Too Little, Too Late

by Death Can't Be Trusted

What if Kenny had instead taken Levi under his wing in his profession of assassin? This is what happens when an assassination gone wrong changes a cold young man's life around while he struggles to fit in with the Survey Corp. He then falls for Commander Erwin. Now that he has something precious in his grasp, can he keep a strong hold of it?

7. The Result of Imprinting

Death: Someone promised me to make this chapter better. Since chapter Five was traumatizing and then the last one was heart wrenching.

Also, I found a way to remain online for a short. Hopefully, this should be enough cheating to continue to update. Since I have finished this chapter so fast, and already started chapter eight.

Warning: Mentions of sexual abuse, rape, use of toys against one's will, underage sexual abuse, underage rape, all of that lovely stuff that can be triggers. If you can't handle it, please speed through until you see no mention of such dark shit.

Chapter Seven The Result of Imprinting

=3=

That night, during a silent and depressing dinner, Levi didn't join the few that ate. Instead, after much time in his room sulking and crying out his guilt, he wobbled his way towards the office. He knocked on the door and didn't bother an answer, as was his usual routine.

By now Erwin was used to this from him. And as far as everyone was concerned, Levi was the only one to get away with this. Since the commander didn't complain or reprimand him for that rudeness, the former assassin continued the action. Now, usually Erwin was working on papers.

This time around he was staring down at the list of the dead.

Erwin only noticed the other presence when the sound of limping and scraping of boots were close to him. He looked up, his eyes weary and red. There was a hint of surprise on his face to see him there.

"You haven't fixed your leg. I saw you limping earlier, before our return."

"It happened when I stopped that bitch from killing Mikasa. And even though I know how to reset bones, I was told never to do your own legs. Arms or anything else but spine or legs need to be done by someone else or the chances of putting them back wrong would cause more harm."

"Ah, so you came to me for help."

"That, and I know you need an ear. But let me start by apologizing for the shit I said last night. It was tasteless of me, and it was shitty timing."

There was a tense moment of silence. Erwin took a deep breath and sighed. He motioned for Levi to move the chair closer. He did so without hesitation and sat down in it. He was still in full uniform, minus the cloak, he had used it earlier to cover Eren earlier. He wasn't fond of the slime stains. Levi offered up his broken leg.

"I forgive you. I have to remember that it's just you. You have no problem telling a situation as it is. And I have to remind myself not to be upset about it, because it's a part of who you are. And I have to be honest, it's quite refreshing sometimes." Erwin spoke softly as he carefully removed the boot.

How can he forgive me so easily?

"You don't hate me?" Levi blinked in surprise.

"How can I hate you, Levi?" Erwin looked up with a fond expression.

Why does my chest hurt when looks at me like this?

"I will make this as quick as possible." Erwin warned as his hands were placed where they needed to be. "One, two…three!"

Crick. Crack!

Levi screamed as he gripped the chair with all his strength. He sat there shaking as the pain ebbed away into slow throbbing. He opened his eyes to Erwin gently rubbing the tender muscles around the break.

"Should I be worried I can't feel shit in that leg now?"

"That's your nerves going into shock. If it doesn't clear in a few hours, then you might have nerve damage from prolonging setting it back in place."

"No, I can feel the throbbing. But now I can't even feel pain or the touch of my pants."

"Is it only from the knee down?" Erwin seemed concerned now.

"I don't know." Levi felt his throat tightened, he was frightened at what was happening.

"I am going to apply gentle pressure on different points. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Let me know when you feel the pressure."

With a gulp Levi closed his eyes, focusing on shaky breaths. His brows knitted as a few minutes went by. Before his mind started to panic, he felt a light pressure on his knee.

"I feel a light pressure."

There was a pause. Then the large hand raised to a few inches above the knee. The pressure, although gentle, was deeper than before. It also happened to be a spot that did things to him. Levi chocked back a moan, which only came out as a whimper of pleasure. Almost immediately the hand retracted. Levi opened his eyes with a gasp, about to plead that it didn't stop, but as soon as their eyes met words failed him.

Why is this happening?

