Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single alpha man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of an omega.

However there’s little to be said or known about the feelings of such an alpha upon his introduction to a neighborhood. This truth is so well established within the minds of all the surrounding families, that he’s considered the property of their eligible omega children.

“My dear, Grisha”, said Carla Jaeger, “have you heard that Maria Park has finally been purchased?”

Mr. Jaeger merely shook his head, as he read absentmindedly.

“But someone has, Mrs. Jinn told me so the day before yesterday! Wouldn’t you like to know who bought it?”

Grisha continued his reading without any hint of interest in what his wife was rambling on about.

“Could you put down that blasted book for one minute?! How are we supposed to have a conversation when you won’t even look at me?” cried Mrs. Jaeger.

The man slipped his index finger between the pages and closed it. He adjusted his glasses as he patiently waited for his gossiping wife to continue.

“Mrs. Jinn says that Maria Park is now owned by a wealthy alpha from the northern tip of Paradis. She says on Monday he arrived to inspect the property, to which he found most ideal and plans to move in before the Ymir festivities begin.”

“What’s his name?” inquired Grisha.

“Farlan Church.”

“Is he mated?”

“Naturally, my dear! A single alpha with such large amounts of wealth, around three to four thousand a year; what a blessing for our children!”

Grisha gave a confused look.

“And why exactly is that?”

“My beloved husband, how could you be so blind? You have to be aware of his intentions to marry one of our children.”

“Is that his intention or is this elaborate speculation?”

Carla gave a stern look to her husband.

“Such nonsense! It is only natural and right that he falls in love with one of them, so you should greet him promptly.”

“There is no reason to do that. He’s a young alpha; marriage is the furthest thing from his mind right now. I can attest to that…”

“You’re so concerned with Mr. Church’s feelings, yet you haven’t stopped to think about our children! If you do not visit, then it is impossible for us to become acquainted with him.”

Grisha rolled his eyes and gently retorted, “You did not tell me you were a thespian. Come now, there is no harm in visiting Mr. Church without me present. To ease your worries, I’ll write you a note to give him which will inform him of my consent to him marrying one of our children, although I must throw in a good word for my sweet Eren.”

“You shall do no such thing!”, she exclaimed, “Eren is no better than his siblings, and you ought to act like it. He’s not half as beautiful as Isabel, nor as gentle as Petra. You’ve always shown preferential treatment to him, yet he’s done nothing to earn it!”

“Perhaps he’s behind in those aspects, but his wit and intelligence is far superior compared to the others.”

“My dear, how could you talk about your own children in such a cruel manner?! Have you no sympathy for my poor nerves?” she gasped.

“Believe me, my dear, I am showing extreme compassion for your nerves…” he laughed.

Despite being married for nearly twenty four years, Mrs. Jaeger had yet to truly realize her husband’s sarcastic and well-intentioned nature. Mr. Jaeger, in contrast, had quickly ascertained the shallow and anxious nature of his wife. Her only concern was to marry her omega children off as soon as possible.

Chapter Text

Grisha was one of the first to make a visit to Farlan Church, despite going at a later time to spite his wife. Carla had not been made aware of his visit until the evening after it had occurred. It wasn’t until he’d seen his favorite child embroidering a small handkerchief that’d mentioned his little excursion.

“I hope Mr. Church will like it, Ere.”

“How could we possibly know what he likes if you do not visit.” Mrs. Jaeger spat angrily. Petra hiccuped.

“Have you forgotten, mama?” inquired Eren, “We’ll be able to meet him when Mrs. Jinn introduces us.”

“As if Mrs. Jinn would do such a thing. She has a daughter of her own. Why would she squander such a favorable opportunity? What a selfish and vile person!”

Eren snickered, finding his mother’s hypocritical and ironic ways to be hilarious. Another hiccup slipped from Petra’s mouth.

“I’m glad you’re not expecting her to wait on you, dear.” said Mr. Jaeger.

Carla Jaeger could be considered one of the most negative people to ever exist, and because of this she couldn’t resist saying something critical of one of her children, especially when Petra hiccuped again.

“For Heaven’s sake, Petra, stop your hiccups! I have suffered for far too long. That sound is grating on my nerves and ears."

“I cannot fathom why you’re so critical about hiccups. She cannot control them.” her husband said defensively.

“I’m not hiccuping to be amused,” she muttered. “When are you hosting another ball, Ere?”

“Two weeks from tomorrow.”

“Indeed it is. Unfortunately Mrs. Jinn doesn’t arrive until the day before, so it’ll be impossible for her to introduce Mr. Church, since she won’t be acquainted with him herself.” Carla mourned.

