Chapter Text
Eren buried his face deeper into his lover's neck, yearning to be even closer to him. He longed to remain by his side forever, shielding and comforting him. Eren believed he had failed in his role of protector, but the man in his embrace disagreed. Whenever Eren doubted himself, his lover would remind him of all the ways he had helped the people of Paradis, playfully flicking him on the arm to dismiss his self-deprecation.
As he snuggled closer, reveling in the warmth they shared, Eren reminisced about their first encounter. It had been a harsh introduction to the government's ways, yet that cruel system had brought him the greatest joy in his life since the time Armin had discovered a stray kitten and they had nurtured it with table scraps until it found a new home. Eren cherished that little kitten just as he cherished this man: his guiding light, his beacon of hope. Shifting to rest his arm behind his head, he gazed up at the ceiling, reflecting on the recent nights before turning his attention to the slumbering figure beside him.
Levi was stunning, almost otherworldly. His typically stern face appeared gentle and relaxed, as it should be. The moon had not yet risen above the trees outside, but faint beams of white light filtered through the curtains, casting an angelic glow upon them. Eren studied his features. Eyes that have seen so much in so little time. The thought alone softened Eren's expression. Levi's mouth, which had rarely experienced the sensation of a genuine smile, caused Eren's face to shift. He frowned as he glanced down at Levi's hands. Tenderly placing his own hand over one, he tried to imagine all the unimaginable things Levi had been compelled to do with them.
Beating.
Killing.
They were surprisingly soft considering the man's profession, whereas Eren has been a soldier for little more than five years and his hands are already calloused all to Hell. It almost felt like a sin to touch Levi with his roughened hands. Almost. He thought back to just the other night with Levi, his superior, laying below him like putty between his fingers. He allowed Eren to take control every time they were intimate, and it made Eren feel guilty enough to offer to switch roles a few times, but Levi firmly declined. However, the image of Levi being so submissive was etched into his mind, something he couldn't forget. Now, his ears burned as if he had been caught in a lie.
Eren mentally slapped himself for thinking about that now when Levi was clearly in need of cuddles. His poor Captain was shivering at the loss of Eren's higher-than-normal body heat, even though there were two comforters on the bed. It was super cold tonight, though, if anything could be told from the collection of frost flowers on the windows. Eren had always suspected that Levi's body temperature was lower than others, and he remained convinced, despite Levi's denial. Levi often accused Eren of trying to manipulate him into snuggling, which, to be honest, was mostly successful.
Levi had always been gentle with him. He never treated him like the other cadets when they first joined, and Eren was grateful for it. Not to sound self-centered, but he truly needed that little boost of confidence that came from being close to the Captain. Without it, he feared his anxiety and emerging depression would have overwhelmed him. But no, here comes Captain Levi in his leather boots and fitted pants to remind him that the world isn't entirely bleak, that there is indeed a purpose to live.
The movement next to him caused him to flinch. He hadn't intended to wake Levi up. Still feeling drowsy from sleep, Levi reached his arm around Eren's waist and gently traced lines down his exposed back. It tickled, causing Eren to squirm in his grasp.
"Levi," he whispered near the man's ear. "You know I'm ticklish there." The last word was drawn out.
Levi rested his forehead on Eren's chest, his nose grazing against his collarbone. "That's why it's fun," he paused, seemingly contemplating his next words. "I like your laugh."
A scorching heat crept up Eren's back, reaching his face. Levi tightened his grip and leaned back to meet his gaze.
"What time is it?" He glanced past Eren's shoulder at the newly rising moon.
"It's past midnight, I think. I haven't really been keeping track," Eren replied with a quick shrug, nuzzling Levi's cheek.
"I wonder how cold it is," Levi mused, more to himself than to Eren.
Eren shrugged again. "There's frost on the windows, so I'd say it's pretty damn cold out there. Why?" He observed as Levi turned to lie on his back and let out a sigh.
"I was just curious," Levi said, closing his eyes and taking another short breath. "We could go for a walk."
