Chapter Eight: Ebb and Flow
The atmosphere along the beach had grown thick with a strange blend of anticipation
and uncertainty. The scouts had barely begun to process the reality of what was
happening—the sirens, their chosen mates, the bonds that were slowly forming—when
something unexpected happened.
Bria, who had been attached to Floch since the moment she laid eyes on him, decided
she had waited long enough. Her eyes lit up with lust, and before Floch could even
register what was happening, she was on him again. Her lips crashed against his in a
deep, hungry kiss, her hands roaming all over his body as if she couldn't get enough of
him. Floch, still in shock, could barely react as Bria pressed herself closer, her fingers
running down his chest, his arms, and finally gripping his wrist tightly.
And without a word, she started pulling him toward the sea.
"W-wait, what are you—" Floch stammered, his feet stumbling over the sand as Bria
tugged him forward, her eyes gleaming with impatience. He shot a panicked glance at
the other scouts, but they were just as confused as he was, unsure of what exactly was
happening.
"Bria, stop," Luna said with a chuckle, her voice calm but authoritative. "We need to
explain things first before you drag him off to your moonpool."
Bria halted, though not without a pout. She shot a longing glance back at the water
before reluctantly turning to face Luna. "But I'm ready," she whined, her fingers still
trailing over Floch's arm as if she couldn't bear to let him go just yet. "He's mine now.
We're supposed to bond."
Luna raised an eyebrow, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You'll
have your chance, Bria. But not yet. Give them time to understand what's happening."
Bria sighed dramatically, but she begrudgingly stepped back, though not before
pressing one last kiss to Floch's neck. "Fine," she muttered, her fingers lingering on him.
"But I'll be back for you, Floch. Soon."
Floch, still dazed, blinked rapidly as Bria finally gave him a little space. "W-what just
happened? What's a moonpool? What do you mean by… honeymoon?"
The other scouts exchanged uncertain glances. None of them fully understood what
Bria had been trying to do, but the term "siren honeymoon" seemed to carry a weight
they couldn't ignore. Mikasa, standing off to the side, looked visibly frustrated, her arms
crossed tightly over her chest.
Jean, scratching his head, glanced at Bria with wide eyes. "Wait, did you just say
honeymoon? What the hell does that even mean?"
Bria, clearly enjoying the attention, turned toward the group with a seductive smirk. Her
eyes gleamed mischievously as she leaned against Floch, one arm wrapped
possessively around him. "The siren honeymoon is essential to our bonding process,"
she explained, her voice dripping with sensuality. "It's the most intimate part of our
connection. You see, once a siren chooses her mate, we take him to our moonpool.
There, we spend two weeks… bonding."
Connie's eyes widened, his mind clearly working through the implications. "Wait…
bonding how, exactly?"
Bria's smirk deepened as she began to explain, her voice low and teasing. "It's a very…
physical process. We sirens have powers, abilities we can share with our mates. But the
only way to transfer that power is through pleasure. Every time a siren orgasms, she
transfers a portion of her power to her mate. The more we… enjoy ourselves, the more
power is shared."
A stunned silence fell over the group. Jean's jaw dropped, Bertholtdt and Reiner's faces
flushed red, and even Levi raised an eyebrow, his usual composure slightly shaken by
Bria's bluntness.
"You're saying," Armin said slowly, his face turning red as the reality of what Bria was
implying sunk in, "that the… power transfer only happens when… during…"
"During sex, yes," Bria finished for him, her voice sultry and unapologetic. "And it takes
quite a bit of time to transfer enough power for the bond to be complete. That's why the
siren honeymoon lasts two weeks—because we have to, well, have sex a lot to make
sure our mate is fully enhanced."
Floch's face turned bright red as Bria's hands traced slow circles on his chest. "You…
you mean we'd be… for two weeks straight?"
Bria giggled, clearly pleased by Floch's flustered reaction. "Exactly. The bond is
deepened through intimacy, and the more we bond, the more powerful you become.
After the honeymoon, the abilities are permanent. You'll be stronger, faster,
smarter—and able to protect me like no one else can."
The other sirens exchanged knowing glances, each of them clearly understanding the
process far better than their human counterparts. Caspia and Solara giggled again, their
eyes gleaming with amusement as they watched Connie and Jean try to process what
they'd just heard.
"So… what kind of powers are we talking about here?" Jean asked, still trying to grasp
the situation.
Bria's gaze darkened with desire as she ran a finger down Floch's arm. "Strength,
speed, heightened senses, quicker reflexes… you'll be nearly unstoppable, Floch."
