Previously: After acknowledging their feelings for Armin, Levi and Erwin invite him into their relationship.
But the trio have a lot to figure out about the complexities of a three-way relationship…
Chapter 24: The Old and The New
Armin
Is this all too good to be true?
The thought circled around Armin's head all week, after Levi and Erwin had unexpectedly invited him into their relationship as a third partner.
The librarian fought against the suspicion that he'd made up the whole thing. Only in his wildest dreams had he ever imagined Levi and Erwin wanting to have a proper relationship with him. Surely they would change their minds?
His initial haze of euphoria slowly gave way to cynical pragmatism. And so he drifted through the next few days in a state of cautious elation, afraid to allow his hopes to soar too high.
They'd arranged a get-together on Wednesday — to discuss their new situation in more detail, and allow Armin a chance to voice any concerns.
The deeper he dug into the prospect of a three-way relationship, the worse his anxiety grew. So he compiled everything down onto a notebook, and brought it with him to Erwin's quarters on Wednesday evening.
"Was that really safe? What if it fell into the wrong hands?" Levi stared at Armin in disbelief when they all settled into the living room.
"My writing's so messy that nobody could read it," Armin countered. "I also use my own shorthand."
He accepted a glass of red wine from Erwin. The last time he'd had alcohol with both men was back before they started the threesome, on the night they'd met in Erwin's office to discuss the details of their arrangement.
So much has changed since then... It's like I'm living another life.
The trio made small talk for a while, discussing the recent developments in the Survey Corps.
"How's work going?" Armin asked Erwin. He'd noticed the man seemed a lot more relaxed since the investigation ended.
"He's finally letting some of us help with his workload," Levi cut in, both exasperation and pride ringing in his voice. "Hange, Mike and I have all taken over a few extra tasks."
"That's great!" It was a relief for Armin to hear Erwin had finally overcome his pride and accepted assistance.
The Commander sipped his wine, contemplating what to say. His struggles with his migraines and stress were not topics he usually discussed with Armin. He always strove to put on a confident front with the librarian.
A self-conscious smile slipped over his face. "I was really touched by everyone's kindness after the investigation ended. Levi and I had feared being judged for our relationship, but it turned out there was a lot of support for us too. The whole incident forced me to re-evaluate how I was living my life. If some people judge me for needing help with the role of Commander — and I know some definitely will — then I can deal with it."
"I think you're setting a better example as a leader this way too," Armin assured him.
"How about you, how's the organisation for the library event going?"
Here was the other thing causing Armin sleepless nights lately. But he had enough making him nervous tonight, without being reminded of the daily grind of his job too.
"It's fine." He sipped his wine, enjoying the spicy undertones, while trying to think up a way to change the topic. "Hey, did you guys finish that jigsaw puzzle I gave you?"
"Finish it? We never even started it," Levi scoffed.
"We haven't really gotten a chance." Erwin scratched the back of his neck. "Would you help us out?"
Armin decided the questions in his notebook could wait. He sat on the floor with the men, organising the puzzle's pieces into sections based on colour. He made a separate pile for the edge pieces. Then they worked together to build the outer frame of the jigsaw.
After an hour, tensions were running high.
"Levi… I don't think that piece goes there," Erwin said gently for the fifth time.
"For fuck's sakes!"
"Calm down Captain. It's just a puzzle." Armin endured Levi's deadly look with a cheerful smile.
"I think we've had enough for tonight," Erwin said. "Let's move it over to the corner of the room so it's out of the way."
"Wait, we can't leave this sitting on the fucking floor until we finish it. That could take weeks! How are we supposed to clean around it?"
"I'll just have to come over every day to help you finish it," Armin offered.
"Yeah? Well good luck getting in without a key, brat."
"Could you two stop bickering? Or I'll throw you both out and you can argue in the corridor."
After moving the jigsaw out of the way, they settled back on the couch and got down to the important matter of the night — discussing their new relationship.
Levi, still in an unruly mood, snatched the notebook off the table and flicked through it.
"So how many questions have you got here Armin? Will this turn into an interrogation?"
Erwin leaned over to pluck the notebook out of his grip and returned it to Armin.
Don't mind him, ask anything you want."
The librarian regretted letting the other two men sit either side of him. It was rather distracting trying to have a serious discussion when he'd prefer to toss the notebook aside and cuddle with them like they'd done last time.
But there were a few pressing topics he needed answers to before entering a committed relationship with them.
"I understand you're not going to completely overhaul your own relationship straight away," Armin said. "But I'm trying to get my head around how this will work in practice. Am I dating you together as a unit? Or will I have separate relationships with both of you?"
Erwin flicked his gaze towards Levi. "We're open to the prospect of having separate relationships with you, on top of the three-way arrangement. How do you feel about it?"
