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Chapter three

After more acres of farmland, they finally pulled into something that looked like it was used for something other than grain. A carpet of green grass was cut low and an array of flowers were planted instead of food offering the passengers a pleasing view as they road on the cobble road. The carriage finally stopped in front of a grand manor house with many windows and tall white washed pillars. Kenny sighed. Of course, another rich fuck, he thought. The carriage pulled in front of the manor house with a jerk. A man dressed in humble breeches and a plain white shirt opened the carriage door. He was clean shaven with his hair slicked back behind his ears. The man gave a sweeping bow at the waist as he opened the carriage door with a flourish. He remained that way as Jenna pulled her hood up and stepped out of the carriage. Kenny gave the man a pat on the head for his troubles. The obedient servant jumped but kept his head down.

You could tell a lot about rich people by their servants. A skinny, poorly kept servant meant that no matter how much frilly lace a noble wore they weren't nearly as rich as they claimed. The king of the underground got fooled more than once when he used to break into houses. The so-called noble had cheap shit that wasn't worth selling. Kenny did like that they were the easiest to bribe when he needed information though. Hunger always overrode loyalty. This servant was too finely dressed and plump for Kenny's liking. Unlucky bastard was probably born and bred on this estate. Fed by his master's hand like some trained animal. Kenny's deep gray gaze fell on his current master. The cocky commander was hidden beneath her cloak still playing the role of demure young maiden.

"Jenna, it's so good to see you again," a wheat blonde haired man with an easy face greeted them. He had a healthy glow on his skin that only came from leisurely hours in the sun; but not so much that it burned your skin into leather. This man was also humbly dressed but Kenny could tell his clothes were made of finer cloth. He took both Jenna's hands in his while she dipped into a low curtsy.

"My pleasure your highness," she said sweetly. The man's sky blue eyes smiled at her once more before turning his happy gaze to the brooding form behind her.

"I don't believe we've met," said the blond man. There was a gentle quality to his voice that struck Kenny the wrong way. Behind him was a skiddish brunette man who also looked of noble blood. Kenney tipped his hat. He didn't do it out of manners or respect or any of that bullshit. More like something he was brought up to do; a habit really. Maybe he just felt a bit nostalgic passing all those happy family scenes.

"Kenny,"

"This is Kenneth Ackerman," Jenna said quickly. She placed a hand on his forearm. "He's one of our newest recruits." The sparkle in her eyes didn't go unnoticed. The bitch wouldn't miss an opportunity to show off her prize.

"A pleasure to meet you Kenneth," said the blond man. Yea, this was a noble, Kenny thought. There was no bend in this man's spine.

"Kenny," the former king of the underground repeated. The only people allowed to call him Kenneth were long dead. The man only nodded and turned to his servant.

"Jeremy," the blond man turned to his servant. "Please take Kenny and the coachman for refreshments." Jenna gave Kenny's arm a gentle squeeze as if to reassure him. He shook off her arm.

"This way please," said the man servant. Jenna and the nobles waited for the other men to walk away before speaking

"You've gone too far this time Jenna," said a brown haired man. "How could you bring one of them here?"

"Calm down Rod," said the blond haired man. "That is a century's old grudge. He probably doesn't even remember such a thing."

"Uri, we hunted down his family…" Rod Reiss pleaded with his older brother.

"WE, didn't do anything," said the blonde. His younger brother turned away exasperated. Uri released a sigh before turning back to their guest. It was true Jenna Gibson was a bit more…eccentric than the previous commander but there was no question to her loyalty. She earned the right to be a bit eccentric…even if that meant keeping exotic pets. Uri looked down curtsying woman before him. Perhaps he shouldn't judge one's choice in pet. "I assume he's strong?"

"Very strong your highness." Jenna kept her gaze to the ground. There was no one in Sina more powerful than the men who stood before her.

"You'll have to share this story with me," said Uri. Ever the gentleman, Uri Reiss offered his arm to Jenna. "Come, I'm sure you're famished. "

"I haven't seen you before," Jeremy asked as they walked to the kitchen building "How did you meet Commander Gibson?"

"We used to fuck," Kenny replied. The servant turned around and remained quiet for the rest of the walk.

"It must have been a good lay," said the driver. Kenny turned to fully look at the man. Most of Jenna's servants steered clear of Kenny and his men. He didn't blame them. If one of Kenny's men pissed him off he'd just kill them. It was a lot deeper than that when it came to Jenna. She made sure that anyone who crossed her lived through the hell she put them through. She kept her servant half-starved not because she couldn't afford to feed them but to maintain obedience. Overall it worked. None of her servants had any fight left to betray her or so he thought as he smirked at the carriage driver. At least this one had a little fight left in him.