"Levi, the light pressure you felt on your knee is the same amount as your thigh, as well as the ankle up your calf. It looks like you waited too long to have me fix this. The majority of your nerves are dead from the knee down. Only time will tell if it's permanent or not."

There was worry in those eyes. And maybe a hint of something else. Levi couldn't identify the emotion, for as quickly as it flickered, it was gone. Erwin stared at him with all seriousness.

"What are your sexual preferences?"

"…Where is this shit coming from?" Levi did not expect that question, for it was so out of blue he didn't know how to respond.

"Do you prefer males or females? I'm only asking because of the sound you made. And for the most part I have noticed you ignored any chances you could have had with Petra. And yet you don't care about Eren's crush on you."

"That little shit has a crush on me?" Levi was in utter disbelief at the news.

"You're avoiding the question here."

"No, I'm not. It's just that I hadn't noticed." Levi shrugged. "And I have no preference, however I feel more attracted to males. I haven't had much time to explore. Why are you asking me these questions?"

This is all so sudden...why is he asking me of this subject in the first place?

"Yesterday, when you offered to be the one person I could fall back on almost sounded like a confession."

"I don't understand the shit that's spewing out of your mouth, Eyebrows."

Erwin sighed, hand to his face. "Okay, have you had any sexual experiences?"

"Not counting training, only a few."

"With what gender?"

"Male. What's the point of this, shit?"

"What about during training? And please inform me what that means."

"…In order to be an assassin, we have to endure torture. In our training that includes mentally, emotionally, physically and finally, sexually."

Why am I telling him this? Is it because he's the commander or…because I trust him that much?

"Explain."

"Before you jump into conclusions, but even Kenny had his own shitty sense of honor. My uncle never crossed that boundary. He only used toys or something that was safe for me. He started this when I was fourteen. This sort of thing usually started at thirteen, but he waited a year because I had no growth spurt since I was ten."

"So what does this have to do with your sexual partners?"

"Everything. Let me explain. I hated it at first. The pain was unbearable, and Kenny didn't exactly tell me how sex worked, or what was considered the norm, or even where babies came from. He just put me through that shit. Plain and simple. Eventually I started to enjoy it. When I came over his clothes with pleasure, he stopped that part of training altogether."

"So you're saying as long as they dominate you, then that's what you enjoy?"

"No, it's the fact someone has to have full control of me. But I'm not going down without a fight. I don't make it easy. Farlan was the first to ever pull that off. However, there was one other key factor."

"What is that?"

"There was one incident where I was kidnapped by a fellow assassin. He found out I got off from torture, and he wanted to control me. I guess he wanted to use me or some shit to control Kenny. Anyway, I turn him down. Eventually he kidnaps me. Even with the torture it…"

Levi bit his lip. His body shook as repressed memories were brought into light. Edwin patiently waited as the former assassin gathered himself. Levi took a deep breath and continued.

"It hurt. It hurt so much. And somehow Kenny found out what was going on and located us. He took one look at me and shot the bastard in the head without a second thought. He then told me never to trust anyone, not even our own, not even him. And so I learned that it took trust in order to allow someone full control in bed with me."

Why am I telling him this so easily? And why am I terrified he would discard me after learning this part of me I tried so hard to keep hidden? I never tell my secrets so easily. So why…?

"So you grew up without trusting anyone. So why did you trust me that first night?"

"…I don't know. You showed me something I never saw anyone do for me. No one considered what I thought, how I felt. And you, you offered me trust. I took it because…because I…"

I wanted to know what it felt like.

"It felt like a weight had been lifted for the first time in years. And the day you allowed me to use my gear…I never felt so free…I realized that you were trusting me to not run away, as you showed me what freedom felt like. And for some reason, I didn't care about your pretty words and ridiculous ideals."

I realized that you caught me a second time. And I was fine with that.

"And you were considerate of my feelings when I woke up. You were quick to calm me down, relying on that same foolish trust that I wouldn't kill you. You forged papers for me, you believed in me to be a good captain. How can you trust a monster like me? I have countless lives I am responsible for. And yet you so easily throw your trust at me. Why!?"

Levi stared hard into Erwin's eyes, blinking back tears. These were questions he wanted to ask since they first met. There wasn't a time or place to inquire until now. And for some reason, he was terrified. He was afraid to lose this man's trust. The only reason why he was here at all.

