Last Time on TLM: Armin met with Hange and Levi, giving the two hope that a relationship could be possible! Little did they know, Eren's been engaged to Princess Mina and is supposed to start the mating ceremonies... tomorrow. Annie cuts him a deal to turn him human which he accepts.

This Time on TLM: Now that Eren is a human, how the hell is he gonna go about this 'being human' thing with no idea how they act? Will ANYONE help him?

hey, its me. coming back from a long ass hiatus. I plan to be writing more during the winter break and in general finishing this story. I'm excited for it and for y'all to read it! Hope this 5 year hiatus was worth it lmao.

This is it. This is where we met. Eren thought as he looked out at the shoreline. Right here on this beach, he met Levi.

Right here, he had feared that the handsome human had died.

Right here… they had talked.

Right here, he fell in love.

Right here, he finally let himself be free.

The sun started setting long before the merprince got here. The last bits of light illuminated beautifully on the waves that lapped at the sand below his fins, almost as if they were trying to entice him back into its comforting depths. It was dangerous to be so exposed like this, on the beach where any human could see him. His instincts were pulling him towards the breaking waves, demanding he retreats to where he was comfortable and safe. But soon, he would be human too. Eren smiled at the thought, looking down at the necklace that would change his fate. He knew it meant giving up so much, his identity in a way, but in the end, he didn't need a tail to be Eren. He was Eren with legs, with a tail, with the flappy things of the screaming gulls… it didn't change who he was. Where he belonged was wherever Levi was. He could never be satisfied with anything less. Even if Levi didn't feel the same, Eren would be content enough if only he could be near him. You know that's not true. If Levi decided he didn't want Eren as he wanted him… Eren could feel his chest clench at the thought. But there really was no mistaking that kiss. His lips tingle at the mere memory of it, craving more of the taste.

"Well… I guess this is goodbye…" He murmured, staring longingly down at his verdigris tail. If this went as planned, he'd never see it again. He'd never cut through the waves, play with dolphins, chirp with the otters, play with the guppies fresh from school, tease the guards who were so tense from training. He'd never see Armin… or Mikasa… I really am giving it all up for a guy, aren't I? If it wasn't me in this situation I'd think this is pretty stupid. Actually, I do think this is stupid. But I never was one to make good decisions… He didn't truly believe that, because the warmth of his chest, the tether pulling him closer and closer to the one he wanted, told him that this was the best decision. He ran his hand over the smooth scales, wondering if his legs would feel as soft and strong as Levi's. The thought made him swoon, flopping down into the sand with a muted thump. Looking up at the risen moon, he held up the necklace.

It was time.

Sitting up he opened the metal chain and slowly fit it over his head, and just as the clamshell touched his chest, a blonde head poked out of the water. Is that-!?

"Eren?! What are you doing here?! Get off the beach someone might spot you!" The blonde shouted, swimming into the shallows and looking wildly around the beach.

"Armin? What are you doing here? You-" He started to question when all of the sudden his throat clenched. An odd sensation filled him, turned him inside out and sloshed him around. He couldn't see for a moment, couldn't hear or touch or smell. He was all alone in a void of sensation that honestly scared him. After what felt like years but could only have been a few moments, everything came back. The sound of the waves hitting the shore, the cool press of sand beneath him, the wind chilling his wet hair, the comforting smell of the sea itself, it was all back. He didn't even realize he had closed his eyes until he opened them, staring in amazement at the long tan legs in front of him. These… they're mine! My very own legs! It felt weird to have two separate limbs where he only had one, and it honestly still felt like he had a tail. If he concentrated he could feel himself flapping his fins, but all he saw was his toes wiggling. He giggled at the odd movements, a little enticed at the cute little toes so perfectly slanting down. He gently touched his thigh, a little shocked at the smoothness of the leg and how warm it was. Just like Levi's! He also noticed that he had a penis… out in the open. The oddly shaped appendage sat in between his legs, with an odd pouch hanging just below it. Maybe that's where it goes? But I'm not aroused right now so wouldn't it already be in there? He flicked the tip, gasping at the slight pain that shot through him. Damn it's sensitive. Is it because this is a new body or is it because human penises are more sensitive? He didn't know, the odd piece of flesh looked almost hooded, his hand able to pull back the skin to see the actual head. Gross. What's with this extra skin? Why is it so… squishy? He decided to just ignore it for now, much more interested in his knees. He continued to explore his legs when an odd squeaking noise had him looking up. Armin was gawking at him like he grew another head, or in this case two legs, and was considerably closer than last time. Oh, right. I forgot that Armin was here. Why is Armin here?

