If there was a rating more intense than M, chapter four thoroughly earned it.

This isn't gonna be pretty, so consider yourself warned.

"She'll be entering from the front," Auruo informed Levi, in a low voice as he passed by. "You have approximately ten minutes to take your position."

With a nod, Levi allowed himself to lose Auruo in the crowd. There was a blur of the many faces belonging to some of the most important people within all of the walls, but no one could possibly leave a lasting impression in his mind. All of these men in their suits were distinguished with self-imposed delusions of grandeur, and their dolled-up wives were women possessing aspirations limited to the more vapid of interests. In fact, this entire event was a facade that these aristocrats blissfully imposed on themselves—gathering with their rivalrous benefactors to pat each other on the back for having wealth, all while competing in socioeconomic pissing contests.

The invitation Erwin Smith had received described such an event as a fundraiser, with a mission to keep the theaters and museums financially supported. While Levi could understand the need for culture in society, hosting an entire event seemed superfluous, to put it lightly. These affluent supporters already purchased tickets and sponsored the artists, so Levi failed to see why an entire gala for the purpose of collecting more money was necessary. Because of growing up under undesirable conditions, maybe Levi was biased. He knew first-hand how much all this money was needed in the underground, and he was simply watching the haughty bourgeois doing everything in their power to keep the wealth circulating amongst the upper class.

It didn't help that each woman was doused in their own perfume, and the men reeked of their cigars. Maybe in a controlled amount, it would be pleasant, but no. There was a tangible humidity of musk, and it was revolting to the nose. Levi was not fond of crowds, always an advocate for respecting personal space, but he was getting close to these people in the most literal sense. He had no choice. Levi needed to careen his way to the center of the room to further initiate the stratagem, so he refused any eye contact, and weaved his way through the tight spaces between the bodies.

Once concentered as best as he could get, Levi scanned over the heads of the sea of people. North of him was the front entrance to the theater where this event was held, with the bar to the east and the twelve-piece orchestra to the west. He made note of every window, every back exit, anything that could be used in an escape route. Craning his neck to really observe his surroundings, Levi found his squad scattered in their assigned places. There was Erd conducting the orchestra, and Petra posing as Auruo's date, sticking close together in the crowd.

Erwin Smith was keeping appearances as the most sought-after guest at this entire thing, having a drink at the bar, with Gunter pouring and serving from behind the counter. Even Major Hanji attended the event with the intent to convince those with money that science, and research, and discovery were as important as the arts, and they should consider hosting a fundraiser for the pursuit of knowledge. It was a bit hard explaining the concept of molecular structures to the blissfully ignorant, and even harder to entice them into giving their money to fund these things that they didn't even wish to understand, so she was mostly there to serve as emergency medical aid if the need arose.

Places were set, all orchestrations were ready for action. Levi reviewed the steps to this plan in his head, glancing up every so often at the entrance. Auruo had said ten minutes, but it felt like an infinity. Then there was a chorus of whispers around him.

"The prima ballerina has arrived!"

"What a beauty that just showed up!"

"I can't believe she's an actual Oriental!"

Et cetera.

So that meant showtime.

He had issues with spotting Mikasa Ackerman at the entrance, due to all of the crowds hovering around her. Levi seemed to frequently forget that she was a celebrity of sorts. Although she was showered with applause and flowers when Levi saw her for the first time at the ballet, he never associated her with such highly acclaimed status. Maybe it was the way she danced outside the conformity of previous prima ballerinas, or her introverted reactions to these people. She was humble and normal, so it was easy for Levi to forget that these people worshiped her. They placed her so highly on a pedestal.

Levi had her on his own pedestal of sorts, and while it was somewhat speculative to assume they'd knock her off theirs, he was completely certain that she'd be knocked off of his. He would be the one to deliver the final push, and that was a guarantee. She'd shatter and he'd win.

But then Levi found himself the one to be shattering. With one look at her, he felt fracturing ribs and collapsing lungs. It was as if time were at a standstill, and he was in a stupor of rapacious envy, which, admittedly, prompted his craving for her in the most erotic way.

