Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/1532945.

Rating:
Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning:
Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category:
F/M, M/M
Fandom:
Shingeki no Kyojin | Attack on Titan
Relationship:
Levi/Erwin Smith, Erwin Smith/Mike Zacharias, Mike
Zacharias/Nanaba, Moblit Berner/Hange Zo, Erwin Smith/Mike
Zacharias/Nanaba
Character:
Levi (Shingeki no Kyojin), Erwin Smith, Mike Zacharias, Nanaba
(Shingeki no Kyojin), Hange Zo, Rico Brzenska, Djel Sanes, Moblit
Berner
Additional Tags:
Alternate Universe - Vampire, Alternate Universe - Victorian, Power
Dynamics, Slow Build, BDSM, Subspace
Stats:
Published: 2014-04-27 Updated: 2014-06-24 Chapters: 9/? Words:
49599
Waltz
by Iseldur
Summary
A thief encounters more than locked doors in his attempt to fulfill a client's mission.
Suddenly it is a fight for more than money.
Notes
The result of a wonderful roleplay with my very good friend, tumblr user grellenore!
Chapter 1
The sun stood low over roofs dusted white with snow, tall treetops bending under its heavy
weight. Cold seeped in between the stones of the manor, and frost formed sharp-edged little
starflowers on his windows. Winter was a force to be reckoned with, for most. But there were
those from whom even the cold seemed to shy away - as if it hesitated to offend. That was a vain
thought, of course. The soft click of his mechanic hand against the marble of the counter woke
him from that thought; the guests were to arrive soon enough, and he could hardly show himself in
such a state. Distasteful. His nose wrinkled faintly as he could not avoid a glance towards his arm;
it was all cold silver, not a hint of blood, of life. A grim reminder of what he had become. He
tugged the glove on, breathing out almost in relief once it covered the metal. With the thick, soft
material of his pristine white glove, it was impossible to tell the hand from one of flesh and blood.
It was for him, at least. A glance in the mirror; yes, his hair lay neatly combed, his swallow-tail
coat perfectly free from dust or wrinkles. Its deep red colour was close enough to black to be
mistaken for it, especially in the low light of the night. His vest was a dark, steely grey, shoes
shined to perfection. Not a flaw was visible.
But he could feel it. Each motion tugged at the flesh of his severed arm, each gesture a reminder.
He huffed, curling his fists - this would be but for a night. His blood hounds would have found
him something new by tomorrow; by bringing the very cream of the crop, the high society to his
mansion just in the outskirts of the city, he ensured that London's men of the law were occupied
elsewhere, too busy with drink to notice someone stolen away. He wanted his vessels at the very
peak of their life, of course. No children or elderly - why drink water when there is wine? Grown
yet still young, blood not soiled by the opiates that had become so dear to the sophisticated.
There was the familiar chime of the bell downstairs; Erwin rose from his chair, steps tall but not
hurried as he made his way towards the curved stairway. Abrams, the butler, was at the door
already, opening it at Erwin's curt nod. From inside began the bright, sweet tones of hired strings,
and as the door opened, warm light spilled out onto the stone steps. "Lord Smith", greeted the
other with a thin smile - and with that, the night had begun.
---
The soft material was brand new and unworn, tailored to fit him much like a second skin, and
Levi hated it. It was wam, yes, and clean-- that was good too, but it didn't suit him. Black trousers,
black, flowing tailcoat with golden buttons, but with the inside lined with a royal blue, matching
that of the silk waistcoat he wore over the white shirt, with its stiff collar held in place by a simple,
white cravat. A thick, expensive cloak kept him warm as he approached the mansion with his
gloved hand curled around the falsified invite in his pocket, and as he climbed the stairs, he tipped
his hat to the man at the door and held it out.
"Ah, yes, Lord Rivaille. Welcome. Let me take your cloak."
"Of course. Thank you." A slight accent, quite convincingly French, and Levi shrugged out of his
cloak, folded it over one arm and then held it and his hat out for the butler to take. He then
proceeded inside, grey, cold eyes sweeping over the room, over every guest that had arrived so
far, and then easily finding the host of the party. Tall and imposing, but every bit of the gentleman
he was supposed to be, and Levi refused to feel intimidated as he approached to greet the blond,
even if there was something about him that made Levi feel very ill at ease. He bowed, just a bit
stiffly, and then straightened up with a perfectly polite, small smile on his face. "Lord Smith.
Thank you very much for the invitation. I would never have imagined being invited to such a
grand party, seeing as I'm very much new blood in these kind of circumstances."
Levi was not entirely sure of the circumstances in which his assumed name had ended up on the
guest list, since he had mostly been handed the invite and been told to get to work. But this man
would have invited plenty of people, and so even if he couldn't remember a few names, playing
the part of the perfect gentleman - if quite young and new to it all - would probably be enough to
fool anyone who might wonder.
---
Lord Arington, Duke Humphrey, Lady Lothrop and her up-and-coming, slug of a husband; Erwin
greeted them all quite politely. Old names mixing with the young and lucky - power blending with
money in a melting pot of intrigues, scandals and crime. Erwin did his very best to stay above it
all; he had a good name and wealth to last him a few hundred years more. And in now way was
this sort of party a cheap affair - a bottle of wine alone was worth more than a dock worker made
in a year. But what other entertainment was to be found out here? None. What better way of
ensuring his contacts stayed loyal, that gossip flowed the right way, that no one ever questioned
his motives? An excellent meal, and a steady stream of drink, the finest music money could buy.
His gaze traveled across the room, as more entered - most that he recognised, and some he had
trusted his butler to invite for him. Those he did not recognise would either be new money, or old
names from abroad. The former group was easy to tell apart from their manners - always a fraction
of a second's hesitation, always a slight stiffness to the back, as if expecting to make a mistake.
Some hid it better than others, but none escaped his cold gaze. Countess Breviere seemed
troubled, but it was no simple sickness or fatigue - her corset was laced too tight, to hide the
beginning bulge of an illegitimate child. Lord Marl, already tipsy; he would end up in the gutter
tonight. A pitiful crowd, these. Dull-minded sheep herded by a blind man following the scent of
gold.
But suddenly there was a presence to his right. Erwin turned, the corner of his lip twitching onl for
a moment with an amused smile as the other bowed - as soon as he straightened, any trace of a
smile was entirely disappeared. Abrams mouthed the name at him from across the room, always
attentive, always ready to fulfill any need. "Lord Rivaille", said Erwin, ever grateful for his
butler's quick assistance and brilliant memory of names. Learning to read lips had been more than
useful. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance." The smile appeared again; almost as small, but
more dangerous this time. Of course Lord Smith was the very picture of hospitality - but new
blood, as it were, needed to know its place. "I am glad to see new blood every now and then", he
said, voice just a fractioon lower, as if secretive. "They tend not to last for long, you see." He
sipped his wine, the scarlet liquid glimmering softly in the light of hundreds of candles, reflected
by polished crystal from the crowns up above. "As they become more familiar, of course. Novelty
passes."
---
Hard to impress, this one, wasn't he? But Levi didn't falter for a moment, he kept his little smile
throughout the conversation, yet keeping as much distance as he could without being impolite or
strange, which made it easier to meet the lord's gaze without having to strain his neck because of
the height difference. He knew what he was there for - small talk to gain some trust, mingle and
act like everyone else so no one would be suspicious, and then slip away and get his prize while
no one payed any attention - and any petty insults he would have to endure to get there would
mean nothing to him. No noble's words ever meant anything to him unless there were money
involved.
He inclined his head slightly at the lord's words, as if agreeing with his words even if they might
be an insult, an amused gleam in his eyes. "Of course. I can only hope I'll be lucky enough in my
endeavours to stay around for a while." Of course he wouldn't-- Lord Rivaille would be gone by
the end of the evening and never be able to come back. But that was just as well.
Another servant passed them with a tray balancing on one hand, and Levi grabbed one of the
delicate, wine-filled glasses. Red wine-- certainly a strange choice for an apritif, but Levi sipped
some of the contents of the glass anyway. He'd be extremely careful with it, of course, and drink
very little while making it seem he was very much enjoying his evening with free liquor and food.
"I shall not keep you from greeting your other guests, Lord Smith, but rather go and enjoy your
hospitality and other's nice company. I hope you have a fine evening." And he bowed his head
again, before moving away from the host, trying to find someone else to engage in some pointless,
stupid small talk.
---
He certainly was new; he was polite enough, but there was none of that peculiar sort of fearful
contempt that came with old blood and countless rumours. His manners were learned at an older
age, not instilled since before he could walk. But there was something else about him that Erwin
could not quite point out. He seemed focused, but not on Erwin, nor the guests. Something else.
For a moment he raised an eyebrow; but then Erwin realised Rivaille had meant that he intended
to go. Funny; it had almost sounded like an order. Like any spoilt, newly rich Lord - most likely
he had not earned his wealth himself, then, but was one of the sort who mistook decent manners
for humility. Erwin nodded at him once, though his gaze lingered on the young man's back as he
moved. A bit of a sickly complexion - he would have said starved, but most likely he was one of
those artistic types - becoming too obsessed with his work to remember eating. Even now, he
sipped like a little bird, though the delicate crystal seemed out of place in his hand. Beneath all
that, there was a decent build; strong shoulders, good posture, quick feet. And with a little more
food in him, he could even be a good-- candidate, for a vessel. "Michael", murmured Erwin under
his breath as a tall man passed right by his shoulder. "The little frenchman. Keep an eye on him."
There was a little grunt; no further answer was necessary. Zacharius knew his place, though it had
taken them some time to settle the hierarchy between them. He was a formidable opponent as well
as ally, and while Erwin appreciated his skills, he couldn't let his guard down. Even if he had no
fear of his friend betraying him, there were others like them very eager to get a hold of his position
- and any sign of weakness was a sign to attack.
For now, there was a dinner to tend to. The last guests - late, and thereby likely all the more
important - trailed inside. The musicians, at his signal, swtiched their current piece for something
slower, more quiet - suited, certainly, for a dinner. There were oysters upon mountains of ice; cold
and lifeless and wholly unappetising. But this, after all, was for show - not enjoyment. "Please",
said Erwin, his clear voice ringing out over the room while still holding the most pleasant of tones.
"Be seated."
Chapter 2
Levi swept through the room with the same grace and elegance as everyone else, maybe even
more so, his steps as light and untroubled as they could possibly be. And while he wasn't one of
the more handsome men in the room, he still attracted a few looks. He'd have to work on that; wait
until he wasn't interesting anymore. Make small talk, feign interest in all those common subjects
that were politics and business and the party itself, eat and drink and socialise until he was just a
part of the crowd even though he was a new face.
Dinner was a good place to start, certainly. And Levi never turned down free food, no matter how
unappetizing it might look. And fucking oysters-- was there any better way to boast about how
bloody rich the host was? But Levi took his seat, between one fine lady and another further down
the table. Once dinner was served, he was as well-mannered as anyone else, skillfully opening and
plucking the edible contents out of the shell. Oyster was certainly an acquired taste, but Levi didn't
particularly mind the salty blandness of the entre as long as he could add a little lemon.
There were plenty of small talk to engage in, and Levi did, telling everyone about himself, openly
admitting with a bit of an embarrassed chuckle that he was in this fine company only because he
had inherited a small fortune from his uncle-- ever heard of the Courtaulds? Did it ring a bell-- yes,
that was his late uncle, poor fellow, completely deaf during his last few years. Of course Levi
listened as well, careful to not attract any more attention to himself that he let others have, to keep
his manners and not eat more than what would be proper. And so the long-winded dinner dragged
on, and by the time the desserts arrived, Lord Rivaille didn't seem particularly interesting to most
people any longer.
---
Erwin's dinner partner, at least, provided some level of intelligent conversation. Duchess
Brzenska; widowed shortly after her marriage, and the sole ruler of a grand mansion under her
mother's maiden name. Neither polite beyond the necessary nor prone to gossip - but sharp-
minded and with a head for business. Erwin plucked one of the oysters from its pile of ice, his left
hand cardling it almost gently in a napkin as he delicately turned the knife, forcing the shell open
to reveal the poor little creature. A few drops of lemon assured him that it still had some life in it -
of course, his chef would not have served anything but the finest. Slick and cold it slid over his
tongue - were he a lesser man, he would have shuddered with distaste.
The soup, at least, was more substansial. Plates of pheasant was brought to the table, decorated
with their own feathers in some bizarre charade of life, and wine flowed freely as voices grew
louder, manners slipped from time to time - there, wine spilled on his finest linen. Erwin's lip
twitched slightly, and his back straightrened a fraction. That, of course, was to be expected. But
the carelessness of the common, that came with the knowledge that one's life would hardly go past
seventy - oh, how he despised it.
At least the nobles of old names knew to preserve family honour. The newcomers, not so much.
That uppity young lord who had approached him, for example-- no. No, he didn't fit the picture at
all. He wasn't drunk, nor laughing too loud or trying to impress the ladies nearby. Seemingly, no
bets or outrageous promises, nothing of the kind. His eyes narrowed just faintly, but still he could
not quite tell what it was that set him apart fom the other. It was clear, however, that something
did.
---
If Levi was repulsed by the nobles behaviour as they got more and more drunk and frivolous, he
didn't show it. As for his own manners, they remained almost impeccable, even as he let loose
some, and he never spilled, never drank enough to feel any more than a slight warmth from the
alcohol. It was hard, when one were expected to drink and alcohol was the only thing that was
served, to keep his head entirely clear - especially with his low tolerance - but he thought he
managed. He was indeed still steady on his feet once the dinner was over and they all rose for
some dancing. There was no shortage of ladies, so even Levi with his short height, rather sickly
pale skin and heavy-lidded eyes wasn't left without a partner. Finding a girl only just barely taller
than him, he asked her for a dance, and of course she did not say no. She was a pretty lady,
blonde with big, dark green eyes and an expensive dress to match.
Knowing the waltz had sometimes been necessary for the line of work Levi was in, and so he had
long since mastered the dance. Leading the lady onto the floor, he put a hand to her back, still
keeping a fair bit of distance between them, and held her gloved hand in his other. The music
started, no doubt on the order of the host, and Levi guided the lady across the floor with the same
kind of grace as he moved. And though the lady might have been a bit tipsy and unsteady on her
feet, he managed to keep her steady. He'd only dance for as long as he had to, though. Not being
the first to remove himself from the dancefloor, but one of them, he'd join in a few other
conversations, pretend to drink some more with the gentlemen, smoke a bit perhaps, and then try
and look for his opportunity to slip deeper into the more private parts of the mansion to get his
hands on his prize and disappear.
---
Erwin had never understood why protocol insisted on dinner before the dance; what could have
been the finest of waltzes was nothing but a cluster of men too drunk to properly remember their
steps, women near fainting with the pressure from their corsets after having eaten. Distasteful, this
whole act - but necessary. A dance before dinner would have settled them all down - much like
one would run a dog if one expected to keep it in company of guests. But there were stille those
able to dance - Erwin even found himself with a pleased little smile as Lady O'Malley accepted his
invitation for the first dance. Of course, that was not her real name - but that was a common
enough pracitice, and never questioned among their kind. Her hand was firm on his shoulder, his
resting so very lightly on her waist. She afforded him a tiny smirk for that gesture - he had seen
men's hands stray too far on her, and he had seen her retaliate. And even if she well knew his
hand, he would spare her the displeasure of having to feel it more than necessary.
He led, with her permission - anything else would have seemed suspicious. As she shared his
situation, his motives, it was the most natural thing in the world to dance close by the most
exclusive company - in the throes of a dance, secrets could slip more easily than at a table. Erwin
danced, waltz after waltz - for here, he was quite the popular choice. Young still, unmarried, a
man of wealth - oh, they knew nothing. But he danced, graciously accepting the tiny gestures that
were a Lady's invitation for a dance - until but a few couples remained on the floor with him, and
he saw an opportunity to depart. A delicately cut glass was placed in his hand as soon as he
entered the gentlemen's lounge, and though he declined the offer of a cigar, he sipped the amber
liquid in his glass. This was their chance to catch their breath, before their company was one again
required - and this was the most crucial point in the evening for business proposals. None would
pass up on this opportunity - except the two too drunk to speak beyond slurring. Erwin's gaze
passed over those reclined on chairs and moving about in the room - this was tiresome, but as soon
as the night was over he would have fresh blood and his halls to himself, Mike and Nanaba.
Hanji, too, should she grace them with her presence. Oh, he would give them their fair share - but
not until he was finished. All this eating took its toll; they needed proper nourishment.
---
Levi knew that more alcohol awaited after the dance, and he didn't look forward to it. Fuck it--
that was always the hardest part, to keep that delicate balance between staying polite and not
saying no to a drink and yet still keeping a clear head. But hopefully, at some point soon, most
people would be drunk enough to not realise that he wasn't. It seemed many were reaching that
stage of the evening, but Levi was disgruntled to notice that Lord Smith remained about as
unaffected as himself, and yet he drank a lot more frequently. Then again, he was a bigger man.
The offered cigar was graciously accepted, and he let the servant light it for him before he took a
few drags. Levi was in no way a frequent smoker, but he indulged in it once in a while, mostly
when it was offered like this. And perhaps smoking could be an excuse for him not to drink. He
kept moving too, keeping himself active, striking up a few conversations and joining some more.
But if he wasn't too interested in striking business proposals, it wouldn't be very strange, he
thought. He was still new, after all, still getting comfortable in the country and with his inherited
money, and that might just as well be a very good reason as to why he didn't want to get too
drunk; not wanting to risk losing his head as well as all that new money.
But he was integrated with the crowd now, one of them, and pretty much exceptionally
uninteresting to people as soon as they realised he had no interest in offering or making any
money with any of them. Perfect. He looked for his opportunity to excuse himself for a moment -
most people would probably assume he was simply heading to the bathroom - and then he slipped
away. Out of the room, through the ballroom, deeper into the mansion on silent feet. He knew
fairly well where he was supposed to go, though the map he had seen of the mansion's interior had
been a bit incomplete. But second floor, in the parlour, the biggest painting on the wall. A rather
terrifying woman with wild hair sat on the wall above the sofa, and Levi had been told it was by
da Vinci himself - which was probably why he had been offered so much money for stealing it.
He took it down, carefully leaning it against the back of the sofa with the front turned away from
him, and then pulling out a small pocket knife from inside his tailcoat. Leaning down, he moved to
carefully start cutting it away from the frame, always straining to hear any steps approaching or
other sounds nearby.
---
He withdrew. Erwin kept his gaze on the man he was currently speaking to, but in the corner of
his eye he had stayed aware of the newcomer. Of course any man could become inconvenienced,
needing to visit the men's room - and if it was just that, Erwin could easily have happened to feel
the urge at the same time. But throughout the years he had learned to trust his gut; this man was no
simple guest. "Pardon me, gentlemen", he said as he rose, nodding curtly to Michael in signal,
setting his drink at the table. "My presence is needed elsewhere, for but a moment."
As soon as the door closed behind him, Michael silently gestured towards the upper floor, and
Erwin nodded. Very well, then. There were bathrooms far more easily accessed than the ones on
the second floor, after all. With the smallest of smirks and a hard gaze, Erwin near soundlessly
moved up the stairs. Not too slow, or he'd miss him - but not too fast, either. Whatever he might
intend to do, Erwin wanted to catch him red handed.
Ah-- there. The slightest of creaks, likely inaudible to a common human ear, betrayed Levi's
position. The parlour - oh. No. Eyes narrowing, he stepped quickly but just as silently closed,
tugging the glove from his mechanic hand and letting the stiletto blade emerge from the wrist.
Kept at the right angle, it would be almost invisible to the other for just as long as he wanted it to
be. Turning around a corner, down a short hall, he reached the parlour - and came to an abrupt
stop. Of course he had gone for the Medusa - nothing else was worth the effort. But that he had
the nerve to cut straight through the canvas... Erwin felt sickened. As he stepped into the ray of
pale moonlight, footsteps heavy, arm fully on display and sharp blade at the ready, sickness
quicklygave way to offense and anger. "Your dirty fingers soil her, thief. Step back, so I can keep
your blood from ruining it further."
---
The canvas was rather thick, but ancient and brittle beneath the sharp blade, and Levi was pretty
sure he could make short work of it, and then get out through the window before anyone started
missing him downstairs. If anyone ever would, busy as they were with drinks and pointless talk
and boasting about how rich they were. He was calm, heartbeat as steady as his hands-- but then
just as he put the knife to the canvas, there were footsteps, close, inside the parlour, and Levi
turned quickly, knife held in front of him, eyes wide.
It was impossible. He'd been a thief for years, he'd sneaked into people's homes to steal everything
from paintings to vases to jewellery, he was trained for this, every part of him always alert,
listening, feeling, sensing, reading the atmosphere for anything that might disrupt his plans. This
man was huge and heavy, he should have heard his steps from far, far away, but instead it was
like he had appeared out of nowhere outside the parlour and just walked inside. Which meant he
wasn't only a lord, most likely, but something more. He was dangerous.
And then he noticed the hand, the gleaming metal, and had to stop himself from taking a step
back. If not the most, it was certainly one of the more terrifying things he had seen in his life, but
he had to keep his head clear and not give in to fear. He had to kill the man, there was no other
way out of this. If he didn't, he'd clearly either be killed himself, or at least wounded and arrested.
The other was straight up telling him he would get hurt, after all. And that arm of his would either
be a clumsy hindrance, or a dangerous shield or weapon, but Levi could only hope it would be the
former. Either way, he would probably have a bigger chance at surviving if he left with the
painting than not, even if he had killed a lord. It was a bit of a predicament, but at least it made his
choice easy.
Quick, without warning, he lunged forward, ready to duck beneath any attacks, watching out for
any kick, and thrusting his knife forward and up, intending to drive it into the other's stomach and
twist it further upwards. He'd get dirty, but he'd have to endure it, and such a wound would easily
make anyone bleed to death fairly quickly.
---
The thief turned, and there was fear in his eyes. Erwin took some satisfaction in that, even if it was
not the sheer terror he often managed to inspire in his - vessels. He curled his fingers, then
straightened them again, the blade no longer a secret. Mainly he was angry; that piece held
sentimental value as well as material, and to see it treated with such utter disrespect was sickening.
But he was also, in part, amused by this game. None of the other nobles dared cross him, but they
certainly talked behind his back , and this would have been a welcome change, if not for the
complete disregard of worth.
An attack-- he certainly wasn't clever, as he attempted this in the first place, but quick as a weasel.
Retracting the blade, Erwin reached for the other's wrist with his mechanic hand, moving to
wrench it just enough for the other to be forced to let go. Blood always tasted a little better tinged
with fear - but no, this man had soiled himself with a cigar earlier. Erwin had to control himself - it
had been too long since he last fed. Tonight, they would have fetched something for him, and he
did not need to resort to soiled blood.
His fingers tightened, though he remained aware of the other's body. Erwin was in no way
invincible - his skin was tougher than an ordinary's, his body stronger, but he needed to remain
aware, even if he played with the other like a cat who had broken a birds wings. "Repulsive
creature", he spat. "Entirely undignified. I ought to cut you open like you did her."
---
Ever so aware of his surroundings even as he charged at full speed towards the other man, Levi
spotted the knife, and got his answer about the mechanical arm; it was most definitely not a
hindrance. He veered slightly out of the way, trying to confuse the other, but still aiming for him
with his knife. But seemingly effortlessly, those metal fingers closed around his wrist, and the
strength in them was as terrifying as it seemed impossible. Levi was quicker than most, yet this
man seemed to move almost lazily slow, and yet still managed to be faster. But at least there was
no knife piercing his wrist, though he was forced to let go of his own. And it was painful, the
metal pressing bone together, though he had a feeling the other was stopping just short of breaking
anything. But-- how did that even work?
Now was not the time to figure out how the arm worked, however. Levi was educated enough to
pass as a noble, but the machinery in an artificial limb was a bit beyond him, and so he shouldn't
waste his time on it. If the man died, hopefully the arm should stop working, and maybe he'd just
have to bring it with him as well. It would certainly be worth a lot. Of course, walking into this
mansion with only one weapon would have been foolish, and so his free hand reached inside the
tailcoat once again, pulling a slightly larger knife out, and quickly plunged it into the other man's
chest where his heart should be, a grim sort of triumph in his eyes.
---
A glint of steel was the only warning before the thief's hand pressed against his chest, the knife
buried deep in his flesh. Absolute silence fell over them for a moment; faintly he could still hear
the strings down below, the chatter from the ladies down in the ballroom. But all the noise Erwin
made was a grunt - for while he would not be harmed, the pain was just as clear, as inescapable.
He had been quicker than expected - clever at least to bring a second weapon, even if this mission
had been failed before it begun. Erwin stepped forward, foot on the discarded knife, the other still
as deep in his chest. His gaze was focused fully on the other's; unblinking, unfailing.
His mechanic hand tightened a bit more, grinding bone into bone - slow, steadily increasing
pressure. "Remove the knife", he said, voice growing calm, almost pleasant. "You will pay for
your crimes, of course - but just how high the price will be is yet to be determined." He turned the
wrist in his grip, just on the edge of snapping the bone loose from the elbow. "It takes time to
bleed out, see. Broken bones, dislocated joints do little to quicken the process."
---
The other man didn't react as he was supposed to. Nothing about him worked as it was supposed
to, and along with the excruciating pain in Levi's wrist and arm, the fear was starting to get to him.
Hand slipping from the knife buried in the other's chest, he instinctively clawed at the metal
fingers, but he might just as well have been grabbing at stone. And so he went entirely still, save
for his quick breathing and expression twisting slightly in pain as well as anger. Was this it, then?
There was certainly more of the creepy, weird death threats. Was he going to torture him to death?
If so, was all hope lost, or was it worth it playing nice and obedient? Worth a try, at least. Maybe.
Levi reached for the knife, tugged it out of the other's chest and dropped it to the floor. There was
a surprisingly small amount of blood on it, and he didn't understand. He'd been told stories of
supernatural creatures, of course, both as a small child by his mother and later in the streets,
gathered up close around a fire with other kids trying to get through a cold night with stories about
ghosts and demons. But Levi wasn't entirely sure if he believed in such things. Then again, how
else to explain what this man could do? "What are you?" he hissed. No point beating around the
bush. He didn't care if he sounded stupid, if he would live just a few moments longer, it would be
worth it.
---
Having the knife removed hurt no less, as his skin had already begun to heal around the edges.
But Erwin hid the pain best he could, refused to ruin the facade - this game could be quite
enjoyable, once he gained the upper hand. As soon as it clattered to the floor, he knew they were
on the right path. It would heal soon enough. His shirt was still ruined, though - not much blood
had spilled out, but enough that he would have to change. He backhanded the pretended lord
almost lazily, though his hand hit the other's cheek with a satisfying crack. A small price to pay for
a knife in Erwin's chest. Of course; he still had time to collect that debt.
"There is no need to need to lose the manners", he said with a smile void of any humour.
"Intruding with a false invitation, happily eating my food and filling your glass, and as if that was
not enough..." He supposed he knives spoke for themselves, scattered on the floor as they were.
Erwin's grip had not become gentler in the slightest, but he didn't press harder, either. There was
little mercy to be earned here. "It is custom for the lesser to introduce himself first, is it not?" His
left thumb briefly touched Levi's chin, where a droplet of blood had collected from the split lip
Erwin had caused. The little gem seemed to glimmer in the moonlight - but even without a nose
like Mike's he could feel he stench of tobacco. Faintly he wrinkled his nose - truly a pity for such a
specimen with such potential. "You are evidently no Lord."
