Eren soon learned that weekends were particularly quiet. Saturday and Sunday were the days staff got off, so most people left to stay with friends or to see family. Others, Eren discovered, liked to go out and get wasted; only to return Sunday afternoon.
Eren could tell Levi didn't give a shit what they did, as long as they were around to clock in the next morning.
Now Eren didn't have anywhere to go on weekends, so he just moped around the house. He was too afraid to ask the boss if he was allowed to use the theater T.V., so he stayed in his room and watched the twenty inch television.
After five hours of a Full House marathon, Eren ventured out of the room. The hallways were sickeningly quiet. Usually hushed laughter and bickering happened behind doors; or a vacuum could be heard off somewhere in the house. But on weekends, it was dead.
Eren snuck out the back door and made his way out to the stables. Honestly, he enjoyed the company of the horses. He'd been out to visit them once or twice since he arrived. The only downside was that where there were horses, there was Jean; and Eren hated Jean.
Well, hate is a strong word. More like extremely dislike...and sometimes hate…
Eren popped open the stable door and was met with four happy horses. A brown one looked his way, snorted, and resumed eating. Eren cautiously made his way over to it and wove his fingers through its mane.
"Hey bud." Eren spoke, "How's it going?" Of course he was met with silence; he honestly had no idea why he was talking to a horse.
"You've really got the hook up; this place is pretty neat." Eren reached up and scratched behind its ears. "I'd love to be able to sit around all day. Being a horse must be super chill." The horse never acknowledged him; it just continued to eat.
Eren looked around for a place to sit, and decided that a nearby bale of hay would do fine. He sat on top and crossed his legs like a child. "I've only been here a couple weeks, but I can tell we're totally going to be friends."
The horse snorted, and Eren shook his head. He muttered, "I wonder what mom and dad are doing."
"Are you talking to a horse?"
Eren spun around so fast he almost fell off his makeshift seat. He reached out and grabbed onto a beam, steadying himself. "I, uh-"
The prince was dressed casual- more casual than Eren had ever seen him. He wore just a simple pair of dark wash jeans, (which hugged him way too well,) and a black tee-shirt with some logo on it. He strolled into the barn and gave Eren a look that made his face turn red. "It's your day off, what the fuck are you doing in here?"
"Umm…" Eren uncrossed his legs and looked at the ground, "If I'm not allowed to stay here I can totally leave-"
The heir waved him off and walked over to a black horse; it stood a good three feet taller than him. "Shithead, I don't care what you do with your free time. I just figured you'd want to do something more productive with your day instead of becoming the horse whisperer."
Eren flushed again, and looked away. He mentally scolded himself and tried to control himself. He took a moment to reply, "I don't have anywhere else to go."
This time Levi turned to look at him; to really look at him. Eren felt his eyes burning into the side of his face, so he turned and made eye contact with the boss.
Levi's face went unchanged, and he said dryly, almost in a questioning tone. "Your name is Eren correct?"
"Y-yeah," Eren answered.
"Tell me something, Eren." Levi turned and walked into the tack room. He didn't continue until he walked back out carrying a saddle and blanket. "Why did I find you half-dead with snot running down your face on the corner of a gas station?" Levi heaved the gear onto the tall horse, and Eren was surprised at his strength.
He was silent for a moment; long enough for Levi to snap "Are you going to answer me or no? Jeager?"
"I got kicked out." Eren's tone was unwavering.
Levi raised an eyebrow. The aura he constantly gave off was mysterious and demeaning. "For any reason I should be concerned about?"
"Not unless you're homophobic."
Eren regretted the words as soon as he left his mouth. He watched Levi stand up straighter, and turn his head to look down at the floor. Idiot! Eren mentally scolded himself. Why would I say that? I hate me. I hate me so much.
The heir didn't respond, he only slid the bridle into the horse's mouth. He put one foot in the stirrup and heaved himself onto the horse. Levi spoke as he led his horse out of the stable,
"Go find something to do before I make you clean all the bathrooms, you brat."
