Beauty and the Beast

B&TB ~ 1

Life was normal. I was the average boy, living life. Being a happy kid. I had an adopted sister and an amazing best friend. I lived in a decent home with two average parents.

It wasn't until said parents died in a car accident, leaving my sister and I alone. We lived with relatives until we got jobs, paid for an apartment and shared it with our best friend.

We felt independence, confidence. A chance at a new beginning until I received a letter in the mail.

The envelope was rough against my fingertips, yet soft as a feather at the same time. My name, Eren Jaeger, was written out in what looked like gold ink on the front.

My address was scribbled underneath. I opened it to see a familiar name. Levi Ackerman? The man my father worked for? I unfolded the innocent looking letter. It seemed normal as I scanned through it, until I saw the end.

My father owed Levi millions and I had nothing. I couldn't forget the other words though. He would come to collect his payment the next day.

What payment?

I didn't have money. I was 16, living as an independent with a sister and best friend at my side.

It was truly a sight. Was he going to sue? Take everything I had? I barely had anything. I was in debt already.

Mikasa could see my frightened expression. "Eren, what is it?" She raised an eyebrow and gave a small head tilt.

I tossed the letter to the side. "Levi Ackerman is coming tomorrow and taking everything from us."

Armin walked in moments later, nose stuck in a book of faraway lands.

I groaned and snatched it from my blonde friend. "I told you not to read it until I finished, you're a faster reader. You'll finish it before me and spoil it like you always do!" I held the book.

Armin pouted and rolled his eyes. "Fine and oh yeah. Ackerman. You could just seduce him with those good looks and a pair of thigh highs. I bet he'd go for it."

I laughed slightly. "He's young, and kinda short. Not that much older I assume. I saw him at a dinner my dad dragged me to once. He barely spoke out loud, but the way that man stared. I thought he was stripping me with his eyes." My teeth tugged at my bottom lip. "So, that's an option."

"No, not an option." Mikasa hissed as she walked by, hands on her hips.

I simply shook my head. "I'm not doing that, but even if I did want to, I would do it. Whether you like it or not."

Mikasa could only glare at me, her stubborn brother. "Please stop." She muttered.

Armin laughed at Mikasa's serious tone. She was always so serious. She never really joked much.

I sighed. "Well, I'm expecting to have everything taken out from under me tomorrow thanks to Mr. Levi Ackerman."

Armin laughed slightly. "Maybe it's a good opportunity. You know you're screwed at work, being a crappy cashier..maybe he can help you."

Mikasa shook her head. "Doubt it." She muttered under her breath. "People that high up don't think about those below them. They don't help those below them.

I sighed and couldn't help but nod in agreement. "You have a point."

Armin frowned softly. "Whatever. Let's just get ready for dinner okay? I want food and then my bed."

I headed towards the kitchen and opened up the fridge. I leaned against the refrigerator door. "Um. We have milk, two eggs, a rotten apple and two boxes of cereal. Take your pick."

Armin's facial expression changed to one in thought and nodded. "Okay, so the three of us can split the eggs, the cereal, and the milk. We have to throw the rotten apple out. Obviously can't eat that." He muttered. "Let's get cooking."

We were able to find ways to eat a least. I went on knowing that there were people out there that had it much worse. We should be grateful for what we have.

-

After dinner was made and cleaned up I headed towards my bedroom. I slept in the living room with Armin. We had a screen dividing it to turn it into two bedrooms. We gave Mikasa the bedroom since she's the only girl and all.

I could hear Armin tossing and turning in his bed. He seemed nervous. I understood why. If I lost everything, so did he. He lived with me after all.

I sat up. "Armin quit moving around. It's making me anxious." Well, more anxious. I was already a ball of anxiety. Lump in my throat, pains in my stomach. I wanted to puke, but I held it together because if I lost it, Armin would too.

Armin suddenly came to a stop and sighed. "Sorry." He muttered and turned on his side.

I could see his outline through the shade between us. The room was dark, but the nightlight in the far corner of Armin's side of the room illuminated some parts.

He couldn't see me though. It was almost pitch black on my side.

"Eren, do you think we're blowing this out of proportions?" Armin asked, I could feel as if he was closing his eyes.

"Probably. I hope so." My two different answers. They probably weren't helpful at all.

I felt bad. I wasn't helpful. I was just as nervous.

I guess we'd have to wait and see.. wait and see what the next day would bring. As I stayed in deep thought I slowly drifted off into a light sleep.