---
Had Levi been less steady on his feet, the slap might have made him stagger badly enough to twist
his own arm out of place. Fortunately, he remained steady on both feet, only a small grunt
escaping him before he whipped his head back around to face the other man again. He might be
scared, but he wasn't going to show it. Some respect, however, would be stupid not to show
unless he wanted to be killed on the spot. But without the facade and the act, insults were a lot
harder to take without feeling some of his temper boiling closer to the surface, but he couldn't give
in to it.
But before he could answer, the man reached out and touched him, his fingers startlingly cold
against his skin. Levi still didn't move, but his expression conveyed the distaste he felt. Torture
seemed likely, if this man had some sick fascination with blood. He needed to somehow get the
hell out of there.
"As you've already guessed, I'm nothing but a thief." The accent had not entirely disappeared,
though it had changed, no longer as French, and much more subtle. His voice came out a little
strained, from both pain and the anger he was holding back."My name's Levi, and the only title I
can boast about is that I'm well-known enough in the right places for rich people to hire me to do
their dirty work for them."
---
Erwin's head cocked to the side, frown softening just slightly with amusement. "You do not even
seem to be lying." Unxecpected - he had waited for some story, accompanied with all the tell-tale
signs of a lie - eyes flicking in the wrong direction, blinking, squirming and searching for the exits.
But perhaps he was more clever than to try agitating him further. That piece alone, or the signature
on it, was worth enough to hire a skilled thief. Erwin had never had use for thieves; he worked
with his own, and wouldn't know the famous names of that sort. "A wise decision. I suspect you
have no loyalty to your employer - but do not speak his name just yet; I need it written. Disposing
of the unwanted is a tedious task, for the most part." His voice was still calm, as if he spoke about
some generic business proposal.
He smeared the droplet over Levi's eyelid, focing him to close it, to feel the slight pressure of his -
for now -gentle finger over such a vulnerable part. Soiled blood, after all - there was no need to
ruin his appetite with that. "My name", he said, as an afterthought, "is Erwin Smith; thirteenth
Lord of the house. As for what I am? Dead men do not speak, Levi, and yet you live. Perhaps you
shall for a few hours more - after all, I do have a dinner to attend to." That would be wiser. He
would need to be sure that he caught the true offender, and make something of a spectacle out of
him. His grip remained, but he turned for a moment to the door. "Michael!", he called in a pleasant
tone - the door opened within moments to reveal the man, who stepped inside, glanced at them
and then the painting, Levi's lip and the knives on the floor. "Keep him here until I return. I'll send
Nanaba to accompany you. I would prefer him mostly intact, but he has some spirit to him, and I
wouldn't blame you for taking measures." He released the grip only after he was sure Mike could
control the other - his friend was armed, after all. And then - a quick return and a few excuses, as
if nothing had happened.
---
Levi didn't see why he should be lying; he had no false identity to protect anymore. And his real
name was already known to a lot of people like this Erwin - or at least the kind of people Erwin
seemed to belong to at a first glance. It was becoming terribly clear that there was a lot more to
him than that however, and Levi felt the nausea rise at the back of his throat as the other smeared
his own blood across his face, forcing him to close his eyes even as every part of him screamed
not to. Once he blinked his eyes open he no longer looked straight up into the other's face, but
kept his head down, quickly raising a hand to dry the blood off with the cuff of his expensive
tailcoat. This man was dangerous, strong, and not quite as human as Levi was used to. He'd
pierced his heart with a knife, for fuck's sake, he should be dead on the floor by now, yet he didn't
even seem to be bleeding any longer. And he was going to kill him-- fuck. No. He wasn't. Levi
would find a way to escape, he had to.
Childish, almost naive reassurances, but at least they helped him keep somewhat calm. As for his
employer-- well, if he was dead at least he couldn't kill Levi, but then there wouldn't be any
money for him to collect. Though right now, he would much rather have traded that stupid
painting for his life instead of a pile of money.
He looked up as the other man entered, taller even than Erwin, but with no metal hand in sight.
Then again, even if he was just an ordinary human, chances were he was still strong enough to
keep Levi from escaping. And yet Levi felt quite doubtful about this man being anything less than
what Erwin was. It was clear that this was not the right moment to attempt an escape, at any rate,
and so Levi only stayed still as he was grabbed by the other man instead, mostly just relieved for
the moment that those unforgiving, metal fingers had finally let go of his wrist. But while he was
silent and obedient in the other's hold, and barely looked up as the woman with the strange name
walked inside, thoughts were racing through his head, everything from escape plans to what made
Erwin - and most likely Michael and Nanaba as well - as seemingly invincible as they were.
---
The other's fear was a reassurance, in a way - Erwin had been relatively kind to him, and still
gained this reaction. A quick change of shirt - the wound had stopped bleeding - and he was ready
to resume his duties as host. It was dark outside by now, and the halls were lit only by candles and
oil lamps, creating a comfortable athmosphere. If they only knew... well, they did not, and he
intended to keep it that way. Mike and Nanaba would keep him quiet. And later on, perhaps he
could amuse himself with playing like a cat would with a mouse. He would have blood from
another vessel, after all; only a few hours left before he would be able to enjoy his meal in peace.
He could muster some conversation. How's the wife, and the children, has the east wing been
repaired, how nice, have you visited the exhibition? Business proposals had been closed for the
most part; light foods were set out, music now a simple background murmur. Duchess Brzenska
made an early exit, leaving her condolences with an air of sarcasm afforded by business partners
like the two of them. Some would remain for longer, however, and Erwin would give this act his
best efforts.
Meanwhile, Nanaba had somewhat anticlimactically produced a deck of cards, shuffling them
skillfully while Mike tied Levi's wrists. A few loops around each, connected by a handsbreadth of
rope. Without too much effort, he kicked the back of Levi's knee to force him onto his knees by
his side. He set his foot on the rope connecting Levi's wrists, and reclined quite comfortably to
accept his hand of cards from Nanaba.
Chapter 3
Levi glowered, though somewhat discreetly, eyes on his hands as Michael tied them. His arm was
still aching, and his wrist was starting to bruise already, and he twitched slightly as the rope was
tightened. A quiet curse passed his lips as he was forced to his knees and stuck in such a
humiliating position; on his knees and hunched over. He tugged at the rope, temper flaring and
pushing away the fear for a while. They were toying with him, they hadn't even checked if he had
any more weapons - probably because he couldn't hurt them - and now they were enjoying
themselves while ignoring him. It was almost worse than being held by the metal hand and
threatened, and certainly more frustrating.
He sat down properly on the floor, no longer on his knees so he could straighten up some more.
For a long while he was quiet and still, letting the minutes pass, thinking, listening, trying to calm
himself down. He brushed his tongue over his swollen lip, which luckily seemed to have stopped
bleeding, and then looked up at Michael, voice calm but quiet as he somewhat carefully spoke.
"Are you going to tell me what you are?" He'd yet to see any proof they were the same as Erwin,
but he thought it made sense that they would be.
---
The two vampires exchanged a glance; amused but also troubled. They knew not what Erwin
intended to do with this one - he wanted him relatively unharmed, after all, and Mike could clearly
tell his blood would not fit Erwin's standards, in this state. Nanaba shook her head, and Mike
grunted in agreement. "Quiet", said Mike, gazing down at the human. "You will receive no
answers from us - what the thirteenth Lord wishes to tell you, he will. Now, we have a game to
tend to, if you don't mind." The last part was said with a small chuckle - Mike's amusement
continued as he lay two pairs on the table, eights and fives of hearts. Perhaps it was a bit rude - but
even though the question had been asked in a pleasant voice, the words had been rude enough that
Mike felt not the slightest regret.
Until Nanaba countered with a straight flush - she was bloody cheating, but that was part of their
game - and he groaned. They both ranked below Erwin, and felt no need to challenge him for the
position - but between Mike and Nanaba, dynamics were a little fluid, and they often chose a
game of cards, rather than an outright fight, to determine who ate first. In brute strength, he
surpassed Nanaba - but her mind was stronger than his. And they were no wild dogs, biting and
clawing at one another to gain the upper hand. They knew that both strength and strategy were
essential to their positions - and for most of their kind, having people that suited their positions was
more important than acquiring a high rank. And so, a few rounds of cards, a game of chess, would
determine the outcome - a result that might as well change the next day.
---
Levi half expected to be slapped again for just opening his mouth, because these people were
clearly not quite right in the head, but he kept his eyes on Michael anyway. He was either foolish
or too proud, or maybe a bit of both. The way the other two were looking at each other before
speaking was as infuriating as it was another blow to his pride, and he wanted to kick and punch
and be every bit as lethal as he was used to being, but fighting with these people was not the same
as doing it with ordinary humans.
And once he got an answer, it did nothing to alleviate his mood. Yes, he did mind, actually, and
he wanted to tell them that with as many colourful words as he could think of. The thirteenth Lord
could go and fuck himself for all Levi cared, it was all-- "Bullshit." he muttered, very, very
quietly, but then fell silent, just like he'd been told to.
---
Mike's knee, being already in very close range of Levi's face, nudged his split lip with striking
precision, even as his eyes remained on the game. "None of that", he ordered, voice taking on a
more dangerous tone. "The sooner you learn, the easier this will be." Nanaba raised an eyebrow at
the half-lie, but Mike saw no need to correct himself. None of them took any particular pleasure in
harming their vessels - but it was always easier to threaten than to follow through. If they could
keep them under control without having to resort to slicing skin and breaking bones, they saved
both time and blood.
Erwin, meanwhile, was steering his conversation to an end. It was past midnight, after all; and
even the most experienced vampire would grow a bit impatient as the promise of food was right
beyond him, available as soon as he managed to get rid of the last guests.
---
Levi flinched back slightly from the knee, unable to help it and hating himself for it, and he hissed
quietly at the pain in his wrist as he pulled on the rope. The thought of his possibly impending
death weighed heavily on his mind, and the abuse was certainly getting to him even though he'd
had worse. But it was probably the whole situation that was scary; even if he had been badly hurt
in the past, at least he'd understood how his enemies worked and how he could defeat them. He
had to wonder just what would become easier if he played nice, because if there was no way out
and some bad behaviour could give him a quicker death, then he might prefer that to the
alternative.
But this kind of thinking would get him nowhere except sending him straight into a panic, and so
he clenched his teeth together and turned his head away from Michael's knee, trying not to think
on anything other than breathing evenly, waiting for time to pass and for something to happen.
---
It was not until the clop of hooves had faded away, that Erwin allowed himself to relax. For a
moment he closed his eyes, leaning towards one of the pillars in the entrance hall. Abrams locked
the doors, turning towards Erwin with an attentive yet clearly exasperated look. "See that it is
cleaned; of course you will be duly compensated for the trouble." Abrams would protest, of
course, as was customary for any butler, but Erwin saw no need to wear his staff out
unnecessarily. "Take the morning off, Abrams. You will not be needed until after noon.
Understood? Good." His words were short, but his voice held no anger like it had with the
intruder. Oh - him. Well, they could keep him by for dinner, could they not? Disposing of him
would be tedious, and perhaps... Hm. If he was worth keeping for a while - good blood, no family
here, no one to miss him - then a little display might help keep him in check.
"Bring her in, then", ordered Erwin with a wave of his hand; the three blood hounds, as he called
them with some fondness, moved immediately to obey; the young woman they had captured was
only barely regaining concioisness as they brought her into the room where Levi and the other two
waited.
---
Finally, the wait seemed to be over. Levi could hear the carriages leaving outside, and for the first
time he thought about screaming for help. But he was the thief; the painting was still on the sofa
and the knives on the floor, and if they looked into his story even a little, they'd find that there was
no Lord Rivaille, and that he wasn't related to the Courtaulds at all. He had no legal papers, no
real family, and there was no way in hell anyone would be on his side when they could be on
Erwin's. No, he was entirely on his own, as always.
The doors opened, and he looked up to see a woman carried inside, half-dead by the looks of it,
and while Levi still didn't understand anything of what was going on, he didn't like it one bit. It
was not one of the ladies from the party; her clothes weren't nice enough, though she was clearly
no street rat like himself either. With Michael's foot still unrelenting on top of the rope, he could do
little but watch as she was placed in an armchair. His eyes went from her to Erwin and then to
Michael, since he couldn't really see Nanaba's face from his spot on the floor, and he looked
equally angry as well as worried.
---
Finally, finally! They had taken her down with a single hit to the head - chemicals soiled the
blood, and any other injury spilled it. She was a good catch; a young adult, well fed but clearly
used to working, healthy; she might have lived a long life. But oh, she wouldn't. This would be
her purpose. His hounds strapped her down, soft leather cuffs around her wrists and ankles, and
then quickly retreated - they did not want to appear challenging to the three higher-ranked
vampires.
Oh, how he had longed for this! Erwin circled her slowly, breathing in the scent of fresh blood
from the small cut on her head. She was murmuring now, fearful and with rising panic - so Erwin
knelt down on one knee in front of the chair, a tender look on his face as he reached forward to
undo the handkerchief used as a makeshift gag. She coughed, opening her mouth to speak but
evidently was to frightened to know what to say. "Hush, darling", said Erwin tenderly, wiping a
tear from her cheek with his flesh hand. "Don't cry. There is no need for this to hurt." He stroked
gently over her throat, pleased to find her the sort that went still with terror rather than tried to jerk
away. He rose with a smooth motion, stroking her hair gently to one side of her neck, leaving the
other fully vulnerable. Gently he kissed her forehead, humming soothingly as she began to cry in
earnest - silent tears, but no less touching. "There, there. Be silent now. This will only sting a bit at
first." A firm but gentle grip around the back of her neck forced the young woman's head to the
side - and then Erwin bit down, piercing skin and drinking deeply.
---
No. No, this-- this was worse than anything he had imagined so far, it was sick and terrifying and
Levi felt both his heartbeat and breathing speeding up, out of his control, cold dread paralysing
him one moment and panic causing him to struggle wildly against the ropes the next. He was in no
way a saint, he'd done quite terrible things for money as well as to survive, but this was different.
He was quite vividly imagining the very same thing that happened to the woman to be his fate as
well, and while he could be very cold and indifferent to tears and begging when he was the one in
control, the woman's sobbing was now heart-wrenching, her fear contagious. There was no
comfort in Erwin's words, no matter how honest they sounded.
And then Erwin pushed her hair to the side, grabbed her neck and-- bit her. For a moment, Levi
could only stare in shock, numb, silent and still. Then one word came to him, slipping to the front
of his mind from many years ago, and for a moment he was relieved, because finally he knew
what he was dealing with. "Aluka." he murmured, with no emotion at all in his voice. And then
the panic set in again, as he realised how much danger he was in. He forgot all about the pain in
his wrist and tugged hard at the rope, bringing one leg up to clumsily kick at Michael's, breathing
uneven as he twisted around on the floor, eyes no longer on Erwin and the poor woman, and not
wanting to look either.
---
"Fucking hell--" Mike's words were no longer the refined gentleman's vocabulary, as the thief
twisted in his grip, panic clearly giving him unexpected strength. Though no human could best a
vampire, as far as Mike knew, he wouldn't underestimate this one. He was kicking-- no, that was
quite enough. He aimed a punch at Levi's temple, an elbow to his back and then sought to flatten
him to the floor with a grip on his hair. Erwin, the bastard - leaving it all to them. Of course there
was no real hatred - but he could afford a few bitter thoughts, loyal as he was.
Erwin hardly even registered the noise behind him. He trusted Mike and Nanaba, but more than
so, he had not fed for more than a week. And now, as her struggles weakened with each long
swallow of warm blood, his eyes closed with the pure pleasure of sated hunger. Deep, sweet and
metallic, from a most excellent vessel. He could feel life return to him - it would fade away just as
quickly, but as a living heart pumped blood into him, he lived again for a moment. It was not until
he heard Nanaba's irritated hum that he remembered the other two - or three, even. A faintly
placating gesture with his left hand, and Erwin licked gently over the twin pricks in the mostly
lifeless woman's neck before the next mouthful, then again - it healed almost as quickly as it had
been broken, and the flow stilled. He was sated for now; and he would let the others feed, too. His
limbs felt stronger, his mind quicker - if he still had a beating heart, it would have settled into a
deep, steady rhythm. But for now, another's blood would have to do. He took Nanaba's seat as
she moved to feed - she had won this time, then.
---
Levi tried to flinch away from the punch, but stuck as he was, there was nowhere for him to take
cover. The world went white for a moment, and he couldn't help the cry that escaped him. But as
soon as he realised the rope wasn't stuck beneath Michael's foot any longer, he moved to get up,
even as his vision swam, only to get an elbow to his back, probably much harder than what the
other man had intended because of Levi's own movement. He fell back down, barely catching
himself on his hands, and then the bigger, impossibly strong man was on top of him with a firm
grip on his hair. And yet Levi kept fighting, kicking his legs up to hit anything he could reach
while his fingers went to the ropes around his wrists to try and undo the knots, even as he couldn't
see what he was doing. He spat a few words; curses in another language, and then, as if realising
they probably couldn't understand him, he switched back to English, his own accent very clear in
his distress. "You're not having any of my blood, you sick fucking leeches, let me go--!"
---
Nanaba had settled quite comfortable in the vessel's lap, her hand almost tender on the girl's cheek
as she bit just above where Erwin had. Their vessel was weak with lack of blood, limbs only
weakly fighting the restraints; her crying had stopped, likely because she couldn't even feel the
pain anymore. Nanaba drank, humming a little with each swallow. That sound, however, was
drowned by the noise of the thief's struggling. Of course he was afraid, now.
Leeches? Erwin's nose wrinkled in distaste at the insult, and Mike wrenched his grip tighter.
"Your blood is sub par, spoiled by tobacco and alcohol, thinned out from lack of nutrition. Not
even my lowest would choose you." Nanaba pulled back, looking sleepy and satisfied. She did
not have Mike's advantage in weight and stature, but she could take a petty thief.
---
Levi thought he could feel a few strands being ripped off his scalp, and he stilled somewhat, if
only to avoid even more pain. Although that was an exceptionally foolish thought, seeing as he
was in the company of several hungry bloodsuckers. But - that was Erwin's voice, so he was
apparently done drinking - what was that about his blood being spoiled? It sounded like an insult,
but Levi could not see it as anything other than a bit of a blessing. And if these creatures existed,
maybe the God he'd been brought up to believe in did as well. "Then why are you keeping me
here? Why not just kill me?" It made sense that Erwin would want some kind of revenge for the
painting, but if he wasn't after Levi's blood, why keep him alive?
He kept tugging at the ropes, nimble fingers working on the knots even though he had now
stopped struggling, and once Nanaba came to take over from Michael, the rope was left dangling
only from one wrist. He tested her grip on him a bit - but after concluding that she was a lot
stronger than she looked, his struggles lessened once again. He had in no way given up, and his
breathing was still unsteady with fear, but his head was clear enough for him to realise that he
wasn't going anywhere at the moment, so it was better to save his strength for later.
---
Panic did nothing to keep him under control, clearly. Fear was good, but not too much; he was
tired of frantic pleas and threats, and the ever-existent demand for explanation. "This is not about
you, thief", he replied, even though he knew that ignoring him would likely have a better effect.
"We feed at our leisure - and you have good blood underneath the stink of tobacco. You will be
useful enough some day, even if it is not enough to compensate for destroying such fine art."
He hummed, willing to indulge curiosity for a while, as he had just fed. "No, you will remain until
we know the identity of your employer, and you will remain until we have found him, and he has-
- paid his debts. After that, you might live for a bit longer if you prove useful." If not? The threat
was clear. Erwin glanced over to where Mike drank, eyes closed and grip tight around the lifeless
woman's neck. She was beyond rescue at this point - pale as a corpse and limp in Mike's hands.
After some time, he pulled back with a grim smile - they needed to drink, of course, but the very
last swallows sometimes came with a very real taste of distress. Bitter and unpleasant on the
tongue, and for the mind. But there was no room for such soft-hearted sympathies.
---
There he had his answer. He was nothing but a reserve, food put in storage, like a bottle of wine
kept on a shelf until it was good enough to drink. So he was to be fed things that made his blood
better and kept away from alcohol and such things that made it taste bad. It was sickening. And
the constant fear was not going to get better if he would have to sit around locked up somewhere
and wait for nothing but for someone to come and drain him of blood.
"Lord Djel Sanes." he said, a bit of resignation in his voice. Exhaustion was getting to him, and so
was all the damage he had taken; his wrist ached, his head, his back, and it had been a very long
time since he had experienced panic like he had tonight. "Though I never met him in person, he
only sent one of his servants to find me, and the servant never told me his name." He'd looked up
the lord, of course, as he always did with the people that hired him to make sure they could pay
the money they promised, and most of them was aware of it too. He'd seemed rich enough, people
called him a viscount, apparently a bit eccentric and with quite an obsession for obscure art. But
Levi cared little for him, and even less now. If his name could buy him a way out somehow, it
was a price he would pay without a moment's hesitation.
---
"Sanes?" Erwin glanced at Nanaba. "I can't say I am surprised. That greedy bastard - he was
smoking quite comfortably in my lounge just an hour ago." His gaze fell to Levi, eyes narrowing
slightly. "I hope, for your sake, that you are telling the truth. I will have to keep you here until we
know, at least. Hmm-- Michael. Fetch him for me, tomorrow or the day after. Nanaba, have the
maids clear the guest room by the end of the east hall. We can't have this one running his mouth,
no matter how cooperative he is now.
They would need to secure him, of course. The guest room he spoke of was quite comfortable,
just as pleasant as any other; except for bars on the windows, double locks on the reinforced door
and absolutely no means of escape for a common human. A thief might have other skills at his
disposal, but they would prevent his escape. "He will stay there until we have dealt with Sanes; if
he proves to be too much trouble, we can give him to the lower. If not, he will live for some time
longer. Go, the both of you. I'll keep him under control."
---
There had been no promise of freedom in exchange for the name, only a small chance at less
discomfort, if even that. But with nothing else to bargain with, Levi would take what little he
could get. Surely, Lord Sanes would deny all involvement in what had happened, unless they
forced it out of him somehow - and Levi would not put it past these people. He had to wonder
whether they'd go that far though, or take Sanes word for it and kill Levi off for lying. No one
believed a thief if there was a Lord they could listen to instead, he'd learned that the hard way.
But the threat was clear; behave or be killed. And so as he felt Nanaba's grip on him tightening at
first in quiet warning before letting go completely, he only very slowly sat up, making an effort to
not appear hostile. One hand went to his head, then his lip, checking for injuries, but the blow to
his head would probably just give him a bruise, and his lip had stopped bleeding long ago. Then
he turned finally to glance up at Erwin, and regretted it at once. A slight flinch and a frightened
stare before he quickly looked away from the other's red eyes. Levi could quite distinctly
remember that they had been blue earlier, and it wasn't difficult to guess what had caused the
change.
He glanced at the woman instead, not really surprised to see her dead, but averting his gaze
anyway. "Why do you do it?" he asked quietly, carefully. He didn't know if speaking counted as
disobedience, but he had to take the risk; any information he could get might help him get away in
one way or another. "Do you need it to survive?" Every story was different; the vampires he'd
heard stories about on the streets was not quite the same as the aluka or estrie he'd heard about as a
child, even though they were all bloodsuckers.
---
Erwin smiled, slow and predatory - he had drunken his fill, but his thirst would never be fully
sated. But such was the fate of his kind. Never full enough, warm enough, alive enough to still the
need; always hungry, searching, ending lives in their wake. Structure and dynamics such as those
between Erwin and his closest, and in turn their inferiors, a complicated network of power and
loyalty, kept vampires from going rogue, and kept their victims to a reasonable level. If too many
disappeared, suspicions would rise - they had to be careful, to plan out and take only those who
would not be missed. Unfair, yes; but what could they do?
Mike loosened the restraints, fingers almost gentle; she had given them life, after all, if only for a
moment. There was no need to treat the body with disrespect; according to their standards, of
course. Burying her under Christian symbols would only be a false gesture. And so he lifted her
almost delicately, cradling her cold body in his arms as he left the room. Nanaba left shortly after,
seemingly disinclined to reply, and they were alone yet again, though Levi did not at all seem as
eager to fight now. Perhaps Erwin could indulge him; it was no strange question for one who
knew so little. "Of course", he said, leaning back in his chair. He pulled out a napkin, and started
gently cleaning little spots of blood from his mechanic arm. "We need it directly from the vessel.
This is the kindest way to feed; far more so than one of your kind might slaughter a pig. Though,
that is where the likeness ends."
---
When Levi dared to look up again, it was only to find Erwin smiling, sharp fangs on display. He
looked to Michael and the woman as an excuse to avert his gaze without lowering it to the floor
again, trying to steel himself somewhat as he watched the dead woman being carried away out of
sight. He would not end up like that.
Once she was gone, he turned his head back in Erwin's direction, his own hand touching his
bruised wrist as he watched the gleaming metal, and couldn't help but shudder slightly. But while
it was terrifying, it was also rather fascinating, and the mechanism and detail was quite incredible.
Levi had seen his fair share of valuable things in his life, and he knew that arm could fetch a very
high price. Not that he was going to try and steal it. His priorities lay on getting the hell out of
there alive, and then to run as far away from London as possible. Cowardly, perhaps, but Levi
didn't care. He might be proud, but he valued his life higher than some pride and reputation. He
didn't have the faintest idea about how he would escape, however, but he had to keep thinking he
would. Stopping the vampires from drinking blood and killing them that way would be rather
impossible. The only way he could really see himself extending his life in their company was to
keep his blood unclean in their eyes. While starving himself by refusing to eat seemed to be a
generally bad idea, there had to be other ways...
Vessel-- he scowled at the word, eyes searching the room. Hadn't there been a pen on the table?
He couldn't see it from the floor, and he didn't know if he would make it, and it certainly wouldn't
be pleasant, but neither would getting his blood sucked out of him be. "Are there more of your
kind? What do you call yourselves-- vampires?" The questions were a diversion, and suddenly
Levi was up on his feet, throwing himself towards the little table just where Erwin sat. There was
a pen - and even as he saw Erwin moving out of the corner of his eye - he grasped it and plunged
it without a moment's hesitation into his own arm, sharp nib first, gleaming black with ink, and
hopefully some more would leak out and mix with his blood.
---
Oh, he didn't like that? Of course the prideful humans didn't like to think of themselves as vessels -
rather they thought they were entitled to their lives and identities. Of course! Erwin had never
expected anything different - but it did become tedious, dealing with their quirks and habits. Erwin
had never kept a vessel nearby for more than the few days it took to clean their blood of whatever
filth they had soiled it with - tobacco passed fairly quickly, alcohol too - diseases sometimes
lingered long enough that it wasn't worth keeping the vessel alive. Mike was a brilliant ally in that
- without doubt he could tell who was suitable, if their blood was decent, if it was worth to keep
them alive for a bit longer. This once certainly was - his body strong, healthy though lacking
nutrition - something quite easily corrected. In three days or so, he would be ripe for the plucking,
and Erwin couldn't pretend he would not enjoy biting into that tender, pale skin.
Less than interested in chattering with the prisoner, he only lazily glanced up-- and even if he
reacted quickly, it was not quick enough. But he didn't go for Erwin's eyes, his throat or any other
vulnerable spot - no, he stabbed himself deep in the arm, tendrils of raven ink spilling out
alongside red blood. For a fraction of a second he stared in disbelief; and then he made the
connection. Snarling, he lurched forward, mechanic hand squeezing Levi's throat as the other
ripped the pen out, spilling ink and wasted blood across the floor. He didn't hold back, but rather
followed the motion through, slamming Levi backwards onto the floor and straddling him, knees
pinning each arm down, metal hand in a grip just loose enough to let the other breathe. He had
been fooled - and, oh, he did not enjoy that.
