'Tsk, late again. Why do we even fucking bother with these meetings?' questions a disgruntled Levi. Normally, you'd chide him for such a remark, but he has a point on this occasion; Hange is now running a record thirty minutes late for your bi-weekly command meeting.

You sigh heavily, running your fingers through your hair. There's a million and one things you could be doing right now; eating, sleeping, fantasising about the head of the Survey Corps…

Oops. Now is not a good time to dwell on those thoughts, not with the man in question sat not two feet away from you. Erwin Smith, thirteen commander of the Scouts, inventor of the long-range scouting formation, and quite possibly the most attractive man alive. You joined the Scouts when he was still just an ambitious Section Commander, eager to see the world beyond the walls. Much has changed since you first met, but one thing has always remained the same; the man is still absolutely drenched in sex appeal and charisma.

You mentally kick yourself. Not only is Erwin your commander, he's also one of your closest friends, the two of you supporting each other through some truly awful things. He's always been there for you when you've lost a teammate or squad member, and you're always there for him on the (admittedly few) occasions where the burden of command becomes too much for him. The two of you even exchange friendly banter with each other, to the point where it's borderline flirting. You know he'd never cross that line though; a lover would mean less time to dedicate to his goals, and that simply wouldn't do.

Erwin clears his throat, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Mike and Ness, who were busy discussing ways to improve the structural integrity of the stables, jump a little, making the unflappable Levi smirk. As you were busy staring at him anyway, it doesn't startle you either.

The commander speaks in his usual imperious tone. 'It appears that Hange has become engrossed in her experiments again. I propose we carry out this meeting without her, and give her a copy of the minutes. Everyone in agreement?' You all nod. 'Excellent. In that case, who volunteers to take minutes this time?' Everyone looks at each other, silently willing someone to volunteer. You groan internally; this meeting really isn't going anywhere fast, is it?

With great reluctance, you raise your hand. 'I'll do it, since you lot are so against it.' You can practically hear the inner relief of your fellow squad leaders. Well, you'll have to remind them of this the next time you need a favour. What is it about minutes that make them so tedious?

Erwin smiles at you, and reaches over the table to hand you writing equipment. 'Thank you. I'd rather you did it, anyway; your handwriting is beautiful, after all.' His fingers brush against yours slightly as you collect the materials from him, and you swear there's a twinkle in his eyes. Is he trying to flirt with you?

No, he can't be. It's just his usual banter, is all. Nothing more to it…

Unless there is. But there can't be, so that's that.

Or is it?

Realising that you've been too busy thinking to move, you hastily withdraw your hands, and prepare to scribe, hoping that the blush threatening to grace your cheeks never forms. Taking in a deep breath as quietly as possible, you set up the ink, quill, and parchment, and prepare to write as neatly as possible. Honestly, Erwin must have been joking about your handwriting being beautiful; it's barely legible!

When you're all set up, it's Levi who decides to speak first. 'I guess we should discus the next batch of brats. It's only a few months until the current trainees graduate. Think any of them will join up?' You're personally certain that some will. After all, there are many people (yourself included) that simply aren't content to stay behind walls forever. That, and you're sure a few recruits will join just to get a chance to see Erwin up-close. You would have if he was commander when you graduated…

An idea suddenly hits you. You're still not certain whether Erwin was flirting or not. Well, why not take this chance to flirt with him? Subtly, of course; you can't be brazen, given your current company. Also, if you're careful, and only use suggestion and subtext, then if he wasn't flirting, you could always accuse him of misinterpreting you, thus preserving your friendship! It's perfect!

Feeling bold, you make a sly remark as you scribe, keeping your eyes firmly fixed on the parchment. 'I'm sure we'll have lots of new recruits. We have the most worthy goal, and the most appealing commander. I'm sure we'll do just fine.' You risk a glance at Erwin who seems to be smirking.

Leaning forward casually, Erwin throws his own opinion into the mix. 'I agree that our goal is the most worthy, despite what the other regiments may think. However, if I was shallow enough to choose a regiment based on the looks, I'd go for the one with the appealing squad leader.' You can't control the rush of heat that forms between your thighs. Shit, he really is flirting! Is it serious flirting though, or just playful flirting? Hopefully, you'll have a chance to find out by the meeting's end.