"I think that's my preference too," Armin admitted.
Levi picked up his half empty wineglass and swirled the contents. "For now, we'd prefer our sexual encounters with you to be with the both of us. After some time, we can see if we're all comfortable having separate meetings too."
Armin was relieved they were taking things step by step. The last thing he wanted was to disrupt their own relationship. Besides, he wasn't sure he was ready for having sex with them separately yet. Would he feel guilty about it? Would it cause jealousies between the men?
But while he loved spending time with them together, he was also excited about getting to know them both on a more individual basis. Erwin had only recently dropped the 'perfect Commander' facade around him, by opening up about the mental pressures of his work.
And Levi… well, his behaviour was akin to a barely tamed cat. He flashed his claws in sharp remarks, but with the right treatment, relaxed enough to show a softer, more playful side. Armin was still learning to interpret the man's volatile moods.
Getting to know both of them on a deeper level will be easier if we can meet separately...
"Alright. So for now I'll continue having sex with both of you involved," Armin said. "But outside of those encounters, would it be ok if I spend time with each of you individually? Just as friends?"
Levi inclined his chin. "Yeah, we're good with that."
"Apparently, you two had a great time without me while I was in Mitras last month." Erwin's tone was serious but his eyes glinted mischievously. "If I leave you alone again, how do I know you won't make plans to… I don't know… run away to the sea together?"
"What?!" The word burst out of Armin's mouth in a half-choke, half-laugh. "Don't worry Erwin — even if I did run away with Levi, by the time we reached the sea I'd be so sick of him, I'd probably send him back to you."
Armin was rewarded with a smack to the face with a cushion by the disgruntled Captain. But the man's lips twitched as he topped up their wine glasses.
Erwin's stern pretence crumbled, and the intensity of his charming smile brought heat to Armin's cheeks. He glanced back down at his notes. He needed to stay focused, they had more important things to discuss.
"Right, so how do we manage all of these different meetings? We've only got so much free time."
"We'll probably have to come up with a schedule of some sort," Erwin said.
With those words, Armin's heart went from soaring in the clouds, to plummeting to the ground.
A schedule... Is that what my relationship with these men boils down to?
And I bet Levi and Erwin will keep meeting up as they please. Meanwhile, I apparently need to book an appointment to see either of them!
Is this really much different from our old threesome arrangement?
Armin silenced his snarling thoughts. This wasn't a traditional relationship. They didn't know anyone in the same position as them, nor could they easily find help or advice.
They'd just have to figure it out as they went along.
A headache scraped at his temples, as the full weight of the situation tumbled down like a stack of books.
Surely if we all love each other, that's all that matters?
If we all love each other, a nasty voice whispered. When this gets too complicated, or they see you as a threat to their own relationship, who do you think is the one who ends up alone? Look how easily they dumped you during the investigation! What happens when they get bored of their shiny new toy, and decide the whole thing is too much trouble?
A crackling noise alerted Armin to the fact he was unconsciously twisting the notebook between his hands, bending and crinkling the pages.
What if they've made a mistake? Maybe I'm like a wrong jigsaw puzzle piece they're trying to fit into their relationship. And the truth is they're already complete as they are.
I wish I could talk to someone about all of this...
Erwin took his hand, thumb stroking over the skin.
"This is a really complicated situation Armin. I wish Levi and I had all the answers, but we're figuring this out alongside you. You should know we didn't decide this on a whim — we both sincerely care about you, and want to give this our best shot."
The warm, strong grip of Erwin's hand eased the clenching sensation in Armin's stomach. Maybe his growing stress in the run up to the library event was taking its toll on all aspects of his life, and clouding him in negativity.
Armin tossed the notebook on the table. He wanted to live in the present, and actually enjoy his time with the men tonight.
"I've never heard a term for a relationship with three people. What do we call this — a trinity? Triad? Throuple?"
Levi nearly spat out his mouthful of wine.
"We are not calling it a throuple."
"I like throuple," Erwin ventured with a grin.
"So do I." Armin nudged Levi. "It's two against one, Captain."
"I'll show you two against one," Levi growled, setting his glass on the table. "Help me out here, Erwin."
A three-way scuffle ensued — with the other men pinning the librarian to the couch while he struggled to escape, tears of mirth running down his cheeks.
Eventually, Levi decided he'd learned his lesson and released him. He pulled Armin up to sit on his lap. Then he glanced over at Erwin, as if realising he might feel left out.
Erwin responded by hooking an arm under the back of Armin's knees, and tugging his legs up to sprawl diagonally over his own thighs.
They'd all previously agreed that tonight was just for talking, not sexual intimacy. But Armin could tell the men were regretting this decision as much as he was.
Erwin steered the conversation towards their next meeting.
"I know your friends are having a birthday party for you on Friday. But are you free on Saturday to meet up with us?"