Mikasa Ackerman stood out in the multitude of the hordes so sorely, so perfectly. Levi knew she'd be a sight to behold, but he could have never expected exactly how much of a sight it'd be. He had always favored elegance over ostentation, taking a liking to modesty, of which Mikasa personified so superbly. Yet somehow, this girl managed to tame the fiery intensity of her red gown, embossing her presence onto the entire theater and all those who occupied it.

Her skin radiated like the moon, white and pure, with a stark contrast to the velvet red of her fabric. The dress hugged her physique tightly, with a strapless neckline that provided her chest with an unfair amount of lift. Her snug bodice extended into a floor-length skirt, tragically keeping such nice legs hidden away. Levi wanted to worship the lithe line of her neck, and taste the definition of her collar bones, and it was almost unfair how she managed to make untamed hair look so elegant. With shine and silkiness, her hair was pulled into a low bun, tied snugly to the area of the neck just below her ear, pieces of black wisps hung loosely, framing her lean jaw. She was so effortless, as casual as something so formal could get.

It wasn't much of a leap to call her beautiful, and although hesitant to use such a sentimental term, Levi would come to admit that she really was a beauty in his eyes. And such a beauty was headed right for him, pausing every so often to respond to the greetings of onlookers. She looked stiff in the presence of these people, almost hopelessly lost in their affections.

Levi knew it was time for the script to play its part in this mission. So to initiate the dialogue, he rudely pushed these herds of people out of his way, getting himself directly in Mikasa's line of sight. Despite how distressed her body language and how absent she held her eyes, she managed to bring enough of a feeling into her expression once she found Levi. It was a median between relieved to find a familiar face, yet fiercely confrontational because although familiar, it was still Levi.

"Miss Ackerman," Levi bowed like a gentleman, the intensity of his gaze unwavering. "I am such a fan. It would be such an honor if I could have this dance."

She smiled because she had no choice. The majority of the crowd's focus was on her, and it was a part of the plan for her to accept. "Of course."

And so Levi experienced a first. Holding someone so closely, so carefully, and on display for all to see—he could be considered a romance virgin, for lack of a better term. He knew how to flatter a woman long enough for the clothes to come off, but after that, he always let the body to take control. But here he was, a soft hand resting in his. Her arm lightly draped over his shoulder, and he could feel the pressure of her palm against the top of his spine. He let the fingers of his free hand grip the small of a perfect back, pushing her closer into him. Mikasa's entire front was against his own, and Levi really couldn't help but think about how there was only a few layers of fabric separating them.

Levi studied her face, noticing her lack of makeup. Aside from the dark pigment coating her thick eyelashes, her skin was dewy with the natural oils of an uncaked face. He liked it, because it just proved how authenticher beauty really was. With past women, he never paid much attention to facial features. He set his focus on the quality of a body, with no intention of involving the intimacy of adoring a face. But now he could understand the appeal. Mikasa's face interested him, leaving him to wonder why those lips never smiled, or why her dark eyes were so cautious.

"How long are we supposed to dance?" Mikasa sounded impatient, almost as if having Levi hold her was torturous. "If this is even a dance—we're just aimlessly swaying to atmospheric music."

He would not let her lack of enthusiasm get to him. Levi wasn't supposed to be so excited, he wasn't some lovesick child, yet his heart was quietly palpitating against hers. "Why are you in such a rush to go? As I recall," He was ready to bring it up. Although it was several days prior, he knew there would be a time to bring it up eventually. That time was while she had no choice but to remain in his arms. "I should be the upset one. You were the one who teased me along, all those days ago in your room—I had to finish the job myself."

She looked away, eyes searching for nothing in particular. Mikasa lowered her voice so that this conversation could be heard by only the two of them. "Don't act so pitiful, Captain. You found yourself some help, so I'd rather not hear it."

There was a thrill of gaining the higher ground. She knew about Petra, maybe not Petra specifically, but she knew of a woman. Which meant she knew Levi was capable of obtaining someone who wasn't Mikasa Ackerman. "What makes you think I wasn't alone?"

