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The taut fabric of the tents shudders under the relentless winds. The occasional opening flaps wildly before a sleepy soldier wrests it back into place with a tight knot. Everyone is raw from the cold winds, noses red and cheeks pink. Makeshift hair ties have been passed around lest tangles force a haircut. Thankfully, the seasonal rains have kept away—the creeping grey clouds instead sweeping to their right and unleashing stinging rains there.
Despite the chilled air, morale has been high among the scouts. With titans gone, exploration has become their main focus. Foreign landscapes mystify them as they smell vibrant wildflowers in the summer seasons or watch ice glisten on tree limbs in the frozen winters. Animals only seen in pictures from Armin's carefully preserved book are bountiful in the unexplored wilds beyond the walls.
As the sun sets and a myriad of vivid colors paint the sky, excitement is replaced by exhaustion. Scouts pluck about camp, conversation lulling before weary heads hit thin pillows. Two to a tent—save the officers—the scouts find their sleeping rolls and the camp draws silent. Eren is used to pebbles prodding his back and Armin's whistling snores. However, sleep eludes him as he stares into darkness. Tapping his breastbone, his thoughts meander towards familiar musings. Cool, silver irises flash in his mind's eye, and a smile dances across his lips.
Captain Levi . His short stature is deceptive—power housed within his body that few could hope to wield. Eren has come to love his sharp tongue and crude humor. And, after months of tentative flirtation, has come to crave soft caresses and whispered affections. Privileged to see a side of Levi long since stowed away from the public's prying eyes, Eren feels his heart swell with adoration. While initially naught but boyish feelings, Eren is certain they've cemented into love. His admiration for the captain was no secret. It was a truth Jean often liked to exploit in years past—teasing Eren over his crush. Though once taunting, any mention of Eren's feeling from his squad mates has now become an exasperated plea— just tell him so the tension stops smothering us.
Unused to deception, but apparently adept at it, Eren would rub his nape with a sheepish nod. The truth of the matter is that they've shared breathless kisses—Eren clutching Levi's jacket like a lifeline, lips buzzing with energy. He can count them on a single hand but memories of those clumsy kisses sustain him as they're forced into their roles of superior and subordinate.
Weeks mapping unfamiliar territory, surrounded by peers, left Eren and Levi unable to steal moments together. A warm hand on his shoulder, thumb rubbing subtle circles over the blade, has been their innocent form of protest. Lacking an excuse to touch the captain himself, Eren has fed on the limited contact they can manage under watchful eyes. Huffing a sigh, Eren flops onto his side and peers over at his tent mate. Armin is sleeping peacefully, deep breaths low and steady. The howling wind makes a suitable cover, and Eren is slipping from his sleeping bag without another thought.
Dipping from the protection of his tent, wind slaps Eren's cheeks and his shoulders hunch around his face in retaliation. Despite the heat pouring from his skin, the chilled air bites at him. Goosebumps scatter over his body as his shifter abilities attempt to combat the freezing temperatures. Gaze cutting from left to right, Eren slinks through the shadows towards the lone tent on the fringes of camp. It's always colder on the outskirts—the fire too far away and no neighboring tents to provide meager insulation. Yet, Levi always procrastinates in setting up his tent until the central location has been claimed and there's a clear gathering of tents. There were gossip-laced murmurs the first few times but the scouts quickly found more interesting things than the Captain's lonely sleeping arrangements to discuss.
Pausing at the tightly closed entrance to Levi's tent, Eren ponders if he should knock. Common courtesy dictates he should but they're also talking about a tent. There's not much to knock on unless Eren wants to slap the fabric—a move likely rendered useless by the raging winds making the fabric already flutter wildly.
"Whatcha doing?"
Eren yelps, his heart seizing in his chest. Life flashing before his eyes, he flails his arms about in a graceless manner—smacking the source of his upheaval. A wild screech of laughter shatters the peace of camp as arms wrap around Eren in a binding hold.
"Boy, you're jumpy tonight, Eren!" Hange giggles in his ears, poking at his side. "Are you being naughty? "
Eren wants to perish right there and now—disintegrate into millions of tiny particles and escape in the wind.
"I just needed some air!" Eren grumbles, trying to twist free from the relentless hold.
"Mm, air so close to our courageous captain's tent," the wicked gleam in Hange's eye bodes ill for Eren's survival. At this rate, he'll be interrogated for hours—a victim to the consequences of his actions.
"Oi, the fuck is going on?"
