I warn you, this Chapter is predominantly about Jean… a 'Peeping Jean'… wow. I didn't know you were such a pervert! No scratch that. I'm a pervert! No I have no regrets… okay. Maybe I have one or two? I apologise for the long hiatus yet again. This time I have a valid reason. My second year of uni has officially started and already I have two assessments due next week and I thankfully have completed early. Now I have time to myself. Extra long chapter to make up for my terrible dedication. Guess what I have to read for my Women's writing course… TWILIGHT! FRIGGIN TWILIGHT BY STEPHANIE MEYER! I can legitimately scream 'Twilight isn't literature'… [actually that was the first thing I said when I found out about my english reading lists)

Any how… Enjoy!

Day 6

Jean Kirschtein released a large yawn, tumbling ungracefully from the comforts of his new warm, padded and comfortable hammock on the lower decks of the Maria. Standing up tiredly, he stretched out his arms until he heard and felt the satisfactory 'click' from his bones before making his way towards the upper deck. It was only last night he had successfully infiltrated the crew of Captain Levi. All he needed to do now was obtain an elixir, containing treasured merman abilities and hand them over to the Commodore Smith. Once his mission was complete, the reward money of £5000 would be his.

If he hadn't gotten himself in to a predicament with one of the members of the crew, things would be smoother and much less painful for Jean. He touched his freshly bandaged and dressed eye gingerly, wincing at the pain. The vivid recollection of getting into a fist fight with one of Captain Levi's most loyal followers wasn't the best way to start a mission. Jean sighed with exasperation. Eren Jaeger was his name. A mute, a youth his age but nevertheless a formidable fighter. He should not have angered him. Now he was suffering for it. He grimaced when he visualised the impact of Eren's punch against his right eye socket. Although it was nice of Petra, the only female member to treat his black eye personally once he had seen Captain Levi. It was still painful, it was much less swollen and swore as it was yesterday.

It was unusually quiet on deck, save from the watchman on duty who was half asleep at the helm. The sun had just begun to rise, painting the sky and the clouds overhead with deep mauves, reds and pinks. Jean leant on the carved banister railing and looked into the peaceful horizon, the breeze ruffling his hair.

"Red sky at morning… sailor take warning" Jean commented the old proverb out loud. A storm was not far off. Jean could feel it in the atmosphere. The air smelt damp and moist, mingling with the strong scent of wood polish and sea salt. Jean sighed. This time of silence would have been perfect for him to snoop around the Maria, especially the Captain's personal quarters… but of course they were occupied at the moment. Speaking of occupied, he noticed earlier Eren wasn't with the other men during sleeping hours on the lower deck. Since he was a favourite, did the brat have his own private quarters next to the Captain's? Jean sighed. What he heard from Petra, they would be staying in Port Hermiha for a few more days, hiring more men. Hopefully, the Captain will also be seeking potential recruits himself with the idiot Eren Jaeger. He could easily slip past watchmen. It would be the perfect opportunity to search inside the Captain's offices. He needed to start the mission as soon as possible. If he could find out even just a little about his new companions, then it would certainly make his assignment easier.

"You're an early riser Mr. Kirschtein. How is your eye? Not too sore is it?"

Petra rose from the lower deck, a stately professional smile gracing her pretty features her arms tucked behind her back.

"It's much better thanks to you. The Jaeger brat really left a shiner"

"He does have a short temper. Don't let it bother you" she replied, standing next to the youth so she could watch the sun rise with him.

"Miss. Petra, what can you tell me about Eren Jaeger?"

Jean mentally kicked himself for asking such a forward question so blatantly. Some undercover agent he was.

Petra frowned at his question.

"Why do you want to know?"

Jean pretended to be casual about it, shrugging his shoulders and placing his cold hands deep within the warm confines of a coat pockets.

"No reason… I just want to know if there's a reason behind his anger. I mean I have a right to know why he punched me in the right eye am I not correct? Does he have some sort of anger management issue?" he asked humorously.

Petra chuckled, a more genuine smile gracing her features.

"Oh I see what you mean. I apologise on his behalf then… I didn't think he'd actually get into a fist fight. Eren is a little impulsive"

"Any reason why? I mean, not to pry… just because I don't want to get thrown over board by the brat"

Petra laughed shook her head.

"Not to my knowledge no. From the short time I've known the boy, he's always been stubborn."