"You're scum," Mikasa was delicately honest in her insult. "And scum somehow manage to never go to bed alone."

"I'll let you know right now that there wasn't a bed involved at all," Levi wasn't smiling, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "It was more of an upright affair."

Mikasa squinted, and Levi could sense the jealousy deep within. "God, you are such a disgusting person. Who could ever find you so appealing? "

"Apparently, you could," He had her cornered, and it felt so good. "You know, with how you were so quick to pleasure me. By the way, did I ever tell you how heavenly your hand around my cock was?"

She winced at his rude language. Barely, but he still picked up on it. She was bothered by his dirtiness, that was for sure, but he'd soon find out if it made her hot. "That's a mistake never to be made twice."

Levi wasn't quite done with getting a rise out of her. There was still some limit to push. "To be fair, you're equally as promiscuous, if not exceedingly."

"You might be right," Mikasa sounded agreeable, a tone surprising to Levi. "And be sure to ask your commander about how promiscuous I can get."

If she was implying that Erwin Smith managed to have her—no, Levi had to remain calm. This wasn't about them, this was about the mission. He swallowed any disagreeable feeling, and replaced it with neutrality. "This dress looks amazing on you, Mikasa."

There was a sensation of oddity from saying her name, and she showed that there was an equal discomfort in hearing it. "Thank you."

"I'd think," Levi touched their noses together, and he loved it because he knew Mikasa couldn't pull away. Not in front of all of these people. "I'd think this dress," His hand grew audacious, deviating away from her back, and moving downward. Levi could taste the objection on her breath. But it was such a nice, tight ass. "I'd think this dress would more amazing off of you."

He liked the tension in her jaw. And he liked that she couldn't do a single thing about his touch. "Fuck you."

"I like a dirty mouth," Their lips were so close to touching. He could feel the sting of her electricity. "Kiss me."

Mikasa tried to jerk away, but Levi wasn't a weak man. He wasn't going to let her go anywhere. "We're done here."

Levi was so tempted to reveal a smile. He shook himself from his daze of lust, and released her like the gentleman he was. "I guess we are."

"I will get physical next time you touch me," In a louder voice for the crowds to eat up, in such an expertly flirtatious manner, she managed to simper with gracious goodbyes. "Thank you for such a lovely dance, and it was very nice to meet you. Enjoy the event."

Then she moved on, into the crowds to be held by other men. She went to go contribute her part to the mission. Levi watched her go, eyes never letting such a beautiful girl out of her sight. To himself, he exhaled once, losing her as she was consumed by the throngs of vapid faces ready to eat her whole.

"You'll get physical next time?" His voice wasn't even there. It was more of a mouthing of words under his breath. "I'll hold you to that, Ackerman."

It was the second of a three-phase operation.

Levi took his position at the bar, raising his glass of scotch to his mouth every so often to maintain appearances. He wasn't even consuming the alcohol, really. He just let less than a sip into his mouth at a time. While he did enjoy scotch on the rocks as the next man, this wasn't a time to get drunk. There was business to be done. So he waited, pretending his drink was excellent company, and made a point to follow Mikasa Ackerman in the crowd with his eyes. Levi was lusting after her, and he needed that to be very clear.

"Here," Gunter came over with a fresh glass with nothing but ice. He slid it over to Levi, who tried his best not to stare at the prosthetic where his eye once was. "Give me your drink."

There wasn't an argument to put up, so he merely extending his arm across the counter of the bar to relinquish his drink. Levi observed the bottle that Gunter pulled from the collection of liquors behind him. He pushed the new drink back to Levi."Why was that necessary?"

"Minor detail," Gunter shrugged, taking a moment to look over Levi's shoulder and into the crowd. "He'll notice that you've just been sipping after a while, so you can drink this like a real scotch, and it won't get you drunk."

It smelled like scotch, barely, but the burning stench of alcohol was obvious. Taking an experimental taste, Levi smacked his lips together. "It tastes like fruit. Bitter fruit."

