Eren loved the forest. It was one of his favorite places to relax, though he didn't usually spend much time there in his human form. Levi seemed to enjoy the forest, and despite his lack of facial expression, he seemed a little more relaxed as well. Eren had decided to surprise them, and show them his favorite waterfall. It wasn't a very long hike to get there, but unless you knew where you were going, you would easily get lost. He was little nervous about sharing his secret spot with them though. He hadn't even taken Mikasa here, and she was his sister. But to Eren, it was the most peaceful place he had ever been, so he came here as often as he could.

Eren also had noticed a couple of benefits to this short hike. As Armin was not really the outdoors type, he stumbled quite a bit. However, Erwin was always there to steady him, causing Armin to blush. It appeared that they were definitely bonding in their own way, since neither of them were very talkative. Another benefit was that Levi had deemed it too warm to wear his cloak, so he had been dressed in a simple outfit of black pants, black boots, and a loose white button-up. However, with the humidity of the forest, and the exertion of hiking, Levi had worked up a bit of a sweat and his shirt was clingy to his toned form. Eren couldn't help but sneak glances every chance he got. Of course, Levi definitely noticed, since Eren was anything but subtle. But, he didn't say anything, since he was sneaking glances at Eren as well.

When they finally reached the waterfall, Levi had to agree that it was beautiful. However, he had to admit that the sight of Eren stripping off his clothes was a little more to his taste.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Going for a swim. It's pretty warm out today, and the water looks cool and inviting. You should join me." Eren smiled hopefully as he removed his shoes and pants.

Levi swallowed sharply at the sight of Eren in his underwear. What the hell is wrong with me? It's not like I haven't seen him naked, so why does this seem so intimate?

"Like hell am I getting into that filthy water. Who knows what could be in there. That's disgusting, brat."

"It's not filthy, it's completely clear." Eren's face fell a little, he was really hoping Levi would swim with him.

Levi didn't respond, but he noticed Erwin and Armin having a quiet discussion a few feet away, then start removing their clothes as well. Levi growled to himself. How the fuck am I supposed to argue when it seems everyone else is swimming. That's so unsanitary. Ugh, I can't believe I'm even considering this. This brat is really getting to me.

"Come on, Levi, please? I promise it will be fun." Eren stepped towards him, they were now within arms reach. "Besides, it would be better than sitting on shore all by yourself."

Gray eyes met green as Eren slowly grabbed Levi's wrist and pulled him towards the water. It took a minute for Levi to realize what he was doing, he had been so lost in Eren's gaze. Shaking his head quickly, he jerked his hand away.

"Oi, you're not dragging me in there fully clothed, shitty brat. I'll swim for a little bit, but if I so much as see a fish in there, I'm getting out, got it?" Levi said in a huff, glaring at the brunette so he would know he was serious.

"Deal." Eren laughed, as he turned and went to join Erwin and Armin in the water.

Levi carefully stripped down, making sure to fold every piece of clothing before setting it down. With a sigh, he decided to fold Eren's clothes as well, before joining them in the water. Despite the gnawing fear that he was going to catch something from all the germs and parasites living in the water, he actually enjoyed himself. Eren and Armin had started a splash war, with Erwin soon teaming up with Armin against Eren. Levi tried to just remain a spectator, but Eren decided to hide behind him, forcing him to join in and defend both Eren and himself. He didn't appreciate Eren using him as a shield though, and as soon as they had forced Erwin and Armin to surrender, Levi made sure to punish Eren by dunking him under the water. They continued to play around for an hour or so, then they laid on some large rocks nearby to dry off in the sun and just talk for a little bit. Levi asked Eren about his interests and what it was like growing up in a small town, and Eren asked Levi about growing up as a prince, and what it was like to be a soldier. Erwin and Armin talked about books, philosophy, and politics. Each couple got absorbed in their own conversations, losing track of time. Soon, though, Eren had started to get hungry, and his stomach decided to loudly let everyone know it. So, since they were dry, they got dressed and went back to town, deciding to walk around the market in the main square and just get some food there. Then they made their way to the library.

