Twilight cast the town in hues of blue and purple by the time Flora stepped outside for air. Constance, the midwife, passed her a bottle of spirits. Useful for disinfecting wounds, but in this case, Flora took an impressive swig instead. She used more of her energy than she would have liked. "They aren't out of the woods yet. The infection may claim them still, but it's at least they're alive."

There were no goodbyes in an unpleasant situation like this. Flora left the house, her skirts and hands reeking from infection. She plunged her hands into the creek behind the house and scrubbed furiously. She couldn't even imagine what Levi would be thinking; her husband didn't survive for this long by thinking optimistically.

She finished the washing of her hands and skirts by picking a strand of lavender from the garden and smashing the leaflets into her skin, palms, and into the stains to hopefully smell somewhat decent. After a final cleansing of her hands, she wiped her face and tried to regain some energy before returning to the cart. Hopefully Jean and Armin did as they were told—she was starving.

No less than four strangers stared at her as her steps echoed on the stone roads. Two girls and two boys. The boys seemed the oldest out of the bunch, closer to adults than teenagers, maybe seventeen? One tall and brown haired, one shorter, blond haired, and of stocky build. One of the girls, the tall brunette with short hair, looked older too. The short one, however, with pale blond hair and big blue eyes, could be either twelve or seventeen. She was shorter than even Levi; an accomplishment. Armin and Jean flagged her down from the cart.

Flora wiped her face a final time and cleared the mucus out of her throat. "A full cart," she appraised the closer she came. "And friends?"

"Scouts," Armin said quietly. "Bertholdt, Reiner, Ymir and Christa."

Flora shook all their hands politely. Reiner, the last one, appraised her with barely hidden interest. He held on for slightly longer than the rest until Flora feigned distraction with her hair. "I'm sorry for taking so long. There was a medical emergency." She eyed the sky with disappointment. "This mountain isn't the safest place at night. The safest bet is staying at the inn, but then I worry about the food, and not to mention the others at the house. We could press on now that we cleared the trail coming down, but there might be some unsavory wildlife and it still could rain."

"We can handle anything we might encounter," Reiner said confidently. "It's nothing six scouts can't handle. I for one am sick of this town."

"Any opposition?" Flora scanned the scouts and could detect no desire to stay. "Alright. I'm game for trying to make it. I'm sure it would save Levi some grief if we did. Knowing him, we'll run into him on the way. We'll have to walk though; the horses can't take us and the supplies."

The scouts nodded amongst themselves and hopped out of the cart. Flora took the reins and led the way.

Reiner and the others discussed their travels for a good while, but as the night grew darker, they became silent. "So," Armin said casually. "You never finished your story of how you and Levi ended up."

Flora laughed. "Still interested after I talked your ear off? I haven't even told you the half of it. After leaving the Underground I was approached by Commander Erwin-although back then he was only a scout and also my future brother in law-to reform the primary Survey Corps hospital in Shiganshina. If you think it's bad now, you should have seen it back then; being injured practically meant a death sentence. I don't blame the workers, necessarily, but the survey corps have always been chronically underfunded, with the hospital taking the worst of it. I guess I thought it would be something to do...I never realized how much my work there would consume me."

Angel, the soldiers called her. For providing basic care like hygiene, better food, wound care, first aid, even minor surgery. During expeditions, setting shoulders, amputating limbs, and stitching wounds were all in a day's work as Flora tended to the wounded trickling home from beyond the walls. Flora comforted the living, sang to the dying and eventually earned the nickname Flora the Nightingale. She spend every day over the next two years improving the life of the soldiers in the hospital, with even the odd Shiganshina noblewoman requesting her attendance during labor. Her name grew in popularity within all social circles as a healer, an angel, a singer, and ultimately, most disappointingly, a single woman. Ignoring advances was easy at first due to the immense effort she put into her work, but the more time that passed, the more Flora's parents pressured her to marry. She lost count of marriage proposals. Soldiers and nobles alike vied for her hand. If they were pushy, their face met her palm.

Life continued well until the unexpected death of her sister. Looking back, Flora noticed Erwin was never the same since his fiancé, his love, was snuffed out in an instant. A tall, sturdy tree of a man reduced to nothing but sobs. The two held each other that night and fell asleep on June's bed in combined misery. There was nothing romantic in that moment, but upon reflection, Flora realized a spark did ignite that night. It was pushed down, deeply, but blossomed nevertheless.