Floch swallowed hard, clearly overwhelmed by the information. "And this… this happens
during the… honeymoon?"
Bria nodded, her smile widening. "Yes. It's our most intimate time together. The bond we
create in the moonpool is what solidifies our connection, and every time I… reach my
climax, the power transfers to you. The deeper our connection, the stronger you'll be."
Mikasa, who had been growing increasingly agitated throughout Bria's explanation,
finally spoke up, her voice sharp and filled with frustration. "And what if we don't want
this bond? What if we don't want to be controlled by your… powers?"
Luna, who had been standing silently by Eren's side, finally addressed Mikasa. Her
voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable weight. "It's not about control, Mikasa. The
bond is mutual. We don't take anything from you that you don't give willingly. But it is a
connection—a deep one. And it makes both siren and mate stronger. It's not something
you can easily refuse once it's started."
Eren, still processing everything, glanced at Luna, his eyes dark and thoughtful. "So,
this bond… it's permanent?"
Luna nodded, her blue eyes locked onto his. "Yes. Once the honeymoon is complete,
the bond lasts for life. We become one, in every sense of the word."
The room fell into a stunned silence as the gravity of the situation fully sank in. The
scouts were no longer just soldiers—they were being offered something far more
intimate, something that would change the course of their lives forever.
And now, it was time to decide just how far they were willing to go.
Bria, still pressed close to Floch, leaned in and whispered in his ear, her voice dripping
with lust. "I'm ready whenever you are, Floch. The sooner we start, the stronger you'll
become."
Floch gulped, his face still flushed, but there was no mistaking the glimmer of curiosity
in his eyes. The rest of the scouts, equally stunned, exchanged uneasy glances.
The gravity of the situation was settling in, and none of them had expected the
"bonding" process to be so… intimate. The reality of the sirens' intentions, and what it
meant for their future, weighed heavily in the air.
Jean, always the one to break awkward silences, ran a hand through his hair, looking
more frazzled than ever. "So… we're supposed to just, uh, go along with this? Two
weeks in a moonpool…?"
Connie let out a nervous chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "I've heard of weird
things in this world, but this? It's on a whole new level."
Armin, as usual, was the most thoughtful, his brow furrowed in concentration as he
processed the details. "This bond… it's not just physical," he said quietly, more to
himself than anyone else. "It's emotional. Psychological. Once it's formed, there's no
going back."
Mikasa's frustration was growing by the second, her hands clenched tightly into fists at
her sides. "This is insane. They're manipulating us into something we don't fully
understand. Eren, you can't seriously be considering this."
Eren, his arms still crossed over his chest, remained silent, his gaze locked on the
ground. His mind was racing with thoughts of Luna's offer—of the power she had
promised. He understood the risks, but he also knew that power like this wasn't
something they could just ignore. Not when the fate of Paradis, of their people, hung in
the balance.
Levi, as ever, remained composed, though the slight furrow in his brow showed he was
deep in thought. He glanced briefly at Aria, who had been standing near him, giving him
one of her most dazzling smiles. She was playing her game, flirting without saying
much, but Levi wasn't the type to fall for it easily. He kept his focus sharp, refusing to let
himself be distracted.
"She's really going for it," Jean muttered under his breath, watching Aria practically bat
her eyelashes at Levi. "It's like she thinks he's a puzzle to solve."
Connie snorted softly. "I mean, Captain Levi's not exactly an easy target. She's got her
work cut out for her."
Levi, overhearing their comments, shot them both a sharp look, silencing their banter
immediately.
Meanwhile, Rue, the smallest but sassiest of the sirens, was standing a few feet away,
her fiery red hair catching the light as she continued sizing up Reiner. There was
something predatory about the way she was watching him—like she was already
claiming him as hers, and Reiner, with his massive frame and usually calm demeanor,
was uncharacteristically unsettled by her gaze.
Rue's lips curled into a smirk as she sauntered closer to him, her voice low and teasing.
"You're the biggest one here," she said, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of challenge
and desire. "I like that. Strong. Quiet. You'll be perfect for me."
Reiner's brow furrowed, and for the first time in a long while, he looked almost…
flustered. He didn't know how to respond, and the siren's confidence threw him off in a
way that even Titans hadn't managed to.
Bria, meanwhile, was still giving Floch her flirty eyes, her body language practically
screaming how impatient she was to drag him off to the sea. She leaned against the
water's edge, her fingers tracing the surface lazily as she continued to eye him like a
hungry predator.
"You're thinking about it, aren't you?" Bria purred, her voice teasing. "You're wondering
what it'll be like. How strong you'll become once we bond."