Eren and Levi did not really see the appeal of the library. But, to Erwin, just seeing the way Armin's face lit up the moment they walked in the door made the visit worth it. Armin was practically glowing as he pulled Erwin to his favorite section and started pointing out the books he had read or was planning to read. Eren just shook his head, and led Levi over to the couches, he knew how Armin could get about books. But it appeared as though Erwin was willing to go along with it, and he actually seemed interested in what Armin was telling him. Looking over to Levi, he noticed the prince was watching him carefully from the corner of his eye, like he didn't want Eren to notice. Why does he watch me so much? Sometimes he gets this look in his eyes, like he wants to say something, but can't. Then when he actually does say something, he seems annoyed with me. I can't figure him out.

"I know the library is boring, but it's Armin's favorite place in the whole world. I swear, he spends more time here than at home." Eren said quietly, turning back to watch Erwin and Armin.

"He should come to the palace, we have a huge library." Levi shrugged noncommitedly. "Though, it rarely gets used anymore. Erwin spends a lot of time in it, and I go in there occasionally, but I prefer a more hands-on approach to things. So, sitting around reading about stuff is not at the top of my priorities."

"He would probably love that," Eren said sadly. "But neither of us could afford the trip."

Levi turned to look at him. "I didn't realize there was so much poverty out here. You don't see much of it in the larger cities closer to the palace."

"Oh." Eren said, not really sure how to respond. He didn't want Levi to feel bad for him, he hadn't really meant to bring up money, but it had just slipped out. Something about Levi makes me want to let my guard down and tell him everything. Mikasa was right, it's dangerous for me to be around him. But I don't want to leave him yet, not today. After today, I won't see him again. But, maybe I can make this one day special.

"Hey, after we leave here, I want to show you something. It's quite possibly the most beautiful thing you will ever see in your life, but hardly anyone knows about it. Not even Armin. Would you want to?" Eren looked at him hopefully.

"Sure, brat. That sounds fine." Levi replied, trying not to show his curiosity. He knew Eren had just been trying to change the subject.

"Okay, great. I'll go tell Armin." Eren said excitedly, walking away quickly.

Levi watched as Eren spoke animatedly to Armin. He noticed Erwin wasn't joining in the conversation, merely listening intently. He saw Armin shake his head, and Eren's face visibly fell. This kid shows every emotion on his face. He's like an open book. Erwin seemed to say something, which cause Eren to perk up. He looked so hopeful now, Levi wondered what Erwin had said. He would have to ask, since he looked so happy about it. He watched as Eren made his way back towards Levi, now with a book in his hands. Where did that come from?

"Are you ready?" Eren asked once he had come close enough.

"Shouldn't we wait for them?" Levi asked, nodding his head towards Armin and Erwin.

"Nah, they won't be joining us. Something about having so much to talk about here and how they would only slow us down or something like that. But, if you don't mind it just being the two of us..." Eren trailed off, not looking Levi in the eyes.

"That's fine, just lead the way. It's not like I would rather stay in a stuffy library, even if it is a really nice one." Levi rolled his eyes as he stood up to follow Eren.

Grinning, Eren started walking towards the door. It was late afternoon, and the sun was getting ready to set. Eren walked quickly, forgetting that Levi might get lost if he didn't keep up. Eren was just so excited. Fortunately, the prince matched him stride for stride. Levi followed Eren into the bad side of town, he couldn't help but wonder where they were going. They were almost to the city limits when Eren turned down an alley. He walked all the way to the end, then turned into another small corridor. Walking behind the buildings now, he walked another couple of blocks before stopping. Sliding the book into his waistband, he started climbing a ladder that Levi hadn't really noticed before. Ugh, I'm glad I brought gloves so I don't have to touch that disgusting ladder. With a grimace, Levi followed Eren up the ladder. When they reached the top, Levi realized they were on top of the wall. The wasn't much room for both of them, it was just a small outcropping of wall that really was only big enough to fit one person. But Levi squeezed in with Eren, not even noticing the view at first. But when he did, he froze in shock. He could literally see for miles, and the landscape was full of rolling hills of farmland. There seemed to be an endless ocean of different types of grain. But, if you looked closely, way off in the distance, you can barely make out some mountains. The sun was setting, so it gave everything a warm golden glow. It was breathtaking, and he could have stared for hours if not for Eren drawing his attention away.

