Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Erwin Smith freezes at the first sight of him. The hand that holds his whisky drink stops midair, lightly brushing along his bottom lip, now frozen in place. He holds his breath, slowly letting the fixation begin to spread like a disease through his skin and bones. It takes a hold of him immediately and with no mercy. His eyes focus on the young man that stands on the stage mere yards in front of him. Gunmetal-gray eyes, a rigid scowl on soft pouty lips and jet-black hair. He is the most beautiful being Erwin has ever seen in his life. If he weren’t mildly sober, he would have sworn he was seeing a mirage, a trick of the eyes that would evaporate at the slightest touch. 

However, what catches Erwin’s attention the most, is the look in the young man’s fierce eyes. They’re filled with a rage so strong, so wild, Erwin feels that excitement begin to flicker in his stomach like a growing flame. There is no going back. 

“Eldian male, twenty-three years old. Intact. Born on Paradis Island. Bidding starts at twenty-five thousand.” 

Erwin snaps out of the trance and is brought back to the reality of the auction room. He lowers his gaze from the young man on stage and tilts the glass to his lips to take a drink. He lets the rich dark liquid burn down his throat and settle in his stomach where it helps ignite the flames. He can feel the heat rise up his neck and to his ears. He can feel it burning on the palms of his hands. Erwin wonders to himself, if this is what Icarus felt when his wings felt the heat of the boiling sun. 

“Thirty-thousand!” 

“Thirty-five thousand!” 

“Thirty-seven thousand!” 

The bids burst throughout the entire room, one after another in quick procession. Erwin remains calm and steady, finishing his whisky and setting it down on the round table slightly behind him. 

“Forty-five thousand!”

Before the start of the main event, Erwin had mingled around the distasteful crowd, shaking hands and exchanging names with Marley’s richest yet lowest scum. He absolutely abhors these functions, but his appearance is crucial for the likelihood of his position as Commander of Marley’s Liberio military branch. Even if that position goes unspoken within the red and mahogany walls. Seldom do the auction goers use their proper titles and business within the auction is never spoken about outside in the real world where one must hide their depravities and strange addictions. Nonetheless, Erwin’s devilish charm and quick wit win him great connections and for that, he cannot complain. 

It has only been about an hour since the start of the auction and with every passing minute, Erwin sat idly by as body after body was sold to the highest bidder. He watched all of it without moving a single hand other than to take a drink. Now he finds himself raising the sign that reads ‘66’ high in the air. He speaks with deep intent in his firm, commanding voice, “One-hundred thousand.” 

The Commander’s voice echoes through the room, so well-known that it silences the other bidders for a short moment. It had not been Erwin’s intention to ever bid on a human life but this particular one has stirred a hunger within him that he never knew existed. Now he must see it through until that hunger is satisfied. 

He has to have that young man. No matter how much it costs him. 

-

The bright light above the stage is almost blinding. Levi flinches when it shines above him, sending a heat wave through his body. He tries hard not to shake from all the anger that’s raging through him as his half-naked body is exposed for many hungry eyes to see. He forces himself to look straight ahead and he forces back the rage that burns in his throat. Despite the heat of the lights above him, Levi shrinks into himself, bringing his legs together and grasping his arm to his side. It all seems like a horrible nightmare; he can’t believe it's happening. All of his muscles ache from being cramped in a small cell, he can feel every single bruise brought onto him from the beatings that subdued him after he awoke in their care. Kenny had sold him, plain and simple. He needed the money. For what? Levi does not know. The ass probably lost a bet and needed to cover himself. Still, it has been many years since Levi stopped questioning his uncle.  Levi feels his stomach churn and he fights the urge to bend over and vomit in front of all these rich fucks. That will serve them right and possibly dissuade a few from trying to bid on him.

How long has it been since he’s been imprisoned in Marley? Days? Weeks, possibly? Levi doesn’t remember. He was in and out of consciousness during the entire boat ride. They had drugged him on multiple occasions to keep him nice and docile. The crewman claimed he would sell for a lot. They didn’t see many “Island Devils” in Marley. “Exotic” they called him. Levi wanted to laugh but the drugs in his system weighed him down and he imagined himself at the bottom of the ocean, watching the sun above the waves dance above him. How strange to go from an unwanted slum rat to something prized and exotic. Something worth thousands. It baffles Levi. Confuses him. 

“Eldian male, twenty-three years old. Intact. Born on Paradis Island. Bidding starts at twenty-five thousand dollars.” The announcer's voice snaps him out of his stupor. 

“Thirty-thousand!” Immediately shouts a voice.

Levi flinches at the man’s husky voice, feeling too weak from starvation to keep fighting. He forces himself to look forward and into the crowd for the first time. The room is adorned in velvet red and rich mahogany. Round white clothed tables host well-dressed men and women with drinks in hand and wicked smiles plastered on their heinous faces. They leer at him and whisper to one another like they have never seen a human being before. He scoffs mentally, they probably do not consider him to be human at all. Maybe just a devil from an island far away. One they’ve only heard in a horror story told to them by their wet nurses. 

“Thirty-five thousand!” An older woman shouts next. 

Levi lets his eyes linger on the woman and the mink adorned on her thin shoulders. A vengeful hatred fills Levi from deep inside of him. A kind of rage that is only found in the unfortunate beings of the Underground. A rage built from years of hunger and abuse, of stench and broken bones. How can a human life have a starting price? How can people so easily bid on his life as if he’s just a piece of meat? Levi wants nothing more than to lunge himself off the stage and rip their throats out with his teeth and bare hands. 

“Thirty-seven thousand!” A round man with a double chin shouts. 

Levi takes a half step back, raising his hand to his shoulder in attempts to cover himself. He can’t imagine going home with that disgusting man and his dirty hands. His leering eyes are practically eating him alive. They’re monsters, all of them. Abominations praying on those weaker than them. It sickens him. 

“One-hundred thousand.” 

A man’s voice booms through the auction room and Levi’s body immediately seizes. The man's voice silences everyone just for a moment. His offer is a statement more than a shout or a bid of thrill. Levi’s gray eyes follow the source of the strong, vehement voice until his gaze falls upon an extremely handsome, dashing and broad blond man. He sits at the table in the middle of the room; he’s wearing a black-on-black suit with his golden hair combed neatly to the side. His strapping face is expressionless and sharp, as if he’s chiseled out of marble. He gently lowers his sign, setting it back down at his side. Those cobalt eyes are set right on Levi with a look of sheer determination that Levi has never seen before. Levi feels it then, the strange feeling that begins to grow from deep within his bones. It vibrates through him, burning through his skin like a fever. It grabs onto his heart with a crushing grip. He feels his entire body jolt. It can’t be. 

He’s only heard it mentioned once. 

“One-hundred and fifteen!” A different man shouts next, raising his sign even higher. 

Levi can’t help but to look at the other man and his hands clench into tight fists. The man is much older, in his late sixties probably, with graying thin hair that barely covers his balding scalp. His teeth are yellow from nicotine addiction and there’s an evil in his eyes, his devilish grin promises Levi no safety or comfort. Levi watches the way the man licks his bottom lip and feels his body shudder with disgust.

Who is willing to throw away so much money on him? It makes no sense. Levi is sure no one in their right minds would bother to outbid—

“One-hundred and forty.” The blond man speaks again. His voice is overpowering without having to shout his bid yet his tone is calm and collected. 

Levi falters and lets his expressions show. He stares at the blond man with wide and surprised eyes. Is he serious? Surely, he isn’t. He can’t be. 

“One-hundred and sixty!”

“Two-hundred thousand.” He announces again, looking straight up at Levi. 

Levi locks eyes with him and his ears feel hot. His heart is thumping so loud that he can’t hear the other man’s bid. All he can focus on is the handsome stranger who seems to have eyes just for him. They do not waver, and it sends a chill down Levi’s spine. 

The other man continues to outbid him, and Levi wants to bend over and vomit. He can’t handle the anxiety induced by their back and forth. The other auctioneers whisper in excitement and disbelief at what is transpiring before their eyes. Levi notices the blond’s once impassive face now twists with a bit of annoyance at the old man’s resilience. When he blinks, his eyes are on Levi again but that annoyance only lasts for a fraction of a second because a cool calmness takes over. Then tired of playing games, he declares for the entire room to hear loud and clear, “One million .” 

Levi feels his body run cold and his knees lock beneath him. Did he hear correctly? The blond man tears his gaze and with a smirk, glances at the old man who now sports a scowl on his decrepit face. He scoffs and looks away, muttering a disgusted, “Not worth it.” 

“One million! Going once— going twice—“ 

No more bids come forward. Of course, Levi isn’t worth that much. His uncle used to say he wasn’t worth a tiny rat’s ass. This man is insane to spend so much on an Island Devil. 

“ SOLD !” The announcer’s voice booms through the room again, “Sold for one million to Mr. Smith!” 

-

After his life and body are declared sold, Levi is forced to an empty waiting room that seems more like a small library. He sits on a wine-red velvet sofa with gold trimmings and listens to the ticking of the clock on the wall. There’s a burlap sack at his feet containing the few belongings he has; they’re not even his own belongings from the Underground, but things given to him after he was sold to the auction house. A clean pair of undergarments and toiletries. They want the people being auctioned off to not only look clean, but be clean and Levi won’t complain about that. He hates living in filth. 

He has also been given a black hooded sweater. It fits two sizes too big on him but it’s soft and warm and most importantly, it smells clean . Levi has already found comfort in it and snuggles himself in the soft cotton, closing his eyes. He has considered escaping from the large windows that adorn the far-left wall to return to the underground only to strangle his uncle but the chain around his ankle keeps him in place. Levi wants to laugh. They are clever for tying him down. 

It’s well past midnight and Levi feels like he’s been waiting for hours. That Smith man purchased him, but he hasn’t seen him since he was ushered from stage to have the next body go on. Levi begins to wonder if perhaps the blond man had buyer’s remorse and is now in the process of getting his money back. It makes Levi nervous, but the exhaustion is taking a toll on him and he can feel his body grow heavy and his head begins to bob up and down. If it wasn’t for the intense anxiety building up in his stomach, he would have drifted off to sleep.

Levi doesn’t know anything about the man who has purchased him but when he was returned backstage, the auction owner’s wife patted his back and winked at him. “You lucky, lucky boy.” She said, almost sounding jealous, “Comman--” She pauses and corrects herself, “Mr. Smith is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you.” 

Levi scoffs at the woman’s words. How lucky can he be if he has just lost his freedom? He has been sold off as a slave to a complete stranger. Just because he’s handsome doesn’t mean he’s a good man. For all Levi knows, he can be worse than the skeevy man who tried to outbid him. Looks are deceiving, Levi has learned that. So instead of sitting pretty, he begins to tug on the chain around his ankle, trying his best to yank his foot through the gap but the hard metal scrapes his skin raw and Levi grunts in pain. He feels like an animal caught in a trap, having no option but to chew his own foot off. 

Levi studies the room one more time as his gaze scans for any potential weapons. Perhaps he can find a letter opener in the desk at the far end of the room and cut that blond fuck’s throat when he comes to collect his winnings. Levi won’t go down without a fight. 

Stupid fuck. Where the hell are you even going to go if you escape? Do you even know where you are? He mentally scolds himself. He can’t just act like a wild animal. He has to be smart and find a safe way out. This isn’t the Underground. He can’t just kill a man with a knife and get away with it. This world is completely different. 

Still, what if he just accepts his fate? Hell, maybe this Smith man will set him free himself. Maybe Levi can come to an agreement with him. Even if he does, where would he go? He can’t return to the home where his mother died. It will be too cruel. Not to mention there is the risk of running into Kenny. What if he gambles with his life again? 

With no warning, the door of the waiting room opens with a loud click and Levi sits up, startled by the sudden sound that breaks the anxious silence. 

It’s Mr. Smith. He walks right to him without any fear or hesitation. As if Levi isn’t some wild human being that will attack him without the slightest provocation. Levi immediately stands to his feet, the chain rustles as he does. The man stops a foot from Levi to greet him. Levi indignantly raises his chin to meet Mr. Smith’s gaze, letting him know that he isn’t afraid, but he feels it again, that gnawing feeling that itches him from the inside out. It draws Levi to this man, pleading and begging to step just a little bit closer, to touch and to serve and most importantly, to please . 

Levi grits his teeth and clenches his hands into tight fists, fighting the urge that’s screaming inside of him. It’s like a new instinct just birthed inside of him and he cannot make sense of it. He feels sick the more he fights it. 

This Mr. Smith is tall, well over six feet. His body is broad, well-built and capable and now that he stands only a foot away from him, Levi can make out just how intimidating he really is. He has good looks and hard muscles. Even if Levi were to find a weapon to defend himself with, there is no doubt that he will disarm this man within seconds. His hands look big and strong enough to snap his neck. 

Levi’s lips part slightly as if he’s about to speak but no words find their way out. He closes his mouth back up and tears his gaze. He can feel his cheeks and the tips of his ears grow hot. This feeling, it keeps aching, yearning. Levi doesn’t understand. 

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He politely sticks his large hand out. 

Levi eyes the man’s hand for a moment, distrusting like a stray cat cornered in an alley. He can easily break those thick fingers in a matter of seconds but the new instinct in him advises against it. Seeing no other option, but not wanting to give in, Levi simply looks away, acting indifferent. 

The man chuckles and takes a hold of Levi’s wrist, lifting his hand to shake it regardless. Immediately Levi feels the spark that pricks his skin, like static. It renders him stiff. 

The man’s skin is calloused but warm like a small furnace and the pressure from his fingers alone lets Levi know just how much stronger he is. Levi knows that he will have a huge fight on his hands if he tries anything and there’s a large chance that he will not make it out alive. “My name is Erwin, Erwin Smith.” He continues. “Now, I don’t know what customs you’re used to, over there in the Underground of your Paradis but here, it is polite to say hello.”

Levi’s shark-like gaze lands on this Erwin Smith again, baring his teeth just a bit, in annoyance and defiance. Alas, Levi chooses to stay quiet. He relaxes his expression and lowers his gaze, looking bored. Nevertheless, his small interaction is enough to make Mr. Smith smile eagerly. 

Erwin Smith , Levi recites the name in the privacy of his mind. His name sounds important, strange yet intimidating. Levi studies his glowing cobalt eyes once he finds the courage to look at him again. So this is the man that has purchased him and now owns him? Levi isn’t sure how to completely feel about that. He hates the thought of being owned but does not want to risk another beating so he behaves himself and will look for a suitable opportunity to escape. 

Even if Erwin Smith isn’t the type of man to hit a person younger and vastly more defenseless than himself, the others are. Levi doesn’t completely trust him but he doesn’t completely recoil in fear either. He doesn’t want this Erwin Smith to see fear in him. Not to mention that nagging feeling that’s crying inside of him. It makes his fingertips numb and his skin vibrate with desire. Like he finally found something that had been lost. 

Just then the door opens again, and two more men walk in. Levi immediately takes a half step back but the sofa is in the way. Erwin turns to look at them and casually removes the jacket of his suit, draping it over Levi’s shoulders. As he does so, he slightly pulls the jacket towards him protectively and Levi along with it. Levi is draped in warmth and the comforting smell of cedar and whisky. Smith smells amazing, so much that Levi can’t help but to bury his nose in and take a soft yet deep breath. All he has smelled for weeks is the atrocious scent of piss and body odor in the cell he shared with five other captives. Some of those sold in the auction house are willing; they sell their bodies for the price of living lavishly as someone’s spoiled pet. Others, such as himself, are not so willing and hence, are confined in tight spaces.  

Erwin catches this and smiles gently, brushing a lock of Levi’s hair behind his ear. “Much better.” His voice is as gentle as his gaze. 

One of the men that enters the room chuckles as he walks by them on his way to the desk, “Pleased with your purchase, Smith? I never would have pegged you as a buyer.” 

It's at that moment that Erwin notices the chain around Levi’s ankle and immediately glares at it, looking as if it offends him. Levi looks from Erwin to the other man. The brunette with the too-white grin. He vaguely recalls him as the person who takes all final payments. 

“You know this isn’t usually my cup of tea.” Erwin answers him but there is no humor in his tone. “Also, is this necessary?” He refers to Levi’s restraints. 

The brunette looks to his partner, a red-haired fuck who looks too smug for his own good.

“Shit, right. He’s a slippery one.” The redhead walks over and unlocks the chain from around Levi’s ankle. “You know these Underground rats are all the same.” Levi quickly turns his head to look at the man and tenses with anger at being called a rat. 

“Have you met many folks from the Underground, Dobrev?” Erwin asks; his tone sounds like a casual challenge, “Anyone from the Island, as a matter of fact?”

Dobrev straightens and clears his throat, “No, not really.” 

Erwin looks over Levi, studying his features, “Then how do you know how they are? I assume this is the first in the auction house.”

Dobrev’s face contorts, and he sneers at Levi, “Agh, they’re all the same. I know this one and that’s enough for me.” 

Erwin places his hands on Levi’s cheeks, directing his attention back to him before he can take a swing at that idiot, Dobrev. Levi raises a hand and places it upon Erwin’s wrist as if saying he understands him and will behave. When he touches Erwin’s skin, Levi feels the heat in his body cool and his anxiety begins to waver. 

