Chapter Two - The Plan
Levi focused on the land outside as he rode in the carriage across from Eren, Hanji and Erwin seated on either side of the escape artist. They were headed to the auction house for the final day of selling. The whole thing made his skin crawl, but he was a man on a mission and he wouldn't back down from it. To say he was surprised when the small land was taken over and defeated would be a lie, the country responsible was ruthless and formidable. The people of this land never stood a chance and sadly it was a common thing. Smaller domains often fell victim to larger kingdoms.
This one however, happened to be located in his own backyard. The land was neighbor to his country, only separated by a vast and terrorist river. That was no excuse though. It was too close for comfort and he regretted not being able to send aid. His people hadn't even known about the attack until it was too late. Now everything that could be uprooted from the earth was being sold to anyone who had enough gold pieces, including the people that once lived there. It was vile. It was inhuman and Levi wasn't going to stand for it.
He infiltrated the land along with his most trusted companions and set out to do what he could. He attended every auction, every event in hopes of saving as many as he could. His priority were the women and children, but even then he could only purchase as many that wouldn't raise suspicion. That didn't mean he gave up, he had every slave's name recorded in a book along with their master. The terms made him want to puke and the people he had watched be sold off filled him with regret. Then there was Jaeger.
The boy hadn't been a part of the plan, but Levi had fought for him nonetheless. He told Hanji and Erwin that it was a whim, but in truth he himself didn't know why. He had been sitting there grinding his teeth when the boy had been brought out. There were a lot of buyers interested and as Levi looked at the blindfolded brat everything in him screamed no. He felt a strong wave of protectiveness and couldn't watch him be taken away, couldn't let him go to only be abused and treated like shit. Nothing had ever sounded so wrong.
His decision ended with a trouble maker that he didn't have time to deal with and yet couldn't be ignored. It wasn't a smart idea to bring the brat along and Erwin made sure to point out the fact, but Levi didn't have a choice. He couldn't have Riener babysit him all day and all night and Jaeger slipped through everyone else's fingers. Levi could see that his freedom meant the world to him and he respected that. However, he couldn't have him running headfirst into danger and getting himself killed.
Hanji on the other hand was thrilled to have the teal eyed boy along and talked his ear off the whole way into town. She was very friendly by nature and Levi was sure Jaeger was thinking about when to bolt rather than focusing on what she had to say. When they reached the check in gate, the three of them put on their masks while Jaeger's expression turned confused. There was a chance he would blow Levi's cover without realizing it, but it was a chance he had to take.
Once they made it inside, Erwin and Hanji exited the carriage when they reached the auction house. Levi decided it was as good a time as any to try to persuade Jaeger to play the part.
"While we're in here don't make eye contact with anyone. There's going to be a lot of shit that'll piss you off, but for your sake and mine don't cause a scene." Levi told him. "I know you don't trust me and I'm not asking you to, but not just your life depends on us pulling this off. Please behave."
Eren stared at the man as he spoke, unable to help his curiosity. "What are we doing?"
"What we can do." Levi said simply and opened the carriage door. "Take my arm and play the part. We'll try to be out of here as soon as possible."
Eren wasn't sure what was going on, but he could tell it was serious and figured he'd better listen this once. So he held onto Levi's arm and walked along with him. It was the last day of this shit fest and there were more people than yesterday. Levi knew it was because the auctioneers were saving the best for last and everyone wanted a piece. Levi led the way with Erwin and Hanji close behind him and Jaeger. He offered nothing more than a few curt nods in acknowledgement to the other masked participants, but was caught by the shitty cow he had been forced to sit next to the day before.
"Mr. Rivaille, a pleasure yet again. The competition is going to be intense today." The white haired woman said, eyes moving to Jaeger. "Hm, is this the one you snatched under everyone's nose? He certainly cleans up quite nicely."
Her hand came up to grab Jaeger's jaw, something that wasn't uncommon in a place like this, but Levi wasn't going to subject him to such treatment.
"No touching." He voiced evenly, trying his best not to let his irritation slip through.
"Not the sharing kind?" The woman observed in disappointment. "I understand. Pity."
Bored, she turned to leave and went to take her seat. Levi made sure to sit as far away from her as possible and hissed under his breath along the way. "Damn cow."
