Notes: I started posting this story one year ago now… I can't believe it's been so long!

Thank you to everyone for still reading, I hope you'll enjoy the delicious drama that's coming up over the next few chapters…

Previously: Erwin receives a letter from the Military Relations Commission (MRC), requesting a meeting with him the following week.

Armin and Levi have a private birthday party for Erwin, and give him a special surprise in the form of a role-play afterwards. At Levi's invitation, Armin stays the night with the men for the first time...

Chapter 22: False Accusations

Armin

"How did you sleep Armin?" Erwin asked, passing him a steaming mug.

Accepting the mug and inhaling the spicy scent, Armin wondered how to reply. The experience of staying the night with the men hadn't been what he'd expected. After tossing and turning for hours, Levi had insisted on swapping places with him so Armin could have more space at the edge of the bed. He'd slept a bit better after that.

Even though it was the weekend, Erwin needed to get up early to catch up on work, and Levi had a morning training session with his squad. They told Armin he could sleep longer if he wanted, but he'd decided to get up with them.

There had been some cuddling in bed first though. Somehow Armin ended up back in the middle of the other two men. They hadn't done anything sexual, but they did briefly discuss the role-play scenario Armin wanted to try out next time. Both men seemed just as eager as him at the idea.

"I didn't really sleep much. I'm not used to sharing a bed with anyone." Armin smiled ruefully. "But I really appreciate you letting me stay."

Levi, perched beside Erwin on the couch opposite Armin, stared down at his mug. "It was so late by the time we finished up last night, we couldn't just throw you out."

"You're letting me have tea with you too," Armin teased. "It's like you don't want me to leave."

Indeed, Armin had been worried about outstaying his welcome this morning. He'd gotten dressed quickly and was ready to dash out the door, when Erwin had practically begged him to stay and share a pot of Levi's homemade chai tea with them.

A faint blush coloured the Captain's cheeks. But perhaps it was only from the hot drink.

"Tsk. You put a lot of work into Erwin's surprise. So the least we can do is offer you some tea before we kick you out on your ass."

Before he left, the two men thanked him again for last night.

"Are you free on Wednesday evening to discuss details for our next meeting?" Erwin asked.

"Sure. But we don't have to go with my role-play idea. If there's anything else either of you want to-"

"No," both older men said in unison.

"Our last two encounters were focused on myself and Levi. It's about time we put our attention on you," Erwin insisted.

"Yeah, so you better make the most of it brat, and tell us exactly what you want."

A flutter of excitement spread over Armin at their sincerity. "I'll do some more thinking about it before Wednesday," he promised.

All the things he wanted these men to do to him raced through his mind. He hadn't told them yet he was considering trying out anal intercourse again.

What would it be like having them both fuck me, one after the other? Am I even ready for that?!

"And maybe you can help us out with the jigsaw puzzle too. I mean, one thousand fucking pieces…" Levi grumbled.

"It was a lovely gift," Erwin said quickly, pulling Armin into a tight embrace. "But we'd appreciate your help with it," he added in an undertone.

While still wrapped in Erwin's hug, Armin felt Levi's arms slide around him from behind. The fragrances of the Commander's subtle cologne and the Captain's citrus soap suffused his senses. Just like when he was cuddling with them in bed this morning, Armin sank into the soothing comfort of this gentle intimacy.

Then his heart picked up speed as a sensation of overwhelm gripped him. Despite sleeping with these men for months, he still got a shock sometimes at their unashamed tenderness towards him.

And they certainly like having me in between them … I'll have to make sure to incorporate that into my requests for our next encounter.

But for now Armin savoured their goodbye embrace, holding Erwin close to him, and leaning back against Levi's solid chest.

The sleepless night had been worth it for this moment alone.

Armin had barely entered the library on Monday morning, before the Head Librarian ushered him over to the front desk.

"We got permission to do the event! Erwin signed off on it before breakfast."

"Seriously? That's great news!" Armin beamed.

He and Emilia had put in a submission to the Commander last week, proposing an event to celebrate the launch of their full range of foreign books. Armin had been sorely tempted to ask Erwin about it during their encounter at the weekend, but didn't want to mix formal work with their casual meetings.

