Thank you new and returning readers!

A few little notes: There is mention of Shakespeare, I know its probably not canon, don't kill me. Enjoy your fill of grumpy sick Levi in this chapter! Also, this "experiment" will be taking place in the very near future (cough next chapter) so stay tuned!

DISCLAIMER

I do not own/claim to own AOT or any of its characters (I do, however, like to imagine that I do ...)

"Eren Jäger."

Commander Erwin Smith's reaction to the name was subtle, if it could be classified as a reaction at all. It was not that he was not surprised - he very much so was - but he had already heard enough foolish talk for one day and didn't want to waste his energy on putting a face.

Erwin scratched the back of his neck, a stall tactic. He wanted to wait the statement out, just to test Hanji's sanity.

Commander Hanji had been in his office for only thirty seconds, but already looked impatient to leave. Her brown eyes were sharp and narrowed in solemnity, her thinner pair of circular glasses resting on her nose. The impatience was notable, considering it was well past curfew hours, but she had been the one nagging to meet with him. Even so, on a good day she could not stand Erwin's irritating silences, and this certainly was not the best day.

Seeing how Hanji still stood her ground, Erwin sighed. The Commander took a sip from the tea on his desk - which he drank mainly to keep himself awake - before he decided to reply.

"Eren Jäger?"

"Yes!"

"He is the reason you require a private meeting with me? Did the boy finally refuse to take part in your unorthodox experimentations - " "

No dummy! You remember what I've been telling you about Cadet Jäger, right Erwin?"

"Should I?"

Hanji groaned, grabbing the head of the chair before Erwin's desk and spinning it around to saddle it.

Hanji had been on duty since before dawn, both as resident nurse and as scientist, wiping runny noses and emptying sick buckets while still on an honest search for a remedy of this wretched illness. The fatigue was traceable in the darkness below her eyes, but it was faint; her usual feverish excitement outshone it.

Erwin had tasked her with the job ever since the resident doctor had been called to the inner Walls, seeing how quickly their garrison was becoming more like a general hospital, and he did commend her efforts greatly. It was always a straining task to be the head of an operation, as the Commander knew well, and Hanji was taking it well, in her own . . . curious sort of way. So far, she had personally taken blood, urine and swab samples of half of the declared sick, with half still to go. She had gone through each of the patients symptoms nearly hour by hour and compared them the best she could; since all information was collected second hand, it was a tedious and rather redundant task.

Erwin had not voluntarily wanted to learn about this information, but he knew it was his task to release a report to the higher ups, and it was his preference to do so with good news and not bad.

Bad news, however, seemed to be the trending wave. Not only had the number of cadets healthy enough for active duty dropped nearly in half, those who were at attention were only still recovering from the illness and susceptible to weakness. Worse yet, Corporal Levi had come down with a fever, one worse than even his initial had been. Hanji had reported little success so far on the medicinal side of the matter, and Erwin was beginning to feel useless as well as incredibly frustrated.

And for some reason, all Hanji wanted to talk about was Jäger?

"I updated you on his condition three days ago," Hanji began, oblivious to Erwin's half-attentive stare, "The average soldier suffers from our resident illness for a period of seven to fourteen days. When Eren came down with the virus, he was back in full health after merely sixteen hours. Sixteen hours Erwin!"

"Impressive." Erwin sipped his tea again.

"Damn right, it's impressive! I'm still not sure if it's his Titan shifting tendencies that allow his body to be kept at optimum health, but as I already told you any attempt inoculate other cadets with Eren's blood samples have failed miserably."

"I don't see why this is important enough to keep me past hours - "

"I haven't gotten to the good part yet!" Hanji's voice brightened in excitement, hands gripping the edge of the chair fiercly, and Erwin feared the fabric would tear. "Now it's an obvious fact that Titans have the unique ability to heal, and create new limbs or other body parts when their own are severed, with zero aid or even conscious effort. This same principle applies to Eren. The idea that his body can create antibodies out of pure need is extraordinary! And it's something I believe we can tap into, for the benefit of research. I have an experiment to do, but I will need your written consent to do so."

Wasn't it always for the benefit of research? Erwin had put up with two very rowdy and dangerous Titans, tied behind headquarters like stray dogs, for the benefit of research. He had put Eren Jäger through a whole lot of Hanji hell for the benefit of research. And in turn, the research had benefitted nothing back.

It was safe to say that the excuse was no longer swaying him.