“Is everything set in stone, Beckett?” He asks the brunette, Beckett, without looking at him. He only has eyes for Levi and by the look in his eyes, he is very , very pleased with his purchase. 

“Eager to take your prize home?” Chuckles Beckett as he walks over and hands Erwin a file filled with paperwork. 

Levi lowers his eyes, his body trembles with anger and Erwin notices. He takes the file from Beckett, “So I can take him now?” 

“Payment went through in full. He is all yours.” Beckett waves a hand as he turns away, as if sick and tired of Levi and wanting nothing more to do with him. 

Erwin lets out a sigh of relief and pats Levi’s shoulders, “Let’s go home, shall we?” 

-

Erwin opens the door to a hotel suite and steps aside to let him in. Levi takes a step forward and looks around the large room. He has never seen something so upscale and rich before. Not to mention white. The bedcovers, the walls, the furniture. It is all white with soft beige tones. 

Levi grows nervous and takes a step back, bumping into Erwin’s sturdy chest. His fight or flight response has semi kicked in and he suddenly wants to run. 

Erwin leans in closer and speaks softly in his ear, “Go on in, don’t be shy.” 

His whisper sends chills through his skin and Levi forces himself inside. The automobile ride had been extremely quiet. A chauffeur had driven them to the hotel in a sleek black auto and dropped them off. Erwin tipped him and insisted on carrying Levi’s burlap sack himself. The chauffeur tipped his hat and confirmed he would be back the following morning. 

With no other options, Levi steps inside and his lips part with wonder as he takes a closer look at the room. There is even a small kitchenette with a tea pot and several tins. Levi has tried tea once before when he had smuggled it from one of Kenny’s old pals. He was quite the pickpocket. 

The click of the door follows by the lock, causing him to jump. Erwin slowly walks up from behind him and Levi drops his head, feeling so small and defeated. If Smith has purchased him then he definitely expects something from him, doesn't he? The auction house Levi was sold from isn’t only known for auctioning rare animals or expensive items. It serves several purposes, he learned that very fast. 

“Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.” Erwin’s voice is low, and it makes Levi’s stomach flip. He is still wearing Erwin’s jacket and suddenly feels embarrassed by it. 

Erwin leans away and stands next to him, “Well, this isn’t home per say. I came here to do business, but we will leave tomorrow morning.” 

Levi doesn’t speak. 

“My apologies on the single bed but I wasn’t quite expecting you to join me tonight.” He chuckles with a chaste smirk. “I don’t have any clothes for you that aren’t mine, but I know you would appreciate a hot bath to calm your nerves. Tomorrow we can focus on getting you anything else you might need.” 

Levi freezes. Once he is bathed, would Erwin want to reap his rewards? Levi has never had sex before. He’s never even had a crush on a boy or a man. He’s never kissed anyone either, now that he is really thinking about it. 

“Would you like that?” Erwin pulls Levi away from his thoughts. 

Levi turns to look at him. He can’t get over how tall and just big Erwin Smith is. He looks older than Levi. Much older. Perhaps in his mid to late thirties. Levi nods slowly. 

He smiles gently in return and leads him to the bathroom. 

“Call me if you need anything.” He says before he closes the door and leaves him to his own devices. 

Levi stays still, listening to his steps as he walks away. He can hear him setting some things down and becomes curious about the file Erwin was given at the auction house. Levi then hears him turn on the radio and pushes away from the door. 

The reflection of the mirror catches Levi’s attention, and he looks at himself clearly for the first time in a long time. His skin is pale and his gray eyes are half-closed, almost red from exhaustion and lack of sleep. His bottom lip is swollen from biting back the anger that has been raging inside of him for weeks. His pitch black hair was cut before the auction and for that Levi is thankful. It’s similar to the style he likes but clean cut, with no crooked angles and a perfected undercut. It brings out his features. He has never seen his own face so clear or clean before. His face has always been stained with the smut of the Underground. Levi wonders what has caught Erwin Smith’s attention so badly. Enough to spend so much money on him. 

Levi then notes that he is still wearing his jacket. It is huge on him, but he has worn it so comfortably and has already registered the scent as Erwin’s and Erwin’s only. Maybe after his bath he could talk the man into letting him go. Levi will sleep with him to make that one-million worth something if he has to.

-

Erwin sits at the edge of the bed, reading over the records in the young Eldian’s file. He has rolled up his sleeves to his elbows and has untied his tie and thrown it on the bed next to him. 

His name is Levi Ackerman. He is twenty-three years old and was born in the Underground. His medical records from the auction house deem him to be “intact”. Such a distasteful word to substitute “virgin”. The rest of the notes in his file claim he is headstrong and can be very dangerous. He had bitten one of the doctors during his physical upon arriving in Liberio and sliced another one’s hand with a scalpel he managed to get a hold of. Erwin doesn’t blame him for following his survival instincts. It's also noted that he has been sold to the auction house by a family member. His only family member. 

There isn’t much else in his file regarding his background. He is deemed an orphan but how can he know that to be fully true? Everything else in the file is regarding his physical appearance, health and temperament. Reading more about his cooperation in the auction house makes Erwin realize why they had chained him down and half-drugged most of the time. Levi will be a bit of a challenge but Erwin is not one to back down from one. He will beat Levi into submission if need be. If his military background has taught him anything, it is that beatings will straighten a man out. Still, it would be such a shame to damage that precious face of his. He hopes it will not come to that. 

Erwin hears the bathroom door open with a small click but doesn't look up from the file. Something has caught his interest and he wants to read it before he has to put it away. He looks up and does a double take when he finds Levi standing two yards from him, completely nude. 

Erwin’s mouth drapes open and his eyes widen, glossing over as his pupils dilate. He can’t help but let his gaze fall over the young man’s body. He is thin from malnutrition, but his body has a beautiful figure, it still retains a bit of muscle and form. 

“Oh, my.” Erwin whispers hungrily. 

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” Levi’s low voice breaks its silence for the first time and Erwin falters deep within. He has such a lovely voice. Deep yet smooth with a bit of a drawl, an accent of the Underground, Erwin assumes. 

Erwin closes his mouth, and his face turns serious, unreadable. He stands from the bed and closes the distance between them. Levi swears the man can hear the sound of his beating heart. His cheeks are brilliant crimson and he can barely look at the Marleyan.  

“So you can speak.” Erwin lightly teases him. He lifts his hands and notices Levi flinch slightly. He pauses for a moment and then brushes Levi’s cheek with the back of his fingers, noting the way the young man’s skin prickles, “And here I thought you might be mute.” He chuckles. 

He is so close to Levi that he can smell the body wash on his ivory skin. He’s dazzling, sparkling like a diamond. 

“I…I can talk.” Is all Levi musters to say at that moment. He is too confused by his actions to say anything else. He half expected the man to roughly throw him on the bed and take him from behind. It’s what they all try to do. Instead, Levi stands there awkwardly unsure of what to do next. That strange feeling is back and it clouds his judgment. So he says the only thing he can think of. “You purchased me.” 

Erwin pauses, nods firmly, his eyes avoiding Levi with slight shame. “Yes, I did.” 

“That means I don’t have to go back to the auction house.” He wants to hear him confirm it himself. 

“No. Never.” This time his gaze meets Levi’s once more. 

Levi hesitates before asking, “Am-- am I free to go?” 

Erwin’s expression darkens immediately as if someone is threatening to take something from him. His expression is fierce, and it frightens Levi just a little. “I’m afraid not.” His tone deepens and his thick brows knit into a frown. 

Levi’s gaze falls to the floor and a cold feeling washes over him. Surely he doesn’t actually mean to keep him? Of course he does, Levi thinks to himself. Why else would the man spend a fortune on him? So he could put him back on a boat to Paradis and wave him off into the sunset? These Marleyan fucks do as they please. It sickens him. 

Erwin lifts his hand to Levi. “Come.” It’s a demand and he immediately reminds Levi of a military man. Perhaps he is one. 

Levi let’s Erwin guide him to the bed where he sits and pulls Levi towards him until he’s standing between his parted legs. He gazes up at Levi with those disarming eyes, trying to choose his words wisely. 

“So, I have to stay with you?” Levi asks before he can speak. 

Erwin’s expression hardens, “Yes.” 

“And if I refuse?” 

Erwin’s hold on Levi’s hand tightens and the young Eldian gets a small taste of the man’s strength. He bites back the small sound that threatens to escape him. “You have no choice. You belong to me now.”

“I’m not some animal to be owned.” Levi retorts. He averts his gaze, letting his eyes fall downcast upon the rich carpeted floor. His jaw begins to ache from the anger that burns inside of him. He can feel his breathing turn low and his heart quickens. He tries not to panic in front of the man, but he can’t think straight, can’t think of a valuable argument that will win him his freedom. All he feels is the rage that is being clouded by that unfamiliar desire to stay. It confuses him greatly. 

“What is your name?” Erwin asks even though he already knows it. He just wants to hear the young man say it in that beautiful voice of his. 

Levi swallows and then answers after a beat, “Levi.” He looks back at Erwin when he says it. 

“Levi.” The name dances on his lips and Erwin likes it. “Tell me, Levi , where will you go? Do you have anywhere to go? You are a long way from home, after all.” 

Levi lowers his head again, ashamed. He can’t go back to the place he once called home as shitty as it was. Kenny will kill him or worse-- sell him to someone else. Not to mention the question of how he will return to the Island? He just shakes his head as his answer. 

“Very well,” Erwin cups his cheeks in his big, strong hand, “Then you will stay with me. You’ll be safe with me. No one will hurt you and you will never go hungry. I promise you that.” He smiles to encourage Levi. 

Levi feels so small even though Erwin is the one looking up at him this time. Erwin Smith isn’t only tall but well built, with broad shoulders and muscular arms. Even if Levi tries to run, he might get caught and what then? Will he beat Levi into submission? Cut an ear off as punishment? Maim him so he can’t run? No, Levi has to be smart about this. He needs to find a way to escape or persuade Erwin to let him go. If he is as kind as he seems, maybe there’s a chance that he will let him go with the right words even if his first attempt failed him.

Levi is brought back from his thoughts when he feels Erwin’s hands travel down his sides. His calloused hands hold a softness to them but the skin that has been hardened over time tells Levi that this man’s life has not been as easy as it seems. Erwin cocks his head to the side, marveling over Levi’s body, his skin and the curves of his body. Some muscle still remains on his biceps and thighs. Levi must not have been in captivity long before they prepared him for the auction. He has a couple of fading bruises and multiple scars in different shapes and sizes, proof of his harsh life in the Underground. 

“You’re marvelous…” Erwin says so softly it's almost a whisper and his eyes glaze over as if he’s looking at a work of art. One of his thumbs brushes over a fresh bruise along the bottom of his ribs and Levi flinches. His left hand stays on Levi’s hip while the right travels down, smoothing over the curve of Levi’s behind. His fingers firmly squeeze his buttock and Levi grits his teeth, bearing them just a little out of instinct. A low rumble vibrates from Levi’s chest, catching Erwin’s attention. He eyes Levi carefully, like an animal that will snap and bite, “Easy there, beautiful…” He smirks softly at him, “You’re alright.” 

He gives Levi’s buttock another squeeze and then lets his hand travel down his thigh. His eyes focus on Levi’s flaccid cock, hanging limp between his thighs. Levi watches as the man licks his bottom lip, moistening the pink, delicate skin. “Just beautiful…” He says as if speaking to himself, “Did you know that, Levi?” His eyes flicker back to him as he grabs onto his cock; it's soft against his hold. 

Levi holds back a scowl, he’s heard many things from the men that have tried to rape him when he was much younger, almost confused for a girl with his soft features and small stature but no one has ever called him beautiful before. No one has lived long enough to rip his clothes off of him either. Erwin Smith is the first man to see him in the nude and the first to place his hands upon his naked skin without the risk of losing his fingers. 

“Answer me.” Erwin demands in that militant tone of his. 

Something inside of Levi sparks and he responds to Erwin’s demand without further hesitation, “ Ngh , no.” He feels himself begin to grow docile in Erwin’s touch. His fingers caress his testicles, and he wants to close his eyes and tilt his head back in pleasure but he fights the feeling. That bond that is quickly cementing its place in Levi’s brain and in his heart. 

“That’s a shame.” Erwin feels Levi twitch in his hand but is hesitant to push him. He knows Levi is capable of slicing his throat open when he least expects it. He has to break him in little by little. 

Levi stays quiet as his eyes scan over the man’s face. He can make out the soft freckles on his high cheeks and the ones that spread across the bridge of his nose. They remind Levi of stars. He had never seen stars before until the night he was sold and dragged out of the Underground against his will. He remembers seeing them while he was tied down in the back of an open wagon. His body went still, and his eyes widened as he saw the sky above him for the first time. They dotted the sky, illuminating the darkness in a way he could never imagine, not even in his wildest dreams. Now he stares at Erwin Smith and thinks of the sky above Paradis, his home. His lashes are a darker blond than his hair and they go out for what feels like miles. His aquiline nose fits him very well and his jaw is strong and sharp. And those golden locks…Levi has never seen hair that shines like that. Surely not his own. 

Erwin catches him staring and Levi feels the man’s fingers tighten around his hips. Levi’s scowl has disappeared and has been replaced with a soft expression of both confusion and awe. He looks so beautiful, so soft and so heavenly.

“Do I please you?” Erwin asks. 

Levi finds himself glaring again. He clicks his tongue. His only answer. Alas, his growing erection proves otherwise. 

Erwin tilts his head back and laughs loudly. A strong hearty laugh that startles Levi a little bit. 

“Cheeky. I like that about you.” Erwin nods to himself, letting go of Levi to bring out a silver case from his pocket, along with a silver lighter. Levi perks up at this. He’s never seen something like that before. At least not where he’s from. Erwin brings out a single cigarette, lights it in front of Levi and then takes a long drag, blowing the smoke from the corner of his lips, “Hopefully it’s not something I will have to discipline out of you.” 

Levi feels sick at his words. Discipline. His uncle disciplined him a lot as a boy. Levi is not a stranger to pain. 

Erwin focuses on Levi’s erection and blows out a puff of smoke as he thinks. Slowly, he becomes curious and begins to wonder. But why wonder for long?

“Touch yourself.” Erwin orders. 

“I beg your fuckin’ pardon?” Levi snaps back. 

“Will you make me repeat myself?” Erwin’s ice cold gaze flies to Levi and he watches the young man flinch. He watches the way Levi grits his teeth and his expression twists with great confusion as if he’s battling something inside of him. “Answer.” 

“No.” Levi answers in a strained voice. A quick answer, no less. 

“Good boy.” Erwin nods and takes another drag from his cigarette, “That’s what I like to hear.” 

He watches as Levi begins to touch himself, but his hand is clumsy and unsure of how to please himself. 

“Do you not know how to please yourself?”

“I don’t…” Levi hesitates, “I don’t like to.” 

“Why?”

No answer.

“ Levi .” Erwin calls sternly. 

“It feels unclean.” Levi looks away, his cheeks turn crimson and Erwin smirks, very amused. 

“Unclean? What gives you that impression?”

Levi shakes his head, unsure of how to answer. 

“Well, I can assure you it isn’t.” 

Levi nods slowly, wanting to believe him. Hell, if the bastard said the sky was green, Levi would believe it in his state. 

“Will you do it for me then?” Erwin asks. 

Levi meets those eyes, and he slowly feels the foundations beneath his feet begin to break and give way to the bond that aches inside of him. It bows down to Erwin at every single command but Levi is fighting it every inch of the way. 

“I want to see you.” Erwin licks his lips, “I want to see your face when you reach that peak.” 

Levi slowly nods and his hand grips his cock again, feeling himself from the base all the way to the tip and back. Erwin sits, watching Levi masturbate as he finishes his cigarette. “Faster.” He demands and Levi listens, letting a sweet moan escape him. It fuels the desire growing inside of Erwin, feeds the obsession that he’s beginning to harbor for the young Eldian. 

“Slow…” 

Levi forces himself to slow down despite his body’s objections. It almost pains him, and he stifles a grunt of displeasure.

“Keep going. That’s it.” Erwin’s voice is low. Hungry and lustful. 

Levi’s jaw goes slack as his lips part and his head lingers back a little bit. His body reacts on its own accord to the sound of Erwin’s voice and when he tries to fight it, his skin boils and his heart aches. It’s torture fighting against Erwin’s wishes. Deep inside, Levi wants to fulfill every single one. Disappointing his liege is not an option. 

“Keep your eyes on me.” Erwin orders and Levi obeys. 

Levi’s cheeks turn a deeper shade of red along with his chest and his breathing begins to fill the room, Erwin can hear it just below the low volume of the radio. He can feel his own dark, sleek pants grow tight with his own growing erection. How he wants nothing more than to shove Levi on the bed and take him. Patience. He needs to have patience. He needs to savor every single inch of his meal. 

“Goodness, aren’t you just gorgeous.” Erwin marvels over him again as he leans back on the bed, resting himself on one hand. “Well worth every single penny.” 

