Eren never got any breaks when it came to questioning.

Jean escorted him and basically threw him onto the creaky makeshift bed. Erwin so happened to be there as well, bandaging up his own wounded arm. He turned his head and looked over at Eren with surprise.

"There you are, Jaeger. Everyone was worried about you. What happened to you?" he asked with concern as he furrowed his thick brows.

"The vampires almost got him again," Jean answered for him before Eren could even think of a response.

"I'll call in some medics. You look terrible," he said quietly as he finished up with the bandages and moved to exit the tent. "You will tell me all about it later. Rest up now."

"I'm fine. You don't need to call in anyone, sir."

Eren sighed as he lay on his side to face Jean. The two boys stared at one another in complete silence as if understanding what was going to happen later on. Noises of coughing and soft groans of pain were the only things that entered their ears, but Eren just didn't know what to say. He wanted to tell someone about what was going on, but it would be extremely risky.

"I can't believe this is happening. It's like you want death; going out there on your own and getting yourself into a mess of vampires," Jean scoffed with a sharp 'tsk' of the tongue. "How did you end up like this anyway?"

"I was just exploring in the forest for some berries-"

"There's something you're not telling us, is there?" he interrupted quietly so that no one could eavesdrop on their conversation.

"What would make you say that?" Eren demanded.

Jean crossed his arms and stared at him with exasperation. "You're so bad at lying," he told him tersely as he leaned into his chair. Although he tried to relax, he looked tense. "Listen, I know there are times when we don't exactly get along, but you can tell me if you want. I'll keep it between us if it makes you feel any better."

Eren shook his head. It was as if the other boy was reading his mind, but he knew that would be impossible.

"If I tell you what's really happening, you wouldn't believe me," Eren said simply.

"I see," Jean replied with disappointment in his voice. "Oh well. I'll find out eventually."

"Anyways, Eren moved on to change the dark subject. "Did anything major happen while I was away?"

"Hmmm... Archery, hand-to-hand combat, people dying, battle plans-"

"Wait, what?"

"Archery. We're finally getting deeper into archery."

"No. The one after the second one."

"Oh. People dying. I guess it's inevitable to say that a lot of our fellow soldiers have been disappearing or been slaughtered in the last few weeks. Some individuals of the town have also claimed to have seen them even after their deaths were announced. Crazy, isn't it?"

Eren swallowed. "Indeed."

"I should leave now and let you sleep. I'll catch you later," Jean told him and got up, ending his sentence like a question.

Eren nodded and turned to his side, away from all the other people and stared at the tent wall. He could see the glow of other candle lamps outside and hear the quiet sound of chatter. He wondered what Levi could possibly be up to. Was he still concealing himself within the hollow tree? Was his arm back? Was he even alive?

I don't care, Eren thought to himself. I'm not supposed to care.

---

He missed him.

Even if Eren were to be in his presence, he would still miss him very much.

He wanted to see him again more than anything, and it hasn't passed a day yet. He hated himself for getting attached to someone, and falling in love with him. Long ago he promised himself he would never do what he ended up doing ever again, but perhaps he lied to himself.

it was unusually more cold than what he was used to, but it didn't bother him. He was resting on the highest branch of a tree that seemed to pierce through the clouds. He was reminded of that one time he showed Eren the sunlight, only there was no sunset and he was alone. His arm regenerated up to where his elbow would be, and he was surprised at how long it was taking. If he was strong enough, it would take less than an hour. Levi knew he was the one to blame. He didn't drink Eren's blood for a very long time and due to his loyalty, he didn't want to drink from anyone else.

But he was so thirsty. He had to hold in the urge to leap from tree to tree to find and snatch away birds and suck their blood instead. It was extremely difficult, but he didn't want to be a burden to Eren anymore. He figured if he took less from Eren, it would make his life a little easier. The hunger was painful- almost excruciating. His limps felt heavier and his throat was was too dry. Levi didn't want to be seen as some sort of leech anymore.

He missed him.

---

Waking up in a bed was like waking up in paradise.

Sure, his head felt a little light and he had the urge to vomit but aside from that, it was great. He had been sleeping on the dirt for who knows how long, and it was a better change. He laid there for a few seconds and looked up dreamily at the ceiling. He flipped onto his side slowly before getting up and stretching his arms with a long yawn.

"Levi-" he started.

He stopped himself only to realize that Levi wasn't with him. Eren looked around and was relieved when no one else was in the tent. He felt disgusting and groggy and decided it was a good time to have a bath in the river before going to the head tent to speak to the commander. He got up and winced at the pain in the soles and heels of his feet and limped his way out. The sun was starting to rise, and Eren could see it reflect in a pond nearby. It was absolutely breathtaking, the way the orange blended in with the water and how it rippled whenever a duck or a small insect swam in it. Eren figured that Levi would love to see such beauty. He could just imagine the way his face would light up.

Only a few other soldiers were wandering outside. Some of them greeted him politely as he made his way to the changing cabin. He nearly tripped on the step as he dragged his tired feet and twisted the door handle. It was nostalgic to be in it once more; he could still remember the time when he most likely had his first encounter with Levi, sensing a presence nearby and hearing light footsteps.

He slammed his head against the wall purposely and grunted in frustration and pain. Why was his mind filled with him and only him?