Erwin rose gently, moving to his shelf to retrieve a folder of papers, "Pardon my intrusion Hanji, but as you know we have the pressing matter of curing our soldiers to attend to. I am reluctant to put this task on hold, even for Jâger. How is this research any different than your other futile ventures?"

The silence that replied made Erwin pause, wishing in slight he hasn't phrased his words so harshly. He glanced over his shoulder to see the woman, still sitting at attention but with the candlelight burning bright reflections on her glasses. There had been a chord struck inside of her at his words, summoning solemnity like a spark. Her hands had relaxed on the arms of the chair, though her words were firm and gripped the air tightly.

"My research is for the sake of humanity. I would never embark on the study of something I did not wholeheartedly believe would further humanity's cause - even if it meant going against what I believe is ethical or morally acceptable."

Hanji met his eyes.

"If there is a way that I can determine how our enemy ticks, we are giant leaps forward toward the regaining of our dignity inside these pathetic Walls. What I am doing, I am doing for the freedom of humankind."

Erwin raised his brows, somewhat at the solemnity that weighed upon her words, somewhat at the terse expression on her face. Despite his frequent misgivings, this was exactly why he respected her - and Levi, for that matter. Though unorthodox as they may be there was next to nothing that would stop them from achieving mankind's ultimate desire.

The Commander gave Hanji a nod of understanding, finding his seat opposite of her and beginning to scribble down a short authorization sheet for the sake of documentation. "Very well, Section Commander. I trust your judgement in this matter above all others. Please, proceed."

It was like a light switch turned her entire body on, back to the hyperactive state she was buzzed on even at this hour, and Hanji grinned and clasped her hands together happily. Erwin doubted how these two personas existed simultaneously, and felt suddenly that he had been fooled into submission. A scowl found his face.

"Aw, you act tough, Danchou, but I knew you would understand!"

"Were you making all that up just to get me to agree with you - "

"So, Jäger and his bodies ability to create has the potential of unlocking a whole new realm of medical science! My experiment is merely speculation and the tip of the iceberg, but it's branching on revolutionary if my theories are correct."

That almost devilish look glinting in her eyes gave Erwin an edge of caution, whilst also fuelling his curiosity. Whatever she had in store, he had just agreed to it. The blonde sighed, leaning back in his chair a little and preparing himself to receive a lengthy lecture.

"Enlighten me, Commander."

The kid returned the next day.

Levi's fever had gone down to a more manageable level, according to Hanji during her daily check up, and was expected to decrease as the week went on. His body still ached and his headache lingered, but Levi felt less nauseous and more like himself.

That's why when Eren rapped softly on his door, he decided to let him in. Partially because he felt bad about their parting yesterday, and partially because he brought a broom with him and offered to sweep. The dust in the old room was driving him insane, and he couldn't say no. It was probably a bribe - probably a bribe thought up by Hanji, no doubt - but Levi didn't care.

Levi turned his head again toward Eren, who was still methodically creating a small pile of dirt in the middle of the floor. His sweep strokes were slow and careful, groomed into him from the many rebukes his previous cleaning skills had received. The funny warmth of pride that hit him caused Levi to almost smile. Even though the brat was mostly subpar at what he could do, he never gave up until he succeeded. It was an enviable stubborn dedication, and it proved results.

Why the hell am I being so sentimental? Levi thought, and realized just as he did, rolling his eyes at himself. Damn these hormones.

They had, unlike the other symptoms of his sickness, gotten a bit worse. Hanji, who had been keeping track of literally everything concerning his illness - everything, mind you, was no understatement - forced every detail about his mood swings out of him each day. Apparently, they were rather spastic and hard to chart.

"They aren't affected by nutrition, fatigue, or physical activity. They follow no clear pattern, aren't particular to a certain time of day, and vary in their length of affecting your body." Hanji had cited the information from her notebook, "They seem to be more frequent when your fever's running high, but that's the only specific I can find. Oh! Maybe they're affected by brain activity! Can you recall exactly what you're thinking when your mood swings occur?"

"Hell no. And it's not affected by that. Sometimes I get sad about the stupidest shit, like the windows or the sunlight."

"Hmm, interesting." She had scribbled the words down, "What do you feel is your most frequent occurring emotional state?"

At that moment, Levi had hesitated. He had said that it was anger. Hanji had laughed, not surprised, and soon finished up his checkup.

He had lied. Truly, it was his damn libido that was overwhelming him. Overwhelming him to the point that sleeping it off did nothing, that he was almost constantly sheen with feverish sweat, skin sensitive and hot and desperate for someone to touch him. And of course, he did not dare do anything about it.