The two became closer friends after June's death. Flora daresay he became her best friend. "I always thought you were a stick in the mud!" Flora laughed, placing her hand on his arm. It was the first time either of them laughed in almost eight months.

Erwin downed his seventh shot of vodka at the bar. "I always thought you were June's feral younger sister. I didn't realize how kind and gentle you could be. My comrades rejoin me after being in your care and spread tales of the beautiful, angelic, red haired miracle worker."

Flora took her fourth shot. "They weren't too fond of me when I set their bones back in place."

"All the same, I'm glad you're here. The hospital has really improved since you arrived."

Flora blushed at the praise. "I'm glad to hear that. I'm only here thanks to you, so I guess I should thank you." The music abruptly changed to a livelier tune. The both of them, sufficiently drunk, glanced at one another. Erwin held out his hand.

"Thank me with a dance?"

Flora's eyes glowed with a playful light. As she accepted his offer, she couldn't help but notice how his large, strong, calloused hands completely enveloped her own. "Care to keep up?"

He winked and led her to the dance floor. They danced formally at first, but the combination of the liquor, the music and the atmosphere quickly caused their comfort to grow, along with something else. His hand rested lower on her waist. Her hand lingered longer around his shoulders. The scent of his cologne grew steadily almost as intoxicating as the liquor, and after several sets the tension was growing hard to ignore. It was Flora who finally grabbed him by the hand and led him into the street beyond for some fresh night air.

"That was so much—"

He cut her words short with a kiss. Flora, initially surprised, wrapped her arms around his neck and returned it with vigor. They broke away, panting. It was clear in both of their eyes they wanted more, but perhaps not exactly each other; Erwin needed to fill the loss of June, and Flora the loss of Levi. They barely made it into the nearest Inn's bedroom before Erwin plucked her off the ground. Flora wrapped her legs around his hips, life a blur as they tore each other's clothes off. When Flora saw Erwin naked, only one thought crossed her mind.

Damn. That is the biggest dick I've ever seen in my life.

Before long she was feeling every inch of it. His massive arm swept the contents of the nightstand onto the floor before setting Flora on top and eliminating the last barrier, her chemise. Flora bit her hand to stifle a scream as penetrated her. Even though he took it slow at first and eased himself in, Flora's only experience until now was the comfort of Levi. Erwin was something else entirely.

A mixture of pain and pleasure poured through Flora as the entire paper-walled inn shook from the force of his thrusts. "Fuck!" She screamed, digging her nails into his shoulders. She could immediately tell he was used to dominating June in the bedroom.

Flora, not content being dominated just yet, pushed him back and onto the bed. "Sit down and let me fuck you."

His eyes widened. When he went to speak, Flora cut him off by placing her hand over his mouth. A moan escaped through her fingers when she lowered herself onto him. The whole time she rode him she kept her hand on his mouth, closed her eyes, and imagined he was Levi.

Flora almost dreaded when she got too tired to continue. Erwin sensed her slowing pace and ushered her onto her stomach. Keeping her legs closed, he entered from behind, over and over until, with a shudder, she felt him pulse deeply inside of her. He emptied his entire load into her before withdrawing and collapsing onto the bed and bringing a shell-shocked Flora deep into his embrace.

Flora woke up in the morning with a massive hangover. So did Erwin.

"Holy shit," he croaked. "Did we...?"

"Uh huh," Flora said from the crook of his arm. He swore at himself.

"I take full responsibility. I'm sorry."

Flora sat up—gingerly. "Don't be sorry. It's my fault. I hope we can agree that neither of us want a relationship."

"Agreed. I value your friendship too much."

The pair exchanged an awkward glance before gathering their clothes. "Starting tomorrow I'll be out on an assignment. I should be back in time to attend the survey corps banquet—I hear your parents are hosting this year."

Flora tugged on her chemise. "Are they? I haven't heard."

"Maybe because you haven't talked to them. I hope you don't mind, but Commander Shadis wanted me to ask you a favor. He wants you to lead the memorial in honor of the scouts we lost this year. He thinks it's only fitting—you've become somewhat of a treasure among us, someone the soldiers talk about on gloomy days. Stories run rampant in the field about their time in the hospital, with swearing up and down you have magic. They talk about the mysterious single Flora and muse how to woo her. I think some injure themselves on purpose just to see you, and until now I assumed you were celibate."