"What? In this weather? You're insane." Eren snuggled deeper into the warmth of the blankets, inching closer to Levi in the process.
Levi sighed. "It was only a thought."
Hearing Levi so defeated made Eren's chest tighten with guilt. Who was he to deny Levi a quick stroll outside? Even in the freezing cold. Even in the dead of night. When anything could be lurking in the darkness, watching them. The thought made his skin crawl. No. If Levi wanted to go for a walk, then that's what they would do.
He threw the blankets over Levi and quickly sat up, ready to face the harsh wilderness for the one he loved. Pretty cliché, huh?
"Eren," Levi huffed as he removed the jumble of blankets that had been thrown on him.
"Come on, if you want to go for a walk, then that's what we'll do." He was already on his feet, gathering warm clothes for both of them to bundle up in.
Another quiet sigh, and Levi stood up as well, making his way to their secretly-shared closet. "I'll grab the coats, go and fetch my boots. Not the leather ones th-"
"The ones with the fur lining, I know," Eren interrupted, finishing his sentence and smiling before he hurried off to gather their shoes.
As Eren turned the corner towards the office area, he spotted the boots he was searching for. They were Levi's favourite pair, and he looked stunning whenever he wore them. Although they were still made of leather, it was white leather, softer and more pliable, with silver fox fur lining the insides. Eren recalled the day Levi acquired them. It was during a trip to the Capital two years ago, and the weather was bitterly cold that day.
Eren remembered how much Levi had shivered on the trip there, silently vowing to himself to find something warm for him to wear while they were there. He quietly scanned the markets and shops for hours until something finally caught his eye. The fox boots were sitting in plain sight, as if to say, "Is this what you've been looking for? Well, we're right here." He went into that shop as the happiest man on the planet and came out even happier. In his arms were two bags. One held the boots and a matching pair of gloves. The other contained a down coat with a fur hood and cuffs.
The kind lady at the counter playfully teased him about buying those for a beautiful young lady, and he simply smiled and agreed. He also purchased two other coats that day, for Mikasa and Armin. Although it strained his budget, he never regretted it, not even once. And to this day, Levi proudly wears what Eren gave him.
He picked up the boots and affectionately examined them. There wasn't a single scuff on the soles, showing that Levi had taken good care of them. As he made his way back to their room, Eren admired Levi's appearance. He had already put on his coat and white gloves, patiently waiting for Eren to return with his boots. Eren smiled at him once more.
"What?" Levi asked, raising an eyebrow. "Have you never seen me freezing my feet off in my socks? Get your ass over here and give me my shoes."
Eren chuckled fondly, walking over to him and placing the boots down for him to step into. He hadn't really noticed before, but Levi's legs were remarkably slender. His entire body was petite, with his waist being particularly small. Eren adored the opportunity to rest his hand above Levi's hip, relishing in the sensation of the smooth skin beneath his touch. When Eren first touched him years ago, he had anticipated firm muscles, but was pleasantly taken aback by the gentle softness that met his fingertips.
Levi ran his hands through his hair and slipped a hand into his pocket, wearing a pensive expression. "We should leave. Are you ready?"
"Yep! Ready steady." He linked his arm with Levi's and started leading him towards the door.
Eren had been correct. It was fucking freezing outside. His toes felt like they might fall off, but Levi hadn't mentioned the cold throughout their entire outing. He smiled, relieved that Levi was at least warm. That thought alone didn't prevent him from shivering, though. His fingers were becoming numb, but he couldn't care less. All that mattered was Levi's happiness.
He rubbed his gloved hands together for warmth and glanced at Levi's motionless form. "Phew! It's really chilly out here. Aren't you cold yet?"
He was certain that Levi was close enough to hear him, yet he didn't react. Levi just stood there, gazing out at the glistening snowfall. Eren approached him and intertwined their hands, bridging the gap between them.
"Are you alright? Is it too cold?" he asked, concerned. "We should go back inside. Come on." Eren attempted to guide Levi back, but he remained motionless.
He turned around. "Levi? Sweetheart?"
Levi slowly tightened his grip on Eren's intertwined hand and raised his head to the night sky. "When you say things like that, do you really mean them?"