Chapter 4
The pain had him gasping, doubling over slightly, and for a moment he wondered if it had been
worth it. Surely, there would only be even more pain to come now, and it wouldn't be self-
inflicted. And the chances of them letting him go felt close to none, so now he either had seconds
left to live, or he'd bought himself a few extra days of pain and fear, depending on how patient
these creatures were, or how badly they wanted his blood. But he'd need those days. Sometimes,
one had to settle for very little, if it meant being able to survive for just another day.
The snarl was terrifying, coming from behind those sharp fangs, and yet from something so
human-looking, and Levi flinched back, much too slow, much too fragile and human, mind numb
with pain - and also fear once the metal fingers closed around his throat. He was going to die; for a
moment he was absolutely certain, and then he let out a choked cry, twitching wildly in the
vampires grip as he wrenched the pen out of his flesh, eyes wide with shock, fear and pain. His
back hit the floor and his head spun again - for about a second he thought he was going to faint as
the back of his head slammed against the floor, and then he almost wished he had. For a moment
he regretted what he'd just done, wondered if ending it all then and there would not be better, let
the bloodsucker kill him-- then he choked in a few breaths of air and looked up at the creature
above him, managing just barely to focus. And maybe the fear and pain and panic was starting to
drive him mad, but his eyes were dark, icy and yet triumphant, because yes, they both knew he'd
fooled the other just now, even if he was the one on the floor gasping for air and bleeding. He
wouldn't make it easy for them.
---
Ink in his blood. Ink! Erwin's gaze burned with anger, mechanic hand squeezing, merciless
around the other's throat. Still, he was aware enough to put pressure on the windpipe rather than
veins - not out of kindness, but because he was damn well going to have him alive. At first he had
been merely a convenient vessel, but now this had become a battle Erwin had to win. "I will
personally", he said, fingers cruelly digging into pale flesh, "drain you of blood. Every last drop,
while you grow too weak to move, to speak, too weak to even beg for mercy. You won't escape
this", he spat, yanking up the wrist still tied by the rope, and releasing Levi's throat to retie the
rope around the other - with none of the finesse from before, and too tight - it would harm him if
left on too long.
But anything to burn out the triumphant look in those eyes. Vaguely he registered footsteps
outside the door - Nanaba's. "Is it finished", he bit out roughly, half order and half question. Her
affirmative reply was muffled through the door, but clear enough in any case. Standing, he yanked
Levi with him by the rope around his wrists, all thoughts of hospitality far gone.
---
Just as sudden as the triumph in his eyes had appeared, it died away at the increasing lack of air,
and at Erwin's words, promising no escape and giving him no hope. But then buying himself time
had been his only plan, really, and now when he hopefully had some more of it, he could think of
another plan, while looking out for every opportunity to soil his blood further. He didn't regret
what he had done any longer, even as he ran out of air, choking and twisting his head desperately
to get some.
The yank on the rope had him twitching in Erwin's hold, his wrist and the open wound in his arm
both painful, but then suddenly all that mattered was that he could breathe again. He gasped in a
huge breath and then shook with several coughs, very little fight left in him as Erwin tied his
hands, rope digging into skin, leaving marks on already bruised skin. They'd have to take care of
him, though. Tend to his wound, feed him well; if Erwin intended to drink him dry, there would
be no point in him bleeding out or for his wound to get infected. But before that, there would
evidently be hell to pay for what he had done.
Yanked back to his feet by a wounded arm, he couldn't help but cry out, and he staggered rather
badly. He was still bleeding, blood soaking through his expensive clothes, but he tried to match
Erwin's steps to minimize the strain on his arm. Telling himself stubbornly that he'd had worse, he
clenched his teeth together and managed to keep quiet as he was dragged away, even though he
was quite unsteady on his feet.
---
It was petty, it was ridiculous and beneath him to engage in this fight - but if there was one thing
Erwin did not lack, it was determination. As he sat on a privileged position, with a stable fortune
and supply of blood, there were few challenges in his daily life. So when a mere human managed
to get under his skin, and to rouse his anger like few others could - well, then he would find his
challenge responded to. Erwin would not give in, if this so would be a week of nursing the human
back to decent enough health that he could drink him dry. He did not want to let to of a specimen
of such potential - and he did not let crimes go unpunished.
Nanaba stayed back, giving him a wide range - a wise decision. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she
looked at Levi - but also she couldn't help but sigh internally. How about not letting him move in
the first place, Erwin? But that sort of question was for later. She led the way, in relative silence,
to the appointed guest room. None of the extra measures, the bars and locks that made the
comfortable room a highly secure prison, were directly visible. There were no sharp or heavy
objects - the furniture was heavy, solid wood and soft padding. The bed large and luxurious -
except for the small detail of a metal cuff fastened with a chain to the foot of the bed. No, the thief
wouldn't escape this. The chain would allow him to the bathroom right by, and around the room,
but not further. Entering the room, Erwin grabbed Levi's wrists closer, mechanic arm thrusting out
to push him backwards onto the bed, and he just as quickly reaching to cuff his ankle firmly. He
didn't want to touch him for a moment longer than he had to, with his blood soiled like that.
---
Levi barely had time to take a look around the room that would be his prison before he was
pushed down on the bed, and for one short moment, his temper flared up again. With a somewhat
hoarse snarl - though nowhere near as animalistic as the vampire's had been - he wrenched his
wrists from Erwin's hold at the same time as he released them. But the pain it caused was very
effective in calming him right back down again, and there was no resistance from him as he was
chained to the bed. So this was where they kept their "vessels", was it? Levi had to wonder how
many poor souls had waited in here with no idea of what was awaiting them, but terrified all the
same. He was glad then, that he had the small privilege of knowing and being able to do
everything he could to prevent it from happening.
But for now, he was tired, exhausted from pain and shock - even though he was more used to
being awake at night than during the day, he wanted sleep. Of course, there was the wound that
needed to be taken cared of, and he would do it if they didn't, though he wasn't about to tell them
that. But while he might endure a lot to get out of this, he was not going to let himself get infected
or sick if he could avoid it.
---
The cuff snapped shut, locking without the need of a key - and Erwin immediately let go of the
soiled vessel. He wouldn't have been harmed by a bit of tobacco, really - that was mainly a matter
of taste. But ink? If it didn't posion Levi, it would him, if he drank too soon. And an infection in
human blood, where Erwin had none of his own to replace it... that might be very dangerous. Still
he knew that he could not possibly leave this man be - he had to be drained, for they could not
afford to let this information leak out. They could kill him, too - and it was most likely the wisest
course of action. But such defiance had to be corrected. He could not uphold his authority if he
became too soft with the humans - what would they think of him then? At least the thief didn't
seem too eager to fight. Two of his servants had remained by the door - low-ranking vampires, of
course, and well aware of his doings. "Fetch him something to clean up", said Erwin, voice
annoyed enough that one of them immediately moved to obey, while the other remained; all as
according to protocol.
For a moment he closed his eyes, collecting his emotions; he could not let this get out of hand. He
stepped closer to the door, knuckles turning white with his grip around the handle of the door.
"Clean it up", he said without giving him even a glance. "I have emptied vessels for centuries. The
woman you saw earlier felt no pain; rest assured that was purely because I wished it. There are far
worse ways, for those who continously try to rouse my temper."
---
He'd really struck a nerve with his actions. Levi couldn't help but feel some satisfaction at that
knowledge, both for the sake of just being difficult, as well as feeling a bit better for knowing that
he still had some power over these strong, powerful creatures. He followed Erwin with his gaze,
eyes on his retreating back after glancing once at the servants, increasingly bothered by not
knowing if they were vampires as well, or humans working for them, sworn to secrecy for one
reason or another. Maybe they had sold their souls to these demons in exchange for something, if
such a thing was possible. Levi didn't know, but no longer found it improbable.
He blinked slowly, almost lazily, too exhausted to put any attitude into his voice, which was
hoarse from being strangled. "Why whould I?" he asked, pausing for only a moment before he
continued. "I'd much rather bleed to death or get infected and sick than let you have my blood.
And there are always worse ways, but I don't care much for neither your threats nor your temper,
old man." He had said centuries just now, so he really was one. And while Levi might be lying -
might, because if he found no other way out, he would probably rather kill himself than give this
man the satisfaction of draining him of blood - but he would clean his wound as soon as they
untied the ropes and left him alone. But if he had no strength left to fight physically, he could
always do it with words, to prove that he had in no way given up, and that he still intended to
keep fighting.
---
"Then die, if you will." It would be best to leave now, leave and let him be, this too-clever, too-
quick creature. "But I doubt you can bring your own hand to harm yourself, after writhing like a
worm under mine." A glance over his shoulder, one eyebrow raised. His gaze grew colder; age
was no insult in itself, but the disrespect, the endless tirade of words, the lack of fear in the face of
danger. "And if we find you do not fear death, we do not lack other methods. Is it pain that you
fear? Isolation? A loved one harmed?" The maid returned, and Erwin waved for her to set the
supplies down at the small table by the bed.
"Undo those yourself", he said, nodding to Levi's wrists. "You were able to before; two dead
hands might make killing yourself slightly more difficult, see. Oh - maybe I should break your
fingers?" Erwin's tone had shifted from hostile to genuinely curious, as he weighed his options.
"That wouldn't cause your blood harm, but keep you safe, wouldn't it?" His mechanic hand
shifted experimentally.
---
He had a good point, Levi thought bitterly. Perhaps he didn't necessarily fear death, but neither did
he want to die, and he probably wouldn't kill himself, would probably convince himself that if he
didn't get out, it would at least be better to go down fighting, to the very last moment. Suicide
would mean he'd given up, and he would never. Every second was always worth living. Some
consolation was to be found in that those loved ones would probably be safe-- Erwin had not
known him before tonight, very few knew each other's names in his line of work, and they could
break every bone in his body without him giving them any names, of that he was confident. And
now, instead of admitting that he would indeed take care of the wound himself, and instead of
letting the other's threats get to him, he settled for a small twist of his hands, not bothering to hide
the wince it caused.
"I can't." he snarled, resisting the urge to cough. "Your biggest leech lackey gave me a length of
rope to work with before, but if you want me to get infected and die, then leave it. Makes it a little
easier for me, I suppose. And why are you still asking me questions when you're so clearly the
one in charge? Break my fingers - it's not like I can stop you. But then you clearly enjoy hurting
those who can't defend themselves." He wasn't entirely sure why he kept talking, why he made it
worse for himself. Except maybe he wasn't, because it was really as bad as it could be at this
point. Sure they could add a little pain as well as take some away, make him fear them even more,
make him panic again and perhaps even beg for mercy, but it wouldn't change his situation much
at all.
---
"So melodramatic", muttered Erwin. "Reminds me of the opera; overplayed, terrible taste and
soon to die out." A look of distaste as he looked Levi over. "Well then, by all means. If you would
rather see your hands grow numb and blue, give up. If not, think of something clever. This is your
own doing, greedy little thief." Erwin was tired, full, and had no patience for whined complaints.
The knot was a rather simple one, and his hands tied in front - he could damn well use his teeth.
Erwin suspected he wouldn't get him to beg prettily so early on, like some other vessels had. "Hurt
others - you say that as if it is something to feel shame for, thief." A smile entirely void of humour,
as Erwin stepped out to slam the door shut. He couldn't stand the thought of the thief one moment
longer, or he might go mad. The door locked, he realised he would need Mike's help if he were
ever to clear his mind tonight. And with fresh blood, spirits roused, he saw no reason to keep his
bed to himself this night.
---
Levi bristled slightly - he had a name - but remained on the bed. Perhaps he'd have to give it up
for just a few hours, take some comfort in being alone, take care of his injuries, rest his hoarse
throat for a while, and try to get some sleep, even if there would be nightmares. And so he said no
more, only glared until the door slammed shut and he heard the double locks clicking. Why that
was even necessary with the chain most likely preventing him from reaching the door at all, he
didn't really understand, but then perhaps they didn't always chain up their victims-- vessels. Levi
scowled, then brought his wrists to his mouth to bite the rope off. Since he'd refrained from
tugging at the bonds too much, the knots was still rather loose, and soon enough blood flowed
back into his hands and fingers as he removed it completely and placed it on the bedside table,
briefly wondering what would happen if one tried to strangle a vampire.
He stood up, even as his body screamed for him to just lie down and sleep, and carefully
unbuttoned tailcoat, waistcoat and shirt before removing them. The waistcoat was the only one
still free from bloodstains, and so he left it hanging on the bedpost at the foot of the bed while he
put the rest by the locked door. The constant tinkling of the chain as he moved about did nothing
to make him feel better, and he did not look forward to trying to sleep with it; the sound was
bound to startle him awake every time he moved.
The wound from the pen was small but deep, the skin around it stained with blood and ink. He
cleaned it in the bathroom, hands trembling slightly, and while he got rid of most of the blood, the
ink stuck, and for a moment he simply stared at the discoloured skin, heartbeat speeding up
slightly. He wouldn't be able to get it out. It would fade, but for now there was nothing he could
do. Leave it. Don't look at it. The maid had brought bandages, and he quickly but carefully
wrapped his arm up, snug but not too tight, perhaps covering a larger area than he actually had to
while trying to divert his thoughts elsewhere, like hoping desperately he wouldn't get any
symptoms of ink poisoning, because he frankly felt terrible enough as it was. He cleaned his
swollen lip and the rest of his face free of blood, washed his hands two, three, four times before he
managed to stop, and then left for the bed. At least it was blessedly soft and warm and with sheets
fresh and clean, and he crawled beneath the blanket and curled up on his uninjured arm. He was
out in seconds, even if he had a few rather horrible hours of disrupted sleep and nightmares filled
with all manners of bloodsucking creatures ahead of him.
---
Mike's hands had since long stilled on his shoulders as he became lost in conversation, but
Nanaba's small, nimble fingers still worked over his mechanic arm. A fine cloth, oil, thin pointed
tools and picks; her gaze was intent on her work, and unlike Mike's, her touch entirely
professional. Erwin could impossibly reach every little screw and link by himself - and in order for
it not to rust, it needed regular attention. This had become something of a habit after feeding; they
would tend to one another, find some comfort in their shared company. Because however cruel
towards defiant thieves, however merciless with their vessels, they did not lack emotion. It took its
toll - their state was a both a curse and unprecedented power. Deep down, they were not above a
certain need for intimacy. And while Nanaba's hands had never touched Erwin's flesh for more
than practical reasons, he trusted none as much as her to keep his hand in good condition. She and
Mike shared rooms, however - and often enough Mike woke instead in Erwin's bed, for one
reason or another. There was little love spoken between them, but more felt, in their odd ways.
"You should kill him", said she, ever practical. "Feed his blood to the river instead, soiled as it is."
But Erwin shook his head, frowning faintly. "I will drain him; if not by my teeth, then I will set a
spile in his throat and watch the light die down in his eyes. If I let him run--" Mike's hands
squeezed the muscle of his tense shoulders, and Erwin forced them to relax as the taller man once
again found a steady rhythm. "I cannot. Killing him now would mean defeat."
---
Nightmares, and plenty of them, caused Levi to wake again and again, gasping and haunted by
shadows with red eyes, dark patterns spreading across his skin, a constant clinking of metal in the
background that he was always uncertain about if it was in his mind or came from the chain as he
twisted around. Sometimes, he would end up lying on his injured arm, and every time he woke
up, it was accompanied by a rising sense of nausea that he never allowed himself to give in to.
The night passed, though Levi couldn't tell; the dark curtains effectively shut out any daylight and
he was too exhausted to get up and pull them away. Just as he was about to doze off once again,
those metal fingers curled, claw-like and terrifying, just beside his head, and he startled awake,
twisting wildly and then sitting up, only then realising that it was only the locks in the door
clicking. There was little comfort to be found in that, however, although once the door opened the
woman outside was not one he recognised. And she might have looked friendly, were it not for
the scrutinising look in her eyes behind her glasses and slight grin that showed off her fangs. She
was wearing men's clothes, trousers and a waistcoat without a jacket, shirt sleeves rolled up to her
elbows, and her brown hair only partly pulled back, messy and looking like it might need a wash.
Levi curled his fingers into the blanket, wary and ready to fight if he had to.
"None of that." Her words were straightforward, as was everything about her, and she was at his
bedside in seconds, hands impossibly strong yet not too rough, almost gentle as she grabbed for
his arm. "You have my word on that I won't hurt you, as long as you cooperate. I'm going to
check on your wound, not eat you, because your blood smells like shit at the moment, to be
honest. Of all the crazy things to do, why did you have to go and stab yourself with a pen..." She
kept talking as she unwrapped the bandages, and Levi promptly turned his head away to not have
to watch the stained skin, managing to keep still and silent as she prodded at his sore arm. He felt
her dab something wet and cold against the wound, and he twitched and turned just in time to see
his own skin seal up, still discoloured with black ink, but with no trace of any injury, not even the
faintest of scars. But-- he'd seen it just a few hours ago, it had been deep and-- and the bruise
around his wrist was gone as well. "Vampire blood." the woman told him, smiling her dangerous
smile. "Some of mine. Don't tell Erwin. Though I guess he's going to notice, but I'll deal with
that."
---
Erwin slept easily, if only because he needed to rest his mind for a bit. Techincally he did not need
to - but feeding had a tendency of making him a little sleepy, and it was a good way to calm his
mind. Acting in anger rarely helped - this situation had become something like a game to be
played out. A bit of a challenge - something he rarely experienced nowadays. But Mike's body
was heavy and solid beside him, and Nanaba's light snoring audible from the other side of the bed,
where she had curled into the other man. They and Hanji were his closest, and he knew better
than to ignore their advice. But this was different, somehow personal. When Erwin woke, after
quite a few hours, Nanaba was already up - and if he knew Mike, he might remain for an
indefinite amount of time if he wasn't woken.
As it was the weekend, Erwin had no appointments beyond a visit to the gardens tomorrow
afternoon; he might as well see to his most recently aquired vessel. He dressed in a more relaxed
manner; trousers, shirt and a blue velvet vest, watch in his pocket, shirt sleeve pinned back to
reveal his arm. He hid it, of course, around finer company; here there was no need. And if the
sight of it helped keep the thief under control, all the better. He had walked down the corridor,
turning towards the guest room-- and found the door unlocked. For a moment, cold anger surged
through him; had he escaped? Oh, he would-- but then he heard voices, a soft clink of metal. The
damned... "Hanji!", he barked, slamming the door shut behind him as he entered the room. "What
in the world..."
---
Levi wrenched his arm out of the woman's grasp, holding it to his chest in a protective manner for
a few seconds before he tore his accusing eyes away from her face to look down at where the
wound had been seconds ago. Torn between horror and being grateful, he finally settled on
irritation. She had no right to do such a thing without asking him; he was tired of these creatures
doing whatever the hell they wanted just because they could. And now he had no excuse to cover
up the skin with bandages, and he refused to wear the bloodied shirt. "I want clean clothes." he
muttered, finding his voice a little less hoarse today, if not entirely recovered. "And I thought
you'd give me food, fatten me up or something like that."
"Only your blood, so to speak." the woman shrugged, still in an annoyingly good mood despite
more or less discussing his impending death. "But you could use some fattening up too,
admittedly, even if you're going to die. I'll see what I can--" She quickly fell silent at the sound of
Erwin's voice, turning towards him with a rather angelic smile while Levi tensed up again, and
then shrugged once more. "Heard Braun talking about your new little vessel, and I got curious. I
gave him some of my blood too because frankly - I get why he might have deserved a rough night
or two, but you're not gonna get his blood any faster by letting him get infected. But-- I'll leave
you to it, now. And send for breakfast, because someone is going to have to remember that he
needs to eat a lot more frequently than we do." She slipped past Erwin and out the door with a
small nod of the head, the only show of respect so far, and then she was gone.
Levi was still on the bed, curled up slightly but ready to spring into action, eyes wary on Erwin.
He felt a little less tired now, though he wasn't going to pick a fight unless Erwin attacked him,
knowing that would get him nowhere. The woman - Hanji - had made it sound as if Erwin
wouldn't like his wound being healed, but that had been her fault, and he should damn well not
have to suffer for it.
---
No one but Hanji would have dared such a stunt; Mike and Nanaba were no mindless servants,
but they wouldn't offer a challenge without meaning it. Hanji, however - she had always been like
this. Rash, wilful, disrespectful; sometimes even openly challenging him, a few times in company.
But she was good, competent and fiercely loyal - whenever the situation called for it, she was fully
focused. These moments, however, made him doubt that, if only for a moment. He glared after her
for a moment - but he would deal with her later.
The vessel seemed properly wary. A good start. "Good morning", said Erwin, as pleasantly as he
would have addressed an equal. "I hope you have slept well - rest can do wonders for the taste."
A grin, less out of happiness than need to seem in control. A bit of triumph, too - at least he had
not escaped yet. "Ah-- breakfast." Two others vampires entered, working quickly to set out
breakfast for Levi by the small table next to the bed. As there was a guest in the house, it had no
doubt been prepared in advance, to be served so quickly.
---
The pleasantries seemed to mirror Erwin's personality perfectly; polite and gentlemanly at first, to
then turn completely into a fully-fledged threat. And so, Levi did not bother to soften the cold,
hateful glare he answered with in the slightest. "No, I slept like shit, and I will most likely continue
to do so while I'm under your roof." His arm no longer hurt though, and after seeing Hanji so
openly mouthing off to this man, he did feel a bit better. Even if she had been a vampire as well,
and so readily accepting of his death at the hands of her kin, it was uplifting to see someone not
acting like a beaten dog in Erwin's presence. It made him slightly less intimidating, maybe a bit
more human.
Breakfast arrived, and it was every bit as splendid as dinner had been last night. There were
scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, bread with different marmalades and jams, as well as meat;
bacon, sausages and beef cut into perfect, thin slices, with tea and fresh milk to drink. Levi would
have been ever so grateful had he not known of the ill intent behind it, but he still ate once the
maids had left, trying to ignore Erwin's constant staring. He was trying to scare him, probably, and
Levi wouldn't let him, at least not by such simple means. The food was delicious, and at least he
did not have to worry about it being poisoned even if he was the only one to eat it. Of course,
there was no way he'd manage to eat it all, seeing as it was a lot of food and he wasn't used to
eating as much as half of it, but he ate until he was full and then pushed the plate away. By then, a
servant had arrived and silently placed a clean set of clothes at the foot of the bed before just as
silently leaving again.
---
Hanji-- he would have to speak to that woman. Her casual manners around him, the outright
defiance and disregard of his orders had clearly affected the thief's opinion of him. But anger
meant a lack of control - he would remain calm, but no less threatening. And while he waited for
his vessel to feed himself - at least he didn't protest that - he settled down to watch. Head tilted just
slightly to the side, he watched the other eat, gaze focused, not even blinking. The man ate with
such obvious enthusiasm, that Erwin could not help but miss... Not the taste, because he had not
lost his senses. But the satisfaction, the erasure of a good, honest meal. Drinking was something
completely different - a deep, feral urge. There was none of that for him now; little pleasures such
as afternoon tea, long forgotten. But he could enjoy this, at some level.
As he finished, seemingly quite content and with none of the manners he had pretended at
yesterday, he shoved his plate away, as if this was some cheap tavern in a port. "You are
welcome", he said in a low voice, one eyebrow faintly raised. "Yesterday you were quite capable
of decent manners, but now it seems they have entirely disappeared."
---
Ignoring Erwin, Levi's eyes went to the clothes left at the foot of the bed once he was done eating,
debating on whether he should move to get them, and have to get closer to the vampire, even if
only for a moment. Worth the chance, perhaps, to further show he was no longer afraid. He was -
of course his fear from yesterday had not disappeared overnight - but Erwin didn't need to know
it. And so he pushed the blanket away, moved to grab the pile of clothes, and pulled it towards
him at the top of the bed, trying to not appear rushed. He picked the shirt up and looked it over,
and then pulled it on, buttoning it and smoothing out the sleeve where his wound had been, and
where the stained skin still was. At least now he could no longer see it, though his gaze lingered
there for a moment, brow furrowed, and then forced his attention back to Erwin.
"I don't see the point in being polite to people who want to kill me." he bit back. "And you
wouldn't bother feeding me at all if it wasn't to make my blood more to your sickening tastes, so
I'm damn well not going to thank you for it. I'm just eating so that I'll have strength enough to fight
back and escape once I get the chance. Besides, I'm no gentleman, just a common thief from the
streets. Some fucking shit tastes you've got."
---
"Give him a finger and he takes the whole hand", muttered Erwin pointedly. He would keep this
an exception, and his ordinary vessels the rule. Only a few times before had he kept a vessel by
for more than a day; and those times, they had easily given in to fear. Some came with threats at
first, but succumbed to pleading far more quickly than his one. They offered riches, titles, other
potential victims; Erwin had never let himself be swayed. Of course he could later use whatever
information they blabbered at him in hope to escape - but he always followed through with his
plans.
"You complain about my tastes, yet happily eat meat that is long since dead, cut from animals who
sleep in their own filth? No, humans were never too clever. Short-sighted, though; it is as if you
forget all that has happened, and fail to realise your actions have consequences." Perhaps he
should dry this one out bit by bit? A little drink each morning, merely a mouthful - see him
weaken, lose his defiance? Perhaps.
---
Levi shuddered most involuntarily at Erwin's choice of words-- ridiculous of course, the meat was
clean even if the animals were not, and he would never eat anything that he thought was ruined or
carried disease. He glared once again in Erwin's direction, wondering what he was even doing
there if he couldn't drink his blood at the moment, and he had to swallow down the rising bile in
his throat at the thought of those fangs piercing his skin and slowly draining him of blood. Would
he go for his neck too, or was that not mandatory? It seemed very intimate, and just the thought of
having this man and his terrifying metal hand so close to him stirred up all the fear from the
previous night all over again. Levi hated it, hated Erwin for it, hated that he still had no idea of
how he was going to escape any of it.
"Weren't you a human once, too?" he snapped, hiding his fear behind anger. "Isn't that how it
works? You're just some ghost clinging to this pathetic excuse of a life where you have to devour
other human lives to survive; if that isn't sickening, I don't know what is."
---
"Enough", growled Erwin, patience suddenly slipping from his hands. Remaining calm was one
thing - accepting this entirely another. His metal fingers clicked against the surface of the table as
he turned towards Levi. "One more insult, and I'll have you chained to a wall, food forced down
your throat." His gaze was hard, unforgiving; this time there were no superfluous, sadistic
descriptions - but a simple, honest threat. To let him live here might have been a mistake - he
clearly did not appreciate the comforts offered. So if he dared spit out another insult, no matter
how petty or ridiculous, Erwin would haul him down to the basement levels by the throat an leave
him there to think for a bit. "Is that understood, vessel?" the last was little more than a hiss, Erwin's
teeth clicking together as he closed his mouth to wait for a reply.
---
Sensitive topic that, was it? Had he struck a nerve? There was a small gleam of triumph in Levi's
eyes, yet it disappeared at once as the threats started coming, and Levi could not help but shrink
back slightly. That would give him even less chance of escaping, and he had very little doubt that
Erwin wouldn't follow through and do exactly what he said he would. He'd seen him do worse
already, after all.
Levi opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it again, giving one stiff nod of his head
while holding back every curse and hint at how he wanted to throw himself forward and wrap his
fingers - or the rope left on the bedside table - around the vampire's neck and squeeze the life out
of him. Though he doubted that was possible, unfortunately. What was it they did in the stories - a
stake through the heart? Maybe he could manage to break one of the legs off the table, once Erwin
had left. For now though, he lowered his gaze, mostly so Erwin wouldn't see the hate and
defiance there and decide it was enough insult to go through with his threat.
