Chapter 14: Forestall the danger

It was morning already even though it was still dark outside. Erwin lazily turned his head from side to side. Even it was dark, he could clearly see Armin´s peacefully sleeping face. It was a rare sight and he felt really honoured to be the only one seeing this blissful moment.

But then he willingly, unwillingly had to get out from this warm and really comfortable hug and bed. He carefully grip Armin´s tiny hands and put down on the pillow. Thankfully he did not wake up just struggled a bit but then just a snore could be heard. Erwin smiled and kissed Armin´s forehead before leaving the bed.

He went up to the window and looked out. The weather looked quite good. The sun was slowly showing up behind the mountain. What a lovely scenario. He took a quick glance on the sleeping Armin before turning his eyes back to the window.

He sighed loudly. It was the time to get some fresh air before work. Going for a walk so soon in the morning is one of his habits which helped him to clear his head.

And so he dressed up, tentatively moved to the door and without causing any noise he closed the door behind and left for his usual walk.

...

Two hours later.

Erwin was sitting in his office, typically buried till head with paperwork and documents. He was going through one important document when someone has knocked on his door.

"Come in" He said, while putting the paper down on the desk with the intention of continuation later on.

The door opened and a relatively annoyed and bored Levi stepped in. Erwin rolled his eyes. He knows that Levi had some other more pleasurable activities in his mind but unfortunately he must wait with them a little.

Levi sat down on the chair and crossed his legs.

"I got your message and I am here. What was so important that I had to put my personal issues aside?"

Erwin heavily sighed. "I know that you wanted to have some fun with Eren, but this matter cannot wait."

Levi snorted. "Ok. I am here as you wanted. Now spill it out what was so "important"". He annoyingly rolled his eyes. Now he could have his fun with Eren but no, it had to be denied by mister eye-brow and his "important speech.

Erwin furrowed his eyebrows. "First of all don´t you dare think that I am enjoying this situation but we have to deal with it."

Levi again rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"To cut the story short, yesterday Armin told me something which cannot be underestimated even if it sound really nonsensical but he assured me that he wasn't lying. He has heard it with his own ears. And I have no reason to doubt his words. So... he says that one of our Cadets is secretly meeting with one of the MP´s."

"Is that so?"

"Yes and not just that. He even confessed to his fellow that the MP member has promised him to make him officially a MP member if he manages to lure Eren out into the forest and catch him. "

Levi´s attention sharpened. "What the fuck is this bullshit?"

"Even I thought that this must be just a bad joke or something but it isn't. Trust me, if Armin says this than this is the fucking truth."

Levi suspiciously looked at Erwin. He still wasn't really convinced about this but when he looked in Erwin´s eyes he knew that what the blond eye-brow was saying is true. He had no reason to jerk around.

"So you say that we have to deal with a traitor."

"Unfortunately, yes. This is the first time since I become the Commander that something like this has occurred. That is why I called for you. We need to think about how to stop that jerk before he can execute his plan and harm Eren. "

Levi wasn't surprised at all. This kind of situation wasn't new for him. A few years ago when he was promoted as a Corporal some of his fellows couldn't swallow the bitter pill of defeat and so they lowered themselves even to betrayal when Levi needed their help the most just to get rid of him and so they could get access to his position. Unluckily for them Levi showed why he is nicknamed as the humanity strongest soldier. And when he found out that his own fellows betrayed him, he did not show any mercy to them and killed them, one by one. And so from that time nobody tried that again. Because they knew that if the try it, Levi would have found them and they would had to pay with their own lives.

The current situation resembles to the ones he had to deal with a few years ago, but with the exception that not him but Eren is the one who will get betrayed and fooled around. That is something which needs to be averted at any costs and the culprit should be punished accordingly.

Levi was silent, absorbing the information and thinking about the tactics how to solve this little problem. What is obvious is that that they have to avert any contact between Eren and that traitor, whoever they did not yet know if they even know each other. He better ask Eren when he is done here.

"The main question is, which one of the Cadets is the black ship, here."

"I know who it is, do not worry about it Levi. You should also know it. He is the one who always complains and feels underestimated and he also does not really like that Eren is pampered by us."

Levi paused in thoughts. Then his eyes widened in a sudden realisation. "Oh... now I know whom are you talking about."

He grinned. Now he remembers that idiot, who has written at least a thousand complains about his situation and stuff.

"So, now that we know who our culprit is, let´s think about how we should catch him. Armin said we should hire other Cadet to make some investigation and follow him everywhere for a week or two and just then we should come up with the decision about his punishment."

Levi shook his head. "Why on Earth we should wait two weeks and just then capture him? It does not give a sense to me. Armin might be a genius and what he says is always right. But this time I cannot agree with him. Maybe he doesn´t want to evoke in that idiot suspicion that we already knew what he is planning but we cannot wait two weeks with our arms crossed and watch what will happen. It is out of the question to just sit on our arses with crossed hands and just watch. You know that I can handle this situation and I assure you that I will do the same thing I have done, few years ago. However this time I will spare his life but it will of course depend on how willingly he will to contribute with us."