"EREN?! You're… you're… how?!" He squawked, slowly dragging himself to shore and beside his friend. Eren grinned at him and then down at his legs, feeling proud of the new appendages.

"It's a long story, one I will be happy to tell when you tell me why you were swimming about human-infested shores huh? I thought you had something to do?" Eren interrogated, not missing the slightly guilty gleam in his friend's eyes.

"Ah, well, looks like we both have long stories then."
Armin told him then about his weekly visits with Hange and how he wanted to try and find Levi for him through her vast connections. About meeting with her and with Levi. How he had left a little bit ago but had tried to hunt for something to eat for the long journey back.

"Wait, you met Levi?! Where is he? Is he still here?" Eren asked excitedly, looking around but hardly deflating when he saw no hidden princes. Ah, but if he sees me like this I might be in trouble. Armin stared at his legs for a moment before a look Eren knew all too well took over his features. He had a plan. Suddenly, he took the shell around his neck and plunged his finger into the hole. It glowed softly for a moment, and Armin did it once more, the glow even more fierce before it too died out. Eren watched in silence as Armin did this, trusting him to eventually tell Eren what the fuck he was doing. After another minute or so of Armin aggressively shoving his finger in the shell until it glowed and eventually faded, Eren asked, "Uh, Ar? Whatcha doin?"

"Calling Hange. She can take you to Levi! They live right there so it should only be a few minut-" No sooner than the words leave his mouth, the two heard distinct footfalls from their left. In all her glory, Hange ran down the beach, arms flailing with their speed as she barrelled towards them. Eren's eyes widened in fear for a moment, instinctually curling into himself in fear of a human, before realizing he now was one, he had nothing to fear. But what if she sees Armin? He quickly puffed out his chest to appear bigger and army crawled to sit in front of Armin, covering as much of him from the eyes of the human as he could.

"Armin! You rang?" She gasped as she got closer, very quickly recognizing the tan skin and green eyes her friend had been babbling about whenever she mentioned the merman. For a moment, the two merely stared at one another, both in shock and awe. Hange was in awe for she had to admit the kid was gorgeous, and no wonder her grumpy little friend had melted at those eyes. She always knew his favorite color was green. Eren was in shock to finally meet a human, as a fellow human. Wait but did she say Armin? Is this Hange?

"Holy shit! Eren?! You're here! Oh, Levi will be so happy! You are so cute look at how handsome you are no wonder Levi wants a piece of that ass." She teased, eyes widening when the glaringly obvious legs registered in her mind. "YOU HAVE LEGS! OH MY VALHALLA YOU HAVE FUCKING LEGS THAT'S AWESOME!" Hange screeched, sitting down beside them to look at his legs. Eren realized now that this was no threat, this was Armin's friend, but she was very, very, very loud. He was about to greet her but she beat him to the punch. "I can't believe you're here! This is incredible. I'll go get Levi straight away-'' She babbled, close to standing until a desperate hand grabbed her wrist.

"Wait! Please don't get him yet!" He shouted. 'If you tell her at all that you were a merman or that she knew you, you will become a merman once more. If she finds out that you were a merman at any point and that she knew you by any means, you will become a merman.' Annie's words rang through his head, a clear reminder that he needed to be careful with how he went about this.

"Huh? Why not? He's missed you dearly! Don't you wanna see him?" She asked, clearly confused at his hesitation. Armin was also confused, after all, why would Eren get legs and break this many laws if not to see Levi? Eren sighed, long strands of damp brown hair falling into his eyes as he slowly let go of the human's wrist.

"These legs aren't permanent. I had to make a very specific contract in order to get them." Eren explained softly, wincing at the confused worry on Armin's face.

"... contract? What contract?"

Eren ushered Hange to sit and told them about his last few hours. How Grisha stormed his grotto and broke all his treasured belongings, about Annie, and finally about the contract.

"So you see, I can't just go see Levi. I need a plan. I can't let him know I saved him, or that I know him, or that I'm a merman. I have to start all over." He finally finished, looking at the two in front of him. They remained quiet and attentive throughout the whole story, only a gasp from Armin at the mention of King Grisha.

