Rated 'M' for some adult situations and language.

Wall Sina – a few days later

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The calm, clear morning that broke over Wall Sina was broken by the sounds of clashing steel in the middle of the Stohess hospital's courtyard. Two figures, male and female were sparring with their ODM blades, and the man was losing.

Badly.

Evan Frei grunted as he was pushed back several feet, hands clasping his paring blades with all his strength. Major Wolf had insisted this exercise be part of her physical therapy the moment she acquired her discharge papers merely days before.

If he had his way, she'd still be in that hospital bed recovering from her injuries but she was too stubborn and determined to regain her strength as soon as possible.

Whatever medicine she'd been provided by the nurses seemed to speed up the healing process to where she told him after breakfast this morning, she wanted to spar with their blades.

Any protests he had died on his lips when she gave him that frozen glare. If that was what the Major wanted, then who was he to deny her wishes?

Breathing hard, he paused to wipe his sweaty forehead with the sleeve of his uniform. Any doubts he might've harbored over his superior's iron will and inner strength were gone.

She was the strongest person he knew. Besides Commander Smith, Squad Leader Zoe and Captain Levi of course.

The swish of a paring blade heading toward his neck snapped him out of his stupor. Instinctively, Frei whipped his weapon up to block the attack but his inattention caused him to overcompensate and he stumbled at the force of the blow. A metallic ting informed his brain the Major had ejected her razor to prevent his head being severed from his shoulders.

"Hey, kid!" Sierra barked, and he turned to meet her eyes. She was furious. "What the hell?!"

"Sorry, Major." Frei bowed his head, rubbing the side of his neck to make sure it was still attached to his shoulders. "I wasn't paying attention-"

"You're damned right ya weren't! If that'd been one of the King's attack dogs, you'd be dead before ya could blink. They're that damn good." She blew out an exasperated breath, slowly backing up to her starting point, clicking her empty hilt into her blade rack. "Oh, by the way." He tensed at her blasé tone.

"You died."

She drew fresh steel, the sharp ring of her new razor punctuating the end of her sentence.

"Again."

Frei sighed and saluted her with the hilt of his weapon. I've got to get better. Fast. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint his new boss. She might have him transferred. Which would be a serious problem, because he didn't want to serve under anyone else if he could help it.

They didn't stop their session until the sun was nearly at its zenith. Sierra dismissed her aide with curt orders to take a shower and meet her in front of the hospital so they could go into town for lunch. Until then she wanted some time to herself to get clean and ready to eat.

Her stomach growled as she stepped out of the shower, causing her to roll her eyes. She'd just finished dressing and was drying her fiery hair when a knock sounded at the bathroom door. Expecting it to be her overly obedient aide she wasted no time chewing him out as she opened it.

"Private, I told you to meet me at the fro-"

She froze mid-tirade.

It wasn't the kid.

Cool grey eyes, a sharp undercut and a severe mouth met her stunned gaze.

"Levi?"

Suddenly aware of how close he was, she took a small step back. The action made his mouth tighten and if she hadn't deduced that he was jealous of Frei serving under her, she would've brushed it off as him being his usual prickly self.

"What're you doing here?"

Levi cut right to the chase. One of the many things she liked about him.

"I heard you have lunch plans." He quirked a slender brow, gauging her reaction. "Mind if I join?"

Even though Levi phrased it as a question Sierra knew a demand when she heard one. He wasn't asking. And if she was being honest, she'd been dreading spending time alone with a kid who was in many ways, a stranger to her world.

She shrugged, keeping her face closed. "Sure. Don't see why not."

His shoulders relaxed minutely, secretly confirming her suspicions. But she wouldn't bring those to his attention just yet. It was clear he wanted to get closer and she found she didn't mind his sudden appearance.

A knock sounded at the door which caused both elite soldiers to sharply turn their head. Sierra felt her eye tick in irritation as she stepped into Levi's personal space, not missing the soft, shaky intake of breath that escaped his mouth.

"Yeah? Who's there?" She barked at the hapless fool on the other side. Levi's body heat seeped into her bones from where she pressed against his shoulder and arm. It felt good. None of her internal alarms went off and she knew right then and there he was it. No one else would be allowed to get this close to her given her trust issues and fierce temper.

"Uh, it's me Major." She felt Levi tense at the voice of her new aide and without thinking she placed a small hand on one of his biceps, giving it a warning squeeze. "Lunch reservations are ready."

"Go on ahead, Private. I'll meet you there." Sierra paused, exhaling deeply as Levi slipped his free arm and hand slowly around her back, gently pulling her into his chest. She felt his heart racing under his button-up shirt and it left her somewhat dizzy.