"You got the point. That is why I wanted to talk with you about this. You dispose of enough experience to be able to handle this kind of situation. So I think the best option in this scenario will be that to entrust you with this little mission. Your task will be to find and capture him and bring him to my office. And we will see who things will go."

"Thank you, Commander for entrusting this little "mission" to me. I will not let you down on this." The formal speech wasn't necessary but it was out of habit.

"I know it that I will not be let down and you will excel like always. But be sure that he will be in one piece. I want to have a little chat with him. "

"I will try my best no to kill him, but it will demand a huge amount of patience and that is something in which I am really bad at. Anyway, is this all you wanted to discuss with me?"

Erwin paused in thoughts. "Yes, that is all for now. You can go now. The next time we met, I demand some results."

"You don´t say, eye-brow. Now excuse me, I want to have some chit-chat with Eren."

Erwin rolled his eyes. "You are hopeless, Levi. That is for sure."

"You are the one to talk." Erwin didn't say anything on this. Levi knows how to sass back. He even hit the nail on its head. Honestly, the both of them were hopelessly in love with their cute and innocent young lovers.

Since Levi hooked up with Eren, he has changed even he denies to admit it. But Erwin cannot be fooled. He knows Levi for a long time so it is not so hard to look trough Levi. He is like an open book for him. But he is happy that he found happiness, finally. After that dark period when he has lost his entire squad he became reclusive, depressive and emotionless. It was a really hard time for him and especially when his own fellows betrayed him. He lost faith in humanity and even tried to take his life once. Luckily Erwin was there to avoid that to happen.

But after meeting Eren his life has taken a dramatic turn. For this Erwin is really grateful to Eren and his influence which he has on Levi. He himself found someone, who is on the same wave as him, whose thinking is similar almost the same as his and is handsome, cute, adorable and his moans are like a symphony to his ears.

"Ok, I am going. Next time I will bring some guest. Be prepared. "

"Just bring it on, Levi. Just then will the real fun begin..."

"You nailed it." And then Levi left Erwin´s office. His footsteps headed towards his room, where Eren was supposed to be.

When he opened the door, he sighed in relief. Eren was sitting on the bed, putting on his shoes.

Levi sat down next to him.

"Eren..."

Eren turned his attention to Levi. "Something is happening? You look a little crabby."

"I just came from Erwin. He told me some unpleasant news."

"What news?" Eren asked curiously, his attention fully concentrated on Levi.

"It is that Armin told Erwin that he overheard a conversation, unintentionally. The conversation was about that one of the Cadets is meeting up with the MP´s. What is more is that the MP´s are promising him that he will become an official member if he manages to lure you out and catch you in the forest. And that is something which we cannot allow to happen."

Eren looked at him with widened eyes. His skin paled. He was in a slight shock. "You ... You are suggesting that someone is after me?" He asked Levi with his voice cracking.

Levi sadly nodded. "Yes. The MP´s convinced one of our Cadets to join them with the vision of becoming a rightful member if he manages to catch you. I and Erwin have agreed that I will go to find him and talk to him if he wants or not."

Eren bowed his head. He needed some moments to absorb this sudden news. He stays silent.

Levi leaned closer and took Eren into his arm and kissed his forehead. "Eren, do not worry I will not allow anybody to hurt and harm you. You are the most precious person to me and I swear to God that I will do anything I can to protect you. And I will not back off from my words. I love you more than anything, you should know that. You give me hope that my life has a meaning that my existence has a purpose. "

Eren snuggled into Levi´s arm more and wrapped his hands around his waist.

"I know it, Levi. And I love you too. More than I should. But risking your own life for me... am I that worthy? Because for everyone I am just a monster..." and the tears have gathered in his eyes. Levi tightened his hug.

"Eren... don´t speak like that. You aren't a monster. You are a normal human being like the others. Even if you are a monster, you are still you. Don´t blame yourself for what your father did. You were a kid back then and he was much stronger than you. But if we look at it, it has a one positive side. You are the only one who can save the humanity, even I am the so called humanity´s strongest but without you I am certain that we will not be able to defeat the Titans. You are needed. I need you. I need you more than you can think. So please do not say this words again, do you understand me, shitty brat?"

Eren hearing these sweet words from Levi made him endlessly happy. He would have never thought that they would be sitting here on the bed, holding each other and exchanging sweet words. But this was for real. Eren let the tears fall down, but these were tears of happiness. Levi with one hand lifted Eren´s head and looked into those beautiful eyes, which were still shining from tears.

"Why are you crying?" He said it with a concerned voice.

"They are happy tears."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

Levi had to confirm his words with some action and so he cupped Eren´s chin and lifted a bit so he could kiss him. When their lips meet an electric fraction went through their bodies.

The kiss was sweet and passionate. When their lips parted they deeply looked in each other eyes.

"Eren I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?"

"Be a good boy and stay here in the building till I will come back. You are not allowed to leave the building. It is for your own safety. It will be just for today or maximum tomorrow."

"Why?"

"It is simple that Cadet is connected to the MP´s. And it would be risky you to walk freely around the area. And that is why you need to stay here. He can use dirty tricks to trick you and lure you out so you will be vulnerable and will not be able to protect yourself."

