Previously: Levi and Erwin's relationship is being investigated by the Military Relations Commission (MRC), for false claims that Erwin abused his power to take advantage of a subordinate (Levi). The men break off their threesome arrangement with Armin to ensure he doesn't get involved in any scandal along with them.
Chapter 23: A Fresh Start
Levi
"I think this is the safest move too. Just - just focus on your own relationship for now. That's all that matters." Armin smiled, his features soft with reassurance.
Resisting reaching over to touch him was torturous. But Levi had agreed with Erwin earlier that creating a solid barrier between them and Armin was the wisest course of action.
So why does it feel like I'm ripping off a fucking limb?
The librarian had taken the news of their arrangement ending quite admirably. But Levi saw the hurt in his eyes when neither of them moved to offer him physical comfort. He didn't complain though, and valiantly wished them the best for the investigation before making a hasty retreat out the door.
Then he was gone.
Neither Levi nor Erwin spoke. After a minute, Armin's light footsteps echoed away down the hall outside.
The Commander's wide shoulders slumped. Elbows resting on the desk, he kneaded his palms roughly over his face.
"Levi… why do I feel like we just fucked that up?"
My sentiments exactly.
But he wouldn't say that to his partner. What was the point in regretting their choice? The threesome arrangement with Armin always needed to end, after all.
It had just happened more abruptly, (and harshly), than they'd expected.
But neither of them had energy to spare to be worrying about Armin's Arlert's feelings right now. Levi intended to take the man's parting advice - to focus on saving his relationship with Erwin from falling into ruin in the face of these scandalous accusations.
"We did the best we could, given the circumstances. He'll forget about us in no time." The Captain dearly hoped this was true. "Come on, you haven't eaten since breakfast. I'll grab some dinner and we can eat in your quarters. Don't worry about finishing off your paperwork tonight."
Erwin's large frame shook when he stood. Levi reached out to steady him. He'd never seen Erwin so shaken up as this. It scared him in a way that titans and Underground criminals never did.
Emptiness already seeped into Levi's bones at how they were cutting themselves off from Armin. How would he cope if he was soon to lose the love of his life, too?
"It's ok Erv, we'll get through this." Levi forced false conviction into his voice.
They needed to be strong, to face these horrendous accusations with dignity and composure.
It's not like they had any other choice.
The week of the investigation was the longest of Levi's life. The two MRC representatives questioned Erwin's friends and work colleagues over the next few days, trying to assess if there was any truth to the allegations.
Levi's own interview had been the day after they'd broken things off with Armin. Shame blasted through him every time he recalled it. Baring his private life to two complete strangers was torturous, and the only reason he could face it was the knowledge that being totally upfront was the best approach. Although all his best manners might prove useless if the MRC had been corrupted by traditionalist values. What if this investigation was a ruse, an excuse to pin false blame on Erwin?
Somehow the two of them made it through the week. After that, the MRC reps needed a few days to finalise their report. Going about their normal daily schedules, with the apprehension of the impending results hanging over them, was nothing short of agony.
Finally, today was the day the official results of the investigation were coming out. Erwin had left over an hour ago for a meeting with the Commission members.
What the hell is taking him so long? Is this a bad sign?
Levi waited with agonising impatience in Erwin's quarters for the man to return. In a desperate bid to keep himself busy, he began tidying the place. Of course everything was already pretty clean, given that Levi's high standards had rubbed off on his partner over the years. But he scowled at finding a stack of files tucked away behind the couch. No doubt Erwin had been planning to catch up on some extra work later.
Levi would need to have some serious words with his partner when he got back. Erwin's migraines had intensified over the last week under the public scrutiny of the investigation. Sneaking in late-night paperwork sessions would only fuck the man's health up even more.
Why can't he see that this facade of the 'perfect' Commander is driving him into an early grave?
Once there was nothing left to clean, the Captain made himself a pot of herbal tea. But sitting down to drink it proved impossible. His jittery legs demanded he pace around the room, in a useless attempt to banish his excess nerves.
The front door creaked opened. With inborn Ackerman reflexes, Levi leapt out of his seat and bounded into the hall.
"It's just me," Erwin called, shutting the door and strolling towards him.
Of course it's you, nobody else has a fucking key to this place!
Erwin was always announcing himself like this when he came in, and it drove Levi insane. But he had more important issues to worry about right now.
"So? How'd it go?"
Erwin reached him, and opened his mouth to reply. Then he glanced down at his feet.
"Damn it, I forgot to take off my shoes… Give me a minute."
"Forget the fucking shoes! Give me the news." Levi would have laughed at his partner's shocked expression, if his stomach wasn't twisting in knots.
A hesitant smile broke over Erwin's features; as if he wasn't sure whether to believe his luck. It was the first proper smile Levi had seen on his face since the investigation began.
"They cleared me of all charges! There was absolutely nothing to indicate misconduct from all the testimonies they heard." Erwin's blue eyes illuminated like reflected stars in water. "It's all over now."
Levi flung himself at the man, wrapping his arms around his broad back. All the emotions that had festered inside him over the past week surged past his self control. He didn't need to pretend to be strong anymore now that the threat was gone.