Saturday night. That's when Mikasa will be proposing to Eren...
Armin had helped her devise a simple plan — a midnight picnic in the gardens, under the large oak tree. But while he was excited about his best friends' impending engagement, perhaps it'd be good to take his mind off it on the night.
Sure, I'm free on Saturday."
Levi and Erwin shared a look over his head.
"So… I know we're still figuring out the logistics of this relationship," Erwin began.
"But would you be up for having sex that night?" Levi cut across him bluntly.
"There's no pressure," Erwin added. "Either way, we just want to spend some time with you to celebrate your birthday."
Restless energy fluttered inside Armin like a swarm of butterflies.
Maybe once we're physically intimate again, my fears about the relationship will lessen. Maybe everything will fall into place?
Everything was still a risk, of course — venturing into the darkness with only his spark of trust in the men to guide him.
But he wasn't willing to give up on it yet.
Sprawled across both men on the couch like this, his mind filled with all the things he wanted to do with them. In particular, one suggestion he'd made several weeks ago, that had been postponed due to the investigation.
"You know, there's something I've been wanting to try out for a while now…"
To his delight, both men looked very interested.
When Armin arrived at Erwin's quarters on Saturday night, he was greeted by both men at the door. They were wearing their formal green military coats. Which was both thrilling and alarming.
Are they planning to get started on the role-play straight away?
He himself was wearing his training uniform, in anticipation of their games later. But he'd expected they'd at least have tea first before getting into things…
As soon as the front door was closed, Erwin wrapped his arms around him.
"I know it's a day late, but happy birthday Armin!" The man pulled back to survey the librarian. "Did you have a nice time with your friends yesterday?"
Levi elbowed Erwin out of the way to claim his own hug with their new partner.
"Arlert, I still can't believe you chose to spend your birthday with your bratty friends over us."
Armin savoured the Captain's gentle embrace which belied his snarky remark.
"I already told you, they had the party planned for weeks! And you both declined my invitation to attend."
"Fine. Happy birthday brat." Levi ruffled his hair affectionately.
Erwin captured both of them in his strong arms.
"Armin, Levi and I know we can't beat the party your friends threw you. So we decided to do something different for tonight."
A thrill raced over Armin. He opened his mouth, but Levi cut him off.
"Don't bother asking; you'll find out when we get there." He grabbed a military coat from a hook by the door and gave it to Armin. "Here, wear this. We don't want you catching a cold."
The coat fit Armin, so it was obviously a spare of Levi's. He pondered on the mystery as he buttoned it up.
Are we going outside? Aren't they afraid of being seen with me?
Before they left, the Captain picked up a satchel by the door, and Erwin took a loop of jingling keys out of a drawer and stowed them in his pocket.
The halls were deserted at this time of night. Erwin's quarters were on the top floor of the Officers' Building, and they only had a short stroll down the corridor before they reached a door at the end.
Erwin unlocked it with his keys, and ushered the other two men ahead of him. Armin followed Levi up a narrow flight of stairs, which ended abruptly in a small landing.
"You go first," Levi insisted, gesturing at a ladder set against the wall.
Confusion growing with every step, Armin obeyed. When he reached the top of the ladder he spotted a hatch on the ceiling.
Wait, does this lead...?
Following Levi's orders, Armin shifted a heavy bolt, and pushed the hatch upward. Cold air rushed in to sting his face.
He clambered off the ladder and onto the tiled surface of the roof. Then he gazed down at his surroundings — the grounds he walked through every day, but never seen from this perspective.
At five storeys high, this was the tallest building on the Survey Corps' grounds. It boasted a view of the Administrative and Recreation Buildings, as well as the gardens and training fields. Lights from the town twinkled in the distance, a gentle hum of late-night activity drifting along on the cool breeze. The moon, a few night's shy of a perfect orb, bathed everything in a soft glow.
Armin took a few careful steps towards the edge of the roof, staring at the forested patch at the edge of the grounds. Later tonight, Mikasa and Eren were meeting there under the trees for a romantic picnic. However, Eren had no idea that his girlfriend's true intention was to propose to him tonight.
When Armin spoke to Mikasa earlier to wish her luck, the fearless Ackerman had assaulted him with a torrent of panicky questions. What if it rained tonight? What if Eren didn't like the treats she'd gotten for the picnic? What if he said no?!
Armin patiently reminded her that Eren was completely besotted with her, and bad food or weather wouldn't ruin the night for him. As for refusing her proposal, well, he couldn't imagine that as a possibility. Unless Eren really was secretly in love with Jean Kirstein…
The familiar joke had cut through Mikasa's nerves and brought a smile to her face.
Armin tugged the coat closer to him against the wind, inhaling the citrus scent of the fabric.
