Hi, so I wrote this story a while ago and I deleted it because I didn't like it. I only re-uploaded it because I received a PM from someone wondering where this story went. She wanted to reread it but I had deleted it. I put it up again after reworking it some, and it lacks reviews/followers because I uploaded the first three chapters all at once without gradually drawing in readers. I don't care that it has less followers than before and I hadn't intended on writing any more to this, but the reviews were so kind that I felt the urge to write something.

Thank you for reading!

vii. Beginning of the End

There's something about the thrill of danger that makes Erwin feel alive. Adrenaline runs hot in his veins, his nerves buzzing with electricity. It also rouses other primal, almost predatory impulses inside him. His eyes scan involuntarily over the rooftops for Levi. He finds him lazily treading the medial strip on a rooftop nearby. His squad is taking down titans ahead and Levi watches them without much interest. As if sensing Erwin's eyes on him, he turns and their gazes lock. Erwin doesn't say anything, but he tilts his head in a subtle signal for Levi to follow then grapples to another building on a descent.

His boots plant firmly in the dust with practiced poise, and he rounds the corner of one of the rickety townhouses. This particular one is on the outskirts of the village and it's at a dead-end. There's a sliver of space, an alley, between the townhouse and a back wall that blocks any passage past this point. There's the muffled sound of boots softly perching in the soil behind Erwin. Erwin continues walking as if he hadn't heard Levi's approach, nimbly striding into the shadowed alley out of view. At first, there are only Erwin's own footsteps hitting the street. Levi isn't following him—he's hesitating. Erwin waits expectantly and then grins to himself when he hears light footsteps tailing after him. Only after he comes to the end of the alley does he finally turn to face Levi.

Levi comes to a halt a little more than a meter away. The sharp features of his face are schooled into an impassive blank, his silvery eyes dull and incomprehensible. Erwin and Levi are silent and steadily composed but tension charges around them, perking the hairs on the nape of Erwin's neck. Erwin quirks a brow at Levi. His corporal should know what he wants by now. Erwin isn't hard to read and he doesn't conceal his desires. He's direct and straightforward with what he wants. And he always gets what he wants.

"You have shit timing," Levi mutters. "We shouldn't be doing this right now."

"You're going to deny me?" Erwin knows Levi won't refuse him. He never does.

Levi sighs, his eyes dropping to his feet. He slowly closes the distance between them to stand toe-to-toe with Erwin. His droopy eyes deliberately travel up the length of Erwin's body as if stripping him of his clothing piece by piece until they fix to his face. Erwin's blood is still boiling with adrenaline. Fighting and that instinct for survival turn them all into primitive, animalistic beings. In this moment, Erwin is a predator. And so is Levi. Erwin can see that muted, feral gleam behind his jaded eyes. Levi's self-control is impressive, but Erwin knows him well. He sees that quiet, blazing desire.

Levi stretches to his toes, his strong arms mechanically coiling around Erwin's neck, and Erwin leans down, meeting him halfway. His coarse fingers roughly curl around Levi's defined jaw, pulling him upward until Levi strains from the force. Erwin's mouth mercilessly devours Levi, his tongue shoving its way through Levi's teeth and deep into the chasms of his heated mouth. Fingers tangle and tug Erwin's hair, and their bodies smash hard together as if they could merge into a single person.

Erwin gropes Levi's side, his palm sliding down to his hip. His deft fingers eagerly unfasten Levi's trousers then slip beneath the elastic waistband of his boxer-briefs. Erwin's grip on Levi isn't gentle— it's forceful and firm, and he doesn't waste any time. Levi's breath hitches against Erwin's mouth, but Erwin bites down on his bottom lip, not allowing him to break away from him. Levi's knees shake, his hips stiffen, and he claws fiercely at Erwin's back. Saliva that isn't just his own overflows in Levi's mouth, dribbling out the corner, and stringing down his chin.

At last, Erwin shows Levi some mercy and frees his lips. Levi sucks in a desperate breath of air, but he's only given a short moment to catch his breath; Erwin throws him up against the wall, trapping him against it. Every contour of Levi's back is mashed into the crumbling stone. Levi's head tosses back, eyes squeezed shut in ecstasy, cheeks flushed with heat, and his breath rasping shallow and short as Erwin's hand aggressively works at him.