"I see… what if…" Hange murmured, looking at the castle for a moment before a grin pulled at her lips. "I have an idea. A friend of mine and Levi's, Erwin, is a genius. He can come up with something easily!" She suggested, standing and holding a hand out for Eren. He took it easily but when she suddenly tried pulling his legs remained limp and useless. "Ah, we're gonna have to teach you to walk first." Eren grinned, excited for this new task but then a quick realization hit him.

"Ah, but Armin can't come with us…" He murmured, looking at his friend who merely stared at Eren's newly acquired legs. The three were silent for a moment before Armin reached for the stone around his neck. "I can."

"Armin! You weren't authorized! It's super illegal!" Eren argued, faltering at the unimpressed look he got in return.

"Eren." He said in a monotone voice, purposefully looking at Hange and then at Eren's newly acquired legs. Ah, well. Even without saying anything, he's got a point. "We have long since passed that. There's no way I'm gonna let you navigate the human world by yourself! Besides, even if I did go back Mikasa would actually kill me." Armin pointed out, which Eren realized would also be true. Even so, Eren was touched that his best friend would do something so illegal just to be by his side.

"Armin… you're my best friend. You know that right?" Armin grinned, leaning over to give a light punch to his right shoulder.

"And don't you forget it!"

~TLM~

This is what a castle looks like on land huh? After Armin created his own legs Hange quite literally walked them through how to use them. Armin got used to them a lot quicker, as he had studied how Hange walked for quite some time before then. Eren made up for the mistakes that ended in him face-first in the dry sand with sheer enthusiasm. After they seemed to get the hang of it, Hange led them to the castle and left them in what they called a 'garden' to get them some 'clothes.' Both mers excitedly studied the plants, Armin explaining to a captivated Eren the names of ones he recognized from books Hange brought him.

"And this one is a rose. Humans often give it to each other to show romantic interest." He explained to Eren as the brunet leaned down to study the pretty flower. The petals were pink like a sea pig, and when Eren reached out to gently touch a petal it felt soft and velvety against his fingers.

"They're beautiful…" He murmured, eyes traveling down to the green tendril that held the rose. It was covered in small little spikes, ones that Eren curiously touched to find them rather sharp. "What are these for?" He asked.

"Those are thorns, they protect the plant from animals that may eat it." Armin explained, eyes attentively watching a small bug climbing one of the stems. "Eren! Come take a look at this!" Eren was over in an instant, eyes immediately zoning in on the small red bug.

"What is it?" He asked, hand already lifting towards the now still bug. It was very round and red, with three little black dots on its back. Is it camouflage? Seems pretty shitty since it stands out from all the green.

"I have no idea. Hange has never told me about this before."

"Never told you what?" Hange suddenly asked, standing over the two crouched mers to see what they were looking at. Armin let out a yelp and jumped, and Eren in his surprise readied a fist to punch if need be. Hange ignored this as the two let out a collective sigh of relief.

"Are you talking about the bug? It's a ladybug. Very auspicious that a ladybug is the first real animal you see on land." She explained, holding a finger out to the bug but the little thing just walked faster away from the offending finger. She huffed but otherwise backed off.

"Why is that?" Armin asked, watching the exchange excitedly.

"Ladybugs are a symbol of luck and innocence. Seeing one means that you will have a lot of luck today! And if it lands on you-" She started but cut herself off when the bug launched itself off the branch and lazily buzzed around the air for a few moments. The three watched in wonder as it gently floated towards Eren, landing on his shell. They stood there silently for a moment before Hange let out a small laugh.

"Well shit. I was just about to say that if one lands on you it's considered even luckier, as it means your wish will come true. Oh! Quickly catch it!" Hange suddenly ordered. Eren did as told and cupped his hands around the shell so that the little bug couldn't escape. Does this little bug really do all that? Wish we had animals like that in the ocean, the land creatures have super-powerful magic! He felt an odd feathery sensation on his palm and lifted his other hand slightly to peek inside. The bug was crawling about his fingers now, the little feet such an odd sensation.

"I caught her, now what? Do I have to ask her to grant my wish now?" Eren asked.

"Nope! Now you let it go! I heard once from some of the merchants on the docks that back in Hiruzu the newly matured adults would go on ladybug hunts. They believe if you catch one and let it go, the ladybug will whisper your name into the ear of your true love." My true love? This bug can speak?! To Levi!?

"She knows the human language? But if she tells Levi it could aggravate the contract! Miss Ladybug ma'am, can you please not tell Levi? It's a long story but…" Eren pleaded but cut himself off when Hange began to cackle.

