I apologize for not updating this on time. I just had to start my other story before I lost inspiration for it, AND I'm pretty busy with school as well. I'm going to do my best to update this weekly, but don't hold me to it. As you can see, the rating went up to M, but I'm sure all of you lecherous readers don't mind that one bit. ;)

Warning: Sexual situations ahead.

xxxxx

Love and Belonging

xxxxx

His body is lax, mind at ease as he awakens. He's not sure if he could get used to waking up like this every day, even with war still waging outside. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he finally dares to crack them open. Sunlight immediately meets his weary stare, groaning as he turns away from the unpleasant intrusion. How the hell did he forget to close the curtains last night? His gaze shifts to the bare back of the woman beside him.

Oh right.

Lips turning into a smirk, Levi slides his body closer to hers until his chest is flush against her back.

Her body is a welcome warmth to his, the touch of his chilled flesh causing her figure to tremble and sigh contently in her sleep.

It's unusual for him to be awake before her. It actually used to be the other way around until she began to spend the night in his room every evening. The comfort of having her in his arms night after night made him lazy come morning. It was a change he was strangely satisfied with.

Levi brushed the dark locks off of her neck and brushing soft kisses along its expanse, occasionally nipping at her sweet skin until she began to stir. Turning onto her back, his lover squints at him for a few seconds until her swollen lips curve into a smile. She mumbles something about not getting enough sleep, but Levi silences her with a searing kiss. It was their day off anyway. They could catch up on sleep later.

They make love slowly this time, unlike last night where they were guilty of keeping other soldiers up.

Levi knew he would be faced with a copious amount of glares today, but he couldn't find it in him to care.

xxxxx

Broken glass and shredded pieces of paper littered the floor of his office. The blood on his hands didn't prevent him from knocking over his bookcase or throw one of the chairs against the stone wall. If it weren't for Mikasa's hasty entrance into the room, he would've done a lot worse. He collapsed to his knees, more glass digging into his already bloodied palms. His usually disinterested eyes were wide and filled with terror as he stared at his hands, moonlight causing them to gleam from the red fluid now trickling down his arm. He felt no pain watching his white shirt stain with crimson.

Mikasa's body pressed against his back as she wrapped her arms around him from behind, her forehead resting against the nape of his neck. His eyes shut as she comforted him, her soft hand rubbing up and down his back as he relaxed against her.

She always knew just what he needed.

He's not sure how long they're sitting there when she breaks the silence.

"We need to get the glass out..." she murmurs close to his neck, her breath making him quiver.

The statement doesn't register at first, his mind still focusing on the blood on his hands. They trigger memories from earlier today, from earlier in his life. All he saw was red. Red staining the grass and trees as he passed by the lifeless bodies of his squad. Petra, Auruo, Erd, and Gunther - they were in his squad the longest. They were closest to him other than Mikasa, Erwin, and (surprisingly) Hanji. They were like another family. But encountering their corpses didn't compel him to cry. He only felt empty inside.

Levi only remembered crying once in his life; over twenty years ago when his family died. His real family.

The perished bodies of his sister and mother sprawled on the ground, a young Levi staring incredulously at the scene before him as their blood pooled around his feet. He remembered it all so vividly. What got him on a rampage was the fact that he couldn't recall what they looked like. He was always afraid that this day would come.

Mikasa runs her fingers through his hair when he doesn't answer her, peering around his head to peek at his face. "Levi?" Hearing his name finally snaps him out of his reverie. He blinks at her, then nods once.

They're in his bathroom a few minutes later, running cold water over his hands. It stings like hell, but he remains composed regardless.

"What you were doing earlier... was that about your squad?" Her voice is tender, eyes full of affection as she carefully pulls out the shards of glass with tweezers. They're on the floor now (only she could convince him to sit on the filthy ground), her body dangerously close to his, but he doesn't have the heart to tell her to go away. Not right now, at least. When he finally shakes his head, Mikasa presses on. "What was it about then? If you don't mind me asking."