"I trust you because I saw someone ready to break. I could tell you were ready for death, and tried to take me down with you. I don't understand why you hesitated when you did, but that was the sole reason why I took a chance and showed you my trust. And to my surprise, you responded well. From there everything has been a roll downhill. The more I showed how much faith I had in you, you responded in kind."

That's it? That's his reasoning?

"So because I hesitated you trusted me? But why trust a monster in the first place?"

"You once told me you were taken in by your uncle. And then he raised you into his profession. By the sound of it, you weren't given a choice. I don't see you as a monster. Levi, I see you as someone who is lost and confused on where home is."

"And you trust me so much that I won't kill you here and now?"

"I believe you won't make an attempt to do so. You don't have it in you."

He's right. I don't have it in me. I lost the urge to slice his throat the day Kenny showed up.

"…Why are you doing this to me? It feels like…it feels like some shitty attempt of mental and emotional torture. And the shitty part? It's fucking working! I can endure anything else. But what you're doing…Erwin, it's not fair."

For the first time Levi broke eye contact. He stared at the floor, instead of at the blues that held the sky. He always made a point to keep eye contact with Erwin, but he couldn't take it anymore. His carefully sculptured mask was cracking. At this point he couldn't understand where they stood. His chest was tearing up inside for the second time that day, it was becoming unbearable.

"Forgive me. I shouldn't have inquired about those things." Erwin embraced the shaking form, noting how Levi fit perfectly in his arms.

For a moment Levi stood there, shocked by the action. However, he sensed that Erwin wasn't toying with him, and the embrace felt warm. Cautiously Levi raised his arms up to return it. His hands balled into fists as they held onto the commander's shirt. Compared to all the times Farlan embraced him, this wasn't awkward or forced because they were lovers. Erwin embraced him out of compassion, as words couldn't reassure him that their trust was not shattered.

I feel safe with him. His kindness scares me, but not to the extent of anxiety. Once again he caught me in his web.

It was the first time Levi felt so relaxed he unintentionally fell asleep like this. Body and mind had already been exhausted before the intense conversation had occurred. After a few minutes Erwin realized the corporal was asleep.

I don't know if this is going to result in a breach of his trust, but I'm too exhausted to carry him to his room.

Decision made, the commander carefully adjusted the sleeping form to be carried bridal style with his head resting against his shoulder. And without waking him up Erwin blew out the candle and made his way to the adjoined bedroom to his office. The bed wasn't enough to accommodate for two, so Erwin laid down with Levi placed partially on top of him.

I have a suspicion I may have imprinted on him that night. His unwavering trust with me earlier was a test. Although it wasn't my intention, it happened. I hope this doesn't end with tragedy for either of us.

Not sure if this would be his only chance, Erwin snuck an arm around the tiny waist and held the sleeping form close. Within minutes the commander was asleep from his own exhaustion and stress.

=3=

Levi woke up to someone knocking in the distance. He blinked, not wanting to move from the warm bed. It took him a moment to realize there was another body in the bed. Upon fully opening his eyes, he realized he wasn't in his own bedroom. He looked over to see a still sleeping Erwin.

Heart racing, Levi cautiously tried to get off the bed. He was unsuccessful however when the arm around his waist tightened its hold on him. At this point he was now on top of the broad chest, his face buried in between shoulder and neck. Erwin's scent flooded his nose and it started things. This that shouldn't be normal between them.

What is wrong with me? This is Erwin!

Then there was a part of him that wanted this. Why not Erwin? His trust went deeper than he thought possible. Last night proved that. He heard someone walk in the office.

Shit! My boot is still in there!

Levi started squirming as panic swept over him. The arm that held him was like an iron bar. He started breathing heavily into that neck as he heard footsteps coming closer to the door that lead into the office.

"Erwin…!" Levi whispered as softly as he could, his voice muffled by the man's collar.

"Commander?" Hange knocked once again on the door.