Eren was uncomfortable, having realized exactly where he was. He didn't understand, but had an inkling that something more than he knew was going on. When Levi took his seat, Eren took it upon himself to sit in Levi's lap instead of his own chair. He at least felt that Levi wouldn't let anyone else take him—especially if he was on his best behavior, which he would be. Levi raised a brow at Jaeger's boldness, but wrapped his arm around his waist all the same. He was playing the part like Levi asked and he wouldn't complain how he did it. Hanji sat next to Levi while Erwin stood behind them, keeping a keen eye on the crowd. Hanji handed him his betting paddle before she took out the book, ready to record.
"It's going to start soon." He whispered to the boy in his lap. "It might be easier for you if you don't watch."
Eren couldn't disagree so he repositioned himself and laid against Levi, resting his face in the crook of his neck. "I don't want to be here." He admitted quietly.
"I wouldn't have brought you if I had any other choice." Levi told him, but he didn't say it to rub salt in the wound. He just wanted the boy to know that he didn't want to make him live through this hell again either.
The room grew dark and a large man took the empty seat on Levi's left just as the stage grew brighter. A man and a woman came out from the sidelines and stood in the center of the bright platform, beginning the auction. Levi was correct in thinking that the best 'stock' was saved for last. The stage was filled with women repeatedly, each one obviously beautiful despite their blindfold and restraints. Levi did what he could, but as more eyes fell on him he had to force his paddle to stay down. If he got carried away he could risk blowing the whole operation. It seemed to go on forever and he tried not to hold Jaeger too tightly in his anger.
It wasn't fair, it was never fair, but he hated feeling helpless. He hated not being able to do anything when he should. The last group contained two women and seven children. They were the first children of the day to be brought out and were saved for the end. Levi's blood boiled as the man next to him raised his paddle for the first time since the auction started, a clear intent in those monstrous eyes. That man didn't plan on working those children. No, he planned on something more sinister and perverted.
"Rivaille." Erwin warned quietly, sensing the man's composure slipping.
"I know." Levi gritted out and clutched the paddle in his hand until he felt it crack.
He couldn't afford to bid anymore, he had already gotten a lot of questioning stares. They had seen him purchase people in the previous days and even for a place like this the amount of slaves he bought was suspicious. He couldn't do it, he couldn't.
"Going once?" The man on the stage asked. "Going twice?" The woman chimed in.
The man next to Levi smirked.
"Sol-oh, a last minute bidder! Nine hundred gold pieces by Mr. Rivaille!" The man exclaimed excitedly. "Is there a thousand, Mr. Hajime?"
Erwin sighed loudly and Hanji snickered, but the man-Mr. Hajime-was far from laughing. He glared from behind his mask at Levi, words coming out in a snarl. "Well aren't you as loaded as they come. Don't you have enough pretty things at your beck and call?" His gaze lowered pointedly to Jaeger.
"Perhaps." Levi said calmly, but his arm held Jaeger closer. "But I'm a greedy son of a bitch."
The pair on the stage started the count down again as Levi held Mr. Hajime's gaze.
"Sold, to Mr. Rivaille!"
The next second Mr. Hajime sprung from his chair and pointed a meaty finger at Levi. "You'll get yours, mark my words." He stomped out of the room after that and Levi dropped his paddle on the floor, ready to be rid of it.
"That was fun." Hanji smiled as she closed the book.
"That's going to come back and bite you in the ass." Erwin voiced and Levi huffed.
"I'm well aware. Go see to the slaves, Hanji see to the payment." He ordered and his companions quickly followed the commands. "We're leaving." Levi said at hushed volume, patting Jaeger's back as he kept an eye out.
Eren nodded before getting up slowly, peeking around the room nervously. Levi stood as well and brought what he hoped was a reassuring arm around the boy's middle. He made his way back out to the carriage, holding Jaeger close against him.
The second they were inside he breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank fuck that shits over."
"Will you tell me why you're buying us?" Eren asked, because there was a part of him that hoped it was for better intentions than some of those other people. "The children… what are you planning to do with them?"
"Nothing." Levi answered right away. "I'm not going to do a damn thing other than give them food and shelter." For the time being at least. When he brought them back to his country he hoped to find families there that would take them in. As for the women, he would do what he could to help them get on their feet again.