“Then, you will have to introduce Mr. Church to her instead, my love.”

“How could such a thing be possible when I’m not acquainted with him myself? Why must you tease me so?!” she cried.

“I understand your frustration. You can only know so much about someone in a fortnight. But if we are to stall our visit, then someone else will snatch the opportunity from us. Weren’t you just complaining about Mrs. Jinn and her daughter?”

His children stared at him. His wife suddenly exclaimed, “Such foolishness!”

“What provocation required such a strong reaction? Is making his acquaintance such a horrible idea?”

“Truly I am sick of that Mr. Church!” Carla cried.

“How unfortunate to hear; but why didn’t you tell me that beforehand? Should I have known, I wouldn’t have paid him a visit yesterday. It’s a shame because we cannot escape being acquainted with him now.”

All four omegas sat in astonishment, with the eldest being the most shocked. Carla’s attitude quickly changed upon hearing such news.

“I knew you would be persuaded at last! You love your children too much to ignore such a wondrous opportunity. I feel as if I could dance. And how humorous of you to keep it secret until now!”

Grisha rolled his eyes at his wife’s antics.

“If it so suits you, Petra, you may continue hiccuping as much you like. I may go lie down for a while…” muttered Grisha. He quickly exited the room, fatigued by his wife’s temper.

“Everyday I am reminded of the good fortune God has shown us to make it so that you have such an excellent father! Considering our ages, making new acquaintances is quite a challenge. However, for the sake of our estate and our lovely children, we would do anything. My dear, Petra, I believe Mr. Church will dance with you at the next ball, despite you being the youngest.”

Petra smiled shyly and thanked her mother for her prediction. They spent the rest of their evening sharing their ideas about the man and who would potentially catch his eye, with the exception of Eren. He only continued with his embroidery, wondering how he could be so unfortunate as to be born to such a ridiculous family.

~~~
No matter how many questions Carla and their children, Grisha refused to describe Mr. Church. They would ask in many different manners, but despite this Grisha never wavered once. They surrendered to the tight-lipped beta and resorted to asking their neighbor, Mrs. Ackerman. She had found him to be a favorable man, and her husband agreed. They said that while he was young, he was handsome and polite, with gorgeous blond hair and cool blue eyes. But the most important detail of all is that he was meant to attend the next ball with plenty of guests. Carla was more than ecstatic to hear such wonderful news.

After a few days of waiting, Mr. Church had returned Grisha’s visit, and sat with him in his library for around ten minutes. The man had entertained the thought of being able to meet one of the eligible omegas, who had been rumored to be quite beautiful, but he was only able to speak with the father. The three siblings, however, were able to spy on him and could make certain that he wore blue and rode a white horse.
~~~
As the evening of the ball was upon them, the three omegas began to prepare their attire. Isabel wore a fiery red dress that had thin black designs etched onto the trim. Her crimson hair was pinned into swirls that fell to her shoulders like a waterfall, and was styled with a singular red rose. A thin black ribbon was tied around her slim throat.

Petra decided to wear a pink dress with many ruffles with a white pattern that decorated the ends of the dress. Her strawberry blond hair was pulled into a braid that looped to form a ‘U’ above her nape. She too had a flower, a white carnation, pinned in her hair, along with a small white feather.

Eren wore a light purple dress with loose fabric flowing out at knee length in order to form a tight silhouette. He wore loose curls that were pulled back with a gold comb, a gift he’d received from his father. He had bellflowers littered across his brown tresses and a thin gold necklace that sat upon his collarbones. All three wore lace gloves; Isabel wore black and the others wore white. Carla was certainly pleased with their appearances, despite Eren’s perceived lack of effort compared to his sisters.

At the ball, they could see the party Mr. Church had brought with him, and formed their opinions quickly.

Farlan was as handsome as he was rumored to be, and equally as kind and good-natured. His only sister Krista, whose real name was Historia, was beautiful and elegant. His younger brother, Armin, was shy and quiet, but he was intelligent and polite, in contrast to the friend he brought along: Connie was the most flippant and lazy man to ever set foot on Earth, which sparks many inquiries into why he was so close with Armin. But the real star among the group was Farlan’s friend, Levi Ackerman.

The alpha quickly drew the attention of the room with his sharp and handsome features, his height, noble air, and his reported income of ten thousand a year*. Everyone thought him to be the definition of a successful and desirable alpha, until halfway into the evening. His popularity quickly diminished as he was discovered to be the most arrogant alpha alive; believing to be above the people attending the ball. Not even the fortune he acquired could keep his initial impression intact amongst the partygoers.