"Erwin…"

A raging fire builds in Erwin's spine at that husky rasp in Levi's voice. Restraining himself is impossible. When it comes to Levi, there's no such thing as self-control. Levi's small lips part, chesty pants coursing through them. Erwin jerks him around, facing him toward the wall. Erwin's body curves along Levi's back, his thighs straddling the slim hips plastered to him, and Levi's palms brace against the stone, struggling to keep himself grounded while falling deeper and deeper into mind-numbing pleasure.

Erwin's free hand reaches around Levi's head, fondling over his chin and prodding at his lips. They part in consent for entry, and Erwin's fingers slide into Levi's mouth, skimming over his teeth, delving deep into the wet corners behind his tongue. Levi groans and it's the loudest, most erotic sound Erwin has ever heard come from out of him.

Teeth lightly bite down on Erwin's fingers, a small tongue rolling around them and licking over his callouses. Once his fingers are saturated and coated in Levi's saliva, he removes them and they steal behind the holster strung around Levi's waist.

"Wait," Levi gasps, his hips trembling, rigid with tension.

Erwin's hand stops moving, cruelly neglecting a painfully stiff Levi.

There's an unsatisfied growl. "Erwin."

Erwin's chest rumbles with deep, teasing chuckles. "You told me to wait."

"Don't stop."

His fingers curl around Levi once again while his other, lubricated fingers slip inside him. There's a surprised grunt, and Erwin feels Levi twitch.

"Loosen up," he croons into Levi's ear.

Levi shudders with the overwhelming sensations Erwin stimulates at different parts of him, and takes in a long breath in an attempt to relax his muscles. Erwin's fingers move inside, rousing a sound that swells in the back of Levi's throat. They reach farther and a loud, unrestrained moan that makes Erwin's body quake with hunger is drawn out.

All of a sudden, there's the threat of voices nearby. Everything becomes still, the air abruptly growing cold with apprehension, and their breaths are held. Erwin can almost see the unease quickly spreading through Levi as he presses closer to the wall like he could fade into it like a shadow. The voices become closer—they're just overhead. Some Scouts are probably making their last rounds before calling it a day.

Erwin's attention returns to the unbearably enticing man in front of him. He continues brashly stroking Levi as the voices close in on them. Erwin is pushing this too far; he's tautening that dangerously thin line he's been walking and it's on the verge of snapping now.

There's a startled intake of breath. "Don't," Levi hisses.

Erwin ignores him. He continues pumping him as his other fingers feel for that spot he knows will send Levi so high that the resilient however admirable composure of his will wane.

"Erwin!"

But Erwin keeps on. Levi's throat audibly clamps shut, his hand slamming over his mouth to keep any noises from leaking out. The speed picks up and the vigor of it thrusts Levi further into bliss. He's almost there—he's searing hot and swollen stiff against Erwin's palm.

Throaty moans thread between Levi's chaotic breaths. "Stop, I can't…" he chokes.

Erwin is burning with thrill. Touching Levi this way in the eyes of danger peering at him from all corners is exhilarating. He's addicted to the rush. He doesn't want to stop. He can't stop. Levi is his, and Erwin is using all that he can of him.

"We'll be caught, you idiot!"

The shrill plea brings Erwin back to his senses. His fingers pull away, and Levi gasps, his entire body violently jolting as he releases. He stumbles backward right into Erwin's arms, chest heaving with thin breath, his eyes shut and his senses hypersensitive.

Erwin cradles Levi, holding up his collapsed weight as Levi gradually regains his strength and poise. "My apologies, Levi. I was out of line."

Levi barely manages to speak, his voice hoarse and breathless. "Goddammit, Erwin. I thought you had better control than that."

"You overestimate me."

The voices passed by a while ago. Erwin truly owes Levi for his self-restraint. If Levi hadn't kept quiet like he did, they would've been caught—it's unquestionable. Erwin's actions were incredibly dangerous. But that rush had him entranced, and his body was aching painfully for Levi. He couldn't help himself.

Levi's breath evens out, and he tilts his head back to look at Erwin. Color still warms his cheeks and his silvery eyes are glazed over. "You can't afford doing things like that again. It's too risky." Levi's voice drops an octave. "If you're discharged because of me, I…"

"If I'm discharged because of you, it'll be worth it."