Flora touched her necklace. Silver chain connected seven brilliantly cut and polished gems from the ore Levi gave her years ago. "I guess I am waiting on someone. Or rather, was. I don't quite know any more. It's been years."

"Tell me if you get tired of waiting."

She frowned and appraised him with curiosity. "I thought you agreed you didn't want a relationship."

"I don't, really," he shrugged. "My ambitions with the survey corps are too great. I let any dreams of a happy family life die with you sister, but I would marry you if you wanted. It would be convenient on both our parts. I would have a good friend with low marital expectations that would allow me to pursue my goals, unhindered, and you would finally get your family off your back while also continuing to further your own goals. We would make a good team."

Erwin Smith. He was strategic in more fields than the battlefield. "I don't know. Maybe. Let me think about it."

He leaned down and kissed Flora on the cheek. "I do care about you though. Genuinely. Which is why I suggest you reconnect with your family, at least until the banquet comes and goes. After this assignment I'll be taking some time off to hammer out another supply deal with your father. Maybe I can see you?"

"Of course. I'm sure I'll see you at the estate."

It took Flora several days to prepare the hospital for her extended absence and another few to travel the extensive distance to the McKenzie estate within Wall Sina. She hadn't bothered sending word in advance as she wanted it to be surprise, but every mile toward her family's home brought increasing dread.

If you were anything like June, you'd be engaged by now! Her mother scolded during their last meeting. Stop this medical nonsense. I know our family is involved in charity, but I never expected you to take it so far. What has your grandmother done to you? I only have one daughter left.

Remembering those last words made Flora's heart break.

You're nothing but an imposter, Flora told herself on horseback. You try to act like June and now sleep with her man. What is wrong with you?

Her parents wanted her to replace June. She knew the pain in their heats and couldn't blame them, and at this point, she pondered Erwin's proposition. Had she lived too long as a spinster? Where was Levi? Years passed by with not even a letter. He's probably married or has ten children from ten different women. Or maybe he's a crime boss. He looks back on his promise to me like one looks at the promises made by children. You're a fool for ever believing him. A life with him was too romantic, too impossible to be true. Flora felt like she was holding on to nothing more than scraps of a dream.

By the time Flora arrived at her parent's gated estate she felt more dejected than ever. The wrought iron gates may be covered in pink flowing vines, but for some reason they looked menacing, cold, and sinister. Flora took a deep breath when she crossed the threshold. I'll give it a shot, Flora decided to herself. I can step back into the life of a noble woman. At least for a little while.

Servants greeted her warmly as she trotted up the stone path through the immaculately kept grounds. "Welcome home, Flora!"

She waved at them vigorously. Flora sheltered her horse in the stables and walked the short rest of the way to the house. Before she could even reach its stone steps, her mother rushed out to meet her, nearly tripping over her yellow skirts with her father close behind.

"My beautiful Flora!" She exclaimed, crushing Flora in a tight embrace. "I can't believe my eyes. I can't believe you are home."

"Me neither," Flora smiled tightly. "Hi dad."

She hugged her father likewise and helped him haul her luggage into her old room while her mother scurried off to alert her brothers. "It hasn't changed in here." Flora scanned her old her old bedroom and cringed at her garish childhood taste. Her large childhood room, immaculately clean despite almost the decade that's passed, was decked to heavens with purple walls, pink silk bedsheets, and and entire wall full of hand painted porcelain dolls. No, she realized, even back then she hid her true self behind what her parents wanted. Nevertheless, nostalgia hit her hard in the stomach. Countless hours she spent here, playing with her sister, building forts with her brothers, and lying awake at night fantasizing about the dark and mysterious underground boy. The loss of June ached painfully in her chest.

"I'm glad you've come back my dear. You know you are always welcome to stay as long as you like. We've missed you desperately."

Flora focused on her father. Pomade greased back his salt and pepper hair while brown eyes twinkled kindly under his glasses. "I missed you too, would it be alright perhaps if I stayed for a while? Erwin mentioned you are hosting the survey corps banquet this year. I could help with preparations if you needed."

"We would love that-your mother especially. I know you two don't see eye to eye on everything, but I hope you two can mend broken bridges. I, for one, am excited to hear stories from your travels. My colleagues tell me you've done extraordinary work in the medical division. I'm so proud of you."