What I wouldn't give to have a straightforward relationship like Eren and Mikasa's…
Or Levi and Erwin's.
The other two men emerged onto the roof behind him.
"What do you think?" Levi asked, brisk tone betraying his nervousness. "I know it's not as impressive as the view from the Walls. But there's something peaceful about being up here, right?"
Armin swiped his unruly hair back from his face. "It's amazing! I never knew soldiers had access."
"Officially, they don't. This is just one of the perks of being Commander," Erwin chuckled. "Although it's very unprofessional of me to use my privileges like this."
Armin raised his eyebrows. "Maybe Levi and I should punish you later?"
"Ha, perhaps another time. We're focusing on you tonight."
It was impossible to tell in the moonlight, but Armin suspected the Commander was blushing.
"Do you guys come up here a lot?" he asked.
A smile played on Levi's features, softening the sharp edges. He sat down on the roof and stared upwards.
"I used to come up here with my friends Izzy and Farlan. We never got to see the sky when we lived underground, so we were fascinated by it." His voice sank to a hush. "It took me a long time to return here after their deaths."
Armin's throat seized up. This was one of the few times Levi had mentioned his old friends to him. How should he respond?
Erwin settled down on the roof beside his partner, rubbing circles into his back. Levi leaned into him with unguarded familiarity.
"After Levi and I had been in a relationship for a few months, he told me how he used to sneak up here. So we started coming up together. Now it's one of our favourite spots on the grounds to get away from everything."
Armin wrapped his arms across himself as he gazed upwards. The dark, glittering expanse above them stretched out into infinity. In the presence of such vastness, he felt insignificant. It was a similar sensation to the first time he'd laid eyes on the ocean.
Casting his attention back down to the roof, something squeezed inside him at the sight of Levi and Erwin enveloped together. Just like the endless expanse of the night sky, the intensity of their bond rendered him both awed and inconsequential.
This was their private space; composed of countless experiences and memories they'd shared together over the years. Armin was nothing but an intruder in their lives — trying to steal some of that love and happiness for himself.
What am I doing here? How can I possibly belong with them? Look, they've already forgotten about me, maybe I should just leave-
"Aren't you joining us?" Erwin asked, head swivelling back towards him. His cheerful tone was marred by a crease on his forehead. So Armin wasn't the only one sensing the awkwardness here.
Pushing past the stiffness in his limbs, he stepped over the mossy tiles towards the men.
Damn it. Who should I sit beside?
Levi slid away from Erwin, patting the empty space between them.
"Come on birthday boy, we don't bite. Not unless you want us to, that is."
Armin accepted the invitation to join them with shameful gratitude. It was hard to stay submerged in his doubts with both men either side of him, leaning close to share their body heat on this chilly night.
Levi told a story about the time he'd helped Isabelle and Farlan rescue an injured bird that had gotten stuck in the Underground. Meanwhile, Erwin opened the satchel and revealed the contents — a large flask of tea, three mugs, and a cardboard box tied with blue ribbon.
Erwin handed the box to Armin with a radiant smile, all trace of uncertainty gone from his features.
Intrigued, Armin untied the ribbon and opened the flap of the box. An array of bite-sized cakes filled the box in neat rows — iced in blue, pink, red and purple, each topped with a delicate edible flower. Their sweet smell was nothing short of heaven.
"They're called mochi cakes," Erwin explained. "I first tried them at the summit in Mitras last month, where there was food from all over the world. I thought since you were probably having a normal birthday with your friends yesterday, you might prefer something different today."
"We spent all week trying to find a local bakery that makes them. So you better fucking enjoy them." Levi's exasperated tone was offset by a good-natured elbow nudge.
Armin examined the beautiful mini cakes, which looked almost too good to eat. There were twenty of them — the same as his age.
I can't believe they put so much thought into this…
Erwin poured out tea from the flask into the three sturdy mugs, while Armin offered the box to both men before selecting a blue cake for himself. When he took a bite, the icing shell gave way to a soft chewy centre of sweetened rice.
"Thank you so much, these are delicious!" he exclaimed, and was gifted with satisfied expressions from both men.
As they sipped hot tea and enjoyed the treats together, Armin sank into the familiar warmth of their company. Erwin kept an arm around him, shielding him from the wind, while Levi fussed fondly over his growing hair which was blowing all over the place.
After they finished their picnic, the Captain retrieved a paper bag out of the satchel and handed it over.
"Oi, don't forget your birthday present."
Armin reached into the bag and pulled out a heavy book entitled The Secrets of the Stars. Heart fluttering wildly, he flicked through the pages, pausing on colourful illustrations of planets and constellations. This book certainly hadn't come from Paradis, which had limited astrological knowledge.
The fluttering in his chest turned into a panicky rhythm.
How much did they pay for this book?! All I got for Erwin's birthday was that stupid jigsaw puzzle!