In a blind panic Levi reached the collar with one hand, unbuttoning it and pulled it down far enough for him to lean in for a bite. No amount of squirming or pleading would wake the commander up. In an instant the hold of his middle was tightened and he was flipped over on his back with a soft gasp. He opened his eyes to Erwin staring down at him, their faces close. Levi was too lost in those eyes to blush from the close proximity.

"Commander Erwin? Are you okay?" Hange opened the door.

Everyone held their breath, staring without blinking at each other. Levi wasn't looking at Hange, he didn't even care at this point, he was too focused on Erwin. A faint blush crept on the scientist's face as they were the first to recover. The blush intensified when Erwin stared hard at the squad leader.

No, pay attention only to me...

Levi didn't understand why his mind wanted the commander to focus solely on him for the moment.

"I'll just wait in the office. Oh and commander, you might want to button your collar to hide that bite mark on your neck." Hange giggled and closed the door.

When the door closed, Erwin raised his free hand to feel over his neck. Feeling the mark, he glared down at the former assassin. Sudden worry filled Levi's head, as his eyebrows knitted that this was the end of their trust. Seeing the worry, Erwin wordlessly pulled the ascot, undoing it and then proceeded to unbutton the collar.

"What are you doing…?" Levi didn't like exposing his neck, not just because of the scars of other assassins attempted to kill him. The neck was a vulnerable spot even for humans, and he did not like making himself vulnerable. And yet he didn't raise a hand against the commander on top of him.

"Payback." Was all Erwin said before he went in for a sharp bite on the small neck.

Levi gasped as his neck arched from the pain. For whatever reason he turned his head to expose his neck even more, eyes closed as pain and pleasure flooded his body. His hands gripped at the commander's upper arms.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Erwin. I was only trying to wake you up. I couldn't move…ah! Erwin!" Levi squirmed when the commander clamped harder on the presented neck.

At that whimper Erwin withdrew and stood up from the bed, as it did things to him. He didn't want to push anything further without talking it over with Levi later. And perhaps he was afraid this was going too fast. He leaned in and their foreheads touched.

"I need to speak to you later. After your chores are done. I think I may have unintentionally imprinted on you the night we first met. I want to explain to you further about my theory. But right now we both have work to do."

Imprinted…? Like how animals learn social behaviors from their parents?

"Humans can imprint…?"

"I'll explain later. You should fix your collar. There's a mirror next to the dresser if you need it to fix your ascot." Erwin informed as he fixed his own collar.

"I still have a boot in your office." Levi reminded him, lifting up his leg that didn't have a matching boot.

"I'll bring it in for you. I'm pretty sure everyone has noticed you've slept in."

"I can walk in there and get it myself. I have to threaten Hange anyway." Levi got up and followed the commander, his hands making quick work of the collar and ascot.

"Hello cuties! Sorry I interrupted your moment of…" Hange's greeting was cut off when Levi grabbed them by the collar.

"If you say one word about what you saw, I swear to you in the name of science you will wish you were dead when I'm through torturing you, Shitty Glasses." The corporal growled under his breath, his eyes cold.

"I swear in the name of science I won't say a word! I'm not the type to gossip about that sort of thing anyway! I am not that evil, I can only be evil if it's in the name of science! But I won't tell anyone~" Hange noticed something peeking out of the rushed work of the collar. They decided not to comment on it just to see Levi squirm.

My bet was on Erwin when Jean made bets with everyone who gets laid with Levi. Looks like I win. Hange had a theory about something, something they noticed early on when Levi first became part of them.

Convinced Hange wouldn't say a word, Levi let go of their collar. He made his way to the chair and grabbed his boot to put it on.

"Oh, Erwin. I need a new cape."

"What happened to your first one? I'll still order it, but I need to know why."

"It's covered in Titan spit. I tried to wash it out last night but the texture feels weird and shit. So I just gave it back to Eren since it was partially his fault it was covered in slime."

Well, he more or less threw it at the boy's face while he was trying to eat dinner, but he was only messing with his food. Levi then hobbled his way back up the stairs to the commander's office. That was the only time he got out of his bedroom after crying his eyes out and tried to take his stress out on cleaning the cloak. Frustrated it wasn't getting out he decided to keep his word and visit Erwin.