---
That got to him. Perhaps Erwin should be more realistic and direct in his threats from now on. Or
even drag him down there and chain him up without further explaining? He could do that - but it
seemed the other was quite aware of his ability to, and that was really all that he needed. "I shall
pretend you asked me in a polite and respectful manner, then, vessel." His form of address was
anything but that - but they were not equals, and they would not ever be. "I was human once, yes,
as were we all. Short-sighted and rash, before I turned, just like the rest." A sigh, the soft click of
his watch as he opened and closed it. "Some sun will do you good. Pull away the curtains." It was
as much of a test as an order... And perhaps he enjoyed this game a bit, too.
Levi stiffened, shoulders tense, and it took every ounce of willpower he had not to retort with
something every bit as disrespectful as what Erwin was saying. Oh, he was allowed to insult
humans and everything about them, but not the other way around? And then he had the audacity
to-- no. Levi might not be there of his own free will, but neither was he a slave, and he was not
going to let Erwin use him as one if there was another choice available. He had servants for that.
He swallowed, taking a few seconds before he said anything, making sure his voice was as calm
and steady as he could make it and keeping his eyes lowered. "I am not-- your slave. Don't treat
me as one." At any moment, he expected to feel those unrelenting metal fingers close around his
throat, and then all chance of freedom would be lost, if it wasn't already. But while Levi was used
to taking shit from people who considered themselves above him, he had very, very rarely let it
pass, and he wasn't going to let it now either, no matter how afraid he might be.
---
It was no insult per se; but rarely did those who made the rules have to follow them. This needed
not be an exception. He rose, motions slow and predatory as he approached the other. "Do I need
to repeat myself? Just before it seemed quite clear." His hand clicked gently, cogs turning, tugging
on wire connected to a spring, the polished metal of his fingers curling lightly. "Do these look like
a slave's quarters? Did that taste like a slave's breakfast? You wouldn't have lasted a day in their
shoes, vessel. Or lack of them. It is a simple enough task; obey." He had approached, but stilled
slowly, gazing down on Levi , cold eyes once again blue.
---
His heartbeat raced at once, hands curling in his lap and body tensing, ready to spring into a battle
he surely would lose and end up hurt in. He'd not been this scared of anyone in a very long time,
and it was certainly not pleasant. But slowly, he raised his head, forcing his eyes to steadily meet
the other's - and finding them a little less scary now when they weren't red, more human. Maybe
he could fool himself into pretending Erwin was.
But no - not with that hand and the sounds it made, every little click and movement startling Levi
enough to either twitch or blink, wanting to turn to it and keep track of what exactly it was doing.
But he didn't. Instead, he turned away completely, slipped off the bed and went over to the
window - chain clinking gently with every other step - and sharply tugged the curtains apart
before he returned to the bed, trembling slightly with quiet rage as sunlight flooded the room. But
the sooner Erwin was satisfied and left, the sooner Levi would be able to try and break that table
apart and get himself a stake.
---
Victory at last. Erwin's voice sounded sarcastic even in his own head - he was cowed for now,
frightened into obeying that particular order, and while it was an improvement, Erwin did not
doubt he would try to run as soon as he saw an opportunity. This room had held hundreds of
people - but this was a thief, too. He would keep the hounds alert - and the dogs, too. Not that
they were much different - his youngest vampires, turned just very recently, had that function.
Find and retrieve, keep watch and serve, and in return receive knowledge, experience, protection
and morsels from the higher-ranked's table. More than that - they drank as much as thy needed. He
had no us for weakened vampires. But they kept order by the way of a strict chain of command -
not out of cruelty, but necessity.
"Save me the trouble next time", said Erwin, gazing down on Levi. "If you always surrender as
soon as I move a finger, defiance is merely a waste of time." And so was this - he had better things
to do. "Behave. I'll be back later."
Chapter 5
Levi kept his head down, knowing he would most likely lose his temper if he looked up, and he
could not afford that now. Erwin's words left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he hadn't surrendered,
if the vampire had only known what he was planning... Of course, such thoughts were only to
help him through with some pride left. Oh, he'd break the table, alert someone back with the noise
and hope it was Erwin, who most likely had the key to the chain around his ankle, stab him with
the stake and hope it worked, find the key and then be off. But that was all he had, and he knew it
was foolish to even begin to think it would actually work. But it was his only chance, and so he
would take it.
He bowed his head down further, not quite a nod but close enough, and then stayed that way until
he heard the vampire leave and the locks clicking. Then he was up on his feet at once, dragging
the blanket with him to the floor and as quietly as possible moving the chain to rest on top of it so
that it would make less noise as he moved about. He didn't know how good a vampire's hearing
was, but if they could smell blood, their other senses would probably be better than a human's as
well. He pulled on his old waistcoat from yesterday and stepped into his shoes, then went over to
the table to gently tip it on its side and lift it. One deep breath, and then he slammed it to the floor
with all his strength, and there was a deafening but very satisfying sound of wood breaking as the
two legs closest to the floor snapped. He'd done it now, and there was absolutely no going back.
The impromptu stakes were jagged and uneven at the broken end, but certainly sharp enough to
pierce skin, and Levi took a hold of them both as he moved to stand just beside the door, no
longer bothering to silence the sound the chain made, since the breaking table had probably been
audible to the whole mansion. He leaned back against the wall for a moment, fear making his head
spin, but determination keeping him going, unable to not think that he would most likely be dead
in maybe about a minute, but then at least he'd tried.
---
The lock closed with a satisfying click; the vessel was properly subdued for now. Not as much as
he would have preferred, but it was a temporary solution. Just long enough for his blood to clean
out. Hanji, however... She was not leaving any time soon, and so he would have to speak to her.
Disagreeing in private and disobeying in public were two very different things. And Erwin, whose
rule over his branch of vampires was already somewhat unconventional, could not afford having
his authority undermined in such trivial matters. "Hanji", he addressed her firmly, gesturing
sharply for her to follow as he passed her office, the door open as always.
Mike had given up hope of tricking Nanaba back into bed. He had dressed, gazing shamelessly at
her as she did the same; in more practical trousers and shirt, now that no guests were around. He
certainly didn't mind seeing the way the trousers clung to her ass - and she indulged him
sometimes, when she felt playful. This morning she seemed to have little patience for it, however -
and so he left her alone. But just as he passed through the corridor, there was a horrible crash -
from the guest room. Had Erwin tired of the defiant thief already? He was near a chuckle, but then
ha glanced towards the door - only to find it locked from the outside. Had he breached the
window? Fuck. He slammed his fist into the door to alert the other of his presence. "What are you
doing? Fuck-- Erwin!"
---
Hanji was sitting at the top of her desk as Erwin passed, and she didn't need to look up to know
that he was telling her to follow. She rolled her eyes, but put down the book and hurried to catch
up up with him. She had some respect for him, certainly, he was the oldest out of all of them
except Mike, and exceptionally strong and powerful. She would never step over than invincible
line that would make him her enemy, but neither was she afraid to push the limits once in a while,
because she had faith enough in him to believe he wouldn't kill her. Killing a vampire took a lot of
effort, even for another vampire, and Erwin knew she was so much more valuable to him alive. "I
only gave him the tiniest drop of blood to avoid an infection, it wasn't enough to make him
stronger or anything like that, I made sure of it... You've no right to chastise me for it, and I just--"
She fell quickly silent at the crash, coming to an abrupt stop, eyes questioning on the other
vampire. But when she heard Mike, she couldn't help but grin, just a little. "Oh, I rather like him.
Please don't kill him yet, I'd like just a tiny taste of that spirit of his..."
Wrong dog. Levi clenched his teeth together, pushing himself further against the wall, forcing
himself to breathe evenly and remain calm-- he was calling for Erwin, it would all work out. He
had two stakes, he could take two vampires, couldn't he? But that was a bit too optimistic, he had
to admit, but there was no going back now. He remained close to the wall, silent and refusing to
answer Mike's question.
---
"The amount of blood is entirely irrelevant - it is the principle, Hanji, and you know that--" he
stopped just as abruptly, turning with a furious look towards the way they had just walked down.
"The little--"
No matter how annoyed with Hanji, he did not for a moment hesitate to turn his back towards her
as he moved, steps long and deliberate, back towards the guest room. Oh, he would fucking drain
him, no matter the taste. Such utter disrespect - it was unbelievable. But Mike was here,
gesturing I don't know with a hand still on the handle. Erwin plucked the key from his pocket,
pushing it into the lock but not turning it just yet. Damn it, they should have put him in the
basement right away! Had he escaped? It was much too quiet. "Vessel", he hissed through the
door, mechanic hand denting the handle of the door. "This is the last fucking drop." The key
turned, and Erwin all but slammed the door open in his haste.
---
Levi waited, and he did not have to wait long. He tensed as he heard the key slide into the door,
forced himself away from the wall to stand at the ready, stakes held steady, one in each hand.
Such a clumsy weapon-- could it really be more effective than a knife? But it made just about as
much sense as these vampires and everything about them did, so just maybe it was worth a try. He
flinched slightly at Erwin's sudden hiss, but then only grasped the stake tighter, tensing, ready to
lunge forward as soon as that door opened. He knew it was his first, last and only chance, he
didn't need some fucking leech telling him.
The door slammed open, and Levi barely bothered looking up to confirm that it was Erwin-- but it
was, and both Michael and Hanji was behind him, and that was one more vampire than he had
any hopes of taking down. But he was small and fast, and still didn't hesitate before he plunged
the stake into Erwin's chest where his heart should be - because if this was it, he sure as hell was
going to go down fighting, and not cowering on a bed while taking orders from a bloodsucker.
---
He should have known it. As soon as he had opened the door, time seemed to slow down for a
moment; there was a flash of motion, dark wood in Levi's hand - far more clever than he had
expected. A makeshift stake, sharp and wood and aimed for his heart. Erwin moved, mechanic
hand curling into a fist aimed at Levi's temple, but he wasn't quick enough, not quite, and wood
pierced skin, drew blood, and--
A heavy weight slammed into his side, and Erwin crashed into the wall as Mike surged forward.
The stake, thrust forward with considerable force, slid along his rib, dislodged as Mike and then
Hanji jumped the thief.
---
He didn't even have time to use the other stake. There was blood, of that much he was certain,
before Michael crashed into him, huge and impossibly strong, while two smaller but no less strong
hands grabbed for his wrist and twisted it until the other stake clattered to the floor. But Hanji
didn't stop, her fingertips digging into skin with frightening expertise, nudging and pressing
against bone. And then there was only pain, white-hot and blinding, all the way from his fingertips
to his shoulder. He cried out, his back hitting the floor, eyes tearing slightly as Hanji still held his
wrist, but much lighter now, and yet with her fingers prodding very gently in just the right places
for the pain to never fade. It was absolutely nothing short of torture, but Levi certainly got the hint,
and stopped struggling, his quick breathing, faint trembling and racing heartbeat the only
movement he made.
---
It hurt - it hurt like fuck, and Erwin knew that had been far too close, too dangerous. The wound,
an open gash across his heart, bled sluggishly, but pain seated through him in waves. Nausea hit
him, and for a moment he had to still, mechanic hand curling around the doorframe, splitting wood
under the force of his grip. Hanji had him-- clever, brilliant Hanji - and Mike stood by, fuming
with anger. No doubt had the second stake been intended for another one of them - two of them
might have died, here, at the hands of a thief.
His flesh hand ran over the wound, where blood had spilled out over his shirt. He had the guts to--
there hadn't been a plan behind this, had there? A whim, a spur of the moment? A sudden, throaty
laugh escaped him as he glanced down at Levi where he lay under Hanji's grip. "Fuck", he hissed,
for a moment at a loss for words. "You have some guts."
---
Levi expected to be killed at any second, or at least hit unconscious, but he was evidently not
getting away that easily, and a part of him was a little grateful for it, because he wanted to live,
something that should be very obvious to them all at that point. But another part of him was
starting to wish for an end to it, and Hanji's incessant prodding at his dislocated wrist certainly
didn't make things better. A quiet whimper and a slight push against her other hand where it rested
over his throat earned him another, tighter squeeze around his wrist; and he gasped and let his
hand fall back to the floor beside him. Fuck-- he hated them all.
But he looked up as Erwin spoke, watching the blood that had spilled down his shirt and
waistcoat, dark red against blue, and he felt some satisfaction. The vampire was clearly shaken -
perhaps stakes really did work and he'd just barely missed the heart? - much more than he had
been when stabbed with the knife the night before. "I won't surrender." he mumbled, as Hanji's
fingers stilled for a while, letting him speak without those small gasps of pain, but always ready to
tighten her grip again should Levi say something she considered inappropriate. "And certainly not
to you."
---
"Hold him, Mike", ordered Erwin almost gently, nodding to Levi's free hand. "Better to let Hanji
use her expertise", he said, breathing slightly unsteady due to the pain, the stake far too close to his
heart. A little blood, soiled or not, would help with the damage. And far more important, it was an
unmistakable sign of power. The thief blabbered on, big words and fancy phrases he wouldn't live
up to in the end, and Erwin kicked him almost casually in the side to shut him up. Hanji held one
hand in a seemingly quite terrible grip, Mike pushed down on the other. And Erwin, with slow
and deliberate motions, knelt down to straddle Levi's thighs. He was small, wasn't he? It would be
a bit tricky to get to his throat properly. By now, he was sure even the vessel had understood his
intentions. He grasped his hair in his left hand, wrenching it to the side.
"Surrender", he said slowly, as if tasting the word. "No, you're not ready for that quite yet. But I
don't need your surrender now, vessel." Cold metal fingers trailed down the line of his bared
throat, squeezing briefly, testing his pulse. "I only need to feed." And so he leaned forward,
licking briefly over his throat before viciously sinking his fangs into the vulnerable flesh.
---
For once short, confused moment Levi wondered who Mike was; then Michael grabbed his arm
and held it steadily to the floor, and Levi stopped wondering. The kick to his side had him curling
up slightly in an instinctive move to protect himself, but there was nowhere to go, Hanji's hand
leaving his throat to push against his shoulder instead, and there was Erwin, kneeling down,
getting closer, pinning him to the floor. For a moment, Levi stopped breathing, then twisted wildly
against the others hold, pain in his wrist be damned, and for a few seconds he seemed to forget
that they were all so much stronger than he was, that he might as well have pushed against rock
for all the good it did. There was a hiss from Hanji, terrifying and animalistic as she dug her
fingers into his wrist, at the same time as Erwin grabbed at his hair and forced his head to the side,
and Levi could do nothing but whimper at the pain, breathing quick and uneven as cold dread
settled over him. He was going to end up like that woman, he knew it as soon as he felt those
metal fingers against his throat, shuddering as they squeezed tighter, and then closing his eyes as
Erwin leaned down, not wanting to watch.
A tongue at first, brief but no less unwelcome, obscene and so misplaced and seemingly intimate
that Levi tried to shudder away from it, but it was gone just as quickly, replaced by the vampire's
oddly cold breath for but a second or two, and then came the dreaded fangs. It was every bit as
painful as he had imagined it to be, the searing like tiny knives piercing flesh at first the only thing
he could feel. But then as he actually became aware of that Erwin was indeed drinking from him;
big, long gulps of blood leaving his body-- then the slight lightheadedness set in at once, and all
his thoughts seemed to come to an abrupt stop. Maybe it was shock that did it, but he had no idea
how much time had passed - mere seconds or several minutes? - before he slowly parted his lips,
opening his eyes just a little but unable to focus on anything, and then letting out a small, weak
sound of protest. "Stop..."
---
It was an undeniable thrill; the defiant thief, and attempted murderer, flat on the floor beneath him,
with nowhere to escape. He could struggle, but they held him - he could not even kick, with
Erwin straddling his thighs. It was obscene, his vulnerability - almost intimate. Fangs buried deep,
he waited for only a moment before he took the first swallow. The blood tasted bitter, sour - none
of the deep, sweet metallic taste of healthy blood. But beneath it - beneath the bitterness was a
strength, a potential - like a winemaker could taste a grape and tell it would make a great wine if
given a few years in a cellar, the thief tasted as if he could be quite a good meal. But it would only
take days, rather than years, in the cellar.
And so, having had the taste of that potential, he took another swallow, and another. Originally he
had intended merely a couple, to show his power - but now he became lost in a greedy haze,
drinking more and more. It was not until he heard that voice, a weak little "stop", that he became
aware of his actions. How much had he drained? Not more than that he could still speak. He bit
down harder to retaliate against the defiance - and he took another swallow before he pulled back.
But he had been careless, and Levi bled still, wasting blood. In a spur of the moment, he slid his
flesh fingers through the wound on his own chest, smearing a bit of his own blood across the bite
marks.
---
The razors dug deeper into his skin, and Levi gasped between clenched teeth while any further
protest died in his throat. Another swallow - he really was going to drain him dry, wasn't he? - and
then he pulled away. Levi didn't move as Erwin's hand released his hair, barely stirred as
something cold was smeared across his neck that he didn't want to know what it was. But he
could guess, as the slight stinging stopped, and the lingering nausea rose in his throat. Filthy
blood, even if a vampire's couldn't carry disease, Levi still found it disgusting.
Hanji's fingers pressed against his wrist again; Levi only twitched and gasped as whatever bone
she had dislodged earlier was pushed back into its right place, too exhausted to cry out. There was
also a slight numbness to his hands and feet that probably helped with lessening the pain, and his
brain seemed to work much slower than usual. She let go of his hand then, seemingly very
confident in that Levi was too drained to put up any resistance, and she was quite right. He only
moved his arm slowly to rest over his chest in a protective manner, head still turned to the side as
Erwin had left it, eyes open but unfocused. Was it the next vampire's turn now?
---
Messy. Levi's throat was smeared with blood, and a few droplets had escaped Erwin's lips. He
licked them from the corners of his mouth - soiled it might be, by he wouldn't waste it for that. At
last the fight was gone from him. Of course, he would regain his strength with time, but perhaps
by them he would have learned his lesson. It had been an especially stupid, daring move - no plan,
complete disregard for that there might be more than two of them. He had fought like a cornered
animal - desperate and clinging to his last hope, last wish for revenge.
But now? Now he didn't even move his head. A deliberate signal, or merely fatigue? He couldn't
quite tell. Perhaps it was both. He stood, stepping back from where Levi lay. "Take him down
under ground, then. No windows, no furniture." Mike nodded, and Erwin glanced over his
shoulder to where Nanaba had appeared in the doorway. She had seen, then, when he had fed -
but not intervened. Good. "And - his blood is mine."
---
Levi heard the disappointed hum from Hanji at Erwin's order, and despair and hopelessness
seemed to make his limbs even heavier. Even if he had managed to take down Erwin, there would
be another vampire waiting, eager to drink him dry in the other ones place. He couldn't win, he
was only human, and-- oh. It was as crazy a plan as the one he'd just attempted, risky and terrible,
but so was everything about his situation, so why the hell not. He had no idea of how it worked,
of course, but if he could talk any one of them into turning him, he might become just as strong,
perhaps even faster than any of them. And there had to be another option to drinking blood, he
might not have to kill, not like these vampires did... It was a desperate plan, and Levi was quite
aware of that he might not be entirely able to think clearly at the moment, but he wasn't going to
ask any of them to make him a vampire now either. To soon.
The chain was removed from his ankle, and Mike was lifting him off the floor, cradling him
almost gently in his big arms as he was carried through corridors and down stairs. Levi felt cold,
and there was no warmth to be found in the vampire's arms, and neither in the cellar where Mike
put him down on a mattress on the floor. No simple bed of hay, at least, though neither was the
mattress particularly thick or soft either. A chain was fastened around his wrist, much shorter than
the one in the other room, and Mike brushed over his other, slightly swollen wrist before he left it
alone. Levi barely noticed as he left, closing the door behind him and leaving him in darkness, and
Levi curled up to find some warmth, closing his eyes as it made no difference whether he kept
them open or not.
---
"Leave him there for a day at least", mused Erwin. "Before anyone visits. Humans can survive
without food for a week, and he has eaten enough for three men this very morning. But still, he
needs to be kept alive, because I'm going to drain him." A mirthless chuckle. "A mouthful each
day, until it goes too bland. Wouldn't that be nice, hmm?" Nanaba glanced at him, then towards
the window. "He's yours", she agreed vaguely. "Do wih him as you wish." Not challenge nor
open disagreement, but her neutrality alone spoke volumes. Erwin wasn't one to disregard the
opinions of his subordinates, but with splinters from the makeshift stake still in his open wound,
his table broken, having lost control as he drank - Erwin was not in the best of moods.
"Have this cleaned up, then. Replace the table, I don't ever want to see it again. I'll be in my
study." He left, steps quick, ears only barely detecting Hanji's sigh from behind him. Her steps
caught up with his soon enough - her finer medical tools in hand. Splinters needed to be plucked
out after all; and what had happened before was suddenly entirely forgotten.
---
Minutes passed, then slowly turned to hours. Levi had no way to tell how much time that passed,
if it was day or night, unable to see even his hand in front of his face, only hear his breathing and
soft tinkling of the chain whenever he moved his hand. He tried hard not to fall asleep, afraid his
heart would give up and stop trying to pump what little blood he had left through his body. His
breathing was much heavier than it should have been, he was terribly thirsty, and his hands and
feet still very cold. He thought of the vampires, of whom to ask about making him one of them,
because he could certainly not ask Erwin. Hanji clearly wanted his blood too, not to mention she
was every bit as terrifying as Erwin, so he didn't want to ask her either. One of the servants would
probably be best, but if none of them came down to visit, Mike or Nanaba would have to do as
well. There was always a chance that they would refuse and go tell Erwin what he'd said, but that
was a risk he would have to take. If he could just be convincing enough, act like he wanted their
powers not to kill them, but to work for them, then perhaps...
He eventually drifted off anyway, unable to help it, and was as dead for many hours, not even
waking as the door was opened and someone entered. Not until there was a firm, big hand at his
shoulder did he startle awake, flinching away at once and pressing himself against the wall. He felt
terrible, almost sick, cold and with his throat dry, arms trembling as he pushed against the mattress
to sit up. It was Mike, big and scary and strong and barely visible in the faint light of the lantern
he'd brought, but he was holding out a big glass of water, and Levi only hesitated a moment
before he took it, brought it to his lips and drank as deep as Erwin had done from him. There was
bread on a plate, coarse but buttered and with cheese, and Levi was suddenly starving. But he still
remembered his plan, and so kept some manners, eating slowly and with his head lowered as he
dared to speak, voice hoarse from sleep and exhaustion. But that was just as well, just in case
these creatures had any conscience, him coming off as pitiful would only be a good thing, and he
was becoming desperate enough to abandon all pride. "Can't you turn me into a vampire instead
of killing me? I could work for you - for him - but I don't want to die."
---
A day at least; Mike had waited. He was experienced enough to know that the thief would most
likely survive - Erwin had not drunk that deeply - but the cell was cold, and his body small. But
the next morning came, and Erwin's wound healed nicely with some assistance from Hanji's tools,
and simple alcohol to clean it, in order to speed up the process. But he was angry still; enough that
they took care not to annoy him further. And so Mike had not asked explicit permission to visit the
prisoner, or to feed him - it had been somewhat implied. So he fetched a pitcher of water,
something simple and sturdy to eat that wouldn't be too hard on his stomach. No luxuries, either;
he did this out of pity rather than care. After all, that second stake had likely been intended for
him. But as completely helpless this one was, he couldn't help but feel for him a little. He had
always had a soft spot; throughout the years he had taken in stray dogs, who in the end always
proved to be most loyal. And now, the thief would be weak as a kitten.
He slept, but evidently not very deeply - a single touch woke him, and he shied away like a
frightened colt. He was eager to drink, though - Mike crouched down in front of him, not too
eager to dirty up his clothes. He set the empty glass down and reached for the bread, and Mike
silently refilled it as he watched him eat - with surprising neatness. Making himself smaller - he
was good, brilliant really, but Mike had seen this so many times before. He wasn't terribly
surprised. "A vampire? My, my." He sighed. "You must understand-- you attempted the slaying
of one of the most powerful Lords of England. Trust would not come easily to him."
---
Levi kept eating, eager but still moderately slow - and grateful for the refilled glass, he reached for
it and drank some more. He glanced up only briefly before he lowered his gaze again, and there
was certainly no need to act scared and cautious, because he was. He might have forced himself to
meet the other's gaze if he'd felt any need to show defiance, but he found it much easier to remain
curled up protectively against the wall with as much distance between them as possible. But Mike
would need even more convincing, it seemed.
"I just thought-- since I understand that you can't release me now when I know so much about
you, making me one of you would ensure that I wouldn't tell anyone or-- or left the only other
vampires I know to exist in the world. There would be no need for trust, because I wouldn't know
where else to go." Bullshit, of course. Levi was just blabbering, making things up as he went
along - the hesitation was real, but the uncertainty and pitifulness was mostly an act - because he
was fairly convinced he could handle being a little bit stronger and powerful all of a sudden, if the
only thing he would have to worry about were wooden stakes. And then he would escape, kill
Erwin and maybe the others as well, before getting the hell out of there. And being a vampire
would certainly help in his thievery.
---
"For one who only yesterday doubted that we were real, you seem to know quite a lot about us."
His tone was mildly amused, but with an underlying firm tone. He wasn't here to make a friend of
the thief. "Few would listen to one such as you. If you had proven to be cooperative in the
beginning, or at least not stupid enough to attempt murder - well, you might have been in a
position to ask. Now, though?" He sighed, tilting his head slightly to the side. "It is a pity. You
have spirit, and swiftness matched by few. But he is quite intent on draining you, now."
"He won't trust you not to attempt another murder, if we keep you here. But even if I could turn
you by my own hand, it is not my right to do. It would be his, and no one else's. I don't think that
holds the same appeal, does it?" A tiny smile, another splash of water into the glass. "Perhaps I
can speak to him. But excpect nothing but another bite; and don't fucking try to murder him this
time."
---
It wasn't going as well as Levi wanted it to, but he should probably be getting used to that by now.
He shook his head, opening his mouth to disagree, but coming up with nothing good to say.
Mike's words made sense, from the vampires' perspective, as much as Levi hated to admit it. And
he was right; though Levi didn't know how getting turned worked, he didn't want to even be in
the same room as Erwin ever again if he could avoid it. But-- "It holds more appeal than dying,
still." he mumbled, words more bitter now, and entirely truthful. His fingers curled again around
the glass, though not before Mike had pulled back from it, always remaining cautious, which
wasn't much of an act either, as much as he would have wished it to be. But better to show respect
than defiance, he figured. "I won't-- I can't, can I? I've realised as much, and I won't try again."
But he would, once he was one of them. "I won't-- tell him that. I'd do... almost anything." He
gritted his teeth, voice bordering on desperate now. The act was too easy, and he hated it.
---
At least that was truth. He wanted to live - Mike could respect that. Understand it. But to offer to
do "almost anything" was amusing in itself - so transparent. There was no desperation yet, or at
least not enough to overrule the man's pride. He wanted to bargain, even though he had nothing,
not even loyalty, to offer in return. But he was harmless, now - it would be better to let Erwin
speak to him alone. "No matter if you can or not - if you attempt that one more time, I will
personally take great satisfaction in your painful, eventual death. Erwin is my closest friend; and
he has more than me." A wry little smile, and he plucked the empty glass from Levi's hand. "As
long as you behave, however, we won't have a problem. I shall see if he wants to talk to you." He
placed the last piece of bread in Levi's hand, taking the plate, glass and pitcher with him.
It was not until perhaps an hour later that Erwin opened the door to the room Levi currently-
occupied. He was alone - merely a show of control - and silently leaned against the doorframe,
pale light spilling inside from the corridor. He didn't say a word.