"Guys… you shouldn't have gotten this." He winced in case he sounded ungrateful.
Erwin leaned in to kissed the top of his head. "Happy birthday darling."
"Yeah, enjoy it cinnamon roll." Levi ruffled his already messy hair. Then he gripped the satchel, twisting the canvas fabric between his fingers.
The breeze whistled over the rooftop, stray autumn leaves dancing past their feet.
Erwin cleared his throat. "So… there's something else Levi and I want to give you. We hope it'll make you feel more included in our relationship, within the realms of our current limitations."
Levi fiddled with the satchel a few moments longer, before reaching in to retrieve something else. This time it was a small wooden box. He handed it to Armin.
Mouth dry, Armin lifted the lid of the box. It opened with a creak.
Inside was a brass key — similar to the one that unlocked his own quarters.
A tingling crept along his arms and down his back, mind working furiously to process what this meant.
"Is this…?"
"A spare key to my quarters," Erwin confirmed. "Since that's where Levi and I spend most of our free time, we think it makes sense to give you access too."
Levi continued twisting the satchel like he didn't know what to do with his hands. "We want to show you we're serious about bringing you into our relationship. Even if we're only making small changes at first."
Armin picked up the key, perhaps to check it was real, since a part of his mind refused to believe it. His emotions were frayed thin the last few days — bouncing between doubts about his new commitment to these men, to stubborn certainty that the three of them would make it all work.
This sincere gesture, on top of all their efforts this evening to make him feel welcome and included, shifted his perspective back into the latter category.
They truly want me to be a part of their relationship...
It almost feels too good to be true.
"This is - I didn't-" Armin swallowed hard, tears prickling his vision. "I really appreciate this. And everything tonight — bringing me up here, the cakes, the book, and… and…."
Words failed him, so he wrapped a hand around Levi's shoulder and pulled him close, while linking arms with Erwin and leaning sideways into his broad chest.
It wasn't the most graceful three-way hug. But he had never felt closer to his Captain and Commander.
Despite their shared body heat, a blast of cold wind sent Armin shivering.
"Come on, it's probably time we headed back inside," Erwin said. He stood, reaching out a hand to help the librarian up.
Levi rose gracefully to his feet. "Are you still up for the role-play, or have you anything else in mind?"
Armin was aware his request for tonight was… a little strange.
But it was a fantasy that had plagued him ever since starting the threesome arrangement — a sort of alternate outcome to when he'd walked in on the men in Erwin's office all those months ago.
And the familiarity of a role-play scenario seemed like a good way to resume his intimacy with them. These games and explorations of kinks had always been a fundamental part of their encounters together.
Of course, the role-play wasn't the only new thing he'd requested that they try tonight…
"I'm definitely still up for it," Armin said, beaming at both men before he descended down the ladder back inside the building. A glow of contentment spread through him in anticipation of what was soon to come.
It would be their first time being sexually intimate in a committed relationship.
If it was good before, how much better will it be now?
Levi
The plan was for Levi and Erwin to wait in Erwin's study. When Armin was ready, he'd come in, and they'd start the role-play.
What the hell's keeping him?
Levi leaned against the wall behind Erwin, arms crossed. "I hope Armin's not nervous. It's not like we've never had sex before."
"Yes, but we've never been intimate together as a proper throuple," Erwin replied, idly stacking a pile of papers on his desk while he waited.
"For fuck's sakes, I've already told you — we are not calling this a throuple!"
"Armin likes it too."
"Oh, so we're letting him call all the shots now, are we? Next thing we know, the brat will force us to start hanging out with Mikasa and Yeager."
Erwin glanced back with a smirk. "Actually, getting to know Armin's friends sounds nice. Why don't we organise a double date night?"
Levi bit back another retort. His partner was just riling him up. While they were open to the possibility of becoming public about the relationship if things went well, they had no intention of anyone finding out about it for now. Not until they all figured out if it would actually work.
So much of this feels like venturing into the unknown …
And Armin raised some good points at our last meeting too. There's extra issues he's dealing with that don't affect me and Erwin. He's definitely the most vulnerable one in all of this.
In response, Levi and Erwin were making a concentrated effort to make Armin feel welcome, and treat him as equally as the situation allowed.
They'd been surprised but pleased at the young man's eagerness to jump back into their sexual encounters, and his directness in making his requests.
It's fitting that Erwin and I focus on Armin tonight — we need to start this relationship off by showing how much we care for him and his needs.
But how long will it take before he feels like a proper part of our relationship? Is that even possible at all?
Levi shook away this barbed thought, which had tormented him like a persistent fly the last few days. He and Erwin cared deeply for Armin. While the outcome of this relationship was not assured, they were determined to give it their best shot.