"Poor Erwin seemed a bit out of sorts though," Emilia continued, smile fading. "That man works too hard. He should really take a holiday once in a while." She shook her head. "Anyway, let's focus on our book launch. We've got a lot of preparation to do to get everything ready!"

It took all of Armin's resolve to bite back a string of questions about Erwin, and what exactly Emilia meant by 'a bit out of sorts'.

I hope he 's ok, he usually does a good job hiding his stress from everyone. How bad are things that Emilia was able to notice something's wrong?

But perhaps I can help him relax when we meet on Wednesday - the three of us can make a start on that jigsaw puzzle together!

He recalled both men's desperation for his help with that.

"Armin, what are you smirking about?" Emilia asked, looking up from their checklist of tasks to do.

"Oh… nothing. I'm just excited about the launch," Armin said hastily.

"Well you might not be so cheerful once we get started on all this work. Are you sure you can manage it on top of your usual duties? We can always cut back on some of our plans-"

"No, I can manage," he assured her.

The library grew quiet about an hour before dinner time, so Armin got started on designing a poster for the event. The results were not exactly what he'd hoped for. He made another attempt on a fresh piece of paper, but his second one came out worse than the first.

"What's that supposed to be?"

Armin looked up, rubbing his forehead. He didn't realise how much he'd been concentrating until now. Floch stood at the other side of the reception desk, craning his neck to get a better look at the paper.

"It's a mock-up poster for the book launch event," Armin sighed.

"…Book launch event? What's that?"

At Floch's perplexed expression, he wearily elaborated.

"We're holding an event to celebrate when we release all the foreign books into circulation. Once the new shelves are installed, it'll take us a few days to get the books displayed on them. So we plan to hold this event at the end of next month after all that is finished."

"I see. So you're making a poster to advertise it?" Floch looked back down at the paper, lips curling. "Well, I hate to tell you this, but this design looks like a titan drew it."

A surge of anger rushed through Armin. Floch could fuck right off if he was going to start judging him again for his inadequacies. Armin wasn't some feeble cadet he could intimidate anymore.

He snatched up the sheet of paper and shoved it under the desk, before locking eyes with Floch.

"Did you just come over to insult me, or have you an actual reason to be here?"

In other circumstances, Floch's startled face might have been comical. "I… I came over to return this." He held up a book, one Armin had recommended to him last week. "And I'm only joking about the poster. It's not that bad."

Like a flame doused with water, Armin's anger cooled to a weary ache. He'd almost wanted to provoke Floch, to force him to show his true colours. At least then he'd know where he stood with the man.

If Eren and Mikasa are right that he can never change, I 'd prefer to find that out sooner than later…

Armin slid the poster design off the counter, away from Floch's judging eyes. He'd been bursting with enthusiasm for this book launch, and knew it could be a great way to drum up more interest in the library's services. But now the reality of all the preparation to do crashed down around him. Maybe he'd been too optimistic in his reassurances to Emilia?

He forced a weak chuckle. "No, you're right. It's an absolute disaster! I might need to ask someone for help with it. Anyway, you finished the book? What did you think?"

Floch handed the book over, still looking wary after Armin's earlier outburst. He shrugged and stared down at the floor.

The book wasn't a library book - it was one of Armin's own. Lady Azumabito had recently sent a batch of gifts to Mikasa and her friends, and this particular book ended up in Armin's possession. It was a collection of works from famous Hizuru poets, with beautiful coloured illustrations.

When Floch had admitted his interest in poetry last week, Armin offered to let him borrow it. But now he wondered about the wisdom of sharing something so personal with a man he still barely knew.

"The language was more complicated than what I'm used to reading," Floch mumbled, still avoiding Armin's gaze. "Some of the poems took me a few re-reads to understand."

Floch's reservations seemed to melt away as they got into a discussion on the matter. Paradis poetry was definitely more accessible, but also tended to be similar in nature. Whereas the style in Hizuru was more challenging to interpret, but often very thought-provoking.

"I'll let you know if we get any new foreign poetry books in," Armin assured Floch. "But they're not popular with most soldiers, so I don't think Emilia will want to order in more."

