Chapter Three - Revenge
Things had gotten a little out of hand, or handsy might have been a better interpretation. Eren hadn't planned for things to happen like they did, but he'd learned some new things about Levi—including his name, and he learned that he actually wasn't one of the bad guys. Of course there was still much that Eren didn't know and he was as curious as ever, but it had felt so good to just let go and enjoy the pleasure his own hand and Levi's brought upon him. He'd slept so well after that and for a while, he forgot about his mother's death, his father's disappearance, and his enslavement.
Okay so he was stuck, but he really wasn't a slave. Eren couldn't consider himself that when he wasn't being forced to do anything but eat and sleep and live. Levi had been good to him and to all the women and children he'd bought at auction as well. But that still didn't mean Eren wanted to give in and just live his life as a piece of property. As long as he was with Levi, he wasn't a free man. For now, he would accept things as they were, but in the meantime, Eren would figure out a way to free himself. He just refused to die as a captive.
Eren woke up wrapped in familiar, strong arms. He had to pee and tried to wiggle himself free, but Levi only help him tighter. It ended up being from fear of Eren trying to run off, but he assured Levi he wouldn't try to go anywhere and even told him to join him if he was so worried about it—which Levi didn't hesitate to jump on. He must have really meant it when he said that he wouldn't be letting Eren out of his sight. It wasn't a lie when Eren said he wanted something to occupy his time, and he wanted Levi to help occupy that time.
Levi brushed his teeth as Eren did his business. He had spoken with Erwin after the brunette had fallen asleep and settled the lack of space issue for the time being. His staff roomed together with some of his men and Eren would be moved to share with him. It wasn't just because of what had transpired, Levi was also ensuring that Eren wasn't jumping out of any windows. Dinner would be ready soon and the men sent into town brought back a good haul. Once Eren had washed his hands, Levi told him to get dressed so they could head to the dining room.
"Apparently it's going to be quite the feast tonight." He told the boy, leaning against the doorframe.
"Why?" Eren questioned as he stepped into the pants given to him.
"To celebrate our success. We were able to get through the auction without being found out." Levi explained. "It was Hanji's idea."
"It will be nice. Especially for us slaves." Eren hummed as he grabbed the shirt laid out on the bed and shrugged it on.
Levi rolled his eyes, but didn't comment. He waited until Eren was ready and then led the way out and down the hall. Tomorrow night would be there last in this cabin as long as everything went according to plan and Levi was feeling a bit anxious. He was ready to bring everyone back to his homeland, Eren especially, though he didn't know for certain how Eren would react once he knew the whole truth. He couldn't explain why he was concerned more about one brat's opinion about him, he had never cared about such things before. Levi stood by who he was regardless of what anyone else thought.
Perhaps it was how close they were getting in such a short amount of time, Eren had already learned his real name. Levi supposed he just . . . he just didn't want Eren to see him as his enemy. The boy was nothing but a cheeky brat, even a pain in his ass, but those teal eyes held a strength that Levi admired a good deal. Funnily enough he was fond of Eren and that in itself was a double edged sword. Heaven forbid the brunette ever found out or else he would use it to his advantage, Levi had no doubt of that. A smile pulled at his lips at the thought.
The food was already set on the table once they reached the large room and they took their seats, Eren taking the place right next to Levi. It had been a long day and the pair was hungry. Levi didn't even wait for everyone else as he usually would. Hanji was just bringing the others as Levi picked up his fork and dug in, obeying the need of his empty stomach. If he had taken a moment to study his food more carefully, he would have noticed something was up sooner. However, he still noticed it all the same. The second the food touched Levi's tongue he tensed, swallowing quickly. Poisoned?
"Stop." He ordered when the other's began sitting down.
This was serious. Either someone had discovered his identity, what he was up to, or the whole group was at risk. Was their cover blown? A bewildered Eren watched as Levi called Erwin over and whispered something into his ear. The blonde's eyes widened for the briefest of seconds before he told the servants to take the food away.
"Dinner will be delayed." Erwin informed a confused looking Hanji, but she started taking the others away to wait nonetheless.
Levi stood up and briskly headed to the kitchen, Erwin and Eren hot on his heels. The staff seemed to be clueless as well and worried about having the master of the cabin in the kitchens. Was something not to his taste? Levi got straight to the point and asked what had been brought in today, beginning to taste everything that was listed. Erwin wasn't happy about the turn of events and wanted to stop the shorter man, but knew he couldn't persuade Levi otherwise.