Levi doesn’t fully understand what’s happening to him but the pleasure he’s feeling is too much to bear and he feels himself becoming a slave to it. He’s losing control of himself, losing all discretion and it’s all thanks to Erwin Smith. 

Chapter Text

“Stop.” Erwin demands in the same tone he used in the auction house.

Levi’s body immediately stops without him commanding it, just when he’s about to reach that sweet climax. He lets go of himself and bends over, letting out an uncomfortable groan, it’s almost painful and blinding. Levi catches himself on Erwin’s thighs, gripping tightly onto the fabric of his black slacks. He catches his breath and his lip curls, biting back an almost animalistic snarl.

Erwin eyes him curiously, attempting to keep an amusing smile at bay, “Look at me, Levi.”

Levi lifts his head without a beat. His eyes are glossy and his lips part as he forces himself to relax. A bit of drool drips down his bottom lip and Erwin watches as his tongue swipes over his lip, collecting the extra residue. Erwin takes his cigarette and gently places it in Levi’s mouth.

“Inhale. You’re tense.”

Levi does, despite the fact that he doesn’t smoke. Kenny does. Some Underground bullshit that makes Levi’s stomach churn but for some reason he cannot deny Erwin’s demand.

Erwin smiles, very pleased with Levi’s ability to follow his commands. As if he’s some guard dog that listens to no one else but him, “Atta boy.” He grins and gently pulls the cigarette from Levi’s lips to take a hit of it for himself.

Levi coughs as the smoke escapes from his mouth. He doesn’t particularly like the taste the smoke leaves in his mouth. It’s bitter.

Erwin places a finger under his chin and lifts his head until they’re face to face. “You listen well.” He smirks to himself as he studies the lines of Levi’s alluring features. He notes a tiny scar right above his left eyebrow; it’s barely visible, a tiny silver line, “When you want to, at least, but I’m sure with time, you won’t hesitate to follow my command.”

Levi’s brows knit together and that scowl reappears. “I was close…” He rasps, referring to his climax. In that moment he can give a tiny rat’s ass about what’s spewing out of Erwin’s mouth. He wants to cum so bad, it hurts. Yet, he’s unsure of why he would let Erwin know that. He’s nothing but balled up frustration and very close from wiping Erwin’s irritating smirk from his face if he doesn’t get any relief soon.

Alas, Levi stops for a moment, eyes on the man that now owns him. He’s the most handsome man he has ever seen in his life. So sharp and clean. Being close to him sends a thrill throughout Levi’s body and that feeling that derives from deep inside his bones is screaming for him to kneel and obey.

“I've changed my mind,” Erwin tells him in a cool tone, watching the way Levi watches him. Erwin is so curious and so eager to push Levi’s buttons to see just how much he can handle, “I’d rather see that beautiful face of yours in pleasure when I’m the one making you cum.”

Levi snarls his lip at him but Erwin doesn’t miss the way he flinches just a little, “As if I would fucking let you stick your cock inside of me.” His voice shakes like it has no strength behind it.

And even though the words slip out of him like venom, Levi feels that deep inside it’s a lie. The thought of the Marleyan man lying above him and pinning his hands down to the bed excites him. There’s an aching deep in his gut that desires the Commander, that wants to be subdued and owned. Alas, Levi is stubborn and he hates the thought of being owned. He told himself he would never let another person use his body as they see fit, to soil him and discard him like trash.

Erwin chuckles at his crude words. “I don’t need to stick my cock in you to make you feel good.” He lifts his hand and trails his knuckles along Levi’s jaw; his skin is soft and warm, “Are all you Island Devils like this? So strong willed?”

Levi stares into those icy blues, feeling himself slowly lose the man he once was before he met Erwin Smith. He fights the urge to lean into Erwin’s hand the way a cat does to its owner.

Erwin tilts his head slightly, his gaze falling to Levi’s lips. “But you aren’t a devil, are you? No...” He lets his hand rest on Levi's cheek, brushing his cheekbone with the pad of his thumb, “You’re just a boy. A little lost boy.”

“Don’t call me tha—“

“On your knees.” Erwin orders as if it's a second thought.

Levi’s knees buckle beneath him and hit the carpeted floor. His hands are still placed on Erwin’s thighs; they feel strong like tree trunks and Levi quivers at the feel of them. The desire within him is growing stronger and he’s losing the fight.

“Easy there.” Erwin brushes a lock of hair behind Levi’s ear, looking down at him with tenderness, “I told you I would take good care of you, didn’t I?”

Levi nods, hanging his head and hiding his face from the blond man. He wants so badly to disappear but Erwin’s warmth is so comforting, his body and his scent feel so familiar, as if it's something Levi has been searching for all his life. He never knew he had been wandering and now home is calling.

“Would you like another?” He offers the cigarette to Levi.

Levi shakes his head. Erwin simply nods and stands to extinguish and dispose of it. Levi’s paperwork catches his attention for a quick moment and Erwin is reminded that the young man is a virgin. This pleases him as well for he will be the first person to get to touch him so intimately and then Levi will be his and only his.

He sits back down on the bed and runs his hand through Levi’s inky strands, feeling the softness of the locks that shine so brightly even beneath the soft glow of the lamp. Erwin cannot wait to see him shine beneath the sun, to see him at his full potential, at his true beauty. He watches the way Levi finally leans into his touch and the way his eyes close and wonders if Levi smiles and what the sound of his laughter sounds like.

“You must be so exhausted.” Erwin comments in a low timbre, “Did they mistreat you there?” Of course he knows they did. The auction house isn’t necessarily kind to those who are there against their wishes. Money will always hold more value than human lives. Unfortunately that is the way the world works, Erwin knows that. Learned that at an early age.

Levi nods, resting his head on Erwin’s lap like a lost dog, pleading for a home.

Erwin’s eyes soften as he studies the profile of Levi’s face. He has the cutest button nose and the color of his lips remind him of the soft pink roses of his garden back home. Erwin continues to run his fingers through his hair and he swears he can hear Levi purr but it's just a figment of his imagination.

It leaves him wondering. What sweet noises will Levi make for him? How will he call his name? Will he cry for Erwin? Moan for him? Beg for him? He can’t wait to hear him.

“Were you afraid?”

Levi nods again, “I…I miss home…” He sounds so broken, so innocent and lost like a child that has wandered far from his mother.

“I assume you mean the island? Not Below.”

Levi hums in response. His eyes then open and they’re on Erwin again. He lifts his head and looks up at him as he rests on his knees. His cock is still aching and leaking precum, its head swollen, and he feels the pain in his testicles from being denied sweet release. “Let me...”

Erwin clicks his tongue as he cups Levi’s cheek with one hand. The young man looks so pitiful but Erwin knows better. He’s capable of slitting his throat if he lets his guard down. He might even do it in his sleep if given the chance. “Let you what? Let you go?”

A whine escapes Levi followed by a shudder as his fists tighten, “Let me come…”

Erwin’s eyebrows go up in surprise but a wicked smirk slowly shows. “Stand up for me, baby.”

Levi does as he’s told and stands on shaky fawn legs. He drops his hands to his sides and those deep half-lidded eyes look down at Erwin. There’s a blush on the top of his cheeks and down his chest.

Erwin admires Levi’s body, savoring every single inch of him. His clavicles, his hips, his navel, his peachy thighs. He’s perfect. All of him is so perfect. Erwin studies his cock and his mouth waters. He places his strong hands on Levi’s hips and brings him closer, “Oh my sweet boy, how I would love to fuck you. I did pay for you after all.” He nods to himself. “I should take what I own.”

“If I let you fuck me, will you let me go?” There’s strained hope in his voice.

Erwin laughs, “I thought you said you wouldn’t let me stick my cock inside you? Did you change your mind?”

“Home.” Levi repeats, slowly losing himself under some strange trance. He almost feels the same way he did when he was drugged, except he’s fully aware of all his surroundings, he just cannot make his body listen to him. It’s listening to the bond.

Erwin almost feels bad that Levi would prostitute himself to return to that island, to the Underground where he was treated like a rat. No, he will be far happier with Erwin where he belongs. Erwin nods to himself, believing that to be true. No one else can care for Levi the way he can. No one else can handle his wild nature and subdue him the way he can. Levi will not belong to anyone else but him. Erwin will make damn sure of that.

He will tame the wild Underground boy.

He will make Levi his.

“Your home is with me now, I told you.” Erwin says as he wraps his fingers around Levi’s throbbing cock. His skin feels boiling hot in his hold and Levi almost lets his knees buckle at his touch.

A soft moan escapes Levi’s lips and he grits his teeth again, “Don’t—don’t fucking touch me.” He growls, wanting to fight him off, to shove him and run but his body won’t listen. Only his tongue seems to be holding on to the same sense of sanity he is trying his hardest to cling to.

Erwin begins to pump Levi's erect cock from the base to the tip in a slow and gentle motion, “What? You don’t like it? If you don’t like it, I’ll stop.” He slowly begins to let go, teasing Levi on purpose.

Levi latches onto his shoulders and his fingers dig into the fabric of his dress shirt. “Please—“ He closes his eyes, begging, “Please make it stop.”

Erwin mistakenly believes he’s referring to the discomfort of forcing him to stop when he was so close. “Only if you promise to be a good boy.” Erwin’s piercing eyes flicker to Levi’s, “Can you do that for me?”

Levi nods, his bottom lip glossy with spit, “I’ll— I’ll be g-good. I pr-promise.”

Erwin looks back down to Levi’s cock. He licks his bottom lip, “You know Levi, I may have saved you from the auction but I am not the kind of man you want to cross.” He slowly begins to pump again and Levi lets out a sigh of relief that sounds so fucking beautiful. Alas, Erwin keeps his attention on his task, “If you disobey me, you will be punished. Is that understood?”

Levi is only half listening, losing himself in the pleasure of Erwin’s touch. The bond is practically starved for it, screaming for it and Erwin’s touch is the only one that can cool the burning and settle the flames. He nods in response.

“Answer me.” Erwin demands, threatening to stop.

“Understood.” Levi doesn’t miss a beat.

Erwin smirks and continues, “Good boy. Let me hear you.”

He looks up at Levi’s face as the younger man loses himself in the pleasure of his touch. Heavens, is he beautiful. Erwin has never seen such a stunning being before. If that disgusting patron had upped his bid over a million, Erwin knows he would have gone higher. He would have bankrupt himself to own Levi. He would have driven to that man’s house and slit his throat at his door just to steal the Eldian.

Erwin exhales as his lips part in absolute wonder at the sound of Levi’s soft little moans. He uses the tip of his thumb to collect the precum that drips from the slit of his cock and uses it to lubricate his hand just a little. Levi moans louder at this; his head lulls back and his shoulders slack. His hands clutch onto Erwin’s shoulders tighter by the second until his nails dig into the man’s freckled skin beneath his shirt.

“Fuck…” Levi breathes, losing himself in pure pleasure and ecstasy.

Having Erwin jerk him off feels a million times better than when he touched himself moments before. He begins to move his hips, meeting the touch of Erwin’s hand, fucking himself against his grasp. His grip on Erwin begins to loosen as he chases that sweet relief and his eyes flutter before closing. He tries his hardest to keep his sounds to himself but it feels too fucking good to keep quiet.

Erwin watches in awe as Levi uses him to pleasure himself. It fills Erwin with a heavy desire that only serves to alight his obsession with the Eldian. “Does that feel good, pretty boy?”

Levi nods languidly.

“Use that lovely voice of yours, Darling. I want to hear it.”

“Y—yes.” Levi stutters. His voice is so soft.

“Louder.” Erwin demands.

Levi obeys, “Yes! It feels so fucking good.”

“Go on then. Finish for me.” Erwin encourages him since it is his hand that’s pleasing him and no one else’s. He watches as Levi’s hips move faster, chasing the feeling of his hand as it continues to pleasure him up and down. Erwin wants nothing more than to throw him onto the bed and fuck him into the mattress, to own every inch of him and hear him scream out his name. But Erwin needs to be patient. He needs Levi to trust him.

So instead, he continues to watch the beautiful way Levi’s face contorts with pleasure and the way his hands grip onto him again when he finally cums with a gasp followed by such a sweet moan. Erwin continues to jerk him off but Levi has stopped moving; he hangs his head, shutting his eyes as his body shakes and he ejaculates all over Erwin’s hand and his lap. When Levi stops convulsing, he comes to his senses and steps back, alarmed and afraid that Erwin will strike him for making a mess on his expensive clothes.

Erwin lifts his hand and uses his index finger to beckon him. Levi obeys and steps forward.

Erwin speaks before he can say anything, “Clean it.”

Levi is taken aback, “A towel—“

“No. Use your mouth.” He doesn’t sound angry; instead, he sounds extremely aroused and he is. Levi can see the massive bulge threaten to escape from his slacks. “Come on now.”

Levi steps forward and kneels down. He slowly grabs onto Erwin’s wrist and his heart skips a beat. It’s the bond again, thriving off of Erwin’s body. Levi pulls his hand towards Erwin and sticks his cum covered finger into his mouth to clean it off. Erwin watches him with lust crazed eyes, “That’s my good boy, nice and clean for me.”

The feeling of Levi’s tongue as he cleans his own cum off of his hand is so enticing. Erwin fights himself to keep his hands to himself. He pleads with himself to be patient and to not fuck Levi senseless in that moment.

He has all the time in the world.

-

Levi didn’t plan to sleep that night but as soon as his head hits the plush white pillow, he immediately drifts off into a very deep and much needed slumber.

Meanwhile, Erwin sits at the small table where he had placed Levi’s records. He continues to look through them as he eyes Levi once in a while. He took care of himself in the bathroom while Levi slept and when he returned, the young man was still dead asleep. It baffles Erwin that he sleeps so soundly; he must trust Erwin a lot more than he’s leading on.

Erwin’s chest fills with pride at the realization but he tries to keep his head leveled and not excite himself just yet but it is progress. Alas, Erwin can’t guess when the last time Levi had a decent night’s sleep. He grabs the records and continues to read through them again.

Ackerman.

He feels like he has heard that last name before. It must have been a long time ago if he can’t recall.

“Hmm.” Erwin muses to himself and picks up the form with Levi’s photograph clipped to it, along with his physical information. He rereads his age and height and a couple of small details about his physical appearance before he lowers his hand and his eyes wander back to the sleeping frame.

Erwin likes to think that he doesn’t take advantage of those far more innocent and helpless than himself. He has never taken a woman against her will and despises those that do, but Levi… Levi awakens something frightening inside.

Owning him, Erwin thinks to himself, what a thrilling notion.

He could let him go, of course he can. He can shake him awake and point to the open door and tell him to run. It would be so simple and Levi will be forever grateful. However, he can also take him home and enjoy his company as he sees fit. Erwin smirks softly to himself and leans back against the chair. True, he isn’t a monster but he is human and like many humans, he is very selfish.

His piercing blue eyes lift once more to look at Levi’s sleeping frame. He is very, very selfish indeed.

.

Levi wakes up with a sudden start. He had been in such a heavy slumber that confusion clouds him for a moment before he can get his bearings; he doesn’t recognize the hotel room, but once he gathers his senses he relaxes. Memories of his exchange with Erwin flood into his mind and he feels his entire body alight with shame and embarrassment, but fuck if that didn’t feel good. Levi’s never felt pleasure like that before.

He knows what people do in the Underground to survive. He knows of the things his mother used to do to keep them alive. He’s not ignorant, but before Erwin, he had never let anyone else touch him like that. And they did try, countless times, but Levi had always ended up winning.

Levi’s gaze shyly seeks Erwin out; they land upon the man who has fallen asleep sitting up on a chair by the table. He’s leaning back with his cheek resting on his fist. There are multiple loose papers scattered around the table itself. Levi sits up a little more, clutching the covers to his bare chest. His gray eyes look from Erwin to the door behind him. If he can just get past him, Levi can make a run for it, he’ll be free.

Levi’s grip on the covers tightens. If he makes it out of the room where will he go?

That doesn’t matter, he tells himself. Once he is out in the night and far away from Erwin, he will figure it out. He always finds a way to take care of himself. This time is no different.

Levi silently swings his feet off the bed and sets them upon the plush carpet. He then looks over his shoulder to look at Erwin. He’s still asleep. Levi can make out the way his chest slowly moves up and down with every breath.

Slowly but surely, Levi walks over to him; he has to walk past him to get to the door. He stops midway and looks down at his feet. Bare. How could he forget he was entirely naked?

Levi looks around quickly but doesn’t see his shoes, and the clothes he was wearing are probably still in the bathroom. That doesn’t matter, he will figure out that later as well. Levi takes in a deep breath and lifts his foot again to move forward but his body freezes. It’s that same feeling, that same yearning that is screaming and clawing against his entire plan. It doesn’t want to leave Erwin. It wants to stay with him and it’s prohibiting Levi from moving another inch. He suddenly feels sick to his stomach and his head begins to throb. He can make it out, he can run to freedom if only he can make his feet move.