Levi sighed. "My family."

Her hands became still as she studies him through her eyelashes. "What happened to them?"

Leaning his head back against the wall, his eyes fall shut as he tells his tale.

"I was ten when they died. My father got into trouble a lot. Gambling and stealing and shit. It got so out of hand that there was a point where these men would always come around threatening him and my family. I guess he was in debt with someone with a lot of power. And he eventually just never came back home. We all assumed he died. One day, my mom told me to go to the market to fetch some ingredients for dinner that night and when I came back... her and my sister were already dead. They were supposed to kill me too, and I was on the run for a while because of my father. It was all his fault, and I still regret never finding him so I could kill him myself. If he wasn't dead already."

Mikasa's finished bandaging one of his hands by the time he reached the end of his story. She presses a kiss to the back of his bandaged hand. "I understand."

And she really does, he realizes. Their experiences are virtually the same. He thinks she's the only person who can fathom the way he feels.

"I can't remember what they look like. Does that make me a bad person?"

Wrapping up his other hand, she offers him a small smile. "No, it doesn't. As long as you still remember them and the fact that they existed, then that's all that matters." Her lips met his forehead, the touch leaving his skin tingling as she whispered to him. "I know it's hard, but sometimes we have to let go of the past to make room for the future. We have to find something else to live for, remember? You told me that."

He nodded. "Yes, I remember."

The corners of her pink lips bent up into a smile. "Have you found it yet?"

His eyes roam over her face, noticing how radiant she was at that moment. "I think I might have," he murmurs truthfully, staring at her mouth a lot longer than necessary.

"Good." Mikasa holds his hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. He can tell she's about to stand up, but he tugs her closer to his body before she has the chance to. "I'm glad I found you," he confesses, watching her confusion revert back into elation once again. It's perhaps the only time he mentioned how he really felt about their first meeting. Her mouth opens and closes a few times, at a loss for words. So she goes in for the second option.

And he allows her to kiss him this one time.

xxxxx

Levi immediately regrets the kiss in the months that follow. Mikasa doubles the effort to receive his affection, attempting to seduce him every chance she gets. Every touch with a purpose, every whisper intentionally tempting him, and every spar leaving him completely flustered. She knew exactly how to turn him on, grinding her hips against his every time he had her pinned underneath him. It was infuriating. And yes, he did return the kiss wholeheartedly and they made out for quite an extensive amount of time, but he just needed to release some of the pent up frustration he had left in him. He knew he shouldn't have led her on like that, but he couldn't help it when they were in the moment.

He's currently hiding from the determined girl in Erwin's office, sipping at the coffee his commander offered him. They knew he would be here for a while.

"I'm actually glad you came by, Levi. There was a matter I needed to consult with you."

"And that would be?"

"The future of your squad. It's been five months, Levi. You need to put together a new team before our next expedition." Erwin's deep voice was firm yet cautious, almost like he was about to reveal something Levi wouldn't approve of. His eyes narrowed slightly at the man opposite him. Erwin held his icy stare, but Levi knew the commander well enough to know when he was acting suspicious. "I told you I had no interest in scouting out soldiers for my squad anymore. Why are you bringing this up again?"

Erwin smirked, leaning back into his seat. "Because an anonymous associate and I came up with a fantastic solution. One even you can't pass up on."

"Well?"

The commander steepled his fingers. "You and Ackerman. Just the two of you as a team. I've seen the way she fights and she's the only soldier who matches your skill. And before you interrupt me, let me just say this. I know the attachment you two have with each other, and I thought that this would be a great opportunity for the both of you to watch over each other. I know you always worry about her safety, but who better to look after her than yourself. What do you say?"

Mulling over Erwin's request, Levi runs his finger along the brim of his mug. It actually wasn't that bad of an idea. He would always dread coming back from an expedition, never knowing if she was dead or alive until they began collecting their deceased comrades.

