Mare's Nest (Ereri)

Chapter Four

"Aren't you tired of seeing me by now?"

Eren chuckled at my inquiry, gesturing for me to sit across from him. I obliged, sitting across from his gaze. No one sat at our table, everyone's gazes strayed from our figures, talking amongst themselves.

"You wanted to see me?" I questioned. He took a sip of his water before smiling. "I have a proposal," he said, propping his arms on the table. "Which is?" I asked dragging out my words. He folded his hands and placed his chin on his knuckles. "There's a horse race tomorrow afternoon, and I'm choosing another member to bring along," he started. "So, I'm guessing you're going to ask me if I want to go," I smirk. "Oh no, you're going," he shook his head.

I gave him a confused look. "We'll both be betting on two different stallions. If I win, you'll allow me to court you," he continued. "And if I win?" I questioned. Eren leaned back in his seat, his arm hung on the back of the empty chair beside him. "If you win, I'll restrain myself," he explained.

I looked to the tray in front of him, noticing his barely touched food. Leaning against the table, I took a piece of bread. "And if neither of us win?" I questioned. "You can still decide if you'd like me to court you," he replied.

"You sound quite desperate, Eren Jaegar," I smirked, tearing the bread in my hands in half. "Perhaps I am," he shrugged. He reached over to take a half of the bread, before leaning back in his chair. "So, what's you're answer?" he questioned.

I stared at him with a small smirk, wanting to draw this out as long as possible. He was growing more anxious by the second. His body fidgeted slightly, his shoulders squirming as if he were trying to make himself more comfortable, and his fingers tapped on the tabletop. I took a bite of the bread, and pursed my lips as I chewed as if I were thinking of my decision.

"You're terms sound reasonable," I agreed. Eren smirked. "I'll see you tomorrow then," he stated.

***

"You said you have an update, already?"

After talking with Eren, I climbed down the fire escape from my bedroom window and ran to the detective agency. Erwin and Hanji sat behind their large desk, as I stood before them.

I nodded, "Eren is taking me to a horse race tomorrow. Although, he didn't specify its location."

Hanji and Erwin exchanged glances, as if their stares could express words. They looked back to me, smirks both tugging at their lips. "Wolverhampton," Erwin stated. I cocked my head giving him a questioning look. "It's the only racecourse scheduled for a competition tomorrow," Hanji explained.

"We'll follow you there, keeping a safe distance, but a close eye on you both," Erwin assured as if he knew Eren would do something.

Both of their eyes wandered up to my flat cap. "May we see your cap?" Erwin questioned, indicating to it. I looked up to see the cap's rim, and the glimmer of the razor blade. Removing the cap, I handed it to Erwin.

Erwin and Hanji scanned the material, until their eyes landed on the razor blades. "So it is true," Erwin smirked. Hanji took it from the blond's grasp. "One move, and you could blind anyone!" she shouted excitedly.

As Hanji stared at the blades in awe, Erwin turned back to me. "Is there anything else?" he questioned. "Eren and I made a deal," I explained.

Hanji slammed the cap on the tabletop, staring at me with a crazed smile. "What is it?" she shouted. "We're both going to bet on two different stallions at the race, if he wins he'll schedule a private interaction for us," explained. "Already?" Erwin inquired impressed. I nodded.

"I wish you luck, Levi!" Hanji squealed.

***

"Who are you betting on?" I asked Eren as I stared at the list riders and horses. "Ruth," he replied smugly. Ruth was near the top of the list, almost the fastest stallion in the race. But not the first. "I'm placing my money on Gesabelle," I explained, turning to Eren. He nodded pursing his lips as if he were impressed.

"Let's snatch a pair of seats before it's too crowded," Eren explained. He sauntered towards the doors leading to the track. I quickly followed behind.

The stadium was packed, with only a few seats available. Luckily, Eren and I found our place in the back. The race was about to start, the riders already getting into position. Everyone chatted amongst themselves, waiting for the race to start.

But a particular set of faces formed my lips into a smirk. Hanji and Erwin were three rows in front of us.

"Do you think you're going to win?" Eren chuckled noticing my smirk. I looked up to him. "Perhaps, are you nervous you'll lose?" I questioned. He turned to look back to the track. "Not in the slightest," he said.

A plank shot into the air, grabbing the audience's attention as the race began. Everyone began cheering, excited for their predictions to be a possible reality. I stayed quiet with my arms folded over my chest.

Each horse ran around the track with immense speed, quickly passing one another. I had never seen anything like it.

But of course there could be only one winner. And my smirk formed again at the declared champion.

Gesabelle had won.