the Tequila. Telling myself not to overdo it, I poured a bit, closing one eye to try and get a clearer look. It took me much longer than it should have to get the drink prepared and while it should have tasted better than all the rest after all the drinks I'd had, it didn't come close to comparing. I still had a long way to go. But, I was still going to drink it.

"I guess they're always like that?" I asked Erwin who'd sighed at the antics of Levi and Hanji.

He nodded. "For as long as I've known them."

It was amusing and yet surprising at the same time, but I said nothing else as I sipped on my drink and wondered just what went wrong. I was obviously missing something.

Reiner came into the kitchen and pointed over his shoulder. "The boss has Hanji in a headlock. I think you should step in before he cuts off her airway." He directed at Erwin.

"Alright." Erwin sighed and went the other way around in hopes of breaking them up.

"So . . . you like working at the club?" Reiner asked a little awkwardly after a couple minutes.

I didn't know why he freaked me out so much. He probably didn't even remember me from that one night. "I do." You brute. Why talk to me?

"Right." He said and searched for something else to say, but we didn't really have anything to talk about. The silence stretched on before someone entered the kitchen again.

"Oi, out of my way." Levi voiced behind Reiner and he stepped aside before silently leaving.

I took a step back myself, watching as Levi went about pouring himself another drink and I stared down at mine—wanting to ask him to fix me another but not having the nerve. He seemed agitated anyway, so I decided to just keep quiet, set my drink aside and take a shot instead.

"Damn woman." Levi grumbled and downed his drink in one go. His eyes cut to me and his expression softened a bit. "That reminds me . . . I made strawberry cake for dessert."

No way. "Y-you did?" I asked, lips parting in amazement.

"Do you want a piece?"

I nodded quickly, still in awe at the fact that he'd baked a strawberry cake. There was no way he'd did it just because I said I liked strawberry. Nope. "Are you fucking with me?"

He raised a brow at my words, but turned his back to me as he opened the fridge. "Not that I'm aware of."

What was I even saying? "Oh. Yeah." I didn't know what I was even thinking at this point.

He set the cake on the counter and made me a plate, carrying it over to where I stood. "Here."

I took the plate and stared at the cake in disbelief. It looked and smelled so good I couldn't even comprehend it. Picking up the fork he'd left on the plate, I had a taste, the cake was so moist it basically melted in my mouth and the white icing tasted as if it was made from scratch. It was so good, I closed my eyes to savor the taste of that first bite.

"Shit." I cursed, voice muffled by my full mouth.

"Give me a bite." He said suddenly.

My eyes opened wide then and I gaped at him as he leaned towards me, obviously serious. "You want some?" I couldn't believe it, but I wasn't about to turn him down. "You did mean the cake right?"

"Unless you wanted me to bite you, then yes."

Well, if I could be absolutely honest… no. He wouldn't do that. Swallowing hard, I got a piece of the cake on the fork and held it out towards him, trying not to stare at his mouth as he took the bite, but I stared, mesmerized by the way he chewed, swallowed and then licked his lips. Time had to have been sitting still and I was unaware of my flushed cheeks.

"You—" I began only to be cut off when an arm wrapped around my shoulder and I was pulled against a large body.

"Lemme have some of your cake, Eren!" Jean grinned and used his free hand to tug on my bun.

No. No. Why? "Back off, you can't have any." I said, shrugging him off. I took another bite, remembering the way Levi's mouth had closed around my fork. It may have been the sexiest thing I had ever seen.

"So mean." Jean huffed and pulled on my bun once more before sauntering off and I went back to eating my cake.

"He made your hair come loose." Levi observed and reached out, but he stopped himself.

I set the plate on the counter, realizing it must look ridiculous. "It's just so long now. I need to cut it." I sighed as I sloppily put it in another bun.

"I like it long . . . it suits you." He said and then added, "But it's your decision. I can see how it would get in your way."

He likes it? Levi thinks it suits me? "It doesn't really… until Jean messes with me."

"I saw. I take it you've told him to stop?" He asked, referring to him pulling on it.

"Too many times. He doesn't listen though." I sighed, figuring he never would.

Levi shook his head. "It sounds like you have a Hanji of your own."

"I don't know. I think Jean is worse." At least ever since we'd had that accident. "But he just can't help but be annoying. I'm used to it."

"We certainly have it rough." He said and offered me a small smile.

