"I don't know what to do." Eren threaded his fingers into his own hair. "What do I do?"

Hanji smiled and leaned back into the bean bag, "Well, I'm pretty sure that's your decision."

"You're no help." Eren crossed his arms.

As soon as Levi had left the stable Eren hunted down the closest trustable person and exploded his feelings all over them. In this case, it was Hanji. Now they sat in the back of the library by the window. They sunk into the brown bean bags shoved in the corner for cat naps and book reading.

Hanji was dressed professionally, but crossed her legs like a young child and grinned like a cat, "This is a good thing Eren. I don't understand why you're so upset."

"Okay, okay," Eren waved his hand around, "Let me just explain this again. Prince Levi wants me, his maid and partner of romantic interest for two weeks, to go to Stohess, a kingdom across the world to a royal party. Did you get all that? Should I speak slower?"

"I'm not mental." Hanji rolled her eyes but continued to smile like a proud parent, "You should be ecstatic. Levi has never ever taken anyone to his country- and he's only been back there once since he moved to America."

"All the reason for me to be even more nervous." Eren hung his head in his hands again. "This is going to be a disaster, I can feel it. In my bones."

Hanji sighed, "Eren." The younger looked up through the cracks in his fingers. She reached over to pat his knee, "The boss isn't ignorant. He's prideful-sometimes a jerk, very much a neat freak, and often way too blunt about things, but," she breathed, "You forget that he's somewhat wise."

Eren sat up and Hanji continued on, "I think I've told you this before, but Levi will take care of you. Once he has something in his grasp he's very careful with it. That includes his company, his employees, and you."

"We've only been on like, one and a half dates." Eren blinked.

"He likes you."

"I mean, shouldn't he spend more time with me? I get that he doesn't care about status but isn't meeting his family is a little too-"

"Eren." Hanji's laugh carried like it usually did, "If he didn't want you near him, you wouldn't see him more than once a day."

Eren paused, and sunk back into the bean bag. It made that little squishy noise and he tucked his knees to his chest. "I'm nervous."

"Levi's brothers are loud." Hanji tapped her chin, "They're flamboyant, proud, tall, and the crown jewels of the country. They all got different traits from their father, but Prince Levi got his wisdom. Sure, he's got just as much pride, but Levi is very smart. I trust him."

"So…you think I should go with him?"

"If he invited you, there's a reason."

Eren wiped the door handle clean before taking a step back. The room was done, so he crossed it to gather his supplies and move on. A voice stopped him in the doorway,

"A bird told me you talked to Hanji."

Eren froze, and slowly turned around, rag in hand. He spoke slow, "I talk to Hanji a lot?" A bird? Hanji…That big mouthed little snitch…

"If you don't want to go, I won't make you." Levi crossed his arms. "To Stohess I mean." He was leaning against the doorframe and tilted his head so his bangs shadowed one eye. "I thought we established that you could talk to me about shit."

"I'm going." Eren responded, point blank.

Levi raised an eyebrow, "You are?"

Eren shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, why not?"

"You have a month to think about it."

"I'm going." Eren repeated. "I trust you."

At that, Eren heard the double doors shut. He looked up to see that Levi had closed them- he could no longer hear or see into the hallway. The prince looked somewhat relieved, and crossed the room to gracefully slide into a chair. "Then sit down."

Eren was still clutching his cleaning supplies, and raised his eyebrows. The heir continued to stare so Eren did as he was told- he stiffly sat on the couch across from him.

"If you're coming with me to that hell hole," Levi smoothly leaned his elbow on the armrest and his head in his hand, "Then we're going to need some cultural lessons."

"O-oh," Eren blinked, "okay, I can do that."

"It's not hard, really," He blinked coldly, "Just what not to do and say or whatever. It's not super important, considering that I don't really give a shit about mannerisms. Although, it would be good for you to know who's who."

Eren nodded and Levi continued, "How about every Tuesday?"

Eren grinned, "Okay, but this better not be our date night too."

The prince finally sported a smile, and moved to stand up, "Dumbass. That's Friday."

He left the room without another word, and Eren laughed, a bit excited. This will be interesting.

"Are you seriously wearing a shirt with weed on it?"

