Warnings:

A few curse words, more fluff. This chapter: The meeting with Erwin.

As usual, don't own, don't sue…standard disclaimer stuff.

Enjoy!

Armin stepped out of his room to find Mikasa waiting for him.

"Good Morning, Mikasa." Armin said.

"Armin." Mikasa replied with a nod of her head. "How are you?"

"Fine." He said as he started to walk down the hallway to the dining room.

Mikasa kept pace with him. "So what's going on?"

"Not much."

"Where's Eren?"

"I don't know. Did you check Levi's room?"

"Don't play smart with me Arlet. I was in the stable this morning and both Eren and Levi's horses are gone. Where are they?"

Armin stopped walking and turned to face her. "I can't tell you. Levi's orders. Just know they're together and hopefully safe."

Mikasa's face contorted. Armin could see the rage rising.

"Mikasa, Eren and Levi can protect themselves. You don't need to worry" Armin said attempting to defuse the situation.

"Why didn't he tell me? I could've gone with him."

"Because he couldn't, as per Levi." Armin replied. "Just relax and try not to worry."

Eren woke up to a jumble of limbs and material. At some point in the night one of them had pulled the cloth from the table to cover them with.

"Good Morning." Levi said.

Eren opened his eyes and blinked a few times. He looked to Levi who was propped up on one elbow watching him. "Good Morning."

Levi smirked as Eren turned onto his side, wincing slightly. "Are you going to be able to ride today?"

"Shut up." Eren said smiling.

"Just remember, you asked for it."

"I did and I don't regret it." Eren said as he leaned up and placed a kiss on Levi's lips.

"The weather seems to have cleared up. We need to get moving soon."

"I just need a minute to wake up." Eren said.

"I'll make some tea." Levi replied getting up.

Eren watched as Levi got dressed. He smiled to himself as he watched the muscles under Levi's skin move and flex. He realized if he had to he could watch Levi all day.

"..ren."

Nothing.

"Eren?"

Eren blinked and his momentary haze was not missed by his now fiancée.

"Thinking about watching me again?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Get up." Levi said handing Eren a cup of tea.

Eren accepted the tea and stood up. He shivered when he realized he was still naked. Levi handed him his clothes and took the tea cup back as Eren hastily pulled his clothes on.

"Thanks." He said taking the cup back and drinking from it. "So what's our plan?"

"I figure we have about three hours to go. Problem is that now its daytime we have more of a chance to run into titans. So we need to alter our path. We'll try to stick to wooded areas for as much of the ride as we can. Once we get out to open space, we'll be able to see the titans first, but we don't have a way to use the gear."

"I'll follow your lead." Eren replied.

"Let's go."

Once they packed their items back up and headed out to the stable, they headed out once again.

The ride was uneventful for the first two hours. The sun was shining and the ride smooth. Once they broke through the last of the wooded area the situation began to change.

"Titan to the left." Eren called.

Levi looked past Eren and nodded. "Looks like a 5 meter. Let's see where it's headed before we alter course."

"Yes Sir." Eren replied, slipping into soldier mode.

Too soon the titan spotted them and began heading their way.

Levi looked again and shot out his right hand. The two shifted their ride slightly and continued on their way.

"Titan still in pursuit." Eren called several minutes later. "Gaining."

"Shit." Levi said. He looked around them. "Head for that area of trees. We'll go into the branches."

"Right." Eren replied as they turned the horses toward the trees. Once hidden, both Eren and Levi switched to their maneuver gear and lifted themselves into the trees. The horses continued without them into the forest area.

The Titan followed as expected and Levi drew his blades.

"Be careful." Eren said, drawing his own blades.

"Stay here." Levi replied. "I'll handle this."

Levi could have sworn he saw Eren pout, but brushed the thought from his mind. He didn't want Eren fighting if he didn't have to.