"What? Of course I do," Eren said. "You know I love you."
Levi lowered his head and gazed at the ground for a moment before turning to Eren with a tenderness he had never witnessed before. Levi's eyes sparkled in the soft moonlight, and Eren couldn't resist the urge to reach out and kiss him. He longed to hold him close, sharing the chill of the night air. He yearned to kiss him until they both felt dizzy, their breath forming puffs of frost in the air.
"Eren," Levi said quietly as he fiddled with his left coat pocket. "I don't know what to say, honestly. I'm at such a loss for words," he sighed.
"Then don't speak. Don't bother with words. Just show me," he gazed into Levi's gray eyes, admiring the flecks of blue that circled the irises.
In one fluid motion, Levi gently settled himself onto the chilly snow and clasped Eren's hands in his own. "Eren, I..."
"Levi," gasped Eren, mouth wide open. "Stop, you'll soil your pants."
The man below him shook his head vehemently. "No, I have to do this. Please, I have to." Eren's shoulders slumped in defeat, but he allowed Levi to proceed.
"Eren, you're aware of the immense struggles I've faced. It's been too much, if you ask me. However, over the past few years, I've had someone else to help carry my burdens. Initially, this person was a complete annoyance. But eventually, I came to realize how deeply I cared for him, for you, Eren."
"Levi..."
"I love you, and I will always love you. I want us to be more than stolen glances and hidden kisses. I want you to feel valued and understand that you, and our relationship, isn't something I want to keep concealed."
Eren started to kneel down as well, but Levi halted him. "I may not have much to offer, except my love and this," he said as he retrieved a small box from his left pocket, the same one he had been toying with earlier, and handed it to Eren.
Eren gazed at the box. It was a simple blue box, nothing extraordinary, but at that moment, it held immense significance for him. He handled it delicately, slowly opening it to catch a glimpse of what lay inside.
A ring.
It appeared rather unremarkable, lacking any notable features, yet it was undeniably a ring. Eren gasped, the sound louder than any he had ever made before, nearly causing him to drop the box in the process.
"Levi! You can't be serious. Are you..." he trailed off, pausing for a moment. "Is this what I think it is?" he whispered, as if afraid of being overheard.
Levi stared, unsure whether to be happy yet. "Yes, it is. I wanted to save it for a more...romantic setting, but this will have to do," he said, pausing. "Is it not what you hoped?"
"No, no! It is. Everything I hoped. It's just, well, you haven't asked," Eren replied.
Levi tilted his head and frowned. "Asked what?"
"You know. The question," Eren clarified.
Levi was still very confused, and then it clicked. "Oh," he cleared his throat and gripped Eren's hands again. "Eren Jaeger, will you... Will you marry me?"
At that moment, Eren broke down in tears, finally kneeling to sob onto Levi's shoulder. "Yes," he whispered. "Yes, of course, I will."
Levi couldn't describe how tightly he hugged Eren that night; all he could remember was the comforting warmth.
When they returned, the room was in disarray with scattered clothes and hushed, heavy breathing. As soon as they closed the door, Eren's hands found their way to Levi. His teeth playfully grazed Levi's sensitive skin, and Levi, too lost in the moment, didn't have the presence of mind to ask him to stop, aware that it would leave marks. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Eren's strong shoulders and surrendered to his passionate kisses and adoring words, reveling in the attention lavished upon his body.
Eren quickly led them to the bed, where he kissed a heated trail down Levi's neck to his chest. He couldn't resist the allure of Levi's perfectly pink nipples. Levi squirmed in his embrace, wrapping his slender legs around Eren's waist, yearning to be even closer. They hadn't completely stripped yet, but they were close, only in their underwear. Eren rolled his hips forward, savoring the delightful friction he felt and the beautiful sound that escaped Levi's lips.
"Eren... I love you," he whispered, out of breath, his eyes glossy with unshed tears.
Eren leaned down to kiss them away. "I love you too, forever."