"Shh, It's ok darling," Erwin murmured soothingly, holding him close. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this."
"No Erwin, I'm sorry! If we'd just come out about our relationship in the first place, like you wanted…" A sob broke out of him, racking his whole body. "We - we might not have had to go through this humiliating investigation."
"Oh darling, it's not your fault. I understand why you wanted to keep things private. I wish our hands hadn't been forced like this."
"Those fucking traditionalist bastards! I've no doubt that they were the ones who submitted the accusations to the MRC."
The traditionalist political party, led by Alastair Forster, was extremely vocal about their reluctance to create ties with the outside world. They'd already criticised Erwin for his support in the recent foreign trade summit, and had made insinuating remarks about his relationship with Levi.
"We don't know that for definite." Erwin grimaced. "But all the same, I'll be watching my step around them in future."
Looks like we should all be watching our step around the Forsters …
Alastair's youngest son was none other than Floch Forster - the young man who'd caused Armin so much turmoil over the years.
Levi had seen him talking to Armin the last time he'd visited the library. Armin had insisted everything was fine, but what if Floch was playing some twisted game with him? If he held the same conservative views as his father, perhaps he too was biased against anyone who was different?
And speaking of Armin, we'll be able to resume our friendship with him now. Should we tell him the good news tonight?
Erwin's stomach grumbled loudly, distracting Levi from his thoughts.
"Goddammit, did you even eat today?"
His partner didn't reply, glancing away like a guilty child.
"Well I can't really give out, I barely ate either. Should we grab something from the kitchen? Dinner's finished so there won't be many people around."
"Before we go, there's something else I want to talk about." Erwin gestured towards the couch. "Can we sit for a few minutes?"
Once they sat down, Erwin launched straight into things. He explained how after getting the result of the investigation, he'd ended up chatting to Sara, one of the MRC representatives. With the official part of her job over, the two of them could talk more casually.
"She's a big supporter of Paradis connecting to the rest of the world, and she wanted to know all about my involvement with the trade summit last month."
Levi snorted. "So that's why you took so long to get back here?"
"Yeah, sorry about that." Erwin scratched the back of his neck. "But I took the chance to ask her to clarify what exactly the military's rules for relationships are. Sara said the MRC is working to issue a set of official guidelines, to clear up this long-standing grey area. But essentially she told me there's nothing to worry about once everything is consensual and between adults. There's not even an obligation to make things public. Unfortunately in our case, the MRC had to investigate since allegations had been made against me. But once that was all resolved, Sara made it clear we hadn't done anything wrong by forming a relationship."
"Well… that's a relief." Sudden realisation flared in Levi's mind. "So that means even our arrangement with Armin wouldn't be seen as forbidden?"
Erwin laughed. "Naturally, I didn't specifically ask her about that scenario. But given what she said, it sounds like it's permissible. The biggest issue we'd face would be public opinion."
Levi digested this information carefully, his pulse quickening.
"I see. So where are you going with this?"
Erwin slid closer to Levi on the couch, putting a hand on his arm. "You remember the discussion we had a few weeks ago, when I came back from Mitras?"
Levi didn't ask which discussion he was referring to. A wild, possibly dangerous hope was sparking inside him.
"Yes, I remember. We agreed there was no long-term future in our arrangement with Armin."
"I'd like to re-consider our options." Erwin took a deep breath, fixing Levi with an intent, tender gaze. "How would you feel about-"
He stopped speaking as a heavy pounding on the door pierced the intimacy of the moment.
"Erwin? Are you there?" Hange's shrill voice called out.
"For fuck's sake, they've got awful timing!" Levi surged to his feet and strolled to the door.
"Wait, are you sure you want them to know you're here?" Erwin asked behind him.
"Everything is public knowledge now, remember? No need to hide anymore. And besides, I'm pretty sure Hange already knew about us to begin with."
Levi pulled open the door to reveal a wide-eyed Hange hovering in the hallway.
"Oh Levi, I thought you'd be here! But I'm not interrupting anything, am I? We can always come back later…"
"It's fine Four-Eyes. And wait, what do you mean by we? Who else is here with you?"
Mike popped his head around the doorway with a goofy wave. Mikasa Ackerman revealed herself next, followed by the other members of Levi's elite squad, who craned their necks around their Captain to gawp inside the Commander's quarters.
"For fuck's sake Hange, did you invite half the Survey Corps here?"
"Yes, but it's the better half!" they declared proudly.
Levi privately disagreed. Armin Arlert was nowhere in sight, after all.
"We brought food and drink too, we figured you might not have eaten." Mike held up a large covered container. Someone else was carrying a bottle of wine.
Erwin arrived in the hallway to check out the commotion. Hange shrieked so loudly that Levi's fingers itched for a weapon. They rushed past him and threw themselves at the Commander.
"We heard the good news about the investigation! Thank the titans that's all over with now. And just so you know, we all fully support you both having a sexual relationship. I mean, it was painfully obvious to me and Mike what was going on, even if the rest of the military was blind to it-"
Levi slapped a hand to his forehead. Mikasa's lips twitched, while other soldiers covered their mouths to hide their laughter.