Floch glanced away from him again, fingers fiddling with his cuffs. "I appreciate it. And thanks for letting me borrow your book."

"Any time," Armin said, the words spilling automatically from his mouth.

An embarrassed, impulsive smile flitted across Floch's lips. It was a far cry from the grim-faced expression he usually wore.

At times like this, when we 're sharing our love of books, I can't believe this is the same person who bullied and humiliated me as a cadet.

He still didn't know for certain if he could fully trust Floch. While a part of him was relieved they never discussed the incident where Floch assaulted him last year, it was also infuriating that the man hadn't apologised for his behaviour.

At the time, Armin had been entitled to file an official report with the Military Relations Commission — who dealt with cases of more severe military disputes. This would likely have resulted in Floch receiving a far worst punishment for his actions.

But despite Eren and Mikasa urging him to do this, Armin hadn't been able to face any more questions about what had happened. He'd just wanted to get over it and move on.

Looking back, he still didn't regret this decision. Especially given his more positive interactions with Floch these last few months. But a fire of outrage still smouldered inside him over what the man had done to him.

Is it unfair to want an apology, when he 's made such an effort to be polite to me lately? Doesn't his actions speak louder than words?

"Well, I better leave you to your work. I'll see you around." Floch started walking back towards his table. But after a few steps, he swiveled back around.

"You know, um…. I'm not bad at drawing. I could help you out with that poster thing."

Armin stared at him, too stunned to speak. He'd been planning to ask Eren for help, or one of his other friends. A rush of shame washed over him - similar to the old uneasiness Floch used to evoke. It felt like an admission of weakness to accept the man's assistance.

But is it a weakness or strength to acknowledge my shortcomings?

"Er… there's no pressure or anything. It was just a suggestion." Floch's mouth twisted with uncertainty. "Actually, never mind. You can probably handle it yourself." He turned to go before he'd even finished speaking.

"No wait, I could use your help," Armin admitted. "Have you time to discuss ideas?"

Floch stopped mid-step and turned back. For a moment Armin expected to see the old sneering expression on his face. But instead, his lips had curved back into a shy smile.

"Well, I'm free now. Do you want to explain what it is you want?"

They spent the next few minutes discussing the design of the poster; everything from how much information text to include, to the placement of wording and images. Floch took a pencil and paper and sketched out a few different ideas. Armin realised he really hadn't thought all the possibilities through. How was making a poster so damn complicated?

"I'll create a mock-up design tonight and show you tomorrow. You're covering the late shift, right?" Floch's old confidence had returned, and his voice was it's usual brisk self.

Armin was alarmed at his eagerness. "There's no rush, take a few days if you need. It's not like this is your job!"

Floch waved a dismissive hand. "I don't mind. Not like I've got anything more important to do."

His casual remark hit Armin like a rock. There was something almost sad about the way the man was latching so desperately onto helping him.

I guess he doesn 't have any friends to spend his free time with. All he seems to do is read. Maybe he'd like to do more in the library? He does spend most evenings here.

"You know, Emilia and I need volunteers to help out with other things coming up to the event. As well as managing everything on the day itself. If you're interested, just let us know!"

Armin's cheerful smile faltered at the sight of the person who just strolled into the library behind Floch.

Levi Ackerman.

His face was as impassive as ever, but his gaze locked onto Armin's like a magnet.

What the hell is going on? He 's never visited the library in all my time working here!

Floch was speaking, but the words floated in the air like dust. He continued right up until Levi reached the reception desk. The moment he noticed the man's presence, his voice trailed off.

"Oh, hey Captain," he said in surprise, bobbing his head in a polite nod. "Um, well I'll talk to you later Armin." He walked hastily away, back to his table to gather his possessions before dinner.

Levi watched him go with the air of a hawk surveying its prey, before turning back to Armin.

"Was he bothering you?"

"Oh no, it's fine. We were just talking," Armin assured him. His heart was pounding, questions swirling around his head in a tumultuous storm. Why was Levi here? Was it to talk to him, or was it on official business?

The thoughts took on a darker edge. Is this related to why Erwin was stressed out this morning? Did something happen to him?