Floch, his face still flushed, managed to stammer out a weak, "I—I guess…"
The sirens, gathered near the water, giggled amongst themselves, their voices light and
musical. Caspia and Solara were whispering to each other, exchanging amused glances
as they watched Jean and Connie, clearly entertained by how awkward the two men
were being in their presence.
"I told you they'd be fun," Caspia whispered to Solara, her orange hair glinting in the
sunlight.
Solara giggled, her golden eyes sparkling. "And they're not bad to look at either."
Further along the shore, Sera and Melody were still shyly eyeing Armin and Bertholdt,
their cheeks tinged pink as they tried to make conversation without being too forward.
Sera, in particular, was struggling to meet Bertholdt's gaze, her fingers twirling a lock of
teal hair nervously.
Luna, however, remained quiet, her eyes fixed firmly on Eren. The subtle, seductive
smirk she always wore was still present, but there was something deeper in her gaze
now—something more intense. She had made her choice, and she knew Eren was the
key. Whatever resistance the others showed, whatever doubts they had, it didn't matter.
She had no doubt that Eren would agree in the end.
Eren, still lost in thought, finally looked up, meeting Luna's gaze. The intensity in his
eyes matched her own, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away.
There was something unspoken between them—an understanding of what lay ahead.
Power, survival, the weight of their responsibilities—it all hung in the balance.
Luna's smirk deepened slightly, her voice low and filled with that same quiet confidence.
"You know what's at stake, Eren. You understand better than anyone. This bond—it's
not just about power. It's about trust. And I know you'll make the right choice."
Eren didn't respond immediately, but the tension between them was palpable. The
sirens had made their move, and now it was up to the scouts to decide how far they
were willing to go.
Jean sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair again. "This is… a lot. I mean,
we're really talking about bonding with here. This is insane."
Connie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but at the same time… I mean, the power they're
offering? That's not something we can just ignore."
Armin, still deep in thought, finally spoke up, his voice quiet but thoughtful. "It's not just
about power. It's about what comes next. If we go through with this, it changes
everything. The bond they're offering… it's for life."
Levi, always the pragmatist, kept his gaze forward, his voice calm and measured.
"We've already made our decision. What matters now is whether we're prepared to live
with it."
Mikasa, standing at the back, clenched her fists tighter. Her frustration and fear for Eren
were growing by the minute, but she knew there was little she could do to change his
mind. His eyes were already set on what lay ahead.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the sea, the sirens
remained by the water, their eyes never straying far from the scouts. They had made
their intentions clear—and now, the scouts would have to decide just how far they were
willing to go.
…
As the evening deepened, the scouts found themselves in smaller groups, each paired
with their respective sirens. The tension of the earlier discussions had eased slightly,
but the atmosphere was still thick with anticipation. The sirens, though each unique in
their approach, were all making themselves more familiar to their chosen partners.
Bria, lounging comfortably in Floch's lap, had one arm draped around his neck, her
fingers playing lazily with his hair as she looked at him through half-lidded eyes. Her
body was pressed against his in a way that was both casual and undeniably seductive.
Floch, visibly nervous but unable to resist her presence, sat awkwardly, unsure where to
put his hands or how to handle the situation.
"So, Floch," Bria began, her voice soft but filled with playful energy. "You probably want
to know more about me, right? After all, we're going to be very... close."
Floch gulped, his face flushed as he glanced nervously around at the others. "Y-yeah, I
guess I do."
Bria smirked, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "I come from the deepest parts of the
ocean. Places no human could ever reach. That's where my power comes from." She
leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "And now, it's all
yours if you want it."
Floch swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest as Bria's fingers trailed down his
neck. "Uh... that sounds... pretty amazing."
Bria chuckled softly, her voice sultry. "Oh, it is. But there's more to me than just power. I
can be... playful too. I like teasing my mate, keeping things interesting." She shifted
slightly in his lap, her lips dangerously close to his as she added, "I'm insatiable, Floch.
Once I bond with you, you'll never want anyone else."
Floch's head was spinning, his mind struggling to keep up with the overwhelming
attention Bria was giving him. Her confidence, her boldness—it was like nothing he had
ever experienced. He wasn't sure if he was in over his head or if he wanted to dive
deeper.
Meanwhile, Eren and Luna sat together near the shore, the waves lapping gently at the
sand just a few feet away. Luna, as always, exuded an air of confidence and mystery.
Her ice blue eyes were locked onto Eren's, her posture relaxed but commanding. She
made no effort to hide her intentions or her interest in him—there was no hesitation, no
second-guessing.