"Crap, I'm making this worse, aren't I?" Hange exclaimed. Releasing Erwin, they embraced Levi instead. "I'm sorry little grumpy Captain! I'm just trying to be supportive."
Levi endured the hug with gritted teeth. The other soldiers behaved with less exuberance, and came forward one by one to shake hands with both men in a show of respect. When it was Mikasa's turn, she leaned in and murmured, "I'm glad everything's ok, Captain." She used her free hand to give his arm a quick squeeze.
I wonder would she be so friendly if she knew what I used to get up to with her best friend …
"Well, we won't disturb your evening. Come on guys, let's go." Hange turned away to gather everyone up like a mother hen collecting their chicks.
"No wait, won't you stay for a glass of wine?" Erwin picked up the bottle they'd just been gifted.
Hange, in the process of pushing a confused Mike towards the door, swivelled back around. Their face glowed with maniacal delight.
"Ooh yes, we'd love to stay for wine! How nice of you to offer."
Minutes later everyone was crowded into the sitting room, perched on couches or sitting on the floor, each with a glass of wine in their hand. Hange took it upon themselves to declare a toast.
"To Levi and Erwin - the hottest couple in the Survey Corps!"
Levi had faced all sorts of horrors over the years. But right now, this boisterous little get-together felt like the worst moment of his life.
Although maybe - just maybe - it was also one of the best.
He'd have to wait in agonised anticipation to discuss the Armin situation with Erwin later on. For now, he begrudgingly allowed himself to be touched by this show of support from their comrades and friends.
I just wish Armin could be here with us too …
Armin
"Are you alright?" Eren peered with concern over at his friend. "You seem a bit jittery again today. I thought a day out would help you relax."
Armin tightened his fingers around his hot drink. "It's just the library event, there's so much left to organise."
It was only a half-lie - the upcoming book launch was a constant source of stress for him these days. And now that the Head Librarian was out sick with a flu, the full burden of running the library had fallen to him.
Although perhaps I should be thankful that I'm kept occupied by my work. It's better than wallowing in constant self-pity. And spending time with my friends is definitely helping too…
Even if some mornings, it was all he could do to drag himself out of bed.
Sensing his ongoing low spirits, Eren and Mikasa had insisted on spending the day in town with him today. Together they explored the markets and their favourite little craft shops. Then they decided to visit a new tea shop called Sugar & Spice that had just opened up, which sold beverages popular from all over the world. Sasha had visited with Connie last weekend. She'd informed them, eyes brimming with joyful tears, that they sold a heavenly concoction called 'hot chocolate'.
I wonder if Levi and Erwin have ever visited this place? It's probably easier for them to hang out together in public now that everyone knows about their relationship.
To Armin's immense relief, the investigation on Erwin had ended a few days ago, and the Military Relations Commission issued a formal statement to say there was no evidence of misconduct.
Mikasa heard the news before he did. She and her squad had regularly waylaid Hange for information while the investigation was ongoing. As soon as they discovered Erwin's name had been cleared, they'd visited Erwin and Levi to share their congratulations.
Armin's stomach twisted with envy that Mikasa could so casually visit the men because she was a member of Levi's elite squad.
Whereas my connection with them is a complete secret. It's like it never existed at all…
Unsure where he now stood with the men, Armin waited for them to make the first move. He'd already resigned himself that their sexual arrangement was over for good. But maybe they could at least go back to being friends?
At the same time, his desperation mingled in a pit of shame. He wasn't going to live his life clinging to the hope that they'd someday throw him a scrap of attention. As painful as it was to let them go, he had other things in his life to focus on. And that's what he planned to do.
"Are you sure nothing's going on with Floch?" Eren persisted. "I'm still not sure letting him help with the event is a good idea."
Armin's hair tickled his face in the light breeze, and he brushed it back impatiently. They were sitting at a table outside the tea shop, making the most of this surprisingly mild October day.
He took a sip of his delicious chocolate drink as he absorbed his friend's familiar warning.
"Floch seems really grateful to be involved in the event. I understand your concern, but I think he deserves a second chance to prove himself." Armin forced conviction into his voice, pushing aside the tendrils of doubt that he was making a mistake in trusting Floch.
Eren opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted by the arrival of Mikasa.
"Sorry I'm late!" she exclaimed, dropping into a seat at their table. "The queue in that place took forever. What did you guys get to drink?"
Eren offered her his hot chocolate to try. She winced at the taste.
"That's too sweet, it's like drinking sugar!"
"You don't like it?" Armin asked incredulously.
Shaking her head, Mikasa scanned the fancy little menu on the table. When she decided on a fruit-flavoured tea, Eren insisted on ordering it for her at the counter inside the shop. While he was gone, Mikasa pulled her secret purchase out of a paper bag.
"Do you think he'll like it?" Her mouth twisted up to one side, worry creasing her brow.
Armin leaned in to examine it. He'd already helped Mikasa pick it out last week at the jeweller's shop. She hadn't brought enough money at the time, so she'd decided to sneakily buy it today when Eren wasn't around.