Thundering footsteps announced the impending arrival of her brothers. "Florie!" Liam smiled, picking her up and spinning her. "It's been too long."

Flora laughed. "How're my niece and nephews?"

"Even better now they can reconnect with their aunt Flora."

He set her down and into the arms of Seamus. Liam looked very much like a younger version of their father, sporting dark brown hair and eyes, while Seamus was even more ginger than Flora was, down to his bright orange beard and closely cropped hair. "If Erwin didn't send us updates, Liam and I would have sent out looking for you."

"Erwin sends you updates?"

"Only because we don't hear from you," her mother tutted from the doorframe. "Really Flora, you can't even return a single letter?"

Here the nagging begins. Flora would normally be baited by the comment, but instead, she swallowed her anger and tried redirection. "I've just been busy. The wounded never seem to end, and I can never say no to a job."

"All those soldiers and no husband yet? I'm just glad you're not pregnant yet."

Control yourself, Flora. "I'm actually thinking about hanging around here for a while. The hospital can handle itself on its own without me and I'm thinking about getting around to some of those courtship proposals."

Her family uttered a collective gasp. Her mother's hand flew to her chest. "Are you serious?"

Flora shrugged. "I would maybe consider the right guy." Like Erwin?

No, she scolded herself. If I am even thinking about marrying him out of convenience, I might as well make sure no one out there catches my eye. And heaven forbid Levi—he's probably long gone from me.

As much as she wanted to be left alone, ultimately she was a McKenzie. Perhaps it was time to bring a smidge of honor to her family.

"You don't know how happy this makes me." Her mother was nearly close to tears. "Between preparing for the banquet, and now this, I don't know how I'll get either done!"

"It's fine, dear," her father said, walking over to her. "Let the poor girl rest before you jump into matchmaking."

"There is the Kessler family, the Schumer family, the Reiss family, oh! Excuse me love, I have work to do." Her mother walked out of Flora's room like the floor was clouds.

Seamus nudged Flora in the ribs. "You're really serious huh? It's about time. Although I pity the man who thinks they can handle you."

"I don't need to be handled," Flora rolled her eyes. "They just need to stay out of my way."

Liam pinched the bridge of his nose. "Good grief. What has our grandmother done to you?"

Visiting Grandma Niamh was next on her list. Flora left out the back door and jogged the short distance to the modest cottage her grandmother called home. As she got closer, she spied the old woman tending to her garden with her back turned to Flora. She slowed her pace, but before she could sneak up on her, her grandmother was already getting to her feet. "You're back, love."

Flora hugged her grandmother most warmly of all. "For a little while, anyway."

"Come inside and sit. How was your time in the hospital?"

"It was fine. There hasn't been an expedition in a while, so I've mostly been busy with day-to-day injuries. Nothing too serious. It's turned around nicely since I've been there."

"I've heard stories of your work," grandma Niamh winked. "Impressive. And the Compulsion?"

"It's become significantly more manageable for the most part, although I still struggle when something unexpected happens. The janitor cut himself on some broken glass in front of me, and I felt his pain as strongly as it was my own. I had to stop myself before I leapt across the room and healed in right then and now. I've followed your advice though, I don't think anyone has figured me out yet. They think I'm just a good medic. But I have also noticed for some reason I find random people can elicit the Compulsion more strongly than others. I can't find any link between them, and I know none of them have royal blood."

At the mere mention of royal blood her grandmother turned her head and spat on the floor. "Curse the Fritz family. Stay far away from them."

"Yes, you've told me. Part of me wonders if royal blood runs somewhere in the Reiss family; one time Lord Reiss got a papercut, and I had to run out of the room and down the street before I was finally able to shake off the Compulsion—over a papercut!"

Her grandmother laughed and clasped Flora on the shoulder. "My dear sensitive child, I've avoided them as well. I think you may be right. As far as the others go, who am I to say? Maybe destiny favors some over others. Or maybe you like them and want them to live."

The two nibbled on sugared nuts over small talk until her grandmother sighed "I'm getting old, Flora. There are still many things I haven't shown you. I've held off until I was convinced you have mostly mastered the Compulsion's call, but I think it's time to show you something more advanced. Why don't you meet me at our spot under the next full moon? In only a robe, please. I wouldn't want you to dirty your clothes. It's a messy process."

Flora knew better than to try and pry more. "Alright." The next full moon was in three weeks.