"How are you feeling, darling?" Erwin reached out to rub Levi's arm. "You looked nervous earlier when you gave Armin the key."
Levi released a long exhale. "Of course I'm fucking nervous, it feels like we're stumbling along in the dark with this whole thing."
"Have you any regrets?"
Levi's scowl softened as he recalled Armin's overwhelmed reaction when they gave him the key earlier.
"No. I'd regret it if we didn't take this opportunity to create something with him."
"I feel the same." Erwin squeezed his hand, the motion firm and reassuring.
Footsteps echoed in the hall outside the room, followed by a knock on the door. Erwin dropped Levi's hand, facing forward at his desk and clasping his hands in front of him.
"Come in," he ordered, slipping effortlessly into his Commander's role for tonight's scenario.
Armin emerged into the room. Levi appreciated the man's decision to dress in his uniform — with himself and Erwin wearing formal attire and long military coats, it emphasised the contrast between their ranks and elevated the forbidden nature of the role-play.
"Armin," Erwin greeted him. "I'm glad you came. Will you take a seat?"
The librarian shut the door. He shot an anxious glance around the room, eyes lingering on Levi hovering behind Erwin, before walking forward and sitting down in front of the desk. He crossed one booted leg over the other, the top foot making little jerky movements.
"H-hello Commander, C-Captain," he stammered, casting his gaze between the two men.
Are those nerves real, or pretend? … Or both?
"I understand this is an awkward meeting." Even though Levi couldn't see Erwin's face, he heard the charming smile in his voice. "But we just wanted to apologise for what happened last night."
Levi's own heart raced now, as mortifying memories flooded his mind. The storyline of this role-play was almost too close to reality for comfort. But there was also a thrill in exploring this shared experience all over again.
With a different outcome this time...
"Oh! Well, I understand… I figured you forgot to lock the door." Armin stared down at his lap, fiddling with the ODM strap on his thigh. "It's my fault — I shouldn't have visited your office so late."
"It was an accident Armin, you're not in any trouble. We both know what a well-behaved soldier you are." The Commander's words were sweeter than the cakes they'd shared on the rooftop earlier.
Here's my cue to push this story along…
"So how long were you watching us for Arlert?"
Armin looked up, eyes widened in such a comically shocked expression that Levi stifled laughter.
"I - I don't know what you… I was only there a few moments!"
Levi took two steps forward to stand beside Erwin's chair. He stared down at Armin on the far side of the desk, who was quaking in indignant fear.
"Really? I'm not sure I believe your little innocent act."
"There's no shame in being curious." Erwin's soothing tone blended with just a hint of seductiveness. "It's our own fault for forgetting to lock the door, after all."
"I'm guessing you've never seen two men fucking before, right?" Levi demanded.
"W-what? No! I mean, I've never even…" Armin trailed off.
"Are you a virgin?" Erwin asked. He maintained the air of a kind authority figure, despite this wildly inappropriate question. "You don't need to be ashamed, you can tell us."
Under the intense stares from the other two men, Armin glanced down at the floor again, biting his lip.
"Did you like what you saw, Arlert? Would you like to see more?" Levi prompted.
An unmistakable flush had already spread over Armin's delicate features. He hung his head, too shocked to speak.
With a knowing smirk, Levi added, "Maybe you'd like to participate this time?"
The same over-the-top scandalised look from earlier made a comeback on Armin's face. But he didn't express any disinterest.
"Perhaps you could think of this as a reward, for not sharing our secret with anyone?" Erwin's gentle words were edged with amusement.
Levi's insides squirmed at how wrong this all was. But Armin himself had planned out most of this role-play. Besides, the man could use the safe word 'red' at any time, and they'd stop the scene immediately.
Armin showed no signs of wanting to stop. Instead, he looked like he was biting his cheeks to stop from laughing. Apparently he'd thrown Erwin off too, who was also struggling to keep a straight face.
Damn it, it's down to me to get these sniggering brats back on track. I'll wipe that smirk off Arlert's face!
Levi uncrossed his arms, and strolled around the desk to the 'meek' librarian. Standing behind him, he leaned down and whispered in his ear.
"The Commander's right, you've been such a good boy to keep our little secret. We want to show you our appreciation."
Erwin stood up and came over too, positioning himself beside Armin and placing a hand on his shoulder.
Would you like that, Armin?" His voice was still the calm, confident tone of the Commander. But now it was softer, and full of promise.
Armin's breath was rapid, his whole body trembling. He adjusted his hands over his lap in such a way to indicate he was hiding his arousal.
With two strong, powerful men looming over him like this, Levi could imagine the inappropriate thoughts running through his head. Both in reality and in the role-play.
Playing into the game, Levi decided to ease some of librarian's pretend fears. He traced his fingers along the man's arm, stroking the material of his uniform jacket.
