Chapter Text
“Levi! I need one large Mocha frap!” I set the tea cup aside that I had just washed so it could dry and set out to make the drink. Running the coffee bar was easy enough I guess. The money was shit, unless I got a decent tip, but the customers that came in here weren't so free to give extra. “And a caramel cappuccino!”
“I can only do so many things at once, Izzy!” It was a rather cool day out, and that had people coming in for their coffee and tea fix. I slid the frap across the counter and started on the cappuccino. I started the double shot of espresso for the cappuccino and waited. I was too tired for this shit today. I wanted to rub my eyes, but I would have to rewash my hands. I'd had a late night at the club last night, and I'd hardly made a cent. I grabbed the fresh espresso from the machine and successfully tipped one of the cups over onto the counter, sloshing piping hot coffee onto my hand. “Son of a bitch!” I threw the cup to the floor and stormed off. I can't do this. It's not worth the minimum wage. I'd rather sling drugs on the side, at least the payoff would be decent.
“Levi!” I heard a few customers complaining, but I left Izzy to fend for herself. I went into the back and started running my hand under the water.
“Did I hear a crash?” Erwin walked in the back and looked at me with a frown. “Where's your visor?”
“Tch. I'm not wearing that fucking thing, eyebrows.” He pulled my hand from under the tap to look at it.
“Normally I wouldn't mind, but watch your language, Levi. We can't loose customers, just because you have a loose tongue.” I shot Erwin a glare and he reach for the first aid kit. “I know this isn't what you're used to...” He motioned towards the small table that the employees at lunch at and I sat down, holding my hand across the table to him. “But at least try.” I sighed and thought it over. He was nice enough to give me this job without an interview. Without any experience at all.
“I'm just tired today. My head isn't where it should be. He started smearing burn cream onto my hand and I bit my lip. “Fuck.” I muttered it under my breath and Erwin rolled his eyes at me.
“You just need to give that other job up, Levi. There's no money to be made at Hanji's place. It's falling apart. The customers just don't go there anymore. Especially since that hospital shut down and all those workers got laid off. No one has the extra cash to blow anymore.” I thought about it for a moment, before he lifted my hand and started wrapping it in gauze.
“The customers will come back. We just have to hang in there.”
“Don't take this personally, but it's not because of you, Levi. I've seen you dance. You're incredible. Hanji is incredible, too, but she just doesn't have the funds to keep that place maintained.
“Tch. She'll start making money again. She's got a whole new calendar for next month.”
“Well, just keep this in mind. I'm looking for a night manager if you manage to keep your head on straight here. The pay isn't what you're used to, but it's better than minimum.” I looked down at my hand and sighed.
“I'll try my best.” Erwin smiled and gave me a pat on the shoulder.
“Good. That's all I want. Now, switch Izzy on the register. If you guys get backed up out there, just call me and I'll come help.”
I walked back out front and Izzy was looking at me with concern in her eyes. She was sweeping up the mess on the floor.
“How's your hand?” I glanced at my new mummified hand and tried my best to give her a tiny smile.
“It's fine. No worries.” Izzy didn't deserve to deal with my attitude. She'd been nothing but sweet to me since the day we'd met. I switched her and took over register. We watched as the place slowly cleared out, and Erwin emerged from the back, his jacket secured snugly around his shoulders.
“I'm heading out. You two have it covered? Shift leader.” He winked at Izzy and she nodded. “Think you can keep Levi in line?”
“Aniki will listen to me just fine.” She beamed at Erwin and he smiled.
“Good. If it's super dead, feel free to close up half an hour early.”
“Okay!” Izzy waved and we watched as Erwin left his shop. The rain started to pour a few minutes later and it was quite some time, before any new customers showed up. I leaned on the counter, watching the rain fall and the fine mist curl into wisps as it evaporated from the street. I looked up as the bell rang, two kids walking in. They were both laughing, though one was doing so obnoxiously. The other was covering his mouth, a little snicker shaking his body. My eyes went wide.
This kid, no he wasn't a kid at all. He had to have been college age. He was gorgeous. Vibrant teal eyes, caramel colored skin, chocolate brown hair that fell in curls around his face. They were both a little damp, but the taller boy sat his umbrella near the door. At least they weren't soaked. Maybe they wouldn't get water everywhere.
The other boy was a bit taller, with two toned hair. Sandy blonde on top and brown on the bottom. It was an odd cut and color, but hey, everyone has a wild haircut at least once in their life. I continued to watch them as they sat their backpacks down in the corner. Izzy was in the back eating her lunch, so it was all up to me.
“Want me to order?” The brunette nodded and sat down, much to my disappointment. Two-toned walked up to the counter and gave me a small smile. Hey, it was more than a lot of people gave me, so I'll take it.
“I'll take one cup of black coffee and one large vanilla latte.” I keyed in the order and swiped the guy's card, waiting the few seconds it took to spit out the receipt.