"At least we don't have to suffer alone." I smiled back and peered over at the liquor. My stomach didn't want anymore cake even though it was delicious, I wanted to drink. So I grabbed the Tequila and poured a shot for myself. "Want one?" I asked Levi, not wanting to leave him out if he did, even though I'd never seen him drink anything besides his favorite bourbon.

"No." He said and took the bottle from me. "But if you want to drink, have something in a bigger glass so you can pace yourself."

"Oh… what are you gonna fix me?" I asked, moving far closer than necessary to watch.

He threw a smirk over his shoulder before he went to work. "A pop tart."

Damn it, Hanji! All the blood in my body rushed to my face but I didn't back away. "Well… okay." I grumbled.

Levi made the new drink as if he had been fixing it for years and slid it down in front of me. "Enjoy."

"Gladly." I picked up the pop tart and took a long drink. It was perfect. "Finally."

"You've been waiting for that?" He chuckled.

"No." I lied, face burning once again, but I blamed it on the alcohol this time. "Was just thirsty."

He hummed and held the back of his hand up to my cheek. "Careful, can't have you passing out on me."

Whoa. "I won't." I promised quietly, knowing my limits well after all the drinking I'd done in my life. His hand was cool against my hot cheek and it felt nice enough that I leaned into the touch without realizing it.

Levi switched to his palm and stroked the side of my face with his thumb. Then he moved closer, gaze falling to my lips. My heart was suddenly pounding and my own eyes shifted to his mouth as well. He wasn't going to kiss me though. No way. He just wanted to tease me. Because he could. Because I'd let him.

"Tu me rend faible." He whispered just before he captured my mouth with his own.

The kiss was harsh and passionate, his tongue easily parting my lips and swirling inside my mouth. His hand moved to the back of my neck, holding me in place and he surged forwards. He swallowed any noise I made and tasted like bourbon. I wasn't able to reciprocate as he made me breathless, playing with my tongue before he pulled back with a nip to my bottom lip.

It was over too soon, and I was clinging to his shoulders and staring at him in a daze. I had to hold my breath to keep myself from whimpering out a protest because fuck. It was too good. I might not ever get this chance again and he started it.

My hands slid up his shoulders and neck, moving to his hair as I stole his lips in another kiss. This time I kept up with him, molding my body against his as the kiss progressed. It was even more urgent than the first, our teeth clashing at first from the sudden impact. I never thought I'd have a taste for bourbon until now, never thought it possible for me to feel such a thrill from a kiss.

He spun us around and pressed me against the counter. He held tight to my waist while his chest rumbled in a growl, devouring me without hesitation. The way he claimed my mouth as his own had my knees going weak. It lasted for several minutes and both of his hands had wandered to my back, splayed out under my shirt. He stared at me with sharp eyes as we caught our breath with barely any space between our noses.

"Fuck."

"You have no idea." Levi said before dropping his head to my shoulder. "You just had to get me worked up."

"But… I didn't…" I didn't do anything.

One of his hands dropped to the small of my back and tugged me closer. "You did . . . and it wasn't even on purpose. Damn."

"You… you kissed me." I couldn't believe it. Fuck, it had to be a dream. "Why?"

He raised his head at the question. "Because I wanted to."

He wanted to? "But why?" It didn't make sense. He couldn't have been that bored.

"You're going to make me say it, aren't you?"

I stared at him for a moment of thought. "Say what?"

"That I'm interested." He explained shortly. "In you."

Interested… in me? "What does that mean? Like… you want to fuck me?"

"Merde." He said under his breath. "I want more than that, Eren, if you're willing."

More? "You mean like… you want to date me?" No way...

"Perhaps you're drunker than I thought." He mused. "Yes, I want to date you. Eventually. We don't know each other that well and I'm not asking you to jump into a relationship with me, but you should know what my intentions are."

His words had actually sobered me considerably. I was stunned into silence, at a complete loss because I could not believe this was happening to me. Yes, I had a crush on Levi. Fuck, he was so sexy and I wanted him like I'd never wanting anything before. But, this was too much. Too fast. I'd been enjoying being single, I was tired of trying. Sex was one thing, but I wasn't sure I wanted to risk liking him any more than I already did.

There was too much to think about. He was my boss, one wrong move and I'd be out of a job and out of his life. There was no easy choice here, however, I could see that he meant what he said and the gentle look in his eyes told me that he wouldn't rush or pressure me. Still, that didn't mean I'd be able to come up with a decision—and even if I did, it was more than likely not going to be the right one. Because I was always fucking up.

"Tu me rend faible." translation "You make me weak."

"Merde." translation "Fuck."