By the expression etched into Levi's face, it's obvious he disagrees with that statement. He twists around in Erwin's arms. "You should've had better control. Now look at you." Levi's fingertips touch Erwin where his trousers are uncomfortably constricting. "You're in no state to go back."

"I'm alright."

Levi eyes him with a deadpan. He's silent as he lowers in front of Erwin. His fingers slide down Erwin's fly and then he tugs Erwin's trousers lower on his hips. "Do you really think I'll let you leave like this?"

Erwin takes hold to Levi's hair as a hot tongue caresses every bit of him. A guttural growl builds in Erwin's chest when he feels the slippery heat of Levi's throat swallow him. He guides Levi through the motions, in and out, in a smooth rhythm. Teeth lightly graze over Erwin's sensitive flesh with enough force to send pleasurable shivers throughout him but without it being uncomfortable. Levi's mouth is ablaze. Erwin doesn't stand a chance against him. He has no guard or shame—he's pathetically powerless when Levi works him this way.

Erwin's fingers knot feverishly in Levi's hair, all his blood flow surging to his pelvis like liquid fire. His hips reflexively buck forward, and somehow Levi takes in all of Erwin with surprising grace. His mouth seems so small but he manages to completely sheathe Erwin.

"Hah, Levi…"

At the sound of Erwin's voice, Levi quickens his pace. The increased friction heightens Erwin's senses and his mind fuzzes over. His ears buzz with his own hammering heartbeat and heavy breathing. He throws his head back with another carnal growl, his eyes screwing shut. His muscles are tightened and he's intensely hot all over. Levi can sense Erwin's impending peak and his movements become rougher with anticipation.

"Levi," comes Erwin's low warning.

But Levi doesn't pull away like he should. A tremor works up Erwin's spine, his tensions spilling into Levi's mouth, and Levi readily downs every drop. Drained of his uncontrollable, predatory drive, Erwin is now gentle as his thumb tenderly wipes at the mess sticking to Levi's lips. His iron heart quirks when Levi blinks up at him.

"What am I going to do with you?" Erwin sighs in defeat. No, what is Erwin going to do with himself?

"Whatever you want," is the immediate response.

Erwin internally cringes at that. He clutches Levi's arms and hauls him to his feet. "Why do you let me use you? Have you no respect for yourself?"

Levi clicks his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "I don't yield to anyone but you."

"Because you're in love with me?" It's not a question. Erwin already knows how Levi feels about him.

Levi doesn't say anything but his silence is clearer than any spoken word.

"I told you in the very beginning you were a mere pawn. I can't requite your feelings." Erwin hates that the heart inside his chest he's spent years hardening and desensitizing is crumbling because of Levi, and he will never admit that aloud. He'll continue dwelling in denial, burying his heart deep down until he can't feel it anymore. He'll smother every last sentiment he feels because if he doesn't, Erwin will have a weakness. And Erwin can't allow for that.

Levi pulls away from Erwin's hold. He swiftly fixes his skewed gear and refastens his trousers, recuperating his appearance to suit battle. Once he's resituated himself, he turns his back on Erwin and gives a detached, clipped reply. "I know." Grapple hooks shoot out and in a blink, he's gone.

It's just another day, fighting silly looking titans, with more death and carnage fouling it up. Today is nothing special. Levi hacks them all to pieces, snarky remarks and taunts carelessly rolling off his tongue to keep himself entertained. One of his subordinates lies in a bloody heap in the dust. He's barely holding on to life. Petra is knelt beside him, trying her best to stop the bleeding but it oozes around her hands, gushing between her fingers. It's no use.

There's a weak gasp. "Captain…"

Instantly, Levi is on his knees next to this dying man. "What is it?"

"Was I useful to mankind at least? Or will I die having never been useful to anything at all?" A bloody, grimy hand stretches upward as if desperately reaching for some kind of comfort.

Levi grips that hand firmly. "You've done more than enough. Even from here on, I'll make your remaining will my strength. I swear to you, I'll eradicate the titans." And the hand falls limp in Levi's.

"Captain, he's gone…" Petra murmurs.