"It's apple juice to keep the same color," He kept analyzing the crowd behind Levi, pausing between words every so often. "With a splash of the scotch to keep the smell."

Levi nodded, taking a full-sized sip. It wasn't exactly delicious, but it wasn't gag-inducing. "That really is a minor detail."

"I do have to keep an eye out for that sort of thing," Gunter joked more to himself than Levi. At least he could make light of it, Levi supposed.

There was nothing left to do except sit and wait, and savor this unsavory drink. Levi traced a finger all around the glass rim, observing Mikasa in the arms of Erwin Smith, in the center of all the crowds. Somehow he managed to get a hold of her, and by the looks of it, he wasn't going to let go any time soon. Unfortunately, she looked as though she didn't want to be let go, either. Levi really wished his scotch was the real thing.

Erwin Smith was a large man—thick with muscle and tall. Levi was a strong man, and looked like it, but he'd be lucky if he could get an inch above Mikasa in height. But there was Erwin on the dance floor, with Mikasa's head nestled into his chest. He was the traditional image of a dominant man, with a size to back up any threat he'd want to give. Levi could feel spiders all over his skin when he realized that Erwin could have Mikasa bent over without a second word. Erwin could and would have Mikasa, it was just a matter of time.

Her body would be under his, so weak and helpless. Naked and frail, while Erwin would be fully clothed and so painfully in control of her. Mikasa would have that cock wedged far into her throat, and Erwin would be able to look down at her gagging, eyes watering—

Gunter yanked Levi from his raging imagination. "The target is approaching, with Petra."

With a quick shake to get his mind back in line, Levi kept drinking his piss-apple-scotch-bullshit. This was the most crucial part of this entire night, and the outcome of the mission relied solely on the legitimacy of his acting. So he rid his mind of all sexual images of Mikasa and Erwin, forced his erection to disappear, and applied a pattern to his breathing. Levi had flawless control over himself, a learned trait that he had suffered through a lot to earn, and there was hardly a twitch of a single muscle when he heard Petra's voice.

"—and the cravat he always wears?" She was laughing, giving the right amount of mockery and cattiness. Petra was playing the part perfectly. "He is such a joke, and I'm glad you managed to get me away from him."

"It was my pleasure, baby girl," The target spoke, a fat sack of elderly grease and perversion, taking a seat in a bar stool just a few away from Levi. "What a pathetic man. He hardly owns a dime, I don't know how he even managed to get into this event!"

They were laughing, and Levi assumed they were talking about Auruo. Petra was in the seat beside the target, obstructing Levi's view of the man. Neither one of them paid any mind to Levi, which was perfect. So perfect, every piece was falling into place.

"Tell you what," Petra dropped her voice, a seductive tone that Levi had just recently gotten to know. "Why don't we call it a night?" Levi could see her hand roam this disgusting man's thigh, committing to a level of boldness that got her point across. "Or not."

She leaned toward the man, probably flashing inches of generous cleavage, hand still kneading the right spot. "I'll come up with plenty of things we can do instead of sleep."

Levi couldn't understand how she managed to degrade herself so easily to this man. Petra really was good. It was working so well. She had him hooked—the man didn't want to miss what she had to offer, so he'd wait around for her.

"Let's go," She stood up in order to lead him away. Then, in jerky movements that even had Levi convinced, Petra began to panic. "Oh no! Shit—"

There wasn't even a sliver of doubt coming from the man. "What is it, baby?"

"I think I lost my purse!" She looked around in search for her bag, briefly glancing at Levi. It wasn't even a full second of eye contact. "Maybe I left it in the restroom," Petra grabbed the man's arm, squeezing with the right amount of pressure. "I'm going to go check."

"I'll wait here for you," He offered, and she smiled. She had him right where Levi needed him. "Then I can escort you somewhere more private. How does that sound?"

One final line to deliver, then her contribution to the mission would have gone perfectly. "That sounds great."

Petra was gone, and little did the man go, she wouldn't be coming back. Levi needed the man to notice him. So he downed the last of his fake scotch, sliding it over to the bartender. Gunter didn't even look at him with an ounce of familiarity. He was just a man trying to earn some money, and he filled up Levi's glass with the same special concoction. Levi rewarded the supposed stranger with a modest tip.

