Chapter Text
Life couldn't get much worse.
I sigh as I made my way to Trost thinking back to my life at this point. Over the past few months I lost my job at the magazine publishing company I was in. While I struggled to live and contribute to the apartment I shared with a roommate, said roommate drops the bomb that she wants to move out and live with her boyfriend. I know it's to be expected but did she really have to do it right at this time? Jobless and would soon be homeless when the lease for the apartment was over. I wasn't sure what was going to happen but I decided to call a few people I knew in hopes they could help me for a while. Luckily I got what I needed, and I had a roof over my head while I would hopefully find a job of my own.
I came to a halt in the apartment complex, my gps saying I've arrived. It was a nice place, a nice modest size. I had to make sure I didn't put them out. I grab a small duffle bag to begin with as I go up the stairs to their apartment number. Once I ringed the doorbell I stood still wondering if I should have called beforehand. However the door opened suddenly revealing a familiar blonde, crystal blue eyes staring down at me and when he broke into a smile the breath I didn't know I was holding was released.
“Armin!” I gasped at the sudden hug I was greeted with.
“Vivian! You made it, Eren and I were wondering when you would get in. Come in.” Armin ushered me inside but before I could get in good I hear more footsteps.
“Viv!” Eren’s voice boomed loudly and I look up to see his messy brown hair and teal colored eyes shimmer as he spotted me.
“Hi, Eren.” I hardly had time to place my bags down before he slammed into me with a crushing hug.
“Eren! Come and help me get her things in!" Armin called, cutting our reunion short.
“Wait! I can't ask you to-“
“Nonsense! Your room is down the hall to the left. Take it easy, you traveled pretty far right?” Eren was already giving me a gentle shove further into their living room and he was already going out the door.
I sighed as my protest fell on deaf ears, both of them managed to haul my belongings into the spare room. I look to them gratefully and smiled. “You two are amazing, I can't thank you enough for this. I can't afford much right now but as soon as I get my feet on the ground I'll help pay for rent. In the meantime I can help with cleaning or cooking. I'll do what I-“
“Woah, slow down Viv!” Eren exclaims and making me realize I must have been rambling.
“You don't need to thank us. We wanted to help out, how could we not when you were in trouble?” Armin answers eyes trained on me.
"But...I mean..." I couldn't believe how nice they were. I got along with them in college and the moment we graduated it sort of fell apart. I could have tried to keep in contact but I didn't. All of a sudden I contact them asking for help, they had every reason to ignore my message or to say no but they didn't. I absolutely owed them.
“Though this isn't my idea of a fun meet up for the first time in forever.”
“Armin!” Eren exclaims a moment later as if to protest against Armin but I found myself giving a shrug.
“Armin is right. I haven't spoken to you guys in a long time. I'm sorry....but it just means I'm even more grateful to you for opening your home to me,” I answered.
“I was only playing around. I mean this means we can hang out like we used to,” Armin smiles at me and I try and return it, the knot in my stomach had yet to disappear just yet.
“But you guys have work and I couldn't ask for such time. Hanging out does sound nice though, but no pressure.” I became concerned once again about me being here will interfere with their work and daily schedule.
“Hey, we got till the weekend. Then we can hang out without worries.” Eren’s voice was reassuring as if everything would indeed be alright. I didn't have to feel nervous about being with them.
I felt the corners of my mouth turn up as I stared into energetic eyes. “Sounds like a plan,” I answer.
“There's the smile! Alright I say we order pizza and we relax this evening.”
At Eren’s suggestion my stomach seem to resume eating itself, grumbling what I hope was lightly. They didn't seem to hear it so I placed my hand over my stomach. "I think that sounds like an idea," I answer.
“Alright. I'll order and you can shower and get comfortable. Be prepared for talking,” Armin answers picking up his phone.
“Alright.” I managed to stand up from the couch and make my way to the room to dig through my suitcase. I would start slowly unpacking tomorrow but for not I grabbed all the necessary things for the shower.
Hot water was welcomed and I sighed the moment it touched me. My body that was tense from the loading up and the long drive was eased almost instantly. I dive further in to give my hair a wash, all the stress and worrying meant I didn't have time for self-care and my hair was a mess. A soft floral scent filled my senses as I applied the shampoo and I left the condition in for a bit as well but then my stomach growled once again. Remembering the promise of food I quickly rinse off a final time before getting out the shower. Drying my hair was quite the task it was curly, particularly my bangs that were kept to the side and the shorter hairs tend to curl even more. I rubbed vigorously with a towel and combed through it a few times, since it was summer still there was no need to make sure it was dry. I placed on some loose fitting pajama pants and an old t-shirt and made my way out the bathroom.
“Viv, you don't mind pepperoni do you?!” Eren called out as if waiting for me to leave the bathroom, the suddenness nearly startled me.
“That's fine!” I answered back as I went to put away my clothes. I found the phone I abandoned nearly dead on the bed and I was quick to plug it in before I left to join my old friends back in the living room.
“Hey guys, sorry for the long shower. It was so relaxing,” I commented as I flopped back on the couch beside Eren.