"Hey," Eren said as he poked Levi's shoulder a few times in his curiosity. "Hey, Levi… what's the problem? I think… if it's poison, you probably shouldn't eat any more."
"How will we know it's poisoned unless someone eats it?" Levi replied with a deep frown. His suspicions were proving to be correct so far, the whole haul was tainted. How? Why?
"Hm. I guess you're right." Eren mumbled and took a large bite of the prepared fish. Then a bite of veggies. Then he reached for the fresh baked bread.
"Eren!" Levi yelled and quickly grabbed his arm once he saw what the boy was doing. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?! Do you have any idea what-goddamnit! Get Hanji!" He commanded the woman in the corner and she dashed out at once.
"Ugh." Eren swayed, suddenly feeling hot and dizzy. "What… is this…"
Levi couldn't believe how stupid the brat was and now he was trying not to panic. Never in his wildest dreams did he think Eren would do such a thing, who the hell started stuffing their face after being told the food was poisoned? Eren just had to fucking help himself. Levi couldn't even think about what he would do if the boy died because of this, he was pissed beyond belief. He held Eren closer and supported his weight, letting Erwin take it from there and find out why this shit was toxic.
Hanji took one look at Eren and Levi's expression, jaw setting. "Your room?"
"My room." Levi confirmed and didn't waste anymore time. He lifted Eren into his arms and left the kitchen, heading back down the hall they had just come down not five minutes before. "Hang in there, damn brat. Hanji has a lot of medical skill. She'll know what to do."
"Levi," Eren whined in agony as he started to sweat. "Levi…"
"I'm here. I won't go anywhere." He promised, quickly reaching his door. He gently set Eren down on the bed once they were inside and cursed under his breath. Why did the teal eyed boy have to be so reckless?
Eren weakly reached for Levi's hand and held onto it. "I don't… I don't feel… good." He pouted as he stared at Levi.
"That's because you're poisoned." Levi stated the obvious, doing his best to stay calm and brushed Eren's bangs out of his face. "Going straight for it after I explicitly said it could be deadly, why on earth did you do such a thing?"
"You… you were eating it. You shouldn't be the only one." Eren panted, shuddering. "Had to taste to know…"
"That's not an excuse." And Eren wasn't the type to follow someone else's lead. "I said I wasn't going to let anyone die . . . so don't you dare even think about." Levi said quietly right before Hanji came rushing into the room.
She had a bag full of items and herbs as well as a wet cloth in hand. She placed it over Eren's forehead and then studied his symptoms, calling on her knowledge and experience from the past.
"I should have known it was poisoned when you were more than ready to go taste test." Hanji directed towards Levi as she began pulling things out. "Yes you have a high tolerance, but you're not immune. You can't afford to die, you know." She scolded.
Levi had been poisoned many times and hadn't died yet, he didn't give a fuck what was in it. "Less talking, more saving." He demanded and Hanji shot him a look, but focused back on Eren.
Eren was struggling to keep conscious. "Levi…" He groaned and shook his head, trying to stay awake.
"Levi?" Hanji repeated and glanced at said man who was avoiding her gaze. "Oooh, you didn't!" She exclaimed in surprise and slight glee.
"Hanji." Levi bit out in a warning. This wasn't the time.
"Right, right. Saving." She nodded and went back to work.
Whatever it was was fast acting, there shouldn't have been too much in what Eren ate to have him like this so soon. The younger boy would have tasted such an amount as well, Levi only doing so because he was more intune to the subtle difference. Levi told her everything he could and Hanji mixed different herbs for the highest probability of what poison it was.
"Hopefully I'm right in thinking it's native to this land rather than imported." She stated more so to herself than to Levi.
Levi had faith in her abilities and her luck, but even that didn't stop him from worrying. Eren had turned so pale and sweated profusely, breathing heavily with a look of pain on his unconscious face. He ending up sleeping for so long, even after being medicated and Levi was unable to leave his side or find comfort when Hanji promised that the medicine was working.
Throughout the next several hours while Eren slept, his color gradually returned to normal and his breathing had evened out. His features softened and eventually, he appeared as if he was sleeping peacefully. Levi calmed when he finally looked normal, but he wouldn't be completely satisfied until the brat was awake so he could hear him say he was fine.
