Chapter 2: An Unexpected Visitor

Levi

It had been a long, exhausting day. And Levi knew exactly how Erwin Smith could make him feel better.

Despite being the leader of the Survey Corps, Erwin was surprisingly good at taking orders from his lover. His new lofty position hardly affected the dynamics of their relationship at all. He was still extremely attentive to Levi's needs, and took enormous satisfaction in meeting them.

It had taken well over a year into their relationship before Levi had confessed to some of his deeper, more complicated desires. Sometimes he enjoyed his partner being a bit rough, tying him up, or 'punishing' him in other ways.

Technically, Erwin was in control in the scenarios, acting as the dominant partner. But Levi was actually the one calling the shots – the Commander was only playing the role Levi had asked of him. He was always quick to stop or make adjustments according to Levi's requests.

So when he entered Erwin's office late that evening, he wasted no time in making his demands.

"I want you to pretend I'm a disobedient soldier that needs to be punished."

Erwin put down his pen – apparently deciding that the tedious report could wait until tomorrow.

"You know, as Commander, I don't really deal with punishments myself." Erwin's lips quirked in amusement.

Levi rolled his eyes, and rephrased his orders. "Fine. Pretend I'm a disobedient soldier that you personally want to punish. And one you also want to fuck."

"I can imagine that…" Erwin's grin turned into a predatory smirk. In a deadly serious voice that sent a shiver through Levi, he slipped effortlessly into his role. "Mr Ackerman, I'm afraid I'll have to take your discipline into my own hands tonight."

With a sigh, Erwin stood and approached Levi. With apparent ease, he lifted the man by the hips and flung him over his shoulder. He carried the struggling Captain into the cosy sitting room behind his office.

It wasn't long before Levi was bent over the table; getting his ass spanked by the Commander and moaning like an Underground whore.

From the start of their relationship, Levi had always admired how much pride his partner took in his work. He'd been delighted to discover that this dedication extended into his bedroom activities too. Erwin was almost too good at giving him what he wanted. The man had learned remarkably fast how best to reduce Humanity's Strongest Soldier to a writhing, whining mess.

Erwin instinctively knew when to switch things up too. He flipped Levi around, pressing his back against the table; while he knelt down and proceeded to 'reward' him for learning his lesson. Levi stifled a laugh at the progression of the scenario – Erwin played his role with such earnestness that at times it almost felt real. Levi personally didn't think the disobedient solider he was playing deserved such generous treatment, but he wasn't going to complain.

Levi closed his eyes, lost in the overwhelming sensations of his partner's mouth on his sensitive skin.

It was then they heard a floorboard creak in the other room.

The Captain's eyes flew open. In a fraction of a second, Erwin was on his feet, taking a step back to allow Levi to hastily pull up his trousers (goddammit why were they so tight?). At the same time, the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed from the office.

Erwin charged into the other room, just as the office door slammed shut. A few steps behind him, Levi saw him stride over and jerk it open, sticking his head out into the corridor.

"You see who it was?" Levi asked breathlessly.

"No." Erwin ran a hand through his thick blond hair, making it stand on end. "Fuck. You forgot to lock the door?"

The Commander rarely swore. He must be as shaken as Levi was. "Yeah… I usually do it as soon as I come in. What are the chances the one time I forget-" He trailed off, as he sensed the rising tide of Erwin's anger. "I'm sorry," he muttered.

Erwin groaned, walked over to his desk and slumped down into his seat. He put his face in his hands. "No, it's not all your fault. I should have double-checked." His voice came out muffled through his hands.

Levi's heart was hammering. His mind raced with the implications of the situation. Relationships between soldiers, even officers, were not forbidden, but they weren't encouraged either. Erwin was unlikely to lose his position over this. But the scandal if word got out that he was fucking Humanity's Strongest Soldier… Now that was a piece of gossip that would spread from here to Wall Maria like wildfire.

He couldn't stand the thought of his private life being scrutinised by everyone. He knew Erwin was the same.

How long had the stranger been there, anyway? How much did they hear, or see?

Bad enough for everyone to know Erwin and I are in a relationship. But to know the scandalous details of our sexual activities… fuck, how could we ever look anyone in the eye again?