Farlan was by far the most lively attendee, and he danced every chance he could and even announced his desire to host a ball at Maria. The stark contrast between him and his insufferable friend was apparent to everyone in the room. Levi had only danced once with Krista, declined any other omega, and spent the evening walking around the room and speaking occasionally to someone in his group. All had made up their minds about him. Mr. Ackerman was the proudest, most disagreeable alpha in the world, and everybody hoped that he would never come there again. One of the people most opposed to him was Carla, whose distaste came from him declining her children.

Eren had been seated most of the party, due to the lack of alphas and the desire to be left alone. As he waited for the next dance (his mother forced him to do the next dance) he overheard a conversation between Farlan and Levi, who stood near him.

“Really, Levi, you should be dancing. I hate to see you standing here in such a ridiculous manner.”

“I’d rather not. You understand fully how much I detest dancing, unless I am thoroughly acquainted with my partner. Your sister already has a partner, and there isn’t another omega in this room that wouldn’t be considered a punishment to dance with.”

“I wouldn’t be so critical as you are for all the gold in the world,” exclaimed Farlan, “I swear it upon my life, I have never seen so many pleasant and beautiful omegas before this evening. And must I add, there are quite a few who are exceedingly gorgeous.”

“You are dancing with the only beautiful omega in the room.” retorted Levi, referencing Isabel.

“Indeed, she is the most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes on. However, her brother is sitting right behind you, who is pretty as well, and I think suits you nicely too. I can ask my partner to introduce you.”

Levi turned around and made eye contact with Eren. He stared at him, uninterested, and turned back to his awaiting friend and dryly said: “He is decent, but is far below the means required to draw me in. I recommend that you leave me be and enjoy the time you have left with your partner, as you’re wasting your time with me.”

Farlan followed his advice, and left disappointed that his efforts did not work. Levi walked away and Eren decided to remember the story so that he could recount it to his friends later.

The evening had passed pleasantly for the Jaeger family. Carla had seen Farlan dance many times with Isabel, and saw how well she got along with the Maria Park company. Petra was never without a partner throughout, and Eren was…well she could worry about him later. Her joy for Isabel trumped any frustration she had with Eren. They returned in high spirits to Rose, their estate, and upon seeing Grisha awake, Carla told him about their experience. He was urged to set his book down, which he was admittedly eager to do, considering he was curious to know what transpired.

“Goodness me, Mr. Jaeger,” she cried, “we had the most delightful time. I wish you had attended. Isabel was admired greatly, not only by our other neighbors, but also by Mr. Church! He thought she was quite beautiful and asked her to dance twice! He only danced with his other partners once, but can you imagine my surprise when he asked her again?! At the beginning he asked Miss Jinn, which vexed me. But, he didn’t fancy her at all, nobody can, so then he asked Isabel. Next he danced with Miss Schultz and then with Miss Ackerman, and then once again with Isabel, and then once with Eren, and then-”

“If he had compassion for me, he wouldn’t have danced half as much,” groaned Grisha, “For goodness sake, speak no more of his partners. He’d have been better off if he had injured his ankle in the first dance!”

“My dear, I am very pleased with him. He is extremely handsome, and his brother is exceedingly intelligent, and his sister is quite a charming woman. I dare say I have never seen anything more elegant than her dress! The lace upon Miss Church’s gown-”

Grisha hurried to interrupt her again. He firmly protested against any description of clothing. She then went to another important part of the subject and recounted with such venom, and exaggeration, the horrible personality and attitude of Levi Ackerman.

“But with great pleasure I can assure you, that Eren does not lose anything by not suiting his taste; for he is the most horrid alpha and not worth an ounce of trouble to please. How a person could be so conceited is beyond me! Though he was the most handsome in the room, I couldn’t fathom anyone wanting to be anywhere near him. You should have been there to speak with him. I detest the man with every fiber in my being.”

Chapter Text

Eren sat down on the edge of Isabel’s bed and ran his fingers carefully through his chocolate locks, while his sister was clutching the pillow she lay on. It was nearly time for everyone in the Jaeger household to retire, but the two had other plans. They could finally discuss the events of the night and the people they had the pleasure and misfortune to meet.

“He’s the most perfect alpha that has ever graced this Earth! I have never met such an incredible person in my life.” Isabel gushed.

“He’s handsome too,” agreed Eren, “which is something I think is quite important in a mate. You have truly met an outstanding alpha. Although I do feel a bit offended that you don’t consider me so ‘incredible’.” he teased.

Isabel swatted his arm jokingly before resuming her love-stricken rant.

“I was so flattered when he asked me to dance for a second time. I don’t believe I’ve ever received such a compliment before.”