"Alright," Levi said heavily. "But if he does anything to make you feel unsafe again, you'll tell someone, right?"

Armin did not want to discuss his confusing friendship with Floch right now. Nerves made him reply more sharply than he intended.

"Yes, but I'm handling it. I don't need rescuing just yet."

Levi nodded. "Very well then, I trust you know what you're about."

He rested his arms casually on the high counter of the reception desk, swinging a lazy glance around the room. The library was almost empty this near to dinner time, and nobody was close enough to overhear them.

He faced Armin again. The man looked exhausted, the whites around his dark pupils laced with red lines.

"Listen, Erwin needs to see that submission again that he approved this morning. You're off duty after dinner, right? Could you call up to his office with it?"

"The submission for the book launch?" Armin asked, feeling foolish. And yet he didn't understand why Levi had come here to tell him this. What did he have to do with it?

For the briefest moment, Levi's blank mask dissolved. The quiver of his mouth and worn-out eyes gave him such an air of sadness that Armin was convinced he was about to cry.

Then Levi grimaced, squeezed his eyes shut, and when he opened them he was back to his usual cold self.

"Yes. Can you bring it to Erwin's office after dinner please?"

"Of course, Captain," Armin inclined his head. He watched the man stride out of the library with a hammering heart.

What's this really about, Levi?

"Armin, I need to get your opinion on something for the proposal," Mikasa said in an undertone. "Can I come by your room some night this week to discuss it?"

They were at dinner (which was stew, again). Eren, in the middle of an earnest rant with Connie and Sasha about the limited food options, was completely obvious to the furtive discussion going on between his two friends. The man had no clue his girlfriend was planning to propose to him the very next month; and that his best friend was in on the secret.

"Yeah sure." Armin kept his voice casual, so as not to attract the attention of anyone else at the table. "Any night except Wednesday or Saturday suits me."

Mikasa's dark brows rose. "Oh? What are you doing those nights?"

Steeling himself under her scrutiny, Armin took a sip of water and shrugged. "I like to set aside time for undisturbed reading."

"Hmm… reading?" Mikasa smirked. "You're not having someone special over, are you?"

It was best to play along with the teasing, instead of getting defensive and causing more suspicion.

"Why, are you jealous?"

"Depends on who it is." Mikasa nudged him good-naturally. "But I'll let you have your secrets."

"Hey, what are you two whispering about?" Jean demanded, dropping into a seat next to Armin.

Eren, Connie and Sasha stopped their conversation and turned towards them.

"You better watch out Eren. Maybe your girlfriend and best friend are having an affair," Connie sniggered.

"Can't two people talk in this place without being accused of sleeping with each other?" Mikasa shook her head and continued eating, as if these accusations were beneath her. She wasn't in the least bit flustered about the covert plans she'd been plotting moments before.

Armin was forcefully reminded of Levi's stoic demeanour earlier. Was being good at hiding secrets a shared Ackerman trait?

"Well, it's only fair that Mikasa's getting some side action. What with Eren secretly sleeping with Jean and all…" Sasha trailed off as she tore up a chunk of bread and shoved it in her mouth. Her resemblance to a titan was uncanny.

"Will you guys ever get tired of that joke?" Eren ran a hand over his messy bun. "You need some new material because it's not funny anymore."

"Yeah. It's not like everyone is having secret affairs in this place," Jean scowled at Connie and Sasha. "Except for the Commander and Captain Levi, of course."

Armin almost choked on his mouthful of stew. Eyes watering, he gulped down a glass of water, desperately listening to the conversation carrying on around him.

"What are you talking about Jean?"

"Didn't you hear about the MRC reps having a meeting with Erwin earlier? Rumour has it they're investigating his relationship with Levi."

"Jean, you shouldn't be gossiping about our superiors like that. Even if it's true, the men deserve their privacy."

"I didn't start it Mikasa! I'm just repeating a conversation I overheard between two officers after lunch. Besides, look - neither of the men have come to dinner. Something is clearly up."

Jean gestured towards the other side of the room. Crowded around a table were Hange, Mike, and a handful of other veterans who were friendly with Levi and Erwin. But there was no sign of the Captain or Commander.

