Disclaimer: I own none of the characters!

The night was going as well as it could. Eren had learned to keep to himself and was slowly getting used to being up at night, with the rest of the castle. He spent his time in his room, locked away and looking out the window, watching the night sky pass.

He could only dream of escape. And he dreamt with his eyes open, locked on the velvet sky overhead. He would watch the lake, seemingly black in the night. But when sunrise came that distant lake was colored orange and red and it was one of the most beautiful things Eren ever laid eyes on.

Petra would visit him the most, mainly to bring him food as Eren refused to eat in the dining hall. Sometimes Hanji was with her. The only time Eren dreaded was tea time—because that was when Levi would rear his head into the room.

Their tea times were quiet. Levi would sit in his chair, practically staring Eren down. And in return, Eren would sit at the window, watching the sky. He kept his back turned in silence, slowly sipping at his tea. The only thing he ever said to Levi was a muffled "thank you" when the prince handed him his tea.

It went on for two weeks. The exact same routine. The tea, the silence, the visits. It was monotonous and the feeling of being lonely never lifted. He may have made friends, of sorts, with Hanji and Petra, but his captor was still the same.

Until that night. The night that had been going well. The same as it always had been.

"Come down for dinner tonight," Levi said.

Eren looked around at him, lowering his cup. He took a deep breath, shuddering at the harsh sound of Levi's voice.

"I…I really don't want to…"

"You've been eating your fucking dinner up here for the last two weeks. You need to get out of this damn room. Come eat with me."

"I don't want to, sir," Eren repeated. "I like eating up here."

"I don't," Levi snapped. "I brought you here for a reason."

"To make me fucking miserable?!" Eren shouted. He felt his chest tighten and his fingers clamped down around the cup. "Because you're doing a damn good job of it!"

Levi got to his feet and was at Eren's side in a matter of seconds. Eren instinctively flinched, dropping the tea cup on the floor. He heard it break and saw a small piece of porcelain skip across the floor as tea spilled around their feet.

"Fuck," Levi hissed. The man groaned and stepped back, glaring at the mess. Eren looked up at him, his voice too lost to mutter a "sorry" to Levi. "Clean this up. And I'll see you for dinner."

He didn't give Eren time to respond. He stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

Eren was shaking. Partially from anger, just because of how demanding Levi was. Partially from fear, because of how infuriated Levi was. It was a dangerous combination.

How could he ever live like that? With someone like Levi constantly in his presence?

He got to his feet and walked to the bathroom that was attached to the room. He pulled a towel from the cabinet, glancing up at the mirror. His face was red and he was close to tears. Shaking it off, he walked back into his room.

The mess on the floor was spreading slowly. Eren walked over and kneeled on the floor, soaking up the mess he had made. With gentle fingers he picked up the cup and the little shard next to it. The porcelain cup had been so beautiful; finely made with a delicate rose painting on the side. But there it was, broken and chipped and possibly useless.

Or maybe he was the broken and useless one now.

"Why did you kidnap that innocent boy?" Hanji asked curiously. Levi stopped pacing, breathing hard.

"I didn't kidnap him," Levi hissed. He slammed his hand against the fireplace mantle.

"Well, why did you drag him all the way out here and away from his family and home?" Hanji sarcastically asked, waving her hand about with each word.

Levi huffed at her bold sarcasm. "Because…he didn't judge me."

"Oh?"

"He didn't judge me. He saved my life," Levi muttered. "He could have kept going that night. He could have avoided anymore possible danger. And he didn't. That little shit saved me. He took the time to fucking save me"

"And you were so grateful you…kidnapped him from his home?"

Levi narrowed his eyes at her.

"No. He said himself that he wanted to see the fucking world. I was just making that a reality for him."

Hanji nodded. "By forcefully taking him away from his home? Yes, I understand your logic."

"No!" Levi shouted. He slammed his hands on the fireplace mantle again, this time rattling the vase sitting on top. His breathing was uneven. Hanji smiled gently.

"Perhaps, you should make him feel like he's not a prisoner in his new home?" she asked. "Do something…nice?"

"I'm being very nice."

"No, no. You're being tolerable. At best."

Levi spun around quickly, ready to rip her throat out. But Hanji did not flinch. She laughed again.

"Shitty four-eyes."

"With that attitude he'll never like you. Ever. Be nice."

"Fuck," Levi groaned. He pressed his fingers to his nose. "Then what the hell am I supposed to do?"

Hanji tapped her finger to the tip of her chin.