Eren thought that if brainwashing is real, it would definitely be the answer to his different way of thinking and feeling, and he was lonely. He knew he used to be alright on his own since Mikasa was always at home and Armin was busy with trying to feed his relatives, so why did it feel so weird now? He didn't like it, the feeling of knowing there was no one with him. He hated it.

He shook his head as he stomped around to retrieve his wrinkled uniform. it had been a long while since the last time he had worn it. He noticed how it was disheveled, which was odd because he remembered he folded it neatly. He rubbed his thumb against the crumpled fabric as he stood back in awe. Perhaps someone washed it and dried it outside, he thought.

Without thinking much of it, he slung the uniform over his shoulder and headed towards the lake, dazed out and weak.

---

Bathing in the freezing water was so much better than smelling like a dying corpse. He totally reeked, and he could only thank Levi for thank, murdering all those people and all.

Droplets dripped down the nape of his neck as he strolled over to the camp once more, and was (of course) encountered by Erwin. He had a few papers in his hands and had Hanji by his side. She smiled. Eren couldn't tell if it looked overly friendly or just plain creepy.

"Ah. Just the person I was looking for," he said. "Well, I'm sure you know what I want. Follow me."

Eren did as he was told and ambled behind the two of his superiors. He was almost scared at what they were going to ask, and what he was going to have to say. As he entered the tent, his eyes darted to where Erwin's desk could be found, and without a doubt, there was Petra. She seemed to stare at him with those dead eyes of hers; no shine or movement in them anywhere. She had her eyes glued to him until he sat down, and he tried to ignore her. It was a bit hard doing so when a possibly blood thirsty monster was staring you down.

"Where have you been? I'm sure you're aware that you are not permitted to skip training too often," he said sternly and shot him a glance.

Eren looked down and fiddled his thumbs nervously. "I know, and I apologize. I really didn't mean to. I just got into some unwanted trouble," he told him. "And the answer to said trouble is... You already know, don't you? Everyone knows?"

"Vampires," Erwin whispered. "Of course. They're gradually beginning to infest the entire town, striking terror into our people- the people we need to protect."

"Eren, if you don't mind, will you please explain what happened?" Hanji said, going straight to the most important topic. Her wide eyes twinkled with curiosity as she readjusted her glasses with her fingers.

"After my sister passed away, I went out to the forest to think things over. I walked for quite some time and eventually got myself lost," he explained with a shrug. "I tried to return to the town, but it was no use. It was dark- I couldn't even see the outline of the trees. When I was attacked once more, I fell unconscious before knowing what was happening. Perhaps it was shock. All I know is that when I woke up after that, my wrists and neck stung. I had been bitten multiple times."

To prove that his fake lie was "real", he rolled up the sleeve of his undershirt and jacket to reveal tiny bite scars scattered on his now pale skin. Being away from home had taken a toll on his body, and the markings were very visible, one wouldn't be able to miss them. He raised his jaw to show the other scars, making Hanji gasp with wonder and leaving Petra looking a little skeptical. She was still watching him. By the way her face looked, Eren didn't know if she was going to believe the lie or not. After all, Petra was somewhat leader of some pack of vampires.

"There's so many..." Hanji trailed off quietly and peered closer. "This is very odd. On all the other people who've been bitten, they only had one or two. You have way too many. Erwin, what do you think is the case?"

"I suggest he was possibly attacked more than twice, that's obvious," Erwin replied. "Something's attracting them to you. The amount of bites you have is abnormal."

Eren wanted to sign in relief. For a short moment he thought they were going to mention the whole "partner" thing and find out that he was all part of Levi's twisted little world.

"What... What will we do about it?" Eren asked.

"I need to give you a weapon, soldier," he told him and ducked under his desk to retrieve an object. He could hear a jumble of keys clicking and the quick and sharp snap of a lock opening up. After getting back up, he held some sort of sheath with both hands. Hanji gestured for Eren to come closer.

"Silver dagger blessed by the town's priest," he announced. "You will take this."

"I can't possibly... I've been absent a lot and my hand-to-hand combat isn't even close to perfect," Eren said.

"You need to," Hanji cut in and pushed up her glasses "It's the only kind of weapon you will be able to use that will kill them right away. Arrows won't do, which is disappointing since that's your strongest talent. Swords aren't really good either unless you decapitate them, but they're too fast. We know it's just a dagger, but I'm sure you will be able to defend yourself with it."

"Alright. Thank you, sir," he said hesitantly as Erwin carefully slipped it into his shaking hands. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Petra frown before pursing her lips and folding her arms. "May I make a request?"

"Of course. As long as it doesn't cause too much of a hassle," Erwin said.

"I know you said arrows won't work, but is there a chance you can bless the arrowheads? It might be able to slow them down and inflict pain if not death," he suggested.

"I think we'll be able to do that without a problem," Hanji squeaked.

"Well, I should stop pestering you now," Erwin said.

You think? Eren thought.

"Alright. If that's all, I'll be going," Eren answered and rose from his spot. His eyes flickered towards Petra. She didn't look away, and glared at him.

She smiled in his direction, and he spotted the shiny glint of fangs.

---

AN:

yikes sorry for the slow updates! i'm getting another job soon, so things will get pretty hectic.

thank you so much for reading! i love you all, my beautiful readers. :^)

~your best friend takeshi