Eren looked down and pulled on the fabric. He chuckled, "In my defense, it's actually not mine." He walked past Levi into the study.

The prince turned around and shut the door with his elbow, "Really now?"

"It's Jeans. I stole it." Eren plopped down into an empty chair and watched the heir swipe an object off the table.

"Wow, aren't you a thug?"

"Shut up it's a long story." Eren tucked his legs underneath him. "Are you going to teach me things or not?"

"You're getting too ballsy, kid." Levi snapped somewhat playfully and rested his ipad in his lap. He tapped away at it, "Watch your mouth."

Eren rolled his eyes, "So, what do I need to learn?"

"The main language in Stohess is French." The prince ignored his question, "Well, used to be."

"Really?" Eren blinked

"It's mostly a mix of English and French now, I think." Levi tapped the corner of his lip in thought, "The whole damn world became more Americanized and shit, I guess."

"So what, do I need to learn French?"

"Nah, I'll translate for you."

Eren smiled at that, and Levi looked down to tap at his ipad again. "But you do need to learn the royal family. I think I might be able to find a-" he paused, "Oh, here." He held the screen so Eren could see.

The younger scooted forwards and swiped the device out of Levi's hands, "No way! This is your family?"

He looked down at the photo in awe. There were seven people all in the photograph posing around a beautiful chair. The man in the chair was obviously the king- he didn't wear a crown like in the fairytales, but was dressed exceptionally nice. It wasn't just a suit and tie- he was draped in really rich vibrant colors and jewels. In fact, all the people in the photograph were. It was kinda exotic.

Suddenly he felt a tug on the screen-

"Fuck, don't take things out of my hands." He stole the ipad back and barked, "Yes, that's my family…more or less."

"Wow." Eren slid forwards to continue looking, "Is that the king?" He pointed to the man in the chair.

"Yes." Levi nodded, straightforward. Eren glanced up to see his normal stone like expression. He felt his own face turning red so he coughed.

"Who are those two girls?" He pointed. One looked older and wise. She stood on the kings right- she looked like a queen, with blonde hair and blue eyes. The other woman stood on his left- she looked younger. Dark hair and eyes, somewhat short, but dressed just as beautiful. "Is that your sister?"

"No…those are the queens."

"The…" Eren looked up at Levi. He hadn't realized how closely they were now sitting. He could almost see the little specks of blue in his narrowed eyes. Two queens?

"This one is my mom." Levi pointed to the younger one, and then to the other, "And this is my brothers' mother."

Oh…oh…..

Eren thought back-

"That's it, really. I hated my brothers and didn't want to be a mooch. The end"

"'I'm the youngest of four and treated like a fucking baby."

"Is that why you don't really get along?" Eren asked bluntly.

Levi was expecting the question but still didn't quite have an answer.

"Probably. That's why I look fucking adopted compared to those three."

Eren hadn't really taken care to look at the four boys surrounding the head royals. Eren saw Erwin, looking just as princely as the day he met him. He bit back a shiver. Nile stood next to the older, apparently bored in the picture. They both looked young- Eren guessed that the picture was dated.

"You met Erwin and Nile already, but that's my oldest brother, Mike."

The tallest was a man standing next to Erwin, straight faced and arms behind his back.

Eren laughed and pointed to Levi who was obviously a good foot shorter than the others. "You're younger ! I can see that you look more annoyed than ever. A few less wrinkles though."

Levi snorted and kicked Eren's shin. The younger laughed again, and asked, "When was this taken?"

"Years ago…I was probably your age."

"Hmm." Eren sat back in his chair, "That's a nice family you have there, man."

"Yeah, wait 'till you meet them." Levi clicked off the iPad and tossed it onto the floor. He looked a little flustered, but only slightly.

"I'm excited!" Eren grinned.

"Good, 'cause I'm not." The heir crossed his arms. "I thought I'd never have to see that asshole's face again."

"Whose? Your fathers?"

"Yeah," Levi sighed, tired. "I'm going to be honest-he's going to absolutely hate you."

Eren felt offended and opened his mouth to ask why, but he thought about it for a moment. He paused before saying slowly,

"…because he wants you to marry a princess?"

"Bingo." He uncrossed his legs and patted his lap, "Come here."