The steel ring glinted in the sunlight. A raised pattern of a trinity knot encircled the band - a traditional symbol of eternal love in Paradis. The ring nestled in the box beside a silver chain, which would be Eren's preferred way of wearing it.
"Mikasa, it looks amazing! Are you going to propose soon?"
Despite his envy, Armin was excited for his two best friends. At first he'd feared that they were too young for this sort of commitment. But after talking to Mikasa over the last few weeks, he understood this wasn't a rash decision. The couple had already discussed the prospect of marriage, even if they hadn't made any official plans. Mikasa knew Eren was probably agonising over devising the perfect proposal. So she'd decided to take matters into her own hands.
Miksa closed the lid of the box and put it back in the paper bag under the table.
"Yes, I'll do it soon. I'm so nervous that I can't wait much longer! But I won't do it until after your birthday of course," she assured him.
His birthday. He'd completely forgotten about it with everything else going on. On the 4th of November - in one week's time - he'd be turning twenty.
It felt like such a big milestone. But right now, the prospect wearied him. There was too much going on to fully enjoy it. If Eren and Mikasa were going to move their relationship onto the next level, he'd preferred if it happened sooner than later. Maybe celebrating with them would prove to be a welcome distraction from the rest of his life.
"I appreciate that Mika, but don't hold back because of me. My birthday's next Friday - so you could do the proposal on Saturday if you wanted?"
Mikasa opened her mouth as if to argue. She changed her mind when Eren returned carrying a tray with her peach and raspberry tea. It came in a green and white spiral-patterned teapot, with a matching cup and saucer. A tiny pot of honey was provided as an accompaniment.
A fond smile tweaked Armin's lips. If Levi were here, he'd complain about people ruining good tea by adding sweetener.
Mikasa seemed to share the Captain's sentiments. She poured out her tea and took a sip without touching the honey.
"So… why did you guys suddenly go quiet when I came back? Were you talking about me?" Eren nudged his girlfriend.
"No, I was just telling Armin about the birthday party we're planning for him."
Mikasa dropped this news so casually, Armin almost believed that this was what they'd actually been discussing. A pleasant flutter rippled through him. With all the preparation Mikasa was doing for her proposal, he hadn't expected her to give much thought to his birthday.
"Wait, weren't we going to keep that a surprise?" Eren asked in an undertone.
"I want to make sure he'll be around for it. We don't want him making plans with someone else." Mikasa smirked into her teacup.
Eren poked Armin in the side. "You hear that, cinnamon roll? Don't go dropping us for your secret boyfriend!"
While the nickname had been created by his friends, it still brought back sharp memories of Levi and Erwin's affectionate teasing.
"That'll never happen. Don't worry," Armin assured them, ignoring the clawing sensation inside him.
A fresh gust of wind provided a welcome change of topic, as Armin pushed some bothersome blond strands out of his face.
"Your hair's getting long. Do you want me to cut it before the party?" Mikasa leaned over and tugged critically at it.
Levi had asked Armin the same thing during their shared bath a few weeks ago. Of course, he wasn't even taking to him now, much less offering to cut his hair.
"No it's fine. I want to grow it out again."
"We can have matching buns!" Eren exclaimed, indicating his own chestnut-coloured top knot. "I'll give you all my best styling tips. Mikasa, have you any hair advice for him?"
His girlfriend gave an impatient exhale, which was answer enough. She didn't have time for complicated hair routines - her own hair was cut in a practical bob.
"Don't judge us Mika. We're not blessed with your perfect Ackerman genes," Eren said solemnly.
Mikasa turned away, face red, in the pretence of adjusting her scarf against the wind.
They continued discussing Armin's upcoming party, getting his feedback on the food and drink, and trying to figure out what he'd like as a gift.
He finished off his hot chocolate. The dregs at the bottom of the mug were sickly sweet, causing him to wince after swallowing. Right now his life felt like this. Full of things he should be appreciating, but that left him with an unpleasant aftertaste.
His dream job of working at the library - causing him sleepless nights in the run up to the book launch event.
His wonderful friendship with Eren and Mikasa - showing him everything he would never have in his own love life.
And his ruined affair and friendship with Levi and Erwin, which left him with a jagged scar etched onto his heart.
But he'd get through this. Things would get better. The library event would come and go, and he'd learn to overcome his lingering jealousy of his friends' relationship.
And someday, maybe I'll be able to look back on my time with Levi and Erwin without wanting to cry-
"ARMIN!"
He startled out of his thoughts, realising to his shame that he'd been silently wallowing in his misery.
"What?" he asked, noticing several customers turning their heads at his friend's raised voice. Obviously they weren't used to Eren Yeager and his trademark yelling.
You're worrying about that bloody book launch again, aren't you?" Eren shared a look with Mikasa. A look that made it very clear they'd discussed this matter between themselves.
"Armin, today is your day off. You need to relax." Mikasa took his hand, while Eren grasped the other one.
"People are staring at us," Armin mumbled. His couldn't resist the grin spreading over his face.
"They're just jealous!" Eren declared proudly.
"There's still an hour before dinner. Why don't we go look in some bookshops?" Mikasa shot Armin a knowing smile. "You can pick out your birthday present if you like."