---
Mike might have seemed kind, coming down here with food and listening to what he had to say -
and Levi remembered how he had spared his swollen wrist from the second cuff when he'd left
him in the cellar at first - but those words of his were a terrible reminder of that he had no allies
here, and no pity to be found. Had all his acting, as well as the effort to not act for once, been
completely wasted, then? Had he shown himself weak and pathetic for nothing? He glared at the
floor, then flinched back as Mike took the glass from him, cursing quietly at his own reaction. But
of course - a broken glass could be a weapon, though if knives and stakes didn't work, Levi
couldn't really see a point in trying. With some slight effort, he could get out of the shackle around
his wrist too, but there was no point in that, either. He took the bread though, holding on to it as
the room was once again plunged into darkness as Mike left, eating slowly as he waited.
He was curled up on the mattress again once the door was unlocked, and Levi quickly sat up,
what little colour he had left draining from his face at the sight of Erwin's looming shadow, lit up
from behind so that he couldn't see his face. The silence stretched on while Levi tried to push
away the fear and come up with something good to say. Was he supposed to ask him now? Had
Mike told him what he'd said? Was he there to speak with him, or-- Levi shuddered, then hurried
to speak. "I know I have nothing to bargain with, and I know I've tried to murder you twice now,
but I did it for a reason. I want to live. There's no way for me to win against any of you, and I
won't try again. But I'm good at working for people, so couldn't I work for you? As a vampire?" It
was the ramblings of a desperate man, and yet he couldn't quite bring himself to beg even as he
thought about it. Maybe that was what Erwin wanted, maybe the fear wasn't enough.
---
"He lies", Mike had said, "and he is a good liar. He underestimates me, but with you he likely
won't hold back. He - he wants to be turned, Erwin. Likely he knows nothing of what that entails,
except for strength, the heightened senses." Erwin had looked at him in slight disbelief - even
now, he wanted to be turned? Clearly he had no idea what he was dealing with. He wanted to
come out of this alive, and escape Erwin - did he not realise being turned would mean the exact
opposite? Clearly he did not. But Erwin thanked his friend, and promptly went back to work for a
while. Let him wait for a bit longer - it would do the thief good.
But the thought of him asking to be turned wouldn't quite leave his mind. As he wrote and sorted,
filed old letters and addressed new ones, his thoughts were time upon time drawn to Levi. And so
he went , earlier than he had meant to go, down the stairs to the basement.
The thief did not speak right away. And when he did, he seemed nervous, hurried, not having
thought things through. But the message was clear - he hoped for this last way out. "You want to
be turned", said Erwin. "You despise us even as you know nothing about us, and now you want
to become one of us. Not wanting to die is a valid reason, but as far as I know - you are of more
use as a simple vessel than one in my ranks."
---
Levi was so used to speaking his mind without having to worry about the consequences, or at
least when he couldn't, to have a story to use as he lied his way through a noble's dinner - here he
had none of that confidence and safety. There were plenty of consequences should he say exactly
what he thought to Erwin, and fear prevented him from doing it in the first place, and there were
no false identities, nothing at all to hide behind. But at least Erwin listened, and answered, without
any immediate threats, and so Levi would continue to argue, even while desperately trying to not
say anything that would anger the other further. And not once did he look up, but rather seemed to
address Erwin's feet as he spoke. "Why? How do you know--" No, too disrespectful; Levi pressed
himself closer to the wall at once and backtracked, starting over. "As a vessel, won't I only be of
use until you've-- drained me? But as a vampire, I could work for you for years to come."
---
He liked this far better. He wasn't quite desperate yet, but he had clearly realised he had little to
bargain with, and spoke accordingly. Erwin mouth curled into something like a smile, though it
did not quite reach his eyes. This was only a small victory. "I could make you last for years if I
only drank a little each day." It was said as a fact rather than a threat, but he knew Levi would
take it for what it was. "But you consider your services to be worth more than a little drink of
blood each day?" He was quick, after all, and clever. Erwin would have to keep him on a short
leash, correct every error, tame him entirely. Of course the bond between vampire and turned
human was a strong one; and with his power, his experience, he would easily be able to keep him
under control. He had turned only few himself - Mike, Nanaba and Hanji he had met later, and
they had sworn loyalty, exchanged blood as was proper. He would taste them, sometimes - a little
drink, a reminder and a reassurance. But if he turned Levi, the man would be subject to any and
all of his commands. In the haze that would follow the exchange, Levi's mind would be pliable,
easily affected.
It was not until now that Erwin realised he had all but accepted the offer. His thoughts had
strayed, and suddenly it did seem a better option. Perhaps it was. "Can you walk", he said, only
half a question. "Or do you need to be carried like an infant?"
Chapter 6
Chapter Notes
This chapter justifies the warning for explicit violence; be warned. Also a terrible,
terrible joke to celebrate a thousand hits! We love you all <3
Years, he said, and Levi could imagine it painfully clearly all of a sudden; years of darkness in this
pitch black cellar, of constant cold and weakness, and he started shaking his head, a look of
despair on his face as he suddenly almost did feel ready to beg. But Erwin continued, sounding
like he was just maybe considering it after all, and Levi stilled, nodding just once. "Yes. I'm-- a
good fighter. And a thief, as you know. When I gave you the name of my employer, you said you
wanted the others to bring him to you. I could do things like that."
There was silence for a while longer, and Levi kept his head down, waiting in silence and
absolute stillness. But as Erwin spoke again, Levi blinked, and then quickly looked up. Was it--
was he agreeing? Would he make him a vampire? There was no way to tell. But carried - by
Erwin - no. He might just rather crawl. Quickly, he shook his head, and then struggled to his feet
with support from the wall, cursing the tinkling of the chain, because it meant Erwin would have
to come closer anyway to remove it. Levi felt mostly stiff from the cold, perhaps a little dizzy, and
while he was in no condition to fight, he should be able to walk on his own. It was just as well,
perhaps, since Erwin would have absolutely nothing to fear.
---
Good choice. Erwin would not much have liked to take on a weakling. Determination was critical
- and this will to live would be needed to stay sane throughout the night. The sky was clear, and
the moon near full. It was an excellent night to turn him, if he decided to. Nothing was given yet,
of course. But the thief stood, if on trembling legs, and Erwin moved forward with no regard for
the other's fright. Three steps, and he was by Levi, grabbing his arm with his left, while the right
undid the cuff. He let it fall to the ground, and shoved Levi towards the exit. The human would
walk in front, of course - Erwin would not let him out of sight. He didn't bother warning him
about running - the thief wouldn't be able to if he so tried. He was weak but determined - Erwin
encouraged him with a shove there, an order there. Weakness was unacceptable in a vampire. Not
once did he let Levi rest - not until they entered another room, and Erwin locked the door behind
them.
---
Somehow, Levi managed not to flinch back as Erwin came closer, not even when he grabbed
him, though he was tense with fear, eyes turned away from the metal hand. He stumbled as he
was suddenly shoved forward, and for one horrible moment he thought he was going to fall, but
then found his balance and remained upright, teeth clenched, glad for the anger now, using it to
keep going rather than let Erwin see it. He was somewhat jumpy with the vampire walking behind
him where he couldn't see him, but concentrated on moving forward rather than on what the other
was doing, forcing himself through corridors and dragging himself up stairs. He got tired so very
quickly, lightheaded and exhausted enough that he could feel his hands and legs trembling, but he
didn't stop, didn't allow himself to. Not until they entered a room and he heard the click of the lock
did he turn to look at Erwin, breathing heavy and uneven, heartbeat quick. "How does it work?"
he dared to ask, trying not to sound like he was starting to have second thoughts. And even if he
was-- well, he really had no other choice than this.
---
Erwin grinned then, baring his fangs. "You ask that now, thief?" He stepped forward again,
reaching for Levi's throat again with his flesh hand, though this time his grip was not cruel or
constricting, merely a firm hold. Unrelenting, controlling, but probably not painful. "I'll drink
again", he said, amused with the irony. "I will drink until you are on the very verge of death, and
then I will feed you my blood, to tie you to me. You will be under my control, thiefling." His
metal hand slid down, tapping Levi's chest, right above his beating heart. "This will stop. What
little blood you have left will run cold. You will not ever hunger as you have before, but thirst for
blood." This would be a lot to take in, for one who had known nothing of vampires before.
Perhaps he should set it in easier terms. "Humans fear us, though vampire slayers are few and far
between. After this, you won't be one of them, ever again. See - they are the prey." A little
chuckle - for this was a far better revenge than drinking him dry. "And we, the hunters."
---
Levi knew as soon as he saw the sharp grin on the vampire's face that he wouldn't like what came
next, though he admittedly preferred thief to vessel. As Erwin reached out, he started to lean
away, but not quickly, resigned as he was to the fact that resistance would do him little good. But
he did flinch in the other's hold as he explained, one hand reaching up to grasp his wrist as if he
could actually wrench it away. Absolutely everything about what Erwin said was wrong. Levi
had imagined vampire blood to be involved in it somehow, but not that he would be close to
drained, and certainly not that he would be beneath anyone once he was one of them. How the
hell was he supposed to kill Erwin if he was under his control, and what kind of bullshit magic
was that anyway? He flinched back again as the metal fingers touched him, eyes a little wider with
fear. "What do you mean? Vampires doesn't get to keep their free will?" There had to be a way
around it, considering neither Erwin, Mike, Nanaba or Hanji seemed to be mindless slaves. But
perhaps whoever had turned them had been killed, or allowed them to think for themselves for one
reason or another. The two choices he had was starting to look equally bad, except that he would
certainly live longer as a vampire than as a human in Erwin's company. So then perhaps being
turned would simply be the lesser of two evils. And surely, there were plenty of people who
wanted someone like Erwin dead who would succeed in killing him one day, even if he would be
unable to do it. To hell with it all.
He looked away, leaning his head just slightly to the side, voice quiet, a little strained. What if
Erwin drank just a little bit too much? "Do it then."
---
His hand grasped Erwin's, though there was no resistance. Erwin could accept that - this process
would be painful enough without allowing him some small comforts. He looked frightened, now -
far more so than before. Perhaps he should not have gone into such detail - but the thief had asked
for it, and there was no turning back now. Levi's eyes widened, Erwin's grin grew. Oh, but this
was delicious. Soiled blood or no, he would drink it. "Free will?" A breathless little laugh. "Does
it seem as if my actions are directed by another?" He could feel the scent of his blood, almost hear
the quickened heart - only a few moments longer, and he would drink. "Of course you will be
able to think, act and feel. But one step out of line, and I will be able to bring you back with a
single word. Like a good little dog, hmm, thief?" He shifted his grip, pressing his thumb to the
vein there.
But the man tilted his head to the side, a clear offering, and Erwin's mouth went dry. It was so
blatant, so clear a surrender, that it was hard not to simply bite down and drink. He loosened his
grip in reward for the offered surrender, trailing his fingers lightly over bared skin. Then, curling
his arm around Levi, he swept him back towards the bed. Erwin sat down, placing Levi between
his spread thighs, the smaller man's back to his chest. Almost, deceptively gently he caught Levi's
wrists in his flesh hand, while the other held his head tilted to the side. He licked over the wound
gently, giving him time to relax, soothing his nerves - hopefully. It would hurt enough later on -
this needn't be more painful than strictly necessary. "Hush, now", he murmured gently, sharp
fangs sliding across vulnerable skin. "Just relax." And with that he bit - though this time his fangs
slid slowly into Levi's throat, as painless as he could make it.
---
That wasn't much different from his current situation, really. Fear kept him in line now, it would
evidently keep doing it once he was a vampire, only then he would be harder to kill. Unless Erwin
ordered him to kill himself-- but no, it couldn't work like that. He didn't want to be a mindless dog.
He wouldn't be. Even now, this was his choice, and he had to hold on to that small victory, and
pretend as well as hope that it actually was one.
He jumped as he was nearly lifted off the floor, starting to resist on simple instinct and fear, but
then forcing himself to be still again. Though he was tense, terrified and uncomfortable for being
so close to the other, he made himself as pliant as possible in the others hold, though his hands
trembled in the vampire's, as did he at the touch of tongue once again on his neck - why the hell
did it have to be so intimate? Erwin could relax, he wasn't the one who would soon be almost
dead. And then came the fangs - and at least he got a bit of a warning this time before they pierced
flesh. Levi twitched in the vampire's hold, unable not to. But it wasn't as bad as he remembered,
not at all as painful, though still just as startling to realise what Erwin was actually doing once he
started drinking. Levi closed his eyes, waiting for the lightheadedness, the numb feeling in his
hands and feet that would no doubt spread to the rest of his body now when Erwin was going to
drink so much more.
A small groan of protest as it started, with Levi still terrified that Erwin would kill him instead -
there was nothing he could do now if he decided to. His breathing sped up as his heart fought to
pump the blood through his body even as Erwin pulled more and more of it out of him with each
swallow, and he started sagging in the other's hold, thoughts slowing down as his limbs became
too heavy to move. He was already weak from last time, and it seemed to take less time now to
reach that exhausted state, though time dragged on forever in Levi's mind, each new swallow
seemingly longer than the one before it. Instinctively, he wanted to ask the other to stop, but it
wasn't worth the effort. He was completely dependant on Erwin to hold him up now, head
spinning, unable to think or speak, unable to even feel his body except for the faint but laboured
beating of his heart, and he was slipping very, very close to unconsciousness.
---
It took only a few swallows before the taste of ink washed out, and the deep, sweetly metallic taste
of his blood took over. Erwin's grip was firm and unyielding, his eyes closed as he drank, swallow
after swallow. He was already decently full since the last time he fed, so this - this would help the
process, strengthen their bond, as Erwin was already so powerful. The blood was intoxicating,
deliciously warm as Levi's pulse quickened, little rabbit heart beating desperately as life left him
by the mouthful.
This time, however, Erwin was fully in control of himself. He recognised every sign, the pace of
his pulse, his ragged breathing, how his muscles strained but did not move to fight deliberately. He
drank, and was nearly overcome with the thrill, the blood-induced high. A soft growl answered
Levi's sounds of distress, and his grip tightened for a moment. Levi's hands were cold in his, his
struggles nonexistent. Erwin paused for just a moment - and then he took a deep swallow, the final
one to drain him of life. He was at the very edge of death in this very moment; and Erwin calmly
pulled back, licked over the little wounds to heal them. Quick and efficient, he slit his own wrist
with his fangs, holding it to Levi's slightly open lips. "Drink", he said, voice low and rumbling.
"Drink deep, now."
---
Both vision and hearing seemed to leave him, as if his senses were shutting down, and all he
would have to do was sink a little further down into the darkness, and it would all be over. But the
first drop of Erwin's blood that touched his lips was like some strong liquor, burning in his throat
and bringing him back to his senses, to then just as quickly muffle them again, erasing any
discomfort and pain. But he lived still, and was suddenly very sure that he wanted to keep doing
that. He lapped just gently at Erwin's wrist at first, never once thinking of how disgusting it was to
drink someone else's blood, but eventually started drinking properly. He leaned forward a little,
sucking the blood out of the other's wrist, and each mouthful was just as invigorating, giving him
more life even as his heart seemed to slow down a little with every swallow. Eventually he could
reach up and grab at Erwin's wrist to hold it closer to his mouth, grip only growing stronger as he
drank more and more, unable to get enough of it. Could he-- was it possible to drain a vampire?
---
There - the first drop fell across his lips, and Levi moved, as if surprised - well, he likely was.
Erwin could still recall he sensation - life had been drained from his veins, on the very verge of
death - and then, a drop of life, ambrosia, hope in the form of blood from another's veins. He let
Levi drink, smiling as he pulled deeper, clinging to his arm like a kitten to its mother - but he was
becoming greedy, and they couldn't have that. He would be defiant, he would be as driven as he
had been before - none of that would change. Erwin would still have to tame him by hand.
He pulled his wrist free, licking at he wound to close it up. "That is enough", he said, voice hard.
"You eat when let you, thief. Stop."
---
He didn't want to let go. But he did not yet have a vampire's strength, so when Erwin pulled his
wrist away, there was little Levi could do to stop him. He glared, straight ahead, eyes unfocused
as he lowered his hand back to his lap, still strangely numb and cold. His breathing was slow
again, very slow and very quiet, his heartbeat slowing as well as he hovered somewhere between
life and death. And then very suddenly, Levi doubled over with a sharp, loud gasp. The vampire
blood burned at his insides, trying to heal the damage that had been done by Erwin almost
draining him, while his human body tried to reject it like it would a sickness, his temperature rising
quickly. He trembled, hands going to his chest to press above his heart where the pain was
intensifying as it fought to not stop, and he was suddenly convinced something had gone terribly
wrong. Wouldn't Erwin have told him if this agony was a part of it, wouldn't he have loved to see
the fear that would have caused? Levi parted his lips to ask, but his voice didn't want to work, and
the only thing that came out were a few choked sobs and sharp, uneven intakes of breath as he
sagged again in the other's arms.
---
"Hush", he said again, because he remembered his own turning far too vividly to take any
enjoyment in this. "It hurts, but it will pass." It was a good thing Levi was dressed only lightly for
comfort, but he would run a high fever, and needed to rest for now. Erwin would feed him later.
Whatever signs his semi-conscious mind picked up would be very important. If he was aware of
Erwin's presence throughout his turning, he would undeniably he bound to him in more ways than
just by blood. And if Erwin fed him, in small amounts at his own leisure, Levi would come to
recognise him as his provider as well as superior. It seemed a primal process, but it was carefully
thought out.
He rolled them back onto the bed, his flesh hand once again around Levi's wrists for control and
comfort, as he curled up behind him. Levi was small enough to fit nicely into the curve of his
body. His metal arm lay across his abdomen, holding him firmly still. He might hurt himself
otherwise - bite his tongue and spill blood, break a bone which would slow he healing process.
---
What small reassurance Levi felt at knowing that nothing was wrong and that the pain would pass
only lasted a few seconds, when another wave of pain hit, so horrible everything went black for a
moment, his whole body twitching in Erwin's arms. The next thing he became aware of, apart
from the continuous, constant agony, was being held by the vampire, tucked close to him on the
bed, his hold as unrelenting as always, but still softer, without adding any pain, but holding him
still as he shook in small fits of pain. And Erwin wasn't as warm as a human would have been, but
rather blessedly cool against his back as the fever quickly set in and he started drifting in and out
of consciousness. Every slow heartbeat was painful, every intake of breath laboured, and he was
dimly becoming aware of how thirsty he was, how dry his mouth felt, though his mind still
wanted water and nothing else.
---
He doubted words would get through to the other man at this point. Actions were far more clear;
and so he held Levi still, as his body was wracked with wave after wave of pain, as he shuddered,
struggling to breathe, as his heart fought to beat. A window stood open, leaving cool air to enter
the room - it would help. This condition would feel much like a fever, yes - but sweating it out
wouldnt help. This was unnatural for the human body; in no way a disease or healing process, but
a turning.
---
It was the most painful night in his life, and it was the only thing he could think about during those
moments when he was lucid enough. How much it hurt, how he wished it would end, sometimes
even how he would have liked to die instead. Occasionally, he'd notice how thirsty he was, or
how Erwin was still holding him still, and once or twice he couldn't help but wonder why,
because it certainly helped, not having to be alone. But why would Erwin bother?
Morning came, though it mattered little to Levi, who was still trembling on the bed, but fainter
now than he had done at the beginning of the night. He didn't know if it was because he was so
exhausted and had gotten so used to it he no longer felt the pain as clearly or if it was actually
lessening, still unconscious as he was for most of the time. But something was evidently
happening; his heart was beating even more weakly and ever so slowly, and it felt almost
unnatural, like an obtrusive thing that he wanted gone. And barely had the thought crossed his
mind before it suddenly stilled, with a last, trembling shudder, and so did Levi. He didn't even
breathe as he slowly came back to his senses, because he didn't need to. But once he realised this,
he took a deep breath at once, and it felt amazing, all the smells of the room suddenly so clear to
him; the musky smell of wooden furniture, the lingering smell of the London night from the open
window, and Erwin, somehow overbearing, powerful, yet still calming. It wasn't words Levi
would have used to describe smells ever before, but it made sense to him now, somehow.
He opened his eyes, and saw everything from every crack in the wooden roof to every little hair in
the soft rug on the floor, even in the darkness of the room. The window was closed now, the dark
curtains drawn. It was a bit of a shame; Levi would have liked to know how far away he could
see with his new vampire eyes. He shifted slightly, moving to pull his hands from Erwin's grip,
not knowing if he was sleeping or not. Levi certainly wasn't sleepy, and the only discomfort left
was the incessant thirst, but he tried hard not to think about it at the moment, his mind clear
enough to realise what it meant now, and that he certainly wasn't thirsting for water.
---
It took him a moment to realise it; it had been some time since Erwin last turned a human. But
Levi's heart, which had grown weak and desperate, had finally given in. It had stilled. Erwin's
blood was all that he had now. Erwin was all that he had. Erwin remained still, not breathing or
blinking, wanting to see the first moment of recognition. He had seen panic in the newly turned at
this point - but Levi seemed far calmer than that. A deep, ragged breath - entirely unnecessary, but
Erwin could understand the need. Even if he was, in fact, dead - he might need to feel alive. That
need would pass, as would his human habits. All in due time. He tightened his grip instinctively as
Levi attempted to pull away; control was absolutely critical at this point.
"Welcome back", he said in a low voice; it might have sounded sarcastic, but the words were
more genuine than most things he had said to Levi before. "It's all clear now, isn't it?" Voice low,
almost a growl, but calmer than before. "How dull the world must seem to a human." He released
the other's wrists, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed to sit. "Do you thirst?" Of course.
But he needed the other to say it.
---
Erwin wouldn't let him move, and Levi tensed and stilled, eyes narrowing slightly. Couldn't he
fight back now? Wasn't he just as strong as the other? But the fear he'd had for Erwin as a human
still lingered, and so he remained still, once again thinking about how odd it was that he had held
him the whole night, almost gently, arms wrapped around him. It made Levi slightly
uncomfortable, though maybe mostly because it made him feel grateful, and it was probably
nothing he should feel towards the vampire. His voice as he spoke seemed slightly lower than it
had been before, but much clearer somehow, and Levi could almost hear it vibrating in his chest.
But he hadn't been a vampire long enough to look down on humans like Erwin did, and he hoped
he never would. "Their senses aren't as good." he mumbled, slightly startled by his own voice,
how it was so clear even as he felt parched with thirst. "I wouldn't call their world dull, however."
Levi rolled over as Erwin released him, sitting up in the middle of the bed with no effort at all. He
studied his hands, as if expecting to find them different, and then brushed his tongue over his teeth
in sudden realisation. Sure enough, there were fangs there now, sharp and deadly. His brow
furrowed at Erwin's next question, eyes still on his hands. But he couldn't deny it, no matter how
much he wished he could. He turned sharply to look at Erwin then, movement slightly less
human, suddenly a bit more daring. "Yes. But I don't want to kill anyone."
---
Erwin listened, and very secretly he smiled. They, said Levi about the humans. Not us. Words
hold great meaning, after all. The physical transition was complete; but it would take him some
time to fully enter the mindset. It would take time to realise the power, the potential of his body;
and time yet again to grow into it. Levi would be far stronger than he had ever been before, his
senses sharper - but a vampire's skills were not only given by the bite. They needed to be learned,
practiced, trained throughout years, decades, centuries.
For him, the turning had felt as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes. Everything had become
crisp, sharp - every noise, every motion. He could see that in Levi, now. He had become a bit
more confident, hadn't he? A little daring? He couldn't let that get out of hand. His eyes narrowed
at Levi's near-challenging tone, and he turned towards him. "No? Then have I turned you in vain,
thief? If you do not drink, you will perish. Become nothing but a shell, weaker than you were
even as a human." He stood, straightening his clothes. "You will come around in due time."
---
Levi didn't quite notice it himself, but he had changed. He'd been fast before, instinctual in every
thought and movement, but now everything was even more so, animalistic almost. His eyes on
Erwin were sharp like those of a bird of prey, his posture seemingly relaxed but always ready to
spring into action, especially as Erwin turned towards him. He no longer leaned away in fear, but
rather forward, taking a more defensive stance, but not quite challenging. "I didn't say I wasn't
going to drink." He could certainly feel that he had to, and soon, or he was going to go mad with
thirst. "Can't I drink without killing? There has to be a way, you just haven't bothered finding it
yet. If nothing else, just catch a human without letting them see you, and then drink only a little
before healing the wound? They're not going to tell anyone they were attacked by a bloodsucker
in the middle of the night, because they think people will call them insane for it." He watched as
Erwin stood, but remained on the bed, swallowing as he waited for an answer in a hopeless
attempt to make his mouth feel less dry.
---
Oh, he didn't shy back just yet. Erwin raised an eyebrow, silently appreciative. A turning made the
person stronger, quicker, more aware. But as the undead blood of another corrupted one's veins, it
affected the body depending on already developed characteristics. Mike, who had always had
keen senses, had become able to tell apart good blood from bad, without even opening a wound.
He could feel by the scent which nobles had calmed themselves with opiates, which ones used
what medicine, who had invited someone else than their spouse into their bed. Little things, it
might seem, but infinitely useful. Levi, clearly, had become quicker - not more clever.
"No", said Erwin, tone suddenly hard and dangerous, the tone brooking no challenge. To what
extent could he control him already? "You may not." It was a reminder, and a well needed one,
that he must keep Levi here, under control, until he was absolutely sure he could be trusted. "Bite
one, and it's a harmless story. Two, and it's a rumor. Three?" His gaze was hard, eyes focused
only on Levi. "They will start searching. Do not underestimate the power of human fear."
---
Breath caught in his throat, his mind reeling at the power one single, firm word from Erwin had on
him as his voice seemed to die in his throat for a moment or two. But it was over in seconds, and
then Levi felt free to speak again. The sensation lingered, however, as did the fear that rose in him
again. His eyes narrowed, though he had not yet taken his eyes off the other, and wasn't going to.
Hopefully, he'd managed to keep both shock and fear from showing on his face, though obviously
Erwin would notice his sudden silence. There was an urge to bare his fangs and growl in warning
to make sure Erwin would never do that again, but he didn't give in to it, because it was much too
animalistic, not enough human, and neither would it work. Fuck it. But at least he was still alive,
or whatever he should call it. He would have plenty of time to work on finding a way around this
power Erwin had over him. "You've already caught someone for me, haven't you?" he muttered.
"I'll drink from them this time."
---
Silence, almost absolute silence followed. He was no Mike, but the change in mood was almost
tangible in the air. Oh, he feared him still - just as Erwin expected. He hid it better, certainly - and
he did not have as much reason to, now that his death wasn't imminent. But Erwin would not let
him get out of hand only because he had no use as a vessel. This turning had been somewhat
hurried; Levi knew nothing about life as one of their kind.
But Levi spoke again, and Erwin grinned. Clever, but far too rude still. "I am your sole provider.
If I do not choose to feed you, there is nowhere else from where you can find fresh blood, thief.
You will do well to keep that in mind. But..." His eyes fell to Levi, scrutinizing. "There is
someone waiting for you, only a few rooms away. Alive and well - so far."
Chapter 7
They'd have to see about that, wouldn't they? Levi still remembered his plan; find a way to kill
Erwin, maybe the others as well, and then escape. And something told him his vampire mind
would feel less guilty about it than he would have done as a human, which was slightly worrying.
But useful, all the same. The grin on Erwin's face made him want to growl, but instead he turned
away, jumped off the bed and landed soundlessly on the floor, a brief look of fascination crossing
his face. Even as the burning in his throat was close to painful, every movement was so effortless.
He felt like he could do anything - though he was reasonable enough to realise that was probably
not the case. "I'm no longer a thief, am I?" he said, voice a bit quiet but still clear, almost
uninterested as he let his eyes roam the room rather than look at Erwin. He did turn to him though,
at the mention of someone waiting, looking grim but determined. "Then let's go there?" He tried to
make it sound like a suggestion to make it seem less rude, though his heart wasn't really into it.