That was the third time Eren had ever spoken to the prince, and again, another failure. He's just so damn gorgeous. Eren mopped the floor; another Monday meant another round of chores. I need to stop. I'm lusting after something I will never, ever have. Ever. So give up. Stop thinking of his nice legs. Damnit Eren you're so fucking gay. Eren looked up as someone came jogging into view.
"Eren, Eren." Armin stopped in front of him, shoes sliding an inch on the wet floor. Eren stood out his hands to steady him, but the blonde waved him off. "Eren, staff meeting, like, pronto."
"Jeez, what's the big deal?" Eren joked and then raised an eyebrow at Armin's straight face. "What?"
All the staff sat around in the dining room, with Hanji at the front. She pushed up her glasses and cradled her clipboard in one arm. "Alrighty guys, I'm guessing you already know what's about to go down."
There was universal mumbling, and Eren looked around, confused. Hanji sighed, "We have guests of an extremely successful business coming, and, guess what, one is a daughter."
A couple people groaned, one being Jean. Eren blinked, "Wait, I don't understand…"
"You see, Eren." Christa answered, "A lot of rich men come from around the world to do business with the boss, and whenever they bring their teenage to middle aged kids, it's a nightmare."
"Half the time they're gorgeous little angels that love nature and singing songs to birds," Ymir made a halo sign with her hands. "And the other half they are satanic beings that feast on the blood of the weak," Ymir then shaped her hands into devil horns.
"They're all thirsty little bastards." Reiner noted.
Eren rolled his eyes, "It can't be that bad."
"Oh, it's that bad." Hanji laughed. "Bad enough that we have these meetings. Just to be clear on the rules now guys. Do not engage with the enemy. Be polite, smile, do your job, and get the hell back to your rooms. Protect each other, this is not the hunger games."
Eren snorted, Ha-ha- ha, trying to scare the new guy. I get it, fine. I'll play along. Whoever is coming to visit can't be that horrible.
He had never been more wrong in his life.
That afternoon two businessmen and a woman showed up to their door. A couple staff was there to greet them along with Levi, but everyone else hid behind the kitchen door, listening in. From what Eren could see, the woman looked to be in her early twenties, and was wearing clothing that cost more than Eren's entire existence. He could already hear all the staff making comments behind him, but he was determined not to judge.
He was more focused on the prince.
The language, the condescending expression, the annoyed aura; it all disappeared. Levi wasn't exactly smiling per say, but he greeted the guests very professionally. He also looked damn good in a suit.
"Hospitable as always, Sir Levi."
"It is an honor to have you, although, I don't think I've met this person."
"Ah, yes, that is my daughter, I brought her along. I sure hope you don't mind."
He heard giggling, and then, "It's such an honor to meet you! My name is Rosalie."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, miss." More giggling ensued. "Now, if you'd let my employee take your things, he can show you to your room. Mr. Crow, Mr. Niall, if you'd follow me, we can conduct our business else ware."
"Very well, Rosalie, follow the help. I'll be back later."
"Of course father."
"Follow the help," Jean mock whispered.
"Of course father," Connie copied in a snotty tone; a couple people giggled.
Eren rolled his eyes, "You are all so rude."
"Look buddy," Jean replied, "We've been doing this for a while now. I think we know what we're talking about."
"Okay, okay." Eren shook his head.
Later, Eren was dusting the enormous living room. He reached on his tiptoes and wiped nonexistent dust off of the mantle. He turned around when he heard soft scuffling on the floor. He was met with the gaze of the young women he saw before. Eren smiled,
"Can I help you?"
She blinked, and blinked again. Her expression changed, "Are you talking to me?"
"Um…yes. Are you lost? I can redirect you if you'd like."
The girl scoffed, "Of course not. I just can't believe that the help is speaking to me."
Eren tilted his head, "Well, I'm just an employee-"
"Shut up." She walked past him, heels clicking on the hardwood floor. She paused in the door way and looked both ways, "I'm looking for the prince."
Eren felt a sliver of annoyance, "I think he's still in a meeting with your-"
She walked away, and Eren just stood there speechless.
"So you were right and I was wrong."