The beautiful man beneath him chuckled, emitting such a delightful sound. "Forever? That seems like quite a long time, don't you agree? The vows state 'till death do us part'."
"But, Levi," Eren interrupted, "I will love you forever. And when Death finally tears us apart, I'll search for you in the afterlife, for all eternity. I swear I will."
"Alright," he whispers. "I will love you until the day I die. And even then, if there truly is something after, I will find you too. I promise."
"Good," Eren quipped, playfully biting Levi's ear, which elicited a lovely moan from him.
Levi's thighs tightened around his waist, a needy gesture.
Oh. Eren pondered.
He wanted to as well.
Eren firmly held onto Levi's waist and moved his hips again, more experimental this time. The sight of Levi's pleasured expression was what motivated Eren to keep going. His hands trailed up the man's stomach, then back to his nipples, giving one a curious pinch that caused Levi's spine to curl. He moaned again, his voice breathy and high-pitched. Feminine, Eren surmised. He liked it.
"Eren, please," Levi pleaded.
"What is it?" He leaned down to whisper in his ear, "Tell me what you desire, my love."
This single sentence was enough to push Levi to his breaking point. His legs released their grip on Eren's waist, spreading apart as if he was offering himself to him.
"Please, love me as you always have. I don't mind if it's intense or if it leaves marks, just please," he pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. "Make love to me, Eren. Please." He raised a hand to Eren's cheek, gently brushing his bangs behind his ear. "Please."
Eren had never heard Levi so desperate for attention before. It was a little unsettling, but he loved it at the same time. He was willing to give Levi every ounce of love he had in him, until their very last moment alive. He kissed his neck and gently sucked on the tender skin behind his ear. Then, he moved down to his collarbone, leaving a collection of affectionate marks there as well.
Time ticked on, and Levi's lips continued to produce an increasing number of beautiful sounds that were worthy of worship. Eren eagerly devoured most of them with his hungry kisses, but the few that managed to escape were like music to his ears. Levi had been, for the most part, very quiet. Well, he would have to change that soon.
Strong arms wrapped around Levi's thighs, pulling him flush against warm hips. Although their remaining clothes were still intact, it was clear that wouldn't be the case for much longer. As Levi's cries and pleas for more increased, Eren's impatience slowly began to show. He slid his fingers under the delicate strip of fabric that kept them apart, smoothly pulling it down. Levi's eyes filled with desire as he finally laid eyes on what he had yearned for all evening.
"We still have oil, right?" Eren panted out.
It took Levi a few seconds to understand what he had asked, but he responded hurriedly, "Yeah, it's in the bottom drawer."
With a quick kiss on Levi's forehead, Eren reached over and grabbed the bottle of oil from the nightstand. He swiftly removed the cork and proceeded to pour it onto his fingers, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on Levi. His beautiful, perfect, extraordinary Levi. His and his alone.
Wiggling his hips, Eren could tell that Levi was silently begging him to do something to ease his frustration. So, naturally, he obliged, helping to pull off Levi's boxers with a little assistance since his other hand was slightly soiled at the moment.
Looking from his slicked fingers to Levi, he asked, "Are you sure?" as if he didn't already know the answer. Levi's nodding head was more than enough to convince him to playfully slide his fingers along the base of Levi's shaft. A choking sound gripped the man's throat, desperate to be released, so that Eren could hear it.
"Don't hold back, darling. You know I love your voice," he purred. "It's perfect."
A damp, teasing caress on his eager entrance made Levi squirm and eagerly push back against Eren's finger, yearning for his hand to draw nearer. Eren shushed him with a gesture before slowly inserting a single finger up to the knuckle, pausing to give him time to adjust. Levi shivered at the contact, but soon warmed up to it, encouraging Eren to continue and add another finger.
"I'm fine," he muttered. "Keep going."
"That quick?"
Levi grunted quietly, seemingly affirming the question.
"Okay then, if you're sure."
He pushed further, adding a second digit next to the first. Again, he allowed Levi to adjust, even though they had done this so many times that they could do it with their eyes closed. The soft approving noises from below him let him know he was doing well, and he savored each one. As he pushed further and began curling his fingers, more of Levi's voice began to emerge.
