Disclaimer: I own none of the characters!

Note: Some shit is about to go down. Not in this chapter but in the next chapter. I'm putting the first warning here (for the next chapter) as a heads-up because it may possibly be triggering (due to some verbal abuse, the kidnapping situation and some sexual harassment).

The sun peeked in through the curtains, light shining along the bedroom floor. It made the room pleasantly warmer. Outside, there was the faint sound of people moving and talking, occasionally a passing horse and carriage. There was movement outside the room, coming from the other inn patrons being awake and walking along the creaking wood floors.

Eren woke up to the midday sounds and smiled, hugging Levi around his bare waist. Levi still had an arm over Eren's shoulders and Eren was curled tight into Levi's side. His head rested in the crook of Levi's neck, right under the prince's jaw. Eren watched Levi's chest rise and fall as he breathed, the light illuminating old scars across his chest as well as the fresh red marks left by Eren's nails.

There was a new, though unmistakable, soreness in Eren's muscles that felt like he had spent the entire night running. His legs and hips were bruised, and his arms ached, but nothing hurt too much. None of the bruises were made out of hate but a fiery passion only Levi was capable of.

He yawned into Levi's neck and stirred more, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. He glanced outside and could see a vendor setting up a stand with apples. He looked back to Levi and kissed his sleeping face before slowly crawling over him.

"Where are you going?" Levi mumbled, catching Eren by the arm and pulling him back down and into a warm embrace. Eren laughed, kissing his chin.

"I'm going to go get us some apples," Eren whispered, "but you're still asleep and you don't know about that. So when you wake up you'll be really surprised."

Levi's eyebrows bunched up and then he smiled, chuckling at Eren's voice. He opened his eyes and kissed Eren before letting him go.

"Be safe."

"I am!" Eren cried, wiggling away. "The vendor is right outside. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Levi sighed, catching a glimpse of Eren's bare body as he left the bed. He stretched out and watched Eren quickly pull on his clothes. Eren glanced around at him and blushed, hiding his face in his shirt. He sat on the side of the bed next to Levi.

"I'm going to run into my room and put on actual clothes," Eren said. He kissed Levi again. "Get some more rest."

He jumped off the bed and shuffled to the door, suddenly realizing how achy and weak his legs actually were as he walked to his room. He threw off his pajamas, leaving them on the floor, and put on his clothes and his cloak. He left his room and hurried down the hallway and down the hotel steps.

He walked right across the paved street, making sure not to get hit by a horse-drawn carriage, and then skipped over to the apple vendors. Everything was fragrant, large green and yellow apples filled the bins. A woman behind the stand smiled big at him, catching his attention.

"Good afternoon, young man!"

"Good afternoon, ma'am," Eren replied.

"Oh, look at you!" the woman gasped. "You're practically glowing! You must be in love!"

Eren's eyes widened and the woman giggled.

"You're certainly blushing like it," she continued. "It's endearing. They must be very lucky."

"I feel like the lucky one," Eren sighed, suddenly feeling a little giddy all over. "Because he's wonderful and perfect and—" He cleared his throat, realizing he was daydreaming. The elderly woman laughed.

"What can I help you with, young man?"

"Umm…well…I was hoping to get some red apples," Eren said, "but you're out?"

"Unfortunately," the woman groaned. "They were late bloomers this year."

"Oh no…"

"I'm so sorry dear."

"Hmm…I can always get some yellow ones, then…"

"Excuse me?"

Both Eren and the woman looked up at the man standing not too far away. He smiled and politely bowed.

"I don't mean to intrude on this conversation, but there's an orchard not too far from here," the man said. "It's within walking distance and it's filled with red apples. Well…apples of all colors. But I know the vendors here don't go to it often? Am I correct?"

The woman nodded nervously. "That's correct. We use our own orchards and travel here…"

"That doesn't sound too bad…," Eren mused. "And you said it's not too far away?"

"About a fifteen minute walk. And the weather is very nice so it won't be too awful."

Eren clasped his hands together, looking at the apples at the stand and then back to the man. He never noticed the woman's worried face…

"I do really want red ones…I guess a little walk isn't going to kill me. But I'll get some green ones too," Eren said, pulling out some money. "Just two please."

The woman took the money and Eren picked out his apples. Two round, bright green ones. He tucked them into a sac the woman handed him.

"Are you sure you just don't want to stick with those two?" the woman asked. "I can throw in two more for you for free…"

"Oh, no, don't do that!" Eren cried, closing his bag and turning back to the waiting man.

"But it's so much trouble to go all the way to an orchard for apples," the woman pushed.

"It's not that bad. It'll only take a few minutes. Thank you though!" Eren waved, walking alongside the man who had even mentioned the orchard.

"I think she was just worried about you travelling outside the city."

"Hm? Why is that?"