Then again, it had stopped beating.
---
"Perhaps you are not", Erwin agreed. "Perhaps not any more." But then what was he? He hardly
believed the man would give up his anger so easily. Turning him gave Erwin a certain amount of
control, but it wouldn't change what made his person. His mechanic fingers curled, then relaxed.
Save your strength for when it is needed. His gaze was no softer as he looked back, but he
nodded. "This way", he directed, leading them out into the corridor. The boy they had caught sat
in the very same chair as their last vessel; his eyes were closed and his breathing quick, face turned
from the door, as if he could deny their existence. As if they would go away, like the shadows that
look over children's beds at night, as the eyes one imagines glimmer in the forest. But vampires are
no creatures of the imagination. Flesh if not blood, solid and all too real. Hanji sat across from
them in the room, having kept watch over the vessel. She looked at Levi, tilting her head to the
side as of to say not bad. She was quiet, however; which only made the vessel' swords stand out
more sharply. "Please", he said, voice small and desperate. "Please, have mercy--"
---
Levi had none. He was thirsty. He'd been wary again at the sight of Erwin's metal fingers curling,
then surprised as the other actually nodded and did as Levi had suggested. Confused as to why all
the curtains in the mansion were drawn, but too thirsty to ask, and then-- then he smelled it. Thick
and metallic and mouthwatering, it was like someone had hit him over the head, and everything
human about him was gone in a second. He barely saw the boy, certainly didn't notice Hanji, and
though Erwin's presence remained very tangible, Levi didn't think even a word from him could
have held him back as he lunged forward. Like a bird of prey, incredibly fast, he swooped down,
going for the wrist rather than the neck, ripping both leather cuff and clothes as he instinctively
seeked out the veins. He was on his knees, but no less powerful for that, deaf to the boy's pleading
as he bit down with none of the finesse Erwin had had when he'd bitten Levi last night.
The first swallow was like new life, like someone had found a way to liquefy everything that
made someone alive, and so very soothing to his parched throat. And Levi was gone, eyes half-
closed as they lost their cold grey and turned as red as the blood he drank so deeply, without a
thought of stopping, unable to think about anything at all other than how delicious it was, and how
he wanted more, always, always more.
---
In the blink of an eye, he had left Erwin's side and knelt down beside the boy in the chair, biting
into his wrists. The boy's pleading became frantic, then threatening, then suddenly he quieted. It
lasted only a moment, however, before he cried out - a sickeningly hopeless noise, almost
animalistic. There was no one here to hear him except the rats in the walls, though. And even if
London's finest had stood underneath his window, he could easily have explained it as a thief
caught by his own hand, to spare them their trouble. Money and a good name had its privileges.
He circled Levi, huffing quietly with distaste at his lacking technique. His wrist would be torn
beyond repair, making it hard to hide the cause of death. Twin holes above a vein were bad
enough, but this... He would have to throw the corpse to his dogs. Blood spilled down, escaping
Levi's lips, wasted as they reached the floor. He had thought to let him drink in peace, but there
were some things he would not stand for; and waste was one of them. "Stop", he growled in the
same voice as before. "You are making a mess of the carpet."
---
One deep swallow, and then another, and another, and Levi had none of the manners or
awareness of his old human self, didn't notice if the blood smeared over his lips or if he made a
mess. But Erwin's words he had to notice, it seemed, because he might just as well have wrapped
his hand around his throat and dragged him away from the wound, the way Levi pulled away
from it. Levi's eyes were still on the boy's wrist, mouth open and fangs bared as he breathed in the
still heavy scent of blood, hands still holding the arm down, not even aware of if the boy had been
struggling at all or were doing it at the moment. He wanted more, and Erwin had stopped him
because he was soiling the damn carpet? To hell with that.
"I don't care about your fucking carpet, let me drink." The words were a little slurred, like those of
a man who had had too much alcohol, any and all respect and fear Levi held for Erwin
momentarily quenched by the thirst. And though there was no way to hide the control the other
man had over him now, he barely cared, his mind only occupied by one thing.
---
The carpet? Erwin leaned in close, speaking right next to Levi's ear. "Neither do I." His metal
thumb brushed lightly over where he had bitten Levi before, and then he pulled back, standing,
looming above the other. "I care little for stains on my carpets - but when those stains are a result
of one of mine wasting blood - then I really do mind." He carefully inspected the metal hand
before picking his white gloves out of his pocket, tugging them carefully on. "You may continue",
he added as an afterthought. He would explain in detail later, but now - now Levi was as lost as a
drunkard with a bottle, thirsty and desperate. Like a kitten with its mother - if said kitten's hunger
would kill the cat, that was. He tore his gaze from Levi's back, turning instead to Hanji, who gave
him a sly little smile. "Everything went as expected, then", she said, shifting restlessly. "How did
he present? Even more rash?" He sat down beside her, sinking back into the plush armchair.
"Quickness, it seems", he said. "No less spirit."
---
Cold metal against his neck, and Levi twitched a little more upright, a little more attention shifting
away from blood and drinking to listen to Erwin properly. But the other's touch and voice did little
to clear his mind, only seemed to make it slow down even more. Wasting blood, was he? That
wasn't good. He didn't want to waste a single drop of it, so maybe he should try and be more
careful. Only it was hard, thinking of anything other than just drinking, once he did it. And as
Erwin allowed him to, he lunged forward again, sinking his fangs into skin again, pulling deep
gulps of blood from the weakening human.
He didn't notice as the boy's struggles ceased completely, barely noticed his blood turning just a
little colder, though he heard the frantic beating of his heart, and he also heard it stop. And
suddenly, Levi reeled back, back on his feet with a hand over his mouth, hissing and spitting as he
finally came to a stop with his back against the wall. He clutched at his throat for a moment, then
slowly lowered both of his hands, eyes on the pale body in the chair, limp with his wrist torn and
bloodied, and very much dead. The heavy smell of blood was gone, the dead blood he had spilled
onto the floor had long since lost its taste, the bitterness of the last swallow like a bucket of cold
water being poured over his head, and he realised that he had done exactly what he'd insisted on
not doing. He'd killed before, that in itself wasn't a problem, but this boy had been innocent, with
no purpose to his death other than to quench his thirst. And that wasn't something Levi wanted on
his conscience.
He turned to Erwin then, accusing and angry, and then he lunged. Because as angry as he was at
Erwin for not stopping him, just as angry was he at himself for what he'd done, so right then it
didn't matter that he was careless, it didn't matter if Erwin caught him before he could do any
damage. He'd welcome a fight, because then he wouldn't have to think about what he had just
done.
---
His response - Erwin glanced towards Levi again as Hanji begun trailing from the path of
relevance, and considered instead the reaction he had earned from the thief. From Levi. He had not
succeeded in stealing, after all, and perhaps by using his name he could wear down Levi's barriers
further. He needed to trust him eventually. Suddenly the thought struck him - he would have to
visit his own Lord, now that he had turned yet another. But it could wait until he had him under
control more fully. Presenting him in his state was like bringing a rabid mutt to a dog show. Or
perhaps a wolf, or fox - quick and clever, strong but not yet tame. He feared Erwin's anger, but he
did not yet trot after him or sit at his feet. That would come with time, though.
With a start Levi all but threw himself back, looking absolutely stricken and horrified. Clearly he
had been roughly torn from the blissful state of feeding; but for what? The realisation? He seemed
near panic, and unwilling to make the same mistake again, Erwin rose from his chair, sliding his
gloves off and giving them to Hanji. Only just had he done that, as Levi turned, eyes glaring red
and mad with anger, and jumped. Erwin swung his hand, with little care for his strength now that
Levi was vampire rather than human.
---
Just like his movements, his reactions seemed to have become quicker as a vampire as well. But
Erwin would know that, and be as quick as he could be in return, and every bit as strong. Levi
twisted to get away from the metal arm, at the same time as he raised his own to do something he
had never quite dared to do before; trying to grab on to it. The blow was hard, painful, causing
Levi to stagger and nearly fall even as he'd managed to twist away from the worst of the impact. A
human would probably still have sprawled unconscious on the floor; Levi's legs gave out for a
fraction of a second before he wrenched himself back upright with a snarl, clutching hard at the
metal, glancing down briefly at it before he started digging his fingers into it. Any little crevice he
could find, and then he tightened his grip, testing his new strength. He was a newly turned
vampire, he'd just emptied a human on blood without having to share, and he could sense that he
was dangerous, and that the others knew it too. The way Hanji quickly got up spoke volumes,
though she stopped before she could reach him, eyes on Erwin as if waiting for some signal.
---
Levi clung to him as a cat with its claws, too clever fingers digging into the vulnerable parts of his
arm. No human would be able to dislodge the cogs and hooks, but a vampire, driven by fury and
desperation? Erwin backhanded him across the face, bending his arm to dislodge the grip, hoping
to catch his fingers between upper and lower arm. Hanji stood ready, eyes on him, but letting her
help now would mean defeat. If there was one thing he could not afford at this point it was
weakness. He hit again, aiming for Levi's solar plexus, sorely missing the advantage he had given
up now that Levi no longer needed to breathe. But as he pulled his hand back, he could feel just
the faintest click of something coming loose. His arm-- he twisted it, but his thumb wouldn't move,
and turning it inwards was a struggle. With renewed rage - how dare he - he snarled, without
much conscious thought behind the order. "Down."
---
Beneath the smooth-looking surface of the arm, there were sharp edges and hooks, and now when
he was a vampire, it wouldn't matter if he cut a finger once or twice. Levi had little to fear as far as
getting injured went, and it certainly helped to know. There was no way to get away from the
other's hand unless he let go, and so he took the hit, only gripping the metal harder as his head
snapped to the side. But there-- something had come loose beneath his fingers, and he only
pressed harder as he doubled over from the second it, but it was with a sense of triumph that he
started straightening up again, until Erwin's order came, and Levi's legs simply gave out. He fell to
his knees, tearing his hand away from the metal arm as he went, snarling again in frustration as
well as anger. But he turned his head back up at once, fearless for the moment, looking to the arm
to see what damage he had managed to do. "Can't you fight me fairly?" he growled. "Or am I too
strong for that now?"
---
"You know nothing of strength", Erwin spat, glaring down at the man beneath him. "You fight
like a street dog, without any honour - so what do you expect in return?" Hanji had stepped back,
though her eyes were bright - with anger, but also something more he could not place. "I grant
you food, the very finest blood - and you attack me, in turn? There is no fairness here, Levi." The
name sounded almost as an insult falling from his lips. "Only power."
---
Food, that was all humans were to these creatures. Not a walking, talking, feeling and very much
alive human being, but simply blood, contained in a practical vessel that kept it fresh and warm.
He thought about trying to get back up on his feet, but the way Erwin said his name made him
reconsider, and he stayed down, teeth clenched as he turned his head away in disgust and anger.
"I told you I did not want to kill anyone. You evidently had the power to stop me, so why didn't
you? You must have known I wouldn't be able to stop on my own." He wasn't asking for Erwin
to coddle him, and tried hard to not make it sound like that. But while neither him nor these
vampires seemed to care much for right and wrong - Levi had been a thief for most of his life after
all - shouldn't Erwin have stopped him? Though he'd asked to be left alone to drink, but he had
been drunk on blood, beyond proper reasoning, and Erwin must have known that as well. "Do
you enjoy it?" he asked, voice much lower now, as if some of the fight had started to leave him,
but no less disgusted.
---
His arm wouldn't fucking move as it should. Sure he could still swing t, but not without difficulty,
and entirely lacking finesse. It was as if Levi's fingers, on pure instinct, had found a most critical
part and dug his fingers into it. Bitterly he wondered how Levi would like a tendon in his own
arm dislodged; surely Hanji could manage that, given the right tools. "Stop?", he laughed
mirthlessly, not much more than a breath. "I did, little thief. I told you to stop and you snarled at
me to let you drink. Can't you recall?" Perhaps the memory had faded some in the haze of hunger.
But the urge had been Levi's own - Erwin had never ordered him to drink, nor was it he who had
first suggested Levi be turned. He sighed at the next question, deliberately holding his mechanic
arm still as not to show discomfort. "I enjoy your defeat", he admitted shamelessly. "But perhaps
that is not all that you ask."
---
His mind might have been muddled by the thirst while he drank, but he could still remember it
now, quite clearly too. And so there was nothing else he could say about it, figuring "it should
have been the right thing to do" would only earn him a laugh. It sounded pretty laughable even in
his own head, to be honest, thief and murderer as he was. But while Erwin was admitting to be
enjoying himself, he didn't sound very happy. Levi glanced up, noting the stiff, completely still
arm, remembered how something had come loose beneath his fingers, and also how Erwin used to
move it every time he wanted to scare him with those clicking, mechanic sounds. Surely now
would have been a good time to use that, to keep him from attacking again. Something was wrong
with it.
He glanced at Hanji, saw the warning evident in her eyes, her fangs slightly bared and body
tensed and ready to spring. Now when he could see her so much clearer, he noticed in her the
same animalistic quality that he felt he had gotten as well after being turned. Erwin, while ruthless
and strong, was still more human in his movements and manners. Still, he wasn't sure Hanji would
fight like an animal, because she was too clever, evidently knew exactly where to push and pull to
cause pain enough to keep someone down, and while Levi knew a few similar tricks, he had no
way of knowing how effective it would be on vampires. What he needed to figure out was how to
kill them. There were plenty of furniture to break in the room, but he would need to be more direct
in his attack, or Erwin would simply order him to stop before he could even get himself another
stake. But what would work; breaking their necks? Would it have to be something more drastic,
like ripping heads off or plunging a hand through their chests? Maybe Hanji would show him
exactly how it was done, should he manage to actually do Erwin any damage...
Levi suppressed a shudder, and slowly stood, making no quick, threatening movements, eyes on
one of his own hands. "No, I was more wondering if you enjoy making me feel like shit." The
words were only a small diversion, and then he thrust his arm forward and up with all the strength
he could muster, not allowing himself to hesitate even at the thought of soft skin and muscle
tearing beneath his bare hand. But then without Erwin even opening his mouth, all strength
seemed to leave him, blood running even colder in his veins as he went down on his knees again.
He caught himself on his hands, eyes a little wider in shock as he put two and two together. He
couldn't kill Erwin. He couldn't kill the one who had given him new life when he had been on the
very verge of death. It was Erwin's blood that had given him life then, and it was it that ran
through his veins now, even as he had drank himself full on human blood, and it was a debt he
would never be allowed to forget.
---
Did he enjoy it? He could not deny the pleasure of revenge; or perhaps it was not really that,
taking their positions into consideration. Perhaps he enjoyed - putting Levi in his place. The uppity
young vampire, who knew so little yet spoke as were he an expert; who had been granted mercy
yet made attempt after attempt at Erwin's life. Even now, as he had let him feed mostly
undisturbed, he moved so quickly that Erwin hardly had time to react, thrusting his hand forward -
but not reaching his goal. Erwin only barely held himself from jumping back - a hand, a hand
would have hurt but not harmed. But Levi fell, curled into himself and landed on his hands and
knees. A deathly silence fell, and then the scrape of boots he recognised as Hanji's. Erwin stood as
frozen, and she glanced only briefly up at him before kneeling behind Levi.
Her nails were short but sharp against the vulnerable skin of his lower eyelids. Her thumbs
grasped his jaw in an iron grip, hands not even trembling from breath or heartbeat. Still as a
corpse, cold as one, Levi's face in a dead man's grip. Her mouth right by his ear, cold breath
brushing over his cheek as she spoke. "Eyes don't grow back. What is a thief without eyes? What
is a blinded vampire?" Erwin, torn between triumph and anger, let her speak for now without
interruption. "You fucked his arm up, didn't you?" she continued, glee in her voice suddenly
giving way for coldness. "If I cut a main tendon, cauterize it neatly, it will have the very same
effect. Would you like that? Or for me to carve over your heart with a stake? You need to stop, or
I swear I will make good on my threats.
---
Levi didn't seem to regain the ability to move until it was too late, flinching away from Hanji's
touch when her fingers already gripped his face, too strong for him to get away unless he wanted
to break something. He had heard her approach, but everything seemed to have shut down
momentarily after he'd made the attempt to kill Erwin, and was only now starting to work again.
But there was nowhere to go, she was behind him, and any movement forward might make him
lose an eye. His instincts screamed at him to escape and yet to be as still as possible, to close his
eyes but also to keep them open; in the end he closed them and kept very, very still in the crazy
woman's grip as she spoke low in his ear. At least his fear was easier to hide now, when he had no
beating heart and quickening breath to betray him. But the way he held his breath, how his fingers
brushed briefly over Hanji's hands before he let them fall back into his lap in resignation and
defeat, and how tense he was - Hanji was good enough at this to recognise those signs for what
they were. He had to give it to her.
He breathed out slowly once he realised he would have to say something, needing the air to speak.
There was too much room in his mind to think, even if he had been equally terrified as Erwin had
wrapped his metal fingers around his throat, now there was no pain, no lack of breath to keep him
from thinking clearly about what could happen to him. "I'm sure there's someone who can mend
his arm." he mumbled, barely moving his lips, confident that both Hanji and Erwin would be able
to hear him anyway. There was no emotion in his voice, nothing that could offend or upset. But
surely they would agree on that it wasn't the same; to cause him irreparable damage when Erwin's
arm could be fixed? "I'll stop. If I can't kill you, there's no reason to keep on fighting."
---
His touch was faint, soft, already surrendered - but she gave him nothing back. Thumbs hooked in
the hollow between jaw and neck, knees on either side of his thighs, and her nails - perhaps that
was what scared him most. A man without eyes - oh! "We should cut his tongue, too, so that he
can't speak, and set him out in the middle of London. How long would you last? Even if you
weren't killed right away, you would soon begin to thirst. But keeping a tongue still is so damned
difficult-- Erwin! Maybe you could make him hold his tongue out, so I can make a clean cut."
And for perhaps the first time, Erwin wasn't feeling entirely adverse to letting Hanji follow
through on her threats. He had given Levi chance after chance, and he had been betrayed in turn.
"Why trust you now?" asked Erwin, fatigue creeping I to his voice. No alternative was a given
choice - either way would mean a partial defeat. Unless - unless he managed to truly tame this
stray cat, with a mind to match his claws. "That you cannot kill me means no loyalty."
---
Bloody hell, the woman was out of her mind. Levi clenched his teeth together at once as she
spoke, and though he had never been one to wish for death even in the most bleak and horrible
circumstances, he would probably rather be dead that go through what she was suggesting. And
surely, Erwin's power over him couldn't work like that, the pain would snap him out of the spell
before Hanji could cut off anything, and surely they wouldn't actually-- Erwin wouldn't agree to it,
would he? He wasn't as mad as Hanji, he--
Levi's thoughts came to an abrupt stop at Erwin's question, and cold dread settled over him,
numbing everything else he might be feeling, hands twitching in his lap, desperate to do
something. "No-- no, I give up. I'll get nothing out of fighting you, next time you're not even
going to hesitate before you kill me or-- or worse." He could hear that clearly in their voices, just
like he could hear his own; quiet, scared and desperate. How ironic that he would finally be driven
to this point now, when he was stronger than he had ever been as a human. "I'll do as you say,
from now on. I realise my word means very little to you, but it's all I can offer."
---
He spoke of surrender, but somehow the sweetness of victory was not quite there. What, was this
his defeat? Erwin had been prepared to hurt him, and then he gave in so easily. He had before,
too, but this was different. More resigned, not at all as wild as before, snarling and trashing about.
Instead there was fear - and hadn't he missed that. I'll do as you say. For how long, this time
around? A day? A week? It would be easier to kill him here and be done with it. But there was
still the matter of the Lord who had employed him in the first place; in the middle of all this he had
almost forgotten about that man. Levi had stolen away all of his attention - and that alone was
proof enough that he should give him to Hanji to do with as she wished, and then be rid of him.
He should. They knew it, and so did he, and Hanji's fingers were ready. "Levi", said Erwin,
making sure there was absolutely no doubt to what he was saying. "Hold out your tongue."
Hanji's eyes seemed to glimmer as she stared up at him; but that might have been the light playing
tricks with her glasses. He looked down on Levi, them back at her. "Can you cut it, here?" She
hummed, then replied in the affirmative, not lacking enthusiasm. "Then remember that", said
Erwin, turning around to pick his gloves back up before motioning to Hanji to let him to.
"Remember that the next time you consider attacking me again."
---
Levi slowly opened his eyes at the sound of his name, feeling empty and ill at ease at the lack of a
heartbeat hammering in his chest, of the trembling and quickened breathing he would usually
associate with the panic he felt. Hold out your tongue. His eyes widened even as he clenched his
teeth together, and he shrunk back, away from the order even if it meant pressing himself closer to
the mad woman behind him. But he couldn't resist it, and his lips parted without him wanting them
to, and he quickly brought his hands up in front his his mouth in a useless attempt to protect
himself further, a few last words slipping out before his own tongue prevented him from speaking.
"No, please..." Pleading now, finally.
But Hanji released him a few agonizingly long seconds later, and yet Levi didn't move, didn't
quite understand what had happened just yet, mind numb from the fear. But he could close his
mouth again, and then slowly lowered his hands back to to floor, supporting himself while he
realised what Erwin had just done. He hung his head, all fight gone and tame for now, much like a
dog kicked into obedience. "I will." he mumbled, voice rather hollow and weary. "And I won't."
---
Oh - Levi sounded as if he might actually believe his own words this time. Pride had given way to
fear, then; Erwin was silently, deeply impressed it had taken no less than that. By he was also
quite satisfied to have been the one to bring him to that point, to have shown him that fear. He
wouldn't be eager to rebel again, and perhaps then Erwin would be able to resume his normal
business. Levi would need to be kept under control, still - perhaps he would set Hanji to that task.
"Good", he said, voice short but not overly unkind. Neutral, even. An underling kept in a constant
state of terror could not serve his purpose; in time he would gain respect as well as fear, and
perhaps then he could set him out on his own now and then. For now, he would keep this bird in
its nest.
"He is dead, but not empty. Next time, drink it all before the vessel dies; dead blood is useless, if
not dangerous. Hanji will keep watch over you for now, and no matter how quick you are, I have
those who can outrun you. I have no reason to harm you if you obey; remember that. Obedience
will keep you alive, usefulness might earn you privileges." He paused, thinking - but he would
hardly seem soft after what had just happened. A little kindness... "It is not a bad life." Well,
emphasis on little, for now.
---
Levi kept his head down, eyes fixed on a point on the floor just in front of him, as still as only a
vampire could be. He wasn't used to accepting defeat, and now when he had been forced to,
driven to do it by the fear that had been a constant companion to him for - was it days now? - he
felt about as drained and tired as he remembered doing the first time Erwin had fed from him. And
while it was only in the mind now, it was still just as horrible, if not perhaps even more so. And
the last thing he wanted was to be reminded of the human he had killed, but apparently he'd failed
at doing that properly as well. He didn't see how it mattered; the human was dead, he had heard
his heart stop. But Levi simply nodded for now, because he wasn't going to argue. The kindness
was lost on him as well, the words only sounding sarcastic in his ears. It was a life of killing
innocent, defenseless people, and he didn't want it. But then neither did he want to die.
Was Erwin going to leave him alone with Hanji, though? Levi looked up at that, but only briefly
before he accepted that there was nothing he could do if that was Erwin's plan. And at least Hanji
couldn't order him around like Erwin could, so if she tried to hurt him he would be able to defend
himself. "I'm not going anywhere." he mumbled, because it sounded like Erwin still thought he
would try something.
---
That was defeat if he had ever seen it. A small sigh of relief died on his lips - he tried not to show
that he had in any way been affected. But then - no, fuck it. A tired sigh, and he rubbed his brow
briefly. He remembered the feeling of being controlled in that manner all too well; every vampire
who turned another would make sure they knew the extent of that power. Erwin, who had come
to be turned under distinctly different circumstances, had been through - other, no less exhausting
things. And perhaps a little positive reinforcement was in order? More so, he needed Levi rested
and alert; vampires might not need to sleep like humans, but rest would help in any case. He
would not have him at anything but his best. "Stand up", he said, though this time without putting
any force behind the order. "Come with me."
Hanji followed too, trailing just behind Levi. They entered the very same room as Levi had slept
in before; sans table. Ironic, perhaps, but a show of confidence. He gestured for Levi to get onto
the bed, trusting in that he would not be resisted at this time. Then, as Hanji sat down to watch
over him, he once again picked up his commanding tone. "Relax, Levi. Sleep for a bit."
---
Nothing escaped Levi's sharp senses, even though me might have wished for it, and he picked up
Erwin's sigh as well, and wondered what it was for. Had he done something wrong? But as Erwin
spoke again, Levi noticed the lack of power behind his words, and there was nothing forcing him
to his feet even as he obeyed almost at once, preferring in any case to be on his feet in their
company. Maybe it was a test, to see how cowed he had become?
But he followed, glancing behind him at Hanji much like a frightened animal, but only once. He
would hear her before she came close enough to touch him, should she attempt anything. The
room he recognised, of course, but it was with fear and uncertainty that he looked up at the gesture
from Erwin. Why should he, when he wasn't tired, not really-- why did Erwin want him on the
bed? Levi gritted his teeth and sat down on the very edge of it, tense and with fingers curling in
the blanket, and then came another order, and he loosened his grip at once. He would have looked
up at Erwin again, but instead he blinked, eyes slightly out of focus, limbs heavy - and a small
look of surprise and slight wonder crossed his face before he closed his eyes and slipped sideways
on the bed. He pulled his legs up and curled up there, on the very edge of the bed, reminiscent of a
small cat sleeping.
---
It would likely take some time before he fell asleep; that last part had been less of an order, more
suggestion. But Levi's muscles had lost their painful-looking tension, his shoulders had dropped as
he lay down on the bed. It was a simple order, yet so effective; at once fear seemed to have all but
melted away. For now, that was - he wouldn't forget what had happened, but he would be left to
rest in peace. It was not Erwin being soft with him, he had to assure himself - it was because his
mind was bound to be fragile so soon after being turned, and experiencing Hanji's methods
firsthand. That woman-- he was glad to have her loyalty, despite her rash decisions and sometimes
disturbing ideas. They were effective, and that was what counted.
A stray strand of hair lay close to Levi's eye, and Erwin had to keep his hand from brushing it
away on instinct. He clenched his mechanic hand, and that was reminder enough; the man looked
innocent enough now, but in no way was he. Thrice attempted murderer - with Erwin alone. But
for now he did not worry about leaving him with Hanji.
---
Levi thought he heard Erwin's steps - heavier than Hanji's - as he left the room and closed the door
behind him, but there was no sound of it being locked this time. Of course, Hanji was still there
with him, but Levi couldn't quite bring himself to care. He wanted the sleep Erwin had suggested
he get, to not have to think and be afraid for a while - and surely with his sharp senses he would
be able to wake up before Hanji could do him any harm. He didn't trust her, but for now he was
relaxed enough to not worry, and it was easy to drift off to sleep even with her around. He kicked
his shoes off, and then curled up even more before he quickly fell asleep.

Chapter 8
Chapter Notes
Apologies in advance for the badly written game of poker; none of us actually knows
how to play. I guess we lost the game.
Still as a dead man, with no breathing and no heartbeat, Levi slept for several hours, and though
he didn't know it, he only stirred again at the very moment the sun had set outside. He opened his
eyes, then slowly moved to sit up, expecting stiffness from having slept curled up for so long, but
feeling none. He glanced up then, a bit wary, to see if Hanji was still around.