"One more time." Jean held a hand up to his ear, and Eren flipped him off.
Armin laughed, "What did she do?"
"She treats us like we're beneath her." Eren stated. "I watched her snarl at Reiner earlier today and I about went off."
"Oh no." Sasha shook her head. "That is the last thing you do. We absolutely have to make the guests happy or the Sir could lose an important business deal."
"Someone just needs to kick a little class into that bitch." Connie crossed his arms. "I spent like two hours on a soup and she said it tasted like toilet water. Toilet water!"
Armin laid a hand on Connie's shoulder, "Just a couple days. We can totally do this."
Dinnertime was hell. The staff had to wait until the guests were done eating to have their own meal, and so of course, everyone hid in the kitchen. "If Levi finds you guys, you're all totally fired." Christa stood up, about ready to walk out the door.
Ymir shrugged, "He hasn't caught us the past five years, and wont for another five."
"Shut up I'm trying to hear."
The room went quiet; Eren could hear voices, and giggling. He peeped through the hole in the door. Rosalie was sitting directly next to the heir, and was putting every flirtatious bone in her body to use.
"If she pushes her chest out any more, she's going to have back problems."
"The best part is that the boss hasn't even given her a single glance." Jean snickered.
"You guys really like bashing on people," Eren noted.
Connie whispered, "We're a teeny tiny bit protective."
The room hushed down again when Levi started to speak.
"Yes, of course. You two are very noble business partners."
"As are you, Prince Levi. I would be honored to do more with your country and your company later on."
"Oh please do father! He's obviously so smart and honest."
Eren could practically feel everyone rolling their eyes. Again, Levi vaguely noted her existence.
Eren walked into the study to dust the shelves… when he was met with a sleeping Levi in the chair. Eren felt his heart jump, and he tried to back out the door. He heard Levi's steady breathing, and he took a step. His shoe squeaked and Levi's eyes shot open. Eren muttered, "Damnit."
Levi sat up straight and Eren heard a couple joints pop. He stuttered, "S-sir I am so sorry i-"
"It's fine." The deep voice was somewhat groggy.
"I'll… leave you to-"
Levi shook his head, and rubbed one of his eyes with the heel of his slender hand. Eren couldn't look away. "No, I said its fine, idiot."
"O-okay…" Eren hesitated before walking over to the bookshelves and dusting every crevice. He was surprised that the prince didn't get up and leave. He turned around to see the man just watching him, sleepily. He quickly turned back around with his face now red. It was too quiet- the only noise was the sound of his duster. He finally spoke once he was certain he wouldn't stutter. "You should go sleep, sir."
To Eren's surprise, Levi replied. "I can't." He paused before huffing, "Those fuckers won't let me sleep. I've never made a deal with such a picky group of people in my entire life. And then the daughter holy fucking shit if she sticks her flat A cup chest in my face one more time I'm going to shit a brick."
Eren couldn't help it- he laughed loud. He slapped both hands over his mouth, dropping the duster in the process. He looked over to the heir, and watched a hint of humor flash in his eyes; only for a second.
"B-boss," Eren laughed through one hand and bent down to pick up the duster. "I'm sorry I-"
"Stop apologizing shithead." Levi's lip twitched upwards and he stood. "I think I'm going to take my maids advice."
"Good." Eren replied, voice finally normal.
Levi left the room, and Eren broke back out into silent giggles. As soon as Levi walked out the door, he shook his head and smiled to himself.
Eren had finally finished his list, and he was one hundred percent ready to get back to his room so he could finish the season of Family guy with Armin. The guy was rapidly becoming his best friend, and honestly, it was a feeling he wasn't used to (but it was definitely one he loved). He was happy that karma was finally in his favor for a while.
He strolled through the guest room hallway, but paused when he noticed Rosalie coming his way. She was wearing some dress that was a little too fancy for lounging around a house, but Eren didn't say anything. She would be pretty if it wasn't for that attitude. He lowered his head, and stepped to the side to let her pass. Except, she surprised him by grabbing his sleeve, and tugging him into her room.