It wasn't until late that night that those teal eyes fluttered open and Eren rolled onto his side, stretching. He looked confused as he sat up slowly, peering around the room before looking back to Levi.
"What happened?" Eren rasped and then raised his hand to his aching throat. It was dry and sore. A rumbled groan of discomfort sounded from him as he frowned.
"You did something stupid, as usual." Levi said and handed him a glass of water. If his hand shook the tiniest bit, he would never admit it. He was just glad the little troublemaker was finally awake.
Eren sat up slowly and took the glass of water in both hands that were weak and shaken. He scowled at his grip on the glass before raising it to his lips and managing to get a swallow. Still, the struggle was real and some spilled out the side of his mouth. He quickly handed the glass back to Levi and fell back on the bed with a groan. He was never eating again.
"Try to get a little more in." Levi brought the glass back to Eren's lips and this time helped him, cupping the back of his head with his other hand. "Come on, a few more sips."
Though his brows furrowed, Eren sipped at the water with Levi's help. It was quite a task and once he had a little more, he swallowed hard and panted, having lost his breath. This was horrible and when he thought of actually dying… it scared him.
"I don't wanna die." He got out in a pained whisper, looking over at Levi fearfully.
Finally, he gets it. Levi set the water down and met Eren's gaze. "You're not going to die. I told you I wouldn't allow it, remember? So don't worry about it. Hanji said you're all cured anyway."
"I'm cold." Eren whimpered, trying not to tremble. It was freezing and so close to death he couldn't possibly be cured.
Levi sighed, seeing Eren's dramatics for what they were, but got into bed with him anyway, figuring that he was probably cold. He settled on his side and tucked the blanket around them. Eren pushed himself closer to Levi, seeking his warmth, shivering all over. His teeth started to chatter and he tensed his jaw to try and prevent it. Levi frowned at finding he wasn't being dramatic at all and held him closer.
Eren snaked his arm around Levi and held tight to his shirt. His eyes closed and refused to reopen. He fell asleep with ease and when he woke again, he felt much better. The weakness had faded and he wasn't cold. No, he was hot, buried under a sleeping Levi. Eren's arms were wrapped around him and his hands immediately fisted the material. Levi was slump, breathing deep and evenly. He must have been exhausted.
It took him a moment to remember what had happened. He'd ate the food that had been poisoned and it got to him quickly. Just thinking back to how bad he'd felt made him shudder. However, he was easily distracted by the weight of Levi on top of him. He worried for a moment that Levi was sick too, but he didn't feel feverish, he wasn't sweating. He actually smelled good and was a perfect amount of warmth that Eren liked. Maybe he shouldn't have let himself be so comfortable with his captor, but he couldn't help it… there was something about Levi that Eren liked.
Levi was out hard, giving Eren all the opportunity in the world to run his hands up and down his back. He wasn't a big guy by any means, but Eren was surprised to feel the defined muscles across his back. He could only imagine what the rest of him felt like—and he wanted to feel it. It wasn't hard to imagine, what with his front pressed down on Eren completely. He was pretty heavy, but not enough to make Eren uncomfortable. He actually liked this. He didn't want Levi to wake up.
It didn't seem as if that would happen anyway, so Eren continued to rub Levi's back until his curiosity got the better of him and he felt a little more, letting his hands roam over Levi's strong shoulders and arms. He couldn't help himself and was a little put out about not being able to wander his hands down his chest and lower. Eren could admit that he was attracted to this man… a lot. It made him so mad.
He was also happy about it and didn't mind helping himself to squirming underneath him to try and get a feel. His hands worked their way back up, feeling the back of his head where his hair was shorter until he reached the longer strands at the top. His fingers combed through it, surprisingly finding it to feel so silky. Eren blinked at the ceiling, suddenly aware of his racing heart. Levi was so hot. Eren wanted him and he couldn't even hate himself for it.
It wasn't long before his body had more of a reaction to Levi besides his racing heart and Eren bit his lip. It was uncomfortable having his growing erection crushed between them and he was starting to get mad because how dare Levi do this to him? And he was still sleeping, just letting Eren do all these things and touch all these things. He scoffed in annoyance as his hands trailed down to Levi's backside. Eren really liked it too and wanted to see it naked. When he couldn't take it anymore, he moved, rolling them over with a little more force than necessary so he could get on top of Levi.
The motion was enough to rouse the man underneath him and Levi slowly blinked his eyes open, surprised and yet not surprised to find Eren straddling him. "I see you're back in top form." He mumbled, voice a bit deeper and rougher from sleep.