Eren stood up and easily crossed the short distance. He slid into the prince's lap and swung his feet over the arm of the chair. He felt arms wrap around his waist.

"He's going to send every girl my way," Levi's usually smooth voice went a bit gruff, "And my brothers will try to steal you away."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because they want to steal everything I like." Levi answered, "That's why I learned not to enjoy things."

"That's dumb." Eren frowned, "You could probably kick their ass." He looked at Levi for an answer, but he didn't say anything. The younger paused…okay, the brothers are a touchy subject.

"Why does your dad want you to marry so bad?" He blurted, "I mean, he's got three other unmarried sons, right?"

Levi's expression was neutral. He slipped his fingers underneath Eren's shirt and the younger shivered- his hands were cold. Levi answered slowly, "That's a story for another day."

"You suck."

"Not yet."

Eren slapped the back of his head and the older made a deep rumbling noise in his chest- Eren realized it was a laugh. Levi's nose came to brush his cheek and suddenly they were kissing. Eren's hands slithered into his hair and the fingers on his hips burned. The prince was an exceptional kisser- Eren always had to try and match his speed. Oh what the hell, it keeps it interesting.

They split for air and Eren took the opportunity to reposition himself so his knees were on either size of Levi's thighs. The hands swept across his stomach, and up his chest. His dumb shirt rode up too, gathering around Levi's wrists. Eren lifted his arms above his head and the shirt was on the floor.

Lips were at his collarbone, so he sprawled his hands around the prince's skull and nape to keep him there- it looked like he was hugging him to his chest. Levi warmly exhaled across his neck and Eren shivered again.

"So Friday," Eren's voice sounded weak as the heir bit his skin, "I get to choose the location."

"Do you now?"

"I do."

"Okay." Levi agreed. "…as long as it's not fucking dumb."

"No trust? I'm offended." Eren joked, and brought a hand forwards to work on the top button of Levi's shirt.

The prince left quarter sized bruise on Eren's neck to catch his lips again. Eren mumbled words but Levi swallowed them all. In response, Eren popped the button on his collar with his thumb. He moved his one hand down, sliding and catching each button smoothly. The white shirt was now open- Eren grinned when he could feel the confusion radiating off of Levi.

The prince broke the kiss to ask, "How did you do that so fast?" He looked down, "That takes me like, five fucking minutes."

"I once dated a guy that only wore collared shirts." Eren answered. He took both hands and smoothed his thumbs underneath Levi's stomach muscle. "He was a hipster, or something."

Levi didn't respond, but the look on his face said, really now?

"He was dumb." Eren didn't make eye contact, so Levi didn't press the matter. Instead he slid his palm down the front of Eren's pants, and the younger gasped before throwing his weight forwards.

"Shut up." Levi mumbled against Eren's lips before kissing him again.

Eren tucked his legs to his chest and watched Reiner climb a ladder to trim the top of the trees to perfection. Levi was just as anal about his front yard as he was about the house. It wasn't a horrible day- the weather was somewhat chilly but not too bad. Was it January? Feburary? Eren couldn't really tell. The seasons in California were so neutral that everyone dressed the same year-round. He sat on the porch swing next to Armin, who was busy completing a book. He could see Ymir and Christa talking to Reiner as he worked. Eren missed the birds…

"So did you learn anything new yesterday?" Armin didn't look up from his book.

"I ended up in his lap."

"Productive."

Eren laughed, "Yeah, but he told me some more about his family."

"I've worked here almost my entire life," The blonde kicked out his feet and the porch swing creaked, "I still don't know much about him."

"He tells me things without actually telling me things." He sighed, "Maybe I'm too nosy."

"Maybe."

The chair swung a bit more and it was silent again. Armin slipped a thumb into his book and turned to look at Eren. He smiled, "The boss will tell you everything in time, I'm sure."

"Yeah, we'll see about that." Eren smiled back. Armin nodded and returned back to his book. Eren continued to just sit and watch Bertholt and Reiner work. Eren poked Armin's leg and he felt the blonde poke him back. Eren was really grateful for the steady rock that was Armin. He wasn't outspoken or a strong character, but he was a real friend. Eren was comfortable with just sitting next to him.

Eren laughed, "What, you don't like sandwiches? I definitely had Sasha and Connie help, so they're not poisoned, I promise."