Eren took in his words thoughtfully and scooted a bit closer, though it was completely unnecessary. "You want to save them?" He whispered, needing to know.
Levi looked at him for a moment, unsure whether it was wise to give that much away. "Yes . . . as many as I can."
Eren's heart beat a little faster at this revelation and he leaned even closer. "Then… you want to save me too?"
"Against your best efforts, yes." Levi answered with a smirk.
"Well, you may have better intentions than those other creeps, but you're still buying us and keeping us. We're your prisoners." Eren sighed.
"That's the way things stand." Levi agreed, eyes traveling to the window. "For the time being."
Eren leaned over on Levi purposely and moved his lips to his ear. "I'm still going to escape. Count on it."
"Cheeky brat." Levi couldn't help but chuckle. "We'll see about that."
Once Erwin and Hanji came back to the carriage, they headed home to the cabin along with the other carts transporting the people Levi had purchased. The journey felt longer than usual, but at least it was the last one they would make to that awful place. Well, until the next phase of their plan was put into action. Levi and the others got out when they reached the large cabin and Jaeger stood next to him as the women and children were lined up. It was just like how Eren was treated before, though this time he was at the front instead of with the others that shared his fate. Levi motioned for the blindfolds to be removed and he was met with fearful eyes that he was forced to grow used to.
"Listen closely because I'm only going to say this once." Levi said, his voice strong and commanding. "Keep your heads down and do as you're told, I don't have time for any more trouble makers." He said and shot a look at Jaeger. "You'll be treated well here. Hanji, clothes and baths."
"Yes sir, I'm on it." Hanji grinned and Jaeger was taken inside the cabin with Levi, Erwin following suit.
"We didn't plan on this many, we might not have enough room. Or food." Erwin reminded when they came to a halt.
Levi crossed his arms, not budging on the matter. "We'll make due, I'm not leaving anyone behind. Send some men to get more supplies and I'll figure out the rooming situation soon."
"Tonight." Ewrin pressed and laughed when Levi scowled at him.
"Fine, tonight damn eyebrows. Now get moving." Levi dismissed. He waited until Erwin left before he turned his attention to Jaeger, another problem he had to deal with. "First things first I have to figure out what I'm going to do with you."
Eren scoffed at that and put his hands on his hips. "Excuse me, there's nothing for you to do. Other than release me."
"Yes, of course. Why didn't I think of that?" Levi shook his head. "This would be a lot easier if you cooperated."
"Too bad that's never going to happen." Eren mumbled, lips pulling apart into a sly smile.
Levi's heart did a funny flip, something he might have to call a doctor about. "You're not cute."
"You're lying." Eren retorted, his tone amused.
"You're a brat." Levi countered, eyes narrowing at how the boy easily read him.
Eren giggled and closed the distance between them, leaning his face close to Rivaille's just to irk him. "But I'm a cute brat."
Levi had never met someone so frustrating. "Oi, that's enough sass out of you." He said and took a step back, turning slightly towards the hall. "Let's go. I've got some things to take care of and you can't be let out of my sight for the time being."
"I can't be bothered. You'll have to carry me." Eren hummed, smirking to himself.
Levi's eyebrow twitched, but he knew the boy wouldn't hesitate to make a scene. He mumbled under his breath as he picked Jaeger up and placed him over his shoulder. Eren grinned, feeling a bit better about his captivity and deciding he would spend every waking hour driving his captor crazy, so he started with groping his backside right away.
"Oi!" Levi came to a stop barely four steps down the hallway. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Touching your tight ass, what does it feel like?" Eren scoffed.
Levi stood completely still for a moment, completely shocked. Not many people could do that to him, but Jaeger was proving to be one of them. "Definitely not." He said and switched his hold, opting to carry the troublesome boy bridal style.
"Prefer me up close and personal, huh?" Eren mused, splaying his hand out on Levi's chest and getting a good feel of him.
"Is there any other way to have you?" Levi drawled as he continued walking, wanting to know what the hell was going on. There was nothing that could have caused this change in behavior unless it was a last ditch attempt to get him to let his guard down.
"Hmm. Naked in your bed." Eren suggested, teal eyes darkening.