“It'll be a minute. I'll bring it out.”
“Thanks!” He joined the brunette at the table and I glanced back at the pair. The other kid had pulled out a sketch book, and he was doodling. I couldn't really see what it was from my position, but maybe I could get a glance when I took their order over. I made the latte, careful with the espresso this time and sat it on a tray, next to the mug of regular black. I carried the two cups over and carefully sat the tray on the table.
“Black coffee. Two toned scooted his drink over to himself and I sat the remaining drink in front of the other kid. He was even more gorgeous up close. His eyes were a shade of teal I'd never seen before, lighting up his face. “And one large vanilla latte.” He nodded and I arched an eyebrow.
“Thanks.” The other boy slid gave me a little wave and I felt my brow twitch a little. Does the other kid not know how to say thank you? Asshole... I walked off, carrying my empty tray back to the coffee bar and stored it away. He was cute, but screw him if he didn't have manners. Kids these days.
I watched as the two sipped their drinks in pretty much silence. The brunette wasn't much into talking. He would nod every now and again, but he was really focused on whatever the hell it was he was drawing. I'd been too pissed to even get a glance of it I tried to pay it no mind as I wiped down the coffee car. Izzy came back soon enough and we'd decided we would close up shop as soon as these kids left. They left their cups on the table a while later, taking their bags and leaving the shop without another word. Izzy locked the door and I grabbed the empty cups, along with the two dollar bills that had been left underneath the latte cup. I grimaced as I looked at the top bill. That little punk...
“What is it with kids these days, Izzy? Writing on money...Not saying thank you.”
“You're just getting old, big bro!” Izzy said with a chuckle. I stared at the bill in my hand. Thank you. Was written across it with a black marker. “Hmm, maybe it was the person that had the bill before him?” Izzy shrugged and walked off to get the broom. We finished cleaning soon enough and I walked to my apartment down the street. I guess I should be thankful. Erwin had paid me my first check upfront so I could keep this place. It wasn't the best neighborhood to live in, but at least it wasn't the worst. I unlocked my door and started rummaging through my closet. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I took it out, slipping it to my ear as I tossed clothes aside.
“What are you wearing tonight, four eyes?”
“The red outfit.”
“With the trench coat over it?”
“You know me well my little munchkin.”
“Tch. Fine. I'll match then. See you in a bit.” I changed quickly enough, slipping on my black skinny jeans and red v-neck. I pulled on my black trench coat over it. After smudging on a little eyeliner and combing my hair to make sure it was just right, I slipped on my boots and left for the club. Hanji was sitting on the stage when I got there, legs dangling off sadly.
“It's a Friday night. Where is everyone?” She pouted and I frowned and joined her on the edge of the stage.
“Things will pick up soon. I'm sure it's just the rain.” I gave her a pat on the back and she gave me a small smile. Comfort wasn't really my thing, but I could try at least. We heard the door open and a small group of three walked in.
“Welcome to Utopia!” Hanji said with a smile. She pulled me to my feet and we waved at the trio. It was an odd mix, two boys and a girl, but hell, I'd dance for anyone at this point as long as they had cash. They took a seat by the stage and walked to the back, waiting for my music to start.
Down on the West Coast they got a sayin'
"If you're not drinkin' then you're not playin'
But you've got the music, you've got the music
In you, don't you?
I walked out onto stage and started my routine, moving slowly to the music. Rolling my hips and playing with my trench coat. The big burly blonde was leaning forward in his seat, obviously liking what he saw. I slung the coat off the stage and ran my hands over my abs.
Down on the West Coast I get this feeling like
It all could happen that's why I'm leaving
You for the moment, you for the moment
Boy Blue, yeah you
I played with the hem of my shirt as I walked around the pole. Raising the red fabric up a bit to tease. I hooked my leg around and gave a slow spin, before running my fingers through my hair with a smirk.
Your flyin' high at the show, I'm feeling hot to the touch
You say you'll miss me the most, I say I'll miss you so much
But something keeps me really quiet, I'm alive, I'm a lush
Your love, your love, our love
I teased with my shirt again and lifted it over my head this time. The blonde gave a whistle and I kept moving to the music, looking directly at him, even throwing in a wink here and there.
I can see my baby swingin'
His Parliament's on fire and his hands are up
On the balcony and I'm singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, baby, I'm in love
I ran my hands over my stomach again, fingers dipping in and out of the ripples on my abs. I kept moving slow, steady, walking back towards the pole to give another spin. I dropped down, sliding my ass down the pole and planting myself in a low squat. I bounced back up, sliding around the pole again with a smirk.
I can see my sweet boy swayin'
He's crazy y Cubano como yo, my love
On the balcony and I'm saying
Move baby, move baby, I'm in love
I grabbed the button on my black skinny jeans and began to tease with it, working it ever so slowly. I bit at my lip a little, before pulling my jeans off. I'd practiced this extra with skinny jeans. They were a pain to get off gracefully. I was left in my black boxer briefs. They were snug and hugged my ass perfectly.