"Oh Eren, the ladybug doesn't actually do any of these things. It's just… uh… what's the word…"

"Superstition?" Armin piped up. Hange snapped her fingers and nodded.

"Precisely! Humans love assigning meanings to this and that and it is usually derived from long ago before they had science to explain the things we know now. But they definitely make for cool stories to tell and relate with." Eren hummed thoughtfully, staring down at the little red shell currently crawling about the tip of his pinky.

"So… she won't go to Levi and tell him about me?" He asked, just to be sure. Hange smiled but shook her head.

"No, she won't. She is just searching for food on your hand." She soothed. Eren was a little disappointed, but overall happy he won't have to worry about his contract being broken on his first day. Just as he was about to put her down, her shell opened and two small wings sprung out. She flew off his hand and into the foliage, leaving no trace of her behind.

"Alrighty! I got you two clothes! Let's get you two dressed."

~TLM~

After quite an interesting lesson in wearing clothes, the three were inside the castle. The two gaped at basically everything, asking about everything they saw. Hange answered as many questions as she could, but even their enthusiasm for all the unknown rivaled hers. They passed a couple of guards, in which Eren tried to greet them with an inconspicuous "Greetings fellow humans!" but Hange and Armin quickly explained why this was a horrible idea as they passed the confused guards. Eventually, they made it to a large oak door, images of the sea and boats carved beautifully into the thick piece of wood. Hange quickly knocked, and all three held their breaths at the silence that followed.

"Come in." A deep voice boomed from the other side. The three slowly went in once Hange opened the door, the mers gaping at the art on the walls. Just like the ones that were in my cave! He felt so small in the room, the high ceiling covered with shards of crystals reflecting the light coming from the large brown desk. It looked like wood, but it looked a lot different from the ones Eren often saw on the ocean floor. It was covered in odd boxes and flat white rectangles but was very neat and orderly. The man behind the desk had blonde hair and blue eyes, the color reminding Eren of the icy glaciers in colder waters. The man seemed to be shocked, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly ajar, and he was specifically looking at Eren. Do I look off? Am I walking weirdly? Why is he staring? After a few moments, the man's eyes slowly moved towards Hange, a bushy blonde brow raising as he cocked his head towards the visitor.

"Is that-"

"You're not gonna believe me whatsoever, but Levi wasn't lying. Eren is a merman." She said immediately, cutting off the larger man. The imposing man stared hard at Hange before once again looking at the mer. Those eyes made Eren feel a bit squeamish, almost as if to warn him of danger. He is clearly a man of power. And that look in his eyes… That's the look Armin gets when he's thinking of the best way to solve a problem. In this case, Eren was the problem, and he most certainly didn't like trying to be solved. After a few moments of tense silence, Erwin rolled his shoulders back and seemed to get himself comfortable.

"Pronouns?" He asked calmly, much to the two's confusion. Pronouns?

"She/her." Hange responded quickly. Erwin nodded and looked at Eren.

"So… you're a merman?" He said casually, keeping his tone light despite his eye's cautious look.

"Um… yes? Yes. I am. Well, was. I traded my tail for legs in order to be on land with… um… Levi. Sir." Eren managed to stutter out. Those icy eyes unnerved him, demanded he be as honest as possible and it made him anxious. I have nothing to hide yet he makes me feel like I'm being interrogated. Erwin hummed, but otherwise did nothing but look back at Hange.

"Well, I'm ready to hear it then."

Hange explained both of their stories, about her secret meetings with Armin as well as the deal Eren made. Erwin watched the two mers the entire time she spoke, noting the way Eren's eyes flashed at any mention of Levi. When she was finished, he leaned forward and folded his hands beneath his chin. "So, Eren. You saved Levi that fateful night, correct?" Eren straightened at suddenly being the center of attention and nodded.

"Yes, sir. I was swimming around when I saw the boat and I wanted to take a closer look. I jumped up to the side and was just watching when the hot stuff… uh fire suddenly took over the ship. Stuff broke and some wood trapped me to the side. Levi came back and saved me… so I went looking for him in the water." Eren remembered the horror he felt seeing Levi's body floating about, worried he may already be dead. "I grabbed him and swam him back to shore. I should've left once I got him on the beach but…" He trailed off, not wanting to reveal too much about his feelings. He didn't know this man after all. Erwin nodded, seemingly ok with just that information before looking at Armin as well.