The man was watching this transaction, then after a beat, he flagged down the bartender. "I'll have a vodka martini."

Levi wanted to gag. Such a disgusting drink—a beverage for the truly masochistic alcoholic. But Gunter delivered, not receiving as much as a dollar from the man. The man let out a chuckle, trying to make light. "Women, I tell ya. I'm going to be here a while, I might as well enjoy a drink!"

Gunter politely agreed, laughing along with the man. Levi put on his best front, something along the lines of jolly. "I couldn't agree with you more."

"Levi?" The man almost choked. Once filled with lustful bliss, he was punched in the gut with a fear that only Levi was ever capable of instilling. "I—I didn't expect to see you here. I—I saw Erwin Smith, but this event usually isn't your—"

A misleadingly warm smile. "I came here with a mission," He didn't want to put much focus on that sentence, so he kept moving along with his words. "Have you been behaving yourself, Mr. Gershwin?"

"I am," The forced nature of his casual inflection was near tangible. Levi wanted to hurt this man. "I've learned my mistakes of my previous business ventures. Now how about we cease the business talk and enjoy the night?"

Levi could feel the lies hanging in the air. So he straightened his back, dropping his voice deep into a shady octave. "I was actually hoping you'd still have a few trades going on—I'm actually in need of your services."

Mr. Gershwin wasn't so gullible, he wasn't about to confess so easily. Levi knew this. "A strapping young man such as yourself?"

"Well, women these days. There's so much catering and investing that goes into finding someone—all for some lousy pussy."

"Let's say I theoretically find you what you were looking for—what would be your preference?"

If that wasn't a flagrant green flag, Levi wouldn't know what was. Mr. Gershwin was slowly getting backed into a corner, and the best part was that he had no idea he was. "She's actually here tonight. My eye's been on her for quite some time, actually."

"It wouldn't be Mikasa Ackerman, the prima ballerina? I thought I saw her dancing with someone who looked like you."

"It's indeed Mikasa Ackerman. How much would she cost?"

Mr. Gershwin was just one final shove away from falling into the trap. Levi would derive pleasure in delivering such force. "You're serious?"

"If I may ask as a fellow gentleman, I'd rather keep this exchange under the table," Levi eyed Gunter, who busied himself to make it apparent that he wasn't eavesdropping. "If Erwin Smith found out..." He offered his hand to the filthy pig. "I think you understand what ramifications I'd be facing."

"I hear you, and I'd like to let you know that I could arrange this. How soon do you want her?"

"The sooner, the better."

"I'm warning you now—a beautiful young Oriental with the current fame she has? She's going to be worth something rather ridiculous."

"A pretty penny for a pretty face," Levi adjusted his coat, taking the slightest glance at his watch. "Give me a number."

"Given her high demand, I'd charge her about fifty grand an hour. A hundred for the night."

"I'm more interested in owning her completely."

Mr. Gershwin let out a laugh, one obnoxious huff of a single syllable. "Are you sure you're worth investing that sort of cash into sex?"

Levi spotted black hair and a ruby dress in the distance. He knew he had a next line to deliver, but it came out more naturally than he had initially rehearsed. "She's going to be so much more than sex."

"Buying love, are we?" Another disgusting laugh. "Well, due to our history, I feel like I'll cut you a deal. I'll have my men acquire her before the night is over. You're not the first man to request her, but no one else could wrap their heads around her price."

"You still need to give me a number."

Mr. Gershwin let the dark business tone flood his voice. "Well into the millions, and nothing lower."

Levi finished the last of his drink, then stood up to flatten out his pants. "You have yourself a deal. I'll start networking a method of payment, and I expect her to be ready to leave when I am."

The humidity hung in the hair—rain was well on its way.

Levi smelled the dampness of the clouds and lost himself in time. The sky bled into a deep black as the night only got more intense. There was no noise, Levi was alone. His toes stretched over the edge of the roof, risking the fall into the alleyway at the base of the building, but he wasn't worried. Nothing worried Levi.