"Well…rumor has it that there's a green-hooded thief who lurks on the outskirts," the man sighed. "But he usually attacks either nobles or people travelling alone."

"So as long as we're travelling together, we should be fine, right?" Eren asked.

"Mhm. And it shouldn't be that long. We'll be fine."

Eren smiled, swinging his bag in his hands. "Oh! I'm Eren by the way."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Eren," the man said. "My name is Kitts Verman."

Eren nodded and they kept walking. He was excited to see a full apple orchard. And something in the back of his mind told him to be cautious of the green-hooded.

He never bothered to question the blue-hue to Kitts' beard.

Levi stretched his arms out and opened his eyes, looking around the room. He sat up, staring at his clothes still on the floor. Nothing had been moved since Eren left.

He crawled out of bed and pulled on his clothes, picking up his pajamas and tossing them into a bin. He left his room and walked to Eren's, tapping on the door.

"Eren? Oi, Eren are you in there?"

He didn't bother to wait for a response. He opened the door and looked around.

Empty.

Levi went to Hanji's room next, knocking on her door too. This time there was an answer. The witch opened her door, Moblit draped around her shoulders and her six rats scampering around the room.

"Have you seen Eren?"

"That's a way to greet someone," Hanji said.

"Sorry," Levi sighed. "I can't find him…"

"Maybe he went into town?"

"I know he did, but he should be back by now," Levi said. "He went out to get apples over an hour ago. It shouldn't take that fucking long. The vendors are right outside."

Hanji leaned against the doorframe, tapping a finger to her lip. "That is a little weird…Maybe he went out shopping?"

"He said he would be right back, though. He's probably fucking lost." Levi said. "I'm going to go look for him."

Hanji laughed and left Moblit in the room, grabbing her hat. She followed Levi out of the hotel and onto the street. Levi was certain all he had to do was look for a red cloak—the thing was hard to miss, after all.

Levi walked by the apple vendors, looking at each dealer. He even went into the town center where they had danced and still nothing. He was annoyed, of course, but there was a part of him that felt sick. Like something wasn't quite right. Eren said he would be right back; so why would he wander off and go shopping? Why wouldn't he come right back…

"You look lost, sir…?"

Levi turned and faced an elderly looking woman; one he was sure he saw behind an apple stand.

"I'm not. I'm looking for someone. He has brown hair, big green eyes, was wearing a red cloak…?"

The woman's face paled and Levi felt his stomach drop. He inhaled deep, pressing his hands together and raising them to his lips. Even Hanji lost her smile and wrapped her hands around her waist.

"Miss…ma'am…please tell me where he is," Levi said. "Or where you think he could be."

The woman didn't hesitate. "I saw him about two hours ago. He came down here, looking for apples. I was at my booth and he wanted to buy red ones, but we're out. A man…came up to him and started talking to him."

Levi gripped her by the shoulders. "Where are they now? Where did they go!?"

"Levi, calm down!" Hanji cried, grabbing him by the arm.

Levi felt a surge of hot energy spread throughout his chest. He let the woman go, not because of Hanji, but to grasp his shirt at the sudden pain. He looked back up at the woman.

"Please…tell me…"

"He said...the orchard. They were going to the apple orchard. T-The man who came up to him though…his name is Kitts Verman. He's a nobleman who lives right outside the city but…no one has ever actually seen his home because he keeps a cloaking enchantment over it for privacy. He goes by Bluebeard."

"He has a reputation," Hanji said sternly, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder. "What is it? You're trembling."

"He's known for taking multiple wives; many by force. But whenever he's questioned, no one can prove it. The police have been to his home multiple times, because he invites them in through his spell, but once they're there, they can't find any trace of the women he's taken. He disposes of their bodies within a week…I didn't think…anything would happen because he's a boy and I don't think Verman would take a boy but…still…"

Levi's face went ghostly white. He fell into a crouch, grabbing the back of his neck with shaking fingers. His breathing quickened and he felt that same pain shoot through his chest. Hanji placed a hand to his back, steadying her voice.

"You said they went to the apple orchard, right?" Hanji asked. The woman nodded.

"Yes. It's right outside the city but they may not—"

"It's a start," Hanji said. "Levi, let's go. You have to go look for him. I'm going to fly home and get the others. If this guy has a cloaking enchantment over his property, it's going to be hard to find him."

Levi listened to her, clutching his chest again. He nodded and rose to his feet. "Understood."

"Good. And thank you, ma'am, for your cooperation."

Hanji tipped her hat and started to run off. Levi, however, glanced back over the old woman.

"Thanks."

"You…you're the one, aren't you?"

Levi stopped moving, mid-step and turned to better face her. She smiled sadly.

"He spoke so highly of you. It was brief but…he really loves you."

Levi bunched up his nose and looked away, trying to hide the pale pink color that had rushed to his cheeks.

"Mn."

"He's a good, sweet boy. So you have to find him," the woman said.