"..." Eren didn't say anything on this. He knows that Levi wants the best for him, but...

Levi rolled his eyes. "Eren, please don´t make fuss about it. It applies just for today. Okay? I just want to make sure that you are safe. That is all."

"If you insist, I will just stay here and wait for you."

"That is what I wanted to hear. One more thing..." and he licked his lip. "When I come back I won´t hold back and I will ravish you till the only thing on your mind will be me." Eren blushed heavily.

Just the mere thought of it makes his body shiver. "Then you better hurry up, Corporal." And he bit his lower lip.

"You little... seducing your superior so openly ..." he shook his head in disbelief. When he became so lusty and lewd? Anyway, now he has some things to set before he could lay his hands on his precious shitty brat.

"It is your fault, Levi." He said with a little arrogance in his voice. Levi just snorted.

"Nah... I will remember this, you better prepare your ass, shitty brat. But seriously now, I have to go now. I want to get over it ASAP. "

They exchange one last kiss before Levi stood up and brushed up himself. When he was by the door he gave a last glance to his younger lover.

"Stay here, understand? You are prohibited from leaving the Castle. If you break the rule, I will heavily punish you."

Eren rolled his eyes in annoyance. He was pissed off because Levi treats him like he was still 15. On the other hand it is understandable because the danger is still high and Levi cannot allow himself any mistakes. If something goes wrong, Eren would be the one facing the consequences of this and that is what Levi does not want to occur.

...

It was lunchtime. The Cadets assembled into the dining room. Levi closely watched when that ONE will make his appearance. He was like usual leaning against the wall further back and pretended to be the one to watch over the brats and to smooth-going of the lunch.

He was scanning every face that made its appearance but he could not recognize the face of his target. But then his gaze sharpened when the culprit entered the room. He didn't show any change in his behaviour or in his facial expression.

He decided to catch him directly after the lunch. It would spare him a lot of trouble and problems. Not gazing too much in the direction where the suspect was sitting he noticed that he was sitting almost alone. Just two other Cadets accompanied him.

Twenty minutes later.

Almost everyone was done with their lunch and made their leaves except for that one Cadet and his companions. Levi looked around the dining room which was almost empty except for him and those three brats. Now was the time.

He came closer to the desk where the brats were sitting and still chatting and sat down straight next to the wanted one.

"Hi guys. How are you doing?" he asked causally with his indifferently facade on.

"Quite well Sir."

"Is that so?"

"Yes..." Levi grinned.

"Ok you two can leave for now, I have some business to settle down with your friend."

They looked at him with widened eyes, however they know that defying Levi´s order wasn´t a good idea if they wanted to be promoted one day and be a good example for the others. And so they stood up, excused them and made their exit.

"Finally, we are alone."

Frank, as he was called but until now his name was irrelevant, gulped, he could feel that the Corporal must know something and also that he is in a HUGE trouble.

"I don´t like to beat the bush, so let´s move directly to the main point why I am here."

Frank stayed silent. "I heard that there is a traitor between us."

"..."

"And I also heard that someone has some directly or indirectly connections to the MP´s"

Frank tried not to show any emotion or change in his poker face. "Is that so? I do not know about anything, Sir."

Levi put his hand on the desk and turned to Frank. "You don´t know anything, huh?" he said sarcastically.

"No I do not know about it anything, I swear. I have nothing do to with that."

"You cannot fool me, idiot."

"I am not fooling you, Sir. I am telling you the truth."

"If you are not the one I am looking for, then tell me who is the real traitor. "

Frank bowed his head. This was like a hit under the belt. He knew that he cannot jerk Levi around. He nervously began to play with his fingers. Levi immediately noticed it. It was a signal that he is not that innocent as he looks like and he is hiding something.

"I see. You are proclaiming that you have nothing to do with this case but you cannot come up with a single name. Interesting, indeed..."

"It is just that... I ..."

"You what?"

Levi knows that he is fucked up really badly. He even cannot come up with a credible lie. He is even nervously playing with his fingers, which means that something is fishy here.

"I..."

Levi rolled his eyes. He has no all day for it to play with him.

"Do you know what? To cut the story short, we know that you are the traitor we were looking for. And don´t try to hide it. We have a witness who heard your conversation back there, so saying that you are innocent is just out of place."

Frank looked at Levi with a shocked expression.

"What a witness? It cannot be..." he shook his head in disbelief. Now he was screwed up badly. And his situation just got worse.

Levi grinned in triumph."You son of a bitch... you thought that we are that easy to make fool of us? Maybe if our witness wouldn't have overheard your conversation you could execute the plan and Eren would end up in those filthy claws of the MP´s. Luckily the opposite happened and we know everything about it. The remaining question is, why do you wanted to become a MP member?"

Frank refused to answer the question and stayed silent.

"You are not willing to speak, huh? Don´t worry maybe the Commander will make you speak. Now come with me." And he grabbed Frank by his arm and forced him to stand up and followed him.

Frank didn´t say anything just quietly followed Levi. He decided to not to say a single word. But it is highly doubted that this strategy will last long.

...

Stay tuned