Levi's eyes are downcast, his voice soft. "Do you think he heard all that I said?"

"Yeah, I think so. He looks like he's sleeping without worry."

Levi sighs. "Good, then."

The sound of clicking heels approach, and Levi looks up. It's Erwin.

"Levi, we're retreating."

Levi shoots to his feet. "Retreating? I'm still far from my limit." Levi is irritated with Erwin. Retreating will mean breaking his promise to his subordinate. "Are you trying to make my subordinate's death a pig's death? You better have a good reason for this."

"The titans overrunning this town have suddenly changed direction. They're all headed north." Erwin's steel eyes flash. "Straight towards the middle wall. It's the same as when Wall Maria fell. Titans are being drawn there for some unknown reason. The wall may already be breached."

Levi stiffens and doesn't stick around for another word. He flies off, Erwin and his squad falling farther and farther behind him, unable to keep up with his breakneck speed. Levi is lucky he wasn't too far out. He can already see the smoke rising from the middle wall as he bolts closer to it. The only question Levi has is how? How was Wall Rose breached? There was no sign of danger—titans were pushed back to a safe distance. Humanity can't bear another fault in their stronghold.

He sees a throng of titans crowding a small portion on the wall and curses under his breath. They seem to be drawn to this area like a moth to flame. There are shouting voices and frantic shrieks. He dives directly into the danger without any hesitation in his movements. His blades cleanly sever through the titans' napes, and they fall beneath his feet. Three misplaced, new recruits cower behind him and he glances over his shoulder at them. One of them has strange bits of enflamed flesh and extra muscle fibers tethered to his face, and his eye is swollen completely shut, blood streaming down his cheeks.

Levi's brows crease as he stares at them. "Hey... mind telling me what's going on around here?"

That kid who had the bizarre wounds covering his body was imprisoned and has been in a coma for three days. Levi is beginning to wonder if he'll ever wake up.

"He can assimilate to the appearance of a titan," Erwin muses. "This is quite the development."

Together they watch this mysterious kid sleep like the dead—Levi leant against the wall, arms crossed nonchalantly over his chest, and Erwin lounged in a chair beside him. The stories about this kid are much more interesting than his appearance—he's not very tall nor is he stacked with hard muscle. He has simple, shaggy, brown hair and tanned skin—a very ordinary, uninteresting appearance. He looks like any other irritating brat that runs around. Thick, iron bars cage him and the chains shackling his bony wrists look ridiculous on him. Is the human race really so afraid of a single kid?

"It's hard to believe, isn't it?"

Levi nods in agreement. "He looks harmless." There's a beat of silence. "They're going to kill him, aren't they?"

Erwin leans forward, elbows propped on his knees and resting his chin against his folded fingers, deep in thought. "Yes."

"Cowards."

"They say he took out hordes of titans that were much larger in stature before he was finally beaten. This boy's strength shouldn't be underrated."

"I take out hordes of titans, and clearly, I've never been beaten. I'm still alive. Point is, I'm more powerful than this little shit."

Erwin chuckles. "You're undeniably strong, Levi. You're the most powerful soldier there is, but this boy could be it."

"What do you mean?"

"He could be humanity's last hope."

"I doubt it. He's just a kid. He'd have to have a damn good reason for fighting." Levi doesn't have a good reason to fight. He was forced into the Survey Corps to escape an unpleasant fate. That's why he could never be the one to save humanity. He'll eternally fight because he doesn't have a choice. Regaining mankind's honor means little to Levi.

"I agree. But I don't like the thought of this boy dying in any case."

"Neither do I." Levi hates pointless deaths the most, and this kid hasn't done anything to deserve to die. Levi doesn't have any reason to trust him, but he'll hear out his story.

The moment Eren Jaeger awakens, he sits up and his eyes widen a bit at the sight of them. Levi's gaze is tossed disinterestedly at the wall while Erwin clears up a few things with Eren. It seems this kid doesn't know much at all about himself or what's happened to him, and his only family left has disappeared.

"You lose your memory and your daddy goes missing, huh? Now, that's convenient," Levi remarks suspiciously. Eren's story is too shaky with too many holes. This kid's credibility is suffering greatly from the lack of details.