His eyes were closed, but his mouth was open and inviting. So, Eren did the logical thing and kissed him senseless, while slowly thrusting his hand to find the most sensitive spot he knew of. A spot that he knew would make Levi scream his name just the way he wanted him to. Adding a third finger, he attempted to reposition his hand this time. He was aware of its location and was determined to hit it.
"Eren," Levi breathlessly pleaded, wrapping one leg lazily around Eren's waist.
"One more minute, and then I'll give you what you want. I promise," he reassured him.
He positioned his fingers, curling them just the right way, and-
"Ah, Eren!" Levi moaned, his legs clenched, a half-silent signal to keep doing what he had just done. And so, Eren continued.
Every stroke of his fingers made Levi moan into his arm. Eventually, he turned onto his side to stifle his voice with the sheets, but that tactic only provided limited relief, especially considering it was Eren he was with.
"Dear God," his muffled voice moaned, "stop teasing and get on with it."
Eren chuckled at Levi's impatience. "Temper, temper," he said, withdrawing his fingers. Levi whined in response, but his satisfaction grew as Eren replaced them with something much better.
With a soft grasp on Levi's slim waist, Eren finally immersed himself, bottoming out quickly since he knew damn well that Levi could handle it. The pleasurable cry that escaped his lips was so enchanting that Eren yearned to hear more.
"Perfect. You're doing great, my love," he purred, leaning down to kiss him.
Their kiss this time wasn't one of utter passion; instead, it was tender, comforting, and sensual. Eren wanted Levi to understand the depth of his love and admiration. He poured in every ounce of affection he had, treating it like a meticulously crafted soup.
And boy, did Levi respond.
His arms draped around Eren's neck, pulling him further in, but it was his silky tongue that truly stole the show. It delicately caressed the corners of his mouth, silently seeking an invitation to explore further and savor more.
Eren couldn't contain his anticipation any longer. His hips instinctively moved forward, seeking the warmth of Levi's body and that special spot he knew was waiting. The man beneath him let out a sharp cry of pleasure before pressing his body tightly against his own.
Every tender thrust after that was pure bliss for both of them. Levi, moaning in pleasure, and Eren, panting and groaning in ecstasy. He knew he wouldn't last very long with Levi's voice right in his ear, singing such a beautiful song for him.
"That's it, baby," he groaned a little too harshly for his liking, so he tried to soften his voice. "You're doing amazing. You're doing wonderful, baby."
"Eren," Levi whispered softly, "I... I love you so much," he said, his eyes filled with tears.
He knew that his hair had come loose from its bun a while ago, potentially tickling Levi's face. Nevertheless, he couldn't care less. In this moment, all that mattered was pleasing Levi. With that in mind, he increased his efforts, pushing harder and faster, while simultaneously nibbling, kissing, and caressing Levi's chest and neck. The increase in Levi's voice was the unmistakable sign that he was close, so he tried to help him reach climax.
"Come on, Levi, you can do it, baby," he encouraged as he kissed his neck. "Let go for me."
Levi reached his peak with a small grunt, moaning into Eren's neck as he inhaled his sweet scent. Eren released soon after, silently cursing himself for not pulling out quickly enough, although Levi didn't seem to mind too much.
With a gentle kiss on Levi's cheek, Eren leaned back and went to fetch a warm cloth to clean them up.
"That was nice," Levi deduced, while Eren was busy picking up their clothes and returning the oil to its rightful place.
Eren chuckled. "Just 'nice'? Really? I believed I was better than that."
"It's better than saying, 'I'll probably be walking weird today,'" Levi quipped.
Eren let out a boisterous laugh and placed his hands on his hips. "Well, thank you, kind gentleman. Your words of praise flatter me and my small man brain."
Levi's eyebrows raised as he asked, "Are you referring to your genitalia or your intellectual capacity?"
"Oh my God, you're so annoying," Eren said, laughing.
On that day, Eren had been too preoccupied with giggling to notice Levi's broad smile, but he would soon regret the consequences of his inattention.