Jean observed Petra's calm facial expression. Thanks to the idle conversation and questions, she seemed more relaxed. He wanted to press on, to know more about Eren and Captain Levi. He hunched his shoulders, clenched his fists doing his best to look bashful but extremely curious about Eren's personality.

"Miss Petra, I really don't want to offend you in any shape or form… but I have to get something off my chest. It's been bothering me all night. Can I confide in you?"

Petra raised her eyebrows.

"Of course. How can I help you?"

"When I fought Eren, his strength seemed almost super human… even, even when I met him he seemed so supernatural, imposing… uh… his eyes, I never seen such a bright vivid colour before… It's as if Eren wasn't human... Actually you know what, forget it Miss. Petra. Just forget it. It's stupid"

Petra's sharp eyes noted his inquisitive yet awkward behaviour. Her breath caught in her throat at Jean's description of Eren and his abilities. Jean was being too bold with his questions. If he knew about Eren, then there would be serious trouble.

"That's none of your business Mr. Kirschtein. There's nothing unusual about Eren's behaviour"

"I'm sorry. Forgive me, I just never met anyone, especially a youth as strong as Eren before". Jean replied, backing down.

Petra bit her lip and looked at Jean directly in the eye.

"There are things on board the Maria you shouldn't know… Eren and Captain Levi's past lives is one of them. Pry any further and it may cost you your life" Petra said coldly.

In his head, Jean cursed at the young woman's perception. However there was nothing he could do for now. He saluted to his superior.

"My mistake mam. I was just curious"

"Very well. It's innocent enough to be curious… just don't go poking your nose into where it doesn't belong. This is my first and final warning. The next time, you won't be so lucky" Petra replied, walking away to wake up the watch man on duty.

Jean watched her go, irritated with her and with himself for not finding out anything useful. Who did that bitch think she was anyway?

As the warm yellow sun rose, hidden beneath clouds, so did the rest of the men on board disgruntled, tired their muscles aching and sore. To save himself from further scrutiny and suspicion from others, Jean made himself useful, grabbing cleaning supplies from below the deck and scrubbing the grime and sludge between the cracks of the ebony floor boards. He had overheard few of the crew whispering something about the Captain's obsession for clean spaces and Jean had no heart to get on Captain Levi's bad side. Although he hated this kind of menial labour, it did allow him to eavesdrop on the conversations of others around him. The crew thankfully paid him no heed. After all, he was newbie, an extra hand. Why would a new member of the Maria cause trouble?

"How long do we have to stand here, waiting? I can't wait to sink my sword into the belly of one of the commodore's men!" A young inexperienced cabin boy exclaimed to his elder Erd Gin who was mending the last of the wreckage from the previous storm at sea.

Erd Gin shushed him harshly, clouting the younger member behind the ear roughly.

"Patience. Once we get into battle, you can kill as many as you like" he replied angrily.

"Ow… Gin I'm restless. Surely the Captain has enough men by now"

"He does not. We are battling an entire fleet, maybe even an armada. We need all the men we can get"

"But don't we have the entire merfolk behind us? We even have that mer-freak Eren Jaeger! That's more then enough!"

Jean's ears perked up at the information. Immediately he began to whistle a popular sea shanty, loud enough to convince the others he was lost in his own thoughts but soft enough for Jean to overhear their conversation. Through his peripheral vision, he witnessed Gin clamp his large calloused hand over his junior's mouth, frantically looking around in case any other men on board overheard them. Jean felt the older man's eyes fall on his back for a few painstaking seconds. Jean continued to whistle loudly, scrubbing the floorboards completely uninterested until at last Gin gaze left him.

"Don't speak of that! If the Captain heard you, he'd skewer you alive!"

The younger crew member let out a muffled cry for air. Begrudgingly, Gin released his vice like grip around the boy's face.

"The others told me! So it is true. Merfolk really do exist! So then, the rumours are true. That Jaeger was a merman. They say he had a voice that can enchant evil men like Captain Levi to do their bidding! They said he sold his voice to the devil so he could be human!" the boy whispered excited.

Jean listened with deep interest.

Gin shook his head, annoyed.

"Don't be foolish. There is no such thing as merman… and a merman turning into a human and vice versa are all stories from fairytales. It's time for you to grow up boy" Gin replied, appearing standoffish although his voice cracked with uncertainty.

"Then tell me, how can a mere fifteen year old be strong and as experienced in fighting? Also his history doesn't match up. I've asked the others about Eren Jaeger and whenever I ask about where he's from, they always change the subject!"