"I don't care what anyone else thinks," Luna said bluntly, her tone unapologetic. "I chose
you, Eren. I knew from the moment I saw you that you were different. Strong.
Determined. The others might question what we're doing, but I don't. I know what I
want."
Eren, his face impassive as always, looked at her thoughtfully. "You're sure about this?
About me?"
Luna's lips curled into a smirk, that same confident, seductive expression she always
wore. "I'm never unsure about anything, Eren. You'll learn that soon enough. I don't
need anyone's approval. Not from your comrades, not even from my sisters. I make my
own decisions, and I want you. I'm not here to convince you—I'm here to claim you."
Eren's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her. Luna was unlike anyone he had ever
met—her confidence was unshakable, her boldness undeniable. She wasn't trying to
manipulate him, and he appreciated that. She was simply stating what she wanted, as if
the world would bend to her will.
"You don't care about the risks?" Eren asked, his voice calm but probing.
Luna chuckled, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Risks? There are always risks. But
I trust in myself, and I trust in you. I know what we can accomplish together. We're not
like the others, Eren. We're stronger."
Eren held her gaze, feeling the weight of her words. He could sense the truth in what
she was saying—Luna wasn't someone who would back down from anything. She was
relentless, and in some strange way, that resonated with him.
Not far from them, Aria was relentlessly flirting with Levi, who, as usual, maintained his
stoic and unflinching demeanor. But Aria wasn't discouraged. In fact, she seemed to
enjoy the challenge Levi presented, her lavender eyes twinkling with playful mischief.
"So, Captain," Aria said, her voice dripping with flirtation as she leaned in closer, her
lavender hair cascading over her shoulders. "What's it going to take to crack that tough
exterior of yours? I've never met a man who could resist me for this long."
Levi shot her a sidelong glance, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm not like the others," he
said flatly. "Whatever you're trying to do won't work on me."
Aria giggled, clearly delighted by his resistance. "Oh, I know you're different, Captain.
That's why I'm so interested in you. You don't fall for the easy tricks, and that makes you
a challenge. I like that."
Levi raised an eyebrow, his voice cool and unimpressed. "I don't care what you like."
Aria's smile only widened. "You will. Trust me, Levi. You're going to find that this bond
isn't something you can fight. I'm not here to make you fall for me overnight. But we've
got time, and I'm very... patient."
Levi's gaze hardened, though he didn't push her away. "I don't do bonds. I'm here to
fight, not to get distracted."
Aria leaned even closer, her lips dangerously close to his ear as she whispered, "You
can do both, Levi. In fact, I think you'll find that with me by your side, you'll be stronger
than you've ever been. Don't think of it as a distraction—think of it as... an upgrade."
Levi's jaw clenched slightly, but he said nothing. Aria, sensing that she had at least
gotten his attention, flashed him another dazzling smile before pulling back, her eyes
gleaming with satisfaction.
The other sirens, meanwhile, were engaged in similar conversations. Caspia and Solara
were still teasing Jean and Connie, their playful energy infectious, while Sera and
Melody remained shy but intrigued by Bertholdt and Armin.
As the night wore on, the scouts found themselves learning more about their respective
sirens—each of them a unique combination of allure, power, and mystery. But one thing
was clear: this was only the beginning. The bonds they were forming would shape their
futures in ways none of them could fully understand yet.
And though each of the scouts was processing the situation differently, one thing united
them all: the realization that they were in far deeper than they had ever anticipated.
Reiner stood at the edge of the group, his large frame stiff as he tried to navigate the
whirlwind of attention from Rue, the smallest but most fiery of the sirens. She had been
sizing him up since their first encounter, her sharp, playful eyes never leaving him. Now,
she was right in front of him, her curly red hair bouncing as she circled him like a
predator evaluating its prey.
"You're even bigger up close," Rue teased, her voice dripping with sass as she poked
Reiner lightly in the chest. "But don't think that means you can intimidate me, big guy."
Reiner swallowed, his usual stoic demeanor clearly faltering under her relentless
energy. "I… wasn't trying to intimidate you," he muttered, his voice low. He shifted
slightly, clearly uncomfortable but doing his best to keep his composure. His experience
as a warrior wasn't exactly useful in handling someone like Rue, and it showed.
The other scouts watched the exchange from a distance, some snickering under their
breath. Jean elbowed Connie with a smirk. "Reiner's got his hands full, doesn't he?"
Connie chuckled. "I've never seen him look so confused."
Rue, completely unfazed by Reiner's size or his attempts at keeping his distance,
stepped closer, her head tilted back so she could look up at him with her sharp, fiery
eyes. She grinned, her hands resting on her hips as she examined him from head to
toe. "You're quiet. That's cute. But I don't do quiet."