The titan chose that moment to break through the trees, looking for them. Eren and Levi crouched on the branch they were standing on and waited for the titan to pass. The titan passed them and Levi shot his cable out and it landed with a thud against the flesh of the titan. He pressed one of the buttons on the sword handle and jumped in to the air as the cable retracted. With blades raised he sailed through the air and sliced through the nape of the titan's neck.

"Yes!" Eren yelled from his branch as Levi returned. Eren watched as Levi cleaned his blade on the side of the tree and placed it back in the scabbard. "Nice job."

Levi smirked at him. "Thanks."

They looked to the downed titan as its body began to disintegrate. Levi whistled for the horses to return and waited. Soon after both horses came back and stopped below the tree. Levi and Eren jumped down and mounted the horses. They wasted no time in getting back on the trail.

Erwin sat propped up against a few pillows. His arm rested on another pillow as the IV dripped much needed medicine into his system. The door opened and one of the doctors walked in.

"How are you feeling Commander?"

"Lousy, but that's to be expected. Has Captain Levi arrived?"

"Not yet. We are expecting him at any time." The Doctor said as he checked the IV line.

"Please let me know as soon as he arrives."

"Yes Sir." The Doctor said. "I'll be back in a moment to change your IV bag."

"Thank you." Erwin said.

Levi and Eren reached the top of a hill and could see the flags of the unit below. Levi spurred his horse on and Eren followed. They made their way down the slope and into the main entrance of the unit. Several solders looked up as they made their way through the tents and stopped at the main stable. Levi dismounted his horse and handed the reins to Eren. Eren dismounted and lead both horses to the water trough. He tied them up and headed to the main tent.

He found Levi in the main tent being briefed by one of the superior officers. He listened as Erwin's condition was relayed to him. Shortly, Levi was instructed to meet with Erwin. Eren stayed behind and waited for him to return.

Levi was lead to the medical tent and shown were to go for Erwin. He pulled back the flap to Erwin's makeshift room and tried not to react. Lying in front of him was Erwin.

"Commander." Levi said quietly.

Erwin opened his eyes to see Levi. "Glad to see you made it." He said.

"How are you feeling?" Levi asked.

"Lousy. But seeing as I'm still here, I guess feeling lousy is a good thing."

Levi's lip curled up slightly. "I suppose."

Erwin wasted no time. "Have you given thought to what I stated in my message?"

Levi looked up. "I really don't have a choice but to accept, do I."

"Of course you do, Levi." Erwin said. "I won't force this on you. I happen to think you are the most qualified to take over my position. I can't fight anymore. I already have two limbs missing and that puts me in a bad situation. Unlike Hanji, who can use prosthetics, I can't. Sure I can command from a desk, but I need a person to be in the field, on the frontlines. I believe you are the person for that."

Levi tsk'ed. "You sound like Eren?"

Erwin smiled. "Really?"

"He said the same thing."

"How is Eren doing?"

"You can ask him yourself, he's outside."

"I'm glad you didn't ride alone, Levi. Eren has been good for you."

"Whatever."

Erwin called to his officer. "Please send Eren Jaeger in."

The flap opened and Eren walked in. He promptly saluted.

"At ease, Eren." Erwin said.

Eren relaxed and stood behind Levi's chair.

"Thank you for accompanying Levi. I thought he would come alone."

"He wanted to, but I wasn't going to let him." Eren said.

Erwin looked from Levi to Eren. "Tell me Eren, what do you think of my proposal?"

Eren looked at Levi and placed his hand gently on Levi's shoulder. The move not lost on Erwin. "I think he'd make a great Commander."

Levi placed his hand over Eren's. "Not that he's bias or anything."

"I'm not kidding. I think he has the most experience out of all the supervising officers. I've seen him in battle. He keeps his cool and knows how to lead."

Erwin smiled. "There you have it Levi. The choice is yours. I'll have someone show you to a tent."

Levi stood up and saluted, followed by Eren. As they made their way out of the area Erwin called them.

"By the way. Nice rings. Congratulations."

Eren smiled while Levi just tsch'd.