Not even the slight chance that Mikasa Ackerman may actually be legitimately hurt in this ordeal. Her orders were very simple: show up, look pretty, have a good time. It was Levi who chose to leave her out of the loop on the true role she played in this. In his own defense, it wasn't the easiest task to tell her that later that very same day, she'd be getting kidnapped by violent perverts, and that it was all Levi's doing.

And even then, he couldn't bring himself to think so deeply about this. This arrangement was a means to get to the end, and there was no time to hesitate. A mission was a mission, and it was one that sat a little closely to Levi's heart—if he even had one.

Commander Erwin took the justice Levi could have served to his father away, but capturing this sick and twisted man would be a sufficient consolation for the time being.

Levi looked down into the shadows below, knowing Mikasa Ackerman would emerge into the darkness at any moment. And the opening and closing of a door proved this.

She was alone, arms wrapped around herself to shield herself from the wind. Levi's orders went as far as telling her to just wait there and an escort would be there shortly to see her safely back to the castle. And while that technically wasn't a lie, she had one big event separating her from safety.

"Levi?" He heard her voice faintly and he watched her from above. It almost touched him that she called out his name, and even more when he detected the uneasiness in her voice. But Levi wasn't very easily touched and there was still a job to do.

"Who are you?"

Levi saw two men approach her. She didn't father in their presence, but he could see that she was hesitant to stand her ground. "You could call us big fans," One of them said.

The other, slightly older but not as slim as his partner, started getting closer to her. "You're coming with us, pretty girl."

"Don't come any closer," Levi watched her take an offensive position, it was almost like watching a show play out live before him. "Where do you think you're taking me?"

"It's true that anything can go to the highest bidder," The first one said. "And you're worth a lot more than what he bought you for."

"I didn't recall that I was for sale—"

And she could get anything else out before she was attacked. Levi analyzed her battle movements, because he could not intervene. He could do nothing more than spectate, like he had in the past with the titans.

But she wasn't nearly as skilled as she was in the arena. Maybe it was fatigue from such a long night, or her dress was a physical incapacitation—either way, her punches were less frequent, and her kicks were sloppy. There was a crack of a bone, and he watched as one of the men fell to the ground with a wail of agony. One down—Levi wondered how long it would take for her to defeat the other.

Then the cocking of a gun. And no matter how skilled she was, she was no match to a firearm.

Mikasa Ackerman was backed up against a wall, and then more footsteps came into range. Then a familiar voice. "Mikasa Ackerman, correct?"

"Hell no!" She was like a panicking animal caught in the wild, only an inch away from falling into an utter rampage. "Don't make me attack!"

"A little girl such as yourself?" Mr. Gershwin came into Levi's line of sight. He took one look at his downed man, then back at her. "You managed to hurt him? Your luck is impressive."

"I don't need fucking luck to have you dead on this ground!"

Levi's heart was pounding. She was not cool and poised, there was no strategy to her words. She was truly hysterical—and he was watching, waiting. Not acting. He couldn't help but wonder if his was what his father did to his mother—if he was watching the present-day circumstances of his very own conception.

"Hold her down—Don't worry, you pretty little whore," His hands reached for his own belt buckle, and he took one step at a time toward her. "We'll tell your new owner you're still a nice and tight virgin. Now hold still."

She wasn't struggling, it was as if she was waiting for it to happen. Levi could taste blood in his mouth—there was red in his vision. He needed brains sprayed against the brick of the alleyway, he needed his own heel crushing this monster into the gravel of the floor.

"If you scream, I won't be able to enjoy this as much."

Mikasa Ackerman was no longer in hysterics, she was almost like a dead body. Motionless, voiceless. Hands were all over her, forcibly holding her down to face her fate. Levi lifted his hand into the hair.

"Baby girl, if you're good, I'll let all these men have a turn with you."

And with that, he gave the signal.

