Beauty and the Beast

B&TB ~ 4

As I unpacked I could smell the aroma of food in the air. It made my stomach growl even more.

I didn't want to go eat with him. Sit at that table, be face to face with that man. Ugh. The thought.

I pushed the drawer closed and grumbled. I was hungry though. Slowly, I made my way downstairs and peeked into the kitchen. I could see Levi cooking. He was cooking?

I thought for sure he'd have some maid or something. I leaned in and couldn't help but sniff the air again. "What are you making?" I asked curiously, stepping into the room. The white tiled floor was slippery under my socks.

Levi turned his head and stared at me with his cold eyes. "Chicken breast, some vegetables and quinoa."

What in the world is quinoa? I figured Levi could tell I was confused.

"Google it, Eren." Levi rolled his eyes.

I couldn't help but tense up when he said my name. My eyes rolled, head tilted to the side. "No thanks. Can I help?" Might as well do something, right?

Levi nodded and motioned towards a cabinet. "Open that, get out two plates."

I ran my hand along the wood cabinet and opened it. I pulled out two delicate looking plates. I set them on the table and went back into the kitchen for the forks and knives.

I stopped when I saw Levi already had them on the counter waiting for me to get them. He stood over the stove, not moving a muscle.

He was really into the cooking, which was a bit surprising.

I set up the table with ease and watched Levi as he finished cooking. He moved all of the food on serving bowls and in trays.

I just stood and watched of course.

Moments later I found myself sitting at the dinner table, fork in hand. I was so nervous. Why though? I didn't need to be, it'd be fine.

Levi ate silently, eyes meeting mine every now and then. He picked up his napkin and tapped his lips with it before sighing. "So, anything you'd like to tell me about yourself? You'll be living here for quite a while, so might as well try and get to know you."

I raised an eyebrow and picked at the Quinoa on my plate. "Hmm.." I twirled my fork in it. "I read a lot."

"That's it?" Levi shook his head and began eatinf once again.

"Well yeah, I would go to the thrift store and buy ten books for a dollar." I saw the disapproving glare he gave as he watched me play with my food. I sighed and took a bite.

"Sounds interesting." Levi spoke as I chewed quietly. I shrugged.

It wasn't really interesting, but I knew he really had nothing else to say. It was a boring topic.

"So..why aren't you like married and have a family? Don't you get lonely in this big house by yourself?"

I thought I saw Levi's eye twitch. In that moment he looked extremely irritated. "Not everyone's ideal life is to get married and have kids."

"So..you don't want that at all?" That was definitely interesting. If he didn't have kids, someone else would get his company.

"No, I never said at all. Not now. I don't have time and women are not my forte."

Does that mean he's gay? Asking would be rude right?

"What?" Levi asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Oh! Uh nothing." I smiled embarrassedly and began eating quickly.

-

Before I knew it dinner was cleaned up and Levi had left to his office for the evening.

I figured it was time for me to clean up and take a shower. The sun was already setting.

As I walked back to my room and grabbed my towel and clean pair of boxers I could hear talking in the next room.

I assumed Levi was in his office in a conference call or something. I continued gathering my things and walked down the hall and past the office.

I heard my name and opened my mouth to respond, but quickly closed it when I realized he wasn't calling out to me, he was talking about me. I put my ear to the door and listened.

"Oi, I picked up that Jaeger kid today." Levi spoke softly.

All of those in the conference call were on speaker, kind of obnoxious.

"Grisha's son? Lucky you, bet that slut will be sucking your dick in a week." One of the men, Erwin said loudly.

Everyone in the call laughed except for Levi.

My cheeks burned red and I held my breath.

"You know that's not why I got him." Levi rolled his eyes.

"Oh right." Erwin sighed. "He owes you money, but no, you want to be a nice guy and what? 'Give him a better life' ?"

My eyes widened. Is that why he took me? To give me a better life?

"Shut the hell up. I'm doing it because I know what it's like to grow up without parents. He doesn't have any, at least let some guy with money help him out." Levi grumbled.

Erwin chuckled. "You could at least get some sex in return y'know."

"Enough with the sex talk." Levi hissed. "You know my reasons, the kid thinks I'm taking him to be a maid or something to try and earn back the money."

"But isn't he?" Hanji spoke.

"Well yes, but at the same time he's earning money for his future."

I could hear Levi's chair move and I ran down the hallway. Left so confused, I locked myself in the bathroom.

I panted and stared in the mirror. I knew the truth now, but it still didn't feel as nice. I was his charity case. So he could feel like a good person.

I clenched my fists. I didn't want his sympathy. I knew I could support myself.

Frustratedly, I walked towards the shower, pulling my clothes off frantically. Maybe a shower could relax me.

-

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