“You do look tired, maybe we should save catching up for tomorrow,” Armin answers.
“No it's fine. You guys have worked hard as well and they’ll be no time for us all to be well rested unless it's the weekend. So we can talk a little. I'll have more energy once I get food in me, I literally had a small bag of chips and water today, I got up moving and I didn't realize I haven't eaten till now,” I answered. Sure I was tired but getting to know the people I once knew was a priority. What were they up to? What jobs did they have? Are they happy? How are the others? These were what I was curious about.
“We can start till the pizza arrive!” Eren exclaims excitedly.
“Can I ask how things are going? Last I checked Armin, you had that internship lined up after graduation. Well you had several offers you lucky duck,” I asked out of curiosity. What path did he go through? He seems very successful.
“Oh I ended up working for the publishing company that my cousin runs. I worked as an intern at another place but I found I didn't like it so I gave this one a chance.”
I searched my memory for a moment, seemed like I recall he was making a choice between jobs. Before, but I didn't know he had a family member working at a publishing company. Where was this information when I was looking for a place to work?
He undoubtedly noticed my struggle as he started to explain. “You probably forgot. It's been a whole, but when my grandfather passed away my junior year a lot of people showed up to the funeral. Including some family members I never met before, they offered their condolences but the son, Erwin, asked me what I was doing and if I needed funding for school. I had scholarships so I was fine, not to mention I already had a place to live off campus so I wasn't in any serious financial need. But he did offer to help with this job opportunity after I graduated. I wasn't sure at first, this family I never knew swooped down and offered to help me. It was weird...when I graduated I didn't take it but I regret the other choice because the environment was horrible, I reached out to him and he gave me a job. Entry level stuff but it was a job and it paid better than my old one.”
Then it started coming back, he did come back from the funeral and mentioned it. I never talked about it again since it was linked with memories of Armin's grandfather's funeral. I never met him but I knew he meant a great deal to Eren and Armin. “I remember now. I always regret not being able to support you,” I remembered sad Armin and I was terrible at comforting others I just froze. But then I felt it wouldn't be good enough, he had Eren who understood him and their other friend who called and texted him often, though her name escapes me.
Before anything could be said the doorbell chimed throughout the apartment. I looked as Eren excitedly jump up, “Finally the pizza is here!” Armin shakes his head and the two of us get up to grab things like plates and cups.
We had our dinner at the couch even though they had a kitchen table as well as an island in the kitchen. Not that I minded, finding the comfort of sitting on the couch to converse with people that was actually enjoyable to listen to. We sat with various slices of pepperoni pizza and the conversation started up again.
“You got to tell her about your rise to power in the Survey Corps. Without you I'd be out of a job.” Eren suddenly breaks the silence after happily shoving two slices of pizza in his mouth, clearly as hungry as I feel but I could only reach that level of comfort when I'm alone. I realized the story had indeed stopped so I glanced to Armin who had already paused to drink his cola.
“Well it was only expected I do basic stuff. Make copies, organize things, and help out when needed. However I was tasked doing things like reading over works and assisting with planning events. Eventually Erwin trusted me with the work of one of his friends. Or rather he trusts me, so I've been an editor for this author's work for some time. Only recently I've been put in charge of a few other authors. I get to read future books for a living. I love it!” Armin said color gracing his cheeks.
“You're a hard worker. Always have, any authors I might know?” I asked wondering if I knew any. Though with my job I haven't had time to read like I used to.
Armin listed the few as well as a recent title and I apparently didn't know them. He got stuck with new writers. However it was one author I knew off. “H.S.? You edit H.S 's work?! I thought the company name sounded familiar. It's because it publishes H.S's work,” I commented in awe. I usually loved books that end well but H.S always had endings that ended openly, provoking feelings of longing and deep thought. I once thought about their book for a week, providing me the most unproductive week. However I had fallen behind with even that author.
“Armin got trusted with a hot shot actor and because he did such a good job and even won over the grumpy old man. It's only natural Armin got even more opportunities!” Eren sounded like a proud parent boasting about their star child.
“Wait you've met him?!” I found my excitement increasing, heart thumping to life. H.S is private, no one know anything about them and has had few book signings. Unfortunately I never could go and even then I heard it was strict regulations about photography. I would be happy to see them once in my life. “Armin, I've been in love with this author since high school. Is there some way I can meet them?” I found myself asking before I could help myself. I know Armin may not have that ability but it didn't hurt to ask.
Armin frowns at Eren, “He's not a grumpy old man, and he’s just....particular. He and Erwin are friends after all.” He scolds Eren as if he were a naughty child, Eren just shrugs and gets up and gets another slice of pizza.
“Somehow your cousin is friends with that guy.” Eren responds with a laugh.
“Sorry, Vivian. I do know what he looks like, I go to pick up his work because he doesn't trust sending things over email. However...well as you figure he really likes privacy and doesn't see people unless he wants or has to. I don't think I could get him to meet a fan outside his rare signings. And he knows Eren because the company has a party once a year and you can bring a guest, and because I don't want to die of boredom I end up bringing him and it was only after he got used to Eren did he allow me to tell Eren that he was H.S. The only thing I can say, thanks to Eren, is that H.S is a guy and he's older. But I need to clarify he's not a grumpy old man like you picture, he's not even that old." Armin explains to me.