"I'll put in the order. Oh, and please take it easy on that leg. If you over work it, I'll be forced to put you off from the next mission. Your skills are needed in the war against titans." Erwin cautioned, as he thought over Mikasa's verbal report yesterday. She felt so bad for his leg she couldn't simply wait to write down her report for Erwin.

I wish he had been part of us for the past five years. If he is that much skill and speed, we would have been much further than we are now. But with the combination of him and Eren, plus the talent of the fresh recruits, this will be a lot easier. If only we didn't have the Female Titan as an obstacle…

There was a nervous knock on the door, interrupting the commander's thoughts.

"Come in."

The door opened to a nervous Armin and an expressionless Mikasa. Levi stood up, about to leave with Hange.

"Wait, you guys can stay. This might concern you guys, and we need your opinions on what Armin has to say. He might have a hunch on who the Female Titan is. Go on Armin, tell them what you told me."

"Well…I can't be a hundred percent sure, but I think it's someone from our class. Her name is Annie Leonhart, she's a member of the Military Police in the inner city."

=3=

After listening to all of Armin's theories, all of them thought one thing. It made sense. And they thought that maybe Eren knew too, as he knew her style of fighting. Maybe that was why he was taken down so easily in his Titan form, and when pressed about it he denied what he saw.

So, with so little evidence Erwin began planning how to take her down with Armin's help. Levi for the most part stayed out of it, for it was unknown if he would be any help at all with his leg. Despite the warning he continued cleaning with breaks every few hours.

When he was sweeping the kitchen while a few others worked on the dishes and planning what to make for lunch, his leg acted up. Although he couldn't feel pain, he couldn't move it. He gripped the broom tightly, almost breaking it under pressure. When he hissed in frustration, the two closest to him looked at him in worry.

"You should take it easy with that leg. The commander warned all of us to keep an eye on you." Reiner warned him, his voice filled with worry.

I don't trust you.

"I'm fine. I know my limits. After this chore is done, I'm going to make some tea and sit down."

Eren blinked, noticing something peeking out of the collar and not so neat ascot. He had just walked in and the first thing he saw was the sight of Levi, and then his eyes drew to the ascot for it wasn't as neat as it usually was, as if it was rushed. Then he saw a dark mark peeking out from underneath the collar.

"Um, captain? There's a bruise on your neck. Where did that come from?" Eren innocently asked, eyes glued to the dark, fresh bruise.

In an instant everyone in the kitchen stared at the short man with surprise and interest. Levi quickly covered his neck, silently cursing the brat and Hange. He saw their expression of high interest on his neck earlier.

"Ooooooh, short stuff has a hickey! Short stuff has a hickey!" Jean grinned. "So, who's the lucky person?"

"No one! It's none of your business anyway!" Levi had lowered his face, his bangs overshadowed his eyes.

"Enough of that, Jean. It won't do you any good to pester him." Reiner warned, knowing full well what a cornered animal looked like. In his eye he saw the former assassin cornered, and it was not a good sign.

"C'mon! We all made bets on who gets him! Now, who is it, Levi? Tell us!" Jean ignored the warning from the taller recruit and slung an arm over the tiny shoulders.

They did what…?

Levi was suddenly livid. His shoulders shook with rage. Jean mistook it for something else.

"No need to cry about it, jeez.

"Um, I don't think he's crying…" Eren leaned over for a better look at the overshadowed face.

Suddenly Levi dropped the broom and grabbed hold of the arm around his shoulders. He then yanked on the arm he had a death grip on and flung Jean over his head and onto the ground, almost hitting Eren but the brat had quickly jumped back. The thud echoed through the first floor of the castle. A few stopped what they were doing and peeked into the kitchen.

"What did Jean do this time?" Sasha blinked, the first one to speak up.

"He let slip about the bets. And Levi just flipped him over his head and onto the floor." Reiner explained, going back to the dishes.

"I think he fainted…" Eren blinked, poking his rivals cheek.

"How many of you filthy shits made bets!?" Levi glared at everyone in sight. The people in the kitchen quickly went back to work on their chores. The few that peeked in scrambled back to their own cleaning. Even Eren bolted out of the kitchen, carrying the still dirty dishes in his arms.

