Notes:The main focus of this chapter is what I know you all love – the trio having a nice chat about sex and kinky stuff. Who needs actual smut, right? (Don't worry there will be more actual smut soon…)
Also note there will be a lot more time-skips between chapters from now on. I try to make this clear by referencing how many weeks have passed or the number of encounters the trio have had so far.
I hope you enjoy!
Previously: After a sexual mishap during Armin's first time trying anal sex, Armin, Levi and Erwin manage to talk things through and continue the threesome. But the incident made their growing attachment to each other very clear. How will they all cope when the threesome ends?
Meanwhile in Armin's library job, he put out a selection of their newly received foreign books out into public circulation.
Chapter 16: Unexpected Developments
Armin
Just as Armin had hoped, the selection of new foreign books in the library sparked fresh excitement amongst the soldiers. The library's regular visitors quickly spread the news throughout the Survey Corps. The lure of books created by writers from all over the world attracted swarms of curious people to the library.
Some of the books were so popular, soldiers had to put their names down on waiting lists before they could borrow them. Emilia told Armin that no books had ever been so highly sought after in all her time as Head Librarian.
Armin just hoped the library's newfound popularity wouldn't dwindle away as soon as people got over the hype of the new content. He was already coming up with ideas to keep the interest going after the buzz inevitably died down. Perhaps a launch event when they were finally able to release the full range of new foreign books? Unfortunately, it would be months before the new shelving was built to house the books. Financial approval had been received, but the location of the shelves was a complicated issue that was still under debate.
Still, seeing so many fresh visitors to the library was a source of joy for Armin. He'd been busy all day today – putting names on waiting lists, re-shelving stacks of returned books, chatting to customers and recommending books based off their preferences.
Things died down soon before dinnertime. Armin was catching up on some paperwork at the reception desk, when a shadow loomed over him. He looked up, plastering on his friendly customer-service face.
It was Floch.
His smile slipped several notches.
Stay calm, he ordered himself. There's other soldiers in the library, and Emilia's in the back rooms. I'm not alone with him like our last meeting.
Floch's appearance was a little tidier this time. His ginger hair was still scraggly, but today it at least looked brushed. After a casual glance around (to check nobody was close by?) he lifted a large book out of his bag and placed it on the counter. It was the same fantasy book Armin had recommended to him two weeks ago.
"So… this book," he began, pinning Armin with a heavy stare, "had such a boring start. I thought, what the hell was Armin thinking, telling me to read this? But you said it was good, so I pushed through it. And damn it, I'm glad I did. That ending was incredible!"
Armin's smile returned. He hadn't been able to convince Eren, Mikasa or his other friends to read this book. Fantasy was still a perplexing genre for most people of Paradis. This was the first opportunity he'd had to discuss it with anyone.
For the next few minutes they debated the twists and turns of the novel. Floch's usual dour expression melted into bright-eyed enthusiasm as he gushed about his favourite characters. Armin felt almost at ease – it was just like chatting to any other library visitor who shared his passion for books.
"I stayed up most of the night reading the last half of the book. I almost fell asleep in training the next morning!" Armin admitted.
Then he recalled who he was speaking to. He braced himself for a disparaging comment about what an unfit soldier he was.
It never came.
"Well, I was late for training one morning because I was reading at breakfast. I looked up and suddenly the mess hall was practically empty!" Floch barked out a laugh. It was perhaps the first time Armin heard the sound without it being directed at his own incompetence.
Floch continued, "Captain Levi gave me the dirtiest look when I turned up late. And he was pissy at me for the whole session. What's that guy's deal?" he scowled.
Armin clenched his jaw. Not because of Floch's criticism of Levi; soldiers made comments like that about the surly Captain all the time. No, he was annoyed that Levi might be letting his personal feelings for Floch affect his treatment of him. After Armin had specifically told Levi and Erwin not to get involved in his private life. Had he made a mistake in telling them the story about Floch's assault on him?
"It must be tough for him always having to act like Humanity's Strongest," Armin shrugged. "Don't take it personally."
"Yeah, I won't. Anyway, have you got the other books in the series? I need to find out what happens next!"