Eren ignored him because he was still mad that Levi put him in this predicament. Instead of responding, he trailed his eyes and his hands down his chest and lower. He'd had time to get acquainted with the rest of him, so he needed time to learn all he could about all of—god, Eren couldn't believe it. There shouldn't have even been the possibility of a body being so hard, so perfect. Even with Levi just laying there, Eren could feel the definition of every muscle and he only grew more aroused because of it.
"Having fun?" Levi asked with a raised brow.
"I hate you, damn asshole." Eren glared down at him, but didn't remove himself or his hands.
Levi smirked, amused and sat up. "I'm sure you do."
"I do, you sicko." Eren snorted as he slid his hands up and around his neck, trying to scoot closer.
The action had Levi reaching around and cupping the brunette's ass, helping him forward against his better judgement. "You've got a strange way of showing it." He mused. "For someone whose been bed ridden, you're certainly energetic."
Eren breathed at the feel of those hands on him, remembering well just how capable they were. "I'm not bed ridden." He muttered as he scraped his nails down the back of his neck.
"Anymore." Levi conceded and patted the boy's backside. "Easy with the claws."
"Don't tell me what to do." Eren grumbled, blushing because he really hadn't meant to do it.
The look flattered him and Levi paused a second to appreciate the sight. "I tell everyone what to do, no exceptions."
"I'll be damned. I am the exception." Eren scoffed and pushed Levi back down on the bed, unable to help rolling his hips. Why did this man turn him on so much?
It wasn't hard to tell where this was heading and Levi didn't know if he would be able to resist. "Sorry to break it to you, but you're not."
"You think I'm going to listen to you?" Eren rolled his eyes. "You're disgusting." As if he would listen to such a person, if he could even be considered one. Eren's words didn't match the way he looked at Levi, or the way his hands continued to feel him up.
"And you're a brat." Levi replied, letting Eren do as he pleased for the moment.
"If that's how you wanna look at me, fine. I don't care what you think." Eren said, fingers starting to work the buttons of Levi's shirt apart.
"I'm not surprised." Eren didn't strike him as the type to care what anyone thought. "We'll be meeting up with Erwin and heading into town, Hanji said he found the merchant that sold my men the poisoned food."
"What will you do about it?" Eren asked as he finally reached the last button and got it undone. He pushed Levi's shirt apart and held his breath at the glorious sight below him. He was flawless. So sexy. Eren was even harder and he didn't know how.
Levi hummed before he flipped them over and ran his hand down Eren's side. "What do you mean?"
"Hey!" Eren frowned. "I was doing things…"
"I noticed. Now it's my turn." Levi said and repeated his question. "What do you mean what will I do about it?"
Eren pouted at being denied but decided not to dread on it. He could still see, just not as good and he was able to wrap his legs around Levi's waist to pull him closer. "The merchant… will you do something about him trying to kill us, or will you let him go?"
"Depends." Levi answered and slid his hand into Eren's underwear. "I'll have to hear what he was to say first, but I won't be taking any of his shit. I want the truth."
Eren sucked in a shaky breath, back arching at the feel of Levi's fingers brushing against his erection. He probably wouldn't survive another moment. "Y-Yeah." Eren agreed distractedly.
Levi leaned down to bring his lips to Eren's ear, his hand wrapping around his member. "As for you . . . I'll have to take a different approach."
Eren bit his lip to stifle a moan and let his legs fall to the bed, spreading them eagerly. His face had flushed again and he was so aroused now that his mind couldn't concentrate on anything else. "What… w-what are you… how?"
Having Eren so docile and out of it already really worked Levi up, but he had a point to prove. "The poison. Don't think I've forgiven you. I'm still thoroughly pissed and this time you're not walking away without a punishment, Eren."
The brunette frowned, his whole face falling. His breathing was picking up more by the second and his hips couldn't keep still, he needed Levi's hand to move. He needed to come. "D-don't be mean."
Levi began mouthing at Eren's neck and stroked his cock with short and slow movements. "Are you going to be more sensible? Giving me your word that you won't do something like that again?"
"Do… do what?" Eren asked shakily, not understanding. And he was too taken with how Levi made him feel, so much that he couldn't hold back a soft moan.
"Willingly barreling headfirst into certain death." Levi reminded and pulled his shirt down to kiss his collarbones. "Don't ever eat something I say is poisonous again."