"Invite him to dinner."

"I did."

"No, you told him he's going to eat with you," Hanji sighed. "There's a difference."

"Then how do I invite him?!"

Hanji jumped to her feet and marched over to him.

"You go up to his room, knock—gently—on his door, and say, "Eren, would you like to join me for dinner?". And if he says yes, then good. And if he says no, do not get upset."

"I won't get upset."

Eren was curled up on the bed, Petra stroking his messy hair. He had linked his fingers around the skirts of her blue dress, his head against her leg. He was turned so he could still face the tall glass doors, watching the night sky. Petra sat behind him as she hummed lightly.

Her singing was making him drowsy. It was relaxing to have a lullaby hummed to him. It hadn't happened in a long time; his mother was usually too sick and Mikasa was often too tired. And there was no way Eren would expect Armin to sing to him. So having Petra sing to him was a pleasant change, and so far his favorite.

"I know you don't want to, but maybe you should get dressed? For dinner?" Petra asked gently. Eren shook his head.

"I'm not going to dinner with him," Eren said. "I don't want to be around him. At all. He's awful and rude and he acts like he's entitled to everything."

Petra sighed and kept stroking his hair, listening to everything he said.

"He can't just barge in here and demand that I eat with him!" Eren continued. "Who the hell does he think he is?—"

A firm knocking at the door made Eren grow quiet. He sat up and swallowed, staring at the door, already knowing who was on the other side.

"OI, Eren."

Eren shuddered. He looked at Petra and she nodded at him, a silent plea to at least respond. Grumbling, Eren slipped off the bed and walked to the door. He opened it up and stared at Levi standing before him. The prince had a rather nervous look on his flushed face.

"I was wondering, brat, if you would come eat with me."

The statement came out a little forced. A little rehearsed. But at least he was somewhat asking.

"Honestly, I'm not really hungry…I just had a snack and—"

"So that's a no, am I correct?"

Whatever gentleness was in Levi's tone quickly left. Eren nodded nervously.

"It is. But you actually asked and—"

"Then don't fucking come to dinner," Levi snapped, throwing his hands up. He turned away and started to walk down the hallway. Eren's face lit up red with anger.

He threw his door back, running into the hall.

"I was going to say, you asshole, that I wouldn't mind sitting with you while you ate or even eating a little later with you! Because you actually fucking asked instead of demanded like the assclown you usually are!" Eren shouted. "So excuse me for actually trying to give you a fucking chance!"

Levi spun around in the hallway, his eyes narrowed on Eren. And Eren boldly glared back, his chest rising and falling with each quick breath.

"I think I lost my fucking appetite," Levi said, turning away and walking off, yet again.

Eren threw up his hands, rolling his eyes. He stormed back into his room and slammed the door shut behind him.

It took some time for Eren to calm himself and as soon as he did, hunger actually set in. He tried to fight the feeling, not wanting to leave his room. But when his stomach rumbled he gave up. He slipped into a robe Levi had provided for him; the silky material felt nice on his skin, but he still wasn't quite used to such luxuries. On quiet, bare feet Eren snuck out into the hallway.

Normally he would have asked Petra, or even Hanji, for food. However, Petra had left after his small anger tantrum and finding Hanji was too much work. Keeping his arms wrapped around his chest, Eren made his way down to the kitchen. He occasionally rubbed his arms with his hands; partially from being cold, partially from his nerves.

He pushed the door to the dining hall open and started to walk towards its end and to the kitchen. He hurried over the wood floor, his feet making barely any noise, when the kitchen door was pushed open. Eren paused as Irwin stared down at him, a bowl in his hands.

Irwin gently smiled at him.

"Hungry?" Irwin asked.

"Uhh, yeah," Eren replied. He laughed nervously and pulled on the tie around his waist, keeping the robe closed. "I didn't each much earlier."

"I heard about that. Hanji told me."

"Figures. What did you get to eat?" Eren was really in no mood to talk about what had happened between him and Levi.

Irwin lowered the bowl to reveal a pile sweet smelling fruits. Eren's eyes widened.

"I've never seen half of these," Eren said. "Most of the time fruits are just used for pies."

"Levi is rather fond of trying exotic fruits. Especially since he can't leave the castle for extended periods of time," Irwin explained. He tapped Eren on the shoulder, gesturing for him to follow. Eren walked with Irwin to the long table.