"Levi," Erwin says. "We already established that Eren would have no reason for lying." Then Erwin's attention shifts back to Eren. "There are still a few things I'd like to know, however as of now, I believe I should ask you what it is you want exactly?"

Levi watches Eren as he deliberates over the question.

"What I want…?"

Eren takes a good long while thinking as Erwin continues on about the situation, offering Eren an ultimatum of helping them reclaim Wall Maria. Even after Erwin stops talking this kid is silent.

"Hello… we don't have all day, you little shit. What is it you wanna do?" Levi pushes.

Eren's head snaps upward to look at him. His golden-flecked eyes are so fiery and intense they almost intimidate Levi. Almost. "I wanna join the Survey Corps and annihilate the titans!" he growls with a fierce determination that couldn't possibly have been insincere.

That's it. That's this kid's reason. "Oh. Not bad." Erwin could be right about this kid. He could be exactly what humanity needs.

Levi pushes off from the wall and idly approaches the cell. "Erwin, tell the higher ups I'll be vouching for him." His fingers loosely curl around the cold bars confining Eren while he stares inside at this mysterious kid. "It's not that I trust him, it's just that I wanna be there to kill him if he ever goes rogue and starts a rampage." Levi's eyes sharpen. "I doubt anyone will object. I'm the only one fit for the job after all."

He addresses Eren directly now. "Alright, Kid, you're in. Consider yourself a part of the Survey Corps."

The only problem is convincing the Head Commander that Eren should be allowed into the Survey Corps. Levi folds his arms over his chest as he observes the trial take place. Eren is forced into a crouch before the court, his arms bound behind his back while questions and resentful accusations are thrown at him.

"This is a familiar scene," Erwin murmurs. "I think I've seen this once before."

Warmth spreads through Levi's face. Yeah, this is similar to Levi's own court trial. This time though, Levi is the one vouching. The more that's exposed regarding the truth behind Eren, the more intense the terror thickens in the jury around them. Levi can feel these pigs tremble in fear. The Military Police commanders say a few things, and Erwin says a few things. But fear has the power here. Erwin's influence is overwhelmed by it.

Erwin growls under his breath, "At this rate, we'll lose him to the Military Police. He'll be dissected."

No, Levi won't let that happen. He'll do exactly as Erwin ordered, even if it makes a brute out of Levi. There's no other option. The frustration and exasperation is clearly displayed on Eren's face. His jaw is white with tension from gnashing his teeth together for too long, and deep, angry folds rut his brow. He's biting back what he wants to say but he's going to lose it. His self-control is dwindling away. Just a moment longer, Levi waits.

Eren is shouting, frantically arguing in the defense of his friend. "No!" Then his hands slam hard against the metal railing keeping him in a bend on the ground. The metallic clanging shatters the air, and Eren's voice rings loud and angry over all the chaos. "Just shut up! And let me fight for you!"

It's tensely quiet. And then the courtroom erupts into terrified cries, "Kill him! He's a monster!"

Levi springs into action.

A tooth is ripped right out of Eren's gum-line when Levi's boot connects with his jaw. A collective inhale of shock from the jury and then silence ensues. Levi's powerful knee digs deep into the soft organs at the kid's gut, and a low groan of pain follows. That same knee is thrust into his face, and Eren chokes on mouthfuls of his own blood. A fistful of hair, and Levi slams him forward to grind the heel of his boot into the nape of his neck; he feels the creak of the vertebrae contorting beneath the unforgiving pressure.

"This is only my personal opinion, but I believe pain is the best tool for teaching discipline."

Eren's bones crunch and crack under the sheer force of the blows, but his gasped out cries and whimpers fall on deaf ears. Levi doesn't hold back. He has no other choice but to unleash his strength on him. He doesn't let his reluctance show as he kicks him around. Those intense eyes, half lidded in agony, are on Levi, blood dribbling over his teeth and chin pathetically.

"Hold on, Levi…"

Levi heaves an internal sigh of relief and removes his boot from Eren's face. He turns to the commander speaking to him. "What?"

"It's dangerous. What if he starts raging and turns into a titan?"

Levi faces the crumpled mess of the kid in front of him. "What are you talking about?" He fists a handful of Eren's matted, brown hair and pulls him closer. He reeks of blood, and his intense eyes have faded with exhaustion. "Weren't you guys going to dissect him?"