Gin clouted the boy once again, harder then the first time. Jean winced at the sound of the blow. That would certainly leave a mark the next day.

"How many times have I told you not to stick your nose where it's not wanted you foolish brat! If I were your father I'd whip you!"

The boy rubbed his sore head and grumbled.

"I still think that Jaeger's a merman! No matter what you say sir!"

Erd Gin grimaced at the cabin boy's large mouth.

Jean moved a little away from the pair, giving him space to think about the conversation. He was completely skeptical. He didn't believe in the superstitious mer-folk that dwelled within the deep sea. They belonged in child hood fairy-tales. Myths to scare sea faring men like himself. Eren clearly wasn't a merman… One logical and blatant fact that supported his theory: Eren had a pair of legs. Secondly he could have been born mute as everyone claimed. His immense strength could have been due from years of fighting experience from a young age. The logical facts were endless.

Eren's beauty however was another story. No one could be that stunning.

Jean chuckled to himself. Despite Eren's good looks, the brat's alluring look certainly didn't come from the inside that's for sure.

The sun rose, bright and yellow behind the mass of grey streaked clouds. The minutes seemed to span into long unbearable hours, the heat utterly stifling. The clouds overhead turned darker, casting a black foreboding shadow over the Maria, trapping the unwanted humidity. In just a few bleak minutes, hot sweat dripped down Jean's exposed neck as he continued to scrub the expanse of ebony that lay before him. The men groaned and complained out loud, some whispered suspicious oaths of the approaching storm. Weary and irritated from the heat, Jean's impatience for work itched like a flea bite. He desperately wanted to get to work and leave as soon as possible.

"Mr. Kirschtein?"

The deep, cool voice of Captain Levi alerted Jean's attention. Jean squinted at the Captain's imposing dark figure. He noticed that Eren was not at his side. It was confusing how someone with short stature could be so intimidating. His physique and commanding nature made up for it. At that very moment, Jean felt extremely insignificant and small, like dirt on the sole of someone's shoe.

Captain Levi observed the deck with interest.

"Did you scrub the entire deck by yourself?"

Jean nodded.

"Yes Captain Levi"

"Well I'm glad someone knows what needs to be done on my ship. Once you have finished scrubbing, you're relieved from cleaning duties Mr. Kirschtein. That's an order" Captain Levi commanded.

Jean saluted.

"Yes Captain"

The Captain turned to his subordinates on deck.

"Mr. Gin, get Mr. Schuitz and Miss. Petra. I want them and a several others to accompany me to 'The Siren'. Was is upon us. Time is of the essence"

Erd Gin saluted, his free hand gripping the cabin boy's shoulder.

"Yes sir"

"Mr. Kirschtein? I leave in an hour. I want you to oversee things whilst I'm gone… I trust you won't stick your nose in anything?" Levi said casually, his eyes dark.

Jean gulped slightly but ecstatic at the opportunity he had been given.

"Yes Captain Levi"

"There will also be no need for you to wait up for us. I have ordered two of my men to watch the ship from the docking pier"

"Yes Captain Levi"

[Later in the evening]

The humidity from this morning had not disappeared. It was still stifling despite the fact the sun was slowly sinking into the expanse of water westward. Above Jean's head, column like storm clouds, black and heavy with rain, thundered and roared. Bolts of lightning cracked painfully in his ears, casting brilliant yet terrifying flashes; a show to the people who hid within the confines of the indoors. Rain refused to fall from the foreboding clouds. Jean grimaced. He hated dry thunderstorms when the water vapour evaporated before it hit the ground. If a lightning bolt stuck one of the Maria's mast's, there was a likely chance of it catching fire. Without rain to subdue the wild-fire, he would probably burn to death.

Another flash of white light blinded the youth, its vibrant pattern dancing across the blackened sky and its sound almost deafening him. Jean immediately ducked underneath the door frame leading to the Captain's cabin by instinct. He shivered even though he wasn't cold. He never liked thunderstorms. That sound of thunder always distressed him. They were too similar to the sound of the navys' rifles firing at all the comrades he witnessed being executed.

He huffed. He had infiltration work to do… he had finally been given the opportunity and he was going to use it.

Jean descended down the darkened spiral stair case to the Captain's cabin. He suspected that intricately carved door, locked… but Jean came prepared for that. He examined the brass door knob and key hole and smiled. This was too easy for him. Deep within a hidden pocket in the inside of his leather vest, he fished out the tools of his trade. Four small slender steel bars, twisted and wrought differently to unpick locks. He chose the second slimmest rod with a hook at one end and slowly inserted it into the key hole. He twisted and turned it slow, careful but precise movements until he heard and felt the relieving but somewhat rusty sound of the door being unlocked.