"We've got the next two books in the trilogy," Armin assured him. "But we haven't put them out into circulation yet. They're in the back for now with the other foreign books, until the library gets the new shelving put in. That will take another few months."
"Are you serious?" Floch groaned. He leaned his elbows on the counter, looking intently at Armin. "Have you read them?"
The sensible part of Armin's brain urged him to lie – what if Floch was angry that he'd read these books before everyone else? But he found himself telling the truth. "Yes. And if you thought the ending of the first book was good, wait 'til you read the third."
Floch exhaled loudly. Thankfully he looked more disappointed than angry. "Well, at least I know they'll be worth the wait."
Armin's mind worked frantically on a solution. Perhaps he could ask Emilia's permission to offer to let Floch read the books… But what if that set a bad precedent? If Floch told others about it, would they be flooded with requests from customers wanting to read more of the books they hadn't put into circulation yet? Emilia might be angry that Armin's bright idea of putting a selection of the books out early had caused more trouble than it was worth.
And why would I go out of my way to help Floch Forster? The guy who held me down and screamed in my face that I was a useless, pathetic excuse for a human being?
Perhaps Armin was letting his lingering fear dictate his actions. By doing this kind deed, perhaps it would predispose Floch to remain on good terms with him.
Before he could decide on a reply, Emilia emerged from the back room.
"Floch!" she greeted cheerfully. "Did you finish that fantasy book you were telling me about?"
"Um, yeah. It was great!" Floch scratched his neck, eyes flicking to Armin. "I'm just going to pick out something else to read." He gave a little wave to Emilia, and shuffled off towards the nearby shelves.
When he was out of earshot, Emilia exclaimed, "He's such a sweetheart!"
Armin almost dropped the heavy fantasy book he'd picked up. "You mean Floch?" he asked incredulously.
"The poor boy seems so lonely, he spends half his free time here. Sometimes when I'm working late shifts he comes over and chats to me. Never when you're here though." Adjusting her glasses, Emilia peered at Armin with a crooked smile. "He asks me lots of questions about you."
Wait, what? Why on earth is Floch asking questions about me?!
Just then, a loud cry from the front door snatched his attention away.
"ARMIN!"
He knew who it was before even turning his head. There was only one person crazy enough to risk the Head Librarian's wrath by shouting in the library.
Eren came sprinting up to the reception desk. Mikasa following at a more sedate pace, looking slightly mortified.
"We thought we'd come visit our little cinnamon roll!" Eren declared, using the latest nickname he'd come up with for his friend. "We're going to visit the markets in town after dinner, do you want to come too? Is your shift nearly over?"
"Mr Yeager, please keep your voice down! This library is a place of peace and solitude, and we'd like to keep it that way," Emilia hissed.
"Oh sorry!" Eren made an apologetic grimace. Beside him, Mikasa was biting her cheeks to stop herself from laughing.
Out of nowhere, Mikasa's expression darkened like an unexpected storm. She curled her hands into fists and squared her shoulders. Armin followed her gaze, to where Floch was browsing through books on a nearby shelf. His eyes were fixed warily on the menacing Ackerman.
Armin watched the intense staring match with trepidation. Surely Mikasa wouldn't cause a scene here in the library?
After a few seconds, Floch seemed to accept defeat. He put the book he was holding back on the shelf, and walked quickly towards the entrance and out the front door.
"You didn't need to do that Mikasa," Armin said quietly.
As soon as he spoke the words, he grew uncertain. Should he be grateful for his friend's protection? She was only looking out for him, after all. And perhaps it was good to remind Floch that Armin wasn't an easy target. Despite the man's lack of aggression lately, he still didn't fully trust him.
But Armin did not feel relief at his friend's intervention. Instead, his belly twisted with unease. Floch didn't do anything wrong, he was just looking at books...
Emilia looked aghast at Mikasa. The short middle-aged Head Librarian was no trained soldier, but she confronted the fearsome Ackerman bravely nonetheless.
"Armin's right, was that really necessary? I don't understand why everyone is so unfriendly to that boy. He's always so polite when he talks to me!"