“I can’t understand why you’re so shocked. Compliments always take you by surprise, and me never. It was only natural that he asked you again. You were the most beautiful thing in that room, and his ability to recognize that proves his intelligence. I’m delighted you like him; you could have easily liked an idiot.”

“Eren!” Isabel exclaimed.

“Oh please, you know you’re an optimist. You never see the flaws in anyone. I can’t recall a time I have ever heard you speak ill of anybody. It baffles me…” Eren trailed off, releasing his hair and cocking his head to the right; staring in wonder at his sister.

“I wouldn’t wish to be so quick to judge.”

“Do you consider me judgemental? I only take what I see and store it for the future. I don’t take everything at face value and I suggest you do the same. Surely you noticed his sister’s attitude?

“Well, not at first; she’s very nice when you speak with her. She’ll take over the house whenever he leaves and I hope I’m correct in saying she’ll make a pleasant neighbor.”
Eren sat in silence, unconvinced. He didn’t consider himself as the most well-mannered omega, but Krista’s behavior made it evident that she wasn’t there to please anyone. The way she silently mocked some of the party-goers and rudely rejected some of the alphas that asked her to dance was more than enough reason for him to dislike her. It’s one thing to decline someone, but to insult them is something entirely different.

‘I hope I never see her again’, he thought.

~~~~~~~~~~

Farlan and Levi had what many may consider an unconventional friendship due to their opposing personalities. This was, however, the contributing factor to their friendship. He thought of Levi as brutally honest and well-intentioned, something others interpreted as crude and bitter, which led to him seeking him out. Levi had always believed Farlan to be the idealistic alpha; rich, charming, and kind to a fault. Despite their high praise for each other, those around them would only know one as the epitome of narcissism and the other as an exemplary alpha.

The opinions of the group aligned with their characters well. Farlan had considered the people he met to be some of the most pleasant and cordial he’d ever met. They’d treated him with such familiarity and attention that it’d felt as if he’d known them for much longer than a night, and Isabel was the most beautiful omega he’s ever laid eyes on. It was truly one of the greatest parties he’s ever gone to. Levi, however, was more than displeased. The people weren’t as ‘interesting’ as he had hoped for, even those who’d drawn his attention ever so slightly. He had to begrudgingly admit that Isabel was beautiful, but she was too ‘smiley’ for his taste.

Armin and Krista considered her to be sweet and were open to spending time with her, but their opinions differed when it came to her younger brother. Armin liked how confident and sharp he was, while Krista saw it as attention seeking and conniving. Their brother took their high opinions of Isabel and felt it was permission enough to feel a small amount of desire for her.

Chapter Text

Eren stood in front of the mirror, inspecting his new pair of pants. He’d begged his parents to buy them for him over the span of months, and they’d finally relented. His mother was vehemently against the idea, but once he threatened to remain single and child-free, her resolve crumbled. It was against expectations for omegas to wear anything other than skirts or dresses, regardless of primary gender. The opposite was expected for alphas as well.

His parents' reactions to his requests were only enhanced by the unexpected passing of his eldest sibling, Zeke. The sudden loss of the alpha heir had the two scrambling for suitable partners for their three remaining children, which was made more difficult due to their secondary genders. They believed the only way for him or his sisters to be married was if they adhered to societal norms and settled for anyone who made an offering, even if it was someone who was less than reputable.

Eren buttoned the dark green vest over his crisp white shirt and adjusted the waistband of his pants. His physique was unusual for a male omega as he was quite toned, but the pants were made for alphas, which meant they were slightly larger on his waist and tighter around his long legs. He decided to forego the matching coat as it was quite warm for an October day.

He all but ran down the stairs, eager to go visit his longtime friend. He hurriedly bid his farewells to his family and nearly ran out the door, almost crashing into their butler, Mr. Pixis. He half-heartedly apologized and quickly left the home.

The short walk was as refreshing as it was depressing. The once vibrant green leaves that decorated the bountiful trees of their neighborhood were missing and in their absence were the bare branches of their former host. While the sight saddened Eren, the warm Sun made him feel content; a mix of emotions that could only be described as confusing and conflicting.

When he arrived at the Azumabito estate, his anxieties peaked. Mikasa didn’t care for societal expectations or upkeep, but her family was well respected and probably wouldn’t entertain the idea of an omega wearing pants, even if they’d known him for years. Pushing those intruding thoughts aside Eren gently knocked on the sturdy brown door.