"This game you're playing isn't funny, Jaeger." Levi said as they got closer to his room that doubled as an office to conserve space. "Whatever you're plotting, it's not going to work."
"I'm not playing or plotting anything." Eren huffed and distracted himself when his fingers found Levi's nipple.
Not keen on Jaeger's harassment, Levi quickened his pace. He was starting to think he was in for more than he bargained for with this one. He set the handsy boy down when he got to his personal quarters and herded him inside. After he closed the door behind them, he went over to the desk in the corner to get to work.
"Don't break anything." He said as he slipped on a pair of glasses.
"Does that include you?" Eren asked as he padded over, reaching up to start unbuttoning his shirt.
Levi took hold of his wrist, sparing him a glance. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all." Eren smiled his best smile and happily sat down, straddling Levi's lap.
"What the fuck . . ." Levi frowned, more confused than he could ever remember being. "Is there a reason you're suddenly so damn clingy? Since when did running turn into throwing yourself at me?"
"Throwing?" Eren gasped in offense. "Well, I never." He got up immediately and turned up his nose. "I will still be running, I just thought it would be fun to occupy myself otherwise when I wasn't. But fuck you."
Levi raised an eyebrow, but didn't argue when his words had a desired effect. "Wait until you find someone worth 'occupying' yourself with. And I would appreciate it if you waited until I'm finished with my work before you run."
"You're right. Don't ask me what came over me, even considering you." Eren grumbled, walking his way over to Levi's bed. He stripped his shirt and pants before getting under the covers and closing his eyes.
Levi turned his attention back to the task at hand, but not before an amused smile graced his features. He was able to get through everything in a good amount of time and leaned back in his chair once he was finished, placing his glasses back on his desk. His gaze drifted to the lump in his bed, soft breaths echoing in the room. Despite Jaeger's mischievousness, he was someone Levi respected. That also didn't happen often, but the boy's determination and will won him over. He wondered how his life would have been if things were different, if he would have been able to see through his 'plans' that he had mentioned. Knowing what he did and from what he had seen, Levi didn't doubt he could do whatever he put his mind to. Aside from escaping him, at least.
If anything Jaeger strengthened his resolve to bring the people of this land back to his country, back to a place where they would be safe and hopefully start their lives anew. He couldn't promise happiness, but he could promise freedom and protection. Soon. Very soon.
Levi was pondering what to do about the limited space in the cabin when the soft breaths started to speed up. He didn't miss the change, or the quiet moan that soon sounded from him. Eren had a naughty dream, waking up at the worst possible time with a complete hard on. He couldn't care less about Levi being in his room, he just went right for it, stroking his length slowly, nearly teasing himself and not bothering to keep his voice down.
Maybe a release was just what he needed to calm himself down after everything that had happened. It sure felt good working up to it and Eren had soon forgotten where he was. He'd forgotten everything besides his hand on his cock and how good it felt.
"Fuck." Eren moaned, eyes rolling back as he stroked the full length of his member. He hadn't felt pleasure like this in weeks, no, months.
Levi sat in the chair, as tense as ever, and he didn't dare look over at Jaeger. He couldn't believe the brat would do something like this and would have left the room if he knew for certain the boy wouldn't try to escape. Levi's hands were tied and he was stuck, forced to listen as Jaeger pleasured himself. Today was just not his day.
Eren grew louder with purpose, raising and spreading his legs to move his hand down to his entrance for a little more pleasure. He spread his precum over his rim and gasped when he pushed his finger inside. There was a small part of him that wished he hadn't been turned away by his captor before his nap, but it had brought on that dream and Eren just couldn't help himself. He was used to taking care of himself, but he couldn't remember the last time he'd been so horny.
It seemed like he was going to do this forever, Levi had half a mind to suspect he was dragging it out on purpose. His hands gripped the arms of the chair and he willed himself to hold on, surely Jaeger had to be close. A few more minutes and Levi wanted to punch something. What had he done to deserve this? Levi was certain Jaeger was doing this just to fuck with him and he wasn't going to stand for it, he wasn't going to quietly take this.
Eren had gone from one finger, to two, his moans constant and unhindered as he stretched himself. It felt so good and his cock was throbbing, begging him to touch it again, but he never wanted this pleasure to end. It blocked out everything else, this was all he knew for now and it thrilled him. Then his fingers reached something inside of him he'd never touched before and a blinding, intense sensation of bliss washed over him, making him cry out and shiver all over.