Eren stepped forward to take up a defensive stance beside his girlfriend. "Floch was a bully during our cadet years. He has no one to blame but himself for being unpopular."
"It's his own fault he has no friends," Mikasa agreed in a calm, matter-of-fact tone.
Emilia's brows knitted together behind her large glasses. "I'm very sorry to hear that about him. But… do you think it's possible he might have changed?"
"People like that never change." Mikasa shook her head, features full of regret. "And they don't deserve our forgiveness either." This last part she added while looking at Armin.
The Head Librarian was alarmed at Mikasa's deadly tone. "Look, I understand your personal dislike of the man. But could I ask you not to intimidate my visitors? This library is supposed to be a safe space for soldiers to relax."
The hard edges melted from Mikasa's expression. "I apologise if I overreacted. But if he ever lays a finger on another soldier again, I will not restrain my actions."
Emilia glanced between Mikasa and Eren, before settling on Armin. He knew she was dying to hound them for more information about Floch. But instead, she allowed Armin to finish up early and head to dinner with his friends.
He pushed all thoughts of Floch out of his mind as they chatted over their meal. Later they joined Jean, Marco, Connie and Sasha and went into town together. A few hours of laughter and shopping with his friends eased his tension over the incident at the library. By the time Armin got back to his quarters that night, he was exhausted.
But when he lay down to sleep, his conversation with Floch invaded his mind again.
His fear of the man was thawing each time he saw him. Today was only the second time they'd talked in the library, but Floch sometimes gave him a curt nod or a wave when they saw each other now. He almost seemed like a different person these days. Still a bit cold and aloof, yes. But not someone Armin needed to be afraid of.
A chilly tendril raced down his spine as he recalled Mikasa's remark about Floch not deserving forgiveness.
What would she think if she'd seen me chatting to him about books earlier? Is she right, that he doesn't deserve any sort of kindness after everything he's done?
And what if Mikasa was wrong - what if Floch really had changed?
Armin turned over in his bed, determined to fill his head with something more pleasant. It was two weeks since his little breakdown during sex with Levi and Erwin. Thankfully, their meetings had resumed into a comfortable pattern afterwards. They'd met for their eight encounter only a few days ago.
True to their promise, they put no pressure on him to try anal again until he was ready. The men even asked if he'd prefer if they didn't have anal sex in front of him either. He assured them he still enjoyed watching them partake in the act, and didn't want them to stop because of him.
Something else niggled at Armin's mind lately. He couldn't ignore the fact he was growing more attached to Levi and Erwin. It was no surprise really. They were both extremely attractive and experienced older men teaching him to explore his sexuality, and who clearly held some level of affection for him too. The fact they'd chosen him to lavish their attention on was still unbelievable.
Of course, in return they were getting to explore the fantasy of another man participating in their bedroom activities. But their treatment of the incident two weeks ago proved that they saw Armin as more than an object for pleasure. They could easily have ended the threesome after this little disaster. And yet, they were willing to work through his emotional issues and move forward with him.
Armin wrapped his arms around his spare pillow, hugging it tight to his chest. He was playing a dangerous game with these men. No doubt Levi and Erwin were tackling the situation better than he was.
They're so confident of their love for each other. At least I know that I'll never pose a serious threat to their relationship. Their interest in me must be trivial in comparison.
When they told him they wanted to continue things, relief had surged over Armin like a tidal wave. Which raised a dilemma that was impossible to ignore - If the prospect of ending the threesome was so terrible now, how painful would it be when it finally did end?
He needed to protect himself from falling in love with these men. During their last few encounters he'd tried focusing on their personas as the Captain and Commander, not Levi and Erwin, to help distance himself from them emotionally. He was still working up the courage to ask them to involve him in heavier role-play. So far it was mostly verbal stuff and light power play dynamics between the other two men. But he wanted to try out more. He hoped it would help him detach their intimate activities from any notions of a genuine romantic connection.
I should never forget that this whole arrangement is simply a game to explore my sexuality. Nothing more or less.