Eren tripped over his own foot, stumbling into the bedroom, "What, uh, ma'am-"
"Alright kid." She slammed the door, and crossed her arms, clearly pissed. "We've got some business to discuss."
"Miss, I'm not supposed to be in your room." Eren tried to leave but she blocked the door. What the hell is this bitch doing?
"No." she hissed. "I have been trying for two days to get that beautiful prince to look my way, and what, you stumble into a room and he's all buddy- buddy with you? The maid?"
"Miss, I think you're mistaken. I just clean." Eren corrected.
"Yeah. You just clean. So you should stay the hell away from someone as special as him, you piece of shit." She scowled, but the makeup caked on her face made it less intimidating.
"Miss, I'm done with my shift so please-"
"No." Rosalie stood a good few inches taller than Eren due to her heels. She pushed him against the wall, and he flinched. He could easily resist, but was at a loss of what to do. I can't push her back…she's a girl!
"I'm going to marry into royalty. I don't care what I have to do."
Eren narrowed his eyes, "I wish you all the luck in the world. Now ma'am-"
She pushed him again, and Eren resisted. Nevertheless it made a loud noise as his shoulder hit the wall. He glared and ripped his arms out of her grasp, but she caught him off guard again; the brunette slammed him into an ugly kiss. She used her teeth and bit at his tongue. He felt blood being drawn, and Rosalie tangled a hand in his shirt. Eren's eyes snapped open with a rush of adrenaline. He roughly pushed her away from him, and she stumbled back a good foot or two.
Suddenly time stood still as she got a shit eating grin on her face. She slowly reached up and touched her own shoulder. Rosalie clutched the sleeve of her purple dress and yanked it; a sickening rip sound echoed in the room. Eren was still in shock, and extremely confused. She turned on her heel and ran out the door screaming.
"Help! Help! Someone help me please!"
Eren's heart sank. He stood still in her room, feet heavy as lead. Her shouting seemed to echo even louder inside his own head. He just stared forward with a blank expression. I've only worked here for a couple weeks…and now…
He heard the yelling taking place in the hallway, but didn't move a muscle from his slumped position against the wall.
"Help me, p-please!"
"Ma'am! What's wrong?"
"H-h-he tried to rape me! He kissed m-me and t-tried to rip off my dress!"
"Oh my gosh, Rosalie I heard you screaming what happened?"
"That man father! The maid!"
Eren still didn't move. Lies… His eyes turned to the door as people ran into the room. The father looked furious. Eren remained expressionless and numb as the father ran up to him, grabbed his shirt, and slammed him against the wall. There was more screaming, but Eren's brain wasn't functioning right. He could only focus on the punch that was delivered to his jaw.
He still didn't show any emotion as he was punched again. His hair fell in front of his eyes, and took a punch to the gut. Mr. Crow was screaming at him but he didn't pay any attention. He looked over to see Armin arguing with the businessman to stop, but the enraged father was merciless. His eyes then turned to the devil herself- the girl smirking in the back of the room.
All commotion suddenly stopped.
Levi stepped into the room.
The hold on his shirt was released, and he slid until he hit the floor. He didn't realize until right then that he was bleeding from his nose.
He heard Levi snap, "What is happening?"
"Your employee Mr. Levi!" The man wrapped an arm around Rosalie. "He assaulted her. How could you hire such a disgraceful, scummy- no dishonorable employee?"
It was silent in the room; Eren was feeling lightheaded. It took him a moment to realize that Armin was crouched down next to him in a protective position. Eren looked over to Levi, who had a straight face. Somehow with just his presence, he was able to make everyone still. Finally Levi's eyes turned to look at Eren.
He felt embarrassment; he was sure he looked like hell. That businessman could pack a punch. Levi stared at Eren for what felt like a year, until he turned back to the guests and said,
"You have two minutes to get out of my house."
Mr. Crow smiled, "That's the sport, Sir Levi. I knew you had morals-"
"I'm not talking about Eren." Levi snapped. "I'm talking to you two. I want you shitheads off my property or for fucks sake I will kick you out myself."
The look on the man's face was priceless.