"You ate it!" Eren snapped, those words pulling him out of his daze, though only for an instant. Then his eyes dropped and his lips parted as he once again focused on what Levi was doing to him.
"It doesn't matter what I did, your ass better listen." Levi huffed and swept his thumb over the head of Eren's dick, nipping at the spot he had kissed seconds before.
"Fuck." Eren rasped, mentally chiding himself for letting the word escape him. Now he just wanted to fight Levi. He didn't want to give into his desires. "No… not a chance."
Levi stopped his ministrations completely. "Shame."
"W-w-What are you doing? Don't stop." Eren demanded, smacking his fist down on Levi's shoulder.
"Then say you won't eat food that can kill you." Levi countered, narrowing his blue-grey eyes.
"Then you do the same!" Eren snapped, thrusting his hips up in a need for the friction. Those skilled hands. He needed them.
Levi pressed down further on Eren's body and touched their foreheads together. "It wasn't going to kill me, that's the difference."
"You… so stupid." Eren breathed, hands moving to cradle Levi's face. He was so high off this moment, this man. He tilted his head and inched closer for a kiss.
Levi dropped his lips to Eren's cheek, speaking in a softer tone. "Say it. Promise me." He wasn't going to give in on this. "I need to hear you say it."
"You mean… piece of… damn you." Eren mumbled, trying to force Levi to resume touching him. "I wanted…" Levi was so mean, denying him like that. And he was embarrassed for wanting it, for knowing Levi knew he was trying to kiss him and then having him move his mouth like that.
The hand on his cock did start to move again, faster than before as Levi stared him down. "Tell me, tell me the words darling."
"I… Alright… I won't…"
That was all Levi needed to hear and he worked his hand to bring Eren over the edge, wanting to see that face twisted in pleasure again.
"Levi," Eren moaned, fingers digging into his hair. "Levi… I want…"
He knew, he had a pretty good idea. The question was if it was smart to give it to him. Levi battled with himself, but ultimately brushed his lips against Eren's. He could practically taste him already. Eren moaned against the feel of those lips, eyes closing while Levi continued to work him up. He would come soon at this rate… but he wanted more. It wasn't easy, being in the daze he was in, but Eren didn't want to wait. He parted his lips and kissed Levi fully, taking what he wanted.
Levi groaned and let go of his restraint, eagerly soaking up everything Eren had to offer. He kissed Eren with a passion he didn't know he was capable of. He worshipped those soft lips with his own, grazing his tongue inside of Eren's mouth. Eren responded beautifully and Levi tilted his head to have even more of him. He tightened his grip around the throbbing cock in his hand and savored the taste of his troublemaker.
Soft, desperate moans vibrated in Eren's throat as he enjoyed the taste of his captor. It all felt too good, like it wasn't even real. He wouldn't be able to last. "L-Levi…" Eren groaned into his mouth. "You'll make me come."
"That's the idea." Levi murmured and licked his lips. "Let me see it all."
"B-But… but…" Eren tried to complain, because he didn't want to come… he wanted Levi to take him. He wanted to come with him inside of him. But he couldn't prevent it, he was too close and Levi knew exactly what he was doing.
Eren's body rocked and his head fell back, a sultry cry falling from his lips as he came, his orgasm hitting him in continuous waves of ecstasy. Even when he stopped coming, his whole body quaked and he panted, moaning still though he had quietened down, eventually calming to a subtle whimpering. It was intense and he was so upset. Levi did want him… didn't he?
"Why?" Eren choked out, forcing his teal eyes open to look up at Levi.
Levi released him and stroked his cheek with his other hand. "Why what?"
"I wanted you to fuck me." Eren muttered, unashamed to admit it. "You bastard."
His words made Levi's eyes darken, but he leaned back. "Just like that? You wouldn't think I was taking advantage?" He asked and took in the image Eren made. "Do you think any other man would hesitate to ruin you?"
"I hate you. I was the one trying to take advantage here and you just had to ruin it." Eren grumbled. "I hate you so much."
Levi didn't get the chance to respond before the door was opened and Hanji walked in. "Oh my!" She gasped with bright eyes. "Don't mind me, I'll just go do something else until you two love birds are finished."
"What the fuck do you want, foureyes?" Levi sighed, pulling the blanket over Eren when he moved to stand next to the bed. "This better be important for you to just waltz in."
