Eren's bath was as refreshing as it was embarrassing; with Hanji refusing to leave his side despite his obvious awkwardness. "What would you do if your lungs seized up and you drowned? It's better that I'm here~" She said in a matter a fact tone, her back turned towards the bath to spare what little dignity he had left.
After his bath, Eren couldn't help but sigh in defeat as he needed help getting dressed in the shirt and pants that were offered to him. "Hey, Hanji?" He looked at her, his face completely serious. "Why didn't Levi leave me when he could have? Why bring me here?" Wherever here is… he added in his head. She just shrugged in reply.
"I dunno, poppet~. You'd have to ask Lord Levi if you want to know~." She smiled as she finished up dressing him, polishing the look with a white bow around his neck. Jeager blushed slightly, trying to ignore the feminine nick-name. She continued on talking, looking over his back and chest; "Are you doing okay? It doesn't hurt too badly when you move, right?"
Eren shook his head. "I'm okay. Could you do me one more favor, though?" he looked at her with determination in his bright blue eyes, "Take me to Levi, please."
As Eren approached Levi's study with Hanji leading the way, sweet melodious music filled the air. It was so strange in comparison to the street performers he was used to hearing. Instead of a fast, happy beat, the sound of somber violin strings caused him to shiver, the hairs of his neck standing on end. It got louder and louder as they walked through the empty halls, eventually stopping at the study. Eren peeked in to see book cases that went up to the ceiling and a large desk that was in the center of the room. White curtains were drawn at a large window, preventing light from the mid-morning sun from getting in. Levi was seen in front of the desk. With a violin in hand, his wrist moving in fluid movements, and his eyes closed in a peaceful state, Eren had to admit it was a beautiful sight. When he took another step closer the sweet music came to an abrupt stop.
"It's good to see you're awake, Eren." A voice said from behind the brunet, causing him to jump. How long was he standing by the door? Eren felt a twinge of embarrassment for not noticing the man earlier.
"T-Thank you sir!" He smiled, trying his best to show respect.
"What did you come here for, Eren?" Levi looked bored as he set his violin back into the case that was placed on his desk.
"I was actually going to ask you the same thing…" Eren muttered, looking down.
"Look at your elder when you're talking. And speak up." Levi commanded in a none-too-pleased tone.
"Sorry Sir." Eren said standing up straight now to look into 'his elder's' eyes, afraid that if he messed up, he would be back on the street. Levi took a step forward, glancing at the blonde and Hanji.
"Reiner, Hanji, give us a moment." He said; his voice less sharp as it had been previously. Eren made a mental note of the blonde's name, but continued to look right at the dark haired man in front of him as the others left. "So Jeager, what was your reason for interrupting me in my own study? I hope you have a decent excuse."
Eren tried his hardest not to show weakness towards the cold-hearted aristocrat in front of him. It was tougher to do than he originally thought it would be. Those steel-grey eyes seemed to pierce into his very soul, shining an unfamiliar emotion as Eren opened his mouth to speak, his words echoing through the large study. "I would like to know why you didn't leave me to die, Sir." Levi noticed the sparkle in the boy's eyes, raising a brow slightly.
"Would you have rather died and been left to rot in the streets? Tch… most people would be grateful for what I did, brat." He sounded irritated, though his face showed more amusement than anything. "I'm not going to explain my mindset to a commoner like you. Get used to that fact now."
"Y-yes sir." Eren's voice waivered in confusion before he recomposed himself to ask another question, "When shall I take my leave, sir?"
"Hm… well that depends on you. Do you have family to go home to?"
Sadness flickered through Jeager's eyes; his expression becoming as obvious as if he had said it out loud.
"No, then. Any friends? A place to stay?"
Eren just shook his head.
"Well…" Levi took a step closer to the brunette, "I have a deal for you. You're free to decline if you feel it is necessary, but I believe it will be quite fair all things considering. You may stay here as long as you'd like. I will pay for any food and clothing that you will need, and any medicine that your side with cost you. The only catch…" He paused a bit, eyeing Eren up and down, "You will need to work for me as a servant; someone who will clean my entire castle for me, to be specific. You'll reside with the others downstairs and will not refer me as anything but Lord Heichou or Sir. You will never disobey an order from me either. Break any condition and I will not hesitate to kick you out. So do we have a deal?"
Eren thought about it for but a brief second before giving a nod.
"I accept your deal, sir."
"Good. Now get to work, brat."
((Shorter chapter, but we needed some story progression, god dammit! Into to Levi's fiancé, Eren's past, and more next chapter.))