The old man had graying hair and a spine bent by time. It would only take a few sips of cheap liquor to bribe him. In all the times he rode in Jenna's carriage they never shared a word. This guy didn't seem so bad. He at least didn't smell like military police.

"She was," said Kenny

"The crazy ones usually are," the coachman chuckled. Jeremy gave the men a disapproving look.

"Please wait here, it will be just a moment gentleman," said Jeremy as he walked into the kitchen building leaving the other two to sit on the steps. Kenny shrugged and uncorked the glass bottle to offer it to the driver.

"Where the hell are we anyway?"

The old man snatched the flask like Kenny was going to take it from him. He took a long drink from the bottle before speaking. "She really doesn't tell you anything huh?" The old man snorted. "We figured as much." He didn't have to tell Kenny that he was talking about the rest of Jenna's staff. The man took another pull from the flask. Grimmy, rough fingers pointed the bottle in the direction of the nobles. "You don't recognize our beloved King?"

"King?"

Jenna already drug him to the palace when she had to visit lazy bloated bastard. The old man took another swig from Kenny's flask.

"Yes, his royal highness, King Uri Reiss and his brother, Prince Rod Reiss."

Reiss…

Reiss…

The old assassin recognized the name. It was something lost with all the other memories he tried to drink away. It would come back to him soon enough. He brought up his hand to take back the flask. It would be wrong to just take it from the old man.

"Hey, anything left in there?"

"I'm kicking you out of our room." The big dopey dog leaned down so his hair fell into his eyes as he spoke to the shorter man. Levi tsked. He refused to step back so he had to crane he neck up to look Mike in the eye.

"For what reason?" Levi barked. Another smile made its home beneath the thick mustache followed by a boyish mischief.

"Nanaba," he said with a wink. The mammoth man spoke the soldier's name as if that was the answer to any fucking question Levi could think of. Levi looked away past Mike to the other tall ass blonde who appeared complete engrossed in the wallpaper. Those dusty flowers aren't that interesting, Levi thought. He looked back up at Mike. If the man had a tail it would be wagging with excitement

"Fine, fuck it. I'll figure something out." The dark haired man turned away in case the big ass dog decided to lick him.

"Thanks Levi." Mike ruffled his fingers through Levi's hair before walking off. The smaller man huffed and fixed his hair with a scowl on his face.

"I believe John has a room to himself?" Erwin said smoothly. He finally turned away from the intriguing wallpaper to lean against it with his shoulder. The birthday boy couldn't help but smirk when Levi's fingers paused in mid-air. Nothing around Erwin Smith happened innocently, Levi thought. He knew at least that much. After one last adjustment to his onyx locks he turned to look up at the other blonde cautious. Suddenly, the inn room door opened and Levi's pack was unceremoniously placed on the ground.

"Or, you could stay with me?"

"You little shit. You planned this didn't you?" Erwin shrugged. They both knew Levi wasn't going to crash with a drunk John. It was already bad enough he had to share a room with the asshole in the dormitory. There was no way he wanted to stay with him on their night off. "Where's your room?" He slung his pack over his shoulder.

"Sorry for putting you out like this," Erwin said when they arrived at his room. The birthday boy walked to the window that overlooked the city street. Levi shut and locked the door behind him. This room is already a step up from theirs, he thought.

"You didn't kick me out," Levi said. "I'm here, now what?" Erwin smiled. In his hands he held yet another bottle of wine. These fuckers drink like fish.

"Well," Erwin presented the two empty cups in his other hand, "I was hoping we could finish what we started at dinner the other night." Erwin opened the bottle and poured for them giving Levi a chance to look around the room. It was about par with the room he was supposed to share with Mike with one major difference; there was only one bed.

"Do you always become drunkards?" Levi asked accepting a glass of wine.

"Only at happy times," Erwin smiled. "Are you having a good time?" Levi shrugged.

"You keep asking me that." He turned to face the taller man. "Why do you care how I feel about your party? For that matter, why do you care about my progress?" Levi continued staring a hole into the taller man. "Especially if all I am here for is to do your dirty work."

Erwin laughed. It was a rich sound that started at the bottom of his belly and vibrated throughout his frame. Thick like the beers they drank at the tavern leaving Levi just as warm. The former thief couldn't remember hearing his leader laugh like this. For a moment it made him sad, realizing that life on the surface was also cruel enough to keep Erwin from laughing. Fucking liquor. He shook his head to move away from the sappy thoughts.