"How can I know for sure you are what you say you are?" He questioned, holding up a hand to Hange when she tried to defend them. "For all I know, they could be scam artists using the trick of the light. Or even hypnosis. I think I can believe you, but I would like proof for my own peace of mind." He stated calmly, calculating eyes watching every movement the two made. Eren and Armin looked at each other for a moment before Armin shrugged.

"Eren can't because of the contract but I can understand your reservations. May I?" Armin asked, pointing at the glass of water on Erwin's desk.
"Of course. Do as you need."

No one expected Armin to suddenly start stripping.

"Armin?!" Eren exclaimed but Armin rolled his eyes.

"I don't know what will happen if I'm wearing clothes! What if it merges with my tail? Or rips the clothes!" He explained and with his foot pushed the clothes to the side. Now with that out of the way, he held the glass up, inspecting the way the light hit the water. "... not enough… Eren." He murmured before calling out to his friend.

"Yeah?"

"Can you make more water? I want to be above the floor in a bubble of water." Armin requested. Eren quickly caught on to what he wanted and did as he asked. Eyes beginning to glow gold, he reached a hand out and with a curl of his fingers, the water slid from the cup and into the air. Armin put down the cup and stepped away from the desk. The water curled about the air like a ribbon for a moment, before it formed into a more solid shape, twisting around like an eel. Eren grinned, feeling the familiar energy of the sea thrumming through the tendril. He hummed for a moment, letting the water balance itself in its new sentient form before letting out the familiar tune.

"Aqua vitae, quaeso quest in adjutorium meum intende. Audi me mare, da mihi aquam. Audi vocem meam, velle meum det mare…" He said lowly, voice lower as he was not used to singing on land. The water began to glow faintly, his hand guiding it to Armin's naked form. The water slithered around his leg, slowly elongating as it grew faster and faster, forming a sphere around the merman.

Hange and Erwin were in shock, watching the beautiful display with awe. This was proof enough for Erwin, he knew then that merfolk existed and two stood before him, but he couldn't bring himself to stop them. He wanted to see this to the end. Wanted to know what a true merman looked like. By now Armin was surrounded by a ball of water, a stream constantly forming around him as it rapidly filled with water. Within a few moments, he no longer touched the floor, floating ethereally in the spinning sphere. In a blinding flash of light, his naked body changed, and when the two humans looked back, a human no longer stood before them. Armin had to curl himself up in the ball of water to fit fully inside, but it still felt nice to be in his original flesh again. Eren watched the humans' reactions and smiled, glad to see that humans were just as interested in them as they were.

"Is this proof enough, sir?" Eren asked. Erwin couldn't answer, still staring at the beautiful blue tail flipping about inside the water. He stood and walked around the desk to reach the bubble.

"Incredible… may I?" He questioned, breathing in sharply when Armin nodded. Slowly, he reached a hand into the bubble, shocked at the feeling of life he felt from the water itself. It was vibrantly beating about his arm, almost like a heartbeat, swirling and pulling at his hand and fingers as they gently rested on the floating tail. Hange too walked over, reaching a hand inside when Armin gave her permission to touch. After a few minutes, Armin's necklace turned a light grey and switched to blue, his lower body once again merging into two legs. Eren dispersed the water, directing what could fit into the cup once more, and swallowing what couldn't. He felt revitalized, having all this water coursing through him, cool and full of life. His eyes slowly faded back to green as the water settled within him, the spirit inside gracefully intertwining with his. Armin grabbed his clothes and began to attempt to put them on, with a few pointers from Hange.

"Well, I can now say I am thoroughly convinced. I'm glad you came to me with this Hange. I'm sure Levi will be happy to have found his merman." Erwin said, not unlike a father proudly showing off his child.

"That isn't the only reason we came here though. Eren is under contract to make Levi fall in love with him before the third sundown. However, Levi no longer remembers him and can't tell him that he's a merman. We were hoping you could help us come up with a plan." Hange explained and Erwin nodded.

"A plan… the easiest course of action would probably be to tell Levi Eren is a visiting prince or duke. However, I can hazard a guess that you don't fully understand human customs yet?" Both Armin and Eren shook their heads. "Right, what if we said they washed up on shore? Memory loss from the trauma or hitting their heads too hard. It would explain the loss of human mannerisms but still allow for them to know a bit about themselves." Erwin surmised. Eren couldn't be happier with the plan. It's perfect! I can tell actual truths without lying outright to him.

