Hanji

Even though it was the moment she had been waiting for, she hesitated.

Before Hanji went inside, she fixed her hair a little. Then she took a deep breath and entered the bar. Usually she came here with her work buddies, but this evening she preferred to be alone.

Her gaze immediately found the tall figure behind the counter. She felt a pleasant tickle in her stomach as the man's eyes fell on her, and his lips stretched into a tender smile.

Hanji sat down in front of the tall counter and smiled back at the bartender.

"May I sit down?".

"You? Always" The man said, blushing slightly. Hanji suddenly remembered their last meeting, when she was at work in the field disguised as a civilian, and the bartender had stumbled upon her by surprise. To remain unrecognized then, she had to kiss him. The plan was risky, but it worked. The only problem was to look the bartender in the eyes now...

"Would you like a mojito?" The man asked, reaching for the shaker. Hanji clapped her hands.

"Yes please! You have a good memory... Moblit? Am I right?".

"Moblit Berner. Nice to meet you. Officially".

"Hanji Zoe".

"So you're a police officer?" Moblit asked while preparing her drink.

Hanji put her hands on the counter.

"Yes, I'm an investigative agent. I can't tell you too much about my job. Firstly, it's classified. Secondly, I can't put you in danger. Besides, I don't want you to run away from me".

"That's okay, I'm not that easy to scare". Moblit winked at her and smiled. This time it was Hanji who felt the flush on her cheeks. Damn, he was so handsome...

"Forgive me for kissing you. It wasn't fair for me to do it without your permission. You could accuse me of sexual harassment".

Moblit handed her the finished drink.

"I'm still thinking about that" He confessed with the amusement.

Hanji took a sip of her drink.

"Well, I admit. You have me".

"I will forgive you on one condition".

"And what's that?".

Moblit leaned against the counter and looked Hanji in the eyes. Their faces were suddenly very close to each other. The girl felt her heart beating like crazy.

"I'll finish my job in fifteen minutes. Would you like to eat dinner with me?".

Hanji raised her eyebrows, then smiled again.

"Well, speaking of that, I didn't have time to eat a proper meal today, so I'm fricking hungry… Yes, I would, with pleasure".

The man grinned at her, then moved toward the client who had just called him out. He almost tripped over the mop that was standing against the wall. Hanji suppressed a laugh.

She had no idea when was the last time she felt like this.

Perhaps she never felt like that before.

Eren

The sun was slowly reaching the horizon, sending hot, blinding rays all around, as if it wanted to mark its presence one last time, just before the sunset. The sky, although very cloudy, sparkled with pastel colors. The clouds closest to the sun were orange, while those farther away turned to cool, purple hues. The treetops were swayed by a cool wind that reminded of the approaching fall. All this would make a perfect view if not for the silhouettes of people walking with machine guns in the distance.

Mikasa lifted her head from Eren's shoulder to meet his eyes. They were sitting on a rocking bench in the garden.

"You have to go in a minute, right?".

Eren nodded. He looked back at his friend. He noticed that Mikasa's shoulders were trembling slightly from the chill. As the sun was disappearing behind the clouds, it was getting colder.

"I don't like it. You shouldn't get involved" Mikasa added in a quieter voice. "It is enough that I'm in the game… And also Armin".

"I know what I'm doing". Eren reached for the red scarf, which was lying on the bench. Mikasa had brought it here in case of the cold. He wrapped it around the girl's neck and smiled gently. "Don't worry about me".

"You know it's impossible..." Mikasa sighed heavily. She put her clenched hands on her knees. "You're up to something and you don't want to tell me what it is".

"Everything will be fine, I promise" replied Eren, reaching out and placing his hand on the girl's trembling fist. Her fingers stretched at his touch. They looked at each other again.

Mikasa's eyes narrowed slightly. She thought about something and then, without warning, she moved closer to Eren and pressed her lips against his mouth.

The boy opened his eyes in total surprise. After a moment Mikasa ended the kiss and moved back. Her cheeks had almost the same red color as her scarf.

"Oh, I-I… I'm sorry, I thought you wanted to..."

"It's okay". Eren quickly grabbed her hand. He had a feeling that she wanted to get up and run away. He couldn't let her do that, not now. "I'm sorry if I did something wrong or misled you. Maybe we should clear this up, here and now".

"We don't have to, really... Forget about it". Mikasa tried to free her hand away, but Eren grabbed it with his other hand as well and looked at her friend pleadingly.