"Come on, let's go grab some breakfast. I hope they have sausages today! Yum!" Eren smiled as they got ready.
Once they were both dressed in clean clothes, Eren linked his arm with Levi's and headed towards the door.
"I can walk on my own, you know," Levi said, pulling away from his grip. "Besides," his eyes filled with sadness, "we can't afford to let anyone see us like that."
"Oh..." Eren trailed off. "Right. Sorry."
"One day," Levi interjected. "One day, but... Not now."
"Don't worry, I understand."
Eren opened the door and held it for Levi, their shoulders brushing as they walked down the hallway to the mess hall. He noticed Levi's slight limp, and his heart swelled with pride knowing that he had caused it. As they entered, the place was as lively as ever. Connie, Sasha, and Jean were throwing food as usual. Mikasa sat calmly in the corner, while Armin read a book next to her. Hange waved her arms around extravagantly, causing people around her to give her a wide berth. Onyankopon and Niccolo appeared to be arguing over a dish of food. It was delightful to witness everyone being so joyful.
And then there was Floch, sitting at the very front table with Marlo, chatting about something and occasionally glancing at Eren and Levi. His eyes didn't seem too happy considering the state of the room this morning. Everyone was happy except for him. Eren dismissed it almost immediately, but it was still odd nonetheless.
"C'mon," he whispered to Levi and pointed at the food. "I'm starving." Then he walked with Levi over to Niccolo.
The Eldian-Marleyan man looked up and smiled as soon as he saw the two. "Hi, Eren! Captain," he nodded in respect. "What can I get for you today?"
Eren scanned the food. "Well, what do you have?"
Niccolo grinned as he showed off the dishes like they were prize racehorses. "Bacon, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, beans and bread, and jam to go with the bread. We've got juice to go with it, and tea for the Captain, of course!" He chuckled.
Levi interrupted, saying, "I'll just have some bread and eggs."
"Well, I'll have some bacon and eggs, and maybe a small bowl of oatmeal. I don't wanna get too fat," Eren joked.
"Aww!" Niccolo drawled. "You have such a high metabolism, though! You could never get fat."
"You'd be surprised," Eren said as he rubbed the back of his head.
Breakfast went by quickly, with Eren having sparring practice with his Captain right after which, in his opinion, was a foolish decision because what if all that food decided to come back up while he was getting his ass beat? Levi didn't seem too worried, though, so he had to go through with it. After all, Eren definitely wouldn't pass up a chance to be near Levi.
The walk to the sparring grounds was short, but it was rudely interrupted by Floch's unkempt hair crossing his path, accompanied by two high-ranking military generals. He stopped, saluted the officers, and then addressed the lower Scout member.
"What is this? And who are these officers you've brought?"
Floch chuckled darkly. "Turns out you're not as good at keeping secrets as I thought."
Eren raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Oh, nothing."
"Okay..." He tried to walk past Floch, only to be blocked by one of the officers. "Well, I have a lesson with Captain Levi, and he'll be in a bad mood if I'm late, so I-"
"I'm afraid Captain Levi isn't available for lessons right now." Floch picked at his nails, studying them.
"What do you mean?" Eren asked, worry creeping into his voice. "Is he okay?"
"Oh, yeah, he's fine. Just getting the shit beat out of him in the dungeons, but yeah. He's all good."
"What?" Eren shouted. "Why?"
"Adultery, insubordination, engaging in a sexual relationship with a lower-ranking soldier. Should I continue?" Floch supplied.
Eren was speechless. Just this morning, he and Levi had been happy, joking, and smiling with their friends. And now, he was being hurt because of something Eren had done. His hands clenched into fists, and he gritted his teeth, narrowing his eyes at Floch as if he were the most despicable criminal in existence.
"Take me to him. Right now. I need to see him," he said, his gaze cast downward.
Floch shook his head, but before he could speak, Eren grabbed his shirt and forcefully slammed him against the nearby wall. "I said, 'Take me to him,' God damn it!" he growled. "Now!"
°°°