They followed the officer out from the medical tent and across the main compound towards a grouping of tents. Eren noticed people stopping and looking at them as they walked. Eren was sure they were looking at Levi. After passing a few tents, they stopped in front of one.

"I hope you'll be comfortable. Please let me know if you need anything." The officer saluted and waited for Levi and Eren to go inside.

Eren walked through the flap of the tent and looked around. The space was made to be homey. A fire flickered in a small portable fireplace. There was a desk and chair in one corner and one oversized cot.

Levi was looking around as well and both seemed to set their eyes on the same thing at the same time.

"One cot." Levi said.

"Yeah." Eren replied. "At least we'll be warm."

"Brat." Levi said. He walked to the desk and pulled out the chair. Eren noticed that he all but fell into the chair when he sat down.

"Tired?" Eren asked as he sat on the cot.

"Mmm."

"Why don't you rest? Take a nap." Eren sat as he patted the mattress on the cot. "I could use a nap myself.

Levi watched as Eren kicked off his knee high boots. He still didn't understand how Eren was able to do that as the boots weren't loose to begin with. He then watched as Eren grabbed the blanket and pillow from the end of the bed and proceeded to cover himself. He shifted his weight over to one side and held the cover up.

"Well?"

Levi moved to remove his own boots and sat down on the bed. He rolled and laid down next to Eren. Eren brought the blanket over both of them and then moved to place his arms around Levi. Levi turned, facing Eren and nestled his head into the space between Eren's head and chest. Eren brought his hand up and lightly stroked Levi's hair. Soon after both fell asleep.

Eren woke up to feel Levi curled around him. He wasn't sure how long they'd been asleep, but judging by the sky being almost dark, it was late afternoon. Eren's stomach grumbled and he tried gently to move Levi off of him. Levi stirred and blinked. He looked up to see Eren looking at him.

"Feeling better?" Eren asked.

"Yes, what time is it?"

"I'm guessing it's close to dinner time." Eren replied.

Levi smiled as he pushed himself into a sitting position. "Your stomach clock is always on time."

"Better than a time keeper." Eren joked, sitting up.

They both got dressed once again and headed out of the tent. They were soon met by the same solider who has shown them to the tent.

The solider saluted and offered to show them to the mess hall. They followed as they were led across the compound to another building. Inside the heat was on thanks to several fires located around the room. Eren and Levi were shown to a table and promptly served two trays of food. Eren thanked them and they were left alone to eat.

Eren was about to put another fork full of food into his mouth when he heard it.

"EREN!"

He turned around in time to see Sasha hobbling towards him. He could see one of her pant legs was folded up and she was using crutches to walk.

Eren stood up and walked to her. He gathered her up in a hug.

"Sasha, how are you?"

Sasha smiled. "I've lost a bit of weight." She said glancing down at her missing leg.

Eren's face told his reaction. Sasha smiled and hugged him. "I'm fine, really."

"Don't think I'm going to hug you Jaeger." A voice said from behind him. He looked back to see Connie standing there. Eren released Sasha and turned to shake hands with Connie.

"How are you feeling?" Eren asked

"Better, I'm improving every day. What brings you all the way out here?"

Eren glanced back at Levi who was watching them with mild interest. "I'm here with Levi-Heichou."

Sasha and Connie both went pale and saluted. Eren grinned.

"At ease, both of you." Levi said with a wave. "I'm not here as your commander. I'm here on business."

"It's good to see you sir." Sasha said. She and Connie left soon after leaving Levi and Eren to eat in peace.

Erwin's messenger appeared at their table and handed Levi a note. Levi opened and read the letter.

"Erwin wants to see me once I'm done eating." He said to Eren.

"OK, I'll find something to do." Eren replied. "I'm sure Connie and Sasha would be happy to sit and talk for a while."

"I'll meet you back at the tent then."

'Sounds good." Eren replied. He reached over under the table and gave Levi's hand a squeeze. Levi looked at him and squeezed back.

Levi stood up from the table and made his way out of the room. Eren looked around for Connie and Sasha and went over to where they sat.

Levi was shown into Erwin's room and he sat down next to the bed.