"So what is our-" Armin began, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

~TLM~

What the fuck happened?

He looked around, confused at where he was, even though he knew perfectly where he was. He felt disoriented and dazed for a few moments before he could see clearly in front of him. He had been… pacing? What was I doing? He was standing, and he was definitely in his room, but he felt as if he was somewhere else. The prince looked around his room, hoping to find a clue or perhaps something out of place. His dark blue walls were the same, his bed had not moved. His dresser was slightly ajar, but nothing was out of the ordinary when he went to inspect it. The book he had been reading was lying haphazardly on his bed as if he quickly put it down.

Levi wasn't sure what to think, but something felt off, wrong. What was I just doing, I feel like I'm forgetting something important. Another look around the room gave the prince no hints as to what was causing this sudden source of confusion. The last thing I remember was that I was in a shipwreck… is this a concussion? Memory loss?

"Tch, what bullshit." He growled, about to move forward when a flash of movement caught his attention. A small lady bug flew around him before finally landing on his hand. Levi didn't usually stand bugs, where bugs were tended to be where filth was which he despised. However, he was reminded of his mother as he looked at the small red bug. She often said they were a sign of good luck, and nearly cried one time when one landed on him as a child. Before he could begin to feel the sorrow of his own memories, a beautiful voice sounded in his mind. The prince looked around wildly, but couldn't find anyone. The voice was haunting and eventually faded. The fuck was that? He sighed and chalked it up to his evident concussion. He poked the little creature still crawling around his hand and it crawled onto his finger before taking off, flying out the window where it came. Figures. Probably pissed on my hand.

With the little bug gone, he remembered what he was going to do. He stalked out of the room, turning down each hall to find that shitty four-eyed doctor. Hopefully her bitch ass… wait. What were Hange's pronouns last time? When was the last time I talked to… it. Fuck, I'll just use they/them for now. I feel like I talked to them recently but I can't remember when…. The prince soon found himself in front of Hange's lab. He walked right in not even bothering to knock since they never gave him the same courtesy. It was dark, but the light from the halls showed it was a mess as it usually was. Filthy. No matter how many times I show them how to clean they never listen! He scoffed and closed the door, unsure where his crazy friend was.

Guess I'll just go back to my room, they'll come by at some point. He sighed, starting towards his room when a guard appeared at the end of the hall. Wearing the royal guard's uniform of a long forest green trenchcoat, a brown belt, and a red bolo tie to show his ranking. Once the guard saw him, he immediately saluted him.

"At ease." Levi immediately commanded, the guard quick to put his arms back to his sides.

"Thank you, your majesty. Are you looking for something?" The guard asked.

"Actually yes, I'm looking for Dr. Zoe, have you seen them?" He asked, watching as an odd look crossed the guard's face.

"Yes, I saw them walk into Duke Erwin's office with two… people earlier." He said slowly, as if almost unsure. Levi disregarded it, for now, more concerned with finding the doctor than what they were actually doing. Levi thanked him and quickly went down the hall. As he was walking down the familiar blue halls, he knew at his second left turn he would pass the portrait of them. Exactly 17 steps in he stopped and slowly turned his head, looking up at the woman who laid down her life to save him. His mother looked beautiful in the artist's portrait, an oil painting of many light and beautiful colors. She wore a pastel blue dress, with pearls and frills draped around her. The setting was her garden, his father seated next to her on the stone bench. Seeing the two together, her smile bright even for a painting, challenging the status quo like the queen she was, brought a feeling of melancholy through him. She had a wonderful life above ground, married to the King of Mitras, and waited on hand and foot. He just wishes he got to see that woman. The one who helped the village children learn to read, the one who organized bake-offs and celebrations all throughout the kingdom. The one who fought for new legislation that helped the common, not just the nobles trying to line their pockets at the working class's expense.

But he never would meet her. He only knew his mother, the one who was beaten down, joy absent in her eyes except for a very few moments. She told him about his father constantly. It was the only thing she could do to console herself. Imagining he would come, break open the doors of the dingey cellar they stayed in, and sweep her off her feet. Take her far away from there, where none of the men could ever touch her again. She thought it a mere fairy tale though. Those men told her he was dead. That Mitras had fallen. She could only hope they were lying, but deep down she believed it to be true. Levi saw her that way the most. Even when she thought he wasn't looking. He saw her then, the pain so fresh yet so ancient within her. He wanted her to be free so badly. He wouldn't mind staying there instead if it meant his mom would be happy again.