"Well it certainly wasn't as important as what you were up to." She grinned wickedly and had the nerve to wink. "Erwin is waiting on you and it's well into the afternoon. You'll have to head out now if you want to make it back before sundown."
Levi began buttoning up his shirt and cursed under his breath. "Yeah, alright. We'll be ready soon."
"Not too soon." Hanji said and closed the door just as Levi threw a shoe at her.
"Damn busy body."
Eren was red all over and staring at the ceiling, completely mortified. But maybe Hanji just thought they were getting friendly and hadn't done anything. Yeah, nothing happened. Though the come in his pants said otherwise. Levi ushered him into the bathroom for a quick shower, busying himself with washing his hands. Then he changed his somewhat wrinkled clothes and laid some out for Eren before he got out.
After he was dressed, Eren turned to Levi with a defiant look, his hands propping on his hips. "I'm not going." He said quickly, meaning business.
Levi took one last look in the mirror before grabbing his sword from the closet, fastening it at his waist. "Give me one good reason why I should allow that."
"Because. I don't wanna." Eren huffed and raised his right hand, running it through his hair. "I'll just stay here."
"That's not a reason, much less a good one." Levi deadpanned. "Once I'm out of sight, you'll run. You should know by now, wherever I go, you go. Period."
"Absolutely not." Eren said with a scoff. "You're not going to treat me like your property you damn sicko. I don't care how much you paid for me, mister moneybags."
Levi crossed his arms, tilting his head. "Are you going to make me do this the hard way?"
"I'm serious, Levi." Eren glared at him. "I'm not going. You can't make me. I'll stay here and clean or something."
"I can make you and I will." Eren was foolish to think otherwise. "Besides, we both know you'll be long gone by the time I get back. The answer is no."
Eren shook his head adamantly. "You're not gonna talk to me this way, I refuse to allow it." He said as he padded over to Levi slowly and he sighed, raising his hands to lay them on Levi's chest. "But I promise… I'm not gonna run. I just really… I'm scared."
Despite his distrust, Levi paused at Eren's words. He studied his eyes and his expression, searching for a lie. "Scared . . ." He repeated, mulling it over. He was well aware how the last trip into town had gone and he was keen on a repeat. "Fine . . . but if you break your word, I will find you. And the punishment you'll receive won't be something you'll like."
"I'll be good… this time." Eren assured him. "Thank you."
Levi hummed and then went to the door, waiting a moment on his way out to look over his shoulder. "If you have any problems while I'm gone, let me know when I return. I'll take care of it."
"Be careful, Levi." Eren whispered as Levi walked out, unable to be certain if his words were heard or not.
Levi actually left him and he couldn't believe it. He was even more surprised when a guard didn't appear in the room the next instant. Eren wouldn't go against his word though, not this time. Because for some reason, he needed to make sure Levi returned safely. For a while, he did as he said, cleaning around the room until it was spotless. Then he left the room and wandered down the hall and down the stairs. He found Hanji in the open living room with all the children. They all were scattered around the room, with papers and paints, coloring pictures. The sight warmed Eren's heart. He padded over to Hanji, deciding to forget that she'd walked in on them earlier.
"They look happy." He said with a soft smile and then he and Hanji stood there in conversation for a while.
She eventually made sure Eren had something to eat and he had plenty of water and then he wandered around the cabin for some time. He was surprised when the guards paid him no mind, even when he wandered outside. He had found a book in Levi's room that he stole and he took it along with him, sitting on the porch swing and opening it up to read. He needed a distraction so he didn't worry about Levi. It had been a few hours since he left. How long will he be gone?
Hanji peeked out on the boy, smiling when she saw he wasn't doing anything he shouldn't. Eren smiled back and assured her that he just wanted to enjoy the nice weather while he waited on Levi and she nodded, returning inside to let him be. It really wasn't so bad here… He didn't want to run right now. He wanted more time with Levi.
Eren's heart picked up when he heard the sound of horses approaching. A carriage stopped right at the end of the lawn. The sun was already going down and Eren was glad. He was back. He'd been so anxious that he couldn't stop himself from dropping the book and sprinting off the porch, eager to see Levi with his own eyes and know that he was okay—that the merchant hadn't brought any harm to him.
But the man he came face to face with wasn't Levi.