"Listen to me, please. You are the most important person in my life and I really love you, but only as a friend. Although I have to admit that it was really nice, what you did… The guy you will kiss like that again will be very lucky. I'm sorry it can't be me".

Mikasa still looked embarrassed, but upon hearing Eren's confession, she sighed and allowed herself a faint smile.

Suddenly Grisha appeared on the porch. Eren spotted him from a distance, the man was wearing his favorite white suit today. The boy nodded at his father, then looked at Mikasa again.

"We'll talk again when I get back, okay?".

The girl nodded.

"Please be careful, Eren".

The boy smiled, kissed Mikasa on the forehead, then jumped to his feet and headed towards the porch. He could still feel the sweet taste of the girl's lips, whose gaze followed him.

From some time he was afraid that Mikasa might have some feelings for him. He should talk to her about it a long time before. He didn't want to hurt her, so he didn't bring it up, but putting it off was even worse.

For him, she was his closest friend, almost a sister, whom he wanted to protect at all costs. He didn't have much time for romances lately, but he have gotten to know his body well enough that he was already sure he was more attracted to men. He couldn't return Mikasa's affection.

In his world there was currently only one person he would like to kiss. Unfortunately, this person was probably out of his reach.

That was a problem for another moment.

He saw that Grisha come back inside, so he decided to direct his thoughts to the current track. He had a job to do. He walked up the small steps to the porch, and then went inside the building. He was feeling a bit uncomfortable, the reason was very simple. Eren was wearing an elegant black pants and a tight black buttoned shirt, the sleeves of which he rolled up for comfort. He had tied his hair neatly in a ponytail. As he passed the large mirror hanging in the living room, he glanced briefly at his reflection. The boy had to admit that he looked really good. Now he could understand why Mikasa kissed him...

Grisha was waiting for him in the hall with his men. And women. Zeke, Kruger, Annie, Pieck, Porco and Marcel were all ready to go. The members of the Titan group held semi-automatic rifles in their hands, but it was such an everyday sight that Eren wasn't surprised.

"Ready?" Grisha asked, walking up to his younger son and placing a hand on his shoulder.

Eren nodded.

The journey took them about an hour. He had a seat on the passenger side in a car driven by Annie. The Gaillard brothers were sitting in the back, from time to time making a joke to amuse the company. Annie was silent most of the way, focused on the ride.

The man they were going to meet, Willy Tybur, welcomed them to his summer mansion. At the beginning of their meeting he showed them around. He was about Grisha's age and height, also was quite slender. He had shoulder-length blond hair and a slim, handsome face adorned with a goatee.

He and Grisha were walking ahead, talking in an undertone, with Zeke right behind them and Eren closing the line. The group of "Titans" was strolling at some distance. They left their rifles in the car, because they were ordered so by the Tybur's men, who were patrolling the entire property.

After the walk, Tybur invited them to the living room, where his servants prepared a real feast. The tables were full of food and drink. Porco and Marcel immediately rushed to snacks. The Owl stood against the wall in his usual silent pose, as did Annie, but she made herself a drink first. Zeke had already drained several glasses by that time, handing one to Eren, who did not protest. The boy sipped his drink slowly as he was standing near Grisha, waiting for the moment to engage in conversation.

"Is he your youngest son?" Tybur asked suddenly, pointing to Eren. The boy shuddered at his own name. Grisha nodded.

"Yes. He's almost eighteen. It's the right age to learn the rules of the business. I took him with me today to show him how to do handle things".

"It's great to hear. My sons don't get too involved, they are only interested in my money…" Tybur sighed. "You're lucky your sons apply so much to their family matters".

"Oh, I know. I am very lucky man. Eren…" Grisha suddenly put a hand on his son's shoulder. "What do you want your future to look like?".

The youngest of the Yaegers looked his father in the eye, with his fingers clenched on the cool glass in which the golden drink gleamed. It was time for the festival of lies, for putting on the mask of someone he wasn't. Or at least he hoped he won't become that person.

"I want to be one of your most faithful men" he said in a strong, confident voice. "I want you to entrust one of the turfs to me, so that I can be responsible for it all by myself. I want your business to keep expanding".

Grisha laughed out loud, patting his son on the cheek. He looked at Tybur with proud in his eyes.

"I must admit that the boy has the silver tongue... Just like his mother".

"Wonderful plans" Willy Tybur said, lifting his glass up. "I propose a toast".

Eren raised his glass as well, and then suddenly realized that they were all alone. Only him, his father and Tybur. Grisha's people vanished somewhere, he didn't even noticed when this happened. Willy must have noticed the change on his face, because he also looked around in surprise.