Levi glances over to Erwin. He is mere feet away but he looks sound asleep. Even in his sleep he is handsome. A gentle expression covers his face and Levi feels strangely guilty. He studies the records again and glares. Maybe in another life he can repay him.

Levi gathers himself, fighting against the bond and quickly forces himself past Erwin, eyes steady on the door that promises freedom. Levi can almost smell the sea, taste it on his lips and on his tongue. He can find a way back to the island and make a home Above. He doesn’t have to return to the Underground. He can go wherever he wants; he’ll go to the countryside and find work at a farm. He’ll do whatever it takes to live a peaceful life away from those who want to own and use him.

A hand suddenly shoots out and catches him by the arm, stopping him dead in his tracks. Levi immediately freezes with his heart in his throat.

“Where are you going?” Erwin’s voice is groggy with sleep but his tone is severe.

Levi guards his expression and forces himself to look at Erwin. His eyes are set right on Levi as if he had never been asleep in the first place.

Levi grits his teeth, “The—the bathroom.”

Erwin sits up rubbing his eyes with one hand while his other remains tightly on Levi’s arm. His grip is so strong that Levi fights back the sound of discomfort that has lodged in his throat. He looks over his shoulder to the front door. It is double locked. Even if Erwin hadn’t heard him stumble out of bed, he definitely would have heard Levi attempt to unlock the door.

“Is that okay?” Levi asks, severely annoyed, “Am I allowed to piss by myself? Or do you need to watch me like I’m some kind of fucking toddler?”

Erwin stands from the chair and towers over Levi. How could Levi forget how large this man is? He takes a step back, almost tripping over one of the bed pillows but Erwin’s grip on his arm keeps him steady. He lowers his head and gently tells him, “The bathroom? Are you sure you’re not trying to leave me? You wouldn’t leave me, would you Levi?”

Levi shakes his head.

“Verbally answer me when I ask you a question.”

“No.” Levi decides it's best not to fight him.

Levi can feel the brush of his breath against his skin and smell the cologne coming off his neck. His obscure warning chills him to the bone. He avoids his gaze, denying eye contact to hide his guilt.

“Good boy.” Erwin’s voice sounds warmer when he hears what he wants.

Levi holds back a sound that lodges itself in his throat and he suddenly feels the urge to please Erwin. He continues to avoid that piercing gaze but then looks at him in surprise when Erwin drapes his shirt over his naked frame. “You’ll catch a cold walking around like this,” says Erwin, his attention focused on buttoning the shirt from the top-down.

Levi is completely confused. “S-sorry.”

“That’s quite alright.” Erwin responds as he fastens the last button and fixes the collar of the shirt. It fits too big on Levi; the fact alone is amusing to Erwin. He then pats Levi’s ass, “Go on then. Use the bathroom and then go straight to bed.”

Levi stiffens and glares at the air but says nothing as he turns and heads to the bathroom. He’ll just have to find another opportunity to escape.

-

Levi doesn’t wake again until the light is seeping in through the windows of the room. The first thing he smells is Erwin’s scent wrapped around him, comforting the anxiety left over from fevered dreams. He dreamt he was back in the auction house but it was different; it stood in the depths of the Underground. His uncle held a gavel, pounding it down on the pulpit when he heard the highest bid. When the gavel struck, he found himself in the body of a starved child, eyes barely looking over the bed where his mother lay dying. All he could see were his tiny hands reaching out to her.

Levi buries his face in the pillow; It’s strange the way Erwin’s scent smells so familiar. He hates the way it fills him with rapture and satisfaction. Levi feels the softness of Erwin’s shirt and snuggles himself in it, closing his eyes again until he hears a soft chuckle.

“Comfortable, are we?”

Levi’s eyes flash open and he sits up on his hands, looking up at Erwin who is already showered, shaved and dressed in a sharp, dark brown suit with a white dress shirt. He’s sitting at the table with a cup of coffee that Levi didn’t even smell for all he seemed to care about was Erwin’s scent. Levi blinks and studies the room, it looks like room service brought them coffee, jam, bread and fruit.

Levi remembers his demand from the night before and fully sits up, “Yes.” He answers.

However, Levi also remembers the feeling of Erwin’s hand around his cock and the unabashed way Levi thrust into it. He feels his cheeks grow hot; the feeling goes down his neck and seeps onto his chest. The simmering embers remain, refusing to die out.

Erwin takes a sip from his coffee and places it on the table; he has a newspaper in his hands, opened over his lap. He lowers it to look at Levi with a tender smile. He catches Levi’s blush and he knows what the young man must be thinking. It's a form of clarity that can only be reached after coming down from a high peak of lust and pleasure.

“Good.” He closes the paper and folds it, “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.” Levi responds, feeling the fabric of Erwin’s shirt between his fingers. It looks to be fine and expensive and yet he let Levi sleep in it.

“I’d love to let you sleep in but there’s much to do this morning.” Erwin announces, dropping the folded paper on the table and taking his coffee cup in his hand again. The cup looks small in his grasp.

Levi notices that he has cleaned all of his paperwork from the auction house and has put it away. “Like what?” He asks in a brusque manner, pretending that the night before did not happen.

Erwin smiles behind the coffee cup, swallows and then answers. “Well, we need to return home today but before then, I’d like to take you shopping. You can’t wear my clothes forever, as much as I adore seeing you in them.” He smirks at Levi before taking another drink.

Levi feels his cheeks grow hot again and he looks away. So he still plans on keeping him then. The news is disappointing despite that nagging feeling that has become its own entity. Still, wandering through Liberio might give Levi the chance he needs to escape. He’s sure to lose Erwin amongst the crowd and then he can make a run for it.

“Would you like some coffee?” Erwin asks, unaware of Levi’s thoughts.

Levi stands and makes his way over to the table, leaving his shyness behind. Erwin watches with both caution and excitement as Levi approaches him. His small frame is drowning in Erwin's dress shirt.

His eyes follow Levi’s hand as it lifts in the air and grabs the cup out of his hand. He grasps it from the rim in a very peculiar way. The corner of Erwin’s lips jerk into an amused half smile as he watches Levi sniff the coffee. It’s black, rich and with no sugar.

Levi’s nose twitches, “You like this crap?”

“I do. Very much.”

Levi takes a sip and makes a face to which Erwin laughs. “You have shit taste.” Levi returns the cup.

Erwin looks him over with hungry eyes, “I would have to disagree.”

Levi rolls his eyes but he’s blushing. “Whatever.”

“Bratty, aren’t you?” Erwin muses, “I hope you remember your promise about behaving.” He looks at Levi to study the expression on his face, hoping to see a crack in his poker face, a glint in his eyes that promises a challenge but he sees nothing. Levi remains impassive despite the blush on his precious cheeks.

Levi clicks his tongue in response and Erwin stands to his feet, towering over him once again. Levi’s body flares with both excitement and fear but he holds his ground, forcing himself to lift his chin and stare back at those eyes that are practically eating him alive. Erwin rests his large hand on Levi’s cheek and gives him a friendly smile.

“Perhaps some tea would be more to your liking. Would you like some?”

Levi answers without thinking, “Yes.”

“Yes, what?” That friendly smile slowly turns into a devilish smirk.

“Yes—“ Levi gulps, unsure of why he utters the following words but they feel right, “Yes, Sir.”

Erwin pinches his plump cheek, “Good boy.”

Levi lets his gaze fall. Those two words have such a hold on him. He can’t explain it but they please him. They make him feel whole.

-

Levi finds that he likes tea. “Blueberry Merlot,” Erwin says as he pours the hot liquid into a small cup for Levi; he watches as the younger man grips it from the top rim in that interesting fashion that he does. Erwin wonders if it’s a habit from the Underground but doesn’t ask. “I don’t have this one at home but if you like it, we can pick it up in town.” He sits down across from Levi.

Levi’s eyes light up when he tastes the hot liquid. He doesn’t even know what a fucking blueberry is but the taste explodes in his mouth and his eyes almost roll back. Instead, he closes his eyes and exhales, letting the feeling wash over him silently. He’s never tasted anything so rich in his life.

Erwin can tell he likes it. His face isn't scrunching up the way it did with the coffee. “I will take that as a yes.” He picks up the tin can provided by the hotel and studies the brand, “Nothing like berries and sage.”

“You have more of this in your home?” Levi asks, hopeful with eyes bright and alert.

Erwin tries to act natural at the fact that Levi is coming out of his shell a little bit but he’s beaming inside, “I do. An assortment of them.”

“There’s more than this one?” Levi looks at him, face flushed with surprise.

“Flavors, you mean?”

Levi nods.

“I do. Let’s see…” Erwin recollects, “Ginger lemongrass, harvest apple spice, jasmine green, lavender mint and— wildflower honey citrus, if I’m not mistaken.” He looks up to see Levi’s wide eyes of wonder.

Levi closes his mouth and swallows. “There’s that many?” He sounds almost skeptical.

Erwin chuckles, “Those are just a few. There are many more.”

Levi frowns immediately, “You’re lying.” He sounds defensive, like a child who's just been told the grass is purple.

“Why would I lie to you?” Erwin muses, tilting his head to the side as he lowers his gaze to meet Levi’s from across the table.

Levi turns back to his tea cup, “Because you’re Marleyan.”

Erwin’s hearty laugh booms through the hotel room. It’s so loud Levi jumps, startled. His fingers grip onto the cup, almost dropping it; he watches Erwin cautiously.

Erwin taps the top of the table, causing the utensils to shake and cling, “You will do so in time.” He settles his laughter, “Now finish your tea so you can bathe. We need to get going soon.” He pulls out a pocket watch from his jacket and checks the time.

-

Liberio is a proud metropolis with multiple tall buildings and a busy population. It harbors a large river that runs straight through the city. Automobiles drive up and drown the larger and busier thoroughfares while people crowd the streets, eating at cafes or standing outside shop windows to peer inside. Levi sits in the back of the sleek black auto, next to Erwin, with his face practically pressed against the glass. He’s dressed in the trousers given to him by the auction house but wears one of Erwin’s dress shirts. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows and all the extra fabric is tucked into his trousers held up by a belt. Levi feels ridiculous, like a child wearing their father’s clothes.

Alas, he ignores his clothes and watches the people of Marley; they look so different from the Underground civilians he’s grown accustomed to being around all his life. They look clean and well fed. Every child holds onto the hand of their mother and there aren’t dead bodies ditched on the sidewalks. And it's bright. Everything is so bright. There’s no scum or soot anywhere. At least none Levi can see.

He knows there’s a railway nearby. That’s how he was transported from the port to the city. He wonders if he’ll have to sneak on as a stowaway or if he could make his way to the port by foot.

“I hope you’re not thinking of an escape plan.” Erwin says casually as he reaches into his pocket and brings out his cigarettes and his lighter.

Levi grows stiff but keeps himself calm, “No.”

“Good.” Erwin lights the cigarette that sits between his lips. “We have a few friendly escorts to make sure we-- or should I say-- you are safe and sound and by my side at all times.”

Levi slowly turns his head to look at Erwin who is rolling down the window to blow the smoke out. “Escorts?”

Erwin nods, “They’re right behind us.”

The car pulls up to the side of the street and rolls to a stop just as Levi turns to look outside the back window. He sees a forest green military vehicle following behind them. It pulls up to the side of the street and parks. Before Levi knows it, Erwin’s hand is on his thigh and his piercing eyes are downcast, watching his own grip, “Levi?”

Levi turns to lo ok at him, “Yes?”

“I hope you will be on your best behavior while we’re doing our shopping.” His grip tightens just a little and Levi squirms under his strong grip, “I want you at my side at all times. Always within my sight. Do you understand me?”

Levi feels nauseous and his heart is beating wildly against his chest.

“Answer.” Erwin grips his thigh and Levi grits his teeth from the pain.

“I understand.”

“You understand, what?”

“I understand…Sir.”

Erwin’s grip softens and he rubs Levi’s thigh, running his hand up a couple of inches where it's just a little bit warmer. Levi stiffens at Erwin’s touch and his skin is alight with fire. Erwin leans in closer and inhales the scent of Levi’s temple; god does he smell so heavenly, and so sweet. Erwin is almost tempted to take a bite out of him, “I am not a very patient man nor am I very forgiving. You’d be smart to heed my warning.”

Levi turns slightly to look at him until their lips are mere inches away, “Yes, Sir.” Levi says so low Erwin barely hears him.

He flashes Levi that polite smile and steps out of the vehicle, tipping his cigarette over the sidewalk. He then extends a hand to Levi to help him step out of the vehicle. Levi glares at this and steps out of the car, disregarding Erwin’s hand. Erwin lets out an amused puff of air through his nostrils but doesn’t comment on it.

Instead, he turns to the three Marleyan soldiers that exit the military vehicle and march up to them. They stand and salute Erwin, “Commander.”

Erwin nods, inhaling from his cigarette. He blows the smoke from the corner of his lips, “Gentlemen.” He nods and places his hand on the back of Levi’s neck, gripping it tightly. “This is my new ward, Levi.” He drags Levi effortlessly in front of him so he could face the soldiers. Levi bites back the grunt at the discomfort, “He’s a little shy so please assist me in making sure he stays within sight at all times.”

“Sir, yes, Sir.” The soldiers salute once again

-

Levi tries his best to find a crack in Erwin’s walls, but everywhere he looks one of his soldiers is there to block his escape. They eye him close despite keeping a distance; it makes him uneasy. Even Erwin takes every opportunity he can to keep a hand on Levi, whether it be on his arm or on his shoulder. His grip is tight, reminding Levi of his orders. Not to mention the bond itself. It’s so obedient, so willing to listen to every order, every demand, out of the Marleyan’s mouth.

It sickens Levi.

Erwin takes Levi to a tailor where he’s measured, and clothes are both ordered and purchased for the time being. Erwin finds that he likes Levi’s small stature. He’s thin but his muscles are still defined. His shoulders are broad and his waist is small. Perfect for him to grab onto as he rams into him. Erwin’s eyes glaze over as he imagines himself sticking his cock so deep into Levi’s ass that the younger man cries out his name in tears. A small wisp of a smile brushes against his lips as his eyes wander down Levi’s back as he stands in front of a mirror of the third clothing shop they visit. Erwin notices the tips of his ears are red and the curve of his plump cheek is so prominent and precious.

Erwin stands close behind him and leans down as he looks at their reflection in the mirror. He keeps his hands in his pockets to keep himself from shoving Levi into a fitting room. “Goodness,” he says against Levi’s ear, “Don’t you look quite handsome?”

Levi avoids his gaze, unsure if he should answer.

“I spent my money well.” Erwin boasts as he runs his hand down Levi’s back and grabs his ass, squeezing it firmly, possessively. He feels Levi give a small jump of surprise before letting go and stepping back so the tailor can finish his work.

-

Levi couldn't care less about the clothes but when they enter the tea shop and he hears the ringing of the bell over the door, his body comes to a stop right at the entrance when he notices multiple people inside. His hesitation causes Erwin to slightly bump into him. The soldiers all crash into one another to keep themselves from bumping into their Commander. Erwin looks over his shoulder and with a single gesture of his head, orders them to wait outside.

He greets the shop owner with a nod and small, friendly smile and then gently places his hands on Levi’s shoulders. “Get anything you think you’d like.”

Levi turns to look at him with big puppy dog eyes, “Anything?”

Erwin nods, “Anything.”

Levi hesitates and grows nervous, “Don’t need anything.”

He feels Erwin’s thumb brush against his neck, “I insist.” His breath brushes against his ear and Levi’s skin crawls at the tone of his voice.

He forces himself to step out of Erwin’s grasp and quietly goes about the shop, sidestepping the other shoppers and avoiding them all together if he can. Erwin keeps a short distance from Levi but he doesn’t take his eyes off him. He watches as the younger man picks up the small silver tins and sniffs them to see what he likes best. He’s shortly interrupted when a voice calls his name.

“Commander Smith.”

Erwin’s hand grips into a tight fist and he’s forced to take his attention off of Levi. When he turns, he fakes that dashing smile of his and says, “Commissioner Sutton.” It's so easy for Erwin to turn on his charm.

“Well hell, a tea shop is the last place I would have guessed to find the great Commander.” Commissioner Sutton, a portly man with white hair and a thick mustache, chuckles as he approaches Erwin and takes his hand.

The interaction catches Levi’s attention and he looks over at them from the corner of his eyes, pretending not to have noticed that Erwin’s attention is finally off of him. He continues to amble along, pretending to be interested in a set of spoons.

“I could say the same--” Levi hears Erwin chuckle as he steps behind an older woman studying the shelf of black loose leaf teas. He notices Erwin taking a peek at him whenever he can but is greatly distracted by the loud man.

“Oh, well, the wife insists I drink this nonsense.” He chortles and goes on about his trouble with indigestion.

Just then, a small group of school girls enter the shop, giggling and causing a bigger distraction. They file in, one after the other and go directly to the honey shelves behind Levi. Levi continues to act unbothered as he buries himself in the busy crowd, inching closer and closer to the door.

Levi sees it, the gap in the wall. His heart accelerates in his chest and the thumping is loud in his ears. He sees it so clearly: the shores of Paradis calling him home. Levi takes one step and then another. He just needs to wait for the right moment. He carefully peers over his shoulder to see the soldiers through the window at the front of the shop. They’re gathered in a small circle, talking amongst themselves. They’re distracted.