"Who…" Eren's eyes widened, he didn't recognize that face, but he did recognize that body. This was the man who'd wanted those children at the auction. The man that Levi pissed off. Oh no…
The man on the other hand recognized Eren right away, stepping out of the carriage. "If it isn't the lap warmer. Do you welcome all the guests like this?" Hajime chuckled darkly, another man stepping out of the carriage as well. "I was surprised when I heard you lot were alive and well. You must tell me how you managed that little trick, poison is no easy thing to avoid."
"You…" Eren's eyes widened. "It was you! You bastard!" He screeched, raring his fist back to punch the big man right in his face. But his fist was caught, his arm twisted behind his back as he was spun around and the man grabbed hold of his throat with his free hand.
Panic flooded through him, his heart pounded in fear and Eren struggled against the hold on him but to no avail. The fight in him only seemed to amuse the bastard. The hold on his throat was tight enough so that he couldn't speak, but he was able to breathe and tried to keep himself calm.
The next instant Eren was thrown into the carriage and Hajime climbed in after him. "Leave the children for me, but do as you wish with the others." He told the other man he had arrived with.
"Understood."
"You're not taking me!" Eren said after he finished coughing. He quickly got up to his knees on his way to his feet only to be backhanded hard across his cheek—hard enough to daze him, hard enough to knock him back down.
Then Hajime ordered the driver to go and they started heading away from the cabin. "How I'll enjoy seeing Rivaille's face once he realizes I have his favorite little toy."
"I'm nobody's toy!" Eren spat, spitting the blood that had formed in his mouth at the man. It covered his cheek and Eren's stomach churned when the man wiped it away with his thumb and licked it. He was going to be sick. Any second.
"So spirited, you don't see that in slaves nowadays." Hajime said and grinned. "You'll make this fun for me, won't you?"
"I'll be your worst nightmare, you piece of shit." Eren growled, getting up again though slower this time. He eyed the door of the carriage, his only escape route. He had to get away. He had to get back to Levi.
"I'm afraid you have it backwards, I'll be yours." Hajime said before pulling a white cloth out of his pocket.
Eren's skin crawled, the boy quickly realizing what the man was going to do. He'd already experienced it before. He had to go, it was now or never. Eren moved to bolt for the door, only to be tackled onto his back with the man's heavy weight atop him. He couldn't breathe, much less get himself free and he panted in fear which only made him breathe in the drug faster once it was pressed against his mouth. It was fast acting, making him drowsy right away, stealing the fight right out of him.
Levi had just made it back to the cabin as the sun was setting, pausing at the wheel tracks along the pathway. That was . . . odd. It turned out that the merchant was hired, well, threatened to sell the poisoned goods to anyone coming to collect under Rivaille. The old man was tough to get through to, obviously scared of whoever was behind it. It was someone in power, that much was assured, but Levi and Erwin had an idea of who it might be. There was one person who stood out among the people Levi had pissed off while he was here. Erwin had known Levi's actions would come back to him and Levi hated the blonde bastard for jinxing him.
"What happened?" Erwin's voice captured Levi's attention and he looked up to find Hanji approaching them. Her clothes were splattered with blood.
"You weren't experimenting again, were you?" Levi asked and pinched his nose. "I told you not to do that when we have kids around and you shouldn't be torturing animals eith-"
"It's not animal blood." Hanji grinned, taking out one of her concealed knives. "We had a visitor."
Levi connected the dots, glancing back down at the tracks. "Where's Eren?"
Hanji's grin fell and a rare expression took over her features, shame. "I couldn't find him. I'm sorry, Levi." She said but quickly added, "I do know where he is, however, and who took him. Our visitor was extremely helpful after some persuasion."
"Tell me everything."
Levi had underestimated his enemy and hadn't been focused on the task at hand. For someone to not only find the location of the cabin, but pull one over on him as well? And where the fuck had the guards been, conveniently in the cabin with the other naitives of Eren's homeland? It was disgraceful. Now after almost losing Eren not even a week ago he was close to losing him again. Levi was more than ready to start breaking shit. He hadn't been gotten the better of in a long time and not knowing what was happening to Eren, he was fucking livid. However it wasn't just pointed at the man from the auction, he was upset with himself as well. He should have taken the boy with him.
Once he and some of his men were ready to go, he and Erwin led them to where Hajime was staying. It was further away then Levi liked and it was just as grand as he assumed it would be. Men like Hajime loved to show off their money and power, but Levi prefered to dominate through his strength and presence alone. He was wearing his mask, as was Erwin, and scowled when they were let in as 'expected guests'. They were led all the way to the back of the large establishment until they reached a flashy door. Levi was asked to enter alone and Erwin protested, but Levi silenced him with a raised hand.