"Oh nothing, Levi!" Grabbing Eren by the shoulders, they thrust him towards the tent. Only Levi's head and a single hand holding a dim lantern is visible, a glower furrowing his brow. Tentatively waving at his captain, Eren silently prays to Maria for a swift end to his embarrassment. "Just found Eren wandering near your tent! Isn't that interesting? "
If looks could kill, Hange would have combusted into a fiery mass leaving only a pile of dusty ash behind. Fortunately for them, the devastating glare attempting to ignite them doesn't actually have the power to do so, and they're left beaming at Levi.
"Go back to bed, Hange."
"Fine, spoilsport," Hange shrugs, turning their head to hide the mischievous grin twisting their lips. "I'll just escort Eren here back to his ten—"
"Leave him."
Levi's command cuts through the air with a possessive finality that makes Eren's stomach churn with an odd sensation. His skin burns so hot he's surprised steam isn't pouring from him—not even Levi's icy stare can cool the desire stoked within. Pressing his thighs together, Eren rips his gaze from Levi's and tries to tame the unfamiliar feelings before they break free and overwhelm him.
"Oh? Are you going to punish him yourself?"
"Fuck off before I shove your face in the sand."
Cackling, Hange releases Eren with their hands held up in a placating manner, "Fine, fine. Have fun, boys."
And with that, silence washes over them. Eren shifts his weight uncomfortably. He never should have snuck away from his tent; it was a rash decision made by a yearning heart. He was lucky it was Hange that found him. Had it been another scout—
"Eren."
Flinching from his thoughts, Eren peeks through thick lashes at his captain. Levi has softened in Hange's absence, the furrow in his brow out of concern rather than annoyance. Crooking a finger at Eren, he tips his head, "C'mon. It's cold."
Eren isn't going to squander his chance. Scurrying forward, he dips low to crawl into Levi's tent—hands grabbing at his jacket to haul him into the protected space. They collapse in a pile, Levi immediately dragging Eren flush to him. Melting into the embrace, Eren sighs happily.
"Fuck, you're warm. Been freezing my ass off in here," Levi grouches, slipping icy fingers just under Eren's shirt.
Eren smirks, letting the captain take advantage of his heat. The man always seems to run cold, thick socks and gloves doing nothing to stave off the chill. Happy to be of service, Eren has become a source of comfort in the colder months. He was initially shocked by Levi's tactile nature—the man was quick to tangle their limbs together before relaxing into a pliant mass. Having experienced it a handful of times now, Eren simply allows himself to be wrapped around Levi until the man is content with their positioning.
Nestled together in the passable warmth of the tent, Eren can finally feel the fatigue of the day taking hold. He burrows his face in soft, black hair and inhales the soothing fragrance of lavender soap intermingled with the faintest trace of sweat. Levi likely bathed in the icy waters of a nearby river—the raging waters only calming to a flowing current as it draws closer to the coastline. Beads of water likely rolled down his chest, the near-freezing temperature making his skin tighten as goosebumps crept down his limbs.
Eren smothers the wandering thoughts and rubs his cheek against Levi's head—stretching out around the man like a smug cat protecting its quarry from prying eyes. "Missed this," he murmurs, words garbled by exhaustion. A puff of breath on his collarbone makes his toes curl and he shuffles impossibly close to Levi.
"I did, too."
The admission floods Eren with adoration—his cheeks tinting pink in the darkness. He wants to kiss Levi, needs to be closer. Fidgeting, Eren scoots down until their faces are level and stares into dimly lit eyes, the lantern only slightly illuminating the curves of Levi's face. He's all too obvious in his need as his fingers tighten in Levi's shirt, and Levi pities him by leaning forward. Noses knock together as they feel out the kiss, lips clumsily meeting in the dark. Eren can't help the grumbled whine vibrating in his throat. It's been too long.
Lips sliding together, everything clicks into place and an empty space Eren hadn't noticed refills to the brim—making his fingers tingle with elation. They fit together so well, in both body and spirit. Digging his fingers into chiseled muscle, Eren lets Levi lead the way as an experienced tongue swipes over his plush lips and leaves him gasping. Taking his chance, Levi slips it into Eren's warm mouth with a pleased groan. Eren's head spins as the kiss deepens—thoughts flying to the forefront only to be dashed away by a flick of Levi's tongue.
Calloused hands cup his cheeks, tipping his head as they move together. Eren feels as though he's floating—dangerously close to being swept away by the winds if not for Levi's grounding touch. When Levi pulls back, disappointment pinches his heart as he follows Levi's face with his own.