"We promise to take good care of you." His hand glided down to cover Armin's on his lap, right over his crotch.
"Um… alright."
Armin whispered his reply, barely audible. The perfect image of a shy, innocent virgin.
The Captain and Commander got down to work.
Levi moved back as Erwin slid his hands around the smaller man's waist, and pulled him out of the chair. Armin inhaled loudly at the sudden change in position. He fell forward into Erwin's arms, face resting against his solid chest. Erwin tilted the young man's chin and swooped down to seal their mouths together.
Things started off slow and tender, with Armin hooking his hands around the other man's neck. But soon the kisses grew fiercer. Armin's hands fisted in fabric and hair, gripping onto the Commander for dear life.
Fucking hell, they put on a good show...
But as entertaining as it was to watch, Levi intervened by tugging Armin away from the embrace.
"Oi, I think it's my turn."
A not-so-innocent smirk crossed Armin's lips before the Captain claimed them for his own. He didn't start off gently as Erwin had either. It quickly turned into a deep, hot and passionate mess as Levi ravished the man's mouth, determined to give him exactly what he wanted from this fantasy seduction.
Erwin seemed to be enjoying the show, but he didn't stay idle for long. Standing behind Armin, he loosened the man's arms so he could tug off his jacket. Armin kept his lips locked to Levi's the whole time. He moaned into his mouth when Erwin unbuttoned his shirt and roamed possessively over his bare chest, mapping out the light muscles with his palms.
Poor Erwin's dying for another turn...
Levi released the librarian, letting them both catch their breath in ragged gasps. Erwin turned Armin around to face him. There was nothing fake about the satisfied smile that dawned over his face at the sight of the man's dishevelment.
"Is this too much for you? We can stop if you like."
Armin shook his head, greedy hands reaching out to clench the material of Erwin's military coat.
"No, I want you… I want both of you."
The words made Levi's already hard cock throb desperately.
Me and Erwin might be in control here, but Armin knows exactly how to play us to get what he wants...
He moved closer behind the man, caging him between his two superiors. Levi leaned over to murmur in his ear.
"How about we get the Commander to pleasure you? Perhaps the same way you saw him doing for me last night?" He ran a fingertip along Armin's neck, eliciting a shiver. "He's really good at it…"
Erwin cupped the man's face. "Do you want that, Armin?"
Armin's reply to this suggestion came in a little squeak.
"Alright Arlert, let's get started," Levi growled, hiding his laughter at the noise Armin just made. (He'd have to tease him about it later.)
They manoeuvred a shaking Armin into the position they'd previously agreed upon. Levi leaned against the desk, and held the man facing away in front of him. Meanwhile, Erwin sank to his knees before Armin, getting down to the task with practised efficiency. He undid the man's ODM belt around his hips, and opened his trousers.
Levi watched the display with relish. "You better make the most of this brat," he warned. "I don't like sharing Erwin, but I'm making a special exception with you."
He glimpsed Armin's lips quirk from the side view he had of his face.
As Erwin freed the man's erection and unceremoniously sank his mouth around it, Armin squeezed his eyes shut and sighed out a moan.
"C-Commander…"
Envy spiked through Levi, imagining the young man crying out for him instead of his partner.
All in good time. We agreed Erwin would go first and bring him to the edge. Then I'll take over and finish him off...
Levi nuzzled the back of his neck, the way he knew Armin loved. Recalling that he'd said he didn't mind being marked tonight, he pulled the open shirt out of the way and grazed his teeth over the man's shoulder.
"Tell us who you belong to, Arlert."
"Y-you! Both of you," he gasped.
Levi sank his mouth over the juncture of Armin's shoulder and neck. Warmth rushing to his own groin, he sucked at the soft skin, which smelt faintly of lavender.
Armin abandoned himself to the experience. The most exquisite little whimpers came from his throat as he writhed between both men. One of his hands rifled through Erwin's hair, while the other gripped the desk's edge behind him and the Captain.
Incoherent with pleasure, Armin barely seemed to notice Levi brushing his messy hair off his face. While he respected the man's choice to grow it out, right now it was in that awkward stage where it wasn't quite long enough to tie up.
What I wouldn't give to grab a scissors and-
All annoyances at Armin's hairstyle vanished as the man began rocking back against Levi, his ass grinding right over his erection.
"I - I'm close." Armin's voice was a breathless whisper.
Already? It can't be more than a minute or two since Erwin started!
Erwin continued his task, as if oblivious to the man's words. Levi placed a hand at the back of his head.
"Erv-"
His warning was cut off by Armin's long, low moan.
It was pretty fucking hot watching Armin coming into his partner's mouth. The sight was tinged with a delicious sense of the forbidden — Levi would never have allowed this back in the early days of the threesome. It was new territory for all of them.