Reiner looked down at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "I'm not—"
"Shh." Rue pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him with a quick, teasing grin. "You
don't need to talk right now. I already know everything I need to know. You're strong,
you're loyal, and you're just the kind of man I want."
Reiner blinked, clearly at a loss for words. He had faced Titans, survived wars, and
carried the weight of betrayal on his shoulders, but Rue's confidence—and her ability to
see through him—caught him completely off guard.
"I—uh," Reiner stammered, unsure of how to respond.
Rue laughed, a quick, sharp sound that seemed to cut through the night air. "Oh, come
on, Reiner. You don't have to be so serious all the time. It's cute, but it's not going to
work on me. I like a challenge, but I like winning even more."
The others were still watching, some trying to suppress their laughter. Levi, who had
been observing silently, raised an eyebrow at the scene. "He's got his work cut out for
him."
Eren, standing nearby, glanced at Reiner, noting the tension in his usually controlled
comrade. "Rue isn't holding back."
"She doesn't seem the type to hold back with anything," Levi replied, his tone dry.
Rue, meanwhile, leaned in closer to Reiner, her small frame standing in stark contrast to
his towering presence. But she wasn't intimidated in the slightest. In fact, she seemed to
be enjoying the challenge. "Here's the deal, Reiner. You and me? We're going to bond,
and it's going to be fun. You might be used to following orders, but with me, you're going
to have to loosen up."
Reiner's face flushed slightly, and he looked down at her, still trying to figure out how to
respond. "I don't... I mean, I've never..."
Rue laughed again, this time louder. "Oh, you poor thing. You've been through so much,
and now you're stuck with me." She gave him a quick, teasing wink. "Don't worry. I'll
make sure you enjoy yourself. You might be big and tough, but I'm not scared of you."
Reiner couldn't help but feel completely out of his depth. The usual strength he drew
from his physical presence felt meaningless against someone like Rue, who seemed to
see right through him.
Behind them, Jean whispered to Connie, trying to stifle his laughter. "She's tearing him
apart."
Connie grinned, nodding. "Reiner doesn't know what hit him. I think this is the first time
he's been flustered by anyone."
Rue, picking up on their whispers, shot the others a quick glance, her sharp eyes
gleaming with amusement. "You guys think this is funny?" she called out, her voice loud
and sassy. "Don't worry, I'll get to you later. But right now, Reiner here's got all my
attention."
The other scouts exchanged awkward glances, none of them wanting to be on the
receiving end of Rue's sharp tongue. Even Jean, usually the quickest with a comeback,
kept his mouth shut, though his grin didn't fade.
Reiner, trying to regain some semblance of control over the situation, finally managed to
speak. "I'm not... I don't know if I'm ready for this."
Rue raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "That's too bad, because I am. You'll catch
up, don't worry."
Reiner sighed heavily, realizing that Rue wasn't going to back down. She had decided
that he was hers, and there was no arguing with her.
Still, even as Rue continued to poke and prod at him, there was something about her
that intrigued Reiner. She was bold, confident, and completely unafraid of him—qualities
he hadn't encountered often, especially in someone so small. But more than that, there
was something in her eyes, beneath the sass and teasing, that made him think that
maybe, just maybe, there was more to her than she was letting on.
Rue smiled up at him, clearly enjoying the way he was struggling to figure her out.
"Don't worry, Reiner. I'm going to make sure you have a good time. You might think
you're tough, but I've got a lot of surprises up my sleeve."
Reiner, despite himself, felt a small, reluctant smile tug at the corner of his mouth. "I
don't doubt that."
Rue grinned, clearly pleased with his response. "Good. That's the spirit. Now, how
about you stop thinking so much and just go with the flow? You'll like where it leads, I
promise."
Reiner nodded slowly, still unsure of what to make of the fiery siren in front of him, but
knowing that there was no turning back now.
As Rue continued to tease and prod him, the other scouts couldn't help but watch with a
mixture of amusement and disbelief. Reiner, the stoic warrior, had met his match—and it
was in the form of a sassy, fiery little siren named Rue.
…
Meanwhile, Levi stood with his usual stoic demeanor, arms crossed, while Aria
continued her relentless flirting. Her lavender hair cascaded around her shoulders as
she flashed him one of her dazzling smiles. She was clearly enjoying herself,
undeterred by Levi's coldness, and Levi—well, Levi wasn't the type to be easily swayed.
"So, Captain," Aria began, her tone playful and flirtatious, "you're still trying to resist me,
huh? I like that. It makes this so much more interesting."