Flora bid her goodbye and walked back to the main house. The next two weeks were a blur as she reincorporated herself into her family's noble lifestyle. She almost forgot what true luxury felt like. In a way it was nice to pamper herself like a noblewoman, all smooth legs and other areas, the finest cloth, access to the best food.

Flora fit in well enough helping plan the banquet; an annual event lasting an entire day, honoring first the military police, then the garrison, and then the survey corps for their service, extraordinary acts of heroism, and honoring the fallen soldiers. To host such an event was an impressive honor. Despite being two months away, preparations were already beginning, starting with a massive number of materials pouring in every day.

For a while Flora thought she could procrastinate going on any dates, but eventually her mother put her foot down. "You have a date this afternoon," her mother announced.

Flora tried to remain optimistic. This is what you wanted, she said to herself. "With who?"

"Lord Weber."

"I didn't know Lord Weber had a son." When her mother didn't say anything, the candle ignited in her head. "Wait. You don't mean...oh no. He has children older than me."

"He is very wealthy. And widowed."

Flora slunk back into her chair. Finally, her mother, having let Flora stew in her own thoughts for a good minute, could contain her laugher no more. She erupted in a fit of laughter. "I'm just teasing. It's with Lord Schumer's middle son. He's a little young for you, twenty-one, but spinsters can't be choosers."

Flora crossed her arms. It's just a date. One date. "Fine. But I can't promise anything."

Flora had little control of anything that day. Her dress, her hair, her makeup, were all expertly curated. Casual, but not too casual. Enticing, but not too seductive. Her mother pinned half her red hair back and sculpted every curl. The emerald green satin of her gown complimented her skin and hair, and was one color Flora actually liked. "Our hair is unique. Show it off. As far as your necklace and earrings..."

Her mother presented a piece from her own collection; a chain of linked rectangular emeralds interspersed by tiny diamonds.

"It is beautiful," Flora said hollowly.

Her mother clicked her tongue. "You're going to ruin the date if you keep that sour mood up. Just put on the necklace, please? Not that yours isn't beautiful, the blue just clashes."

Flora sighed and unclasped the necklace. It was the first time she had done so since its completion. Her neck felt strangely naked without it.

You need to let go of what was and move on to the future.

"That's a good girl. One last surprise," her mother promised. She dragged Flora out of her room and to the top of the grand staircase, where at the bottom stood a very impressive figure.

"Erwin?" Flora gasped. She gathered her dress and raced down the stairs. "You're back."

He wrapped her in a massive bear hug. "I'm still nursing a black eye, but yeah."

Seeing the black eye caused Flora's power to flare. Her mouth instantly went dry, and the Compulsion tingled her spine enough to make her knees shake. "You don't have to be my escort. It's beneath you."

Erwin shrugged. "Liam asked if I could fill in his place and I'm free until the banquet. I'm more than happy to."

He linked his arm around hers and waved politely to her mother. "Besides," he muttered. "I like being on your parent's good side. It helps supply negotiations."

Flora laughed and relaxed slightly. "Erwin, you strategic devil. And here I was hoping you would sweep me off my feet."

He opened the carriage door for her. "Do you want me to?"

"Not really. Not yet. I need to at least see what's out there. Who knows, maybe I'll like Lord Schumer's middle son."

The carriage seemed too big for Erwin's massive frame. His head was only a few inches from the ceiling, and their legs pushed against one another. Flora didn't mind, but Erwin was red in the face. "That's who the date is with? By the walls. We should skip the date and hit the town ourselves; I already know you'll hate him. I don't think his voice has even dropped yet."

Flora looked out the window in contemplation. "I do prefer older men, but at the very least I'm getting out of the house. Maybe I can pretend I'm a real noble for once and ace this date."

Erwin laughed. "Alright. Don't say I didn't warn you."

"If I didn't know better I'd say you wanted me for yourself."

"Maybe I've missed you in our time apart."

The carriage suddenly seemed too hot. "Maybe I can meet with Lord Schumer's middle son another day. I suddenly think I am in need of a drink."

Erwin opened the divider between them and the driver. "Driver?"

After several hours the pair staggered out of the bar and into the carriage. The driver opened the divider and called back to them. "Where to?"

"Home," Flora responded through giggles as Erwin showered her neck in sultry kisses.

"Home?" He questioned, capturing her mouth.