"All of you shits made bets?"

When no one responded Levi let go of the arm he had been holding, kicked Jean in the ribs and stomped his way out of the kitchen. He threw off his apron, gloves, and mask as he went. Everyone he came close to immediately stepped out of his way, some nearly ran for it. Levi slammed the door behind him as he went outside.

His mind was fuming, and he didn't bother with a saddle or bridle as he made his way to Stella's stall. He just put the halter hung beside her door, put it on, and then lead her outside. Halfway out a few people were running after him to apologize. Not wanting to hear excuses he leaped on the mares back, heels dug into her sides and she galloped off with a snort. He didn't even have time to use tie the lead rope to the opposite side to be a makeshift bridle.

Despite no bridle, his mount responded well with just a firm squeeze with one leg to the direction of the exercise route for horse and rider that lead through forest, some hills, and then a small mountain path that circled back to the castle. After clearing the patch of forest he gently pulled her mane to slow her down to a trot. Hills were not good going full speed.

When they reached the mountain path he pulled the mare into a brisk walk. By now she was sweating, breathing loud and heavy from the exercise after yesterday's work. She was still tired from the expedition the day before. Levi rubbed her sticky neck, her coat shining under the sun.

"Forgive me for the sudden run, girl. I needed to get away from the idiots before I killed them over something stupid. I promise we will take a break when we reach the stream." Her ear turned back to listen to his words. She snorted, eager to reach to stream he had mentioned.

Within almost a mile they came upon the stream. It wasn't as wide as it should have been, but it was summer and the heat reached the mountains before the valley below. It was still wide enough for them to enjoy the cool fresh water. He slipped off the slippery back, the coat still covered in sweat.

Levi undid the ascot, and first dipped it in the cold water as the mare drank greedily. With the ascot soaking wet he began to rub it along her neck and shoulder. Stella leaned against his touch, grateful for the cold cloth cooling her down. When the cloth warmed up he dipped it back in the stream, swirling it around before going back to rubbing the mare down.

He was doing this to prevent her from rolling in the stream. He wouldn't mind if the bottom was soft mud, but here at this point of the stream was all rocks. And a good few of them were sharp and edgy. It would be bad if she got a cut somewhere and get infected before they made it back to the stables. Slowly and surely Levi rubbed her entire body down, rubbing her sore legs and her head last.

"You're lucky I'm doing this. I never dirty my ascot like this, but you're too important to me." Levi then removed his boots, socks, vest and shirt. He neatly folded them on a large, flat boulder.

The stream wasn't very deep so he sat in it, being mindful of the sharp rocks. He used the same ascot to cool down his own overheating body. When goosebumps covered his arms and torso, he finished by dunking his head under for a few seconds. He came back up and shook his head. As he checked to make sure Stella hadn't gone far, she was licking the salt off a rock when he caught sight of another horse making its way up to them.

That's a pale grey. The only person who rides a pale grey is…Erwin…

At the realization Levi scrambled out of the stream and began to put the rest of his clothes on. He started with the white shirt and vest before moving on with his socks and boots. He had just finished putting the second boot on when Erwin came up on him. His expression was stern and his eyes piercing.

"You had me worried when I saw you rode off. I had to put an end to the plans with Armin and Hange when you didn't come back after an hour. I followed the hoof prints, and you're here enjoying the stream. I was afraid you had left us after learning why you ran off like that." Erwin's voice was deep, hidden with worry, frustration, and concern.

"To be honest, I thought about it." Levi watched as the commander got off his mount.

"What made you change your mind?" Erwin lead his horse closer to Stella, and the pair shared the large rock to lick off the salt and minerals.

Levi watched the horses carefully, noting his mare's playful nip. Erwin's horse playfully nipped back, before lowering his head to the rock once more. Then it hit Levi that horses usually didn't share rock salts together. And the pair looked like they were flirting.

"I stayed because of you. As I thought over everything, I find myself not wanting to leave your side." Levi spoke with such softness, all of Erwin's anger slipped away.

"I thought that, if I couldn't come back, it would hurt me more. The thought of breaking the trust we've built, it wouldn't be fair. I couldn't find it within myself not to break that trust." Levi's well guarded stormy eyes stared right into Erwin's eyes, almost seeing through the commander.