He had to hand it to his friends. They might not know everything that was going on in his life, but they certainly knew the best ways to help cheer him up.
The trio made it back early to dinner, and were among the first soldiers to arrive in the mess hall.
As they headed towards their usual table in the corner, Armin spotted Erwin and Levi entering from the other side of the room. They were both in mid-conversation, but their gazes snapped to him straight away.
The Commander smiled at him.
Armin glanced away, pulse leaping into action with a ferocity that left him breathless.
Don't think about them, focus on something else…
He sat with his back to the men, scouring his brain for any interesting facts he could share with his friends to distract himself. His favourite topic sprang to mind.
"Hey, did you guys know that the ocean takes up over seventy percent of the world? And that foreign scientists estimate that ninety-four percent of living species are aquatic? And-"
Armin cut off his encyclopedic ramblings at the puzzled looks on Eren and Mikasa's faces. They were staring behind him.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but could I have a word?"
Cheeks aflame, Armin twisted around in his seat at the familiar voice. There stood Erwin Smith, calm and composed as ever.
"Of - of course Commander."
"Do you need us to give you a minute?" Eren asked, glancing at Mikasa.
"Oh no, you can both stay. I actually need to talk to Mikasa too." Erwin's charming smile encompassed all three of them, but his eyes lingered on Armin. There was no trace of the weary man who had broken down and cried in front of him two weeks ago.
What does he need to talk to us about? He's never spoken to me in front my friends like this before!
As Erwin took a seat beside him, Armin observed Levi on the far side of the room. He was sitting with a group of other veterans, eyes trained like a hawk on both Armin and his partner.
"So Mikasa," Erwin began. "I know you're in contact with Lady Kiyomi Azumabito. Did you know she's planning a diplomatic visit to Paradis next month?"
Mikasa nodded. "Yes, she mentioned it in her last letter."
"Well, it was all officially finalised today. She'll be coming with a delegation of notable figures from Hizuru - members of several other influential clans. They'll be spending most of their stay in Mitras to discuss further trade agreements.
"But Kiyomi has asked me for permission to visit the Survey Corps to see you again, Mikasa. Are you comfortable with that? I know you and she share an ancestral clan, but you're under no obligation to meet with her."
Mikasa's expression turned thoughtful, her fingers wrapping in the ends of her scarf.
"No, that's fine. It'd be nice to see her again."
"Great. Well that leads me to my next question." Erwin shifted in his seat to face Armin beside him. "Lady Azumabito's visit coincides with the library event you and Emilia are organising. I was thinking it might be a nice gesture to invite her and the other Hizuru officials to the event? But I wanted to run it by you first, Armin. I need to make a decision soon, and with Emilia out sick, you're the best person to help me figure out any potential issues. Could we meet later to discuss it? Does around eight suit you?"
Armin frantically pushed through his panic and tried to act professional.
"Yes, I'm free this evening. Should I call up to your office?"
"We can meet in my quarters, that'll be more comfortable." Erwin threw out this suggestion as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Then he thanked them for their time, and headed back over to Levi and his other friends.
Eren groaned as soon as he left. "This is so unfair! How come I never get an invitation to hang out with Levi or Erwin?!"
"Don't be jealous Eren. It's not like Armin and I are best friends with them. Not yet, anyway." Mikasa's lips curled wickedly.
"How can I not be jealous? They're two of the coolest people in this place, and you both have excuses to hang out with them."
"Eren please," Armin spluttered. "I'm discussing work with the Commander! It's not a social call."
In truth, he didn't actually know what it was. Erwin approaching him publicly like this confused him - especially inviting him to meet up in his quarters. But then again, was that such a big deal? Erwin's other friends like Hange and Mike sometimes visited him for tea there.
Apparently Mikasa wasn't ready to give up on teasing her boyfriend just yet.
"Imagine if Levi was there too, Armin. Maybe he'd make you tea, and afterwards you could all braid each other's hair."
"Shut up!" Eren laughed. "Ok Armin, you have to tell us everything afterwards. Especially if you get to touch Levi or Erwin's hair."
"Who's touching Erwin's hair?" Jean plonked himself down beside Armin, Marco on his other side.
Thankfully Eren explained the situation, so Armin could take a hasty gulp of water to cool himself down.
"Ooh, a private invitation to Erwin's quarters," Jean teased.
"He's in a relationship with Levi," Marco reminded his friend.
"Yeah, but since when did Erwin discuss work outside of his office?"
"I think they're both really touched by everyone's support for their relationship," Mikasa said. "Maybe they've relaxed a bit? I've noticed Levi's been friendlier during our squad training sessions. Yesterday he gave us all a jar of his home-made tea."
"Make sure it's not poisoned," Jean sniggered.
Armin hoped Mikasa was right, and the men really were finding benefits to having their relationship out in the open. There didn't seem to be much lasting damage to Erwin's reputation from the false accusations. Most people believed it had been nothing but a slanderous attack from his detractors.
As his friends' conversation moved onto the topic of Armin's 'secret' birthday party, he did his best to quell the questions circling his mind.
Is this meeting just about work matters? Or now that their uncertainty over the investigation is over, do they want to be friends again?