"Are you sure, ma'am? I can always-"

"Of course I'm sure!" Her tone grew sharper as she wanted to be left alone to explore the strange, growing attraction between herself and Humanity's Strongest. She couldn't very well do that with Frei at her side most of the day. "Get to stepping, Private. I swear, if you lose our table-"

"Going now, ma'am! Sorry to bother you."

"Just go!"

"Ma'am!"

Sierra cocked her head at the outer door, making sure Frei actually obeyed the order. As if I need a damn reminder that we're going to lunch. Gonna take a bit gittin' used to having someone else around. Still weird.

As soon as the young man's footsteps faded Levi let out a shuddering breath. His member strained in the confines of his pants to the point it was painful. So, when Sierra accidently brushed it with her thigh, he let out a choked grunt. He couldn't believe how hard he was, given how he'd beaten off to her a few days ago in the hospital bathroom. But his body didn't care.

The dam of buried desire that he'd harbored for Humanity's Deadliest for so long had finally burst and there was no way he was going to stop the raging flood of need that tore through every soul barrier he'd rebuilt in the wake of Petra's death.

He needed her. And given how much more treacherous the road to freeing humanity was becoming, there was no guarantee if any of them would be left standing to witness the end of the Titans.

"Shit," he rasped trying to pull away cursing his traitorous body. He didn't want to anger her, given what he'd seen her do to countless men in the past his own squad included.

But she surprised him yet again.

Her small, deft, yet deadly fingers lightly traced the outline of his member causing him to brace against the wooden doorframe with both hands. A deep groan issued from his throat. He bowed his head, letting his bangs cover his eyes. Thoughts of please don't hate me and holy shit she's actually touching me raced through his mind. He wouldn't forgive himself if his actions came off as too forward or aggressive or-

"Damn, Levi. Is this for me?"

She sounded incredulous.

Unbelieving.

She sounded like she didn't deserve him.

Like she was so damaged, so beyond-salvage, she didn't believe anyone would find her worth investing the time and effort in as a person.

And that both broke his heart and enraged him at the same time.

"Yes."

His response was so soft and breathy, he wasn't sure if she'd heard him. Levi remained where he was, hands gripping the frame for all he was worth. He was open. Vulnerable. The last time he felt this way was with Petra and she was dead.

But she was the past.

Sierra was now.

Until he got to the bottom of what was troubling her, the she-wolf was in control.

A rare smile curved the fierce woman's mouth. Levi's heart stuttered at the sight. He wanted to see her do it again-

Sierra continued to stroke him through the fabric of his pants, increasing the pressure with each pass.

Tremors of pleasure reverberated through Levi's body, his legs beginning to quiver as he felt his release creeping up on him.

"Sierra." He warned, voice hoarse, fingers digging harder into the wooden frame. "I, I'm-"

"I gotcha, Levi." Sierra hummed as she pulled his zipper down with her free hand. "Just be ready to come when I tell you."

Another bolt of pleasure shook Humanity's Strongest at the practiced ease of her actions, her total command of the situation. How's she this damn good? Who had her first? How many-?

He groaned as he felt his member released from the confines of his pants. But Sierra didn't let up. Her hand sped up and he began bucking his hips to create the friction he needed to finish.

"Ngh!" Levi's guttural groan sent a bolt of lightning to Sierra's core, re-igniting a spark of desire she thought long dead for years. She never believed she could feel it again after years of horrific abuse at the hands of the Siren Song's johns. Yet here she was, with Levi Ackerman trembling under her hands about to bring him over the edge in the doorway of her bathroom.

She briefly wondered what it'd be like with his fingers in her sex, working her to ecstasy but pushed that thought away.

She wanted to brand Levi in a way that would let him know there was no need to be jealous. Biting her lip she slid her head into the crook of Levi's neck, not missing his ragged breath as she did so.

Levi bucked his hips harder, neck flung back in ecstasy. Sweat trickled down his face, but he didn't care. The pressure building in his lower back was growing. He was so close to release he could taste it.

"Sierra," he rasped, fingers embedded into the doorframe so hard his nails would leave divots in the wood. "I'm gonna-"

"Come, Levi." The purred command pushed him over the edge. A primal shout erupted from his throat as his release boiled up from his gut and shot out of his balls so hard it hurt-

At the same time, he felt Sierra bite down on his collarbone hard enough to break his skin.

Branding him.

Marking her territory.

And he was okay with that.

More than okay.

As he stood there calming his racing heart, Sierra released him. Next thing he heard was the sink faucet being turned on and the water running.

A wet cloth appeared before his eyes. Slightly dazed from the orgasmic high he was coming down from, Levi stared at it for a few seconds before he accepted the item and began cleaning himself up. Head still bowed, not wanting to meet her silver eyes just yet.