But that wasn't entirely true. When the threesome ended, the worst thing wouldn't be the loss of having sex with these men. Yes, he would sorely miss their thrilling secret encounters. But the hardest aftermath to bear would be the sudden loss of their company. The late evening chats over tea, and getting to know these captivating men on a more personal level.
I'll just have to deal with it when it happens, Armin resolved, snuggling closer into his pillow. No regrets. Just focus on the good memories and be grateful for the experience…
Erwin
After ten encounters with Armin, it was time for them all to have a proper discussion about their threesome arrangement. It had already gone far beyond the scope they'd originally envisioned.
Erwin proposed that their next meeting would not involve sex. It would simply be a chance to discuss how they all felt about things so far, and to suggest ideas for the future of their arrangement. In Levi and Erwin's case, there was a particular topic they wanted to broach with Armin.
Much to Erwin's frustration, he got caught up finalising paperwork on the night of their meeting. He brought a stack of documents back to his quarters to work on in his private study.
"I'll keep Armin occupied while you finish up your work," Levi promised. "Don't worry, we'll wait for you before eating the pastries."
"There's no need for that," Erwin assured him.
Levi put his hands on his hips. "Didn't you hear Arlert's story last week, about why his friends are calling him cinnamon roll? The brat is fucking addicted to pastries!"
Erwin laughed, recalling Armin's indignant story about how his friends teased him after eating five cinnamon pastries at Sasha's birthday party. It had given them the idea to pick some up for tonight's meeting. After all, they wanted to create a pleasant setting where the three of them could discuss matters freely. Sharing some treats felt like an appropriate indulgence.
"I wonder what Armin will think about our offer." Erwin reached out to caress his partner's arm. "Have you any second thoughts about it?"
"No. I just hope he says yes."
There was a knock at the front door and Levi hurried off to let their guest in.
Half an hour later, Erwin emerged from his study into the sitting room. Armin was chatting away about the library, while Levi reclined on the opposite couch, listening attentively. On the table between them was a large teapot and cups, and the basket of fresh pastries Levi had picked up in town earlier. Erwin's stomach grumbled at the sweet fragrance – he'd rushed his meal at dinner to make an early start on his work for the evening.
Not that it made any difference, I still got delayed in the end.
"Sorry I'm late. My duties seem to keep growing these days." Erwin forced a chuckle.
He gave Armin's shoulder a quick squeeze as he passed by, earning a radiant grin from the man. He was wearing the same light blue jacket he'd worn to their first meeting. The colour made his eyes shine even brighter, like a clear summer's sky.
Erwin sat next to Levi on the couch, so they were both facing their guest.
"That job has you working too hard." Levi muttered, mouth twisting with disapproval. "I still think you should hire an assistant."
This was a common criticism of his - that everyone expected too much of him as Commander. He wasn't the only one with this mindset either. Hange had already approached Erwin with an offer to take on some of his responsibilities. An offer he had politely refused.
If Levi ever finds out about that, I'm sure he'll kill me.
Accepting help was a tempting prospect. But it would be perceived as a show of weakness; a sign to others that he wasn't capable of the demands of the job.
With deft hands Levi poured out the tea and handed him the cup. Erwin noted it was chai tea, his favourite. He leaned over to peck Levi lightly on the cheek. "I apologise for my duties getting in the way tonight. But you have my full attention now. Both of you."
His partner's lips twitched. "Alright, enough of your Commander charms. You're just regular Erwin Smith for the rest of the night." He glanced over at Armin, who was ogling the untouched pastries. "You can stop drooling Arlert. Go ahead and take one."
For a few minutes they chatted and enjoyed the delicious array of pastries. With a knowing smirk, Armin asked about how Levi's training session went with his squad that day.
"I'm sure Miss Ackerman already shared the astonishing news with you," Levi scowled.
"What news?" Erwin swivelled his head towards his partner expectantly.
"Mikasa bet me in a hand-to-hand fight during our training earlier." The Captain took a delicate bite of an apricot and almond pastry.
"She told me and Eren at dinner that it was the proudest moment of her soldier career!"
"It was a fucking fluke," Levi waved his half-eaten pastry threateningly. "I got distracted because I tripped over a rock."