---
Gaze sharp and mouth set in a thin line, she prodded his arm with nimble fingers. "With his bare
hands? Just so?" Erwin nodded in response to the question, gazing with some small amount of
worry down at her working hands. Mike sat right beside the both of them, calm as ever,
expression unreadable. Nanaba swore lightly. "Bastard. This isn't impossible to fix, but tricky, and
your arm is far too vulnerable; this won't do. You will need to have it reinforced, or you need to
not let him get so fucking close." Her hard tone was from genuine concern, and Erwin agreed
somewhat tiredly.
Hanji had returned to her chair in good time; if she had looked his newly grown fangs over, he
would never be the wiser. Now a book dangled from her hand - prose, not her usual medical
theory - but Erwin had been annoyed enough that perhaps for now it wasn't worth sneaking away
to the library against orders to stay with the man. The small collection of books in the guest room
would have to suffice. She looked up as he woke. "Enjoy it?", she asked with a knowing little
smile. "My Moblit can get himself worked up sometimes, too. But he sleeps like a puppy every
time-- oh, perhaps some air..." Darkness had begun to fall, and so she pulled back the curtains,
opening one of the windows a fraction.
---
Hanji was still there - of course - and Levi dropped his legs off the bed so that he would be able to
stand up quickly should he feel the need to. Though it would probably be better to stay down, as
unthreatening and harmless as he could be, so to not anger anyone. He felt better after resting, yes,
but the words he had spoken hours before was still true, and he was well and truly frightened and
cowed. Hanji still scared him, and it showed in how his shoulders tensed up again as she spoke,
though he met her gaze without looking away. But-- enjoyed what, sleeping? Her Moblit-- oh.
Maybe she'd turned someone too, whom she could order around. He looked down for a moment,
expression twisting slightly into one of distaste. Her Moblit - did that mean he was Erwin's, now?
He looked up again as she moved, followed her with his gaze to the window, and realised he'd
had no idea about what time of day it was since he'd been dragged down to that cellar. But how
long ago was that now, even? Now, the sky was dark, though not pitch black just yet; late evening
perhaps. And once again, he wondered about the thick, dark curtains. Sure vampires were
associated with the night, where they prowled dark alleyways in search of pray, but he'd seen
Erwin in a sunlit room without him being affected in any way. "Why are the curtains always
drawn?" he asked, voice quiet and careful. He licked his lips briefly, swallowing; the incessant
thirst was still there, though nowhere as strong as it had been before he'd had any blood.
---
The smile faded; apparently he did not wish to speak of it. His loss, then - this was interesting, too.
"The sun isn't kind to the likes of us", she said. "We have always known it harmed, could feel the
burn on our skin, but none were as daft as to stay out. You wouldn't have put your hand into a
flame as a human, would you? No, imagine a stove - if you would set your hand on a cooking
plate, and then someone would start a nice little fire underneath, letting it grow slowly." She was
leaning against the bedframe now, having approached as she spoke. "It would be pleasant at first,
and then just a bit painful, and more - and you would panic, trying to pull your hand away - trying
to find shade from the sun, that is. The sun is - much like that. So we keep the curtains drawn,
venture out at night. Or we usually would - you are stuck here until you can be trusted, and
apparently I'm stuck in turn." She sighed, glancing towards the door. "He gets grumpy
sometimes", she muttered. "The moon is bright, and I haven't hunted properly for a week - I guess
you'll have to entertain me in the meantime."
Looking around the room, she caught sight of the smaller table between the two armchairs. "Come
here, then", she beckoned as she sat down, beginning to search through the small drawers
underneath the table. "Come on, Erwin, don't say you didn't-- there!" Another deck of cards,
formerly a neat stack, soon became a messy pile as she shuffled them up somewhat carelessly.
"Ever play poker? I'll go easy on you in the beginning. Cheat all you like as long as I don't catch
you, alright? I bet you..." She paused, thinking for a moment. "I bet you a cup of blood the next
time we feed."
---
Levi listened, and felt his situation grow even more hopeless. His chance of ever escaping would
be even smaller if he could no longer go out during the day. There was no way out, and Hanji and
Erwin kept scaring the crap out of him, kicking him while he was already down. And perhaps he
was becoming paranoid, the way he quickly twisted his head around and stood abruptly at Hanji's
words - what did the mad woman mean,entertain her? - but it wasn't very strange if he was, was
it? They were getting to him, with their mind games, and Levi was losing himself, and all
resistance and strength to stand up against them that he'd possessed before.
He slowly stepped into his shoes again, approaching with great hesitation until he saw the deck of
cards and seemed to relax some. He lowered himself down into the chair in front of Hanji,
scowling down at the table rather than at her. What would happen if she caught him cheating,
would she rip one of his eyes out? Like he would actually dare. "I don't want to bet with blood."
he mumbled, looking a little sick, swallowing again. "Do you ever stop feeling thirsty?"
---
Hanji's look of surprise turned quickly into a little smile; this time it was almost fond, as if she
remembered something. "We always do", she said, shuffling one last time before she started to
deal the cards. "Money has little significance, possessions either too cherished to risk losing or
without any meaning at all." She fingered her cards, nodding for Levi to begin. "Playing without
debts is so dull..." But she could cut him some slack for now - he was new, he didn't know. He'd
come around in time. Playing without bets was better than not playing at all, in any case.
"Not really, no", she said, countering his first play. "It fades away, though. Background noise,
you know. Just like - how the sun burns. You build up a resistance over time. That's why Erwin
can play noble like any other. I suppose it hurts, still, but doesn't harm him as quickly. I've tried
with my own skin, see - I can manage perhaps half an hour without causing myself real harm.
Perhaps, because Moblit was going on inside, yelling at me to get back in - disturbing my
experiments, see. But once, there was another Lord we visited who had found an infiltrator among
his ranks - he was old, older than Erwin by far, and so the traitor managed all the way trough out
lunch and afternoon tea before he started screaming outside! I had quite a good vantage point to
take notes, so-- oi, cheating!" She straightened, voice suddenly harder, a clear difference from the
excited chatter when telling a story. But only moments later she laughed, slapping lightly at Levi's
hand. "I'm joking. Don't be so stiff, shorty."
---
Levi felt like telling her that blood was pretty damn valuable as well if you were a human, but he
doubted she would see things his way. Instead he took his cards and studied them for a moment,
and then looked at the cards on the table. He hadn't had the opportunity to play poker in a long
time, but her was pretty sure he remembered the rules. Currently, he had a pair, which was good
so far, he supposed. But his attention shifted away from the game as Hanji kept talking about more
torture, and he couldn't help but shudder. He wasn't sure if Hanji realised it herself or not, but it
could very well be another threat, a warning that if he stepped out of line, that was what would
happen to him. Therefore, it wasn't so odd perhaps that he flinched back at her sudden, firmer
tone, lips parting in the beginnings of a defensive snarl - he hadn't--!
But then she laughed, and though he sharply pulled his hand back at her touch, his shoulders
relaxed some again. He managed a glare, before he looked back down at the cards, scowled and
then threw his hand down on the table. A full house, though his cards weren't very high, but it
was worth the chance, he supposed. "Don't call me that." he muttered, wanting to win, but afraid
to do so in case Hanji was a bad loser.
---
So defensive! And so on edge - hell, his nervousness was almost unsettling. He had good reason
to be nervous, of course - but couldn't he let loose a little? They were playing cards, damn it,
nothing else. "Relax", she said, not even noticing the way her words mirrored Erwin's from
before. "You are no threat. None of us particularly fear you after yesterday. Just behave decently,
and there's no need to worry. An execution like that is for something more than cheating in a game
of poker. "Attempting Erwin's murder should certainly have been enough to warrant it, but that
hadn't happened. Curious, that whole business. "Damn", she said in a low voice, flicking her
three-of-a-kind onto the table. "Pity you didn't dare bet, then. Might have been good for you, that
blood."
---
Levi only scowled at that word, and thankfully it had none of Erwin's power, even though he
would give a lot to feel as calm as he had done just after he had spoken it hours ago. That didn't
mean he wanted Erwin to order him around again, of course, but-- well, it had been nice.
Considerate almost, now when he thought about it. He had tried to murder him, so he would have
expected something like the dark cellar, a couple of hours spent without being able to sleep at all
because of the fear and hopelessness that gnawed at him now when he was awake. Not a soft bed
and a relaxing few hours of sleep.
None of us particularly fear you after yesterday; Levi let out a small, disgruntled sound, though
hopefully not enough to upset. But she'd told him to relax, hadn't she? He stared down at her cards
for a moment, tense and almost expecting more threats for winning, but Hanji was clearly better
than that. Only very slightly, though. "I don't want any more blood than is absolutely necessary."
he mumbled. A thought occurred to him then, and he glanced up at Hanji, thinking about what she
had said earlier. "You're some sort of scientist?" he asked, very careful once again. He had little
doubt that everything he said would be reported to Erwin as soon as possible, and he didn't want it
to sound like he was plotting something behind anyone's back, since he would most likely suffer
for it. "Wouldn't you be interested in trying to find out if there was an alternative way to feed?"
---
Well, well. Part of it could be because he was new, but Levi's determination not to cause harm to
humans seemed to run deeper than so. He was certainly different from the bloodthirsty ones, who
seemed to be nothing but pleased at the idea of being turned. They had a few of those - their kind
was secretive, but not unfailing. Sometimes people heard, and had to be dealt with in one way or
another. Some killed, some turned - and here Levi, who only barely had managed to place himself
in the latter group.
"Scientist?", she repeated with some surprise. Oh-- well, that was certainly better than no real
lady and mad woman who doesn't know her place. "Self-taught", she explained, picking at her
cards without focus. "But essentially - yes, among other things." His question was both amusing
and belittling - but he was new, she reminded herself. "Don't underestimate my curiousity", she
replied dryly. "Of course we've tried. Blood from animals mixed in, blood drained from the dead,
but nothing works. Bottling it is impossible, too. As soon as it leaves the body - it's dead. We have
to drink right from a beating heart, see."
---
His words seemed to have some impact, at least, though maybe not the parts he had wanted to
catch her attention. His eyes narrowed a fraction; she wasn't used to being called that. She was
flattered, even if she hid it well, and he would do well to remember that for future use. What did
you call a scientist; Doctor, wasn't it? But then maybe that would be too much. He looked down at
the table as well, trying to figure out something more to say, as if he could come up with a plan
when everyone else had failed. To turn everyone they drank from would probably not be an
option, if he alone was enough to cause Erwin trouble, a whole bunch of newly turned vampires
would be a problem. "But if you found people who were willing, only drank a little each time..."
He trailed off almost at once; it was a rather terrible idea, because they could change their mind at
any time, decide they wanted out, and then they would have to be killed because they knew too
much. And it would be cruel as well as sickening, keeping people around just to feed from them a
little every other day, even if they were well treated. And - it would cost Erwin money, whereas
snatching someone from the street was completely free of charge. He would never be able to
convince anyone that it was a good idea, certainly not if he didn't think so himself. "Never mind.
Bad idea. And you've most likely already thought of that, too."
He shrugged, looking rather miserable, but then suddenly seemed to perk up some, and started
gathering up the cards on the table to shuffle them thoroughly. "I'm not saying you haven't tried
your best already with this, because I have no doubts that you have. But if I win this time, you
give it another try, with my help and full cooperation, should you need it for anything. If I lose, I'll
gladly give you a cup of blood next time we feed. You either get a willing assistant or more blood,
so either way you win, right?" He handed her the deck of cards, now in a neat pile, and then held
his hands up to show he wasn't hiding any cards there. "You deal the cards, that way it's harder
for me to cheat."
---
Oh, it was a tempting thought - being able to drink without a hurry, more frequently and with a
wide variety of tastes - but in practice, currently impossible. He realised this, though - we'll, she
wouldn't have minded explaining. Experiments had been hard to do, because few were willing to
try her ideas; pig blood wasn't too popular, and neither was blood mixed with herbs and ash,
blood from a corpse, blood from a woman on her-- "Full cooperation?" Oh, man, that was - that
was something. A willing participant to assist? Moblit was eager enough to help, but she couldn't
base her results on one test subject, and sometimes a third pair of hands would be greatly useful.
He wasn't as important as Moblit yet either, so she could have him for trying the more dangerous
things - her Moblit was important, after all. Bringing unnecessary harm to her subordinates was
not in her nature - but Levi was Erwin's, and he had tried to murder him, and so - he didn't really
count. Or fall into the same category.
She grinned. "I accept. Or - how about best out of three? Adds a little thrill to it." She began
dealing the cards, hands more quick even than before, eagerness evident in every motion.
---
Levi nodded at once, though he suddenly felt quite ill at ease, as something told him he might not
enjoy working for Hanji any more than he would enjoy working for Erwin. Who knew what this
mad woman could think of? What was she thinking about, while she grinned at him like that? But-
- well, at least if she would demand something much too horrible, he could still refuse. She wasn't
Erwin, though she scared him just about as much.
"Sure." he agreed. Good; then he could leave the outcome of the first round to chance and skill
alone, and go from there. He might not need to risk cheating to win, but win he would. He had too
little power here to do anything on his own, but with Hanji on his side, the situation would be
entirely different. It did look bleak though, at the start of the game, but at the end of it he had at
least two pairs, which he flicked down onto the table with a rather sour look on his face.
---
"Yes!", she cried out in triumph, slamming her hand down on the table; her five cards in perfectly
numeral order. "I win - oh, this is good, I love this game!" Her happy exclamations and tone lasted
all of a few minutes, right up until Levi just as swiftly beat her the next round. "Fuck", she
muttered, expression sour. If she had been a bit more prepared she might have cheated - when
Nanaba and Erwin played, cheating was rule rather than exception. She knew a few good tricks
herself, but Levi seemed so stuck-up about cheating-- well, that might have been her fault. Really,
she didn't care - cheating was skill as much as playing. But apparently he had taken her words
more seriously than she had intended. Was that all because of yesterday? He should learn not to
hold grudges like that, really. She was being nice now!
"Last round!", she decided, voice again cheerful but firm. If he had counted the very first round,
then... Then he would have to reconsider. "Come on, now. Fight for it!"
---
So loud - and did she really have to brag like that? But Levi said nothing about it, just quickly
gathered the cards, shuffled them and dealt them out for the next round. He kept his sour look on
his face; maybe if Hanji thought he was a bad loser she would continue being smug about it, and it
would in turn keep her somewhat distracted. If Hanji thought he was afraid to cheat, well, she
would be right, but he would do so anyway. Having started his career as a pickpocket, he had
learned the art of sleight of hand long ago, and now when he was a vampire his fingers were even
quicker. Hanji never seemed to notice as a few cards disappeared and reappeared later, and then
he got his victory. But he looked relieved rather than self-confident, and also seemed to have
counted on another round. He just nodded, expression determined and focused. She dealt the
cards this time, so it would be much harder to cheat. There were plenty of cards in the same
colour, but if he couldn't get a straight flush, would an ordinary flush be enough? It seemed to be
the best he could get, though he'd let Hanji show her cards first, this time.
---
Three of a kind-- it was quite possible to win this last round. Still a little giddy from the last turn,
she happily showed her cards-- only for her face to fall as he showed his. "Oh, but - fuck!"She fell
back in her chair, arm over her eyes. "I swear you cheated just now. Didn't you? I'm fucking sure
you did. Well - well, never you mind that. Congratulations."
What had she promised him - giving it another try? It wouldn't be hard, certainly not a promise she
would hesitate to keep. Supposedly Erwin wanted him in good condition, however - letting him
try new ideas might not be ideal. In a few days he would have forgotten about her taking liberties
and healing Levi; then she could do it again. For now, they would have to be a little more careful.
---
The triumph he felt for winning lasted for a while, though he was careful not to show it. He hadn't
cheated in the last round really - not much, at least, but still he shook his head at the accusation.
Besides, she hardly seemed angry about it, rather eager to start. But for now, they were apparently
stuck in this room together. Hanji blabbered on, and Levi couldn't help tuning her out after a while
as he flipped the cards around randomly by himself, since they both seemed to have given up on
playing any more. She got back to her book after a while, and Levi checked the bookshelf to see if
there was anything interesting in it. There wasn't really, as far as he could tell, but he picked a
book anyway and curled up at the foot of the bed to read.
As the hours slowly passed, he got neither hungry nor tired, though he was always thirsty. Hanji
stood after a while and went over to the window to pull the curtains shut, and Levi realised the sun
was about to rise. He shuddered. Eventually, he got up and went into the bathroom, bringing a
clean set of clothes that had apparently been waiting for him in a drawer the entire time. But as he
turned and looked into the mirror, he gasped quietly and flinched back, and then went still, staring
at his reflection. Messy-haired and pale, faint, old bloodstains on his shirt and fangs visible
beneath his parted lips, and the eyes, no longer his old cold grey, but piercing and red. But it
would fade, he reminded himself. It had on Erwin, surely the same must apply to him.
Quickly, he turned away from the mirror, showered and dressed quickly - trousers and shirt, and a
dark red waistcoat-- were they trying to rub it in? - brushed out his hair and then went back into
the room. Ignoring Hanji's compliment of "handsome", he walked back to the bed, but then
suddenly stopped halfway and turned sharply to the door. It was closed, but he could still smell it,
and his mouth watered at once. Before Hanji could move to stop him, he flung himself towards
the door, all ability to think rationally beaten down once again by bloodthirst. There was a woman
walking through the corridor further ahead, having just passed the door to his room, hair pulled up
on her head and with her neck exposed. She was walking beside Erwin, and while Levi realised
that, it did not stop him from ignoring the man in favour of lunging for the woman's neck like a
starved beast.
---
Well, he did look good, sulking or no. It suited him, the colour as well as the cut. He looked more
like a vampire than ever before, and certainy less of a mess. The haircut was questionable - needed
a trim, at least - but on the whole - good. Something else to look at, other than the book; not her
kind of thing, certainly. She had just looked down to turn the page when she saw motion in the
corner of her eye-- he was turning, slamming the door open and suddenly, he was gone, out in the
corridor. She could smell it, too.
"Lady Brzenska", he greeted warmly, bending down to almost touch his lips to her offered hand.
She scoffed lightly, but didn't pull away; oh, she enjoyed their little games, he knew that well.
Abrams closed the door behind her, taking her coat and disappearing as quietly as a shadow. Tea
had been prepared, of course, a bite to eat on the side. Nanaba appeared silently, suddenly behind
him, echanging little kisses on the cheek with Rico; Mike greeted her just as Erwin had, but it was
Erwin who had the pleasure - as he put it - of escorting her to the lounge. They walked through
the corridor, chattering pleasantly as only those could who had washed blood off one another's
hands - figuratively, of course. And then-- a crash, steps so light and quick it seemed unreal,
and the fucking thief was charging at them, eyes red and wild, fangs bared. Erwin stepped forward
but beforehe could reach the other, Hanji's arm curled around Levi's neck, sharply twisting to the
side with all of her weight to bring them both crashing to the floor.
---
Almost there, he could almost taste the blood, and just as he reached out to grab at the woman's
shoulders, he was pulled back, lost his footing and tumbled to the floor. Hanji was on top of him
at once, her grip around his neck tightening, but he needed no air, and it was nothing but
uncomfortable. Snarling, he tried to twitch around, only to get a knee to his back and a hand to
grip his chin tightly, and then the madwoman leaned down to growl in his ear again, just as she
had done before. "Do you know what happens when you snap a vampire's neck?"
Levi snarled again, but with slight desperation. Fear was effective in bringing him back to his
senses, and he calmed down somewhat, but the smell of blood was still there, and his
throat burned, to the point that it was nearly painful. But he didn't want to drink her dry, and-- and
Hanji had stopped him just now, for reasons he did not know but was suddenly grateful for. "Get
her away from here." he choked out, and then stopped breathing altogether, bringing one hand up
to put over his nose and mouth, as if that would help.
---
Rico's hand gripped his arm tight for a moment; she was no weakling, but against a vampire
driven by thirst she would not have stood a chance. Hanji took him down, swift and efficient,
speaking in a low enough voice that he could only barely hear. Erwin held back a snarl; they were
in fine company, after all. "My deepest apologies, Lady Brzenska", he said, voice tense with
anger. "If you would follow Michael and Nanaba to the lounge, I will be with you shortly.
"Of course", she replied politely, as if she had been greeted by an overly enthusiastic dog rather
than a desperately thirsty vampire. Her voice was steady, but a bit forced - no wonder. As she
continued down the corridor she was as graceful as ever; but Erwin knew that every little thing
such as this was a jab at his reputation. Forcing himself to breathe calmly for a moment, he knelt
down right by Levi's head. He couldn't let this go that easily. This should have been the last drop,
had he held his promise - it should have meant no more chances, should have set Levi out on the
streets mute and blind and thirsting. But what sort of man would he seem if he could not even
keep his own under control? "Levi", he said, anger reined carefully in. "Relax. Don't say a word."
---
They were taking too long, putting him through more agony that was necessary - couldn't Erwin
just grab the woman and drag her away from there at once? Were the niceties really needed at the
moment, when he could barely stop himself from moving in Hanji's grip and trying to get away, to
bite and drink and-- fuck. And the smell still lingered even as he heard her leaving, even if it was
only in his memory, but it was more than enough. As Erwin got to his knees beside him, he
glanced up, fearful as well as desperate. Erwin was angry, he had heard it in his voice, and while
he thought of trying to defend himself - he couldn't help it, could he? - he remained quiet so that
he wouldn't have to breathe in more of the smell.
And at Erwin's words, he stared for a moment, knowing he would relax, and terrified of what
would happen once he did - would he be punished, beaten, killed? And then every worrisome
thought disappeared, hand slipping from his face as he went almost limp in Hanji's hold. His eyes
were still on Erwin, but half-closed now and showing only calm, and though he licked at his lips
and swallowed, his mouth then remained tightly shut.
---
Hanji let go as soon as Levi went under. She stood, brushing what little dust there was off her
knees. Erwin stayed; maybe the message would be clearer this way. "You attacked my guest", he
said. "I am not too surprised, but neither am I pleased, Levi. You need to learn - you drink when I
let you. And until I do, you keep yourself in check. If you hadn't done that, I would have let you
stay in there - well away from the Lady. Now, you're going to come with me. If I cannot show
that I have you fully under control, what will happen to her trust in me? No, I won't let your lack
of control ruin my relations."
"Follow me." The order was simple, but perhaps the action was not. He couldn't care less at the
moment. Erwin guided Levi along with a hand at the back of his neck, Hanji right behind them.
They entered the lounge, where Rico looked up at them with a carefully neutral expression. Erwin
bowed shallowly. "I apologise again, my Lady. I assure you, he will not bother you again."
---
Levi all but curled up on the floor as Hanji let go of him, just barely holding himself off the floor,
not quite lying down as he listened. It did cross his mind to argue, but he couldn't bring himself to.
And there was no need to, because he'd get nowhere by doing it. He lowered his gaze for a
moment, but then looked right back up as Erwin continued. Silently, he shook his head, feeling
some dread even as he remained very calm, torn between the different emotions but unable to say
no to Erwin. But at least the calm he felt helped with resigning himself quite quickly to that he
would just have to endure it somehow, and he rose slowly to his feet, not unsteady, but maybe a
bit reluctant. Erwin's hand against his neck was not as cold as he remembered it to be, perhaps
because the blood in his own veins ran just as cold now, and even if he feared Erwin, it was oddly
comforting. As long as the other man was around, even if Levi lost it again, he could stop him
with a single word, and for once that was a good thing. It also helped him remain relaxed, it
seemed, as if touch made the other's words hold even more power.
He inhaled once, and then stopped breathing again as they entered the lounge, keeping his head
lowered and turned just slightly in Erwin's direction without really thinking about it. He didn't
look up at the lady, just stayed unmoving by Erwin's side, throat burning and mouth watering.
---
"He is new?" Rico sipped at her tea, looking Levi over. Erwin nodded, picking up his own cup, if
for nothing else than to occupy his hands. "Very much so", he replied. "Not yet aware of his
strength." Hanji leaned back in a chair beside him, suddenly far more calm and controlled, as if
keeping Levi from attacking their guest had been nothing more than swatting away a fly. "Nor his
weaknesses", added Hanji. "Just before he asked why we pulled the curtains to shut out light..." A
round of chuckles; cruel, perhaps, but not worse than anything else he had been through here. Of
course he thirsted - none of the other vampires were unaware of Rico's beating heart, the warmth
of her blood; but she was far more valuable as a friend as business partner, than a simple vessel.
And she was aware. "Oh, there it is again. You're controlling him - christ, it's unsettling." Erwin
smiled mildly in reply - "Perhaps preferable to being attacked?" - and she shrugged, vaguely
affirmative.
"He needs to learn. We won't starve him, of course. He'll drink what he needs to - but not until I
allow it."
---
Levi raised his head slightly to look up at the woman as she spoke about him so readily, and what
more was; she seemed to know what they were. Evidently, there was more to her than what met
the eye, and he searched his mind for her strange name, but couldn't remember ever hearing about
her. Then again, if she had vampires on her side, she would most likely not need to hire thieves
from the streets to get what she wanted. Neither would she be of any use to him when it came to
escaping. Even so, there was no reason not to be nice and try to gain some of her favour in case it
would be useful in the future.
His expression remained entirely blank as they made fun of him, much thanks to Erwin's order,
certainly. And while he couldn't speak, he then gave a perfectly gentlemanly bow to the lady, and
what he hoped was an apologetic look, before he went completely still once again, and still not
breathing. Hopefully, it would impress her a little, but it was also his own little way to show that
he was no mindless puppet, to counter Erwin's words the only way he could think of, even if it
wasn't much.
---
Erwin's gaze lingered on Levi for a moment; impressive. He had expected bitterness, or dull
mindlessness - but he behaved himself quite well, all of a sudden. This one was hard to control,
ranging from mad with bloodlust to docile in a moment, from fearful to stupidly brave. But as long
as he kept himself still and well-behaved while in company, Erwin could solve the rest later.
Confident that Levi would remain where he was, he finally relaxed a bit, leaning back in his chair.
"I turned him only last night", admitted Erwin. "Caught him sneaking about the house, attempting
to steal fom me. According to his words - although they were spoken under some, er, stress - he
was sent by Lord Sanes. You might want to cancel any appointments made with him; he will be
occupied elsewhere for the next few days, if it is shown to be true. But - I suspect there is
something more behind this. Rumours, perhaps? You must hear things hidden even from my ears,
Rico." A little smile, returned mildly by her.
---
Levi straightened up soon after, still calm, though the initial drowsiness brought on by Erwin's
order was starting to disappear, giving way to other feelings, ranging from everything between
how unnatural and uncomfortable it was to not breathe for so long to just wanting to punch Erwin
really, really hard. He felt like some servant, standing beside where Erwin was sitting, and he was
sure as hell going to show his displeasure in any way he could. Some stress, what utter bullshit,
and Levi let out a huff - don't say a word, Erwin had said, but he wasn't speaking, yet still showed
his annoyance very clearly. He had to find the loopholes, all the little ways around Erwin's words,
because it was all he had.
---
A sharp snap of his fingers conveyed a clear message; be quiet. He had neither time nor patience
for petty rebellion - yet Levi did not seem to realise how thin the thread was that he hung by.
Control - he needed to show control, and he would rather not use more forceful measures. He
should have drained Levi before - should have been finished with him. Those thoughts would not
quite leave him be, even as Rico spoke they lingered at the back of his mind.
---
Levi's eyes narrowed, but he made no sounds after that, and barely any movements. He didn't
want to risk stepping over that invisible line, though he admittedly had no proper idea of where
that line was. But he was too frightened to do anything more for now. He wondered if it was
unnerving to the lady, how still he was, how he didn't breathe. Erwin was behaving in a rather
human way as he carried on the conversation with her, but Hanji was sitting quite still as well.
And his eyes, although she hadn't really seemed to react to them. Either she was used to it, or the
red was fading. He hoped it was.