Levi slammed his back against the wall, the sharp pain a welcome distraction.

Erwin sighed loudly, and pulled his head out of his hands. His attention focussed on something on his desk. A piece of paper, by the looks of it.

He frowned, picking it up and carrying it into the sitting room.

"You're doing paperwork now?" Levi asked, following him.

Erwin examined the page in the dim candlelight for a few moments, his brow furrowed. At last, he spoke.

"Levi… I know who was here."

"Who?" the Captain demanded.

"This is Armin Arlert's application form, for the library assistant position. And it wasn't on my desk earlier," he added grimly.

Levi tried to sort out the muddle of questions racing through his head. "You mean - he was just dropping off this form? Why would he come into your office without permission?"

A sharp twinge shot through him. Just how familiar is Erwin with this kid?!

Erwin's face flushed. "I told him he could drop it back to me. Today's the last day of the deadline for applicants, so he was probably anxious to make sure I got it in time."

"Did you ask for all applicants to hand their forms back to you, or just sweet little Arlert?"

Erwin had the grace to look ashamed. "I was just trying to encourage him to apply for it. I know he struggles with some of the physical rigours of being a soldier. He'd be much more suited to a role like this."

Levi scoffed. "Probably. He did jump at the chance to help you out with your office files a few months ago, as I recall." He trusted Erwin's fidelity completely - it went against the man's ingrained principals to be unfaithful. Still, he couldn't stop his next words from spilling out. "I didn't realise you still talked to him. Just how friendly are the two of you?"

"Don't worry, Levi. Nothing's happened, or will happen," Erwin assured him steadily. "But I admire the man - I think his skills, especially his intelligence, are undervalued in his current position. Just because we're in a period of relative peace, doesn't mean the Survey Corps should become complacent and remain static. We need to start targeting individual talents, and placing those soldiers in the best role to maximise their skills."

None of this was new to Levi – he knew how passionate Erwin was in his efforts to modernise the Regiment now that it's original function of fighting titans was obsolete. The Survey Corps had shifted into a role of training elite soldiers in the event of a war with an enemy nation. Their new peace treaties with the rest of the world were still fragile and untested, after all. Paradis needed to be prepared for any possibility.

Even still, this tentative peace allowed the military to cultivate other important areas that had been neglected over the previous years. Armin wasn't the first solider Erwin had singled out for his unique talents outside of combat ability.

"You want to make sure his intelligence isn't wasted as a general solider. That's fine. But I'm sure there's other things you like about him too… he's not exactly hard on the eyes," Levi sneered. But his heart wasn't fully in this mockery. This was just his innate way of tackling his worries - by lashing out, and behaving cruelly.

Since getting together with Erwin, he'd tried to be more mindful of his own behaviour. That included thinking things through before spewing out the first thoughts that came to mind.

He was well aware of his partner's higher intellectual needs. When he wasn't working or with Levi, Erwin spent his time pouring over the types of books that would put Levi to sleep. Could he really begrudge the man for seeking more stimulating conversation that Levi could give him? Unlike Levi, the man needed more companionship in his life than just his romantic partner.

"Urgh, sorry. I don't mean that. Well I do, a bit. But I'm mostly just pissed off that he saw us." Levi collapsed on the couch beside Erwin. "Do you think Arlert will tell anyone? He's probably blabbing everything to that Yeager brat right now."

Erwin inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. "I'm not sure. I think he's mature enough not to gossip something like this around. Then again, how much did he see, or hear? He might not realise what we were doing."

Levi snorted. "Trust me, he knows what we were doing. I walked in on him and that Jean kid last year in a supply closet. And they weren't looking for supplies."

"What? You never mentioned that." Erwin's voice was casual, but Levi could read this man better than anyone by now. He was dying for more details.

"If I told you about all the couples I've walked in on, we'd be here all night," the Captain said. Curious to see just how far Erwin's interest in this kid went, he continued, "Luckily, Arlert and Kirstein were just kissing when I found them. But by the mortified look on Arlert's face, you'd swear I'd seen them fucking." He shrugged. "Maybe you're right. If Horse-Face is the extent of his experience, than we've probably scarred the kid for life. Or else we've set a very high standard."