Armin's face scrunched up like he was holding back laughter. He covered his mouth with the back of his hand.
"That's good news though, right Levi? Maybe you can retire as Humanity's Strongest Soldier if Mikasa takes over?" Erwin nudged him.
Levi shrugged. "Yeah. She's welcome to it, I suppose." He raised an eyebrow at Armin, who was sniggering. "Shut up you little brat."
Armin got his features under control and picked up a second cinnamon pastry (he'd already devoured the first one).
"Have you read any new books since we last saw you?" Erwin asked.
Armin quickly updated them about the latest library book he was reading.
"I just finished that memoir I was telling you about last week. Now I'm in the middle of a psychology book, which –"
"Wait, hold up Arlert. What the hell is sycology?"
"Oh sorry! That's the word the rest of the world uses for the study of the human mind and behaviour. It's actually a fascinating topic. This book focusses on group dynamics and leadership. Would you like to read it Levi?"
"Tsk. I get enough of dealing with people as it is. Why would I want to read about it too?"
But Erwin found himself asking questions about the content, his curiousity piqued. He didn't have time to spare to read for personal pleasure these days. But this book sounded like it could be useful for his work.
"I'll bring it over next time we meet, so you can take a look," Armin said. "But if you want to check it out yourself, there's a waiting list. The foreign books we've put into circulation are extremely popular. People keep asking us to put out more of them!"
Armin's enthusiasm for his work was as infectious as high spirits on a sunny day. Erwin recalled the boundless energy he had when he first took the role of Commander. Now the burden of responsibility weighs me down like an anchor. Every day it gets harder to hide just how exhausted I am.
Levi was the one steady source of happiness in his life these last few years. And now this threesome with Armin brought so much fresh excitement into their relationship. Neither of them had expected it would last so long. They would reach a point when it would end, of course. No doubt they'd eventually tire of each other, and Armin would want to pursue other romantic options.
"Alright, shall we get down to business?" Erwin suggested.
When both men agreed, he continued, "Tonight is a chance for us to openly discuss anything on our minds about this arrangement - how we want it to work going forward, and perhaps any new things we're interested in exploring."
"Can I go first?" Armin wiped his fingers on a napkin. His expression turned rueful. "I've wanted to bring this up for a while now, and I'd like to say it before I overthink it."
Erwin smiled warmly at him, appreciating the change that had come over the man during the last few months. He'd never have offered to be the first to speak up when we started this arrangement.
"Of course, go ahead."
Armin paused to take a sip of tea first, his hand shaking slightly. "Well… I'm curious to try out more role-play. I enjoy the light verbal stuff you've done with me so far. But I'd be interested in taking it further."
Erwin shared a look with Levi. An elusive, languid smile lit up his partner's sharp features. Erwin tempered his own excitement with caution.
"We were thinking about exploring more role-play with you too," Erwin admitted. "But we're worried about your limits. Levi and I were together over two years before we properly began experimenting with things like this. It takes time to figure out your preferences. You might find that something seems thrilling in your head, but that it makes you uncomfortable in reality."
He didn't need to mention the incident two months ago when Armin had gotten upset over Levi's choice of dirty talk.
Armin nodded solemnly. "I get that. If we were to try anything out, I'd like to talk through the details first, so I could mentally prepare myself. I'd probably need to start off on the lighter side of things too… but um…" he glanced between the other two men, eyes bright. "I wouldn't mind if you two wanted to demonstrate some heavier stuff? If you were comfortable doing it in front of me, of course."
Erwin let the man's request sink in. Yes, their encounters had gone smoothly since the incident. At Armin's request they'd even tried restraining him again, which was something he clearly relished. The man had learned to be vocal about his likes and dislikes. They could trust him to speak up whenever he had an issue.
But Erwin didn't want to rush into anything new. We'd need to be very careful in how we approach this… I don't want another situation where we accidentally trigger him.
"You mean what you saw us doing when you walked in on us that first time, in Erwin's office?" Levi asked Armin. "You'd like to watch us do something like that again?"