Hange looked uncharacteristically solemn, their gaze fixed on their dinner without eating a bite. Mike seemed equally serious, and was in deep conversation with the others.

"What's the big deal if they're fucking?" Sasha shared a perplexed look with Connie. "Why would the MRC bother investigating it?"

"Maybe they suspect it's misconduct? That Erwin's taking advantage of his role or something?" Jean shrugged.

Eren shook his head dismissively. "You seriously think anyone could take advantage of Levi Ackerman? The man isn't some naive cadet - he's Humanity's Strongest Soldier."

They continued debating the matter, swapping speculation about what was truly going on.

An invisible vice squeezed Armin's lungs. He couldn't quite catch his breath; it came and went in sharp snatches that left him light-headed. His safe reality felt like it'd just been tossed upside down.

Does everybody know about their relationship now? What sort of things are people saying about them?

Levi's strange request for Armin to come to Erwin's office after dinner made sense now. They probably wanted a pretence to talk to him about what was going on.

He couldn't meet anyone's eyes, lest they discover anything incriminating about his knowledge of the men's relationship. But there was someone else at the table who wasn't speaking either - Mikasa. Her dinner forgotten, she was instead winding the ends of her scarf into complicated little knots.

Forcing his own shock aside, Armin asked, "Are you ok, Mika?"

On her other side, Eren also noticed his girlfriend's agitation. He paused in his argument with the others and slid his arm around her. "What's wrong love?"

"I'm fine," she assured them, voice deceptively firm. "I just hope Levi's alright. It's hard to believe anyone could take advantage of him… but he's not the cold-hearted monster everyone thinks he is either."

Eren nodded, fingers stroking her hair back from her face with a gentleness he didn't often show in public. He turned back to the rest of the group. "Listen guys, Mikasa's right. The men deserve some privacy."

"And maybe we shouldn't pass judgement on Erwin until we find out more," Armin added in a low croak.

They all had the grace to look a little ashamed of themselves. Jean quickly switched the subject to the letter he received from his mother that morning. But Mikasa didn't join back in the cheerful conversation.

"Levi was so quiet during training earlier," she murmured, stirring a spoon in endless circles in her bowl. "He must be hating all this gossip about his private life. I wonder should I try talking to him? Or would that only make things worse? I don't know." She squeezed her eyes shut.

"Maybe wait a few days, and see what comes of this investigation first?" Eren leaned in close to her, kissing the top of her head.

"Alright. I just don't want him to feel alone." Mikasa gave a weak smile. "If it turns out he really is with Erwin, I hope he's happy. God knows he needs someone to open up to."

Armin rubbed her arm in soothing motions, relieved to see his friend relax. But inside it felt like a den of snakes had taken up residence in his stomach.

If Erwin's being investigated, it's possible word might get out about my encounters with both men. How would my friends react to that?

Mikasa and Eren's harsh treatment of Floch sprang to mind. If they believed Armin had been taken advantage of by Levi and Erwin, what would they do?

The writhing in his stomach intensified. He couldn't eat another bite of his stew. The prospect of the men getting in trouble over him was too much to handle.

All this speculation made his head spin. He needed to act normal, and not let his friends suspect anything was amiss. Hopefully he'd get answers when he visited Erwin's office after dinner...

After a quick detour to the library after dinner, Armin climbed to the top floor of the administrative building, and reached the door to Erwin's office. Low voices murmured from inside.

Shifting the submission file under one arm, he raised his fist to knock. Then hesitated.

Just how bad are things? Is the investigation just about Erwin and Levi, or has the MRC somehow figured out my involvement too?

A part of him ached to get answers immediately, while another urged him to turn around and go in the other direction - away from this whole mess.

Armin found himself recalling the last two times he'd been here, outside this office door. Firstly, the evening he dropped off his application for the library post. That accidental act of voyeurism had changed his relationship with Levi and Erwin forever.

And the last time, only a few days after the first incident, when Erwin and Levi had discussed the prospect of a threesome with him. Had it really only been six months since his arrangement with these men had started?

Was it all about to end now?

Whatever happens, standing around out here won 't make it any better!