But his blood also pulsed with a different passion. Why didn't Erwin pull off him? We'd planned for me to finish Armin off…
Enjoyment soured by simmering resentment, Levi snatched a towel on a nearby cabinet and thrust it at Erwin.
His partner wiped his mouth, before cleaning Armin up with practised ease. He stood while Armin refastened his clothing.
For a few moments the men threw glances amongst each other - Levi at Erwin, jaw clenched, Erwin back at Levi with a guilty expression, and Armin staring intently between the other two men.
At almost the exact same time, Armin and Erwin broke the silence.
"I'm sorry Levi, I didn't realise what he said-"
"I should have spoken louder, I'm really sorry-"
Their protests washed over Levi, barely registering. His mind unearthed a memory he thought he'd buried — how Erwin had come untouched with Armin during their last encounter.
Something that had never happened in all the times he'd been with Levi.
And he'd never seen Armin finish as fast as he had tonight, either. He must have really missed his Commander these last few weeks…
Fuck, what was he doing? Stacking up shards of petty grievances until they formed a jagged wall of resentment.
It was an accident. Why can't I just let it go?
Levi snapped out of his thoughts at the sight of Armin's worried face. He wrapped an arm around him, perching on the desk beside him.
"Don't worry about it," he said gruffly. "We wanted tonight to be about you. The important thing is that you enjoyed yourself."
"I wasn't expecting to finish that quickly, it came on so fast," Armin admitted. "I'm sorry."
"It's fine. I'll take it as a compliment we got you so turned-on, you only lasted about ten seconds."
Armin huffed out an uneasy laugh. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"
I told you, it's fine."
Levi wouldn't ruin Armin's birthday night. He was overreacting to a simple mistake, that was all.
He cast his gaze over Erwin, who stood a hesitant step away, expression twisted with guilt.
Levi forced a corner of his mouth upwards. "You're too good at your job, Commander."
Erwin's face relaxed. "I'll make sure to tone down my performance next time," he said, moving over to Armin's other side on the desk.
The tenseness dropped from the librarian's body. He lay his head on Levi's shoulder while taking Erwin's hand in his own. "You were both amazing, that was so much fun!"
Levi's collection of petty jealousies melted under the man's sparkling praise.
"You still up for the second part of our plan?" he asked.
Armin's blue eyes glinted with enthusiasm. "Yes! What about you?"
"I'm game once you are," Levi agreed. "What about you, Erv? You ready to play the Commander again?"
"Definitely."
One hand still in Armin's grasp, Erwin reached over the man to rest his other hand on Levi's thigh.
Even while working so hard to make Armin feel included, he never forgets about me...
"I need to get some water first, do either of you want some?" Armin wriggled out from between them and stood up.
"Yeah ok," Levi said.
"I'll fill up a jug." Armin left the room, running a hand through his chaotic hair.
Levi stood up too. "Want to head into the bedroom?"
Erwin didn't reply. He rose and enfolded Levi in his arms instead.
"Darling, are you sure you're alright? I feel really bad about earlier."
Levi's resentment had cooled off to a lukewarm temperature. Now, he felt more guilty for his reaction than anything else.
"I'm fine. I know it was an accident."
"We don't have to continue tonight if you're not comfortable," Erwin insisted. "Armin will understand."
The second part of Armin's request for tonight involved him trying anal intercourse with them again.
"Are you kidding? We've both been dying to properly fuck this man for months! Now's our chance."
Erwin chuckled, squeezing Levi closer. "Let's give him a good time. But I want you to enjoy it too."
"I will, don't worry."
Levi gripped the bolo tie around his partner's neck and pulled him down for a kiss.
When they broke apart, Armin was hovering in the doorway of the study, clutching a jug of water and glasses.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt… Do you need a minute?"
Levi opened his mouth to say yes. But Erwin spoke first.
"No, we're ready. Let's head into the bedroom. Would you like a massage first to help you relax Armin?"
The Commander gripped Levi's hand, and led the way over to their guest.
No, not a guest. Armin was their new partner, after all.
But as much as I care about him... will I ever get used to calling him that?
Notes:
It's a smutty cliffhanger! You'll find out what happens next time :)
So what are your thoughts? The rooftop scene was a recent idea, I've been dying for an excuse to use that location! Giving him the key was a last minute addition, but I wanted Levi & Erwin to show how serious they are.
That smut scene… sometimes I'm writing this role-play stuff and can't tell if it's sexy or hilarious, or both. But I hope it was entertaining! And I'm sorry that I can't seem to give these guys a nice, sweet sexy scene where nobody feels jealous or insecure and they are a perfect throuple. But I think that'd be boring, right?
Thank you for following this story and please drop me a comment to keep me motivated to continue. (It's getting harder now we're closer to the end, it's tough trying to wrap everything up!)