Mortification still raced through Erwin anytime he recalled that night. Of all the private things for a stranger to witness, it had to be him spanking Levi over a desk, and speaking to him like he was disciplining an unruly soldier. If it had been anyone else except Armin who'd walked in on them together…
It didn't bear thinking about. His and Levi's relationship would likely have been made public, in the most excruciating way possible.
Armin's face flushed. He twisted his mouth, as if debating how to reply.
"Remember, we're not judging each other here," Erwin said quickly. "We can all talk freely about anything tonight."
The librarian lifted his head and set his shoulders. "Yes. I'd be interested in watching something like that."
"Are you sure? I never got the impression that you'd be into… well, punishments." Levi leaned forward in his seat, fingers wrapping around his teacup.
"I'm not sure how much I'd enjoy being on the receiving end myself," Armin admitted. "But I know it's something you enjoy Levi. And that's… that's really hot." A smile lit up his features. "It doesn't have to be about punishment either. I'm interested in exploring any sort of domination scenario; whether just watching you two demonstrate it, or participating with you."
"We'd make sure to ease you into it," Erwin assured him, mind racing with possibilities. He reined them in with an effort.
"What exactly have you got in mind Arlert?" Levi's dark eyes shone with curiousity. "Like one of us, or both of us, being in charge of you?"
Erwin imagined having Armin submit to him the way Levi did during their power play scenarios. But as thrilling as the prospect was, Armin was not his partner. There was a limit to how far Erwin would take his dominant role towards the gentler, inexperienced man.
"Y-yes. I like the idea of you both in charge of me," Armin said, face burning crimson.
"Don't worry, we'll come up with a scenario you're comfortable with." Levi poured out a glass of water from a jug on the table, and passed it to him. "Here, you look a little hot," he smirked.
Armin took a gulp and seemed to compose himself.
"For role-play scenarios, are you happy for us to continue using the Captain and Commander roles?" Erwin asked. "Do you want a specific title too?"
Armin made a little snort of laughter. "Well, calling me 'Librarian' feels a bit weird. I don't mind if you keep calling me Armin or Arlert." His gaze flicked between the two men. "Before we start discussing scenarios, is there anything either of you wanted to talk about tonight? This threesome isn't only about my desires, after all."
Levi cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak. Then he closed it again with a scowl. His shifted in his seat and crossed his legs.
Erwin reached out to capture Levi's hand. Judging by his fidgeting, he knew what the man was going to ask. They'd already discussed it in detail over the last few weeks. It was something the Captain had fantasied about for a while, but was only now comfortable expressing it to Armin.
"It's ok, you can say anything to me." Armin leaned forward, features rapt with attention. His sincerity kindled the other man's courage.
"Well, just while we're on the topic of power dynamics…" Levi began, and then paused. He huffed out a breath. "Look. You already know I enjoy Erwin acting in a dominant role. But I wouldn't mind if… if you wanted to try out being more dominant towards me too."
Armin couldn't have looked more shocked if he'd been told he was appointed the next Commander of the Survey Corps.
"We could try tying it into a role-play scenario, if you like?" Erwin suggested, when the man didn't reply. "We'd figure out something we're all interested in."
"But if it's not your thing, that's fine. There's no pressure." Levi crossed his arms tight to his chest.
"I - I think I'd be up for giving it a go," Armin said slowly. "What sort of role-play are you thinking?"
For his part, Erwin was definitely open to letting the young man experiment a bit, and try out some new bedroom dynamics. But he was unsure about Levi's private confession that he was interested in having Armin top him. They wouldn't be putting that suggestion to Armin just yet. Not until Erwin figured out if he was comfortable with it first.
Maybe it's selfish of me, wanting to keep some part of Levi all to myself. I'm the only man who's ever made love to him, after all. How will I feel watching Armin getting to experience that too?
"Perhaps we'd start out with a scenario where both of us are 'in charge' of Levi. I would take the lead, and you could participate as much as you are comfortable with. And of course you could tell us to stop at any time."
Armin's brow furrowed, processing the Commander's words. "I'm not sure how convincingly I could play a role like that… What if I mess it up?"