Armin gritted his teeth, and knocked. A moment later, the voices inside stopped their conversation.

"Enter," Erwin ordered.

Armin pushed open the heavy door. Erwin sat at his desk, surveying Armin as he entered. As he suspected, Levi was here too - leaning against the wall behind Erwin, arms crossed in his typical manner. That impassive mask was fixed firmly on his face.

"Armin, please take a seat," Erwin gestured in front of the desk.

This level of formality from him was disconcerting. He was very much playing the role of Commander right now. Gone was any trace of the laid-back Erwin that Armin had gotten to know so intimately.

He's like a completely different man… Did I just dream up everything we've shared over the last few months?

Closing the door, Armin paced over to drop into the seat before Erwin. And immediately realised that the man's steady, polite tone had tricked him.

Up close, the small signs of Erwin's stress were impossible to miss. His bright intelligent eyes were dulled, and wisps of blond strands had come loose from his usually neat hair. He looked like someone on the brink of exhaustion.

Behind him, Levi's eyes were trained on Armin. Then he abruptly strode towards the window on the far side of the room, putting his back to both them.

Fine. There was nothing to do but play the game.

"Here's the submission you requested to see again, Commander."

Armin placed the file on the desk, his stomach churning like a piece of driftwood caught in a tide. They might all be in the same room, but the distance between him and the other men could as well be an ocean.

Should I keep following their example of formality? Would they be angry if I asked if everything is ok?

"Thanks for returning this Armin, I just need to double check some facts. I'm sorry for the short notice; I hope we didn't interfere with your evening plans."

"No, it's fine," Armin said, voice coming out raspy. He swallowed hard and said in a stronger tone, "Is there anything else I can help with?"

Erwin pulled the file towards him without even glancing at it. Instead he appraised Armin. Then his shoulders slumped, as if the pretence of a calm Commander was too much of a burden.

"In truth, we called you here to talk to you - it seemed safer to have some official business as an excuse." Erwin released a long, low exhale. "From what Hange and Mike told me, there's rumours going around about my meeting with the Military Relations Commission today. Have you heard anything?"

Something unknotted inside of Armin. Finally, they'd broken through the awkward professional boundary between them. No matter what happened now, at least they were being honest with each other.

"Yes, my friends were discussing it at dinner." He leaned forward, clutching the edge of the desk. "What's going on? Is everything alright?"

Erwin sat up straighter and clasped his hands together - an echo of his former impressive self. "I was interviewed earlier by two members of the MRC. They recently received numerous complaints about me conducting an inappropriate relationship with Levi. The claims accused me of using my position of power to take advantage of a subordinate."

"Who made these complaints?" Armin could understand if people were genuinely worried about a situation like this arising. But it sounded contrived for a barrage of complaints to all come in together.

"The representatives couldn't divulge that information," Erwin grimaced. "But I have my suspicions. I'm not exactly popular with the traditionalists' faction, so this might be a calculated attempt to slander me."

He glanced over at Levi, still with his back to them by the window. Regret was etched into the lines of Erwin's face. "I couldn't hide the facts during my interview - I admitted we've been in a relationship for a few years, but we preferred to keep things discreet. They're questioning Levi tomorrow, as well as Hange, Mike, and other veterans close to us. No doubt they need to verify the truth of the matter."

Looking back at Armin with a faint smile, he added, "There's been no mention of your involvement with us, in case you're concerned. Unless I'm questioned directly about it - which I doubt will happen since we've all been discreet - than I won't need to reveal anything."

Erwin winced, rubbing at his temples with both hands. No doubt he was plagued by a particularly severe migraine under all this stress.

Relief seeped into Armin's veins, followed quickly by guilt. I might be in the clear, but Levi and Erwin have to suffer through this uncomfortable investigation…

"But once they realise there's no abuse of power, this should all work itself out, right? Everything will be ok?"

At the window, Levi turned on his heel and faced back towards him. "You mean after we've been forced to reveal our relationship, when we had no intention of doing so?" His voice was a low, dangerous growl.

It had been a long time since Armin felt properly intimidated by the Captain. Old fears he'd long forgotten came flooding back. His legs shook, knocking against the wood of Erwin's desk.