The military police stiffen, nervous tension setting throughout them.

A smirk twitches at the corner of Levi's mouth. "As I heard, he took out twenty titans before his strength ran out. If he were an enemy, he might be more trouble than what he's worth. He still can't stand against me though. But if he betrays humanity, he'll be your problem, not mine. What will you do then?"

Erwin's deep, authoritative voice cuts in accordingly. "Head Commander, I have a proposal."

"What is it?"

"Eren's titan power is exceedingly dangerous and unpredictable. So why don't we put Eren under Corporal Levi's command?"

Levi can tell Erwin has their full attention and support now. Only halfway paying mind to the commotion around him, Levi bends his knees a little, lowering closer to Eren and grimacing at the sight of his broken body chained in front of him. He really beat the shit out of this kid… But at least now, he'll live. That's all that matters.

After the trial, Levi and Erwin head to the room where Eren is being held. They walk side-by-side. The two of them make an efficient team. When they're together, hardly anything can equally counter them. Erwin looks down at Levi. He's staring straightforward with that frustratingly detached look of his. Levi hadn't wanted to inflict any damage to Eren. When Erwin revealed his plan to him, Levi didn't object, but Erwin saw the hesitancy in his expression. It reminded Erwin of his own reluctance to whip Levi at his court trial.

"You didn't hold back," Erwin says.

"You told me to make it convincing."

"I'm surprised. You were absolutely ruthless."

Levi's expression darkens. "You think I wanted to be?"

Erwin knows pain of any kind doesn't appeal to Levi. Kicking Eren around wasn't easy for him, but he threw away that value at Erwin's command. He really will do whatever Erwin tells him to, even if it corrodes away a part of Levi's own personal self. And Erwin isn't sure how he feels about Levi's unwavering obedience to him. Erwin will give a command one day that Levi won't be able to carry out. Erwin doesn't know when that will happen, why, or what that command will be, but there's a part of Erwin that wishes Levi would put up some sort of fight so when that day comes, Levi will refuse to obey him and he'll continue to live. He won't die at Erwin's order like the rest of the Survey Corps soldiers.

Erwin rests a heavy hand on Levi's small shoulder. "You did well."

Levi glimpses up at Erwin, and for a second he looks like his younger self. Receiving praises was always a surprise to Levi, and right now he has a subtle, childlike widening to his droopy eyes.

Erwin ruffles his hair like he used to do. "All we have to do now is see just how determined this boy is."

They enter the room, and Eren is seated on the sofa looking severely beaten up and bruised. He looks up at Erwin with wonder as he steps in front of him.

Erwin meets his eye apologetically. "I'm sorry about that," he begins. "You freely spoke your mind in front of everyone. It gave us the perfect opportunity to play the card we had up our sleeve. Your pain was necessary to achieve our goal." He extends an open palm, offering a handshake and flashing a warm smile. "You have my respect. It's a pleasure to meet you properly, Eren. I'm looking forward to working with you."

Eren is hesitant as he takes Erwin's hand. "Me too."

Suddenly, Levi interrupts them. He coolly slings himself into the seat next to Eren, an arm stretched over the back of the couch, his ankle crossed casually over his knee. Eren jumps and flinches, instinctively recoiling from the man who wreaked welts and wounds over his body.

Levi's gaze is downcast. "Hey, Eren."

Nervous sweat beads at Eren's hairline. "Y-Yes?"

Levi glances at him from the corner of his eye, his bottom lip tugging downward a fraction. "Do you hate me?"

The reply is sincere. "N-No…I understand. The act you put up had to be believable."

Levi's eyelids droop, his concern visibly subsiding. "Good, then."

Even after all this time, Levi hasn't hardened his heart the way Erwin originally intended for him, but for some reason Levi's mercy appeals to Erwin. Levi is harsh and cold, but his heart is, in fact, warm. Not many people can see Levi's compassion because he's seemingly hardened and detached, but inside he's gentle. And it'll be a burden on him. Levi will be left vulnerable—it's only a matter of time. Levi needs to remain strong, but how can he do that if he doesn't lock up his heart? Can't Levi see that he's weak?