"Did Mikasa put you up to this?" he queried, indulging himself with another sip of his black coffee.

"No, Hanji did."

Levi rolled his eyes. Of course it was that shitty woman. The brunette was trying to play matchmaker with him and Mikasa for ages now, all to no avail of course. She constantly denied that that was her intention every time he told her to quit it. His persistent need to put a stop to her efforts only seemed to egg her on, never failing to lock them in the same room or causing one or the other to fall over each other. Hanji's craziness was the last thing he needed in his already hectic schedule.

But he decided he would agree with their plan, even if the idea of Hanji winning her little game disgruntled him.

"Okay, but you talk to Mikasa. She might kiss me again if I ask her myself."

Erwin's eyebrow cocked up in amusement, chuckling softly to himself. "Again? When did this recent development occur?" Levi scoffed, pink faintly tinting his cheeks at his little slip up. "Months ago. But that doesn't matter."

There was a knock at the door.

Levi instantly jumped from his seat and hid behind Erwin's desk. The older man chuckled again before calling out to whoever was outside the door to come in. The door groaned as the person entered.

"I apologize for interrupting, sir. But have you seen the captain?" The feminine voice matched Mikasa's. He should've known she would eventually make her rounds to his last safe place in the castle. Levi watched as Erwin slowly moved his head right and then left. "He was here an hour ago, but I don't know his current whereabouts. May I ask why?"

He heard her breathe out a short laugh. "He's just late for our training, is all."

"I see. He actually wanted me to relay a message to you."

Levi could practically taste her excitement in the air. "Oh?"

"Yes, he wanted me to ask you if you wanted to join his squad. Only you two. It was all his idea, by the way." Levi grimaced at the commander's words. That fucking liar. This dreadful conversation only proved that he was in cahoots with Hanji. He was certainly going to get the both of them back for this later.

"I would love to!" she replied earnestly, and Levi had to bury his face in his hands in mortification. But that wasn't the end of it. Apparently Erwin had other plans as well.

"He also requested that you meet him in his office tonight. Something about a candlelit dinner, I think. I can't remember, but it's definitely something along those lines." Frustrated beyond belief, Levi would've kicked Erwin if he wasn't trying to conceal himself from his admirer. Why did they find delight in stressing him out like this?

Mikasa let out a pleased noise, clearly overjoyed by the news his friend just spoke of. "Thank you for telling me, commander. Have a wonderful day!" She might as well have sang as she waltzed out of the room.

As soon as the door shut, Levi stood up and commenced to dust off his pants. "Fuck you, Erwin. You and Hanji and all your fucking plans."

"Oh c'mon, Levi," Erwin began, fighting the urge to burst out laughing again. "Just let things happen! You'll be thanking me for this later."

Levi grumbled to himself as he stalked out of the commander's office. "The three of you are going to drive me to my deathbed."

When he retires to his office for the evening to finish up some paperwork, he's surprised to find a small chocolate cake, bottle of red wine, and two glasses already set on his desk. Accompanying the little set up was a note.

You better not throw anything away.
We had to personally fetch everything for you.
Enjoy your night.

Your best friends,

Erwin & Hanji

Scowling, he flicks the piece of paper into the trashcan. He swore he was going to get his revenge against them one day. As soon as the note landed in the wastebasket, Mikasa timidly opened the door, sticking her head inside and silently seeking his approval for her to enter. Levi gestured for her to come in with his fingers, settling into his chair before reaching for the bottle of wine.

"I-I can't drink that," she faltered, fingers toying with the ends of her scarf. Did she have to keep reminding him how young she was?

"No one's going to care, Mikasa. It's just me. Your boyfriends aren't around here to judge you. I'm sure they would be all over this stuff anyway." Opening the bottle, he poured the liquor into a glass and slid it over to her. "They're not my boyfriends," she muttered, glaring at the scarlet liquid before hesitantly bringing it to her lips. Her face contorted with distaste after she swallowed an experimental sip.