Irwin first sat the bowl of fruit down on the dark wood table. He then turned to Eren, grabbing him by the waist and lifting him up. Eren grabbed his shoulders in shock as Irwin placed him on the table. With a long sigh, Eren loosened his grip as Irwin picked up the bowl again.

"Try some?"

Eren wrapped his fingers around the edge of the table as Irwin held up a small, red fruit. He eyed in cautiously.

"It's a strawberry," Irwin laughed, holding it closer to Eren's lips. "Open."

Eren swallowed hard. He could practically taste the sweet fruit on his lips already. Its scent was delicious and the offer was tempting. Odd, but tempting.

He slowly opened his mouth, not wanting to be rude. Irwin smiled again as he pressed the strawberry to Eren's tongue. Eren bit down quickly and pulled back as sweet, sticky juice dripped down his chin. He pulled the sleeve of his robe over his hand to wipe his mouth as Irwin presented another fruit to him.

"Try this one," Irwin said softly, "it's a raspberry."

Eren looked up at him and at the blue eyes locked onto his face. Or maybe mouth, he wasn't sure. He slowly parted his lips, still watching Irwin carefully, as the man placed the fruit on his tongue again.

"Oi, Irwin, brat."

Eren coughed as he swallowed, his eyes leaving Irwin and looking to the prince standing only feet away. Levi looked upset. No, infuriated was a better word for it. His brow was furrowed and his eyes looked dark. His arms were crossed, his fingers visibly digging into his skin.

"Good evening, sir," Irwin said calmly, popping a fruit into his mouth. "Hungry as well?"

"Yes, actually," Levi replied. He let his eyes trail to Eren and back to Irwin.

He didn't know why, but Eren felt guilty. He did nothing wrong but he felt guilty. He could see the hurt in Levi's eyes. He may despise the prince, but Eren really had no intention to hurt him. Perhaps upset him or piss him off, but actually hurting him…

"Carry on," Levi sighed walking by them. "I'm getting stew. I didn't mean to interrupt."

Eren swallowed hard, watching Levi walk away. Irwin's sudden rustling, however, drew Eren's attention away from the prince. Irwin picked up the bowl and started to walk in the opposite direction.

"I'm going to finish this in my own quarters," Irwin announced. "In case you want to try some more, you know where to find me."

Eren nervously laughed and waved. He watched Irwin down the dining hall and walk through the doors. The invitation made him anxious. The situation made him anxious. Irwin made him anxious.

He wasn't fond of anxious.

He hopped down from the table and adjusted his robe before walking to the kitchen door. He took a long breath and pushed it open, quietly walking inside. His eyes immediately found Levi, sitting on the floor with his back pressed against the wall. His eyes were closed and his hands folded in his lap.

"Are you alright?" Eren asked with a cautious voice. Levi's brow furrowed and he opened his eyes.

Obvious shock was all over the man's face.

"You're…here?"

"Yeah," Eren said with a shrug. "Irwin left and I…I wanted more than just fruit to snack on."

A faint smirk spread over Levi's face.

"It's in that pot on the stove," Levi said. "I would get it myself but I'm just…not feeling good."

Eren looked over his shoulder at the large pot. There was a dying fire underneath it to keep its contents warm. Eren walked over to the cabinets, opening them up until he found the porcelain bowls. He took down two and did the same until he found the silverware.

He ladled stew into the bowls, trying his best not to make a mess. He took the bowls over to where Levi sat and kneeled down. Levi looked up at him and took the stew from him with questioning eyes.

With a deep breath, Eren sat down on the floor across from him. Levi raised an eyebrow.

"You don't have to eat with me," Levi said. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"I know I don't have to," Eren replied with an edge to his tone. "But I fucking want to. So shut up, sir, and eat."

Levi looked down at his food, picking up the spoon. "I apologize for earlier, brat."

Eren smiled. "It's alright. I guess. But thank you.

"I can understand if you hate me. And I can't blame you for liking Irwin's company more than mine."

"Not really," Eren said. "Well…I do sort of hate you. And I don't exactly prefer his company more. He just has better social skills."

Levi rolled his eyes. "Brat."

"Assclown."

They kept their eyes down, focused on their food. They faintly chuckled at the other's remark, but neither of them really said anything after. Nothing more needed to be said; not now. Eren wanted to ask Levi "Why", simply why. But when he looked at the prince and saw the tired, fading expression on his face, Eren couldn't bring himself to ask such a harsh question.

Not now, he thought. Not when they were finally communicating without yelling. They were actually calm. And Eren liked calm when he could find it.