He didn't want her to be disgusted with him. Or angry. He didn't want her to think he was forcing her to do something against her will.

So, he focused on cleaning up his sticky member. Tucked it back into his pants and waited for her judgment.

While he was occupied, Sierra slowly licked her fingers clean tasting Levi's essence on her tongue.

Hn. It's salty. And a little bitter. Just like him.

She liked it.

One day, I'll let him return the favor. She thought as she thoroughly scrubbed her hands with soap and water.

Then she looked down at her pants.

They were soaked.

Silver eyes widened at the sight.

Holy shit.

She must've come nearly the same time he did.

And he hasn't even touched me yet!

"Sierra?"

Levi's low, worried baritone cut through her whirling thoughts.

"You alright?"

The heartbeat or two of silence that followed his question caused his worry and self-disgust to increase. He released the door frame and started to turn away.

Tch. Dirty old man, you just HAD to let your dick overrule your brain over a-

Slim fingers clamped down on his wrist, stopping him in his tracks. Humanity's Strongest stilled, holding his breath.

"I'm okay, Levi." Sierra had an odd expression on her face he couldn't quite put his finger on but he'd let it slide for now. It wasn't disgust or anger - thank God, he thought - the knot in his gut loosening. He didn't want to push any more than he already had.

"Just had a moment. That's all." A small, genuine smile lifted the corners of her mouth and Levi exhaled but he couldn't relax until he knew she was really okay or just saying that to shake his concerns off.

"If I pushed you-" Levi started but Sierra swiftly shushed him with a finger to his lips. He was so tempted to take it into his mouth.

But he resisted. Barely.

The she-wolf was in control until she said otherwise. He would not overstep. He sensed she had too many boundaries still and he wasn't going to be the one who broke them against her will.

"You didn't. Matter of fact, ya had a lot of self-control." Which is more than I can say of the wealthy, elitist demons who used me as a sex toy for their sick fetishes-

She shook her head to derail that train of thought. Now wasn't the time to dwell on those things. It was in the past. This was now. Levi was nothing like the Ax's johns.

He's not a monster. Not like….him.

Nope.

She really, really, really, really wasn't going to go there. Not today.

"But, we're gonna be late for lunch and I need to change my pants."

Levi's eyes widened at the sight of her stained bottoms.

Well.

Shit.

"Which drawer?" He hurried over to the dresser situated across the room, feeling his neck flush. Completely and utterly embarrassed at the mess he made on her clothes.

"Middle right." He opened the drawer and sure enough, there were several pairs of pants neatly folded. Remembering Sierra was wearing a crimson sleeveless top, he settled on a black pair of slacks. Quickly placing the other garments back into the drawer, he turned to hold up his choice for Sierra's approval.

She nodded, an amused smirk on her lips.

"What?"

"My panties are soaked."

Levi couldn't believe his ears.

"What?"

Chuckling at the short man's nonplussed reaction, she moved away from the door to the head of the tub and turned on the water.

"Top left drawer. You'll find what you need."

"What?!"

She snorted and began peeling off her soiled bottoms and delicates. Rolled her shirt up and tucked it into her bra.

"Oh, c'mon Levi. We're both adults. I ain't going to lunch smelling like ball and pussy juice. Hurry up. We're gonna be late."

She tuned out his grumbling as her fingers rested on the black bindings around her torso. Eh. Why the hell not? He's gonna find out anyway.

Sierra deftly unwound the fabric shielding the biggest scar she owned but not by choice. That faded, reddish scar of the vertical zipper on her stomach, the stark, cruel reminder of the child that was ruthlessly ripped from her womb so many years ago assaulted her senses. It felt like she was discarding a HUGE piece of personal armor by leaving the bindings off. She never felt more naked and exposed than she did at this moment. But it was time to stop hiding. If Levi could power through the loss of his entire squad – and other Scouts he comforted in their dying moments – then surely, she could stare down her own demons and allow someone who had lived in the Underground to help bear the burden that threatened to smother her on bad days.

Sierra blinked back the sting of tears in her eyes as she slipped into the warm water, careful not to get her upper body wet.

I miss you so, so much little one.

Mechanically, she reached for the soap and lather and began scrubbing her body down below her bust line.

That's it, Sierra. Just wash up and get dressed before Levi senses something's off.

But she couldn't bring herself to exit the tub. Not just yet.

Just…one more minute-

A light knock pulled her out of her rambling thoughts. Levi's low baritone filled the room.

"Sierra, I've got your clothes."

She sniffed, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. Pull it together Wolf! You're gonna be late for lunch if ya keep stalling!

"Put 'em on the counter, Levi. I'll be out in a few minutes."