Or maybe, Levi's heart is his strength and Erwin will never be able comprehend that type of power. Maybe Erwin is the weak one here.

Erwin is visiting the hideout where Levi and his squad are currently residing. It's away from prying eyes and it won't be easily tracked by threats. The expanse is large with more rooms than necessary. The room in which Erwin and Levi are discussing their next move is extensive with a large, comfortable bed placed in the center, and they're gladly taking advantage of its luxury. Erwin is sitting on the edge, the mattress dipping with his weight, while Levi is propped against the headboard, staring at nothing in particular. Erwin is twisted around to face him as he tells him about the mission ahead of them.

This mission will be the most critical one they've ever undertaken. With Eren as a red flag for dangers and perils, death will be inevitable. The entire operation will be centered on Eren. Lines of soldiers will enclose him, protecting him. The beast they will be luring in is one of the same origins as Eren. Another human assimilated to the appearance of a titan—a titan shifter, more specifically, the female titan. Not much is known about her. She's only been spotted once or twice making her more myth than fact. As Erwin informs Levi of the procedures they will take, not a single fault cracks his deadpan.

"You're to lead the legion to the forest in the south where I will wait with reinforcement to capture the female titan. And no matter what happens, you will keep riding forward. You will not fight. You will not turn around. You will keep going straight into the trap I have set for her. You will bring her to me."

"…What about those in the rear of the formation? You say you want me to lure her to you, but those soldiers will face her in combat. They'll die."

"Yes, they will."

For a moment, Levi's deadpan falters, and his eyes are sharp on Erwin. "You'll throw away their lives just like that?" His voice is low and cold.

Erwin frowns at him. "Their efforts will serve humanity."

"Their efforts will lead them to death," he snaps.

Erwin's jaw tightens. "That's an order, Levi."

The muscles up Levi's forearms ripple as his fingers curl into fists. He doesn't look at Erwin, his teeth gnashed together indignantly, but he doesn't fight Erwin's command either. He plays his role of Erwin's pawn seamlessly.

"And you will not tell anyone of this. They will go into this operation blind."

Levi's eyes flick to him in disbelief. "Isn't that deceit? Aren't we betraying our own men?"

"No, it's a precaution in case we have a spy in our midst. It's possible the female titan is one of us."

"I trust your judgment, but isn't there another way? Those lives don't need to be sacrificed."

Erwin pulls his legs onto the mattress and edges close to Levi. He reaches out toward Levi's face and his palm settles on his smooth cheek. "This is war. Lives will be lost and wasted. It can't be helped."

"They don't deserve a pig's death."

"Then take it upon yourself to fight for them. Didn't you say you'd fight for the dead?"

Levi's brows pull together into an expression that Erwin can only interpret as a pained one. His head hangs a little lower and his shoulders slump forward a fraction. "I'll always fight for them."

"But it's a burden, isn't it?"

Levi doesn't offer a reply. Erwin leans into him and presses his lips into the hollow behind Levi's jaw, under his ear. Levi's head tilts to the side, opening up and allowing him better access. He lets out a low sigh as Erwin's mouth suckles at his skin. Levi tastes salty-sweet on his tongue and his soapy, clean scent fills Erwin's lungs as he breathes it in.

Levi speaks, and Erwin can feel the rumbling waves of Levi's voice reverberating through him. "Erwin, you're going to kill those men."

Levi is still dwelling on that? "Yes," he mutters against Levi's neck where he can feel a vein pulsate beneath his lips.

"Will you kill me too?"

Ice water rushes through Erwin's veins, and he pulls back. He's silent for a long time, observing Levi's steadfast guard. The question hangs thick in the air, but Levi doesn't show any kind of reaction. His unbreakable barriers are raised, and Erwin can't tell what thoughts are going through his corporal's mind.

"Yes," Erwin says at last. He caresses Levi's jaw, his calloused thumb running along Levi's slightly dry lips. "But you have to survive." He closes the distance between their faces, placing a tender kiss on Levi's small mouth. And although Erwin is silent, his lips are begging to Levi: Don't let me send you to your death, don't live as my pawn.