"He's not a kid, he's nineteen," Erwin said quickly. "And a lot more mature than most of the other recruits in his batch. He's a decent man – I'd be surprised if he talked about what he saw."

"Well, if you're defending him this much, you definitely like him." Levi smirked as he recalled all the times Erwin had stepped in after Levi had made a social blunder or insulted the wrong person. The Commander had a knack of seeing and appreciating the potential in others. Even an Underground street rat that nobody else had trusted. "I know you used to do the same with me."

"And still do," Erwin muttered with a fond smile. He sighed again, and gazed intently at Levi. "You're right; I have developed feelings for him. But I love you – I'm not going to sabotage that. You're more than enough for me." Pulling the smaller man close, he brushed his lips against the top of his head, making his scalp tingle.

Jealousy stabbed Levi at hearing this admission. It didn't help that Erwin was interested in a man so different from him - Armin was soft-spoken, kind, and expressive with his feelings. Not to mention vastly more intelligent. He was probably more emotionally stable than Levi too. Levi couldn't compete with the young man's inherent gentle qualities.

But he believed Erwin's assurance. Hadn't their relationship already survived worse turbulence? Keeping it a secret was stressful enough by itself. But they had their share of emotional issues too, especially early on. It had taken Levi a long time to unlearn his old detached habits, and fully open up to someone. Erwin had been incredibly patient and understanding; probably more than Levi deserved. Their relationship was still not perfect, but right now, it was the strongest it had ever been.

Perhaps this was why Levi also felt an unexpected thrill of exhilaration at his lover's confession. Erwin could have brushed the topic off, or denied it. But he had been honest. Levi respected that. It was just another testament to their intense bond that they could discuss such complicated topics.

And he had to admit – Armin Arlert had grown into a damn fine young man. He'd retained some of his boyish looks, but was undeniably more beautiful than cute these days. Levi also found his intelligence and kindness attractive traits; after all, they were things he already admired in Erwin.

"Thanks for being honest," Levi said awkwardly, his face pressed against Erwin's solid chest. He tried to make light of the situation. "And of course you wouldn't dare cheat on me. I'd fucking murder you if you did!"

"Exactly," Erwin chuckled. "And don't worry; I'll talk to Armin first thing tomorrow morning, and make sure he doesn't tell anyone." His breath was warm on Levi's scalp, his hands running soothing circles on his back.

Levi's lingering fears were eased. "I bet you've already turned your charms on the poor boy, and gotten him infatuated with you. He's probably thinking about you bending him over right now," he teased.

The image actually sent a surge of arousal through him. It was weird.

Why would I be excited thinking about Erwin fucking another man?!

Now he knew it was Arlert who'd been spying on them, he couldn't stop wonder if the young man had enjoyed it. Was he touching himself right now, thinking about what he saw his superiors doing?

Still, the whole situation was incredibly humiliating. To be seen in such a submissive position, when he worked so hard to instill a reputation of icy indifference as Humanity's Strongest…

He trusted Erwin to make sure Arlert didn't talk about what he walked in on. But Levi decided to have his own private word with him too – just to ensure he understood the full gravity of the situation.

Also, an idea was forming in Levi's mind. It revolved around a secret desire Erwin had admitted to him a few months ago. Something that Levi initially had no interest in, but was now starting to reconsider...

Erwin had always been very obliging in exploring Levi's sexual desires. Was this a chance to indulge Erwin in one of his?

If Armin Arlert was willing, he could be the perfect candidate to help them fulfill this fantasy.

Levi smirked. Now all I have to do is ask him – is he interested in a threesome?

Notes: About the canon divergence – don't expect any in-depth explanations! Basically the titan problem is dealt with, and Paradis has recently made peace with the rest of the world. That's all you need to know. I'd prefer to focus this story on juicy sexual tension and smut😉

Next time: Armin is an anxiety-filled mess after witnessing his crush Commander Erwin and the sexy-but-scary Captain Levi having a spanking session. But things get worse the next morning, when the Commander asks to talk to Armin privately…