After a few seconds a young maid opened the door and after taking in Eren’s appearance and conflicting dynamic, quickly called for the young master of the house. While waiting for her, the maid silently ushered him inside the large foyer. They awkwardly made eye contact before Eren turned away pretending to be occupied with the silver buttons on his vest.

“Eren?!”

He looked up, seeing his long-time friend stare at him with a mix of confusion and joy. Mikasa rushed over to embrace him and the young maid, seeing her opportunity, swiftly exited the entrance.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were visiting? I would have greeted you myself.” She inquired after pulling away.

“Let’s just say I was a bit eager to tell you about something.”

She raised her eyebrow with interest and motioned for him to follow her into the drawing room. She sat down across from him on a plush red sofa and encouraged him to continue speaking.

“Do you remember the ball we attended the day before yesterday? The one you couldn’t come to?”

She nodded.

“The evening started off as usual: dancing, drinking, socializing. It was pleasant, but after around twenty minutes or so these new guests arrived. It was the Maria Park party, the new owners of the property. Have you met them yet?”

“No, but I do recall hearing about them in passing. Why?” She inquired after sending a maid for refreshments.

“Consider yourself fortunate. Mr. Farlan Church was quite charming and polite, and his younger brother Armin was kind and incredibly intelligent. Isabel was as smitten with Mr. Church as he was with her. It was amusing to see.”

“From your description it seems like they’re lovely people. Why are you complaining?”

“That’s because I haven’t told you about the worst of the group. Armin’s friend Mr. Springer is one of the most slothful people to have ever walked this realm and I suspect him to be drunkard as well…” Eren trailed off, recollecting Connie’s sluggish behaviors and slurred speech.

“And I suppose this isn’t the end of your judgments?”

Eren furrowed his brows deeply. ‘There goes that word again. If I was truly judgemental, they’d never hear the end of my judgments!’ He thought angrily. The brunette rolled his eyes and continued his ranting.

“Mr. Church’s sister, Krista, was lacking in the manners department. She had this smug look on her face the entire night and rudely declined dancing with anyone except Mr. Church’s close friend.”

Their conversation paused as an older gentlemen brought their refreshments, which almost went to waste due to his surprise after seeing Eren’s attire. He carefully set down the platter with shaky hands, bowed, and walked off faster than a person at that age should. They grabbed their tea cups, drinking quietly before Eren broke the silence to continue his tirade.

“The real villain in that party was Mr. Levi Ackerman.”

Mikasa nearly choked when she heard that name. Eren could see she was about to say something, but decided against it.

“That man is the most self-absorbed, narcissistic, crude, prideful being that has ever existed. I thought all alphas had an innate arrogance, but this is something entirely different. He danced once the whole night and when Mr. Church asked him if he thought I was a suitable partner, he all but laughed and said my features were ‘tolerable’. Me? Tolerable?! Can you imagine?” He shrieked.

Mikasa went to say something before she was cut off.

“He has quite the nerve to say something so bold. I can’t fault him on his appearance, nor his finances, but I can on his horrible personality. Sure, Isabel is gorgeous, but I could have put any one of those other omegas to shame. Honestly, I could have dealt with his pride if it wasn’t at the expense of my own! That bastard is delusional if he thinks- ”

“Eren! I’ve been trying to tell you something important and you keep interrupting me.” She declared.

“Oh. My apologies, please tell me what it is you want to say.” He said, lowering himself into the sofa; the frustrated scent of an alpha permeating into his nostrils.

She sighed heavily before speaking.

“Levi Ackerman is my cousin. I would have told you this before you started to show your animosity towards him.”

Eren stared in confusion, trying to compare the visage of the two. It baffled him how similar they look and how he didn’t even see it until now.

“Indeed, I do see the resemblance…” He muttered, embarrassed at his outburst.

“Don’t be embarrassed. I’m only telling you because it wouldn’t be in your best interest to ramble about your abhor for him to my parents or any of my family for that matter.”
Eren shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with the sudden change in the atmosphere. Perhaps he had gone overboard with his anger…He went to apologize once more, but Mikasa had spoken before him.

“You’re certainly right about something though. He’s quite arrogant, but who wouldn’t be? He has more money than anyone needs and he has a stunning estate. He’s one of the most desirable alphas; I’d be up my own arse too if I was him .” She chuckled, going to take a sip of her luke-warm tea.

“Oh, please. That may impress other people, but what’s the point of those material items if the person with them is intolerable? Perhaps I could stand him if he at least tried to be polite.” He scoffed.

“Oh, were you considering him as a mate?” Mikasa teased.

He swatted her shoulder in anger, both embarrassed and offended by the idea of marrying Levi. They both laughed and continued their conversation on more pressing topics, like Eren’s pants, which has already made headlines across the neighborhood.

Such talk has decreased the lifespan of Carla Jaeger.