Levi shook his head, dispelling these depressing thoughts quickly before turning away from the painting he had memorized so long ago. Now… is not the time. One last glance at her smiling face and he was off. Plush carpets silenced his footsteps as he made it to Erwin's office. The huge ass door was shut as per usual, so Levi quickly knocked. It was silent for a few moments, surprising Levi when even 5 seconds later no reply came. Is he not there? He knocked again, harder this time, and he faintly heard something muffled.

"Come in." Erwin's voice called out.

Letting out a sigh Levi opened the door, grey eyes taking in the scene as he stepped in and shut the door behind him. Hange and Erwin were there, but so were two people he had never seen before. A blonde boy with large blue eyes was staring at him, a light blush on his cheeks and his clothes rumpled. The brunet next to him… Holy fuck… Wide emerald eyes were staring at him, surprise and happiness buried in those depths as they seemed to stare into his soul. Long brown hair hung down to his beautiful tan shoulders. He couldn't be older than 20, the youth of his face still apparent. The boy was wearing an old-looking pair of trainee clothes, the light green shirt and brown pants hugging his ass like they were made for it. He looks… delicious. Fuck, what I wouldn't give to spend a night in his company. Fuck my ass… he has a great ass. Is he a trainee? I hope so, I'll have him permanently stationed outside my room. Or in my room. Or in my bed. Whichever he prefers.

"...-vi… Levi!" A shout startled him out of his thoughts. He shook his head and looked towards Hange, who was smirking at him. Did I just… how long was I staring at his ass? Fuck. He's gonna think I'm a pervert. Quick, cover it up!

"Dr. Zoe, I was hoping you would be willing to check on my head. It appears my concussion is getting steadily worse." He said smoothly, ignoring the raised brows from both Hange and Erwin. Be cool you fuckers! Fuck, I'll just introduce myself to the hot guy myself if these fucking bitch holes won't. The heir apparent looked towards the hot guy again, pretending he never saw him in the first place. Of course, as soon as he looked into the man's eyes he forgot how his tongue works. Now, what do I say? Greetings. Who are you? Please fuck me until I can't sit without your cock up my ass. NO that's horrible! How the fuck do I talk?!

"Hello." The brunet said sweetly, turning fully to face the frozen prince. This was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, for now, he can't be distracted by that wonderful ass. A curse, for now, he can no longer see his ass. He floundered for a moment before finally figuring out how to talk again.

"Hello." Goddamit. It was silent for a moment before Levi shook his head and managed to control himself for a moment. "Sorry I didn't realize you had company. Are these new cadets?" He asked, high fiving himself mentally for sounding calm. Hange was having what looked like a seizure. Limbs shaking with excitement, mouth in a grin so wide it looked painful and eyes glued to him. Uh oh.

"No, actually it's horrible news really. We found them washed up on the beach!" Hange explained. Why the fuck are they smiling like that then?! He turned to the brunet immediately, eyes roving his form to look for any apparent injuries.

"Are you ok? Why were you washed up on the shore?" He asked instantly, concern welling up in him at breakneck speeds. The brunet was just smiling sweetly at him, adoration he wasn't ready to see sparkling in his jewel-like eyes. After a moment or so he seemed to realize what he said and immediately shook his head.

"No, not at all! In fact, I've never felt better in my life." He said, a slight blush staining his cheeks. Levi's brain slowed to a halt, completely enraptured with the color, slowly realizing what that entailed. Does he… is he… this boy will be mine.

"What is your name?" He asked, voice a lot more confident now that the mutual attraction was apparent. The boy hummed for a moment, merely staring at the Prince before he seemingly realized he wasn't answering. He shook his head minutely and the color grew brighter on his cheeks.

"I'm Eren! Pleased to meet you." Levi held out a hand, a slight smirk pulling at his lips. "Eren… I'm Levi. The pleasure is all mine." Eren glanced down at his hand before slowly lifting his own to gently place it on his. The shock was instantaneous. What Levi could only describe as lightning sparked between them, a heat quickly spreading through him where their hands connected. It wasn't painful, but it had his muscles jumping in his skin and something seemed to click in place for the first time in a very long time. He felt like his heart was being strangled for a moment, glimpses of a beach and a warm voice tickled his mind, but when he tried to recall the seemingly lost memory it evaded his grasp. The warmth and happiness it left behind though was real, something he hadn't truly felt in his life.