"Heh, I guess I didn't realize how cramped it actually is up here. It's a good thing Armin and Erwin didn't come with us, we wouldn't have fit." Eren scratched the back of his neck, something Levi recognized as a nervous gesture.

"Yeah," Levi mumbled, trying not to stare at Eren. He looked beautiful in the warm glow of the sunset, he green eyes sparkling. They were pressed so close together, Levi could feel every contour of his body against his own. They sat hip to hip, with their knees pulled up to their chests. Eren had pulled the book out and was starting to flip through it. Noticing Levi's questioning gaze, Eren started to softly explain.

"Whenever I come up here, I like to bring this book. You can see so far from up here, and I like to imagine all the places I want to go, the things I want to see. See? This book has pictures of all those places. See, here's some mountains" he pointed to the page, "and over here is the ocean. I like the pictures of the ocean the best."

"But why do you have to come up here to do that? You can imagine those places anywhere." Levi replied.

"Well," Eren paused. "I guess because up here, I feel free. The view is spectacular anyways, but most people don't know this place exists. So it's always quiet, and peaceful. And it's easier to believe that I am far away from here, visiting one of these places."

"Hmm, that makes sense, I guess. It would be nice to have freedom. But true freedom is impossible to achieve in this world. There is always going to be someone telling you what to do and how to do it." Levi said bitterly.

"Is being a prince really that bad?"

"Yeah, it is for me. Most people think that being a prince is all about dressing nice and going to balls and stupid shit like that. That is part of it, yeah, but there's much more. I have to always act a certain way, can't express my real opinions about anything. And, I have to run the entire country, which is a bigger job than you realize. Apart from making sure people don't starve, I have to make sure that law breakers are caught and punished, and as captain of our armed forces, I have to hunt down the shifters. Not to mention, that whenever my father decides he wants me to do something, I have to drop everything and do it, which sets me behind schedule and I hate that. Trust me, being a prince is no piece of cake." Levi looked over at Eren, who was staring at him with an unreadable expression.

"Why do you have to hunt shifters?" Eren asked softly, not breaking eye contact.

"Why? Because it's the law. The king commanded that all shifters be killed, so it's my job to carry out that order."

"But why? It's not their fault they are shifters, it's just how they were born. You shouldn't punish someone for being born a certain way. That's stupid."

"Well, it's not like I have a choice. My job is to follow orders, so that's what I do." Levi said sharply. No, I don't feel guilty for hunting them down, I had no choice. But, damn it, he looks so sad, like a kid that just dropped his ice cream cone. Damn it, he is making me question my own resolve to just follow orders. How the hell can some brat I just met make me feel this way?

"But if you did have a choice, would you kill them?"

"Why does it matter? It is pointless to dwell on the 'what ifs'." Levi scowled, not liking where the conversation was headed.

"It matters because they are people! Just like us. Just because they can sometimes look like animals doesn't mean they are animals, they have feelings too. I just don't see how hunting them down is any different from hunting down non-shifting humans for something like hair or skin color." Eren raised his voice a little, though he was struggling to maintain control of his temper.

"They are dangerous. There are uncontrollable, volatile creatures that are a danger to our society. You know this as well as I do, considering one killed your mother. How can you defend them so quickly? I would think you would want them all to die after that." Levi questioned.