Erwin's heart squeezed as he recalled his own nervousness when Levi first asked him to act dominating in the bedroom. "Trust me, it's normal to be self-conscious and doubt yourself. But you've already gained so much confidence with us over the past few months. We both find it really sexy when you're assertive."
"It's just… I don't know…" Armin's cheeks were aflame again. He fixed his gaze on Levi. "The idea of me being in charge of you, Humanity's Strongest Soldier… well, it's ridiculous! I'm the weakest soldier in this place."
"Sexual dominance isn't about physical strength," Erwin clarified. "Trust me, Levi and I have had practise fights together in training. And he always wins. Except when he goes easy on me," he chuckled, nudging his partner in the ribs.
Levi's body remained tense. "Look Armin, I love the whole gentle, innocent act you've got going on. But there's way more to you than that. You're one of the most intelligent people I've ever met. And you're pretty fucking charismatic when it comes to discussing things you're passionate about, like your job and all those books you read. So stop putting yourself down."
Armin's lips quirked at the praise and he cast his eyes down. "I still don't think you could take me seriously in that kind of role next to Erwin."
"Neither of us wants you to be exactly like Erwin." Levi uncrossed his arms, his guarded expression softening. "We value you for the man you already are. You shouldn't compare yourself to either of us."
Concerned they might be pressuring him, Erwin added, "You're not obligated to try this out either. If you feel happy with the way things are, that's completely fine. We just want you to know you're free to experiment and explore new things with us."
The librarian reached out for his cup, and sipped the cooling tea with a thoughtful expression. He remained silent for a time, no doubt absorbing the new possibilities the men were presenting to him.
Erwin picked up one of the flaky cinnamon pastries and took a bite. I hope this isn't overwhelming for him. We only want to give him the opportunity to make the most of this threesome while it lasts…
Armin
It took Armin a few minutes to arrange his jumbled thoughts into order. The other men didn't press him for an answer, but simply diverted their attention to the tea and leftover pastries. When Armin drew breath to speak, they both snapped their eyes back to him, like magnets drawn by an irresistible force.
"Alright, I'm interested in giving this… domination thing a go."
Even saying the word made his breath quicken and his belly clench. He still wasn't convinced he'd be any good at this type of role. But Levi's eagerness sent heat coursing through his body. Besides, Erwin said he'd take the lead and Armin could participate to whatever degree he liked. He trusted the man to guide him into this in a way that wasn't too overwhelming.
"I'd want to discuss things in detail first, to make sure I understand your limits and preferences," Armin added to Levi.
"Sure." The man inclined his head over his teacup. Was he blushing?
"Perhaps Levi and I could demonstrate a few role-play scenarios for you at our next meeting?" Erwin suggested, excitement seeping into his tone. "Just so you can get a feel for your own comfort zones too. From there we can figure out some scenarios that we'd all be interested in."
Armin returned Erwin's smile, his heart hammering. "That sounds great! I'm looking forward to it."
While Levi's request came as a surprise, he was delighted the men had agreed to explore heavier role-play with him. It was exactly what he needed to create emotional distance from them during their sexual activities.
Checking his watch, he found it was already past midnight. He recalled Erwin saying he had a meeting early tomorrow morning.
"I better go, I don't want to keep you up late."
He drained his tea, and was about to stand up when Erwin made a gesture with his hand.
"Actually, there's one last thing Levi and I wanted to mention before you go. It's about this whole arrangement." As he said this, the Commander placed his hand on Levi's knee. Levi rested his own hand over it.
Armin settled back into his seat, trying to calm his racing thoughts. Well, it's not like they're about to break up with me. We just discussed plans for all the new sexual activities we're going to try out! So what on earth is this about?
"This has gone on longer than any of us expected," Erwin said, tone factual and neutral. "Which isn't a problem, once we're all happy with how things are progressing. And once we never forget that this is only a temporary relationship." A warm smile spread slowly over Erwin's features, making Armin's breath hitch. "However, Levi and I have discussed some of our previous 'rules' about our interaction with you. And we're willing to relax some of those restrictions. Once you agree to it too, of course."
"Which rules do you mean?" Armin asked quickly.