The look on Rosalie's was even better.
Eren sat slumped against the wall watching the drama unfold with emotionless eyes. At some point Armin escaped to go get bandages for him.
After throwing an enormous fit, the father and daughter were finally in a car and out of their house. Mr. Niall came in to apologize endlessly, but Levi shoed him off.
"I don't do business with people of such low standards."
That was the last thing Levi said before walking over and sliding an arm around Eren's waist.
Eren had yet to say a word. He was helped onto Rosalie's used- to–be- bed, where his shirt was ripped off of him and multiple people were poking around him for damage.
Armin got his face to stop bleeding, and Levi held him upright. Christa and another employee were checking his chest for internal bleeding.
Suddenly, it was like the haze was lifted off of Eren's brain. His eyes snapped open wide, and he jerked forward. Oh my gosh a prince is taking care of me.
"Oh my gosh!"
"Eren." Levi held the young man by the shoulders.
"It's all my faul-"
"Eren." Both Levi and Armin repeated it this time. It wasn't any use, the teenager was rambling nonsense.
The prince let out a tired sigh, and said monotone, "Everyone please leave."
Moments later it was just Levi and a babbling Eren left in the room.
"What about the deal? What happened to the business partner? You're a prince you shouldn't be worrying about me-"
"Eren." Levi repeated. He finally looked up and met the prince's cold eyes.
The room went quiet, and Eren swore he could hear his heartbeat. The heir was so close to him and touching him and oh gosh his entire body was on fire. "How…did you know I didn't do it?" Eren asked slowly, his voice finally calm.
"Your eyes were dead so I knew it couldn't have been you. A guilty person would have been trying to lie." Levi's eyes scanned over his chest one more time before handing Eren back his shirt. Eren blushed and Levi continued. "Plus that bitch was practically swimming in her own satisfaction. It was obvious."
Eren was at a loss for words, so he said the first thing that came to mind. "I know I'm the new guy…but thanks for believing in me."
Levi's head snapped over to look at Eren, who was slipping his shirt back on. The prince then looked away, and sighed.
"Are you okay?"
"Huh?"
"I asked if you were okay, brat." Levi snapped.
Eren replied "Y-yeah, I'm alright."
"Good." Levi stood up.
After a moment of silence Eren asked, "Are you okay?"
Levi gave an amused snort that make Eren jump. The heir replied, "Come on idiot, let's go get some fucking food. Also, your face looks like a paint bucket, so you should really get some ice for that shit."
He was babied by the rest of the employees for days. Apparently nobody had ever been assaulted before, and they all felt awful. Eren assured them multiple times that he was fine, but the bruise on his jaw said otherwise.
Eren wasn't quite sure if the whole experience made him closer or farther away from the prince. The only thing he could think about was how unbelievably soft his hands were. And how pretty his face is. And how strong he is-holy shit I need to stop this.
Eren shook his head of the thoughts. He was currently was making his rounds, mopping the floor. As he passed by the prince's room, he heard the man talking on the phone. He didn't want to eavesdrop on something personal, but when he heard his name, he hid around the corner. He could only hear one side of the conversation:
"Yes. I want their company burned to the ground….Metaphorically fuck, Erwin what the hell do you take me for? Why? Because that damn pigheaded asshole assaulted my new employee. Yeah, nearly popped the kid's eye out… Don't even get me started on that dumbass daughter….Mhmm…yeah…No I don't shut the fuck up-I'm hanging up on you. His name? Why the hell do you care? Fine, it's Eren….okay you know what, fuck you, and your stupid face. I'm hanging up."
Eren blinked, and then dashed around the corner as Levi's door flung open. He waited for the heir to walk away to let out the breath he was holding. Who is Erwin? I wonder what he was talking about.
Eren touched the bruise on his face and shrugged.
Chapter two is done c:
Oh my gosh thank you all so much for the support! I was not expecting anyone to read this and ah thank you so much. I'm having so much fun with this AU, and i have so much planned for it hehe.
Please let me know what you like! I very much value your opinion.
I hope you all have a fabulous day