"Tch, greedy aren't you?" The words aren't said with ill intent, in fact, fondness seeps into them.
"Sorry, sir," his self-satisfied grin is evident in his tone and Levi huffs a laugh in return.
Eren wishes the dim lantern was brighter to illuminate the tent—to reflect off of crinkled, gray eyes. It's not often Levi allows his walls to fall. Only once he's hidden away from prying eyes does Levi permit Eren a glimpse into the depths of his soul. It's hypnotic, and Eren can never bring himself to look away—desperate to memorize the shifting shades of gray.
Scooting down, Eren presses his nose into the column of Levi's neck. He can feel his thrumming pulse—the beat slow and steady. Fingers slip into his hair, twirling the strands around them.
"Levi?"
"Hmm?" Eren didn't really have a question in mind, he just wants to hear the response rumbling deep within Levi's chest. Radiating outward, making Eren's skin tingle. Squeezing his hands between them, Eren eagerly soaks up the vibrations. He presses his ear firmly against Levi and listens to relaxed, deep breaths. To the lulling thud of his heart. It's been too long since he's been given this opportunity, and Eren knows it will likely be longer still before they can be together in this way again.
A finger pokes his side, eliciting a gasp as Eren jolts. "What, brat?"
Snickering, Eren retaliates with his own mild jab, "I just want to hear your voice."
"Sap." The quick reply has a grin splitting Eren's face, and he presses it into Levi's chest. Levi resumes playing with the ends of Eren's hair before speaking.
"Hange thinks we should head along the western coastline on the next expedition. They're trying to get a solid map of the island—though I think the biggest concern is ensuring the Titans are truly gone."
Eren lets Levi's words wash over him—the drawling murmur a soothing sound as they lie together in the tent. The wind still rages outside but, here, it's just Eren and Levi. People often think of Levi as quiet. A brooding type more apt to smash skulls together than to speak up. Eren knows the truth, though. Levi speaks of this expedition and the next, of his thoughts on matters that shouldn't matter to his charge but Eren hangs onto every word. Words flow freely from Levi without hesitation or effort.
The words wind around Eren as sweetly as Levi's embrace, bathing him in warmth that leaves his chest tight with emotion. It swells until he's certain he'll burst with the overflowing admiration, affection, love , he has for Levi. It simply can't be contained.
"I love you."
Levi falls silent at the outburst. His fingers never fall still, the pads sinking deeper into Eren's hair as he mulls over the blurted words. The silence doesn't feel like a rejection, not when Levi's arms tighten around him and his touch becomes that much softer—that much more affectionate.
"You're young—"
"And?”
" And I'm your superior."
"Do you love me?"
"I do."
The confirmation makes Eren want to dart out of the tent, wild whoops filling his lungs as he wakes the whole camp, but he restrains himself. His toes curl with unbridled energy and the air crackles as though he were about to transform. He holds his breath, counts to an arbitrary number in his head until his head spins and he sucks in a shaky breath.
"You do?"
"Do you think I'd just let any brat warm my bed?"
Eren scrunches his face, pulling away to faux-glare at Levi, "I'd hope not."
Snorting, Levi leans forward and captures Eren's lips with his. "You're it. There hasn't been anyone else in years." The words are murmured against Eren's lips, soft like the kisses being left behind. Warmth seeps low in Eren's gut, like the tide slowly working its way in.
"I've never—" Eren swallows around the uncertainty creeping in. Levi won't judge. He never does. Still, Eren feels embarrassed by his lack of experience.
"It's okay."
Lips brush over his brow, reassuring with gentle affection.
"I want to, though."
A huff of laughter warms his forehead, "Of course you do, brat."
"With you."
"I'd hope so," Levi smiles down at him, amusement twinkling in that gray gaze. Searching Eren's expression for something, Levi's brows scrunch a bit before he hums, "You sure?"
Eren nods emphatically, fingers fisting into Levi's shirt. "Yes! I'm very sure, sir."
"Okay then," and then Levi's thigh slides upward, rubbing over Eren's groin and sending unexpected shivers through his body. His fingers twist the fabric in their grip until it's taut as the familiar burn of arousal electrifies his nerves.
"Sir!"
"Levi," teeth find Eren's neck, nipping lightly in a chastising manner.
" Levi! " Eren gasps, body trembling as anticipation zips through him. His hips jolt forward, following the muscled thigh between his legs. Hands slide down his back, cupping his ass and forcing him down harder on Levi's leg.