"We still want to keep things as discreet as possible," Levi said. "Erwin and I don't want to raise suspicion about our own relationship; nevermind the fact that we're sexually involved with you."
"Of course," Armin nodded. He understood the men wouldn't do anything to endanger the secrecy of their own relationship.
"But we are open to the idea of meeting up outside of our threesome encounters. Similar to how we did tonight. Just for a casual talk, without the aim of having sex afterwards. Without even needing to talk about sex at all."
Wait… surely they don't mean…
"You mean meeting as friends?" Armin's disbelief infused into his voice. "But you've already made it clear you didn't want to socialise with me outside of the threesome!" He winced at how accusatory the words came out.
"Look, we're not exactly experts with this sort of arrangement," Levi shrugged defensively. "We'd still prefer to keep some of our existing rules in place around sex, and the fact that you can't stay the whole night with us. But we can't deny the fact that we enjoy your company. And not just in the bedroom."
"You're the only person who knows the truth of our relationship, Armin. It's such a relief to have someone we can speak freely to." Erwin leaned forward intently, eyes ablaze. "We're not sure how you feel about this… but we'd also like to stay friends with you after this arrangement ends."
Armin sat fully back in his chair, too stunned to speak. He swept his gaze over the table in front of him – at the leftover debris of their night-time meal.
They've never gotten pastries for me before… and cinnamon ones too, I mentioned last week that those are my favourite! When did Levi even find time today to pick them up? Did he go early this morning, or rush into town after dinner?
And Erwin was busy earlier catching up with work. He could have easily cancelled tonight at the last minute, he must be exhausted. But he looked genuinely pleased to see me earlier…
Something hardened reflexively inside him. Don't misinterpret their kind treatment. This whole arrangement is just about sex, remember?
But no… that wasn't true anymore.
They wanted to be friends with him now too.
Heat rushed to his face as he recalled how Levi called him 'charismatic' earlier, and later said that they enjoyed his company. And how Erwin's icy blue eyes, usually so guarded, had just softened at him in the exact same way they did when he looked at Levi.
And they wanted to stay friends with him after the threesome ended.
He couldn't believe they were offering this. But surely if they - two older, more experienced men - thought it was a good idea, then perhaps Armin should accept their wisdom?
He immersed himself in memories of the past few months. How he'd discovered a whole new side of himself with his Captain and Commander. The way they'd comforted and reassured him after that incident two months ago. How they'd understood when he said he didn't know when he'd be ready to try anal sex again. And now they were offering him a chance to explore his sexuality even further, to safely uncover his deepest desires.
Yes, this relationship had initially been based around sex. But it quickly developed into something more. Hearing the other men admit how much they valued him was incredibly flattering and satisfying. Especially given his own growing attachment to them.
This proposition might be the perfect way to cushion the blow when this threesome ends. It means I won't be faced with having to give them up completely. We'll still remain friends afterwards…
"Well Arlert? Are you purposely keeping us in suspense or what?" Levi growled.
"You don't need to decide now if you're unsure," Erwin assured him.
An irresistible grin took over Armin's face at their typical responses. The tiny spark of doubt in his head disappeared. There was only one answer he could possibly give them.
"Yes. I'd be happy to meet up just as friends sometimes. And I'd love to stay in contact with you after the threesome ends."
Levi and Erwin shared a relieved look, not bothering to hide their delight.
"Well then, to friendship," Levi said wryly, raising his teacup.
Notes: I'm sorry if you were hoping for Levi & Erwin to make Armin a poly proposition! But remember there's 10+ chapters still to go! Shifting the dynamic where they openly want to stay friends feels like an important development to me. Especially in a story where there is more to their relationship than sex.
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Request for Smut Ideas: While I have this story outlined, some of my upcoming smut scenes are a bit patchy. I'd love to hear your suggestions - anything from specific kinks, role-play scenarios, dynamics/positions etc… (Romantic and aftercare ideas are welcome too). I can't promise anything but I'm very interested to see what my readers are interested in! Drop your ideas in the Comments below, or else message me on Twitter at SweetScofield💗