Levi hadn't lied about it because he was embarrassed; the last thing he wanted was Hanji poking and prodding at him, especially how she had reacted about it earlier. Hell, she would probably even insist to assist him in the matter. He wanted to handle the problem himself.

Having the brat around seemed to help. Eren's presence distracted him - mostly because he talked almost non-stop, and could distract him from anything. He felt calm and relaxed, sometimes even enough to get some rest. Eren had been informed by Hanji the details of Levi's symptoms, so the Corporal suspected the boy could tell when his mood swings occurred. When he would get suddenly angry, Eren would actively pick a fight with him to help blow off steam. He would sit quietly if the man was introverted and sentimental. And when he was feeling arousal - which he knew the brat was oblivious to - Levi would set his hand on Eren's thigh or shoulder or arm to cool his emotions.

Dragging the kid down as a tool to relieve his mood swings certainly was not the way to handle his situation. Levi could not explain why it seemed that his hormones suddenly went wild when the brat showed up. Or why had he suddenly felt so much better after simply touching his hand.

And that was what he was afraid of. Levi had realized, the moment he grabbed Eren's hand keeled over the wash basin a few days past.

He wanted him.

Now, this was not because Levi was some sort of pervert, locked away and forced to get off to the thoughts of the only person he had contact with. He did not want to sleep with Hanji, in the least. He did not want to sleep with anyone, when he really thought about it, alone in his ward when the brat was not around. It was against all his better judgement, considering the kid was still a minor and also a half-Titan freak with a short temper. At times, Levi wanted to kick him in the face just to shut him up for three seconds.

But as soon as Jäger showed up in flesh, his body flared into full-blown, flush faced arousal. There was something about the way he stood, the way he smelled; the warmth of his adolescent voice, the presence of his being.

Levi did not just want. He wanted him.

And it didn't help that Eren acted so damn unaware. The boy would dote on him, sit close to him, look at him for a bit longer than a friendly glance. He seemed all to willing to allow Levi his occasional physical touch to calm his libido. It was actually cute, in some ways, his stupid little half smile. He was so innocent.

That was why as soon as Levi began entertain the idea of shagging Eren, that same moment bent over the washbasin, he killed it.

All he was feeling was just the hormones, Levi told himself. They, like all his other symptoms, would pass.

Then again, he was not sure.

"Captain, sir?"

Levi closed the thoughts away again. This was probably the fifth time Eren had called his name in the past ten minutes, anyway. He rolled over, opening his eyes to see Eren setting the broom away against the wall. He glanced to the wooden floor, which was visibly cleaner. It automatically made him feel better.

"Does it look okay?" Eren asked, green eyes searching for approval.

Levi knew he could have made him do one last sweep just to double check, but decided against it. He had done well, no use of annoying him anymore. "It's fine."

Eren's concerned expression lifted into a small smile, and he moved then to grab the chair aside Levi's cot and pull it up next to the bed. He sat upon it with folded legs, perched like a bird, like he usually did. Engaging in small talk was not one of Levi's most favourite of past times, but it did pass the time, so he put up with it.

"Are you feeling any better?"

"If by 'better' you mean slightly less like shit, then yes."

Levi rested gently on his side facing the boy, the familiar heat under his skin spiking warmer than it had been a few minutes ago. He did not want to risk sitting up, knowing even the slightest strain affected his fever. His nose was plugged, giving him a sinus headache, and his voice was a combination of this higher nasal sound and coarse soreness. It annoyed himself, to the point where he avoided talking. Eren did not seem to notice, or care.

"I guess that's good." Eren replied.

"Mhm."

"Armin just started getting it last night, and the day before him Connie and Christa both threw up during training! They're all on bedrest, like you, though their cases are more mild than yours."

"Did Doctor Idiot tell you that?"

"Doctor . . . oh, you mean Hanji? Yeah, she's gotten a lot of useful information about this sickness. She says that hopefully it'll assist her in her research about me - comparing their reactions to mine and seeing who did things differently. All I know it the illness lasted only about a day, which may be because my body can heal itself, just like how small wounds heal on me right away."

Levi nodded.

"But your sickness is . . . Hanji said it's pretty bad. That you're lucky to still be doing well. They're have been a few cadets who almost didn't make it, but with symptoms less severe than yours."