The conversation stretched on, and Levi only listened to half of it. It was business and more
business it seemed, things he had never bothered to get into any more than he had to to be able to
fool nobles. Mostly, he tried to concentrate on not thinking about the burn in his throat, which
really only made it a little bit worse, but-- it had to be over soon. And then finally, finally she
stood to leave, bidding her goodbyes; Levi gave a small bow of his head but kept his distance.
---
He had ordered silence to be able to forget about Levi; but no matter how still or quiet, Erwin
remained aware of his presence, right behind him, a step to the side. It didn't disturb his
conversation - Rico seemed to hardly notce, speaking as she would have otherwise. No great,
important secrets were exchanged here; after all, it was only tea. Lives and fates of men were
discussed at the very least over a decent dinner - Erwin would not be seen as cheap. As the
conversation came to an end, and Rico stood to leave - preffering to see herself to the door - he
wished her a good day, waited until she was well out of hearing range, and turned to Mike.
The taller man nodded, without the question ever needing to be asked. "We caught him. Quick
and clean, no witnesses." Erwin grinned a little, glancing to Levi, mechanic fingers curling into a
fist with anticipation. "Well then", he said. "Levi. Let us go see if it is your employer we've caught
in our nets."

Chapter 9
Chapter Notes
Some new tags for this chapter, and finally some hints at Eruri, perhaps?
Levi remained still even a while after the lady had left, head a little bowed, but with eyes and ears
sharp, keeping track of everyone, perhaps Erwin in particular. His brow furrowed at Mike's
words, most likely it was their next human in line to be killed to sate their cursed, constant thirst.
He turned his head, gaze quickly landing on Erwin's metal hand at the sound of it moving - he'd
gotten it fixed so soon, then? - and then slowly looked up into Erwin's face as he spoke. His
employer-- oh. Levi had entirely forgotten about him, how he'd given his name in a vain attempt
to save his own life; would he now be the one to take Sanes'? Cruel, but not surprising. Levi didn't
even bother to try arguing.
Down the stairs they went, not to the cellar he'd been stuck in, but another one very similar, and
Levi made sure to once again stop breathing before they reached their destination. And there he
was, Lord Sanes, tied to a chair in near darkness, frightened but still with some fight in him, it
seemed. How Erwin was going to prove that it was the right man, Levi didn't know; Sanes had
never met him in person short of seeing him at Erwin's dinner party, and Levi only knew his
appearance from spying on him to make sure he was rich enough to pay the amount of money he
had offered for the painting. But he nodded once at Erwin, trying not to feel pity for the man in the
chair. It was easy enough, and perhaps quite terrible of him, but all he had to do was concentrate
on his own suffering.
---
"Good afternoon, Lord Sanes", said Erwin politely, words in stark contrast to their surroundings.
"I hope the chair is comfortable enough - you might be here for a while yet." The man was tense,
clearly nervous, frightened - but even so, if he did recognise Levi - he was hiding it rather well.
"What is the meaning of this?", he rasped, throat thick from the sound of it. Erwin could see his
hands tense as he fought not to fidget. "That-- that slouch dragged me out of my own house in the
middle of the night, and you have the nerve to keep me here--"
"Is it not the same hospitality I showed you only a few nights ago? Not even brave enough to try
by yourself - pathetic. And to think Levi here has not yet received his payment? Surely you could
compensate him somehow." Almost at once as Sanes realised there was no doubt as to what he
had done, he changed tactics.
"Lord Smith", he choked out. "Surely you, surely you realise that was never my intention? What
he has told you, that is some story he has made up himself - you know, he saw an opportunity,
and now he's lying to save his skin..."
---
Now when he thought about it, wasn't it this man's fault that he had ended up a vampire, that he
had been beaten and frightened half to death and had more or less lost his free will to Erwin?
Maybe he shouldn't feel all that sorry for him, after all. An eye for an eye. And he sure as hell was
not going to let Sanes turn Erwin even more against him than he already was.
"How do you know I have any reason to want to save my skin?" he asked quietly, a little
surprised that he could speak again. "If you know nothing of what we're talking about, then you
wouldn't know that I had any reason to lie to get out of trouble." He paused; he had to breathe if
he wanted to continue, and it was like breathing in fire, at the same time as it smelled like the most
delicious meal to a starving man, yet he wasn't allowed to eat it. Or was he? Had Erwin meant
what he said about him being compensated? Could he drink? He swallowed hard, then turned to
look up at the other man, an almost painful expression on his face and hands clenched at his sides.
"Can I drink?" he choked out.
---
Can I drink? It wasn't the most polite request, not as finely expressed as some would have - but it
was progress, and it made Erwin more proud than he had expected. He glanced down at Levi, and
his gaze was almost fond. Clever, certainly. And for now that mind of his, those fangs were under
his control, at his disposal. Brilliant.
Meanwhile, Sanes seemed to have found his tongue. "You were with him this whole time, weren't
you?" He spoke to Levi now, eyes wide and voice far too loud. "You were! Fucking traitor, that's
what you are, luring nobles to fall for your games - what do you get out of this?" He turned back
to Erwin, accusing wildly. "Money? Land?"
Erwin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Proof enough, I say. Levi - do not drain him.
Leave him conscious still for Hanji. There are matters still to be solved. Remember that. You may
drink." He stepped back, nose wrinkling faintly with distaste - the man's blood was certainly not to
his standards, but neither was it dangerous to drink. Years of tobacco use, quite a bit of alcohol -
but it would not harm Levi. As time went by, he would learn to distinguish between types of
blood, and to develop a taste of his own. In this early stage, nourishment was the only priority.
---
Levi completely ignored Sanes' words, hanging onto Erwin's like his life depended on them. He
nodded once, tense and so very thirsty, and then he turned and walked quickly through the room.
"Shut up." he snarled at Sanes, ripping the expensive clothing that covered his wrist. This would
never have happened if this man had not hired him in the first place, and while that wasn't much to
justify what he was about to do, it was a slightly comforting thought nonetheless. He kneeled
beside the chair, and then bit down, a bit neater than he had managed last time, and drank. His
grip was tight on Sanes' arm as he took one deep mouthful after the other, and while he had no
idea how much he could drink before the man would fall unconscious, he eventually noticed
when the man stopped screaming and struggling, and very reluctantly forced himself to stop.
Every drop was like new life in his cold, dead body, and he didn't want to stop, not while there
was still a beating heart keeping that blood fresh and alive. And it wasn't half as bad to drain this
man as it was an innocent young man or woman. Still, Erwin's words had been very clear.
Quickly, he pushed himself back to his feet and turned away from Sanes, not wanting to see what
state he was in, and then went for the door, fleeing the thick, metallic smell that filled the room.
Erwin should have nothing to fear as far as him escaping went; it was still early day outside, and
Levi wasn't going any further than the foot of the stairs that led down to the basement. There he
leaned against the wall, feeling quite full now when the smell of blood wasn't so strong anymore.
---
As soon as he gave permission, and not a moment before it, Levi dove down for Sane's wrist, as
The Lord twisted, screaming all the louder - possibly Levi's hard grip had broken his fragile,
humans bones. Sane's words became incoherent; pleas and threats, choking and gargling noises as
he near swallowed his own tongue in desperation. Erwin had learned not to listen; he hardly even
heard the words, but kept a careful eye on the vessel. Screaming meant life; but as soon as he
quieted, it was time for Levi to stop. Erwin would not have been surprised if he had to remind
Levi; but before he could do so, the vampire stood, turning abruptly to flee the room. Giving him
the benefit of the doubt, Erwin waited a moment - and yes, his steps stopped soon enough. He
smiled to himself; at least now, all was going according to plan.
"Hanji", he said, nodding towards the near-unconscious man in the chair. "All yours. Get what
you can from him - inheritance, anything to reasonably compensate for the painting. And perhaps
a little bonus; the stables need repairing." Humour in this situation might seem wrong; but little did
that matter. "Better?", he asked Levi as he closed the door to keep the noise to a minimum,
gesturing for Levi to follow as he walked up the stairs.
---
Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand to make sure there were no blood on his face, he then
sighed, shoulders slumping for a moment now when he had a few seconds to himself. It was
strange, feeling so strong and practically tireless, but yet somehow exhausted at the same time. If
only becoming a vampire had done the same to emotions as it had done to sleep; make them into
something he could indulge in only if he felt like it.
He straightened up at the sound of footsteps, heavy enough that it could only be Erwin, and then
turned towards him. He waited until he was a few steps ahead before he followed, scowling at
Erwin's back. At least he was allowed to walk behind him now, though that only meant Erwin
feared him less. "Not really, no." he answered quietly, ever as careful, though there might have
been a small hint of sarcasm. "I'm still thirsty, and I'm still stuck with you." It was as much an
attempt at a joke as it was the truth, but at least he was being honest. And apart from a slightly
poisonous tongue, Levi was being very obedient at the moment.
---
Still pleased with the improvement from before, Erwin couldn't quite bring himself to care to
correct him. Two steps forward; he could allow a step back, now that Levi was starting to behave
himself. "The thirst won't fade. You will get used to it; it will not be as apparent. All in due time."
They reached the top of the stairs - Levi right behind him, silent. Erwin glanced over his shoulder.
Praise would hardly be appreciated. Still-- "Learn to behave around guests, and you can afford
that snark in private. I can hardly keep you under all the time - and I don't think you would much
like that either."
---
A shrug of his shoulders, and then a more polite nod. "Hanji told me." Pity Erwin hadn't, before
he'd turned him into a vampire. Then again, Levi had had no other choice than this, really. It had
to at least be better than lying around somewhere, weak from blood loss but not quite dead,
waiting for nothing but the next time a vampire would come and drink a few mouthfuls. He held
back a shudder, and then shook his head quickly at Erwin's next words. "Is there anyone that
would?" But it was very much a rhetorical question, and Levi could even admit to himself that
there had been a certain feeling of comfort both times Erwin had made him calm down now. He
didn't like getting robbed of his own free will, but he knew he would probably be even more of an
emotional wreck if Erwin hadn't helped him sleep, and then to have done what he did earlier
instead of resorting to actually hurting him as a punishment, it was again almost considerate.
Levi wanted to ask why Erwin did that, because wouldn't it be far more easy and quick to just
beat him into submission rather than deal with his stubbornness? A dog afraid of its master would
be no less dangerous than one who had been taught what to do through positive reinforcement.
And while Erwin certainly had used both methods, it was still strange. But perhaps Erwin was
eventually expecting to gain his loyalty and trust like he had Hanji's, Mike's and Nanaba's? Even
stranger.
---
Hanji? Erwin supposed she had never been much for proper titles and the like, and still it was odd
hearing her name from Levi's lips. Ah - maybe that was because Levi had mostly called them
bloodsuckers, or... Hm. Distracted for a moment by the question, he left that thought for later.
"Enjoy it? Certainly. Did you not, when I made you sleep?" Some called it an acquired taste, but
there were those who naturally responded better; and with Levi, that simple word had had far
better effect on him than many others. "You have not yet met Moblit - has Hanji mentioned him?
Hmm. Enjoyment in its purest form. If it was his choice, he might remain in that dreamlike state
indefinitely. Alas, he cannot, or he would be of very little use to our cause."
But there was something more. "Hm - I remembered just before. You called us something, there
when we first met. What language was that?"
---
Levi's eyes narrowed, but he couldn't really argue. "It's not the word I would have used." he
muttered. "Relief, maybe, not enjoyment." As for Moblit, he sounded more and more like some
madman, but then Hanji was mad as well, so they must make a good team. He would see for
himself sooner or later, hopefully, unless Hanji did not consider their bet to be of much
importance, or in case Erwin found out what they were doing and put a stop to it.
But oh - Erwin remembered that, did he? Levi hardly did; so much had happened since then and
his mind had been so clouded with fear and terror. "Aluka. It means 'leech' in Hebrew." Some
satisfaction sneaked its way into his voice, even if he was a leech now as well. "One of several
names for vampires." Erwin would have undoubtedly noticed that he had an accent, it would have
been clearer during times of real distress and panic than it was right now, but it was always there.
Levi had seen no use in hiding it from the moment Erwin had called him out on not being a lord,
so he wasn't about to start now.
---
"Hebrew." His voice thoughtful, fingers of his right hand absentmindedly moving as if turning
pages, filing through old memories. That was not one of the languages he had learned; though
with a life as long as his had been, he knew enough of others to recognise it to some extent. "It has
some similarities with Arabic, does it not?" Faint clues he had picked up, guesses and theories.
What better way to learn? Maybe he could make use of Levi's skills until it was safe to set him out
to hunt. Knowledge is power, they said.
"What a distasteful word. Though one can hardly blame humans for their folly. You are already
one of our kind, but in time you will come around to see just how much. Let's leave Hanji to do
her work. You'll come with me for now - I could use another set of hands. Is your handwriting
decent?"
---
His eyes were on Erwin's hand at once, wary as well as thoughtful, wondering about the damage
he had done to it, who it was that had fixed it. But since it seemed unlikely Erwin would do him
any harm at the moment, fear also gave way to curiosity. How did it work, and had he lost his arm
or gotten rid of it on purpose to be able to replace it with such an excellent weapon? Was there
more hidden inside than the knife he had seen briefly when he'd tried to steal the painting? Did
Erwin fix it himself, or did he have someone who did it for him? But Levi didn't ask, didn't want
to remind Erwin of how he had broken it before.
"Hell if I know." He shrugged. He only really knew the languages he had learned as a child, and
had no knowledge of any others, so even if Arabic was similar to Hebrew, it was completely
unfamiliar to him. He huffed quietly in distaste as Erwin kept speaking, still capable of seeing
what they did from a human's perspective, even if he no longer was one. And he could hardly
blame them for calling them leeches. But he followed Erwin, certainly not wanting to stay
anywhere near Sanes while he was still alive with fresh blood running through his veins. But he
hesitated at the second question, wondering if he should be honest or not, but then Erwin would
see for himself if he wanted Levi to write anything for him. "Depends on what you mean with
decent." he mumbled, as if scared Erwin would punish him for having bad handwriting. "It's--
readable. For most."
---
He sighed. Perhaps not as useful, then. "Decent for writing letters, so 'readable' won't do at all.
Pity." A muffled scream was audible even through two closed doors - Erwin looked back with a
faint expression of distaste. Might be good for Levi, in any case. He had only so very narrowly
escaped a similar fate, and would do well to be reminded it still loomed over him. Erwin had made
no promises; and if he had, he would be under no obligations to keep them.
They reached his office door soon enough; but as he had laid a hand on the handle, he turned to
Levi. "See this as a test. One more attempt at causing harm - to me or yourself, trying to steal
things, ruining my work - anything as such will earn you a swift trip back down into that cellar,
and to Hanji." He didn't wait for a reply; opening the door, he sat down at his desk. "Sort these,
then", he said, sliding a pile of opened letters to the opposite side of the heavy oak desk.
"Invitations to various events - by date there, anyone a Viscount or higher in a second pile. You
can read, can you not?" Not that it mattered much. He would have a trusted vampire look his
work over later - this was, as he had said, a test.
---
Levi did not feel particularly sorry for not being all that good at writing once it seemed it didn't
really matter to Erwin; it would just be less boring paperwork for him. At the scream, Levi felt
proud of himself for giving no other reaction than a faint falter in his steps, before he determinedly
kept going, eyes set on Erwin's back. He still felt very little pity for Sanes, knowing the man was
far from innocent. He'd done much worse than hiring thieves to steal paintings, and he was also
the one who had gotten Levi into the seemingly inescapable mess he was in. Levi also
remembered how he'd tried to pass the blame for everything onto him just a while ago. But
indifference turned to horror at Erwin's words, and Levi just nodded, tight-lipped and tense. Did
Erwin have to keep reminding him? Had he gotten too relaxed around him just now, spoken too
freely, so that he'd seen the need to drag him back down into that state of constant fear that tore at
all his defences and made him feel so exhausted - Levi hated it.
Taking one look around the room and realising it must be Erwin's office, he then hurried forward
to sit down in the chair opposite the other man without looking at him and got to work,
movements as sharp as they could be without him tearing paper. Yes, he could bloody well read, if
he could write that much should be pretty obvious, should it not? Fuck Erwin and his attitude,
fuck whatever control he had over him; Levi could bet anything this was just another way to boast
about how much better he was than a simple thief from the streets, with all these fancy letters from
various Lords and other stupid nobles. But while Levi was no noble, he wasn't stupid either, and
he had done everything he could to perfect his act to be able to be as good a thief as he was. He
knew enough to do what Erwin asked of him, and he sorted the letters into two very neat piles,
double-checking everything while still working quickly and efficiently, and in complete - if quite
angry - silence.
---
As Erwin wrote, preferring to handle communication around more delicate matters himself, Levi
sorted the invitations. Dinners, weddings, the odd funeral among simple invitations for afternoon
tea or gentlemen's gatherings. None of those events were only what they were called; politics,
business and power were deftly woven in between each cup of tea, each bouquet or coffin. And
so, one had to very carefully choose which events to attend to; rivaling Lords might set out
invitations for the same date, and one's attendance might be weighed against another's - it was a
complicated game, with intricate as well as unspoken rules.
Now, Levi seemed entirely ungrateful for receiving such an important task. His movements were
sharp, anger evident in each gesture, each breath. He was as tense as a bowstring, and while
Erwin might have been part of the cause, it was distracting and quite irritating. But still; he was
behaving rather well. Apart from his attitude he was very obedient - sorting carefully, working as
efficiently as Erwin did. It certainly didn't warrant a trip back to Hanji, but neither could he stand
this bristling anger. Perhaps he would calm down-- but no, he would not for quite some time, and
Erwin had no patience for this. In any case, Levi had near finished his work. Without thinking, he
snapped his fingers and pointed sharply to the floor beside him.
---
Levi was left to work in undisturbed silence for quite a while, and most of his attention was at the
task he had been given, even if Erwin always was at the back of his mind, as well as the fear, the
anger, all of it eating at him, temper rising only to be pushed down again by the threat of being
sent down to Hanji weighing heavily on his mind. He almost startled then, at the snap of fingers,
and quickly looked up from the near completed piles, eyes on Erwin's face at first before going to
his hand, his finger pointing to the floor. And for a moment, he could only stare. The order was
very clear, and while it was hard to not obey, that was mostly due to fear. But it wasn't a spoken
order, so it held no power over him. Or it shouldn't have, were it not for that he knew it would
most likely get a lot worse should he not obey.
He rose slowly, fingers tightly gripping the edge of the desk, trying to figure out what he should
do. Obey or refuse to - but then wouldn't that only lead to a spoken order that he had no choice
but to give in to? He kicked the chair aside - though not hard enough for it to topple over - and
walked around the desk, but then stopped just barely out of reach from Erwin, suddenly looking a
bit distressed. Why was a stupid question, Erwin did whatever the hell he wanted without needing
a reason, but-- "What are you going to do?"
---
Levi came closer; and even though he hesitated, he was aware, mind as clear as ever; or at least
not disturbed by Erwin's control. "I intend to keep working. Levi." The words were firm,
especially as he spoke the other's name, leaving no place for doubt, for questioning. "You have
done well enough - technically. But you are far too worked up, too stressed. It distracts me."
Fuck - since when had he grown so soft around Levi? Praise and explanations? "I won't stand for
being questioned. Stay down for a while. Still and quiet. I'll make you relax if I must - perhaps that
is the best idea in any case. Hm--" oh, there was an idea. Perhaps cruel, but necessary. If he made
Levi choose, either answer would mean surrender. He did not seem to be in much of a defiant
mood, now; apart from the worry, he had obeyed. Apart from the sharp words and thinly
conveyed insults, he had followed. "You may choose. Stay down on your own volition, or have
me do it. Might be some time yet, so choose wisely."
---
He wasn't going to hurt him. Not physically at least, which was what Levi had feared, and when it
came to his pride he had so very little left that it hardly mattered. He took a step closer, at once
much more resigned, but then hesitated when Erwin did. If I must - well he would bloody well
have to, wouldn't he, because Levi was not going to be able to relax on his own. And there was
also his answer, without much indecisiveness, because just like he had said; while he might not
enjoy it, it would be a great relief to not have to be so tense, to not have to think and fear so much
for a while, even if it meant giving up control to Erwin. It wasn't like he had any to begin with.
Close enough for Erwin to touch now if he reached out, Levi gave a noncommittal shrug,
shoulders tense to the point that it looked painful, teeth clenched together, gaze on Erwin
extremely wary for being so close, but determined all the same. "Do it." he said, quietly but
clearly. And really - his eyes gleamed briefly at the thought in faint satisfaction - it felt like less of
a surrender to have Erwin do it.
---
He would pretend it had not been phrased as an order; and Erwin told himself it was merely
because he had no time to deal with this. But he was in no hurry. This was something else, even if
he wasn't eager to admit it. This was nothing like his relation to Mike, or to others he met with
similar motives. This was control, over a rebellious new recruit, a murderous thief. But he asked
for his order, and Erwin lay the palm of his hand against the other's throat as he gave it.
He could feel the tension leave the other's neck; and as his hand slid down, pressing down on his
shoulder, Levi's legs gave way so smoothly, bending under his touch, settling on his knees under
his hand. On a whim, Erwin's fingers lifted his chin just so, to see that clear-eyed gaze so familiar
in all those he had let sink down as Levi did. But as he met his gaze, he became immediately
uncomfortable, drawing his hand back and turning to his work again. Too close. Too familiar.
---
Maybe he could understand this unknown Moblit some, after all. He twitched faintly away from
Erwin's touch at first, but stayed put, and it was well worth it once fear and tension was so easily
forced to give way to relief and calm. Feeling the pressure on his shoulder, he dropped to his
knees at once,as if it was the most natural thing to do. He breathed out along with the movement, a
deep, relaxed sigh as he settled on the floor beside Erwin's chair, hands in his lap. It was truly
relief like he had never quite felt before, and considering the alternative, he did not mind it at all,
but almost felt thankful for it. He wouldn't have been half as composed while not in this state had
he not been given these moments of calm.
Fingers beneath his chin, firm yet light, and he raised his gaze a second slower than Erwin tilted
his head up, a little dazed, but still attentive, all anger and defiance gone. And as Erwin so quickly
pulled his hand away, Levi merely blinked slowly in faint confusion, but then simply bowed his
head again, leaning one shoulder against the side of the chair and settling there, quiet and quite
comfortable, a stark contrast to the tension moments ago.
---
At once the tension was gone; and perhaps now he would be able to concentrate on his work. He
picked up the nearest pile Levi had sorted, thumbing through the papers and not finding nearly as
many mistakes as he had expected. There was a Count lost among the more common, a couple of
dates mixed up; but nothing else. Humming thoughtfully, he set the pile back down. The silence
that had settled over the room in lieu of Levi's near-aggressive paper sorting was pleasant;
sometimes he could hear the other vampire breathe, though that was likely only force of habit.
Delicately he picked his pen up, metal fingers careful around the fragile thing, and begun to write
his acceptance letters.
It was not until half an hour later that he realised his hand had found its way into Levi's hair,
petting him absentmindedly like one would a cat. His eyes widened in surprise - fuck, that was not
at all what he had intended. He had only had Levi kneel so close by to be able to keep him in
sight, but now he was leaning against the chair, still and quiet enough that Erwin had forgotten he
was even there. For the second time he pulled his hand away, curling it into a fist upon the
armrest. No bloody touching. He could still smell the ink on him, could still vividly recall his
attempted murders. He needed Levi under control, not the other way around.
---
With nothing to disturb him, Levi stayed in that state of blissful calm and relaxation, almost sank
deeper, curling up slightly and wrapping one arm around himself. It was perhaps not one of the
most comfortable places to sit on, but Levi didn't think about it, only listening absentmindedly to
the scratch of pen against paper, the occasional breath and movement of the bigger vampire. After
a while he even closed his eyes, forgetting that he didn't at all trust the other, and sighed again,
leaning even heavier against the chair. And that's when he felt fingers in his hair - not grabbing
tightly and wrenching his head to the side followed by fangs tearing into his skin - but soft, kind
touching, combing through the strands in the most pleasant manner. Levi didn't understand why
Erwin would do such a thing, but neither did he feel any need to try and figure it out.
But then it stopped, the fingers disappeared, and Levi's eyes came open, confused and a little
distressed. Without thinking, he reached out, his own hand brushing against Erwin's leg in a silent
question as well as a demand for him to continue. Levi didn't have sense enough to be scared at
the moment, but he knew the touching had been reassuring, and he knew that he didn't like the
sudden absence of it.
---
His gaze intent on the paper and only that, shoulders tense as he tried to somehow unthink what
he had done, he was startled at the touch, however gentle. He thought to simply slap the hand
away, but calmed himself; it was he who had initiated this. And if Levi had sunk so deep that he
was not even aware of his actions, then it was his own fault, but Erwin's responsibility. He could
hardly deny it. Chances were, if Levi was so deep down, so lost that he looked like a kicked
puppy because Erwin had stopped petting him, he wouldn't understand lingering anger. It was like
- much like training a dog. They lived in the present, and so did Levi, for now. Dogs didn't
understand grudges or irritation - they needed response, clear and direct.
But what had begun as a simple wish for peace and quiet, had turned somehow into Levi sitting at
his feet, silently requesting to be touched. He wouldn't remember this clearly, would he? Perhaps
he would come back to his senses later, without much of a clear memory, but a lingering feeling of
safety? That would certainly serve his cause; the sooner he recognised himself as one of them, the
better. And so, Erwin's hand found its way back into Levi's hair, and his mind to work, once again
in peace.
---
It took Erwin a while, and Levi reached out again, touch more insistent, palm lingering against the
other's leg rather than letting go at once. And there was almost some desperation to the movement,
a sense of urgency; he didn't just like being touched, he needed it. What would happen if Erwin
turned him down, he didn't know, but he didn't want to find out. But fortunately, he didn't have to.
The fingers returned to his hair, and all tension left him once again as he settled against the side of
the chair, breathing slow and calm. His hand remained outstretched, fingers grasping the soft
material of Erwin's trousers very gently.
---
Stroking his hair was no hardship, after all. Physical contact, in all forms, was essential for humans
- and no less so for vampires. The lack of a beating heart did not mean a lesser need for comfort.
So he let his hand stay, keeping him focused on his work, even as Levi held onto his trousers.
Perhaps because he did, rather. Having something to distract his hand worked wonders; letter after
letter piled up to his right along the invitations. Acceptance, refusal, all equally polite in their
phrasing.
Perhaps he should get the accounting out of the way, while he was at it. He was comfortable
enough here, and - much like with a cat who had found a new sleeping spot, he was somehow
hesitant to disturb Levi's rest. It was ridiculous, he was aware - but Levi was not, and so no one
was there to witness his moment of weakness. A little while longer.
---
Levi could have fallen asleep like that, were it not for how he concentrated on holding on to
Erwin's trousers. Deep down, he might know he was way out of line, that this was madness, that
he was showing weakness and being vulnerable, but even if he had attempted to pull away, he
probably wouldn't have been able to. After days and days of nothing but fear and panic, harsh
words and blows both physical and to the mind, he craved this just as much as he did blood, if not
more. Even the thirst seemed to have diminished, to the point where he could nearly forget it from
time to time as he sat there, not knowing how much time that had passed. But he didn't want the
moment to end, didn't want to go back to fear and discomfort.
---
No; that would have to be enough. The last time, and the time before that Levi had surfaced on his
own; but his time he seemed entirely willing to stay there indefinitely. So much for not enjoying it.
But it couldn't last - Erwin had things to do, and this couldn't become a habit. Unprofessional. He
gripped a handful of hair a little tighter, tilting Levi's head back enough to find eye contact. "Come
back", he murmured, though command was clear in his voice. "Come back up, now."

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