I sigh softly both being full and defeat. I didn't want to let my disappointment show, Armin is doing his job. "Yeah I understand. I really will have to wait for a signing,” deciding to do it the old fashion way. “Sorry for asking, that's probably why you don't let people know who you work with,” I added a moment later.
“No it's okay! I shouldn't have said...but I remember you liking this author. He probably wouldn't show it, but if he knew he'd be honored. I'm sorry I can't let you meet him,” Armin was nice as always, considering my feelings.
I glance over to Eren who was munching on pizza crust. “So how did the successful Armin save you Eren?” I asked to push the conversation along, feeling awkward when it came to people apologizing to me.
“I didn't have luck like you or Armin. I didn't know what I wanted to do. I got this major that my dad wanted me to do in order for him to pay for college remember?” Eren asked, pausing in his story. However this was something I needed no backstory for. Eren's dad is an ass, family struggle was something I could relate to for sure, perhaps us venting is how we got close to become friends.
“I remember. You still like art though right?” I asked recalling he loved some art and painted and sketched when he could. I still had some work he gave me.
“I do. But I don't have time to really do what I like. But anyway. I ended up getting a job at a coffee shop. I was going to wait till I get call backs for things involving computers but the thought of me spending the rest of my life doing something I hated sickened me. I didn't pursue it and wasn't upset when I got rejected. I was content working at the shop. But one day some asshole came in and started looking for trouble. And they directed their assholery at me and I decked him in the face. Even though the few customers in the shop all agreed that guy was an ass but the fact the guy was some rich asshole that threatened to sue they had to fire me to save their ass.”
“Eren...” I was speechless. I knew how reckless and angry Eren would get, he had a fiery temper and would get into conflict with people a lot.
Eren sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, color tinging his tanned face. Of course he was embarrassed.
“Yeah. Everyone lectured me when they found out. But it was hard to get a job with that stain in my work record. But Armin ended up talking with his hot shot cousin Erwin. He got me an opening at an entry level job. Not to mention my computer skills did come in handy because if I got paid with how many times a computer malfunctioned I'd be rich,” Eren laughs.
“That's quite the story. So you both been working at Survey Corps since then?” I asked and they both nodded.
“So tell us about what you were doing.”
I paused, thinking of where to start. “Well, I worked at the bookstore for a while till I found a job at a magazine company. Did grunt work for the longest time, fetched coffee for superiors, paper work, I got put in charge of some articles at last. I finally got to write something and I thought I was doing good work. However the company fell on hard times. And they had to let some people go and of course it's the newbie with no powerful connections even though they should have let go of those sleazy folks who cuts corners. But oh well not my company.” I shrugged briefly explaining my situation again. They only had the gist of it from before. “Seemed like I couldn't find work. Places magically had no openings and before I knew it my roommate drops the bomb of moving with her fiancé, it just put me in a bad spot. But you guys know the rest," I replied.
“You know....” Armin's brows furrowed in a way I recognized. It was when he was forming an idea. “Perhaps I could talk to Erwin...” he paused and glanced up at me.
“Armin! That's a great-“
“-Thank you but I couldn't do that.” I shut down the offer instantly. This would be a chance for me, I knew it. I could finally push for the career I really wanted. But even if I published my book would have to do well and as of now I am on my last leg of cash. Not to mention it didn't feel right relying on Armin like that. I could see him doing it for Eren, they've been friends since childhood and I could justify this Erwin person doing his family member a favor.
But I'm no one.
I'm a person that Armin knew in college. I just appeared into their lives suddenly in the form of a Facebook message. They didn't owe me anything. I am already invading their home, I couldn't ask for more. If I got the job I would have to earn it. I looked at their shocked faces, “I appreciate the thought. But I'm in a new place. I'd feel bad asking that of you, I'll try and search for work on my own first.”
“But Viv....” Eren had a slight pout I knew he was concerned for me.
“I understand. Perhaps talking about jobs when you just got here is a bit much. Take it easy for a little while before job hunting. I'm sure there other publishing companies. If you want I can read over any drafts you've written. Some good editing could increase chances of getting published,” Armin suggested, finalizing the conversation before Eren could make a fuss.
The corners of my mouth moved before I could help it. That was a nice idea, having a professional eye read and give me pointers would be a great help. “Thanks Armin,” I tell him and of course the sunshine child smiles in return.
Soon the guys realized how late it was getting and they've yet to have showered. I was full and with the heavy topic of work being settled I felt drained again. I found myself wishing them goodnight before going to my room. I flopped into bed but groaned when I realized that I fell on top of the covers. Somehow I wiggled around and got under the covers. “Tomorrow I start to look for work,” I tell myself with determination. I refuse to burden Eren and Armin for too long.
Get a job, save, help pay rent, save enough to move out. Sounds like a plan.