Erwin isn't sure if his steel heart will be able to endure losing Levi. Just the thought shatters Erwin. This mission, this order that Erwin has given Levi to lure the female titan into the forest could be fatal. It's likely Levi won't survive this operation. Tonight could very well be the last time he ever sees his corporal alive and breathing. This could be the last time he feels Levi's slightly dry lips on his, the last time he can breathe in Levi's soapy, clean scent, and hear Levi's quiet, gravelly voice.

The atmosphere around them is different from their usual nights together. It isn't predatory or aggressive, lust filled or rough—it's almost painful. Every time a part of Erwin makes contact with Levi, his skin tingles and his heart aches. He savors every bit of Levi that he can, memorizing every taste and every sensation. Erwin's body practically shakes with desperation as he gently guides Levi onto his back, into the soft pillows and duvet under them. His fingers tug at the hem of Levi's shirt, peeling it over his head. Erwin's mouth moves down Levi's throat, over his protruding Adam's apple, to his collarbone.

Dark marks streak Levi's pale skin, bands of his flesh having been eroded away from years of the maneuvering gear ripping on his muscle. Erwin traces over those marks with his fingertips, with his lips, and with his tongue. Levi shudders beneath Erwin's body then his strong arms curl around Erwin's broad neck, and his jaded, silvery eyes penetrate deep into Erwin's. After tenderly brushing Levi's dark hair to the side, Erwin places a delicate kiss on his forehead.

"Erwin? You're being unusually gentle."

Erwin's eyes rove over Levi's face, imprinting each perfectly, imperfect line and plane to memory. He touches the permanent, sunken trenches beneath his droopy eyes and then his small nose. Everything about Levi, even his foul mouth and harsh words, Erwin finds appealing.

Erwin's fingertips lightly follow Levi's jawline to the tip of his pointed chin. "Do you love me, Levi?"

Levi blinks at the question. "Isn't the answer to that obvious?"

"You know I can't return it, yet you continue loving me."

Levi reaches up and his palm cups over Erwin's cheek, sending warm tingles through his face. "I know why you can't feel the same. You have to detach yourself in order to fulfill your duties. I'm not an idiot."

Erwin's breath snags in shock. He hadn't realized how clearly Levi could read him—he can see directly through him. Levi probably knows more about Erwin than Erwin knows about himself.

"But I can also see that you're lying. If you truly didn't care about me, your touch wouldn't be so gentle."

Erwin's arms lock around Levi's body in an embrace, his chest nearly swallowing Levi's shoulders. "I wish you were wrong."

"I know."

Erwin chuckles but it lacks any humor; it's empty, and it pierces Erwin's chest. "Do you know everything?"

Levi's chest cavity vibrates with a scoff. "Of course not. I'm just not blind."

"No, you're not," Erwin agrees. "You can see everything that I've been trying to hide."

Levi's voice is low and sensual in Erwin's ear, his breath ghosting the side of his face. "You don't have to hide from me, you know."

Erwin retracts from Levi and looks upon his face. "There are parts of me that no one should ever see. I'm a cruel man."

Levi's brows furrow. "Because you have to be."

Erwin shakes his head. "No." He takes the sides of Levi's face in the palms of his hands, peering deep into the ashen pools of his eyes, hoping that his corporal will finally understand that Erwin isn't at all a good person. There's no viable reason that could ever justify Erwin's cruelty. Erwin is going to Hell. He's been on this path since the beginning. He's been racing down it, and at this rate he'll drag Levi along with him. "I choose to be."

Erwin feels Levi stiffen beneath him at those chilling words, and his eyes widen a bit. Has he exposed his true nature clearly enough for Levi? Will Levi's love for him wane? It'll be best if it did. That way Levi can save himself. He'll quit readily following after Erwin into the shadows— he'll turn back. Someone like Levi, who has a merciful heart, doesn't belong in the pitiless, cold that is darkness. And Levi exists in a place Erwin can't reach. They will never be in the same realm.

"Why?" Levi asks. "Why do you choose to be that way?"

"To attain something that I want."

"What is it you want?"

Erwin takes Levi's hand in his and brings it to his mouth, laying a chaste kiss on his knuckles. He stares far into the depths of Levi's silvery, jaded eyes that are, with each second, bringing him closer to the edge of breaking. "I want freedom." And Erwin will do whatever it takes to reach it because he always gets what he wants.