"How do you drink this stuff?" Her nose wrinkles as she sets the glass back down on his desk, turning her attention to the cake instead.

Levi's already halfway done with his first glass when he speaks again. "I don't necessarily just drink it for the taste. It helps me relax. And forget. Though I haven't had a drop of alcohol since you hid my stash six years ago."

Her cheeks blossomed into a brilliant red. "I was afraid you were an alcoholic. And I didn't hide them. I threw them all away."

"Such a brat," he groused under his breath, taking a bite of the cake.

He studies the woman across from him as her pink tongue darts out and runs along her bottom lip. His stomach does a strange flip and he's left both uncomfortable and turned on. He simply blames it on the alcohol. Despite expressing her dislike for the liquor, Mikasa suddenly becomes enthusiastic whilst drinking it. Her face is already flushed crimson when she finishes her first glass. She giggles and begs for more and all he thinks is that he should've known that she would be a lightweight.

Mikasa somehow ends up on his lap later on in the night. He doesn't remember how because he's quite drunk as well. Her hands are loosely wrapped around his cravat, nose pressed into the crook of his neck. "You smell so good," she mumbles, languidly untying his cravat and latching her mouth to the first sight of skin she discovers upon removing the white cloth.

Levi runs his palms along the swell of her breasts, an involuntary groan passing his lips when she presses against his growing erection.

"I think it's time for both of us to go to bed," he slurred, holding her against his body as he stands up.

The girl whines the entire time it takes for them to stumble to her room, constantly calling him a tease and smugly telling him that he's missing out on her hot bod. "My boobs are fantastic," she continues giddily, squeezing her chest as she plops down on her bed.

"I'm sure they are." He urged her to lay down, but she tugged him onto the bed instead, instantly climbing on top of him.

"Oops," she giggles, unbuttoning his shirt before he could protest. But he's the one who initiates the kiss this time, all thoughts flying out the window as he fervently meets her lips over and over and over. She tastes like freedom, and for once he's not thinking and just feeling and he craves for it to be like this every day. She doesn't complain when he discards the flimsy scarf, tossing it onto the filthy ground, only whimpering against his mouth as she strives for more contact.

Mikasa's still fumbling with the buttons of his shirt when he tears hers open, ripping through the bindings that concealed her breasts. His lips trail along her jaw and down her neck, nipping at her succulent skin every now and then just to hear her gasp.

He wants to do this so badly. So so badly. And she obviously wants it as well, but he just feels so exhausted. And the last thing he remembers before losing consciousness was reaching up to palm her chest, mumbling something along the lines of, "Your breasts are pretty amazing."

Levi blames it on the alcohol again.

It's the only excuse he has when Mikasa's friend Armin enters her room to wake her up, only to find her sprawled out and half naked on top of his captain.

He swears he'll keep it a secret.

xxxxx

They don't have time to continue where they left off over the next few weeks as they prepare for the next expedition. It's hectic and he works her into exhaustion, but in the end, the voyage gets added to their infinite list of failures. He's lying in the infirmary with a broken arm and rib, which Mikasa actually cries over because she somehow believes it was her fault.

"Quit your sniveling, Ackerman. I'm not dead, which is the point, right?"

Her bloodshot eyes cast down to the floor, sniffling and wiping away another tear. "I know. But I could've done better." Her voice wavers slightly when she reaches out to grasp the hand of his uninjured arm. "I promise I'll protect you better next time."

Levi sighed in defeat, allowing his head to fall back against the pillow. "You're impossible," he stated flatly, eyes shutting with disinterest.

It isn't long before he feels a gentle pressure on his lips, feasting his eyes on her blushing face as she pulls away. "You still love me," she claimed, beginning to tug her scarf over the flush of her cheeks. His hand shoots out to grab her wrist before she could do so, ignoring the pain in his abdomen from the sudden movement.