Armin rapped on the door of Erwin's quarters. His other hand clutched a notebook so tightly, he was surely leaving dents in the pages.
Erwin opened the door with his usual warm smile, making Armin's heart somersault in his chest. But until he knew otherwise, he'd assume this meeting was purely about work.
He lifted his lips politely. "Good evening, Commander."
"Armin, thank you so much for coming." Erwin gestured him inside and closed the door.
It felt like Armin's first visit all over again. Trying to forget all the other times he'd been here, Armin took a step forward into the hall so he wasn't standing so close to Erwin. But the man placed a gentle hand on his arm.
"I think you're forgetting something."
Crap, what's he talking about?
Then understanding hit him - he'd forgotten to remove his shoes.
"Oh sorry!" he exclaimed. Erwin offered to hold his notebook while he tugged off his shoes and put them by the door beside the other two pairs.
"Don't worry, I won't tell Levi." The Commander lowered his voice conspiratorially.
"You know, I can hear you brats out there," Levi grumbled from the living room.
Despite his resolve not to get his hopes up, Armin's heart fluttered in his chest.
Levi's here too… so is this about more than just work?
He followed Erwin into the living room where Levi was sprawled on the couch reading a newspaper. An elegant arrangement of blue, white and purple flowers rested in a vase on the table.
Armin resisted the urge to comment on these. His stomach twisted in knots over the prospect of the Hizuru delegates attending the library event, and he wanted to figure out what extra work he needed to do to prepare.
Afterwards, there'll be plenty of time to figure out what the hell is going on here.
Armin fixed a bland smile on his face. "Hi Captain, I didn't realise you'd be here too." He turned to Erwin. "I wrote down some notes about the event, should we discuss it now?"
His request seemed to take the men by surprise, but they quickly recovered. Levi offered to make tea while the other two discussed work. Armin took his usual seat, while Erwin sat across from him on the couch Levi just vacated.
He opened his notebook and went through the notes he'd jotted down after dinner. When he finished listing out the changes they'd need to make to the event, he couldn't help but express his personal concerns.
"But even after taking all of this into account, is this really a suitable event to invite these diplomats to? Surely it will be disappointing compared to the gatherings they'll be attending in Mitras." A quiver of uncertainty shook his voice.
"Remember that Kiyomi herself is an avid scholar, so I think she'll appreciate the invitation. And this is a great opportunity to show the delegates our gratitude for Hizuru's kindness towards us."
Armin frowned down at his notes, considering Erwin's words. Hizuru had been an ally of Paradis from the moment they first made contact with the outside world a few years ago. Their steadfast support had led to other countries seeking trade agreements with them too.
And they'd gifted thousands of books to institutions across Paradis, including schools, orphanages, and the military. Most of the foreign books received by the Survey Corps library had been part of that initiative.
The sharing of knowledge and beliefs could not be underestimated in the bonds between both nations. Celebrating books was a simple but sincere way of honouring that.
While Armin jotted down notes on this fresh perspective, Levi returned with a tray laden with a teapot and cups. Armin suddenly recalled his visit to Sugar & Spice with his friends earlier.
"Have you visited the new tea shop in town yet?"
"You mean the place that serves the liquid sludge stuff?" Levi's brows narrowed in distaste.
"Yes, it's called hot chocolate, and it's really nice! But they serve other drinks too, there's loads from other countries."
"Maybe we should take a visit together?" Erwin smiled at Levi. Then for some reason, he glanced back at Armin.
Is he asking both of us?!
No, that's crazy. They've never shown any interest in hanging out with me in public. Even if Erwin did approach me in front of my friends earlier…
Levi poured out the tea and handed Armin a cup. A rich, relaxing aroma suffused his nostrils.
"This smells nice, is it one of your home-made blends?"
"Yeah, but I'm still experimenting with the ingredients." Levi took a sip from his own cup, pursing his lips critically. "I think I'll add more lavender next time."
Finished with his tea preparations, Levi hesitated for a moment, glancing between the other two men on opposite sides of the table. Then he took a seat on the couch beside Armin. Not next to Erwin, like he usually did.
"You can keep talking about work, ignore me." The Captain picked up his newspaper again and unfolded it.
Armin tried to hide his confusion through professionalism. There was one more work matter he needed to address with Erwin - something Eren and Mikasa had urged him to bring up at this meeting.
"Running the library on my own without Emilia is quite exhausting at the moment. Given the new changes to the event, is there any possibility I could get help organising it?"
Erwin nodded. "I could assign someone in a temporary role to assist you. They'd be given permission to forgo some of their training sessions to help out at the library instead. You can select this person yourself if you like."
Relief washed over Armin. He already had someone in mind for the role…
"Thanks Erwin, that's a big help." He closed his notebook and put it on the table. "I think that's everything I wanted to discuss, what about you?"
"Yes, that's it for now. I'll invite the Hizuru delegation to the event in my next letter to Kiyomi, and I'll let you know their reply."
With the matter settled, silence filled the room. Armin focused on drinking his tea, unsure what to do or say. Did they expect him to leave now?