"Explain to me about your theory about imprinting me. I understand the concept with animals, but not with humans. I honestly didn't think it even happened with humans."

"First let me ask a series of questions. And I want you to answer me honestly."

"I never lie to you. Go ahead, ask away."

"Do you trust me, even if I don't give you all the information in my plans in every expedition?"

"Yes. I figured out you were drawing out another Titan like Eren, and set up a trap for them."

"Would you trust me, even if I had to sacrifice so many lives for the fight for humanity?"

"I loathe the amount of pointless casualties, but I will still trust you. I have faith of the bigger picture of your dream."

"Will you still have faith in me if I ever gave you the order to die for me, if it was needed in this war?"

"Yes. I would die for you should you order it of me. But mind you, I'm taking down all my enemies with me. Being a former assassin, no because of my pride I will not die in a pathetic and useless way. I have to die fighting."

He said that without hesitation. Without even thinking over the answer, he answered unwaveringly.

"I need to ask you a favor. In the field, promise me something. If there is ever a situation where you were to die, promise me that you will do everything in your power to ensure you lived."

"That's a hard promise to make, Erwin."

"Then I order it. That is an order, do you understand me? The thought of you throwing your life away, whether or not you took titans down with you, it still comes down to the fact it's because of my orders you died. I can't stand that thought, I can't take that kind of pain. That because of me, you died. Now promise me." Erwin narrowed his eyes, as he stared hard at the shorter man.

"…I promise, sir." Levi swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Last question. If you were to choose, from the whole Survey Corp, to satisfy your sexual cravings, who would you choose?"

At that, Levi blinked. He stood up with slight bit of difficulty, as his leg was still sore, he slowly walked up to Erwin. He reached up and pulled the man down for their lips to touch. After a moment Erwin wrapped his arms around Levi in a tight embrace. They remained like this, both too afraid to deepen it should it get too far and too fast for their comfort. Slowly Erwin pulled back.

"I was right. I imprinted on you. Your unwavering trust and faith in me is unconditional. I was the first person to gain your trust, showing you kindness, something you lacked your entire life. And you latched onto that act of kindness, depended on that trust for your life even as you hated me at first. You saw what I could give you for staying, and that enticed you even more. And since then, your trust in me grew. You can't even stand the thought of breaking my trust."

It's true. It's all true. Although I can't understand why this is happening so fast, but I have a growing need for him. This man is my home now. For the first time in my life, I have someone I can rely on without doubt.

He gasped when a large hand gripped his hair and pulled his head back, then a now familiar pair of lips met his, a tongue shoving into his open mouth. With shaking hands Levi tightened his grip on the broad shoulders. As his chest began to tighten in the need for air his knees buckled from under him. Erwin pulled back with a sly smile as he caught the shorter figure, watching with satisfaction as Levi breathed heavily.

"Let's head back to headquarters. I would like your help on the plans to capture Annie. Would you mind if we rode back together on my horse? I'm afraid of the strain on your leg you put on it today."

Levi nodded, still catching his breath. Sneaking another brief kiss, Erwin pulled Levi to his feet. Together they got up on the pale grey horse, Levi holding his mare's lead rope and together they rode back the path they came from. It was too late in the afternoon to complete the full circle around.

As they rode together, Erwin keeping one arm wrapped around the tiny waist, Levi tentatively put his left hand over the much larger one. And with his other hand, while still holding the lead rope, he took the other side of the rein. Together they worked on directing the grey stallion back to headquarters.

I hope we stay like this forever. I can't stand the thought of Erwin dying on me after making me promise that.

The shitty part is I can't go back on that promise, should a situation arise.

=3=

Death: There, for once a not so torturing and tear jerking chapter. If any of you don't wish for details of their first time together, please say so in the reviews and I'll just skip that part entirely. I plan on them taking this slow, even if they just got together.

Remember Erwin is more focused on capturing Annie, right now. He's the kind of man to wait until there's success after his hard work is paid off and then reaping the prize afterwards.

Please leave a review and help me decide whether to give you all a good show or let your imaginations have all the fun~