It was a trap, Levi knew that. But he also knew that if anything had happened to Eren then that fucker Hajime was a deadman.
The amount of pain and fear Eren experienced since his kidnapping was far worse than anything he had dealt with before hand. He'd been stripped, whipped and given more drugs. His mind was in a haze, his body covered in cuts and bruises, but the drugs in his system and the extensive torture had numbed him. He was currently tied to a mattress by his wrists and ankles, secured firmly on his front. He was blindfolded, freezing but unable to focus on anything at all. All he could think about was the end, and he prayed for it.
Hajime peered at Rivaille when he entered the room. He was sitting, his right ankle resting on his left knee as he sipped a glass of whiskey, a fat cigar in his other hand. He smiled as if he was looking at an old friend and waved the smaller man over, gesturing for him to take a seat.
"You certainly didn't waste any time. You must really miss my pet."
Levi refrained from grabbing his sword, the guards in the room watching him closely. "Where is he?"
"Where he belongs… in my bed." Hajime smirked.
For a moment Levi saw red, but he firmly reined in his temper. If he lost it now he would be no help to Eren. "Where?" He repeated evenly, eyes falling on the door just behind Hajime's chair.
"I already told you." He laughed sadistically. "Don't you worry about him though, he doesn't have time for you anymore. I've already made a claim on him."
"Excuse me?" Levi voiced darkly. A man of his position had to keep their head no matter the situation, but Levi didn't give a fuck about that right now. He made up his mind, eyes flashing. "You've messed with the wrong person, Hajime." Without a second thought, Levi took off his mask.
The man's eyes widened, but he was quick to school his features, lips mulling together. It was too late for him to fear the man he was up against. The damage was done. He wasn't going to back down. "Lord Levi…" He hummed. "What an unexpected surprise. Had I known it was you, I probably would have backed off. But… it's too late. As I said, I already made a claim on him."
"What you've done is assured your own death." Levi said coldly as he drew his sword. "Even hell won't welcome you now."
"It will take even you a moment to slay my men, as many as I have." Hajime said as his goons closed in around Levi and he stood up from his chair. "That will give me enough time to enjoy the boy a little more."
Levi snapped. He cut the throat of the nearest man to him and stole his sword, not holding back his true skill that he was famed for. He slashed his way through in mere seconds and had his sword at Hajime's throat as the man's hand turned the doorknob. He didn't spare the man any last words and didn't give a shit if he had any himself. He decapitated the eyesore with icy precision, hands shaking. It wasn't enough, it wasn't nearly enough to calm his rage, but he had more important things to worry about right now. He dropped the other sword and flicked his clean before sheathing it. Then he opened the door to where he suspected Eren was being held and not even his years of experience and training could mask the shock on his face at the sight awaiting him.
All the breath left Levi's lungs and he was at the bed in an instant, untying the bruised and beaten brunette. He couldn't even imagine what had happened. No, he actually could and that made it all the more painful.
His limbs were freed, but that did nothing to make Eren feel better. It was unfortunate that he couldn't fight, but he was far too weak and hurt, far too gone thanks to the drugs in his system. He couldn't save himself, all he could do was start crying once again, knowing he was about to be tortured more. His throat ached from the brutal way his mouth had been raped just recently… but now he was about to experience even more, even worse. He just knew it.
Eren couldn't speak, he could only sob and despise what was happening to him as he was rolled over. He only managed to shake his head weakly, his mind begging his attacker to leave him, to give him a break. He'd never been so afraid.
"Shhh." Levi hushed softly and wrapped his cloak around Eren's body. "It's me, darling. I'm here to take you home."
Eren heard that loud and clear, relief washing over him like a tidal wave. He choked on a sob, crying even harder. Levi was here. Levi was saving him. He was going to be okay.
"I've got you." Levi continued to soothe, cradling Eren against his chest and removing the blindfold to see those beautiful teal eyes. "They won't hurt you anymore."
Eren wanted to apologize, he wanted to thank his savior, but he could do nothing more than cry and cling to him thankfully. The drug didn't help, it was a major factor that prevented him from speaking, but not the only one. He was still shaken, but he knew that somehow, with Levi next to him, he would be alright.