Levi put down his newspaper. Wrapping his hands around his teacup, he asked, "Are you able to stay for a bit longer, Armin? We wanted to talk about something."
A flurry of anxious anticipation spread like wildfire through every nerve of Armin's body.
Whether this is good or bad news, at least I'll finally get some answers…
Levi
"What do you want to discuss?" The librarian's tone was light and casual, but his fingers tapped a nervous pattern on his teacup.
Levi had chosen to sit beside Armin instead of Erwin, in an effort to demonstrate a shift in dynamics. It was a gentle indication to what they wanted to talk to him about. To be so close to Armin, yet not able to touch him, was torture. But they had decided the best approach for this meeting was to give the man some space while they explained themselves.
He's done a good job at hiding it, but I suspect our break up hurt him a lot more than he's letting on.
Erwin sat forward in his seat, locking Armin in an earnest gaze.
"Firstly, Levi and I owe you an apology for how we broke things off. While it made sense to distance ourselves due to the investigation, we shouldn't have treated you so coldly. It's something we've regretted ever since."
Armin stared at the floor, body hunched forward, lost in silent contemplation.
"We're sorry Armin." Levi's tone was gruffer than intended. The words weren't nearly enough to encompass his remorse.
Fuck it, Erwin's much better at this sort of thing than me. Maybe he should be the one sitting beside Armin…
Levi hesitantly slid closer on the couch, placing a hand on the librarian's arm. After the way they'd treated him during their last meeting, this felt like the right thing to do.
Armin looked up, features drawn in agitation. "I - I wanted to talk to you both as soon as the investigation was over, but… I wasn't sure if that's what you wanted too."
"We definitely wanted to talk," Erwin assured him. "But we had to discuss a few things ourselves first."
Armin glanced between them, silently imploring them to go on.
Levi allowed Erwin to take the lead like they'd planned. While his partner spoke, he adjusted his hand on Armin to rest lightly on his shoulder. The man stiffened at first, before relaxing into the touch.
"We have two things to ask you. Firstly, are you interested in resuming our friendship?"
"… You mean meeting up here for tea like we used to do?"
"Yes. But there's also a few changes we'd propose making." At Armin's curious expression, Erwin continued. "Essentially, we're open to being less private about it this time."
Hope battled with disbelief in Armin's eyes. "I'd like that… it's hard keeping secrets from my friends." A laugh bubbled out of him. "You know, Eren was so jealous earlier when I got a personal invitation to the Commander's quarters."
Levi snorted. "I hope you're not staying friends with us just to show off to everyone."
"No… but it is an important factor." He shot Levi one of his old mischievous grins.
Something in the Captain loosened, like a knot had been tied up inside him. The brat's back to his energetic self. That's got to be a good sign.
Armin's merriment thawed the tension in the room. Erwin's tightly clasped hands on his lap relaxed, and he picked up his teacup and drained it.
"So how would this work in practise?" Armin asked.
"We're still working out the details," Erwin admitted. "But we want your input too."
"I have some ideas, but I'd prefer to think it over a bit if that's ok."
Levi squeezed Armin's shoulder, before casually (or so he hoped) throwing his arm over the back of the couch behind the man.
"That's fine. We were going to suggest meeting one evening next week to go over it in more detail."
Armin nodded his agreement with this plan, lips quirking at Levi's proximity. He settled back against the couch, picking up a decorative cushion and toying with it. "I never got to ask - how are you dealing with your relationship being public?"
"So far, it's been better than we expected; we're lucky the Survey Corps is full of open-minded individuals. And it seems they're not the only ones." Erwin gestured at the vase of flowers on the table, which Levi had noticed Armin admiring earlier. "My friend Nile and his wife Marie sent us these. They said there's a lot of support for us in Mitras, despite some of the traditionalists still bad-mouthing me."
Levi considered all the kind inquiries and gifts from well-wishers since the investigation ended last week.
"It's sort of a relief not having to hide it anymore. Although some nosy fuckers ask way too many personal questions." When Armin flinched, Levi quickly added, "No, not you. I'm talking about Hange."
"They don't mean any harm!" Erwin rushed to his eccentric friend's defence as usual.
"Easy for you to say. It's me Hange pesters with the worst of it," Levi muttered in an undertone.
Erwin cleared his throat, looking pointedly at his partner. "Speaking of awkward questions, perhaps we should mention the second thing we wanted to ask Armin?"
He's right… Now we've established he still wants to be friends with us, it's time to hit him with the big proposal.
This was the reason they'd taken almost a week to talk to Armin after the investigation ended. He and Erwin had been plunged into a realm of new possibilities, and needed time to figure it all out.
"You do the honours Erv," Levi insisted, heartbeat pounding in his ears. It felt like they were about to fling themselves off a cliff, with no clue what kind of landing they could expect.
He busied his shaking hands with refilling everyone's teacups. Meanwhile, Erwin leaned forward in his seat, focusing intently on Armin.
"Levi and I have been talking about the threesome arrangement. Just like our friendship, we're unhappy with the manner in which we ended it. We believed pushing you away was for the best at the time. We tried to focus on our own relationship again, and move on from our time together. But being apart from you made us realise how much you mean to us."