Levi once again hears the bell at the door and the gap grows wider. Just as a new patron steps inside, Levi slips out. Before he knows it, he’s running straight towards promised freedom.

-

Erwin feels the annoyance burning at his core as anxiety begins to churn in his stomach while the Commissioner chats his ear off about unimportant matters. He constantly steals small glances at Levi to make sure that he’s still in the shop while pretending to listen. Luckily, he seems to be preoccupied by the small teaspoons.

Every single time the bell at the door rings, Erwin grows tense, fearing it's Levi slithering his way out to freedom. Erwin would hate for the Eldian to disobey him and yet there is a small part of him that wishes Levi would. The thought of physically punishing him over his knee is so mouth watering it causes Erwin’s hand to twitch. Levi is a cheeky bastard. He’s got a smart mouth on him and Erwin’s almost reached his limit. Alas, watching him become distracted with a couple of tiny spoons softens Erwin, just a little. Not enough, however.

“Oh, well, I am sure she is just watching out for your best interest.” Erwin forces another smile. When he blinks, his eyes are back on Levi. The Commissioner is one of the last people Erwin wants against him.

The Commissioner is distracted by a small group of school girls that run past them, giggling up a storm as they head in Levi’s direction but he collects his thoughts and continues to ramble on. “Where was I? Ah, yes, so you see--”

Erwin continues to entertain him, nodding at his every word but when he looks up, Levi is not in the tea shop. Erwin’s hands tighten into rigid fists and he grits his teeth, You little shit.

-

Levi hurries through the crowd, sidestepping and swerving around people. He continuously looks over his shoulder, afraid that he’ll see Erwin or his men following behind him. He’s not sure why, but the look of disappointment in Erwin’s face is one Levi does not dare want to see at that moment. He knows it’ll weaken him. Erwin ordered him to stay by his side and within his sight at all times and Levi disobeyed him.

The bond inside of him is wailing, screaming at him to stop but Levi has gone too far to stop now. He hears loud voices yards behind him and breaks into a run. When he rounds the corner of an intersection, Levi crashes into an older gentleman with a wooden cane and the two of them tumble to the ground. Gasps and shouts burst around them followed by curses from the old man. Levi scrambles to his feet, shoving his way past people that are trying to help them up.

“Hey! Stop!” He hears one of Erwin’s men shout yards from behind him but Levi forces himself to keep going. He’s going to make it back home no matter the cost.

He dodges an old woman holding a basket of flowers and changes his direction down a dark alley between two shops. He can hear his own footsteps echo between the walls of the brick buildings as he steps in puddles of dirty water, splashing water along the way.

When he reaches the tall, wooden fence at the end of the alley way, Levi uses the momentum of his speed to jump off the ground and grab a hold of the top to lift himself up and over. At least living in the Underground taught him to be quick and nimble.

He files out onto the opposite end of the alley and slows into a speed walk, checking his surroundings to make sure he wasn’t followed into the alley and over the fence. The streets are busy and no one seems to mind him but with every step, the pain in his chest grows deeper and deeper until he starts to feel anxious and sick to his stomach. He wipes his forehead with the back of his hand, feeling dizzy. There’s no way in hell that he’s bound to that bastard. It can’t be. He won’t accept it. He won’t—

Without warning Levi is tackled to the ground by men in military suits. Levi grunts as he’s taken down and trashes, cursing and spitting insults at them.

“Let me go you fucks! Let me fucking go!” He tries to lift his head off the sidewalk but the men above him pin him down hard. The crowd around them disperses, whispering amongst themselves as they make way for the military men.

“Well, well, well.” The regal voice comes and Levi immediately goes cold.

He freezes and wants nothing more than to disappear. To burn into ashes and blow away into the air and over the river where the disappointed face of Erwin Smith cannot follow him.

Levi sees those expensive leather loafers in front of him and grits his teeth. Erwin kneels down on one knee, dirtying the pants of his fine suit.

“Didn’t get very far, did you now, Levi?“

Levi growls and thrashes about again but it’s futile.

“Stay still.” One of Erwin’s soldiers grabs him by the scruff to settle him down.

Erwin glares at this, “Let him get up.” If anyone is going to press Levi’s face into the ground, it's going to be him.

The soldiers obey and pull Levi off the ground so he’s kneeling on his knees before the grand Commander. Erwin lifts Levi’s chin with his finger, lifting his gaze to see those angry silver eyes, “To say I’m disappointed is an understatement.” His voice grows low, “But I am not surprised.”

Levi holds his gaze, feeling his body yearn for Erwin’s warmth and affection.

“You’re not even sorry, are you?” Erwin asks him. Levi refuses to verbally answer him. Erwin smirks, “We’ll change that.”

Chapter Text

Levi’s in and out of consciousness during the entirety of the drive to Erwin’s countryside home. The last orders given by the Commander were the last things Levi heard before he was knocked unconscious by one of the soldiers. Levi attempted to give them a better fight, but a handkerchief was placed over his nose and mouth, slowly rendering him useless. It smelled pungent, somewhat sweet and then everything went black.

Let’s get him home.

A sharp, cold command filled with venom and there was no hesitation to fulfill it. 

Erwin’s words drive deep into Levi’s thoughts like water in soil. He continues to weave in and out, his eyes fluttering open for brief seconds only to close again. Levi cannot focus his vision if he tries and his whole body feels heavy like a bag of stones. He can barely make out the motion of the wheels beneath them, his body moving with the motion. At one point the road was smooth and paved and then it turned jagged and bumpy as if they’re driving on a dirt road. 

There is a foul feeling bubbling in Levi’s stomach and in his fevered mind, he begins to wonder why his life is the way it is. Ever since his mother’s death, other people have depicted his life for him. Not only his life but his freedom as well. Kenny ruled over him with an iron fist that did not hesitate to strike, bruise or break bones. The people that hung around Kenny were no better. They always teased Levi, calling him a girl for having such a pretty and delicate face. They’d pull his pants down to win their bets to see if he was a boy or a girl, and then laughed as he tried to cover up in enraged desperation. 

Kenny used to watch it happen, only stopping them when it got too far. Then one day, he gave Levi a knife and told him to fight back. Levi has been fighting ever since and now he’s far away from the Underground and from Paradis as a whole. Now, he’s fighting for his life in a new country with someone who might be even worse than Kenny the Ripper himself. 

Levi opens his eyes long enough to catch the ceiling of the auto. Its interior is a dark gray color. He can hear the stretching of the leather when he tries to move. Unable to stay lucid long enough to fully make sense of his surroundings, Levi’s eyes close and his head rolls back onto Erwin’s thigh. The scent of the Commander is strong in his nostrils. Cologne, bourbon and cigars. When Levi takes in a deep breath, he can smell something else too. A citrusy aroma that he cannot pinpoint exactly but its beyond comforting. 

He’s too weak to fight off the desire of the bond that has latched to his heart and continues to grow. It's vibrating with happiness, pleased to be in the presence of its liege. If Levi were a cat, he would be purring with pleasure, kneading imaginary dough with his hands. 

Levi manages to turn his head towards Erwin, slightly digging his nose into the fabric of his fine slacks. His breaths are slow and a bit ragged, he groans in slight discomfort for his head is pounding something awful, but Erwin’s presence is enough to ease the nausea in his stomach. He nuzzles his head against Erwin’s lap, seeking that comfort, that pleasure that derives from Erwin himself.

Useless. 

He feels useless. 

Levi has a vague memory of almost drowning as a boy. He was about seven years old when Kenny grabbed him by the back of the head and forced his face into a bucket of dirty water. Levi flailed about, kicking and trying his hardest to push back but he was no match for his uncle’s strength. After what felt like an eternity, his little body just gave out and he floated there until Kenny yanked him out just in time. But for just a second or two, there was a moment of peace inside Levi. It was all over: the pain, the suffering, the filth and the starvation. Levi was free. He would be with his mother. He felt his lips twitch into a soft smile before everything fully went black. 

The next thing he knew, he was flopping on the floor like a fish, gasping for breath as Kenny taunted him with his laughter right after he had pounded Levi’s chest hard enough to get the water out of his lungs. 

Get yer ass up, boy! Or you’ll wish I had drowned ya for real!

A meek sound escapes Levi: it's so small and insignificant that Erwin barely catches it had he not been so close. 

He runs his thick fingers through Levi’s luscious pitch-black locks, smoothing out cowlicks and knots in their path. He watches in surprise as Levi leans into his touch, sighing softly. Erwin’s scent is so strong, engulfing Levi completely. He wants to drown in it. 

Erwin’s thick honey voice hums before he speaks, “Does that feel good?” 

Levi inhales again, wanting nothing more than to open his eyes and respond to Erwin’s question. He hates himself for it. Hates the bond that’s growing by the moment, latching tightly onto the Commander, digging its claws deeper and deeper. 

Levi feels his fingers weakly tug on Erwin’s clothing as the most pathetic little whimpers escape him.

“You sound so sweet, don’t you?” Erwin chuckles softly, “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about your punishment. If I didn’t know any better, I would say you’re trying to butter me up.”

Of course, he knows Levi isn’t trying to win his favor or butter him up in any way, but he likes to imagine it so. Erwin brushes Levi’s inky bangs back to expose his forehead and his precious face. Levi looks like he’s made of porcelain and it almost pains Erwin to have to punish him.

Almost . 

“Now, what should we do to help you learn your lesson, hmm?” Erwin asks but there’s no true response. Just some soft whimpering on Levi’s behalf that softens Erwin’s heart. He still cannot believe how gorgeous his little island devil is. 

“I hate to have to punish you...” Erwin continues to caress Levi’s hair, admiring the fine lines of his delicate yet sharp features and the shape of his perfectly shaped brows. 

Erwin thinks back to the night before when Levi was thrusting his hips into his hand, pleasuring himself to Erwin’s touch. He looked so delicious with those rosy cheeks and those parted lips. So desperate to chase the feeling of pleasure, to please himself. Erwin’s dying to hear those desperate sounds drip from Levi’s mouth again, delectable and sweet. This time around, he wants to hear Levi moan his name. 

Well worth every penny. 

Erwin runs his thumb down Levi’s bottom lip, so ready to taste him. He adores the curve of Levi’s chubby cheeks and the shape of his fine nose. Such a delicate slope. He looks so peaceful when he isn’t sneering and glaring at Erwin like a rabid dog. He begins to wonder if there will ever be a day where Levi fully submits to him. Where he will share a smile with him. A day where Erwin won’t have to look over his shoulder. 

Erwin, however, has noticed something very interesting about Levi. Despite his insubordination in the town’s shopping center, Erwin has noticed that Levi follows his direction often without fault. When he asked Levi to stop touching himself, his body did not hesitate. When Erwin asks something of him, the conflict in Levi’s eyes leads Erwin to believe that it almost pains him to disobey his orders. 

Very interesting, indeed. 

It is something he will have to keep an eye on. 

His eyes wander down to Levi’s hands that are handcuffed behind his back. “I do not like treating you this way.” Erwin’s eyes flash to the window partition that separates them from the driver. Some privacy is well needed at that moment. He sees his reflection looking back at him and sighs, avoiding his own gaze, “It is something I did not plan on, but you forced my hand, Levi and I am left with no choice. I will not be made a fool of.”  

Erwin’s thumb brushes against Levi’s cheek and he watches the way Levi follows his touch. He’s an interesting little devil. He seems to very much dislike the idea of being owned and cared for but the way he seeks Erwin’s touch, even in unconsciousness is quite intriguing. 

Levi’s skin is so warm and pink in all the right places. The tips of his ears, the crest of his cheekbones. Erwin admits to himself that his heart stopped the moment he no longer saw Levi inside the shop. He felt his stomach drop almost immediately and the realization of his disappearance both frightened and angered him. Erwin is not used to insubordination; his soldiers follow his every direction without hesitation or question but here is this small and foreign young man that willingly disobeyed him, knowing there were consequences to being captured. And of course, Levi would fail to escape. 

Erwin would have scorched the entire city of Liberio to find him. He would have sent soldiers into every single residence and shop if need be. He would have turned every single home upside down and inside out for what belonged to him. He would have even gone as far as to punish those who helped Levi hide. 

Levi never had a chance to begin with. He will never see the island again. 

“You need to promise me that you’ll behave from now on. Don’t you want that, Levi?” Erwin smiles softly at him, “Don’t you want to be a good boy for me?” 

Levi sighs again, still under the effects of the chloroform. He attempts to answer but fails greatly. 

“Beautiful boy…” Erwin leans in and inhales the scent coming off of Levi’s temple, right where pitch black hair meets ivory skin, “Wait until I get you home.” He gently presses a kiss on Levi’s cheek that is so chaste, Levi doesn’t even respond to it. 

The Commander’s home stands proud in the countryside of Marley, about a forty-five-minute drive from Liberio. The Commander owns acres of green and bountiful land, covered in fields of blooming flowers, babbling brooks and tall pine trees that almost reach the sky. The building itself is a medium-sized manor that resembles a large cottage. Its walls are made of dark gray bricks that are covered with ivy and honeysuckle vines. It has large, white paned windows and a four-step brick porch that leads up to rose-red double doors. 

The main part of the house is surrounded by tall brick walls. An iron gate sits in front of the estate, leading to a long driveway made up of gravel. Perfectly trimmed bushes line up on each side of the path, accompanying a vast garden and multiple potted plants and flowers. It’s a beautiful home. Rich but humble with perfect scenery and enough privacy to live comfortably and peacefully. It’s perfect for the Commander and his spouse. However, Erwin has no spouse. He’s never been interested in forming a family. His main goal has been the military and his home country. Sure, women have come and gone but no bonds have ever formed. 

Erwin’s had men too. Foreigners and Marleyan men from high society. They fill his guest bed nicely (Erwin despises having others in his own bed) and they treat him sweetly all night long. The women are more eager to please, but they leave well before dawn. Erwin finds them to be more playful and less needy than the men he brings home who are always curious of when they will see or hear from him next. 

He’s not too sure if he prefers one or the other. Erwin’s always been quite the fickle type when it comes to such matters. He adores a woman’s delicate and soft body but also loves the way a man can handle rough play. It thrills him when his own strength is matched. A woman would fit him more traditionally, she would keep his home neat and tidy and birth his sons to carry his name and follow his footsteps into Marley’s military. Still, Erwin has never been one to follow traditions and he believes women are worth more than a pretty face in the home. 

And as Erwin stands in front of his home, looking up at the lavish vines and sturdy bricks, he knows that everything has now changed. He has his own family now. Levi. His precious little island devil with the fire and bite to match the title. It might be too soon to tell but Erwin already cannot fathom life without the young Eldian. He’s not sure if to be annoyed, fascinated or entertained by the truth of it all.  

It all leaves him just a little bit bereft. 

He just hopes Levi doesn’t put up much of a fight when it comes to adjusting to his new home. Erwin was not prepared to return home with another human to care for, alas, his life has always been a domino effect of surprises. One after the other. They will grow used to one another and before Erwin knows it, life before Levi will be but a foreign memory. 

First things first, Levi’s disobedience needs to be dealt with. Erwin will see to it first thing. 

Levi makes no fuss when Erwin carries him through the threshold of his new home, and he makes no fuss when he’s laid in Erwin’s own bed. He stretches his body, limbs still tied behind him. He’s slowly coming to but Erwin is too impatient. He has sent his soldiers and his staff away from the second floor of the house, wanting to be alone with Levi. 

Levi slowly rouses when the man’s large hand taps his cheek rather hard. “Rise and shine my sweet boy.” 

It’s Erwin. 

Gun metal gray meets cobalt blue. Erwin instantly feels Levi grow rigid under his touch. His eyes fully open and he tries to sit up, but his restraints hold him back. Erwin remains calm, smiling down upon an alarmed Levi as he caresses his cheek with this thumb, smoothing over the patch of crimson where the back of his hand made contact.

“There you are.” 

Erwin is beginning to feel a thrill run through him like electricity at the thought of painting Levi such a beautiful red color. The flesh of his bottom and the back of his thighs drenched in such a lovely color. He’s curious of what sort of sounds Levi will make to accompany the welts in his most sensitive areas where skin is pale, soft and supple. He wants to hear Levi cry out, wants to hear him beg for forgiveness. He wants to see those gorgeous eyes overflow with the prettiest tears. Droplets that resemble diamonds. What a gorgeous sight it will be.  

Erwin craves it, he desires it, and he is a man that always gets what he wants. 

Always.

“Did you sleep well?” He asks Levi in a tone that is too calm for Levi’s liking. 

Levi refuses to answer despite knowing Erwin’s main rule regarding their communication. He’s shivering cold despite being drenched in sweat. He doesn’t recognize the room he’s in. It’s wide with forest green wallpaper covered in gold and white floral patterns. The floors and the majority of the furniture appear to be made of fine ebony wood. 

“W-where am I?” Levi’s voice is groggy and heavy from sleep. His head is still pounding, and his mouth feels dry. 