"Grisha?" He asked, thin eyebrows rising. "Where are your people?".

Elder Yaeger did not reply. Instead, he reached for the knife which was laying on the table, swung and thrust it with all his strength into the Tybur's throat.

Eren widened his eyes, taking a step back. The glass fell from his hand and fell on the floor, but it didn't shatter. Blood spurted from Tybur's throat. The man tried to scream, but only soft snarls came from his lips.

Grisha pulled out the knife from the man's throat only to impale it again. Tybur lost his balance and fell to the floor, the blood was gushing all over the place. Besides the man's dying sounds, Eren also heard the gunfires. He suddenly understood everything. They weren't here to hold the talks, but to teach someone a lesson. Grisha took care of Tybur while Zeke and the "Titans" took care of his men.

Grisha suddenly approached Eren. A bloody hand touched his cheek, stroking it gently.

"This man threatened our family. He tried to come to an agreement with my associates from Marley behind my back. He tried to take over my business".

The background to Grisha's words was the gurgling of Tybur as he tried to crawl across the living room.

"Remember, son. You're safe with me" Grisha said, staring Eren straight in the eye. "Both you and your friends. I won't let anyone hurt you. Do you understand?".

Eren nodded, trying to stay calm, but it was difficult. He felt his legs shivered. He didn't expect an attack from Grisha at all, he was sure that his father and Tybur were getting along well. If Grisha was that good at pretending, what prevented him from stabbing his throat one day? Or Mikasa's throat?

The boy shook himself from his gloomy thoughts as he saw Zeke reappear in the room, followed by the rest of the group.

"All taken cared of" Eren's brother said, slung the rifle over his shoulder. "Will you finish him off?".

"With pleasure" Grisha muttered, taking a small pistol out of his pocket. He stood over Tybur, ignoring the man's outstretched hand. Yaeger aimed and pulled the trigger, piercing through the ex-partner's chest several times. Then he handed the gun to Kruger. "Clean up here. No fingerprints, no tire marks, no video footage".

The Owl nodded. Zeke walked over to Eren and put his arm around his neck.

"Did you like it?" He asked, and without waiting for an answer, he added: "Come on, let's have another drink!"

"It went fast" That was all Eren could say. He also managed to smile a little, which he considered a success. But he couldn't help but to tremble a little.

"We should get out of here soon. When we're in the hostile territory, there's no point in prolonging the happy ending" Zeke explained, then reached for a bottle of vodka, opened it, and drank a little. After a moment, he handed the drink to Eren, but the boy shook his head.

"It's enough for me".

"As you wish. But I hope you will be more fun on your birthday" Zeke winked at him, then took another sip.

Mike

The tall, mustachioed man was buttoning his shirt when he felt strong arms were wrapping around his back. Erwin nestled against his neck, sighing softly. Mike smiled, then turned and hugged the shorter man.

"It's your day off, go back to bed" Zacharius muttered softly, stroking Erwin's blonde hair and staring into his narrowed eyes. Mike was already dressed in business trousers and a light-colored shirt, while Erwin was wearing a bathrobe.

"Are you sure you and Hanji can handle it alone?" Smith wanted to know. The men's foreheads touched, they were looking at each other from up close.

"We only have to meet that teacher, even one person would be enough for that. You don't have to worry" said Mike, then leaned in and kissed his lover. Erwin kissed him back, pressing his body tighter against Mike's. They stood there for a while, enjoying each other's closeness and tasting each other lips. Finally Mike tore away from Erwin's mouth, his cheeks already flushed slightly. His breathing was faster as well.

"Erwin, if it goes on like this, I won't go anywhere. I'll see you after work, okay?"

"I'll make something for dinner, so see you then" Smith replied, stroking Mike's cheek. They kissed goodbye again, and then Zacharius reached for his car keys, wallet, and a pack of cigarettes and left Erwin's apartment.

A quarter of an hour later he was tapping the steering wheel with his fingers. His bored gaze was fixed on the windshield. He parked the car a few blocks from the school where they were scheduled to meet with one of the teachers. Reportedly, she worked with Tom Xavier once and could provide them with some information.

Mike doubted Xavier would go to the cemetery again. Not after what happened recently. Zeke warned him for sure and ordered to be more careful.

Time passed and Hanji still didn't show up. They were supposed to meet at this exact spot. Did she overslept? Mike sighed, then got out of the car and took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He didn't like smoking inside.