"If they were all just mindless animals, then yeah, I would." Eren said quietly. "But, they aren't, and you shouldn't punish everyone for one person's mistake."

"How do you know they aren't?"

"Because I-" Eren started, then stopped suddenly realizing what he had almost let slip. "I met some people who were a few years ago, and they were very kind. Up until then, I hated shifters, wanted every one of them dead. But, when I met these people, they changed how I saw them. They helped me understand."

Levi watched him closely. He knew that wasn't the full story, but he would let it go for now.

"Well, Eren, if I met a shifter like that, then maybe I would change my mind about them. But that seems a little far-fetched to me. Until then, I will uphold the law to the best of my ability, because it is my job."

"When you become king, you can change the law, you know." Eren almost whispered, trying not to cry. If only I could tell him the truth, and change his mind about them.

"Yeah, you're right. And I may do just that, if that really is how things are. This country is more screwed up than I thought it was." Levi sighed, turning to watch the sunset. He had a lot to think about now.

Eren also watched the sunset, getting lost in his thoughts. He was a little hurt that Levi would remain duty-bound, even if it was wrong. He had hoped Levi would disagree with the law at least, but instead, he seemed to support it. This would be easier to deal with if I didn't like him so much. He's a prince, it's not like he's gonna like me back or anything. Besides, even if he did like me back, he wouldn't as soon as he found out the truth. I don't think I can handle a heartbreak like that, not since mom.

"Oi, kid, the sun is down, we need to go." Levi startled Eren out of his thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, right, yeah." Eren got up slowly, not really ready to go.

"Eren," Levi said softly, turning to look at him. Eren swallowed hard. How can just hearing him say my name affect me so much?

"Thank you for bringing me up here. It really was beautiful." Levi said, looking at him intently.

"You're welcome." Eren replied, looking down to try to hide his blush.

Levi smirked, knowing the affect he had on the kid, then turned and started climbing down the ladder. Eren followed, and they soon reached the ground. They walked back to the library in silence, neither wanting the day to really end, but both aware that it was going to after dinner.

They met Armin and Erwin sitting outside the library. Levi raised his eyebrows a little as he noticed how close they were sitting, and how Armin was red as a tomato. He didn't notice at first that they were holding hands, but Eren did.

"Well, looks like you two had a good afternoon." Eren laughed. Armin pulled his hand away quickly, blushing even more, if that was possible. Levi gave Erwin a questioning look, to which Erwin just stared impassively back as he stood up.

"Let's go eat, then we will take you home." Erwin said, more to Armin then anyone else. He offered Armin his hand again, which Armin hesitantly took, not looking away from the ground the entire time. Levi thought it was almost comical how shy Armin was.

Eren and Levi turned and walked to the carriage, which was parked near the library. Erwin and Armin followed, Erwin not letting go of his hand again. He really enjoyed getting to know the small blonde, and had decided he really liked him. He was not going to waste this chance to be close to him, not when he knew they would be leaving for the palace soon. He pulled him close as they rode to dinner, much to Armin's embarrassment. He tried to ignore the smirk on Levi's face and Eren's shit-eating grin.

After dinner, they found themselves sitting outside Eren and Armin's house. Erwin gave Armin a quick kiss on the cheek before he left the carriage. Levi followed Eren out, wanting to speak to him privately.

"Thank you for showing me around today, kid, I really enjoyed myself." Levi said awkwardly.

"Yeah, it was no problem." Eren replied, fidgeting uncomfortably. He really didn't want to say goodbye just yet, but he really didn't have a choice.

"Eren."

He looked up to see gray eyes staring at him, swirling with emotions. He could read joy, regret, and something else he didn't recognize. But that something seemed to burn him the longer he stared. He was frozen in place, he didn't know what to do. When did he get so close? He felt something lightly brush against his lips, but before he could react, it was gone. Levi was gone, and he was left standing there in shock. Did he just kiss me?