Erwin’s heart jolts at the sound of it. Every time he thinks Levi cannot be more precious, he’s proved wrong. 

Levi is in no place to ask questions, but Erwin will humor him, “Why, in your new home.” Erwin looks around the room; strands of his once well-combed hair are now falling over his forehead. “This is my bedroom- well, I suppose I should say our bedroom.” 

Levi frowns at this. “I tried to run away.” 

“Ah, I’m glad you remember.” 

“You didn’t kill me.” Levi’s coming into his voice. The chloroform must still sting his throat. 

This bothers Erwin. He despises unnecessarily mistreating his belongings. “Now, why would I do that?”

Levi avoids his gaze, choosing not to answer. Instead, Erwin stands from his king-sized bed and walks across the room to an ebony dresser against the wall.

A panic begins to grow inside of Levi’s stomach and his instincts are yelling at him to run. Those instincts molded by years in the Underground, those very same instincts that have kept him alive are now being drowned out by the bond inside him. 

“I wouldn’t dream of killing you, Levi.” Erwin’s back is to him as he calmly takes a pocket watch out of his slacks and places it on top of the dresser. “I paid good money for you, and I made a promise that I would care for you.” 

Erwin pulls open his jacket and pulls out a revolver. He empties the chamber and places the empty gun on the dresser. The bullets, he dumps in a drawer, careless. Almost as if he’s setting a trap for Levi. Some kind of test to see how far his precious little Underground rat will go for his freedom. 

“And as I said countless times, I am a man of my word.” His eyes flicker to the circle mirror hanging from the wall above the dresser. Those piercing eyes stare right back at Levi. 

Levi watches through the reflection of the mirror as a wicked smirk slowly pulls the corner of Erwin’s lips. 

Fight or flight. 

Levi’s entire life has revolved around those two words. But no matter how much he wants to run, every inch of him is fighting to stay still. 

Instead of attempting to free himself from his restraints, Levi stares back at those devilish eyes, feeling the heat that radiates off them; he can feel it against his skin, hot like blue flames. 

Erwin turns and calmly approaches the bed. He takes his jacket off and drapes it over the leather armchair in front of the bed, by the coffee table that separates the bed and the dresser. He then steps closer to the bed, slowly, taking his time. His slow pace is driving Levi insane; anxiety pours into him, making him shake but his limbs won’t fully respond to him. He’s bound too tight and his body is too weak. 

Erwin said he paid too much money for him and he’s yet to kill him. Perhaps he’s bluffing in attempts to scare Levi into submission. Even if he beats Levi to a pulp, he’s used to it. If he survived Kenny’s fists, he can survive Erwin’s. 

Erwin undoes the buttons of his sleeves, one at a time and sets his cufflinks down on the coffee table. “Levi, Levi, Levi…” His baritone voice rings in the air, causing Levi’s heart to flutter at the sound of it. 

He can’t help but to perk up when Erwin calls his name. There used to be an old man that lived down in the Underground in a small shack. Last Levi saw him, he had a brown dog with him. Medium in stature with pointed ears. Levi can’t recall the dog's name but whenever the old man called to him, those ears perked up along with his head, eyes bright and alert. He never hesitated to run to the old man’s side. Levi feels like that dog, turning at the mere sound of his name spoken through Erwin’s lips. From Underground rat to overpriced dog. Levi feels sick. 

Still, he squirms against his restraints, feeling the bond writhe inside of him, practically on its own knees, begging for forgiveness. A part of him burns deep within, wallowing at Erwin’s disappointed tone. It hurts. It’s physically agonizing to disobey him. 

“I thought I was very clear with you.” He stands at the foot of the bed as he rolls his sleeves up to his elbows and begins to undo the buckle of his belt. “You didn’t heed my warning, did you?” 

Levi watches Erwin undo his belt and pull it from the loops of his fitted slacks in one swift motion. His heart almost stops in his chest and he squirms again, fighting back the urge to scream in pure anger and frustration. Aside from Kenny, he’s never let anyone lay a hand on him and this Marley fuck will not be the first since then. But Levi knows he’s foolish and he knows his body is weak for the sound of the blond man’s voice. Still, he refuses to give him the satisfaction. 

“Get the fuck away from me.” Levi grits through his teeth, once again showing Erwin the feral creature he is. 

Maybe, just maybe if he continues to be wild and insolent, Erwin will tire of him and discard him somewhere in the fields behind his home like an unwanted animal. Levi hopes it will, but he doesn’t know how long that will take or if it will ever happen. 

Erwin grabs Levi’s ankle without an ounce of fear and yanks him to the edge of the bed. Levi gives out a strained grunt at the pain that shoots from his ankle up to his calf. Erwin’s hand is large and strong; his fingers wrap easily around Levi’s entire ankle with ease, gripping tightly, turning his skin white with the pressure of his grasp. 

He can do with Levi as he pleases, Erwin’s slowly discovering this. 

Erwin clicks his tongue, “Don’t make it worse for yourself, boy.” 

With one hand Erwin holds his belt and with the other, he turns Levi over onto his stomach and grabs his trousers, pulling them down with one hard yank to expose Levi’s bare ass. 

“The fuck are you doing?!” Levi demands thrashing about, attempting to kick at Erwin.

“I warned you.” Erwin reminds him, slightly lifting the belt a little higher in the air. 

Levi grunts and curses at Erwin. He tries to kick his legs free but Erwin places his hand down on his thighs, hard enough to pin him down without much of a fight, “If you hold still, it’ll hurt less.”

“Like fuckin’ hell it will! Get away from me, you fuckin’ sadist!” Levi curses at him again and squirms even harder. He will not be flogged like a misbehaved brat. 

“Stop squirming, you little shit!” Erwin is losing his patience and Levi almost thrives at the sight of seeing the almighty Commander losing his composure. 

“Fuck you!” He kicks his leg back, smacking Erwin in the face with his foot. 

Erwin growls in frustration, knocking Levi’s foot out of his face. His hand grips tightly onto Levi’s leg, digging his nails into the meat of his inner thigh. Levi cries out in pain, useless to aid himself. 

“I said, stay still . That’s an order , Levi!” The words grit through Erwin’s porcelain white teeth and Levi’s body immediately comes to a halt. 

Erwin’s eyes widen in shock and amazement. Levi’s breathing heavily and Erwin can feel him tremble beneath his hold as if he’s alarmed by the actions of his own body. He stops thrashing like a fish dropped on a fisherman’s boat; it takes the both of them by surprise. 

“Now,” Erwin breathes, grabbing Levi by the back of his shirt; he balls the fabric in his hand and ever so easily, lifts him onto his lap as he sits on the bed. “Was that so hard?” 

Levi’s body is so small compared to Erwin’s large frame that he drapes over his lap so easily. It's a perfect fit. 

“Fuck off.” Levi spits, tone laced with pure venom. He sounds so tired, resigned for the moment. The bond is too strong for him. 

Erwin runs his free hand up Levi’s muscled thigh and over his bare ass; Levi’s skin immediately covers in goosebumps. He has two little dips in his lower back; the sweetest dimples Erwin has ever seen on a person. He has the sudden urge to kiss them, one by one, but refrains from doing so. He’s never seen skin so ivory. The young man is covered in scars and faded bruises but it doesn’t take away from his beauty. 

 “It would be over by now if you hadn’t acted like such a petulant child.” 

A muffled cry escapes Levi. He’s shaking so hard Erwin can feel the vibration on his legs. He’s seething with anger and frustration. Erwin doesn’t blame him, he knows he’s about to get his ass tanned black and blue. 

“Let’s get this over with, shall we?” Erwin takes the folded belt into his right hand and lifts in the air, right above Levi’s sweet, round behind. Like a firm peach right for the plucking. 

Levi catches his breath, bearing his teeth at Erwin once more, “I’m going to fucking kill y--” 

Erwin’s belt comes down upon Levi’s ass like a lightning rod, cracking his skin like thunder before he can finish a threat he will regret. 

“ Agh! Fuck! ” Levi screams out in pure agony at the feeling of rich leather snapping hard against him. It feels like it slices him wide open. His hands clutch into tight fists behind him, desperate for something to hold onto. 

When Erwin lifts the belt in the air again, a brilliant crimson spreads over Levi’s right cheek like spilled ink over parchment. Erwin’s eyes slightly widen at the sight of a growing red welt, the same shape and size of his belt, branding Levi. It sends a thrill burning through Erwin’s entire being. It might as well be his name written on Levi’s body. 

Two.

Three.

Four cracks of the belt. 

Levi’s skin is no longer pale but crimson all over his cheeks and the back of his thighs. His body is trembling fiercely and he cries out with every single snap of the belt. Erwin’s strength shows him no mercy. He traces the leather against raw skin, watching the way it trembles. It's blotched and tender and he can hear Levi hiccup in between venomous curses and battered cries. 

“What’s the matter, Levi? Have you had enough?” 

No response. 

“Answer me when I talk to you.” Erwin demands. 

“Fuck you…” 

Erwin glares at the back of Levi’s head. Such a cheeky little shit. Well, he did ask for a response, didn’t he? 

Snap!

Five. 

“ Agh! Fuck!” Levi bellows, bowing his head in exhaustion. The tension in his body is wearing him thin and he’s losing control of his strength. Aside from cursing at Erwin, all he can do is lay over his sturdy lap and take it. 

“I hate doing this to you.” Erwin half lies. Sure he never wanted to hurt Levi. He had never planned on it but seeing the way Levi’s small frame drapes over his lap, squirming at the sting of every hit and the sounds he makes…it drives Erwin mad with desire. 

“Liar…” Levi mutters under his breath but Erwin hears him perfectly. 

After the sixth time Erwin brings the belt down upon Levi’s red, swollen ass, he tosses it aside and uses the palm of his hand. 

Seven. 

Eight.

Nine. 

Erwin runs his fingertips along the welts, lavishing in such a rich color. He loves the hunger that grows inside of him every single time his palm makes contact with Levi’s body, “Have we learned our lesson?” He cocks his head to the side, devouring his little devil with such a loving yet deranged gaze. 

Levi is panting and his bottom lip is swollen and raw from biting down on it to keep himself from screaming even though he fails most times. He turns his head towards Erwin as a bead of sweat runs down his temple. Erwin hadn’t noticed before but tears were running down Levi’s ruddy cheeks and his long lashes were drenched in tiny little salty droplets. 

“Is that all you fuckin’ got? You Marley piece of shit!” Levi spits a wad of blood and saliva down on Erwin’s expensive left loafer. 

Erwin’s face is cold, rigid and expressionless. He stares at Levi with indifferent eyes, “Are you done?” 

Levi grunts in response, once again hiding his face. 

“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Naughty boy.” Erwin spanks him again, this time hitting the soft spot right where Levi’s cheek connects to his upper thigh, so close to his testicles. 

Levi bites back a cry, feeling the pain hit close to his intimate parts. Yet, he’s unwilling to keep giving Erwin the satisfaction but the sound of Erwin’s palm hitting his skin continues to echo through the room. 

It feels never ending. 

Levi passes out from the pain right before Erwin has his fill and his punishment is deemed complete. Erwin unties Levi’s hands and reties them in front of him so he’s at least a little bit more comfortable. Afterwards, he lays against the headboard with Levi cradled into his arms like a small child. 

He cradles Levi, planting a small kiss upon his forehead. “I hope you forgive me for this one day.” Erwin whispers, knowing his words must sound foolish and half-assed to the younger man. 

Erwin too has learned hard lessons as a boy that he never wanted to learn. He is not unfamiliar to a good flogging and has had multiple instances where he could not sit straight for days. Hurting Levi was not how he planned to begin their new lives together but it was a punishment he saw necessary and fit. He wants Levi to know that he is not a man to be made a fool of. He may have saved him from a far crueler fate but Erwin is no saint. 

He will not take Levi by force the way the other bidders would have by now but he won’t let him become a spoiled brat that throws tantrums and breaks the rules. 

Erwin brushes Levi’s bangs out of his face and with his thumb, clears the tears that are intertwined in his long lashes. He looks like a porcelain doll when he sleeps. Erwin kisses his cheek again, feeling the tug inside his heart. He can feel something, something invincible pull him towards Levi, something he’s never felt before. 

“Mmm…” Levi groans in his sleep, the tip of Erwin’s nose brushing against his face tickles him as do the strands of blond hair that fall over his nose. Levi scrunches his nose like a rabbit and squirms a little as his hands clutch onto Erwin’s shirt. “S…sorry…” He mutters, “M’sorry…” 

Erwin holds him closer, “I know, baby boy. I know.” 

After holding Levi for a bit longer, Erwin retreats to his private bathroom in the next room. He leaves the door open to make sure he hears if Levi stirs, however, that is doubtful. By the looks of it, Levi will be out like a light for the rest of the night. 

He places his hand on the sink, listening to the sound of running water, unable to look at himself in the mirror that hangs on the wall. In contrast to the dark themes of his bedroom, his bathroom is all white. The tiles, the claw tub, the walls and the wooden moldings. Everything is white. 

Erwin dips his hands under the running water and sees a little bit of red swirl down the drain. At one point he lost himself in the thrill of spanking Levi against his wishes. It was such a sweet punishment from his point of view but Levi will be sore for days to come. 

Erwin washes his hands and then his face, sighing as the exhaustion of the day finally makes its presence known deep in his bones. He slowly turns to look at the tub; a nice hot bath is just what he needs to relieve the tension in his aching muscles. Tomorrow will be a new day. 

The hot water does well to soothe his body as Erwin leans back and closes his eyes. Steam fills the room, and the only sound is the movement of the water as he stretches his legs. The tub is a little too small for him but big enough where he can somewhat stretch out without feeling foolish about his height. 

The sight of Levi’s round, firm ass comes to mind, followed by the sight of his testicles. He could feel his flaccid cock rubbing up against his thigh as he squirmed with every hit. Erwin feels himself harden but pushes his lust to the back of his mind, too focused on completing Levi’s punishment. However, he feels the familiar stir below his belly button and looks down to see his cock twitch and slowly engorge itself with the blood that rushes down from his head. 

Erwin refrains from touching himself, closing his eyes to try and ignore the heat down below. Flashes of Levi’s groans and threats race through his mind and Erwin can't stand it any longer. He grabs his shaft with his dominant hand and gently begins from the bases to the tip and back. 

He releases a long sigh as he continues to pleasure himself at the thought of Levi and only Levi. He thinks of his bare ass covered in crimson and of the feeling of his hips. He thinks back to the night at the hotel where Levi fucked his hand and let out the most delicious moans Erwin has ever heard in his life.  

“ Fuck… ” Erwin whispers, picking up the pace of his hand as a bead of precum drips from the slit in the tip of his cock. It rolls down and smears his wet hand, lubricating his own touch just a little bit more. 

Erwin begins to imagine the look on Levi’s pretty face as that pink tongue of his circles the head of his cock. Those fiery sterling eyes looking back at him with so much intensity, it almost sends Erwin over the edge. He slows down his hand, wanting the pleasure to last longer. 

With his free hand, he draws circles just underneath his balls, moaning louder at the sensation. The sound of the moving water does nothing to silence his lascivious sounds. A part of him hopes they wake Levi and call him to join him in the tub. One million. The boy cost him one million and Erwin feels no regrets about that but oh, is he dying to taste him. He wants nothing more than to grab Levi by his small waist and mercilessly pound into him until Levi is cumming and begging for Erwin to stop. Erwin wants to fill him to the brim. He wants to eat his hole like the finest meal, a man so starved the entire house will hear Levi’s moans and cries of pleasure. 

“Levi, Levi, Levi…” Erwin repeats like a prayer, bucking his hips into his hand. “Beautiful boy…” He bites his lower lip, chasing the ecstasy. He can feel his cock practically pulse in his hand and before he knows it, his hips are stuttering and he’s crying out a moan as white ropes of cum squirt onto his hand and into the water, swirling in the tiny waves of movement. 

Erwin leans back on the tub, releasing another long sigh. He waits for the sound of Levi’s voice but nothing. Levi remains fast asleep. Erwin chuckles to himself, “You keep making a fool of me, Levi. You will ruin me, just you wait.” 

Erwin sits on the edge of his bed, careful not to wake Levi as the mattress dips slightly under his weight. It's close to midnight and the entire house is now silent. All the servants have retreated to their quarters. Some of them board in the smaller house out back while others have rooms at the far end of the house, just close enough in case Erwin needs them during the night.  

He turns his body halfway and lifts his hand, gently gliding the tip of his fingers along Levi’s bare back and down to his firm ass where bruises are already beginning to form. The young man bruises like a peach and Erwin cocks his head, continuing to study him. He had one of the maids bring him antiseptics to clean him up a bit. The belt did more damage than his hand. 

The drapes are drawn open, letting in the light from the full moon. It pours into the room, lighting Levi’s body just enough for Erwin to see him. He’s completely naked. After Erwin tended to his behind, he cleaned him with water and a hand towel. When he wakes, he will have a proper bath and dress in proper clothes. But for now, Erwin admires the welts he left behind on Levi’s skin as if they’re a work of art. 

“Just know,” He says so softly that his tone is almost a whisper, “I did it for your own good.” 