He didn't have time to take out a cigarette lighter, because suddenly he felt a strong blow to his neck. Someone attacked him from behind. Another person threw a sack over his head, and someone else grabbed his shoulders. Mike tried to break out. It only got him more blows. Then he heard a car tires screeching. Zacharius twitched his nostrils. The car felt heavy, he smelled the fuel. Was it a van? He also smelled a few blended scents of male sweat. There had to be several attackers, he had no chance against them.

He was forcibly pushed inside the car. When he tried to break out again, he received another hard blow to the head. This time it knocked him unconscious.

He had no idea how much time had passed.

He felt excruciating pain in the back of his head. Mike slowly opened his eyes and looked around. He was in a small, dark room with no windows. The darkness was only dispersed by a pale beam of light coming from under the door. He was sitting in the chair, his hands tied behind his back. His legs were also tied to the chair, because of that he couldn't move.

Zacharius could smell some dust, mold and dried blood.

It took a very long time for the door to open. The man Mike was waiting for finally came in. The smell of alcohol, cologne and the gunpowder hit his nostrils. Yes, it had to be Zeke.

Zeke flicked the switch and the room lit up with a pale light. Yaeger wore dark, tight pants and a black vest, revealing a slim but well-muscled chest. The man's body was covered with many tattoos. Mike saw also a bandage on his left arm.

The wound he had caused him.

The man stepped in front of Mike and leaned over to meet Zacharius's eyes.

"So we can finally meet" he said in a low, husky voice. He stared at Mike silently. Zacharius saw a lush, blond beard, gray eyes hidden behind round glasses, and a thin face. The man smiled. "You're Mike, right? Nice to meet you, Mikey".

Zacharius didn't answer. His mouth was not tied, yet he wasn't in a mood to talk. He stared blankly at the face of the man standing above him.

"We've been bumping into each other a lot lately, Mikey. You tried to get one of us to your side. You were following my friend. You even shot me… And today, for some reason, you obviously wanted to visit the place where my good friend used to work. You're a very curious man, Mikey".

Mike remained silent. His face didn't twitch a bit.

"You know what happens to the curious people?" Zeke asked, leaning in so that his and Zacharius' faces were on the same level. He smiled happily, as if he was having a simple chat with his friend. "They disappear. Curiosity killed the cat. But you know what? I am more curious, than I am afraid of death… And I think it's the same with you. Ok, Mikey, now I would like to get some information from you. Will you be a good boy? Will you answer my questions nicely?".

Mike's eyes were staring blankly into Yaeger's face. He didn't say anything.

Zeke sighed.

"Okay, let's try the hard way".

The man swung his fist and punched Mike in the face. Zacharius felt blood spurting from his mouth. He breathed softly, but didn't react in any way to Zeke's gesture. He was expecting this blow.

Zeke chuckled softly.

"I like you already, Mikey. Now tell me who is your informant? I'm sure you found someone new after Bertold. So? Who got this great role this time?"

Mike felt the metallic taste of blood. He swallowed, then looked Zeke in the eye again. There was no fear in his gaze.

"Do you even understand what I'm saying?" Yeager asked, straightening up. "What's going on, Mikey? Maybe this will refresh your memory?".

Zeke grabbed Mike by the head, then kicked him in the stomach. He began pummeling the man with his fists, but Mike was taking all the blows with the strength worthy of a real soldier. After a while, Zeke grew tired. He moved away from his victim, his breathing quickened.

Mike could feel the pain spreading through his body. He had a black eye and his ribs were broken in several places. He could smell Zeke's sweat as well as an awakening odor of irritation.

"Are you going to say anything, for fuck's sake?".

Zacharius lifted the corner of his mouth. He was too patient man to be provoked.

Zeke sighed again. He brushed his blond hair back.

"Okay, if you don't want to talk to me, maybe your partner will be more willing".

Mike's eyebrows twitched. His eyes widened slightly. Zeke shrugged and took a step towards the door.

"You know, I mean that chick with the glasses. I guess I'll have to appoint a meeting with her. Although I don't know… Talking to this sweet, skinny shortie also seems very tempting. Who else was there… Yeah, I know, that preppy blond guy, right! Maybe he should be the one for me to meet next".

Mike clenched his fists. Zeke turned back, started walking towards the exit. As he reached the door, Zacharius said:

"Just try to look at any of them, and I promise you that this time I won't hesitate and I'll kill you."

Yaeger froze. After a moment he turned slowly. A broad smile spread across his face. He stared at Mike with an excited glance. He rushed back towards the man strapped to the chair.

He raised his fist, but before he hit Mike's face, one more sentence came out of his mouth:

"So you can speak after all!".