Levi barely glanced at her, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "I'm not here to
entertain you," he said flatly, his voice as curt as ever.
Aria giggled, stepping closer so that she was just within his personal space. "Oh, you're
entertaining me plenty, Captain. You're not like the others. They're so easy to read, but
you? You're a puzzle. And I like puzzles."
Levi sighed, his patience clearly wearing thin. "I'm not interested in your games."
Aria raised an eyebrow, her smile never wavering. "Who said anything about games?
I'm just trying to get to know you. You've got this whole 'I'm too cool for this' vibe going
on, but I know there's more to you than that." She leaned in slightly, her lavender eyes
gleaming with amusement. "So, tell me about yourself, Levi. What makes you tick?"
Levi shot her a sideways glance, his expression as unimpressed as ever. "What makes
me tick? Annoying people like you."
Aria giggled again, clearly delighted by his response. "Oh, come on, Captain. You've got
to do better than that. I'm not easily offended, and I've heard worse."
Levi sighed again, turning to face her fully, his eyes narrowing. "Look, I've got nothing to
tell you. I'm a soldier, and I don't have time for your nonsense. That's all you need to
know."
Aria's smile only widened. "A soldier, huh? Is that all you are? Just a cold, unfeeling
soldier? Somehow, I doubt that. You care about your comrades, don't you? You've got
that protective vibe. It's kinda sexy, honestly."
Levi's expression didn't change. "You talk too much."
"And you talk too little," Aria shot back, unfazed. "But that's okay. I like a challenge.
You're just gonna make me work harder, aren't you?"
Levi's gaze hardened. "I'm not interested in making you do anything. The sooner you
realize that, the better."
Aria let out a soft laugh, completely undeterred. "You keep saying you're not interested,
but you haven't walked away yet. That tells me something, Captain. Maybe you're a
little curious about me too?"
Levi's jaw tightened, but he didn't move. "Curious? About a siren who can't stop talking?
Not likely."
Aria gave him a teasing grin, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Come on, you don't have
to be so grumpy. You're making this harder than it needs to be. I just want to know more
about you. What's the harm in that?"
Levi crossed his arms, his expression cold as ever. "You're wasting your time."
Aria leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "Oh, I don't think so. I
can see it in your eyes, Levi. You've been through a lot, haven't you? You've lost
people. You've carried burdens. But you keep going. That's what I find interesting."
Levi stiffened slightly, but he didn't respond.
Aria, sensing she had hit a nerve, softened her tone, though her playful smile remained.
"You don't have to open up right now. But just so you know, I'm not going anywhere. I
chose you for a reason, and I don't back down easily."
Levi finally turned to look at her, his gaze sharp. "You think I care about why you chose
me? You're just another distraction, and I don't have time for distractions."
Aria shrugged, still smiling. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm exactly what you need. Someone
who can see through all that tough exterior and find the real you underneath."
Levi's eyes narrowed. "You don't know anything about me."
Aria met his gaze evenly, her lavender eyes filled with confidence. "Not yet. But I will."
For a moment, Levi said nothing, his gaze locked on hers. Aria didn't flinch, didn't back
down. She was relentless, and despite himself, Levi found that he couldn't just dismiss
her. There was something about her that was different from the others—something that
made it impossible to simply walk away.
Finally, Levi sighed, turning away from her again. "You're persistent. I'll give you that."
Aria grinned, clearly pleased with herself. "I'll take that as a compliment, Captain."
Levi shot her a quick glance. "Don't."
Aria laughed, her voice light and musical. "Oh, Levi, you're going to be fun. I can
already tell."
Levi said nothing, his expression unreadable, but Aria knew she had gotten under his
skin—even if just a little. And for now, that was enough. She wasn't in any hurry. She
had plenty of time to chip away at Levi's walls, one sassy remark at a time.
The banter between them continued as the night wore on, with Aria never missing a
beat and Levi, despite his cold exterior, responding with his usual curt and sharp wit. It
was a battle of wills, and Aria was determined to win—if only to prove that even the
toughest soldier could be cracked.
….
Back with Floch and Bria…
Floch had no idea how things had escalated so quickly. One moment, he was standing
there, trying to make sense of everything happening around him, and the next, Bria was
all over him—again. She had pulled him down onto the sand, lounging comfortably in
his lap with her arms draped around his neck like she owned him. Her body was
pressed against his, and her lips had already found his throat, leaving a trail of kisses
that sent a shiver down his spine.
The other scouts couldn't help but watch, most of them caught somewhere between
shock and amusement. Floch, usually so composed and cocky, was completely
flustered, his face bright red as he struggled to keep up with Bria's relentless attention.