Mike huffs. 'I'd go for handsome rather than 'appealing', but I guess I'll take it.' Levi almost chokes out a laugh at that, and Ness takes a very conspicuous sip of his water. Oh dear, is the game up already?

After a few seconds, Mike pipes up again. 'I think we'll get some fresh meat in. Always do. I just hope they understand the sacrifice they're making. Public disapproval, limited funding, high risk of death, zero privacy unless you live long enough to become an officer…' Well, now there's a list of cheery thoughts. You just wish they weren't so accurate…

Erwin hums. 'Remind me never to let you write our recruitment ads. Still, I suppose only time will tell how many fresh faces appear here in a few months' time. What else is on the agenda today?' Oh, you actually have a point that you'd like to raise! You've had your subordinates complaining at you for a full month after some idiot broke the locks on the women's shower room. Even though you'd managed to replace the lock, they're still concerned (understandably so) that the same thing could happen again, as the culprit was never caught.

As no one else had stepped forwards, you have time to bring it up. 'Actually Erwin, a few of the female recruits are still concerned about that shower incident last month. I think they'd all feel a lot better if we tried to find the person responsible; I think I speak for my fellow woman when I say I'd rather chose who gets to see me naked.' You look Erwin straight in the eyes as you add that last part, trying to convey that he's more than welcome to see you naked.

Ness nods. 'She's got a point. The whole thing is causing a lot of tension between our men and women. We should find the perpetrator quickly, before it all gets out of hand.'

After taking a few seconds to think, Erwin adds his views to the mix. 'There will always be tension between our men and women, it's just part of our animal natures. However, the kind of tension you're referring to should be alleviated swiftly. Mike, I'd like you to begin questioning all male recruits as soon as this meeting concludes. I have no doubt you'll be able to sniff out a liar.

'As for choosing who sees you naked, you seem to be forgetting that you have your own private bathroom. You're free to reveal yourself at leisure, although I'd only recommend stripping naked in front of people you can trust.' His eyes do a sweep of your body, all but screaming out the unspoken 'like me' you're certain he's thinking. Well, he's right; you'd love to strip for him.

One again attempting to bait him, you give him a sly smile. 'Likewise, Erwin. Although, I think you need to be extra careful on that front, lest the person you choose to reveal yourself to decides to sell tickets.' The atmosphere seems to become more heated, and you wonder if anyone else has noticed.

If Levi has, he's deciding to ignore it. 'Or a barf bag. We almost done here? Or are we all gonna sit here and compliment each other?' Somedays, Levi's abrupt manner irritates you, but today you find it amusing.

Wanting to get the upper hand on the flirting, you decide to answer Levi before Erwin can. 'That was a compliment, Levi? Shit, I'm glad you never compliment me! You should have complimented his eyes or his physique or something. Honestly, do you need me to teach you how to compliment properly?' Mike snickers, and you swear Levi's ears have gotten a little pinker.

Erwin intervenes before Levi can retaliate. 'I think we should just leave the complimenting to me. Now, does anyone have anything to ad-' Erwin is cut short by the meeting room door opening suddenly and violently.

A dishevelled-looking Hange stands in the doorway, breathing heavily. 'Ah, you're all still here! I haven't missed the meeting! Excellent, I have so much to share with you all!' Oh, shit. Not a Hange lecture. You were really hoping to leave this room sometime today…

Mike seems to be thinking the same thing. 'Actually Hange, we just finished. Better luck next time.' With that, him and Ness stand up in unison, and make for the door, not even bothering to say goodbye.

Levi eyes you and Erwin, seemingly deep in thought. He must reach a conclusion of sorts, because he stands with a sigh. 'Come on, Four Eyes. I'll take a look at your shit. Leave these two to write you up some notes or some shit. Fuck, today is going to be long one…' with that, he leaves, a now delighted-sounding Hange following him, speaking enthusiastically about some new theory of hers.

Well, that just leaves you, Erwin, and the residual sexual tension. What can you say to him now? Do you acknowledge that atmosphere between you, or make to leave yourself?

Before you can decide, Erwin approaches you, and softly runs his finger across your jawline. 'I think our business is best concluded elsewhere. My room, perhaps?' Without another word, he walks past you, and begins to head to his room.

You shake your head in disbelieve. If he thinks you're going to follow him all the way to his bedroom…

… he's right.

You chase after him, eager to discover exactly what 'concluding' your business means.