He's not really mad at me, it's just this whole situation has him under pressure. And I don't blame him.

"I'm sorry Levi, I didn't mean to sound dismissive. None of this is fair at all," Armin amended. "But at the very least, you shouldn't get into trouble over it, right? And you should know that people seem very supportive. None of my friends had any issue over the idea of you both in a relationship. Once the accusations of misconduct are cleared up, I think you'll be surprised by how accepting most people are."

Levi threaded over, soft as a predatory cat. "You don't understand. Some of the older, more conservative citizens are less open-minded than you and your friends. We might not directly lose our positions, but this will seriously tarnish our reputations among the conservative groups. Erwin especially. This could make his work a lot more difficult in future."

As he mentioned his partner, a shred of humanity slipped through the Captain's hard demeanour. He took up a stance beside Erwin's chair, hand resting behind his head.

"But you're right Armin. At this stage we're just hoping the scandal will blow over after nothing incriminating is found against Erwin." The anger dissolved out of Levi's words, his tone tinged with weariness. "It's just… I never wanted our relationship to be made public. The nosy looks I got from soldiers earlier in the corridors... Even if the allegations get cleared up, I can't fucking stand dealing with everyone staring and judging us."

"We still don't know if the MRC has been corrupted by traditionalist beliefs either," Erwin added, eyes downcast. "If that's the case, we may not get a fair investigation. They'll trump up any old charge against me. Just like the old government used to do all the time to innocent people. I thought Paradis was making progress but… perhaps I was mistaken."

Erwin's words wavered. He buried his face in his hands, palms kneading roughly into the flesh.

He's thinking about what happened to his father… how he was executed for daring to defy convention.

Levi's arm snaked around his partner in an embrace. This show of intimacy broke the last vestiges of restrained formality in the room.

Armin tethered on indecision, wanting nothing more than to comfort Erwin with kind words or a hug. But he sensed this move might be unwelcome. From the moment he'd entered the room, the men had silently made it clear he was an outsider again.

"We don't know that for certain Erv," Levi murmured, stroking his partner's hair in a manner similar to Eren comforting Mikasa earlier at dinner. "It might just be a few stupid people trying to punish you for being outspoken about forming alliances with other nations. We can deal with that. We've faced worse, right?"

Erwin nodded, dropping his hands from his face. Moisture glinted on his reddened cheeks in the lamplight.

Something snapped inside of Armin - he refused to play the role of useless observer any longer. He leaned across the desk to place his hand over Erwin's larger one. The ghost of a smile flickered over the man's lips, before he pulled away.

This small act of rejection sent tendrils of cold confirmation through the librarian.

So, they brought me here to ends things …

"There's something else we called you here to discuss, Armin." The Commander's words came out slowly, as if reluctant. "Given the circumstances, it's best that we stop meeting together in private. We don't want to raise any more suspicion, or to put you under scrutiny. The last thing we want is for you to get caught up in any scandal alongside us."

Armin had already braced himself for this news. And yet, the confirmation sliced through him like jagged shards of glass.

Of course, he understood this decision. The men needed to prioritise their own relationship right now. Armin was only an added complication to their predicament.

Still, I can 't stand the thought of losing them completely…

"I agree, it makes sense for us to stop our sexual arrangement. But are we still able to meet as friends?"

This Wednesday evening, they'd scheduled to meet in Erwin's quarters to discuss details of their next threesome encounter. While that intention was now obsolete, Armin clung to a desperate hope that they could still keep meeting up for their casual friendly chats.

Erwin glanced at Levi, who looked away, pale forehead furrowed. Had they already discussed this?

"I'm not sure that's wise," Erwin admitted. "I think it's safest to avoid all non work-related interactions for now. We'll see if the situation changes later on."

Armin jerked his chin in a nod, the surge of bitter disappointment drowning out his ability to speak.

So that's it - we just go back to being soldiers, colleagues? After everything we've done together?

"Armin…" Levi began, infusing the name with the same tenderness he'd used with Erwin. "We're sorry. We never intended to cut you off so abruptly. We didn't even get to do your fantasy night in the end… Erwin and I were looking forward to it as much as you were."