Levi's faithful and skilled squad descended from other rooftops, circling the abomination going on below. Erd was already slashing his swords away at the men holding Mikasa Ackerman down, Gunter assisting him. Petra came in from behind, immediately grabbed the girl, wrapping her arms around Mikasa protectively, shielding her with her own body. And Auruo held Mr. Gershwin by the neck, leaving no room to negotiate.

Gravity overwhelmed his own body, the balls of his feet absorbing the impact of a fall that most men would not have been able to withstand. But Levi was graceful in every sense of the word, not necessarily on a Mikasa Ackerman level, but he was firmly on the ground of the alleyway. And his sight was set on the slaughtering of a certain pig who didn't know where to respectfully keep his manhood.

"Mr. Gershwin, you could not have even thought we'd let you keep your prostitution ring within these walls, could you?"

Despite Auruo's grip around the fat man's throat, he could still form words. Barely, but comprehensively. "Y-You tricked me, you filthy bastard!"

"Filthy, you say?" Levi made sure not even one of his own hairs was out of place. "It takes one to know one, I suppose."

Levi brought himself to glance in the direction of Mikasa Ackerman. Up close, she was scraped and dirty, eyes empty and chest heaving. He took off his own suit jacket and gave it to Petra to place around the girl. "I'm afraid we cannot finish this transaction here. I don't want to bloody up my good clothes,

after all."

"You're a p-piece of shit, Levi!"

He was unmoved. If by happenstance he was actually moved by such mean words, the movement would be glacial. "I have a very low tolerance for sex crimes, no matter the circumstance. It's quite unfortunate for you, really. Because I can barely stomach what I just witnessed."

There was a handgun by Levi's feet. It was only natural for him to pick it up and point it.

"N-No, please don't shoot! I'll do a-anything!"

"I've always wondered what kind of man it took to rape a woman—" Levi tossed away the gun, leaving the man to exhale in relief. "Then I realized a true man would never hurt anyone like that. You have no right to call yourself a man, do you?"

Mr. Gershwin was still fearing for his life. His hyperventilating was bordering on asthmatic. "I-I'm no man, just p-please spare me!"

"So you're no man?" Levi retrieved a simple pocket knife from the depths of his own pants pocket. "I'm glad you came to understand that, you disgusting little fuck."

In a swift motion, Levi pulled the man's pants down to his ankles. Levi allowed his own dark eyes to bore into the bug-eyed roundness of Mr. Gershwin's. "I guess you won't be needing your manhood, then."

He was screaming, like the little bitch Levi knew he was. "Please, no! P-Please! I'm begging of you! I d-don't deserve this!"

Levi immediately halted in his motions. "I understand your plight," Then before Mr. Gershwin could properly display full relief, Levi offered the knife to Mikasa Ackerman. "I'm not the one you were about to violate, so I don't deserve the satisfaction of this."

Mikasa took the knife, darkness radiating from her core. Her eyes were hollow and her hands were icily steady.

"Miss Ackerman does."

"T-The ballerina? She c-can't do it! I'm n-not about to be emasculated by a bitch!"

Mikasa Ackerman, with a power that was disturbingly refreshed, grabbed him by the jaw, fingernails digging into the stubble of his greasy face. The movement was lightning quick, and her voice was painfully pleasant. "You're not about to be emasculated by a bitch," She spit in his face. "You're about to be mutilated by one."

There was no hesitation on her part. None.

His screams were more unbearable than the sight of his castration. And Mikasa Ackerman didn't even blink.

"Get him to Hanji immediately," Levi finally said, once the man's shrieks and cries died down to a more tolerable decibel. "The last thing we need is for him to bleed out before Erwin has a word with him."

Levi faced Mikasa, who remained in one spot as the rest of the squad rushed around her. He didn't offer any sort of touch. She had already faced enough physical trauma for the night. "Are you okay?"

He watched her fingers reach around her neck for something that wasn't there, and in a makeshift attempt at something else, she buried her nose into the fabric of Levi's jacket. He couldn't understand what she was saying—if she was even saying anything.

There was only one thing he could comprehend, and it was something along the lines of a plea. A cry.

"Eren."

I need to be less shitty about updates.

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