Mistaken Message (Levi x Eren)-

Rules

Eren shot awake from his spot in the bed with a gasp, his head turning as he took in his surroundings. For a second he was scared, he had no idea where he was. This wasn't his room, this wasn't his apartment. He stood quickly, running out of the room, immediately seeing Levi sitting at the kitchen table. That's when he remembered, Eren was stuck here, with Levi.

It had been ten days and there had been no sign of any rescue. Eren found himself hating this more and more every day. Levi was too nice, he hadn't done anything to him and it freaked him out. Wasn't Levi supposed to hurt him? Or ask for ransom? Or anything but this nice guy act he had put up? Levi had given Eren the bedroom and never changed the locks, giving Eren the chance to lock himself in. Levi had let Eren choose the meals and pick out his own clothes and Levi had even let Eren shower and take pictures of the apartment. Eren was downright terrified.

This wasn't how it was supposed to be, yet this was how it was. If Eren could forget about the fact that he couldn't leave, it would be almost like they were a couple. Eren shook his head, that was stupid.

He was trying to escape. He was being held against his will. Levi didn't love him. He repeated those words to himself over and over. Forcing himself to believe them, because with each day he found himself believing it less and less. Eren sat down at the kitchen table across from Levi, he gave the same fake smile and the same fake greeting that he gave the man everyday.

"Good morning Levi. Did you sleep well?" Eren hated having to be friendly with his captor but he knew it could be a potential way out.

"Yeah. I slept well. I hope you did too, you've been here long enough I think you're settling in nicely. It's time to go over the rules you've been avoiding." Levi responded, pushing a bowl of cereal to Eren. Levi had noticed the smiles and such that Eren was giving him, but he was annoyed by the fact that Eren still locked the bedroom door at night. What if Eren hurt himself? What if someone snuck into the bedroom and hurt Eren? What if Eren had a nightmare? Levi needed to be there, so he couldn't allow Eren to lock the door at night any longer.

Eren was surprised, he hadn't expected Levi to bring up these rules again. The last time he had mentioned them was on the first day and Eren had hoped Levi had forgotten. Apparently not, since the man had brought them up just now. He ate in silence, frustrated that he couldn't figure out a way to get out of this predicament. Eren finished his cereal a little too quickly for his liking, wishing there was more so he could put off this conversation.

Eren was terrified that these rules would be difficult and complicated and more than anything Eren hoped these rules would not end in rape or death. He sighed, looking up at Levi's watchful eyes. It was almost as if Levi was analyzing him, it made Eren uncomfortable.

"I expect you to remember every rule. Got it? I was even kind enough to write them down for you." Levi slid a piece of paper across the table to Eren. Eren picked up the paper and started reading it.

1. Eren will not leave the apartment unless accompanied by Levi or someone who has Levi's trust to protect Eren.

2. Eren will keep the apartment clean at all times with no exceptions.

3. Eren will not contact anyone who Levi has not already approved of.

4. Eren will be respectful to Levi and any guests who might visit.

5. Eren will not lock his door at night or at any other time.

6. Eren will listen to everything and anything Levi says.

7. Eren will not lie to Levi.

Failure to comply with these rules will result in punishment.

Eren read the rules a few times, some were reasonable, like number 2 and number 4. Others were impossible for Eren to do either way, like number 1 and number 3. But one thing on that list stood out to him.

"Why can't I lock my door at night?" He dared ask, hoping Levi wouldn't get annoyed by his question.

"For your own safety. You could get hurt and then I wouldn't be able to come help. I see no reason why you should lock it Eren." Levi responded, leaning back in his chair. He had a glass in his hand that Eren hadn't noticed earlier with a golden brown liquid in it. Eren figured it must be alcohol, Levi had to be drunk to not realize why Eren locked his door.

"I lock it because I like to be alone." Eren half lied, he wouldn't dare say the real truth, that he was scared of Levi. Eren knew that'd be a death wish.

"You don't need to be alone. You're with me. I won't ever hurt you Eren, all I ask in exchange is that you follow these rules." Levi downed the rest of his drink.

"Remember, failure to comply will result in punishment. And I really do not want to punish you Eren." When Eren heard those words he stood, grabbing the list and running for the bedroom, locking the door behind him.

Eren sat on the bed, staring at the list of rules, deciding he wouldn't open that door, Levi couldn't punish him, whatever the fuck that meant. Eren was safe. He crumpled up the list of rules and threw it to the other side of the room. He would rather rot here in this bed than follow that stupid list of rules. All Eren wanted was to go home.

AN: I feel obligated to say that there will be no rape or physical abuse in this story.