Erwin lights a cigarette, takes a couple of drags, tips the cigarette over the glass ashtray on his nightstand and repeats. He studies Levi’s face where tiny droplets of tears sit in the corners of his eyes, just beyond those long lashes of his. His moans and cries of pain are still echoing in Erwin’s ears followed by his moment of pleasure in the bathroom and he relishes in the thought of them. 

But Erwin wants more than that. He doesn’t just want to hear Levi cry for mercy. He wants to hear him scream out of pure pleasure. He wants to hear his sweet, melodic yet deep voice moan out his name and only his name. Erwin wants to dominate Levi. To own Levi. In every single way imaginable. 

It's a sickening thought and a worrying realization on Erwin’s behalf but he could really care less. 

Levi will sleep deeply that night. His body is worn out from his punishment and hopefully, he will think twice about escaping and mouthing off. Erwin doubts it, however. The young man is as wild as the waves that crash upon Marley’s shores during the rough winter months. He’s never seen such tenacity in a human being before and he definitely will not behave after a couple of spankings. Erwin knows he has a fight on his hands. He knows Levi will try to run away again and again. He knows Levi will be a pain in his ass and a thorn in his side for weeks to come. It's a very sobering truth but Erwin likes a challenge. 

“It pains me, you know.” Erwin continues as if Levi’s listening. He extinguishes his cigarette and turns to Levi, gently running the back of his fingers against his ruddy cheek. “More than you think.”

Levi takes in a deep breath and his eyes open just a little. They stare at Erwin but he makes no effort to fight him or run off. 

Erwin cups his cheek in his palm, “Have we learned our lesson, Levi?” He repeats his question, thinking of the tiny apologies Levi gave to him earlier that night. 

Levi only continues to stare. Erwin notices the way his sharp jaw tenses and then relaxes. He blinks once, twice and then closes his eyes, sighing as he’s thrown into a deep slumber. 

Levi sleeps for hours after that. He sleeps for so long that Erwin checks on him multiple times throughout the day to make sure he’s breathing. A maid brings more disinfectants and clean bandages for Levi’s battered skin but once again, Erwin refuses to let her into the room to tend to him. He will do it himself. 

It's not like he didn’t learn a thing or two on the battlefield. Comrades get hurt, maimed and killed in war, it is nothing new. Erwin has seen his fair share of blood and festered wounds. Raw skin from a hard spanking does not bother him. What bothers him is the thought of others touching Levi when he is equipped to care for him himself.  

Levi doesn’t need anyone else when he has Erwin in his life now. Or so that is what Erwin tells himself to justify the insanity running rampant in his mind. 

“For fuck’s sake, Erwin. Tell me it isn't true.” Is the first thing Miche Zacharius demands as he bursts through the doors of Erwin’s study in full uniform. 

It’s been about two days since Erwin brought Levi home and the young man remains dead to the world, bundled under the sheets of Erwin’s king sized bed. Erwin is concerned but Levi’s breathing and drinking water in his moments of lucidity. Perhaps Erwin went too hard on him. He smirks to himself, he didn’t go hard enough. The little demon sure did do a number on his face with that foot of his. Erwin was not left scratchless during their tussle. 

Erwin leans back on his chair stationed behind his large mahogany desk. He’s been daydreaming about bending Levi over it all morning. 

“Good afternoon, Miche. What brings you to my lovely home?” He drops his pen on the stack of paperwork he was just looking through. The work of a Commander never stops. 

Miche is one of Erwin’s section commanders and his oldest friend, next to section commander Hange Zoe. They were both just boys when they entered boot camp. He’s one of the only few people allowed to call him by his first name. 

“Don’t play stupid with me, Erwin.” Miche slams the door behind him. When it's just the two of them in Erwin’s study, Miche tends to forget that Erwin is his superior, “I heard through the vine about your little purchase at the auction house.” 

Both of Erwin’s eyebrows go up in surprise, “Goodness does word travel fast.” 

“This is reckless, even for you.” Miche walks up to his desk, “Where is it?” 

“Where is what?” Erwin remains calm and nonchalant. 

“Erwin! The devil! Where is this island devil of yours? Not loose in the yard, I hope.” 

Erwin stares at his oldest friend and laughs, “Miche, calm yourself.” He then frowns at his words, “He’s not a devil… ” Erwin thinks back to the fight Levi put up, Who am I kidding? He is a little devil…

“Have you gone mad?” Miche places his hands on the desk and leans in to look Erwin in the eyes. “Honestly, have you finally gone mad?”

Erwin stares back at him with furrowed brows, “You know, I don’t think you put up this much of a fuss when Hange purchased that young woman from the auction last summer.” 

Miche reals back and frowns to himself, “I berated them as well. What makes the two of you think you can just purchase humans as if they’re dogs?” 

Erwin sighs and massages his temple, “They are not dogs. Besides, last I heard, Hange’s beloved little Pieck is quite happy in her new home.” 

“If you’re bored, get a puppy.” 

“That wouldn’t be as much fun, now would it?” Erwin jokes. 

Miche rolls his eyes, “If you weren’t my Commander I would smash your teeth in.” 

Erwin chuckles and stands from behind his desk to make his way to the mini bar by the wall. “Easy there, my friend. I don’t see why you’re so worked up.” 

“Hange getting that young woman from the auction is one thing, she may be Eldian but she isn’t from the Underground like your mutt.” 

“Easy.” Erwin warns Miche in a low, dangerous tone. All the mirth has drained from his face and he is no longer in a joking mood. 

Miche stops himself from continuing. That tone of Erwin’s sends chills down his spine. 

Erwin calmly pours Miche and himself a drink, “You know me, Miche. You know I’m not the type to indulge in places like that.” 

“But you frequent them.”

Erwin turns and calmly walks up to him, “To make connections. You already know my reasons.” 

Miche takes the drink and sighs, “Yeah, yeah, putting up appearances and filling our pockets for the name of Liberio.” 

Erwin steps back and gestures for Miche to take a seat on one of the leather sofas. Miche does and Erwin sits across from him. He leans back and takes a drink, closing his eyes as the rich flavors burn down his throat. “I didn’t purchase an Eldian for pleasure. I saw a young soul who needed saving. Nothing less, nothing more.”

Miche eyes him skeptically, “There have been many souls before him, and they will continue to be many more after him. Why now? Why this one?” 

Erwin lowers his glass, “Why did Hange save that young woman in particular? You know Hange well. They may be rash, but they have better morals than you and I put together.” 

Miche sniffs the air, “Something doesn’t smell right. Not now.” 

“I do not know what to tell you. It is what it is.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing.” Miche takes a drink. 

Does Erwin know what he’s doing? So far, he’s managed to lose Levi in a crowd, capture him by force and then flogged him as punishment for attempting to regain his freedom. Erwin knows that was not the best outcome but something wild overcame him. Something so feral it shook him to his core. 

He’s never felt fear like that before. When Levi disappeared from the shop, Erwin felt a fear like no other. He felt as if he had lost half of himself. His heart has never dropped so fast. Not even when he was but a boy, lost in the battlefield with a gun too big for him in his hands. The trenches weren’t as horrifying as the realization of losing Levi. 

However, he will keep that truth to himself. 

When Levi wakes, he finds himself buried in the middle of Erwin’s bed. His body feels heavy, useless, and groggy. He rolls from his side onto his stomach and inhales the rich scent emanating from the pristine white sheets. 

Erwin. 

Levi inhales his scent and his body feels a million times better. It's as if he's already forgotten the spanking the man gave him. Levi curls under the covers, nice and toasty warm. He slept like the dead and the presence of Erwin at his side only served to lull him into a false sense of safety that almost had him purring in his sleep. 

He reaches a hand out in search of the man but finds the other side of the bed empty. Levi sits up, wincing at the pain in his ass. “Fucker…” he groans, rubbing his eyes as he remembers what happened.

He breathes in again and all he can smell is Erwin. His absence slowly creates an ache inside Levi’s heart and he grows confused. He should be angry. He is angry but at the same time…at the same time he wants Erwin. 

There’s something deep inside of him that wants to trust Erwin. That blinding need to protect him, to please him, to fulfill his every wish, his every whim and his every single depraved desire. That little voice, the bond, tells Levi that it's okay. That he deserved his punishment for trying to run away from Erwin. No one else will love Levi the way Erwin will. No one else will protect him the way Erwin will. No one else matters. No one else compares. 

Levi feels sick to his stomach; he feels the weight of the bond drape around his ankles like shackles and he wants to bend over and vomit. His body is drenching with sweat, and he feels delirious. He has not seen Erwin since before he fell asleep after his punishment. The sick fuck probably thinks Levi will be miserable without him, that his absence is some kind of punishment, and his presence is a gift. A prize to be earned. 

Levi stands from the bed and his weak legs buckle beneath him like a fawn taking its first steps after birth. He crawls to a corner of the room and cowers, burying his face in his hands as his body rocks back and forth. Is this the curse of all Ackermans? Is he meant to become sick without the presence of his liege? Will Erwin’s own death kill Levi himself? There are so many questions and Levi has no one to answer them. All he knows is that every single inch of him yearns for the Commander. He can feel him on his fingertips if he closes his eyes tight enough. 

Levi is so delirious that he doesn’t hear the sound of the door as it opens and closes, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps that walk in with ease. He doesn’t even notice when Erwin’s expensive leather boots stand before him. 

“Levi,” He says in a tone a parent would use on their child upon finding a mess in their room, “What have you done to yourself?” 

Levi lifts his head at the sweet sound of his master’s voice. When his gaze lands upon those piercing blue eyes, his own widen and his world has stopped spinning. 

Chapter Text

Erwin finds Levi on the floor of his bedroom, fevered, delirious and covered in sweat. He’s still naked and trembling, looking more pathetic than a wet dog. Erwin feels something inside of him snap and steps towards him, stopping mere inches from him. He hates seeing Levi like this and yet there is something inside of him that’s glowing like a newly birthed phoenix. This beautiful young man is completely and utterly dependent on him now and nothing pleases Erwin more when he realizes that they will be spending the rest of their lives together. 

There is no other option for Levi. He is in his new home where he will stay and grow old. Where he will learn to love Erwin and respect him. Where one day Erwin will be able to sleep in the same bed without getting his throat slit. He lives for the day but the path to get there will be fruitful and Erwin cannot wait to sink his teeth into it and savor it along the way.  

“Levi.” He keeps his tone low, faking disappointment, like he’s scolding a child. “What have you done to yourself?”

Upon hearing his voice, Levi lifts his head and sets those gunmetal eyes on Erwin. Erwin watches the way Levi’s gaze widens as if he’s seeing a ghostly apparition. The realization makes Erwin feel strange for he cannot decipher the look in the devil’s eyes. 

Levi’s hand darts forward and clutches the bottom of Erwin’s light khaki slacks with a mighty grip. Levi’s hold is so tight Erwin can see the strain of his veins running down his arm, but he doesn’t flinch. Levi doesn’t seem to be in all his right senses. Perhaps Erwin should bring someone to take a look at them. No, he doesn’t want anyone else to see Levi’s beauty. No one but him. Erwin sighs, knowing his jealousy is unwarranted and delusional. He cannot hide Levi forever.

”Are you not feeling well today? I was certain you would be well rested since you slept for a very long time.” Erwin crouches down in front of Levi and places his hand on Levi’s head, patting him softly. “Foolish. Why are you on the floor?”

Levi leans in slightly as if in a fog. “You were gone…” He croaks out the question in a raw voice. 

“Yes. I had things to do.” Erwin lets Levi pull himself closer, covering himself beneath his large frame as if hiding himself from the world. Erwin feels the way Levi’s body stops shaking as he continues to run his fingers through his inky hair. “Did you miss me?”

The bond speaks for Levi. “Yes.” 

This brings a sadistic smile to Erwin’s face. “I thought after your punishment you might want to skin me alive and pull my eyes out.”

Levi’s hand on his pants leg grows even tighter. 

“You wouldn’t do that to me, would you?” Erwin watches the way Levi begins to shake again. It almost looks like he’s having some kind of eternal battle with himself. Erwin sighs heavily. “Don’t mind that. Let’s get you all cleaned up, shall we?”

Erwin’s blue gaze cascades hungrily over Levi’s bare back. The bathroom is silent, all he can hear is the sound of the moving water as he dips his hand into the water and brings out the soapy hand towel he’s been using to wash Levi’s back. The mirrors are fogged with steam and the scent of oat and honey soap permeates the air; Erwin can smell it even stronger on Levi’s clean skin, turning pink and raw from the heat of the water. 

Erwin sits on the edge of the claw foot tub, continuing to bathe Levi as if he’s done it a hundred times before. Levi has been quiet, too quiet since he found him on the floor, in the corner of the room having some kind of fevered fit. Levi’s sterling eyes stare at the foot of the tub as if sacred words are carved into the porcelain, letting Erwin do as he pleases with him. Erwin chooses not to interrupt his thoughts, far too entranced with his task to ask Levi about what kind of war is raging inside his mind. 

Erwin’s attention is focused on the delicate shape of Levi’s shoulders, the slope and drop of his shoulder blades where Erwin can imagine a pair of clipped wings. A fallen angel. That’s how he sees Levi in that moment. Like an angel that fell from the sky and into Erwin’s grasp. Erwin then took him by force and docked those gorgeous wings so he could not return to heaven. How unfortunate for Levi but how glorious for Erwin. What luck. What a precious gift from the universe. 

Erwin drops the hand towel in the water and lifts his hand, letting clear droplets fall down Levi’s ivory back. His blue gaze watches them trample over the bumps in Levi’s spine. He’s hunched over with his knees to his chest, head slightly tilted to the side. His wet hair falls over his eyes and sticks to the sides of his adorable cheeks that curve so preciously at just the right angle. 

“Mmm,” Erwin hums, intoxicated by the tiny hint of cinnamon in the soap, hidden just beneath the delicious aroma of honey. He trails the tips of his fingers up Levi’s spine, familiarizing himself with the small grooves as if they are the peaks of mountains. “You’re being a very good boy, Levi. Doesn’t this feel nice?” 

Levi doesn’t respond despite Erwin’s rule. He closes his eyes and lulls his head to the side as Erwin’s large hand drapes upon his shoulder, digging his thumb into the sore muscles just above his shoulder blades. A rumble escapes from Levi’s chest, almost like the purr of a docile house cat. It's so strange, the electrifying feeling that Erwin’s touch causes him. He doesn’t get it fully, doesn’t understand what’s happening to him, why it's happening and why with the Marleyan but in that moment, Levi accepts it. There are worse things than this. Just the thought of leaving Erwin leaves Levi without air in his lungs. It fills him with an unfamiliar sense of anxiety that makes him want to rip his fingernails off with his bare teeth. 

“Levi, please answer me when I speak to you.” Erwin’s voice rumbles through Levi’s body and he can imagine sprouts growing through the cracks in his bones as his lungs fill with air. “I hate having to repeat myself.” 

“It’s…nice.” Levi answers him but his voice is so low that Erwin barely hears it. 

Nonetheless, Levi can feel Erwin’s smile and he feels like he has achieved a lifetime of happiness. 

“That’s my good boy.” Erwin praises him. 

“Mmm…yeah.” Levi likes the sound of that. It makes the bond burn like the sun in all its joy. 

Levi’s hand moves by its own volition; his fingers search for Erwin’s hand on his shoulder, grasping it firmly as if his life depends on it. Erwin freezes and watches as Levi pulls his hand over his shoulder and presses his soft cheek against the back of his palm. A deep sigh escapes Levi and his shoulders slump. 

“I can feel it…” Levi mumbles somewhat incoherently. 

“Feel what?” Erwin asks softly as to not startle him but he’s leaning closer, eager to decipher Levi’s cryptic words. 

“Can you?” 

Erwin stares at the back of Levi’s head, focusing on the curve of his ear and the nape of his neck. Erwin’s thick brows furrow and his eyes darken as he remembers the feeling that burst through him at the auction when he first saw Levi. He can feel it even now. It’s like an invisible string tied around his pinky finger so tightly that it’s cutting off the circulation. It’s unsettling. 

Erwin tries his best to sound neutral when he answers Levi, but his voice is somewhat strained. “I’m not sure what you mean.” 

Levi stops caressing his hand with his cheek and turns his head, burying his face against Erwin’s skin, desperate to find a form of relief in the scent of his body. “I want to go home…” 

Another sigh escapes Erwin as he stands from the rim of the tub, pulling his hand out of Levi’s embrace. Levi looks stunned for a moment, as if he was a child just ripped from his lollipop. 

“Enough of that nonsense now.” Erwin leans down and with minimal effort, lifts Levi out of the tub to stand him on his own two feet upon the cold tile floor. “ This is your home.” He places his hands on Levi’s shoulders and lowers his head, so they’re eye to eye. “You are home, Levi. Understood?” 

Levi stares back at him, grinding his teeth. Erwin notices the movement of his grinding jaw but says nothing of it, waiting for Levi’s answer.  

“ Understood ?”