"Feel good?"
" Walls , yes!" Eren feels like he's shaking apart as pleasure surges through him. He can't stop moving, is addicted to the heat of Levi's groin against his—only separated by a couple layers of fabric. Pressing his face to Levi's neck, ragged breaths and broken moans escape his mouth.
Where Eren is frantic, hips bucking like a wild beast, Levi is controlled. He rolls his hips with precision, always aiming to drag their clothed cocks together in the most pleasurable ways. He squeezes Eren's ass—pulling them closer. Two opposing forces, they crash together with dizzying intensity. Thoughts flit through Eren's mind but are incomprehensible as pleasure rolls through him.
And, all too soon, the tension building within shatters. His hips stutter as warmth radiates from his groin until his entire body tingles with pleasure. A tongue swipes over his neck, the cool air making him shiver as the saliva dries on his skin—unlike the wet heat soaking into his underwear.
The euphoria of his orgasm mollifies the disgust creeping up his spine from his soiled clothes. Nothing can diminish the joy rushing through him.
"You look as dopey as Sasha when dinner is served."
"I feel good."
Levi huffs a laugh, combing his fingers through Eren's sweaty hair, "I'm sure you do."
Basking in the attention, Eren melts into the ground and focuses on the gentle tugging at his scalp, the heat of Levi's body against his, the hard cock pressed to his thigh— oh. Scrunching his brow, Eren frowns.
"Did you…?"
"No," Levi raises a hand to silence the protests building on Eren's tongue. "We're not done."
Eren's mouth clacks shut, heat turning his cheeks pink as arousal quickly swells within once more. "Oh."
Levi smirks, leaning forward to bring them into a kiss. This one feels different than the rest— hungrier. Nipping at Eren's swollen lips, Levi knows exactly how to pull gasps from Eren. Everything Levi does is practiced. The slide of his tongue over Eren's, the gentle suckling that makes Eren moan. Nimble fingers slip under their clothes until they're left piled up in a corner. Goosebumps erupt across Eren's skin, but not from any chill seeping into the tent. Levi's gaze rakes over him, greedily memorizing every feature of his naked body.
"You're gorgeous."
Levi's voice is hushed, thick with awe. Averting his gaze, Eren swallows down the emotion welling in his throat. He's been told he's attractive—hit on by drunken comrades, flirted with by acquaintances. But never has anyone shown such reverence for him.
"May I?" Levi's hand hovers over Eren's abdomen, mere inches away from his naked skin.
"Yeah. Yes, please. "
Levi's normally chilled fingertips are scorching as they explore Eren. Following the contours of muscles, they slide over his side and up his shoulders. Sight alone wasn't enough for Levi as he counts the few moles Eren has, tracks the way Eren shivers if Levi lingers too long at his sides. Finally, it all becomes too much, and Eren squirms under Levi's scrutiny.
"Levi, I need—" he isn't sure what he needs. Levi's lips on his? His hand wrapped around his cock? Anything to release the desire roiling under his skin.
"Yeah, okay. Fuck , Eren. You're just so—" his words die off in an embarrassed tone before he clears his throat and turns around.
Levi roots through his rucksack in the dim light, victoriously holding up a small bottle of oil. Eren eyes it with trepidation. He's not so ignorant as to be unaware of the bottle's meaning. Sex. He'd known about the topic in a clinical manner of speaking after his father sat him down to explain once Grisha felt he was old enough. The concept was vague and unappealing, so Eren had stowed away the information to gather dust. It wasn't until he joined the military that whisperings reached his ear and curiosity had him sticking his hand down his trousers in the dark of night.
While touching himself felt nice—mind blowing, even, once he explored himself more in depth—he had never felt the desire Jean or Connie spoke of when a woman with ample cleavage spared a glance in their direction. They spoke of curves and soft flesh. Lusted after gorgeous women. Eren kept his disinterest to himself.
He'd thought himself broken. Unable to feel carnal desires for anyone. Then he met Levi. It was messy. Confusing. But Eren wanted Levi.
And Levi wanted Eren back.
"We don't have to," Levi breaks through Eren's thoughts, concern furrowing his brow. "I'd never make you do anything you don't want—"
"But I do!"
Eren wants this more than anything. He wants to feel Levi's touch along his body. Needs to feel his love in every crevice of his being. He shuffles forward, gaze never leaving Levi's as he tries to convey how much this would mean to him.