"That's one of the things that I like about you," said Erwin. Laughter soaked into his voice. He placed a large hand on Levi's shoulder.

"What?"

"Your honesty," said Erwin. "There's no ulterior motive or double meaning."

"Who has time for that shit?" said Levi. The hand on his shoulder gave a gentle squeeze.

"You would be surprised," said Erwin. And just like that the laughter was gone. Both men took a drink from their glasses.

"I thought Mike was dating some girl?" Levi decided to change the subject. Erwin shook his head.

"They separated a few months ago. Something about her family not wanting her connected to a suicidal soldier." Levi's eyes widened at the words. Other than the random trips out off base with his squad he barely connected to people who weren't military. It was easy to forget the mistrust people had for the Survey Corp.

"So does Mike often take soldiers to his room?" Levi asked. Erwin's laughter wasn't as hearty as before but Levi would take it.

"He used to be a lot worse." The squeeze on Levi's shoulder became a massage. Thick, strong finger kneaded the muscles of his shoulders working their way up to the base of his neck." Mike broke many a trainees' heart."

"What about you?" The words were clumsy. Levi would blame the alcohol if pressed. "Were you a heartbreaker?" The hand on his shoulder relaxed and gently rubbed his back.

"I was more worried about passing exams than sneaking into the bushes with a classmate." Levi did something completely unexpected; he snorted. Erwin gave his stray a quizzical look. The only response he got back was an empty wineglass waiting to be filled. He refuses to acknowledge the loss of warmth when Erwin removed his hand.

"What was that for?" Erwin asked as he poured.

"I guess you're the same guy you've always been," Levi said. "Even now, someone has to set up your one-night stands." Levi walked over to the window. All that shit yesterday over dinner only made this rooming situation more suspicious. I'm not an idiot, he thought. Of course Erwin would have his mutt send over his new toy to play.

"You think Mike sent you over here as a birthday present?" Below them, the stragglers from the tavern stumbled home. "You were my present last year," Erwin said looking out the window. Gray eyes widened looking up but Erwin continued watching the merrymakers. "I initially intended to go alone. Mike, John, and Clare wouldn't let me." He chuckled, "Shardis didn't want us to go. We had permission of course but he didn't like it."

Levi looked up at the tall blonde. There were so many questions. Like, why did Erwin come in the first place? Instead the former criminal changed the subject once again. He took another drink of wine. Wine got you drunk different than beer. Beer always made him feel bloated. A few drinks of wine left him feeling warm and a bit fuzzy.

"I didn't get you anything for your birthday," Levi said. Erwin nodded. For him, having his friends here was enough. "Come here."

"What?" asked Erwin. Levi took hold of Erwin's shirt pulling him down to eye level. "Le—"

Soft lips pressed firmly against his. A teasing tongue asked entrance to Erwin's mouth. He happily parted them and greeted the visitor with a firm touch of his tongue. He brought his free hand to the small of Levi's back pulling him close.

Erwin set his glass on the windowsill so he could wrap his other arm around Levi's waist. It was so easy to wrap his arms around the slender solid form. Erwin let Levi set the course just like the last time they kissed so many months ago. The rough way he went after Erwin's lips showed his inexperience like he couldn't figure out how to get what he wanted. Even the slender fingers that knew how to cute with a surgeon's precision fidgeted at Erwin's side unsure.

Being kissed by Erwin was nothing like kissing Farlan. Hookers didn't kiss so Farlan was just as naïve as Levi. The kisses they shared were always messy, rushed pecks. The few times they tried for more it always turned into saliva filled messes that made Levi go wash his face. As they grew older the fascination with kissing each other passed and they focused on their gang.

Kissing Erwin….Kissing Erwin… was beyond anything Levi could comprehend. Just like the man; Erwin's lips promised the impossible and had a silly way of making Levi believe it. After all, he managed to take a street rat like Levi am turn him into the soldier Levi never realized he was supposed to be. Erwin calmed Levi's rough lips to gentle motions that left Levi feeling warmer than the wine in his belly. And fuck those hands that made wide passes along his back and sides. When Erwin pulled him tighter it only frustrated him more so he threw off Erwin's arms. The former thief cursed under his breath as he finished the wine left in his glass. His pale ears were tinted a light shade of pink.

"Thank you," said Erwin grinning from the best present he received that day. It was time for the captain to take the lead. He slipped the glass out of slender fingers to place it beside his on the windowsill. The action was enough to gain Levi's attention. This time Erwin guided his stray through a slow sweet dance. When those smaller hands fidgeted he took them and placed them on chest. Levi was an easy dance partner when he wanted to follow, mimicking Erwin's movements much to their mutual pleasure.

