Three's A Crowd

Double Time

It had been a few weeks since that little storage room encounter with Levi, and nothing else had happened since then. Other than the fact that every time I was around, I could feel that piercing gaze burning into my skin. I hadn't told anybody what actually happened while I had left the bar that night, mostly because Ymir loved gossip and hated Petra, which equates for a disaster.

I had a small glimpse into what Ymir hated about the older woman though. She had come in one day when Levi wasn't around and fired one of the girls because she overheard her talking about how gorgeous he was. The girl got her job back after 2 days, as when Levi came back and found out about what Petra had done, he was livid. Which got me thinking that what the brunette woman had told me about him hating her was true, and maybe not just a rumor.

Anyway, I still tried to keep myself out of business that wasn't my own. I had settled into the new job now, and had made quite a lot of new friends. A lot of the staff met up regularly and I had been invited out a couple of times already, although I tended to stick with Krista and Ymir most of the time if I went out. I had even gotten used to a lot of our regular guests in the VIP area, they all knew me by now so it seems I'd made a good enough impression.

I had a day off today so I was cleaning the house and cooking food for Armin when he waltzed into the kitchen, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind. The affection caused me to stiffen slightly, but I tried not to show it.

"Hey Y/N, so I was wondering... you're not in work this Friday are you?" He gave me a small squeeze, resting his chin on my shoulder as I was chopping some vegetables up. "Not this Friday, why?" I glanced back at him when asking him, curious because Armin never made plans with me. Hell, he hadn't taken me on a date or anything in years...

"The company is having a ball on Friday night, I'd like you to come with me..." I sighed and rolled my eyes. Of course, the company. I couldn't exactly say no though, since I've just confessed to being free that night. So I drew a breath and agreed, "Yeah, sure. I'll go." I said, not really any hint of excitement or pleasure in my voice, which went completely undetected or disregarded by the blonde.

"Yes! Thank you so much, I love you!" He chirped, leaning around and pecking my cheek. I forced a smile and carried on preparing the food while he strode off, probably to go and do some more work. Why is this my life?

--

The days went by and soon enough it was Friday afternoon and I had just woken up from my nap. Feeling miserable, I went into the kitchen to try and cheer myself up with some ice cream. I was sat at the breakfast counter, drowning my sorrows in the tub when I heard my phone ringing from the living room. I got up, leaving the ice cream on the counter and went to get it and see who was calling. I missed the call, and checked the screen only to be met with 5 missed calls. What the heck? I examined the number, not recognising it and was about to call back when it started ringing again, the same number flashing on the screen. "Hello?"

"About time you picked up, brat." Levi? Why is he calling me? "Any chance you can work tonight? It's urgent, one of the girls can't make it in so we're short on the downstairs bar?" He sighed through the phone, he clearly sounded quite stressed. I would have agreed in a heartbeat but then I remembered it was Friday night. "I actually had plans to go to my partners work event tonight..."

"Please, Y/N. I'll pay you double time?" Holy cow! Double time? Even just my basic wage was a lot for a bar job, but double time?!

"Um, are you sure it's ok to pay me double time Levi? That's a lot of money?" I bit my lip, feeling a little sly for being convinced by the double time offer but hey, a girls got bills to pay. He snorted before his voice filtered through the phone again.

"It's fine, I really need the staff. Just... don't tell the others that I'm paying you double." That sly bastard... I chuckled before agreeing to cover the shift, wondering how I'm going to break it to Armin.

"Thanks, brat. Wear something nice. See you later." I don't know if I imagined it, but I could almost hear the smirk on his face when he said those words. After hearing the call beep, I got up and looked into the mirror and was met with my pale skin, glowing red over my cheeks. I need to get it together. That's what I told myself, but in reality, I was already halfway up the stairs, looking for my outfit to wear to work tonight.

--

I had just finished doing my hair and makeup to look presentable for work, my attire laid out on the bed when I heard the door go and Armin shout for me. I called back, to signal that I was in the bedroom and heard his light steps up the stairs and towards me. When he entered our shared bedroom, he first looked at me then saw the clothes laid out on the bed. "Um, Y/N, that's not exactly something to wear to the ball tonight?" He looked confused as he loosened his tie and began removing his work suit.

"Yeah, about that. I got a call from my boss and he needs me to work short notice tonight. They're paying me double time for the shift though!" I looked at the male through the mirror and smiled apologetically, only to be met by the look of pure disappointment. "But, the ball was the first time we would have had to spend together for weeks..." he spoke, in a barely audible voice.

"I know and I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise." I tried, turning around to face the blonde. He finally looked up at me and gave me a small smile, making me feel guilty for rather being at work. Hurting him was the last thing I ever wanted to do. "It's ok, I understand. I'd probably do the same... I've probably done the same." He hit the nail on the head there, since he would do that all the time. "What time do you leave? Need a ride?" He asked.

"My boss wants me there for seven, I have to help get ready to open the place. Are you sure?" He nodded, getting ready for his work event. He would probably drive me to work on the way to the company ball. We finished getting ready in silence and before long, we stood downstairs. I took one last look in the mirror, making sure I looked smart for my shift and we left.

Poor baby Armin, I feel bad for doing this to him. But... Levi... Wins.

-koala