Bria was in her element, completely unfazed by the eyes on them. She tilted her head
slightly, brushing her lips against his ear, her voice low and teasing. "Come on, Floch.
Tell me about yourself. I want to know everything."
Floch swallowed hard, his mind racing as he tried to gather his thoughts. "I… uh… I'm
not really that interesting—"
Before he could finish, Bria kissed him, her lips claiming his in a deep, passionate kiss
that left him breathless. Her hands wandered over his chest and shoulders, her touch
both possessive and seductive. Floch, completely overwhelmed, tried to respond, but
every time he opened his mouth to speak, Bria's lips were on him again, kissing him
with a hunger that left him dazed.
"F-Floch!" Connie stammered, barely containing his laughter as he watched the scene
unfold. "Are you even still breathing, man?"
Jean crossed his arms, shaking his head with a smirk. "I've never seen him like this. He
doesn't know what hit him."
Bria, not bothering to acknowledge the others, finally pulled back just enough to give
Floch a moment to catch his breath. Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she ran her
fingers through his hair, her lips still brushing against his jawline. "You're not making this
easy, Floch. I asked you to tell me about yourself. Do I need to keep kissing you to get
the truth out of you?"
Floch, his voice shaky, tried to form a coherent sentence. "I… I'm just a soldier. That's…
all there is to know."
Bria rolled her eyes playfully, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "You're more
than that. I can tell. You've got that fire in you. That ambition. You don't want to just
follow orders, do you? You want more."
Floch blinked, his mind reeling. How had she picked up on that so quickly? "I… yeah, I
guess," he mumbled, his voice barely audible as he tried to maintain some composure.
Bria's lips found his throat again, kissing him softly as she whispered against his skin. "I
knew it. You're not like the others. You're going to be something special, Floch. And I'm
going to make sure of it."
Floch's entire body was trembling under her touch. He couldn't tell if it was from
nervousness or something else, but every word she spoke, every kiss she planted,
seemed to pull him deeper into her web. His hands hovered awkwardly at her waist,
unsure of what to do. He could feel the eyes of his comrades on him, but all he could
focus on was the heat of Bria's body against his.
"Bria," he started, his voice shaky, "I don't know if—"
But Bria wasn't listening. She kissed him again, her lips pressing firmly against his as
she pulled him closer. This time, Floch didn't resist. His hands, tentative at first, found
their way to her waist, holding her as the kiss deepened. Bria's hands moved to his
neck, her fingers tangling in his hair as she claimed him completely.
The scouts were watching with wide eyes, completely taken aback by the intensity of
the scene.
"Wow," Connie muttered, nudging Jean. "I've never seen someone lose control that fast.
Floch's usually so full of himself."
Jean chuckled under his breath. "Not today. Bria's got him wrapped around her finger."
Even Levi, who typically paid no attention to anything outside of battle, couldn't help but
glance over at the scene unfolding between Floch and Bria. His expression, as usual,
was unreadable, but it was clear even he found the situation unexpected.
Mikasa, standing off to the side with her arms crossed, looked less than amused. "This
is ridiculous. He's letting her control him completely."
Armin, always the rational one, tilted his head thoughtfully. "I don't think it's that simple.
The bond between the sirens and their chosen mates… it's not just about physical
attraction. There's something deeper happening here."
Mikasa frowned, her eyes narrowing. "I don't like it. It feels like they're manipulating us."
Eren, standing nearby, didn't say anything, his gaze fixed on Luna as he considered
Mikasa's words. There was no denying that the sirens were powerful, but there was
something about their confidence, their unapologetic boldness, that intrigued him more
than he wanted to admit.
Meanwhile, Bria was still all over Floch, her lips trailing down his neck as her hands
roamed freely over his chest and back. She pulled away just enough to look him in the
eyes, her expression playful but serious. "You're mine now, Floch. And I'm not letting
you go."
Floch, still trying to catch his breath, nodded weakly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I... I guess I am."
Bria smirked, clearly pleased with his answer. "Good. Because you're going to love what
comes next."
The scouts, still watching from a distance, exchanged glances, unsure of what to make
of the situation. Whatever was happening between Floch and Bria, it was unlike
anything they had ever seen before. And from the look in Bria's eyes, this was only the
beginning.
The other sirens gathered near the shore, exchanging knowing glances as they
watched Bria's antics with Floch. Though they giggled and whispered among
themselves, it wasn't in judgment or surprise—this was just how Bria was. Seductive,
yes, but also full of warmth and affection. To the untrained eye, it might seem like she
was all about physical allure, but those who knew her, especially her sisters, understood
that Bria was much more than that.