Jean gleamed as he slipped the rods back into his vest pocket. Not wanting to leave heat or finger prints on the door knob, he wrapped the corner of his shirt over the shining brass knob then entered the quiet room.

Softly, he locked the door from the inside and scanned the ornate and beautifully furnished room filled with nautical equipment, brightly polished rapiers displayed on shelves and chests filled with all sorts of treasures and odd collectables from the Captain's travels. Maps lay strewn across the unmade bed and the ceiling was decorated with the prettiest floral patterns. Where on earth could he start? Whatever the Commodore wanted was trying to find that one needle in a hay stack in a field full of hay. Jean pursed his lips at the objects that were neatly displayed on the wooden shelves. He definitely couldn't pinch a few of the prettier items on display. The Captain liked perfection… if something wasn't in the right position or misplaced, the Captain would immediately suspect him being the only crew member present on board the Maria.

Jean swiftly opened drawers, shuffling carefully through papers, through the sheets and looked in every possible nook and cranny. He even checked the floor boards, rapping the floor in case of any hollow space. There was nothing. He repeated his actions at ebony head board of the Captain's sofa like bed, careful not to disturb or crumple any of the maps that lay on the sheets.

It was then he heard a hollow but muffled sound at the far left hand corner of the head board. Curious and excited he examined that area, prying the hollow space with his fingers until he felt a small latch. With slight force, he pulled it and immediately a secret compartment opened revealing the most stunningly wrought gold vial, studded with rubies, sapphires and pearl. He picked the strange vial up with interest and awe. He had never seen anything like it before. It couldn't have been made by your average goldsmith. He flipped open the somewhat stiff lid revealing a pearly white liquid that glowed and sparkled brightly. Immediately, the most haunting and melodic voice softly filled the room. The sound of a lullaby.

'Sleep my love me only

Let the ocean sing her shanty

Of pearly, coral and sunken treasure

And the merfolk of the seas

Dream on my love, my only

Sail far beyond the horizon

Far across the spangled stars

And to your dreaming

'If only, If only' my love replies

Watching all that has gone by

Be strong my love, stand boldly

My love, my angel, my only

So sleep my love me only

Let the ocean sing her shanty

Of pearls, coral and sunken treasure

And the merfolk of the seas"

Jean's heart felt as if it had been pierced by a knife. His heart wrenched within him and a deep longing tore at his very soul. So the rumour was true… Eren Jaeger, that brat, that beautiful person really was a merman. He really did sacrifice his merman abilities to become a human… but this? This was his voice? The voice he heard now belonged to him? It was magnificent. It stirred his very being. At that very moment he had forgotten all about his purpose. He clutched his shirt. His heart had been taken. He didn't care about the ransom money nor his mission. Hastily and somewhat painfully he closed the lid and that enchanting melody ceased. Jean angrily wiped away the tears that had formed in his eyes. This was no time to be swayed by someone's singing voice.

He looked at the vial again. He wanted very much to take it now and leave but that would be the same as sending himself to an early grave. Levi would know immediately that he had stolen it and order a bounty on his head. No. He would have to get it later. He gingerly placed that beautiful vial back into it's compartment and closed it shut, Eren's lullaby still ringing loudly within the depths of his mind as he slipped off the bed.

He then heared footsteps from the deck above.

Jean paled with fright as the heavy thud of boots approached and down the winding stairs. Shit! He had to hide! He looked around the room frantically and immediately hid himself in a large upright, built in wardrobe. He buried himself in the hanging shirts of cotton, pressing his back against the cold wood of the cupboard and shut himself in. His breaths came out haggard and forced, his heart pounding and his hands wet from sweat, completely terrified at the thought of being discovered.

The footsteps approached and he overheard the voice of the Captain and Miss. Petra outside.

"I didn't see Mr. Kirschtein when we boarded Captain Levi"

"I did give him liberty on board this ship. He must be in the deck below asleep. It is late"

"I suppose so. If you ordered it, then it must be true"

"Very good. I want you on the first three hour watch"

"Yes Captain. Good night Captain Levi. Good night Eren"

Eren was with them?

Jean held his breath when he heard the sound of the door being unlocked. Through the key hole, he watched Captain Levi and Eren enter the room. Levi slipped off his jacket and draped it over the chair at his desk and slumped casually at his bed, kicking off his leather boots.