"Of course I do."

Mikasa worries on her lower lip when he drags her onto the bed beside him, brushing her lips against his again. She lets out a short laugh when he went in for another kiss. Eyeing her warily, he huffs. "What's so funny? I didn't think I was that bad at kissing."

"No! It's not that. I'm just not used to you like this. You're always grumpy and ignoring me. I like seeing you happy."

He scoffed. Happy wasn't in his vocabulary. It was physically impossible for his face to contort into that emotion. Or so he believed. "Whatever. I'm not in the mood for guests anymore, so see your way out, Ackerman."

"Oh please! You want me here."

Mikasa merely laughed again when he attempted to glare at her until she left. That trick never actually worked on her. The damned girl was right, but he would never admit to it.

"Think whatever you want," he eventually muttered, neglecting the fact that he's contradicting himself by encouraging her to meet him halfway with a squeeze of her hip. His hand trails up her torso as he coaxes her to part her lips, surprised when she ardently slicks her tongue over his. Where the hell did she learn to kiss? It was such drastic change from the first kiss they shared that it was troubling to think that she might have practiced with Yeager or Kirschtein.

No. She wouldn't do that to him.

He's about to slip his hand underneath her top when a booming voice interrupts them.

"Well, well, well! If it isn't my two favorite lovebirds." Hanji. Levi curses and slumps back into his pillows, finding yet another reason to get back at her later. "When did this happen?" Mikasa hid behind her scarf, even if they could still see the beet red hue coloring her entire face.

"I-I... I have to go," she stuttered, hurriedly abandoning her two superiors.

"Good job, you scared her off."

Hanji sniffled, wiping the tear that leaked out of her eye before smiling at him. "Looks like I'm going to have to retire as your emotional guardian, Levi."

xxxxx

"It's my birthday tomorrow, Levi."

"So?"

Mikasa playfully slaps his chest. His brow creases as he lowers his book, staring at the girl straddling his lap. She's in a white nightdress (something he still wasn't used to seeing her wear), having gotten rid of her uniform over an hour ago. The fingers of her right hand are playing with the button on his pants while the other still rests against his bare torso. "Turning eighteen is a big deal and I think I deserve an early birthday present," she replies innocently, plucking the book out of his hands and setting it on his nightstand.

Levi crosses his arms as he relaxes against his sheets, narrowing his eyes slightly at her. "You want birthday sex?"

She nods vigorously.

"Mm, I don't think so," he moves an arm behind his head, "It's not even your birthday yet and that wasn't the present I was planning on giving you."

"Levi," she whined, "I'm tired of waiting and keeping our relationship a secret. I want you so bad. I've been trying to seduce you for months and you act like nothing's happening! I love you and you love me and I'm more than willing for you to fuck me already. What are you waiting for?"

He blinks, studying her incredulously. "You love me?"

Mikasa rolls her eyes at him. "Of course, you idiot. I didn't think I had to say it."

Everything's beginning to feel way too real way too fast. He slowly shakes his head. "I don't know..."

She suddenly grabs his wrist and forces his hand underneath her dress, only now realizing she wasn't wearing any underwear as his cool hand touches her wet heat. Mikasa's never been this forward before, feeling his pants tighten as she rubs herself against his hand, trying to get as much friction as she can. He can't turn back now. Not after this little stunt. "Levi, please," she begs, whimpering at the cold contact.

And really, how could he say no to that?

Levi flipped her onto her back, pulling up the hem of her dress to her breasts. Mikasa flushed beneath his intense gaze, biting her lip to hold back a moan as he slowly slid a finger into her, rubbing her nub with his thumb. "Don't act shy on me now, Ackerman. Isn't this what you want?" She was so tight, so warm, so inviting. He wasn't sure how long he could last just teasing her. Even the thought of attempting to last during the actual consummation frightened him.