He looked down at his hands surprised when they broke apart and he was still clutching Erwin's shirt. Levi's gaze moved from his shirt up to the plump lips above him. They shined in the moonlight, rouged red from his kisses. Strong hands moved from his waist to roam his back and shoulders before falling his ass. The hands cupped his ass parting his cheeks in his pants. His body tingled with a warmth he never felt before. His natural instinct was the fight. When he was a brat perverts would feel him up. The bath house was the worst because they men would ogle him openly. None of that mattered here. Erwin wasn't a bad man but he wasn't those other perverts. Still…this was too much. Levi pushed the huge blonde away. Erwin released him with question.

"Just stop for a fucking second!" Levi spat. I need to think. Thanks to Kenny and Levi's ability to protect himself he wasn't forced into whoring. Farlan was the only person he ever let get this close to him and that ended in failure. Fucking blondes, he thought.

"What's wrong?" Erwin placed a gentle hand along his undercut. Fucking asshole lightly rubbed up his hairline making him shiver. Shit. Those lips overrode his brain. Levi tugged the birthday boy back down for another kiss. This time those fucking hands lifted him off his tiptoes. He cursed between their lips as he clutched the taller man's shirt for balance. Levi didn't realize they were moving until back of his boots hit the bed, jarring him enough for him to think with his big head.

"Stop! Shit!" Levi cursed pushing away. He fell back onto the bed in direct line of sight of the bulge before his eyes. The thickness of it replaced Levi's horniness with more anxiety. Erwin removed the monster from Levi's vision when he sat down on the bed beside him.

"Perhaps we are moving a little fast…" he said in that rich voice. Those damn fingers stroked the base of his neck. Erwin's warm breath tickled his neck while plump lips lined his ear. "We'll do whatever you want." Fuck Erwin. Levi found himself melting into that voice again. He eyes closed while lips and fingers clouded his thoughts. If he didn't think of something soon this bothersome petting was going to make him cum in his pants.

"Hey…" Levi said weakly. "Hey!" The petting finally halted. "I'm not getting my clothes dirty. Change into your night shirt." At least it would get them away long enough for him to clear his thoughts. Everything about this was too much. Back underground, he knew what the boys did when they didn't get enough money after a score. It was easy to sell your ass for a little food money. Levi even saw it every now and again; not that he looked for it. He saw the blood when a mark would ram his cock in one of the guys' asses. The worst would be watching the guy limp around for weeks after. It was like the guy had to wear his shame while his body healed. No, I can't end up like that; not so close to an expedition. Plump lips planted a kiss onto his forehead before Erwin rose to his feet. Levi regretted the loss of warmth for a moment before rising to his feet to change.

Erwin turned around as he undressed. When he looked over his shoulder he was surprised to see Levi staring directly at him. A smirk came to his lips. "And here I was trying to offer a bit of modesty"

"I don't turn my back to anyone," Levi replied as he tossed on his night shirt. His clothes were neatly folded on top of his pack.

"Fair enough," replied Erwin. The men walked back over to the bed. Erwin pulled back the sheets before climbing inside. He left more than enough space for his petite partner. Levi looked around the room then back at the bed. He's taking inventory of the room, Erwin thought. A knife slipped from the sleeve of Levi's night shirt. When the little thief sat on the bed he slipped the knife beneath the pillow. Erwin wouldn't have expected anything less. The fact that he actually showed Erwin the weapon was progress.

What did surprise Erwin was how easy it was to settle in bed with Levi. The usually prickly man curled up against Erwin as if they always slept together. Raven hair spilled over Erwin's forearm like a pillow, his forehead in Erwin's chest. The soon to be major decided not to question it and wrapped his arm around Levi's waist. He could feel small hands hold on to his night shirt but didn't make it to Erwin's waist and that was okay. By the way Levi refused to meet Erwin's gaze there would probably be no more fooling around that night. It was alright. They covered a lot of ground already.

"Underground, to keep from freezing your dick off you cuddle up with someone you trust," Levi said as if Erwin asked for an explanation.

"You trust me?" Erwin asked. He leaned down to brush his lips over the raven hair.

"I trust you to not kill me in my sleep tonight." The words would be more imposing if Levi wasn't curled up in Erwin's chest.

"Only tonight?"

Levi glared up at him.

"Tonight is enough," Erwin admitted defeat. He stayed still a few moments before stroking the smaller man's back. There was joy in small victories.