She heard soft rustling as the short man placed her new pants and panties on the vanity but sensed him lingering in the doorway. She dared not lift her gaze from the rapidly cooling water. She didn't want to see pity in those grey orbs.

"Hey," Levi crouched next to the tub, worry filling his mind. Keeping his voice low and soft. "If I've upset you, please tell me."

Finally, Sierra lifted her head meeting his concerned stare.

"You didn't. I was just…having a moment."

She knew he wasn't going to buy that flimsy excuse.

"Yeah. And it's a bad one," he replied, heart clenching at her reddened eyes as he averted his gaze. Self-loathing started to take over his thoughts. "I'm sorry. I was too forward. I shouldn't have…. I dunno what I was thinking pushing myself on you like that-"

Sierra shifted to rest on her knees, ignoring the water sloshing over the side of the tub as she grasped him by the arm and chin.

"Levi. Stop. Look at me."

Slowly, reluctantly, he turned to face her, eyes full of self-hatred and disgust. Not at her, but at himself.

"If I didn't want to give you a handy," she said, a quiet openness in her normally blunt tones she would show to no one else but the man before her. "I would've de-nutted you. Instantly. No questions asked."

Levi let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "You'd really do that?"

A small smirk curled her mouth. "Damn straight I would."

Okay. Levi thought. THAT'S more like the she-wolf I know.

"But since you seem bound and determined to beat yerself up over this, lemme ask you something."

"Anything," Levi responded.

"Look down."

He complied, confused as to where she was going with this. All he saw were his white ODM pants covering his lower body and his boots.

Sierra cleared her throat.

"What do you see?"

"My crotch."

"What state are your balls in?"

"Intact."

She lightly brushed her thumb along his jaw before releasing his face.

"Then there's your answer."

Levi felt his head spin as he absorbed what she meant. She wasn't going to rip his head – or his balls off – for being a dirty old man.

"No, you're not."

Oh.

Oh shit.

Did I actually say that out loud?

She gave him a pointed look.

"Levi, git outta here before I punch you. Don't ever call yourself that again. Ya hear?"

He nodded, hastily backing into the sink. Cursing under his breath, Levi pushed himself off the floor and was out of the room before he registered what he was doing.

He wasn't going to push his luck any further than he already had.

Sierra meanwhile, let out an exasperated sigh before pushing the lever to drain the tub with her foot then stepped out and toweled herself off.

Dressing quickly, she surveyed herself in the mirror. Her hair was mussed and her makeup was splotchy. That wouldn't do.

Sierra glanced at the wall clock next to the medicine cabinet. It read 12:45 pmon the dot.

Cursing under her breath, she ran a brush through her hair, and reapplied her makeup in what had to be record time. Appearance done, squared her shoulders and exited the bathroom.

She found Levi sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for her. He rose as she approached offering her his arm.

"Ready?"

Sierra nodded. For the first time in what felt like ages, she was going out to eat with a man she never thought she'd open up to in a million years. Life sure was funny that way.

"Yeah. Let's go."

She checked to make sure her money was safely in her pocket, then slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. Levi opened the bedroom door, glanced both ways and stepped out into the hallway.

Sierra let herself be led as they walked down the corridor and into the bright sun-filled streets as Levi pulled her into the hustle and bustle of the city, toward the restaurant where Frei anxiously awaited his boss's arrival.

She would savor these precious moments before they were plunged back into the hellish nightmare that was unfolding in real time.

But for now, both elite soldiers were content. They'd taken a huge, first step towards each other and that was enough to keep their respective hopes alive.

Sierra noticed the bite mark she'd left on Levi's skin peeking out of the edge of his shirt. He sensed her looking and turned to face her, a question in his eyes.

"You gonna let everyone and their mother see what belongs to me or-?"

Levi hastily buttoned his shirt, face burning as he internally swore a blue streak. "Tch. Like hell I'm gonna let that happen."

"Oh, that's good." Her scratchy alto voice was low but the dominance came through loud and clear. "Cause I don't feel like explaining myself to Hange or the kids just yet."

"Understood."

Levi bit the inside of his lip as the restaurant in question came into view. He couldn't wait for whatever this was between them to escalate.

Sierra's attitude – at this very moment in time – was hot as hell. And he was looking forward to tread into the fire with her.

She had said he was hers. And he'd be damned if he let anything bad happen to her or do something to break her trust.

TBC…

A/N: Hey guys, I'm back! Hope y'all had a happy Thanksgiving and soon a Merry Christmas!

Big shout out as always to the 127 reviews, 415 favs, and 499 likes. I'm truly honored by your tireless support for this story even though it takes some time to update. As always, let me know what you think!