Armin's fingers flexed, and he picked up his teacup as if to hide his agitation. He started down at the floral pattern on the delicate ceramic rather than meet Erwin or Levi's gaze.
"You want to resume the threesome again?" His tone evoked the caution of a wounded animal. "I can't deny that I'm interested… but it was tough when it ended. I'm not sure I want to go through that again."
"Levi and I feel the same way." A hesitant smile spread over Erwin's features. "So we have a proposition for you - what do you think of continuing our arrangement, but this time without the restriction that it definitely needs to end?"
Armin bit his lip, face clouded. "What do you mean?"
"We can see where things go for the time being. And if down the line, it's something all three of us want to make more serious, then we can consider that option."
"…What do you mean by 'more serious'?"
Erwin opened his mouth to reply, but Levi cut in. "Telling people about us. Making things public."
Armin's eyes swivelled between both men, as if expecting them to laugh and tell him this was some sort of a joke. His full teacup trembled dangerously in his hand, as if he'd forgotten he was holding it.
"Watch it, don't spill that all over yourself." Levi guided Armin's hand with the cup down on the table. The man stared back at him in utter confusion.
"I don't… why would you do that? Wouldn't it be an even worse scandal than what you're facing now, with your own relationship?"
"We found out the military has no official prohibition against soldier relationships," Levi explained, "As long as it's all between consenting adults. You're right though - there would be some level of public scandal involved. But we're fucking sick of being held back by what others might think." The Captain clenched his fists, nails biting into his palms. "Erwin and I hid our relationship for years out of that fear. We won't live our lives like that anymore."
Erwin fidgeted with his teacup, a nervous habit not often seen in the Commander.
"We're not experts at this, Armin. Since the start of this arrangement, Levi and I have made up the rules as we went along. But we can't ignore how our feelings for you have changed over the last few months. After we decided to focus on our own relationship, it quickly felt empty without you there too. It forced us to reconsider an option neither of us previously thought possible."
Armin fell back against the couch, features a swirl of emotion. His hands found the cushion from earlier and he hugged it to his chest.
Shit, he looks a bit overwhelmed … Did we hit him with too much at once?
"If you want us to shut up about this and go back to being friends, just say it."
Levi's words got a small chuckle out of Armin. "No, I'm interested… but Walls, I'll need to think it through!"
At Armin's admission of interest, Erwin bounded from his seat over to sit on the man's other side. Levi stifled a joke about this distinctly un-Commanderly behaviour.
"We don't want to do this unless you're fully on board too," Erwin said. His hand hovered in the air, as if unsure whether to touch Armin or not. After all, neither he nor Levi wanted to pressure the young man. "There are things we'd have to discuss - for instance, Levi and I would prefer to continue keeping this a secret for the time being. And we can't make any promises about how things will turn out - it's possible this might not work out, and we later decide to break it off. It's a risk, but so is any relationship."
At this last word Armin's face lit up, like the sun reflecting off water. He shook his head in disbelief. "In all our time together, I never thought this was even remotely a possibility."
"You don't need to decide anything now," Levi assured him. "We can discuss it next week if you prefer, after you've come up with a long list of questions to interrogate us with."
Armin's face flushed a deep crimson. "I - I definitely need to think it over. But I'm pretty certain this is something I want too." Inhaling a deep determined breath, his hands snaked out either side of him, to grasp both men's hands in his own.
Very soon, it became clear that three people cuddling on a couch was more problematic than any of them expected. They spent the next few minutes experimenting with different positions.
"We need a bigger couch!" Levi groaned. "And I'm warning you Arlert, if you don't stop sniggering, I'll throw you out of this goddamn room."
Armin tried and failed to repress his laughter. They finally figured out a comfortable position by lying down horizontally across the couch - with Erwin reclined on his back, Armin lying on top of him with his head below his chin, and Levi sprawled over Armin's chest.
"Why am I always in the middle?" the librarian asked.
"For fuck's sake, we're not moving again," Levi warned him.
Erwin wrapped his arms around both men on top of him. "I forgot how entertaining it is to listen to you two bickering."
And I'd almost forgotten how good it feels to be in both of their arms…
Levi didn't know how to voice this thought without sounding utterly pathetic. So instead, he shifted around to rest the side of his face over Armin's heart, letting the thrumming vibrations soothe him.
"It's nice having you back, brat," he said, voice muffled by the fabric of Armin's shirt.
The younger man's fingers trailed lazy patterns over Levi's neck and scalp. "You know, I'm turning twenty next week. You'll have to stop calling me a brat then."
"Tsk, you'll always be my brat."
Erwin ruffled both of their hair. "Well Armin, that's probably the most romantic thing you'll ever hear from our grumpy Captain."
Levi ignored the teasing. He was more focused on the reminder that Armin's birthday was next week…
And I already know how Erwin and I can surprise him.
Notes: So what do you think of Levi & Erwin's relationship being public, and everyone's support? Did you enjoy Armin's day out with Eren & Mikasa? Are you excited that we're finally past the 'threesome arrangement', and we've moved into poly territory?!
Next chapter will be Armin's birthday, and we'll see what Levi & Erwin have in store for him… ️
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