"I'm trying to be good now," she said sarcastically, reaching down to the cup the impressive bulge between his legs. Her drunken mind suddenly thought of an idea. Flora gently pushed him off her so he sat squarely in his seat and then pushed apart his legs and sank between them, kneeling on the carriage floor.

"What are you...oh. Oh."

He helped her unbuckle and loosen his pants enough for his massive cock to spring free. She took him into her mouth and went as far as she could without gagging and used a hand for the rest of his considerable length. His eyes rolled into the back of his head in ecstasy as she worked her depraved magic.

It didn't take long before words tumbled out of his mouth. "Flora I—I'm—" His final words merged with his groan. His hot cum exploded into her mouth. Out of surprise she could think of nothing else to do than swallow it, the slimy consistency nearly making her puke.

He was in a half daze when she sat back on her seat, but the look of admiration on his face nearly worth her disgusting deed. He tucked a loose curl behind her ear and kept his massive hand on the back of her neck. "When we get to your house..." His grip tightened significantly.

Erwin removed his survey corps cloak and wrapped it around Flora as the carriage approached her estate. They just passed through the gate when Erwin ushered the driver to stop. "Here is fine." He passed him handful of substantial bills. "For your discretion."

The driver nodded curtly and opened the door for them. "Enjoy your evening."

Erwin stepped into his ODM gear left behind earlier and bid the driver farewell. The pair tottered towards the grand house and tried, poorly, to stifle their laugher at the absurdness of it all. When they got below her balcony Flora jumped onto Erwin's back. Erwin staggered, not because of her weight, but because of his impaired balance. "Hold on tight, Florie."

Flora mockingly kicked his sides like a horse. "For the glory of humanity!"

"Thas' not the first time you've ridden me."

Flora erupted into a fit of laughter. "It's not going to be the second time either. Onward, harlot!"

Erwin aimed his ODM gear for her balcony. It was off, but still somehow managed to do the job. Flora gripped tighter and suppressed a thrilled scream as they zipped off and crash landed in a tumble. Although they tried to stay quiet, they only ended up making a louder ruckus from their giggles and pained moans.

"Shit," Flora cursed. "That's really going to hurt when I care about it tomorrow."

Erwin was like a bear in a tea shop and nearly fell backwards off the balcony until Flora gripped him by his shirt and pulled him back. "Come inside?"

He smiled and teetered dangerously close to the edge again before Flora pulled him into her room and let him collapse on the bed.

Flora immediately loosened her corset and took a sweet, sweet deep breath, unable to resist fumbling with Erwin's ODM harness. It probably wasn't too hard to a normal person, but while drunk, it seemed like the words most complicated puzzle. "What the fuck is this wizardry?"

His stupid flushed face looked down on her in amusement before finally taking over. "I can take this on and off in my sleep."

True to his word, he expertly unbuckled each strap faster than Flora thought possible and stripped out of his harness. Inpatient, Flora unbuttoned the first few buttons of his white shirt, savoring the rippling muscles of his chest, and hastily tore through the rest, sending stray buttons flying.

"So that's what we are doing eh?" He gripped the back of her dress and pulled with his considerable strength. The fabric tore like thin paper.

"My dress," she gasped.

"My shirt," he replied, mimicking her voice.

Flora collapsed onto the bed in laugher. "Come here and love me you big oaf."

He crawled on top of her and impaled her with his metaphorical spear while kissing her neck, her mouth, then neck again, keeping his body weight off her with his forearms. By his thrusts, his breath, his sizable frame, it became clear he was trying to dominate her.

Normally she would want to take charge, but in this moment Flora enjoyed every minute of it, even more so when he flipped her over, pressed her head into the sheets by the hair, and simultaneously raised her ass into the air. Flora nearly screamed when he thrust every inch into her, and even more so when he increased the tempo. He released her hair and took painful handfuls of her hips, moving her hips with his own tempo until Flora became too uncomfortable and urged him onto his back.

"I said I was going to ride you, didn't I?"

A vein on his temple nearly burst as Flora slowly eased herself onto him. She took it slow at first, painfully slow, enjoying his increasing frustration and lack of control. "Please Flora," he begged.

She increased her pace and was rewarded with a moan. He lasted forever when he was hammered. Sweat ran down Flora's back when she leaned down into his ear. "I want you to do whatever you want with me."