As the two stared at each other, the other three were staring in shock. The electricity was real, arching golden bolts traveling through their arms, their hearts glowing gold in their chests. Armin knew, of course, that his friend hadn't been lying about the shock, but he didn't think it had been quite this literal. Hange and Erwin were just staring in awe. They had known Levi since he was younger, just a sad looking boy who knew nothing but pain. Carrying all this hurt and trusted no one to help shoulder the burden. The look in his eyes was one they had never seen before. He looked younger, happier, and all he was doing was looking at Eren. Hange and Erwin looked at one another, conveying a silent message. We must protect Eren at all costs.

After a few minutes Erwin cleared his throat, and the little bubble of feelings the two lovebirds had popped. Coming back to themselves, they slowly let the others hand go.

"So… you were in a ship wreck?" Levi asked, eyes still glued to the that Eren was still a little tongue-tied, Hange decided to answer for him.

"That's right! I went on a little jog this morning and found the two washed up on a piece of drift wood. I got them some clothes and brought them here to talk to Erwin." Hange explained. Levi looked at them for the first time in a hot minute and realized his mistake.

"Pronouns?"

"She/her."

So she found them on the beach?

"They seem to have a case of Amnesia. They can recall some things but not others." Erwin cut in, Levi humming as he looked at the two in front of him.

"Were there any other survivors? What kind of ship were you on? Crew count?" He questioned quickly, ready to send out his personal squad to locate the wreck.

"Um, it was just us two! On a… a… small… boat… thing." Armin said, confidence withering when Levi's grey eyes stared into his. Even when not trying, Levi was intimidating as fuck. He arched a brow at the description, but chalked it up to them being a little shaken from the whole ordeal.

"So you two were the only survivors… I'm sorry for your loss. Such a tradgedy…" He said gently, looking for any sorrow on Eren's face but not finding any.

"He meant only us two. We had no crew." Eren explained.

"No crew? You two were on a ship by yourselves?" How the hell would they manage that?! Eren seemed to lose confidence at the questioning tone, but nodded anyway. "Why were yon a ship by yourselves?"

"I ran away from my father. I was by myself originally but Armin joined me." Oh right, I never did ask the blonde what he name was. Oops. But wait, ran from his father?

"Why run? Were you in danger?" Levi asked before he could really think about how appropriate it was, but Erwin swiftly cut in before Eren could answer.

"I have already run through these same questions with the both of them. Eren is a noble from one of the territories across the sea, Armin one of the servants at his palace. They can't remember very much about before the incident other then their own names and memories as children. For the time being, Armin will be staying with Hange, as he believes he was some sort of historian while at the palace. Eren however, I plan to find a guard to shadow him until they can both regain their memories."

That makes sense. So he wants to find a glorified tour guide. Or babysitter. His eyes wandered back to Eren, who was still staring at him like he was trying to memorize his face. Oh yeah, he's gonna be mine.

"Don't bother, I'll do it. I'll take him to the west wing and maybe we can go into the town tomorrow if he feels up to it." Levi said, attempting to sound casual. Erwin chuckled but nodded in agreement. Eren's smile was so wide, Levi wondered if it hurt.

"I get to stay with you?" He asked and Levi nodded.

"Yeah, c'mon, I'll show you your room." Eren was up before he even finished, practically leaping over to him in excitement. In his excitement, he nearly fell over when he tripped on the corner of his chair. Not on my watch. Strong arms caught him easily, pulling Eren quickly to his chest. Levi's breath caught at the warmth he felt then, feeling someone in his arms like this. Even though it was simply to catch him, Levi couldn't help having feelings like this. What is going on with me? I've never acted like this before… Eren stayed where he was, seemingly content to be practically bent over to fit his head to Levi's chest like this. Someone in the room cleared their throat and the two quickly stood.

"Right, see ya later." Levi nodded, putting a hand on Eren's lower back, unwilling to admit he merely wanted to touch Eren as much as he could as he gently ushered him out the door. Eren waved as well but otherwise didn't take his eyes of the small prince beside him.

Levi knows what he wants, and he *gets* what he wants. Super excited for this next chapter! I had them kinda edging around each other and beating around the bush but this time, I think that its obvious they both want each other, and will act accordingly. See ya next time!

Oh and shout out to the Rivearie Special Ops server (18+) on discord! Seeing all this love for this ship and how great everyone is gave me the little push I needed to write this chapter.

(if you want the link your gonna have to go to my story on AO3 or look it up online)