Aria, lounging comfortably by the water with her legs stretched out, leaned toward Luna,
who was standing nearby with her usual calm and confident demeanor. "Bria's going all
out today," Aria said with a soft chuckle. "She's always been the most, hasn't she?"
Luna smirked, her eyes flicking to Bria and Floch for a brief moment before returning to
Eren, her focus never truly leaving him. "That's just Bria. She's not afraid to show her
affection. And once she's chosen, there's no holding back."
Solara and Caspia, who had been giggling at Bria's forwardness, shared a look of
amusement. "She may be the most forward," Solara remarked, "but that's because
she's always been the one who feels the deepest. She doesn't just pick anyone, and
when she does, she goes all in."
Caspia nodded in agreement, her playful demeanor taking on a more thoughtful edge.
"Bria's picky, though. It might look like she's all over Floch, but she doesn't choose
lightly. There's something she saw in him that made her decide he was worth it."
Melody, sitting quietly beside Sera, blushed slightly as she watched the scene unfold.
"She's more affectionate than the rest of us, but she's genuine. She wouldn't give so
much of herself if she didn't truly believe he was the right one."
Sera, always the quiet one, smiled softly. "It's nice to see. We're not just here for fun or
survival. When we bond with someone, it's for life. Bria doesn't take that lightly, even if it
seems like she's just being playful."
The sirens were selective by nature. Their ability to choose their mates wasn't driven
purely by lust or attraction. They sought out partners who would protect them, but also
partners they felt a true connection with—someone who could love them as deeply as
they were capable of loving in return. Bria, despite her forward nature, was no different.
Aria smiled mischievously, her gaze drifting to Levi, who remained stone-faced,
watching the scene unfold. "She's doing what we all do in our own way. She's putting
her heart out there, and Floch is just the lucky one who caught it."
Levi, noticing Aria's lingering gaze, glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his
expression unreadable. "Lucky?" he muttered. "He looks like he's in over his head."
Aria giggled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Maybe. But that's how it works, Levi.
We don't just pick anyone. When we choose, we choose because we see something in
you. Something worth giving ourselves to."
Levi's gaze returned to the horizon, his expression unchanging. "Sounds like a lot of
trouble."
Aria's smile widened. "Oh, you're worth the trouble, Captain. You just don't realize it
yet."
Back with Bria and Floch, the air was thick with the intensity of her affection. Floch, still
flustered and unsure of how to handle everything that was happening, was gradually
beginning to relax under Bria's touch. Her lips brushed against his skin, but there was
something more in her eyes now—a depth of feeling that went beyond simple
seduction. She wasn't just toying with him; she was showing him how much she had
already invested in him, even if he didn't fully understand it yet.
Bria's hands moved gently over Floch's chest, her voice softer now, though still teasing.
"You're more than you think you are, Floch. I can see it in you. You've got a fire that's
waiting to burn brighter, and I'm going to make sure it does."
Floch, still flustered, managed a weak smile. "I don't really know what you see in me,"
he admitted, his voice low.
Bria tilted her head, her fingers tracing slow circles on his chest as she looked up at
him, her expression serious for the first time. "I see strength. I see ambition. You've got
this drive inside you, like you're waiting for something bigger. I can help you with that,
Floch. I can make you more."
Floch blinked, surprised by her sincerity. He had expected flirtation and teasing, but
there was real belief in her voice—belief in him.
"I…" Floch began, but Bria silenced him with another kiss, this one softer, more intimate.
When she pulled back, her eyes gleamed with affection. "You don't have to understand
it all right now. Just trust me. You'll see."
The scouts, watching from a distance, exchanged bewildered looks.
Jean shook his head in disbelief. "I don't get it. Floch of all people…"
Connie shrugged. "Maybe there's more to him than we see."
Mikasa, still clearly skeptical of the sirens' intentions, frowned. "She's manipulating him.
She's making him think he's something he's not."
Armin, always the more measured one, spoke softly. "I don't know. It doesn't seem like
that. The sirens… they choose carefully. I think she really does see something in him."
Mikasa didn't respond, her eyes still locked on Eren and Luna in the distance. The
connection between the sirens and their chosen mates might have been real, but it
didn't mean Mikasa was any less uneasy about what was happening.
The sirens, meanwhile, continued to chat amongst themselves, their laughter and
conversation filling the air. They knew Bria better than anyone, and while her actions
might seem over-the-top to others, they understood the depth of her feelings. Bria didn't
just give herself to anyone—Floch, just like the other scouts,
had all been chosen for a
reason.