He was no virgin, that was for sure, but when was the last time he had sex? It definitely had to be almost ten years ago.

What if he wasn't up to par with her expectations of him?

What if he ended up hurting her?

Would she break up with him once she found out how much of a loser he was? They only just started the next stage in their relationship! Three months was practically nothing in his book. Her breathless voice finally woke him from his trance.

"M-More," she mewled, pulling her nightdress over her head. Levi froze at the sight of her, feeling like he swallowed a bag of rocks. Mikasa, so gloriously naked and wanton beneath him, stared up at him with half lidded eyes. He lavished every inch of her with his hot mouth, pushing down his white pants and underwear with his free hand - which Mikasa readily took over - as he continued to plunge his fingers into her. Another spike of pleasure ran through him when she reached in between them to stroke his member.

"You planned this the whole time, didn't you? You fucking brat," he grunted, closing his mouth around her nipple and flicking it with his tongue until it became stiff. She arched against him, gasping softly at the new sensation. "L-Levi," she panted, digging her fingers into his hair when he moved on to tease the other breast.

"Hm?" He slipped his fingers out of her, hand practically dripping from her juices, and she began to complain at the loss of contact until he silenced her with a heated kiss.

Her hands clawed at his back as she returned the kiss with fervor, tongues clumsily colliding each other as she pressed her body closer to his. "Just do it already!" she whined when his lips left hers, only to have his mouth meet the shell of her ear and down her throat, red marks lining her neck as he pulled away. He smirked, knowing full well that they'll still be there come morning.

"You need to work on your patience," he huskily mutters close to her mouth, staring into her stormy eyes as he gradually pushed his length into her. It took every ounce of willpower to not shove the rest of himself into her when he realized that only the tip was in.

Fuck, she's tight. So, so, so tight. And wet. So fucking wet. Yeah, he definitely wasn't going to last.

But he pressed on, watching her reaction as he began to fill her up more and more. Her eyes were shut tight, eyebrows cinched together as she whimpered and gripped his shoulders all too tightly. The last inch was excruciatingly slow as he felt every inch of her, reveling at how she fit so snugly around him. He was about to ask her if she was okay when she reached up to grab both sides of his face, pulling his head down to meet hers in a timid kiss. He chuckled a little against her lips before intensifying their kiss. She would act shy once he's buried deep inside her. Keeping their lips locked, he pulls out halfway before thrusting back into her as slowly as he did the first time.

She moans into his mouth and he knows that that's his cue.

His thrusts instantly become frantic, hard and relentless as they both come closer and closer to their release. She moans and whimpers and gasps out his name. Over and over and over until they're both covered in a thin sheen of sweat. He's rubbing her clit again, and she's not sure what to grasp at anymore - his hair, the sheets, his arms, anything - as her voice rises to another level.

He's actually surprised when Mikasa comes first, eyes bright as her entire body trembles beneath him. Every clench, jerk and spasm of her inner muscles makes him dizzy, not used to feeling this kind of bliss in a long time. The familiar winding tension coils deep in his gut and with one final sharp thrust, he finishes inside her, mind going completely blank as he finally finds release.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" she asks once he removes himself from her, lying face down on his bed beside her. Levi's still trying to catch his breath, mind still racing from their little tryst.

"No, but I'm tired. And we need to bathe," he replied, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Mikasa only rolls her eyes. "After all we just did, that's all you think about."

"You do you realize who you're talking to, right?"

"Unfortunately." But before he can reply, Mikasa covers his mouth with hers and eventually cuddles into his side.

He supposes that a bath can wait for a little while.

xxxxx

Wow, first time writing smut. I'm blushing. Hopefully it wasn't too bad! And I didn't really look over this too much so I apologize for any mistakes.

Review and tell me what you think! :)

Also check out my newest Levi/Mikasa story if you have the time!