Down on the West Coast, they got their icons
Their silver starlets, their Queens of Saigons
And you've got the music, you've got the music in you, don't you?
Down on the West Coast, they love their movies
Their golden gods, and rock and roll groupies
And you've got the music, you've got the music in you, don't you?
I slid against the pole, hooking my leg around it again and going for another spin. I did a few more drops before winking at the tiny audience I had. The blonde was holding up a $20 bill, licking his lips as he watched me. I sat down on the edge of the stage and kept moving, wiggling just right to the music. He leaned forward a bit and tickled my cheek with the twenty.
“If you come out back, I'll give you this twenty.” I froze as I watched him reach for me. It was all I could do to scramble back onto the stage. I fell backwards and landed on my ass. “Oh come on, cutie. If you can dance like that, I'm sure you're body can do other things just as well.” I furrowed my brow and grabbed my jeans, before storming off. I ran into the dressing room and leaned against the counter. No one wanted to stop at dancing anymore. I refused to go any further than that. Especially with a stranger. Dancing was an outlet for me.
“Levi! What happened?!” Hanji ran up to me and I shook my head.
“Don't even bother, Hanji. They aren't here for the dancing. Tch.”
“Awwn. I'm sorry Levi. Did they pay you at all?” I shook my head and looked down at my nails, painted perfectly black and shining in the light of the dressing room.
“He wanted to pay me for sex. I'm not doing that, Hanji. I won't.”
“You don't have to Levi! You are here to dance, just like me.” Hanji smiled and me and I shook my head. Maybe Erwin was right. Maybe this place was done for.
“I...I think I'll take a break from dancing for a little while, Hanji. I just...I need time to think.” Hanji sat down in her chair and smiled at me, glasses shining in the light.
“Do whatever you want, pipsqueak. Utopia will always be here for you.” I sighed and pulled on my jeans. I'm not sure how right she is about that. How much longer could the doors stay open when she wasn't even clearing $50 on a friday night? I rummaged through the closet and pulled out a hoodie. My shirt was on the stage, and I'd be damned if I went back out there for it.
“I'll talk to you later. I'm heading home.”
“Be safe!” Hanji waved at me and I left through the back door. The rain hadn't let up, and as I sighed, my breath turned into white wisps, floating off into the atmosphere. It was cold. Winter would be here soon. I walked to my apartment, boots clicking against the cement sidewalk.
“Leaving so soon?” My stomach sank. I looked over my shoulder to see the blonde staring at me. I picked up my pace. Sure he was big, but I was fast. I could probably outrun him. I broke out into a sprint, running towards my apartment. I speed dialed the first number my finger hit.
“Hello?” I was already out of breath. It was still another ten minutes worth of walking to my apartment. Maybe I could make it in five if I ran fast enough.
“E-Erwin! B-Being followed. Help!” I tripped and my phone fell to the sidewalk, smashing into a million pieces. “FUCK!” I screamed it out and hauled ass to my apartment. I made it to the stairs and the blonde caught up, grabbing at my arm and trying to pull me off the flight of stairs. I tried to push him back, kick him, anything I could to get away. “Let go of me! I'm a dancer, not a whore!” I screamed it and shoved at him again. His hand collided with my face and I fell backwards. “STOP IT!” I was fighting against him, trying to shove him off. He was on top of me, yanking up my hoodie to reveal my stomach and chest. I heard a click and I froze. He had a fucking knife. No. “P-Please. Just let me go.”
“You aren't any better than me, you whore. You won't dance for anyone else.” I felt my eyes stinging. I was terrified. I felt metal slide down my stomach and I screamed. Fucking screamed and did everything I could to kick him off. “STOP! STOP THIS!” My skin was on fire. Before I could even register what was happening, his weight was gone. The pain was still there, but he was gone. Erwin was standing in front of me, pointing a pistol at the other man's head.
“Get the fuck out of here, before I put a bullet in your skull.” The guy took off and Erwin helped me to my feet, all but carrying me up the stairs.
“Levi...” He shut the door behind us and made sure to lock it.
“I know. I fucking know, okay? I should have listened to you. Should have...” I looked down at my stomach and felt my head spin. There was a lot of blood. I swallowed hard and dropped down into my recliner. Erwin ran into the bathroom and came back with the first aid and a towel. He was wiping at my stomach, frowning as he did so.
“We need to get you to urgent care.” I shook my head and crabbed the towel from him.
“I don't have insurance-”
“Levi! Just fucking listen to me for once.” He all but screamed it at me and I shut up. Erwin wasn't the type to yell. I'd only heard him do it a couple of times since we'd met. “I'll pay, we just need to go. Now.” He yanked me out of the chair and I started getting light headed. The last thing I remembered was him tugging me through the doors of the emergency room.