"No." Levi sat down on the blanket wearily, "This is fucking adorable and I hate you."

"Oh, good," Eren stood out his tongue and pulled items out of his bag, "I also brought speakers because music is fun."

It was Friday- Levi had come home looking tired and very annoyed. Eren asked if they wanted to just go out next week but Levi persisted. Eren assured him they weren't going anywhere fancy- and it really wasn't. It was just a blanket Eren had set up at a park with some flashlights and candles. He packed food and snacks, and dumped it out with paper plates. The park was pretty much abandoned, but they could see the walking path from their spot underneath a tree. They weren't even dressed nice; just pajama pants and soft sweatshirts.

"Why are you so fucking cute." Levi asked…? It didn't really sound like a question… more like an accusation. He examined the candles and Eren slid closer to him.

"I just thought a place with no people would be better." Eren shrugged. The speakers played random music as the two ate sandwiches under the barely visible stars.

"You know," Levi said, oddly talkative, "I've been on a variety of dates; yachts for breakfast, luxury jets for tea, and the top of the Eiffel tower for a fucking snack."

Eren swallowed and the prince continued talking, "But I think this one might be my favorite." He glanced up at the sky where the moon was very round and big above them.

Eren smiled so wide that Levi felt the need to cover up for his nice remark, "I mean, it's the least horrible one, I guess."

The younger laughed and leaned so their shoulders touched, "I'm relieved." The tension in Levi's back lessened, so Eren asked, "Why do you say that?"

"It's heartfelt." He thumbed at his water bottle, "You're not trying to win my attention."

Eren smiled again. The atmosphere was soft and silent, not awkward at all.

"Did you know," Eren mumbled, "I slept in a park like this for nearly a month."

Levi didn't answer at first, like he was thinking of a response. It was quiet except for the occasional grasshopper or flicker of the candles. The heir asked, "You didn't have any other family? Friends? Nothing?"

"I had nothing." Eren confirmed. He desperately wanted to grasp Levi's hand, but didn't want to seem needy.

"Why?"

Eren didn't answer, so the prince grabbed his chin to force eye contact. Eren's eyes were wide, and was speechless as Levi mumbled, "I don't know anything about you, Jaeger."

"You know some stuff." Eren shrugged and Levi continued to stare, unamused. Eren sighed, "The quarterback of my school was secretly gay." Levi released his grip on Eren's jaw, surprised.

"When he found out I was too, he cornered me one day, senior year. He promised to out me to the whole school if I didn't blow 'em." He shrugged, "So I did. I mean, he was hot and I didn't really have any other choice." A sound of a frog croaking distracted Eren for a second. He smiled, and continued mumbling, "Long story short- he got super violent. One day I told him no and…well, yeah. I had to explain to my parents why I had two black eyes and three broken ribs."

"He beat you up?" Levi narrowed his eyes. "That-"

"Don't pity me." Eren nudged his shoulder lightheartedly. "I'm over it…but yeah, he stayed true to his promise- he outed me to the school. I had to tell my parents…but they're super Christian and thought I was diseased."

Levi made a face of disgust and Eren snorted, "Yeah, so for a few years they tried getting me all this counseling and treatment- I finally just packed up and left one day. I was tired of the verbal abuse. But, you know, they told everyone in the town so…no job for me."

Eren paused to look over at Levi- even though it was dark he could still see the icy blue specks in his eyes. Eren grinned, "Until you dropped your wallet."

The prince actually sported a smile- his heavy features lightened somewhat. Eren felt fingers thread with his and he laughed, happy, and at ease.

"No, no. That's a salad fork." Levi resisted the urge to smack his forehead.

"Why do we need a fork for every food group?!" Eren fumed.

"He's right, it is pretty dumb- maybe you should show him how-"

"Shut up Hanji." Levi snapped. "Why are you even in here?"

"…because you need a lady to show Eren some proper manners." Hanji grinned. Eren sat at Levi's desk- except it was set up with fancy silverware. Hanji and Levi sat in the chairs across from him, examining his every move.

"This is pointless." Eren huffed.

"I'm not going to give them a reason to hate you." Levi crossed his arms. "I can't change who you are, but I'll at least program some good habits into you."