"Damn brat." Levi breathed, blue-grey eyes staring down at Jaeger as he got onto the bed. He pressed his body up against Jaeger's and slid his hand under the covers, trailing down his stomach.
Eren panted, half lidded teal eyes peeking up at Levi. "R-Rivaille…"
"Are you close?" Levi asked, brushing his lips under Jaeger's ear as his fingers went closer and closer to his cock.
"Mm… I… hmm." Eren shuddered, unable to form any coherent words. He mewled as he removed his fingers to grab Levi's hand and push it down past his cock, right where he wanted it.
Levi parted his lips, mouthing at his earlobe. "Here?" He trailed one finger around Jaeger's rim, the tip just barely pressing inside.
"Yes… yesss." Eren whined, hips thrusting up and down, trying to urge Levi to give him more. "Please!"
Levi answered the cry and pressed two fingers inside, massaging Jaeger's walls. His fingers went deep, searching for just the right place to drive him mad. It wasn't long until he found it and sucked Jaeger's earlobe at the same time he caressed his prostate.
"F-fuck, ah." Eren cried out, clinging to Levi with trembling arms. "That… so good. Yes." He rocked his hips, feeling as if he was right on the brink of coming.
Levi moved his hand a little faster and brought his lips down in favor of sucking that tan neck. More and more soft and beautiful sounds left Jaeger's throat and Levi didn't tease, he pressed harder against that spot inside and couldn't be bothered to care if he left marks in his wake. No one had ever been able to work him up so much.
"Look at you, falling apart piece by piece." Levi spoke lowly, roughly. "Are you going to let go? Are you going to come for me, darling?"
Eren's vision went white and his fingers dug into Levi's arms as his words sent him toppling over the edge. His back arched and cock pulsed wildly as he came with a wail he couldn't contain. Levi continued to move his fingers skillfully, drawing everything he could out of the troublemaker in his bed. A small part of his mind was aware at the slip up he had made, the little pet name that fitted Jaeger all too well, but he was too busy watching Jaeger come undone. He didn't miss a thing as the brunette's face twisted in bliss. He only slowed his fingers when it was obvious Jaeger couldn't take anymore and took his time pulling them out completely.
Eren's whole body quaked from the intense orgasm he'd just experienced and he stared up at Levi through hazy teal eyes as he fought to catch his breath. It felt so good that he knew he'd have to have it again… and also have even more. Eren was glad Levi had helped him reach such a powerful climax, but he was a little put off about not getting to have sex with him.
"E-Eren." Eren stammered, cheeks perfectly flushed and mind in a lustful daze.
Fuck. Levi wrapped his arm around him, cradling Eren against his body. He didn't know what the hell he was doing, he didn't know what the hell he just did, but being given Eren's name had touched something inside of him. Once again, he did something stupid.
"Levi."
"Levi…" Eren whispered sleepily as he snuggled impossibly closer. He was already drifting off to sleep once more.
The room grew quiet again aside from soft breaths and Levi was left to his thoughts. He was getting a little too close, certainly more than he planned to, but he would never abandon the brat. However Levi needed to focus on his mission, not insanely captivating teal eyes. Eren had succeeded in distracting him for a bit and he had reason to believe the boy would try again. It was as frustrating as it was odd that Eren could get to him, seemingly more each day. It had only been two days and yet here he was in Levi's bed. How did that shit happen?
He had also let multiple things slip that would give Erwin a heart attack if he found out. He was well aware he had to be careful and the less people that knew the truth the better, but the boy in his arms had a way of getting the truth out of him before he could think twice. Or rather, he got the truth out of him even when he did think twice. Levi chucked it up to Eren's personality, his fire and spirit. It was something unwavering and honest, something that demanded honesty in return.
Still, it was safer if he remained in the dark. Levi had to do a better job of keeping his mouth shut . . . and his dick in his pants, the latter proving to be the harder struggle. Everything would come to light when the time was right and Eren would get what he wanted. Now though, Levi had to remain firm and keep the escape artist from running off until he could come clean. It was no easy task and he knew Eren would continue to fight him every step of the way, but Levi wasn't going to back down. A man of his position never did.