"Are your accommodation's OK?" Erwin asked.

"Fine." Levi replied.

"Warm enough?"

"Yes."

Erwin smiled as he realized Levi's mind was in other places. He decided to have a bit of fun at his friend's expense.

"Did you eat?

"Yes."

"Sex with Eren?"

"Grea…what?" Levi's attention was brought back. "Erwin, really?"

Erwin laughed. "Your mind is so far away, what's going on Levi, and no saying I'm fine."

Levi looked up at Erwin and sighed. "I'm not sure I'm the right person for this job."

Erwin thought about that statement for a few seconds. "Why? Levi, you and I have known each other for a long time. I've seen you grow as a solider and a friend. I've seen you promoted to Captain and given a squad. That squad was and is through all its reincarnations the best group of solders with the most kills in history. You were the only name I came up with to succeed me as Commander. I know it won't be easy, but you have a support staff that will help you and you have Eren who will keep you grounded. I won't push or force you into anything, but I think you'll do fine."

"Erwin."

"Plus." He said raising his hand. "I'll still be around to help you. I'm not going to disappear.

Levi ran a hand through his hair and exhaled. "I'll do it. I'll take over, but you owe me big time."

Erwin raised his hand in an I surrender pose. "Fine. I'll get you a room for your wedding night."

"Better be in a place inside wall Sina."

"Noted. Now get outta here." Erwin said.

Levi stood up and left the room. Erwin watched him go and relaxed back against the pillows.

Levi walked out of the medical tent and paused. He looked over to the tent and noticed the fire was not high, meaning Eren wasn't there. Levi changed his direction and headed to the mess hall. Once inside he found Eren talking with Sasha and Connie. Eren noticed his entrance and looked up with a smile.

"Levi-Heichou." Eren said.

"My meeting with the Commander is over." Levi said.

Eren got to his feet, understanding the hidden meaning behind the statement. He said goodnight to Sasha and Connie and walked toward Levi. Levi turned on his heel before Eren got to him and left the room. Eren following behind.

Once outside, Eren caught up with Levi. "What happened?"

Levi kept walking, not replying until they were safely inside the tent they were sharing.

"Levi?" Eren said.

Levi turned to face Eren "You are now looking at the new Commander of the Scouting Regiment."

Eren's eyes widened as a smile graced his lips. "That's great Levi! Congratulations."

Levi slumped slightly and Eren moved to embrace him. "Yay me." Levi said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Eren laughed. "Did you just make a joke?"

"Maybe."

"You are so cute."

"Tch…"

"I love you."

"Hmm."

"Levi."

"What?"

Eren kissed him. A soft languid kiss that took Levi's breath and made his knees quiver. He found himself clutching Eren's jacket for support as the strong arms kept him upright. They broke apart and Eren looked at his fiancé.

"I'm so proud of you."

"Don't be proud yet, I haven't done anything."

Eren smiled. "Doesn't matter, I'll always be proud of you."

Levi shook himself out of Eren's embrace. "I'm going to bed. I need to process all this stuff."

Eren watched as Levi sat on the edge of the bed and began pulling a boot off. After the boots, he shrugged out of his jacket and placed it neatly on the chair next to the bed.

Eren took the opportunity to climb onto the bed behind Levi and slowly placed his hands on Levi's shoulders. He began slowly kneading the flesh under his hands. Levi let out a breath which came out as a sigh with a moan.

"How do you know how to do that?" Levi asked.

Eren kissed Levi's shoulder as his hands moved down his back. "I just do. Enjoy it."

Levi slowly melted into a relaxed pile of mush under Eren's hands. So much so that he fell asleep sitting on the corner of the bed. Eren noticed the even breathing and leaned over his shoulder to peer at him. A smile crossed his face as he pulled the covers of the bed down and lowered Levi to a better position. He pulled the covers back over Levi and gently placed a kiss on his forehead.

"Sleep well, my lovely Commander."

That chapter was long. Hope you all enjoyed it! More soon!