He didn't need further prompting. Erwin pinned her to the bed, facing her, and pounded into her until Flora thought she was going to split in half. She nearly tapped out until, finally, he came inside her and collapsed. Flora struggled halfway out from under him until she could breathe and stayed like that for a moment until he rolled over with a groan. "You devil woman. I can't move."

Flora smiled and purposely messed up his normally pristine hair with her fingers. "I did kind of miss you. Maybe we should say screw it and get married. I like you well enough, and maybe it would be better doing it now rather than waiting until an accident happens. We haven't exactly been careful."

He took some time to drunkinly stare at her room. "Those things are creepy," he said, glancing at the dolls. "I can't believe they watched us do it."

"Do it?" Flora said with a raised eyebrow.

Erwin yawned and stared straight up at the ceiling above her bed. "L and F?"

Flora followed his gaze to the ceiling where, as a young teen after her first kiss, she wrote the initials above her bed in glow in the dark pigment. "Ha. Yeah. Levi and Flora. He was my first love, and I guess the reason I never pursued anyone else. You were there year those years ago—I ran with him in the underground. Looking back, it seems almost childish, but at the time it felt so special, his promise to come back to me felt so real, I couldn't help but hold onto it." Flora took a moment to close her eyes, but suddenly realized that was a terrible mistake.

"Erwin."

"Hm?"

"I think I'm going to be sick."

It took only another minute for the nausea to truly hit. Flora flew out of bed, stark naked, and barely made it over the balcony before emptying her guts. "Shit," she gasped. "I'm going to die."

Erwin placed a robe over her and held her hair back while she continued vomiting over the side. "How are you not puking? You drank three times as me."

"I'm twice your size. And I can handle my liquor."

"You should really get out of here. I hate anyone seeing me like this."

Erwin kissed the top of her head. "If you want. I'll see you soon Flora. Don't forget about the banquet."

All hope Erwin possessed of making it back to his room in peace was killed when he saw the new recruit, Levi, nursing a cup of tea along while being pestered by Miche and Hange. Levi's eyes narrowed when he saw Erwin approaching. "You get attacked my bandits or something?"

Miche sniffed the air. "Not bandits. Rosemary and pine—a woman."

Levi choked on his tea. "What did you say?"

Hange bounded over to Erwin and plucked a hair off his shirt, eyeing it with exaggeration through her glasses. "Oooh, a red hair. I can only think of one girl with hair that red, that long, and that curly within the wall Sina. You were with Flora, weren't you?"

All eyes turned to Levi as his tea cup slipped from his fingers and shattered on the floor. Erwin held up his hands. "I can explain."

"You son of a bitch!" Levi snarled. Not even Hange or Miche could react fast enough to prevent Levi from pushing Erwin into the wall. He looked like a rabid chihuahua holding a great dane hostage. "I'm regretting my decision not to kill you!"

Erwin tried to deescalate tensions. He addressed Miche and Hange. "I'm fine. Levi and I need a moment alone." Erwin remained unphased and allowed Levi to pin him to the wall in anger.

"I'm not leaving you alone with him," Miche frowned, hand on his blade. "He could still by trying to kill you."

Levi released Erwin with a tsk. "I can't believe it. I can't believe she's this close. I can't believe she's fucking you of all people."

Erwin frowned. "I won't talk about her this openly. We can talk about it in private if you want."

Levi threw open the door to his room. Erwin followed behind him and gestured from Hange and Miche to stay back before closing the door. "What are you?" Levi immediately snapped. "A husband, fiancé, boyfriend?"

"None," Erwin crossed his arms. "Not that it's any of your business. We're just friends."

"You fuck all your best friends? I better not get too close then. I've schemed and clawed my way out of hell to see her, so make this fast."

"I won't discourage you from seeking her out, but I warn you Levi. I don't care how good you are at fighting titans; if any harm comes to her, I'll send you straight back to the underground—and this time you won't be alive."

"So what, you're like a big brother who fucks her? Gross."

"It's not like that."

"Piss off. I'm going out."

Levi," Erwin called, grabbing him by the cloak and he brushed past. "I wouldn't visit her. Not tonight, anyway. She's sick."

The two appraised one another for a moment before Erwin let go. "I'd be sick too after fucking your horse cock. But fine—tomorrow. Just stay out of my way."

"She's one of my best friends. I'm not going to stay away just because you think you have some claim over her."

Erwin pinched the bridge of his nose as Levi only stalked off. How could Flora like a cantankerous ass like Levi? And how could Erwin forget?