"Let's try this again." Hanji lifted up her clipboard to read from it. "You sit down at the dinner table. What is the first thing you do?"

"Umm," Eren blinked, "Put my napkin on my lap?"

"Which color do you choose?"

"If I'm wearing dark pants, black."

"And how?"

"Folded across one knee."

"Good!" Hanji grinned. "Now, you just finished dinner and are given a small bowl filled with water, what is this for?"

"Uh," Eren blinked.

"Wrong! It's called a finger bowl." She laughed.

"It's served before dessert," Levi said monotone, "It's to clean your fingertips and only your fingertips."

"I hate this."

"Practice makes perfect! Haha!"

"Manners are hard." Eren rested his head in the palm of his hand. "Levi wants me to do everything to perfection."

"It's for your own good, I'm sure." Marco smiled.

"There's a thing called a fingerbowl." Eren smacked his forehead.

"I bet if you roll over like a good dog he'll finally fuck you." Jean rubbed his nose and laughed.

Eren reached down, ripped off his shoe, and chucked it across the room at Jean. The teenager barely dodged it. He half laughed, half yelled, "Hey!"

"I didn't even invite you into our room," Eren huffed.

Jean crossed his arms, "Me and Marco are a package deal."

Armin coughed, "Gay."

Jean turned to yell something but Bertholt asked from his spot on the floor, "Did you have to walk with a book on your head?"

"No." Eren snapped, now a bit upset, "This isn't the princess diaries."

"Could've fooled me."

"Jean, seriously get the fuck out of my room."

Time seemed to pass quickly in the prince's mansion. Eren was busy-always cleaning, doing dumb things with friends or spending time with Levi. He noticed that the trip to Stohess was soon- but tried not to stress. He tried to focus on a bigger problem…

…like how his heart did flip flops whenever the heir walked through the door, and was getting better and delivering Levi's slight change in emotions- how his upper lip twitches when he's proud, or his right eye twitches when he's upset.

This wasn't just a matter of the prince being attractive and somewhat kind hearted. He was suddenly beautiful, and smart, and so amazing that it worried him. Eren knew he couldn't keep this person forever and yet…he just wanted to be with him all the time.

More weeks passed and, with time, the strange lessons with Levi got easier.

One in particular was more of a date.

Levi tried explaining the traditional wear in Stohess. The expensive silks and jewels that coated the people within the palace was only a thing to be bought within Stohess herself. Therefore, the duo spent a day online shopping. Eren constantly told him he didn't need so much, but it wasn't a concern to the heir. Levi was more excited to see the younger dressed up.

They went on more dates- and Eren learned more about the prince every day. If he had one regret, it was judging him months ago when he first started working.

Now they lay in bed; tomorrow they would drive to the airport to get on Levi's jet.

Levi's. Private. Jet.

Eren was still wrapping his head around all this.

Their bags were packed and shoved in the corner of the prince's tidy bedroom. Eren had decided to crawl into his bed late that night. Levi was so tired that he welcomed him with open arms.

The lights were off, and Eren had déjà vu of the last time he was snuggled against the prince like this.

"Levi?" His nose was inches away from the heir's.

He didn't open his eyes, "Mm?"

"Why did you drop your wallet?" Eren spoke softly, "I know it wasn't an accident."

"You looked sad." Levi answered immediately and honestly, "You looked too sad and too young to be sitting on a curb in the middle of winter."

"So…you dropped your wallet?"

"If you kept the money or returned the wallet, it didn't matter to me," Levi finally cracked open an eye and Eren blinked, trying to see Levi's features in the dark. "But I really didn't expect you to return it. I thought that if there are still decent people left in this world, they shouldn't be so miserable."

"You're a really kind person." Eren sighed, "You saved my life."

"Shut up and sleep." A hand threaded into his hair while the other slipped around his waist, "Tomorrow we fly across the world."

And there we have it c: I really took the opportunity to create more character development. I thought it would be weird to be like oh yaaay here we are in another country tada

I dunno, i enjoy transition chapters ^-^ Eren is a fun character because he's quirky and daring but also has insecurities like a normal human being

Again though, thank you for all the support. You've all been so amazing to me ;u; I read every review

And once again, i'll plug my tumblr for you guys - surveycorpsjean

i'm such a sellout