Shit. They weren't leaving anytime soon.

Jean raised an eyebrow in confusion when Levi suddenly let out a sigh and smiled. Jean was astonished. The smile was genuinely serene and gentle. Levi's sleet and usually cold grey eyes were filled with warmth and a deep tenderness. He gestured to Eren.

"Finally we're alone" Levi said softly.

Jean watch scandalised when Eren sat at the Captain's feet and rested his weary head against his legs. Levi stroked Eren's hair gently.

"Get up here brat. So I can kiss you" Levi ordered his voice purring. Jean couldn't believe his ears and eyes when Eren complied and sat next to the Captain. Through the key hole, his eyes were glued to the couple before him. Levi gently gripped Eren's chin and tilted his head then pressed his mouth against Eren's.

'WHAT THE FUCK!?'

The couple's kiss grew more passionate and soon, Jean could make out the warm pink tongues slowly exploring the dark spaces of each others mouths. Eren's face grew hot and warm from the intensity of the kiss and his arms were soon snaked around the older man's neck whilst Levi's fingers were knotted within Eren's brown hair.

Levi and Eren broke the kiss, Eren left breathless.

"You're getting good brat… about time" Levi said smugly kneeling in front of Eren so he could unbutton the boy's shirt.

Jean wanted to pull away from this erotic scene but could not. He mentally kicked himself when he felt that all too familiar sensation rush south to below the waistline of his pants. The tightness there was beginning to become unbearable… Why did he have to react at a time like this? He swallowed, desperately trying to compose his body physically but to no avail. Through the key hole, he admired the leanness and slenderness of Eren's tanned torso. He wanted to be Captain Levi at that very moment so he could caress his skin, tease it and leave red welts with his mouth, to mark him and make him his own just so he could see the adorable facial expressions Eren was making.

Jean looked at the bulge below his waist line and sighed… he couldn't believe this. He just had to relieve it. Just give himself a couple of minutes. They were so busy with their foreplay they wouldn't notice him. He would have to be silent though… that would be difficult. He unbuckled his belt and loosened his brown trousers. After many days of not touching himself, he was painfully erect, a white liquid already dripping from the end. He wrapped a cool moist hand around himself and shuddered when he began to pleasure himself slowly and torturously.

"My my… already like this are we?" Captain Levi teased, slipping out Eren's throbbing need within his hand.

Jean watched Captain Levi stroked Eren in a steady hypnotic rhythm. He witnessed Eren tremble at the sensations he felt, his body jerking when a larger wave of pleasure ran down his spine. Eren was utterly gorgeous like this. Making such adorable faces from the feelings he experienced. It took every fibre of Jean's being not to cry out from his own 'evening delight session' [What a lovely term not…] and soon Jean began to thrust into his own hand so he could meet the strokes he gave himself. His mouth watered when Levi began to suck Eren with his mouth. Eren jerked at the sudden rush of pleasure, clutching Levi's head and Jean released a sigh of pleasure at that, wanting so much to do that to the boy himself.

As Eren grew closer to his climax, so did Jean. Jean trembled, and gasped quietly. He wanted to burst… the sensations were so great. Jean's hand moved faster.

'So close…! Almost…'

Jean witnessed Eren come and he immediately followed. With his free hand clamped over his mouth, Jean gasped for air when he felt his body snap, wave after wave of pleasurable tingling sensations ran throughout his body. His forehead was coated with sweat and he let his body lean against the cool wood of the back of the wardrobe he hid in, letting the sensations decrease slowly but gradually.

Tiredly he overhead the last parts of Levi's conversation with Eren.

"We still need to work on your stamina brat! Come on. You and I have watch together… then we can continue where we left off!" Levi teased his voice low and seductive.

For several minutes, Jean could hear the sounds of the pair getting dressed and the wonderful sounds of the door opening and closing shut with the gradual sounds of footsteps steadily growing softer. In the confines of the darkened space of the closet, Jean looked at his dirtied hand, covered with his own release feeling a deep remorse and loathing for himself. His heart ached painfully and he drew his legs up to his chin, burying his face in his arms. For the first time in years he let his emotions get the better of him and let the tears fall.

'Fuck… what the hell is wrong with me?'

Naww… poor Jean… I want to hug him so badly. I've grown so fond of him. Maybe it's because of the fandom videos Attack on Space? If you don't know what that is, research it!

Like they say in Looney toons,

Well that's all folks!

Evening Falls.