As frustrated as he was, Armin couldn't allow them to worry about him. They had more than enough to deal with right now. He straightened his shoulders and took a steadying breath.

"That doesn't matter. Focusing on your own relationship is more important. I just - I just hope everything works out ok with the investigation." His voice wavered, and he swallowed back tears. But he refused to make a scene and cause the men any more guilt than was necessary.

You have to hold it together. For them.

Erwin's fingers twitched and then balled into fists, as if resisting the urge to reach out to him. Meanwhile, Levi took a step forward and hesitated, mouth twisting. Were they struggling with this restrained distance as much as Armin was? In all their time together, he'd never seen both men look so agonisingly defeated.

"I'm sorry, it's probably best if we get used to the new situation between us," Erwin sighed. "Is there anything else we can do for you? Do you want to discuss anything?"

Armin couldn't bear to dissect the tatters of their broken arrangement right now. All his body burned for was one last hug with these men - who had been such an integral part of his life these last six months.

Then a memory rose from his early days of working in the library. In the process of re-cataloguing books with Emilia, they'd come across the Survey Corps' oldest journals and records. Some of the covers were so battered and ripped, that Emilia insisted they needed to be re-bound.

The prospect of tearing off the old bindings had horrified Armin. Couldn't the books just be repaired, and preserved as close as possible to their original state?

"That's only a temporary solution. If something is broken, we shouldn't cling to sentimentality when it comes to making the best choice," Emilia had said kindly.

Perhaps in this case too, a clean cutting off from the past might be best for all of them.

"No, you're right. I think this is the safest move too. Just - just focus on your own relationship for now. That's all that matters." Armin pinned a smile on his face, hoping it would convince the men he was fine with this.

Levi's hand settled on his partner's shoulder in a silent show of support, and Erwin reached up to cover it with his own. Neither of them tore their gaze away from him.

"Thank you for understanding, Armin." The Commander returned his smile, features edged with sadness. "We can't express how much we enjoyed our time together."

The Captain's lips moved, but no words escaped. Finally they quirked into a crooked half-smile.

"Look after yourself, cinnamon roll."

Levi's teasing felt so out of place in this serious context, that Armin choked out a laugh. Warmth spread over him like a blanket at the reminder of the casual intimacy he'd shared with these men. His own smile softened with sincerity as he took in the sight of them before him.

Like with Eren and Mikasa, Levi and Erwin's love could serve as a beacon of light for him. A shining example of something he might be lucky enough to find for himself someday.

Or more likely, something I'll never be able to experience at all…

It was time to leave, before the tide of conflicting emotions rose up to submerge him.

"Well, I better go — I'm supposed to be meeting my friends in the rec building. I don't want them asking questions." Armin stood up from his chair on unsteady legs. "Thanks for telling me everything. And... good luck with the investigation. I'm sure it'll all be fine."

The few steps to the door felt like wading through water. A frantic, stupid part of Armin expected the men to call out to him; to tell him they'd changed their minds and didn't want to end things this way.

But of course, they didn't.

He shut the door behind him. The dull thud of the wood had an odd sense of finality to it.

The composed mask fell from his face as reality crashed down around him. Fighting past the numbness seeping into his bones, Armin's thoughts spiralled in a series of pointless directions.

What happens if this investigation goes badly? What if my involvement with Erwin and Levi is discovered, and that makes matters worse for them?

And even if everything goes well, will they truly reconsider spending time with me again? Or have they already put me out of their minds forever?

If he'd known their hug goodbye on Saturday morning had been their last, perhaps he never would have let go.

Somehow, Armin forced his shaky legs to move away from the door, and away from the two men he cared so much about.

His lovers. His friends.

But not anymore.

Notes: So I'm just gonna hide while you all throw things at me...

Focusing this chapter on Armin's POV was a nice chance to play catch-up with his subplots. What do you think about Floch helping out with the library event? And the scene with Armin and his friends? And how do you feel about this abrupt end to the threesome?

I'd love to hear any theories you have about what will happen (Also if anybody hates me!) All comments are very welcome, and will fuel me for getting the next chapter out asap XD