"Okay."
That one simple word sets Eren alight with anticipation as Levi guides him to his back—touch solid and grounding. Eren's stomach still twists with anxiety of the unknown, but Levi is quick to soothe with murmured affirmations. Levi's appreciative gaze lingers as his fingers leave goosebumps in their wake. They slide over Eren's skin, press into muscle and massage away tension Eren hadn't been aware of. Melting into the ground, Eren feels boneless under Levi's touch.
His cock throbs against his thigh—twitching every time Levi strays too close. As the anxieties dissipate, lust swells and fills every nook and cranny until Eren feels delirious. He's sure he's close to snapping, a whine stuck in his throat. And finally, finally , Levi's fingers dance over the sensitive skin. Eren tenses, sucking in a breath as he trembles.
"Fuck."
Levi teases Eren's shaft with light touches, dragging a finger from base to tip before smearing in the precum oozing from the slit. "You're so reactive," Levi sounds awed as he watches pre bead over Eren's tip.
" Levi —"
His balls are cupped in heat—Levi rolling them in his palm, massaging them as Eren's hips jolt up. Levi doesn't linger, instead noting the reactions for later. They're both growing inpatient, the tent thick with tension as Levi's oiled fingers dip lower to tease a puckered rim. It twitches as Levi rubs it, teasing the sensitive area before pushing in.
Eren's head falls back, already overwhelmed. His nerves sing as Levi opens him up, slowly stretching him open with long fingers. It's not an entirely foreign sensation—Eren having experimented with blade oil and unsteady fingers in his bunk. It's so much better with Levi, however. Pleasure tingles along his spine, sparking in his gut with each practiced twist of Levi's fingers. Sweat beads over his skin as his body clenches around Levi. He can't control himself anymore as fire blazes in his veins, sweltering pleasure smothering his faculties.
And just as he's about to tip into ecstasy, the fingers pull free and leave him devastatingly empty. A whine rips through his chest, pitched with need.
Levi huffs a laugh, fondness melting icy gray eyes. "Patience," he murmurs as he shuffles closer. Palming Eren's thigh, Levi lifts it and hooks it over his shoulder. His cock presses to Eren's entrance—hard and hot. There's a beat of hesitation, and Eren realizes Levi is giving him a chance to turn back.
"Please, please. I want it. I need it."
And Levi obliges. His cock eases in, filling Eren so perfectly with each inch until he's shaking. Twisting his fingers in the thin fabric below him, Eren tries to focus on the cacophony of pleasure roaring within. The way his ass clenches around Levi. The way his skin nearly burns as Levi soothes him with featherlight touches. It's all too much. It's not enough. Once Levi starts moving, Eren realizes it was only the beginning.
Eren has felt pleasure before, obviously, but none of it compares to being so completely entwined with Levi. His cock reaches places Eren could never hope to with his fingers—each thrust making Levi's cock prod Eren's prostate before rolling deeper still until Eren is impossibly full. Their bodies undulate together, finding a place that leaves them panting. The air is humid, the musk of sex filling it. The scent drives Eren delirious, his fingers finally freeing themselves from the blankets to instead cling to Levi's body. His nails rake over Levi's back. His legs drag him in close. Eren can't imagine being apart after this—the thought bringing a pervading emptiness to his chest until Levi kisses away the unspoken fear.
Mumbled ramblings pour from his lips, and it only spurs Levi on—their hips lewdly slapping together. If anyone was unaware of their coupling before, it's certainly no secret now as heat pools in his gut, radiating out until Eren is sure he'll burn everything around him down. Shoving his face into the crook of Eren's neck, he bites down with a mewling cry as his orgasm finally snaps. His hips buck wildly as he rides out the waves of pleasure rolling through him—only vaguely aware of the low groan being ripped from Levi's chest.
As his orgasm fades, Eren's strength goes with it. His limbs fall from their previously unyielding grasp on Levi and leave him splayed out on the ground—chest heaving. Levi trembles above him, scrutinizing gaze inspecting Eren before he seems placated and drops to his back beside Eren. Their shoulders brush, fingers finding each other in the dark. The silence is inviting, allowing them to simply feel the adoration in the way they seek each other out. In the squeeze of fingers, the coy drag of toes over shins. The bumping of noses.
Outside the icy winds rage on—biting any brave enough to stray from their tents. They'll both have to return to their duties in the morning. Captain and charge by day, they'll ensure their responsibilities are dealt with. Lovers at night, they'll find comfort in each other.