"I'll find him," Levi replied firmly. "I will absolutely find him."

Eren groaned, rubbing his head. He groggily opened his eyes, looking around the small room. There were windows, covered by thick curtains, and a small nightstand. There were two doors; one leading to the bathroom (he assumed) and the second leading to…wherever he may be.

He pushed himself up and onto the pile of pillows against his back. He saw a single painting hanging on the wall and something about it gave him shivers. It was a simple painting of a picnic scene, a happy family sitting by the water. All the faces were turned away, looking out over the water, save for the smallest child in the picture. His face was turned so that Eren could clearly see him. Two little black eyes piercing through the painted canvas…

The door to the room clicked open and Eren jumped. He relaxed upon seeing Kitts walk into the room. The man smiled, a tray in his hand with a bowl of soup on it. Eren's stomach rumbled as the warm scent filled the room.

"Glad you're awake," he said, closing the door behind him. He set the tray on the nightstand and then sat down on the foot of the bed. Eren drew his knees to his chest to make more room. "I hope your head doesn't hurt too much."

"Oh…It's fine," Eren laughed. "Umm…what happened? Did that thief come—?"

"Thankfully no," Kitts sighed. "You fell off the ladder and hit your head pretty hard though. I hope you don't mind that I brought you to my home. It's very close to the orchard and it was quicker than dragging you back to the city."

"That's nice of you," Eren said. "You really went out of your way. I'll have to share those apples with you."

Kitts chuckled. "There's no need for that. But I figured you may be hungry, so I brought you something to eat. I hope you don't mind tomato soup."

"That's perfect," Eren cried, picking up the bowl. He dipped the spoon into the soup and quietly sipped. "I won't stay long after this. I don't want to be a burden."

"There's no need. You can stay as long as you want. So you can get better."

Eren wiped his mouth. "Thanks, but I probably shouldn't. I don't want my boyfriend to worry."

Boyfriend. After last night, Eren was sure he could use the title of "boyfriend" and feel confident about it. The term made him smile and even blush a little. He lowered his head, sipping at the soup.

"Especially before it gets too late, you know?" Eren continued. He glanced up and slowed his slurping. Kitts' face had changed. There was no longer the gentle smile of a man who had just opened his home up and gave Eren food. There was something of a dark shadow that made Eren shiver.

"I said I think you should stay," the man reiterated, each word punctuated with a harsh hint of malice. "I think it would be best if you did."

Eren lowered his soup bowl, swallowing with some difficulty.

"Umm…I…I don't want to be a burden…"

"You're not."

Again, that harshness came through. And again Eren shuddered. He nodded.

"A-alright. If you insist," Eren said. "And I guess…a little longer won't…kill me."

"Good." Kitts stood up and glared down at Eren and the bowl of soup. "I'll come back for the tray in a little while. Please, rest up."

"I will. Don't worry."

Eren smiled—one forced—and returned the spoon to the bowl. Suddenly his appetite vanished at the dark cloud looming over the room. Kitts walked to the door, opened and closed it with a little too much force. Eren listened to his disappearing footsteps, setting the distasteful soup on the tray.

He slipped off the bed, grabbing his cloak from the chair, and walked to the window. He threw back the curtains and—

"Bricks…?" Eren breathed, staring at the rows of stone that filled the window. He pressed his hands to the cold bricks, giving them a light push. He jerked the curtains together and ran across the room to the other window.

Again, more bricks.

Eren backed up and sat down on the bed, his heart racing. There was no way he was really trapped in a room…

He ran into the bathroom and looked around. There was only a latrine and a tub. No mirrors or cabinets or windows. He backed out and ran to the heavy wooden door, giving the metal handle a firm tug.

Locked, as he expected. So he pushed against it. The door clanked, bruising his shoulder.

"It's a metal door," Eren breathed. "It's a fucking metal door painted like a wood door…I can't break it down…"

He looked up at the ceiling, one too high to try and climb onto. No way for him to even try and escape through the roof somehow. He sat on the floor, pulling his cloak around his shoulders, thinking and thinking and thinking.

"I can't be trapped. I really can't be trapped in here. I have to get out. I cannot be trapped in this fucking room!"

It really wasn't real. This couldn't be real. How could he be locked in a room? How could he be someone else's prisoner? No, not even Levi locked him in his room. Levi was decent enough to let Eren roam the castle, with some limits. This man had caged him with no way out. There was no escape.

He had been stupid enough to trust some stranger. And now he was in true trouble. He had no way of telling anyone either. And even if he could contact someone, he didn't even know where he was.

Eren slammed his hands on the floor, screaming in frustration. His eyes swelled with tears out of fear.

He was really terrified. Genuinely terrified. He curled into a ball, wrapping his cloak around him. He shook all over, unable to keep himself from crying. But he was just so scared.

There was no escape.