The man hates to repeat himself, yet he does so for Levi’s sake. He’s like a bad parent, letting his insolent child get away with mischief after shouting out fake warnings. 

Levi nods. “Yes.” He lies through his teeth but lying to Erwin is so much easier in that moment when his hands are burning on his shoulders, grounding him on an unstable foundation. 

Erwin’s expression softens and he pulls Levi into his arms, holding his wet, naked frame against his chest. His clothes get wet in the process but Erwin doesn’t seem to mind that. The invisible string around his pinky finger loosens and he gets the feeling back in his hand for just a little while. He finds that holding Levi so close calms the beating of the drum wedged inside his head and the peace that overtakes him is so overwhelming it almost knocks him off his feet. 

One of Erwin’s hands travels down to the small of Levi’s back, caressing the dimples there. His other hand wraps around the nape of Levi’s neck. His fingers can easily wrap around his neck to choke the life out of him. Beads of water roll off Levi’s inky hair and drop onto Erwin’s hand, bringing him back to reality. 

“If you leave me, Levi. I will hunt you down like a dog.” His voice lowers against Levi’s ear and Erwin can feel Levi’s left hand clutch tightly onto his dress shirt, twisting it at the sound of his threat. “I will break your kneecaps and tie you to my bed.” 

Erwin inhales the scent of honey and cinnamon coming off of Levi’s freshly washed skin and closes his eyes, taking it all in. 

“Do not test me.” 

He feels Levi nod. 

“Speak like the adult you are.” 

“Understood, Sir.” 

Erwin kisses Levi’s forehead and smiles. “Good boy.” 

Good boy. There it is again. What a beautiful combination of words, Levi thinks. It was like they were made for him. Like Erwin made them just for him. Levi wants to laugh at himself, at how stupid he’s being and how easily he’s letting himself get man handled by the Marleyan but everything inside of him wants to obey, wants to please and Levi is too tired to fight it fully. Still, that doesn’t mean he won’t give the man sass when he sees necessary. 

Erwin steps back and grabs a plush, white towel. He uses it to slowly dry Levi’s body off, limb by limb, admiring every single inch of him along the way. Levi just watches Erwin as he dries him off. He stifles when the man gets down on his knees to dry his thighs and behind his knees. Erwin’s eyes seem to glimmer and shine as he admires Levi’s body. He looks upon it as if it’s a gorgeous and very priceless work of art. Erwin then moves lower, gently massaging Levi’s calves as he dries them, busying himself in the task. Levi swallows hard, trying to force his blood to keep running through his veins instead of flowing down to his cock but he fails miserably. He notices Erwin stop at his ankles where the bruising of the chains are slowly fading but the scars will remain for a lifetime. 

“Does it still hurt?” He refers to the rawness of his skin left behind by the abuse of hard metal.  

“No.” Levi answers honestly. What hurts is the memory of it all. He’s never had his humanity stripped of him in such a fashion before.  

Levi has been through great multitudes of abuse in the care of his uncle in the Underground but the experience in the hands of the Marleyans that brought him to the continent, is one that still feels raw inside of him. Getting smacked across the face by his uncle was what Levi thought he deserved. What he thought love was. He hurts me because he cares about me. He hurts me to toughen me up. So I can survive here because he loves me and without me, he will be sad. His young mind tried its hardest to help him cope with the sting of hand marks on his cheeks and purple rings under his eyes inflicted by angry fists.  

Levi remembers once, a long time ago, when he must have been no older than nine. Levi said something smart to one of Kenny’s goons. Levi can’t recall what it was exactly, but it made Kenny laugh and pat his head twice. Those two pats meant the world to Levi. He remembers the warmth surging through his body as every fear subsided. Those two pats were enough to erase at least ten beatings. But Levi knows now that he was wrong. Still, it was life. It was all he knew, and it is what he’s experiencing now. 

Now here is this large Marleyan man bent at the knees, drying his feet like a devoted servant praising his deity and Levi finds that he quite likes the feeling of power. Erwin says he will care for him. He says that he will hunt him like a dog and break his knees to keep him from escaping, to keep him from wandering out into a dangerous world where he could get hurt. Erwin punished him with his belt and his hands because he cares about him. Because he wants the best for Levi. People hurt the ones they love, the ones they care for. Pain and love go hand in hand. It's wired in Levi’s brain. One cannot exist without the other. That’s how it was when he was a child and that is how it is now that he is an adult. It's the only idea of love he’s ever known, or at least, it's what Levi believes. He can feel it being carved into his mind with a rusted knife. This bond, this is what Levi deserves.  

Levi blinks and upon opening his eyes, Erwin’s icy gaze is on him, looking up at him from down below. Levi stares back at him in silence, slowly realizing that Erwin is just a man. A mortal man with a life as delicate as a baby bird. A knife to his throat will be enough to win Levi his freedom but he feels sick at the thought of killing him. The bond that courses through his veins is begging to submit. It feels wrong to look down at his liege the way he is doing now. A part of him feels unworthy and Levi’s knees lock beneath him. 

There is a war inside of him. One side wants nothing more than to kill this glorious man at his feet to gain his freedom and the other will fight tooth and nail to keep him safe, to keep him alive and well so he can worship at his feet. Levi feels it then, the twitch between his legs and when his gaze flickers down further, his body gives a start at the erection that has grown in front of Erwin’s face. 

Erwin notices it too and chuckles softly. “I see.” 

Erwin stands to his feet and Levi steps back, covering his cock with both his hands while his cheeks blaze red. He averts his gaze, eyes scanning for anything that he can use as a weapon. The side that yearns to flee is overpowering him as he begins to panic. 

“Don’t hide.” Erwin takes a step towards him, and his massive frame feels overwhelming. 

Levi tries to take another step back, but the back of his legs hit the rim of the tub that is now empty from his bathwater. He turns his attention back to Erwin as the man gently slaps his hands from his crotch. 

“I thought you liked it when I touched you last?”

“Don’t.” Levi warns and his tone holds a bite to it but Erwin isn’t afraid. 

“Why? Does it still make you feel unclean?”

The crimson color is flowing down Levi’s neck and to his chest as he bites his lower lip. Erwin is so close that Levi can feel the tip of his dick brush up against him. The sensation causes him to bite back a whimper, but Erwin catches it. 

“Don’t be shy. You can tell me.” 

Levi glares at the ground, hating the way Erwin’s sweet nothings make him feel. The warmth is spreading through his body and his organs feel like they’re close to liquifying and the urge to comply is too strong. 

“Don’t know.” 

“Let me make you feel good. Don’t be afraid of me.” 

Levi lifts his hands and places them just below Erwin’s chest to push him back, but he doesn’t have the strength to do it. Erwin notices this and smiles to himself, reveling in the way Levi weakens in his presence. How he folds so easily in the end no matter how much he fights him.  

“You’re very docile tonight. I like you like this.” Erwin uses his other hand to reach around Levi and firmly grips his buttock. Levi gives a little jump, his ass is still bruised and raw from Erwin’s punishment. Erwin knows this, he can see the bruising with his very own eyes but pays no mind to it; he gets off on the feeling of the discomfort that Levi is feeling due to his wounds. It’ll serve him as a grand reminder not to try and escape again. “Now, do you want me to help you with this?”

“I don’t want you to fuck me.” Levi lies. His body aches for nothing more than that. 

He’s never been fucked but he has seen people fuck before. Out of lust and against their will. The act has horrified him in the past, filled him with dread and a feeling of uncleanliness that he could not scrub off fast enough. But Levi thinks he would like to let Erwin fuck him. He bets it would feel nice. 

“I already told you, I don’t need to fuck you to make you feel good.” Erwin lets go of his ass and the tips of his fingers trail up the back of Levi’s spine, already so familiar with the grooves in place. 

Levi glares at this. “You’re very handsy for someone who won’t fuck me.”

“Who said I wouldn’t?” The timber of Erwin’s voice grows deeper, hungry, and Levi’s skin covers itself in goosebumps. His hands grip tightly onto Levi. “I’ll only fuck you if you ask me to. If you want me to.” 

Now, Erwin told himself he wouldn’t fuck him unless the young Eldian asked him to but the temptation to bend him over the sink and take him from behind is so grand that it makes his mouth dry. Levi’s body is small but it’s strong and has the figure of a man despite having such a small waist but it's the androgynous look of it that appeals to Erwin so much. He finds Levi so attractive, it almost pains him that he was hidden away in the Underground. Levi deserves to see the world and if he behaves, Erwin will show it to him. That is, if the jealousy lets the young man see the light of day. 

“Do you always touch people like this without their consent?” Levi tuts. 

This makes Erwin laugh and his entire body shakes with his laughter. “So much for being docile.”

Levi’s eyes widen just a bit, taken aback by how beautiful Erwin looks when he laughs. He’s so bright that Levi feels the need to squint. He reminds Levi of the sun the first time he saw it after he was dragged from the Underground. Monolithic and grandiose. 

“But to answer your question, no, I do not.”

Levi’s mouth goes dry as he imagines Erwin’s hands on someone else that isn’t him and the bond is boiling his blood with ugly jealousy. Levi grinds his teeth, attempting to tell himself that he shouldn’t care but the bond is screaming, Mine! Mine! Mine! No one else but Levi. 

Erwin notices that Levi’s distracted and trails his index finger down Levi’s chest, past his belly button. “So, would you like my help or would you like to jerk yourself off?” 

“I can do it myself.” Levi says hotly but he sounds like a scorned child. 

Erwin’s hands fall from his naked frame and he takes a step back. He then just stares at Levi as if he’s waiting. 

Levi glares at him. “What? You want to watch or something?” 

Erwin crosses his arms and raises both brows at Levi, silently giving him his answer. Levi clicks his tongue. “Pervert…” He mutters beneath his breath, uncaring that it might cost him another spanking. He then shrugs when Erwin keeps waiting. “I don’t know how.” 

“You lie to my face, very bold of you.” 

Levi rolls his eyes. Before he can react, Erwin is striding towards him and Levi lets out a small yelp when the strong man lifts him off the ground and sets him down on the counter of the bathroom sink. Levi hisses as the hard counter touches his bruised ass. Erwin places both hands on the counter, locking Levi between his strong arms. Levi scowls and Erwin chuckles. 

“I want to hear you moan for me again.” Erwin breathes against his ear, pressing himself between Levi’s legs. 

Levi feels the bond screaming and writhing inside of him and he begins to lose his discretion once again. His body relaxes, shoulders slump and eyes lid, heavy like lead. Levi then turns his head slightly to smell Erwin’s hair as he presses his nose to his temple, and it's like he’s consumed those drugs again. Nice and pliant, like the good boy he is. 

Erwin notices Levi’s submissive state and grabs his hardening cock in one hand, gently going from the base up to his tip. Levi tries to hold back the whimper that bursts forth from deep inside his chest but he’s too weak in Erwin’s hold and it escapes through his lips. The perfect sound echoes through the bathroom and Erwin tightens his hold on Levi’s cock. 

“That’s my boy.” 

Levi’s hand clutches Erwin’s shoulder, twisting the fabric as Erwin’s hand picks up the pace. 

“See how you’re rewarded when you behave?” Erwin watches the way Levi leans his head back slightly, lips parting in complete pleasure. His cheeks are flushed and he looks so pretty, sounds so pretty while he continues to whimper. 

Erwin looks down to Levi’s cock where the head is glistening with precum. He runs his thumb over the slit and Levi lets out a breathy moan followed by a whisper. “Nngh, fuck… ”   

“Do you want to feel even better, Levi?” Erwin turns to speak softly into his ear. He can feel the heat radiating off of Levi’s smaller frame. It’s as if he suddenly has a fever. “I can do that for you, if you let me.” 

Levi nods, desperate to feel himself closer to Erwin. He’s already pulling on his clothes, trying to bring his body as close to him as he can. “Yea--yeah, okay.”

Erwin lets go of Levi’s cock and the Eldian whimpers and groans, sounding more animal than man. Erwin bites back a chuckle but his expression is greatly amused. He unbuckles his belt and lowers his slacks just a bit, releasing his own cock, thick and erect. Erwin watches the way Levi looks down at it and licks his bottom lip, mind a million miles away, as if he’s under a spell. 

“I-- no --” Levi puts his hands on Erwin’s shoulders, releasing his shirt that is now wrinkled and unkempt and still damp from Levi’s bath water. 

“Shhh,” Erwin coos gently as he kisses Levi’s cheek. ‘It's alright baby boy, I’m going to take good care of you. I promised you, didn’t I?”

The bond answers for Levi, making him nod. “Yeah…” 

“Then stop fighting me.” Erwin places a gentle kiss on Levi’s eyebrow next. His kisses feel so sweet and soft, they make Levi feel like he’s melting and floating at the same time.  

Erwin aligns his own erection along with Levi’s, brushing the skin of his cock to his own and Levi lets out another impatient whimper. Erwin spits into his hand, wraps his fingers around both of their lengths and continues to pump the both of them together. Oh, and is the feeling just absolutely heavenly. 

Levi leans into Erwin, pressing his forehead against his shoulder, moaning like a bitch in heat. “ Nghh , Er… Erwin … oh. ”

Erwin picks up the momentum of his hand, letting himself drown in the feeling of ecstasy. He can feel the thread that holds the two of them together tightening even harder but the feeling is completely euphoric. Erwin knows that whatever he’s feeling, Levi is most likely feeling it a hundred times harder. The room is filled with Levi’s moans and whimpers and he’s muttering Erwin’s name like an obsessive prayer. 

“Erwin, Erwin, Erwin more. ”

Erwin chuckles in his ear, letting Levi dig his nails into him as he chases the feeling of complete pleasure. “Hold on, baby. Easy.” 

“shit.” Levi moans and the sound is so delicious that Erwin can eat him. He wants to lean in and steal the moans right from Levi’s mouth but he keeps himself from brushing his lips against Levi. Levi is capable of biting him hard and drawing blood and that is something Erwin just isn’t willing to risk at the moment. 

Just like Erwin predicted, Levi bites down onto his shoulder as he comes undone, grunting like a wild animal and coming all over himself and Erwin. Erwin doesn’t stop, he uses Levi’s cum as extra lubricant and before he knows it, his thighs are shaking and he’s still fucking against Levi who tries to push back, overwhelmed and overstimulated by it all. He’s coming down from his high and he’s extremely sensitive. 

“Erwin--”

“Shh, baby. Settle down.” Erwin grunts, biting his bottom lip as he’s the next to come. 

His semen shoots out in ropes, spraying all over Levi’s belly. Erwin finishes with a feral moan and his body slightly slouches on top of Levi as he regains himself. When he steps back to pull up his slacks and buckle his belt, his blond hair has come undone, falling in waves over his damp forehead. Erwin’s cheeks are flushed and his lip is shiny with spit. His eyes are wild oceans, crashing upon black rocks. He stares at Levi, admiring the way his semen paints his ivory body, marking him as Erwin’s property. And that’s how it feels, seeing Levi covered in his own cum. Like he belongs to Erwin and Erwin alone. 

Levi looks down at himself and scowls. “You ass. I’m a mess.” 

Erwin chuckles and grasps Levi’s chin tightly, jerking his face upward to meet his gaze. “Watch your tongue, boy.” 

Levi feels bold and doesn’t look away. His brows knit together and he grinds his teeth. Erwin can feel the movement beneath his hold but doesn’t back down either. He notices something in Levi’s gaze, something vulnerable but it's gone in a second for Levi backs down. “Mmm.” He hums. “Yes, Sir.” 

Erwin says nothing as he grabs another towel and wipes his hands with it. He then cleans Levi off, wiping down both of their cum from his skin. He likes the way it glistens against Levi’s stomach and his peachy thighs. Levi no longer smells like honey and cinnamon, instead he smells like the both of their bodies. Faintly salty and musky with their desperate rutting. The scent of honey is very, very subtle now, buried beneath the smell of their bodies entwined. 

“Come on now, time for you to rest.” Erwin gently lifts Levi off the counter and carries him out of the room, discarding the dirty towel in the open hamper. 

“Wait.” Levi squirms in Erwin’s strong arms. “I’m filthy, I need to bathe again.” 

Erwin turns his head and smells the line right where Levi’s hair meets his temple. “You smell fine to me. There’s no need to waste more water.” 

Levi snarls at him; Erwin waits for the bite but it doesn’t come. “You finished all over me.” 

Erwin sits him down on his bed. Levi is still naked and his chest is flushed with embarrassment and anger. “I fail to see the problem.” Erwin says casually with a small shrug. 

Levi bites his words, knowing that he likes the way Erwin smells. He even likes the smell of his musk that’s hidden deep beneath the layers of cologne and whiskey. When he can’t find the words to argue, Erwin nods. “Good.” He pulls the comforter over Levi’s body. “Now rest.” 

Levi doesn’t fight him and rolls to his side, his back to Erwin. His skin is tight where Erwin wiped the cum off him and he feels slightly sticky but lets the exhaustion of post orgasm bliss ease him into the rich sheets and downy comforter. He doesn’t close his eyes until he hears Erwin’s footsteps exit the room and close the door behind him. Surely enough it isn’t long until Levi hears the click of the lock from the outside and he’s once again trapped.