Levi scoffed. Sure, the fevers were irritating and not eating for days was getting to be an annoyance, but his worst symptoms were spontaneous hard-ons, and those certainly were not going to kill him -

As soon as the thought crossed his consciousness, Levi flinched and cursed under his breath; warmth began pooling straight to his groin, heat running over his skin. He was extremely sensitive today, this being the third time his body reacted in arousal. The feelings only seemed to get increasingly stronger with each bout. This was probably the worst it had gotten yet - and of course, it happens when the brat is here. Of all times.

Levi was partially distracted, seeing Eren shift in the quiet between them on his chair, revealing a small hardcover book from his back pocket that Levi had noticed when he was sweeping. He hadn't purposefully been looking at the kids ass, though. At least, he didn't think he had been.

"I brought you a new book!" Eren's eyes blinked, eager and excited suddenly.

Levi raised his eyebrows a little as he looked over the small novel. "Let me guess, did Arlert recommend it?"

"No, I picked this one myself. It looked interesting, something about two fighting families and some people who fall in love and die."

"Shakespeare."

The kid turned the small book in his hands, running his finger down the spine to check. He bit his bottom lip gently, and for some reason he looked goddamn sexy all of a sudden . . .

No! Levi clenched his fists, closing his eyes momentarily as he rebuked himself. Damn these hormones. I care about the brat. I enjoy his presence. That's all.

"'Romeo and Juliet' - you're right! Have you read this before?"

"No. I've heard of it. If you want to read it you better get started." Levi started to pick himself back up and lie down again - partially to hide the increasing bulge in his loose sleep pants - but Eren made a sound of protest.

"I . . ."

Levi waited. There was no more accompanying sounds, but by the way the kid was breathing Levi knew he had something festering in his mouth to spit out. He turned back, seeing Eren's face had deepened to a gradually darker flush, especially on the tips of his ears. His chin was tucked down and near the crook of his arm, shyly, and he fought with his eyes.

"What?"

Levi didn't bother to coax the cause of his behaviour gently. There was no point, really. Why waste time soothing and babbling when he could just say whatever he needed to?

Eren tensed at the question, as if it were a painful request. His eyelids dropped in creases tightly, and he whispered, "I ask your forgiveness for my behaviour yesterday."

Eren had already blubbered out a sorry probably ten times, and it was nearly irritating by this point. Levi creased his brow, showing the kid his confusion, "I said it was fine - "

"I should not have forced anything on you, it's just that . . . I know you have been unwell for so long that I wanted you to feel better and I thought that I was help but really I made it worse. I don't like seeing you sick and I was worried you would never get well again and - "

"Stop running your mouth."

Eren's body reacted in a worsening of tension, but when a warmth settled on the front of his knee it escaped just as rapidly in a cascading flood. Levi met the eyes that awakened suddenly, roused by the feel of his thin fingers, and he replied seriously.

"I don't care what kind of baka Hanji says: I am going to get well. You need not be worried whether or not this happens. You have other things to think about - "

"I can't . . ." Eren interjected, but his voice dropped out timidly. He repeated, "I can't . . . I-I can't - "

"You can't what?"

Fingers wrapped around his own.

The reaction Levi had to sensation of skin on his hand was internal and delayed. He forced his eyes to constancy with Eren's, though he wanted to look down to ensure the kids hand had seriously grabbed him. The pulse beneath his skin began a rapid accelerando, body reacting instantly to the touch.

"I can't stop thinking about you, Heichou."

Eren's voice was smooth in sudden bravery. There was no need of clarifying what he implied. It was like the question had always been there, and just now they were deciding to answer it.

Levi felt his mouth go dry. The room was spinning, and he could not tell if it was his sickness or not.

At that moment, it was one force against the other: mind and body. Levi had always been an intellectual, and his mind told him the best thing to do. He had gone over this a thousand times. Taking advantage of the kid would be stupid.

The best thing to do would be to move Eren's hand away from his hypersensitive skin, get up and take a nap until this massive wave of hormones passed him.

But everything else inside of him screamed in blood-curdling volumes to do what his body ached to do.

Levi focused back on the stuttering kid in front of him, whose warm hand clenched around his tighter as he spoke.

"I've tried and I've tried, but all I end up doing is just making it worse . . . I wake up and I think about seeing you and I get nervous when I do see you and I find myself watching you and I don't want to leave and when I do I think about seeing you the next day, and when you held my hand - "

"Eren - "

" - and at night I dream - "

"Eren - "

"- about you and me, and I-I - "

Levi rose with what strength he could muster inside himself and grabbed the kids collar, pulling him toward his face just a breath away from him.

"Shut up." He whispered, seconds before crashing their lips together.

His body won.