1920s Attack On Titan AU

“I’ve got a proposition for you, toots.” Levi was taking off his makeup from the night when heard the words from the doorway of his dressing room. The man moved into the room, leaning on the wall. “I loved the show, baby, but I think you can do better.“

The memory of the day he met Erwin flashed through his mind as he entered the club on his own for the first time. The smoke danced around the candles and onto the strings of the stand up bass in the corner. The saxophonist lead the showgirls in a sexy jazz ensemble. A lady crawled across the stage hailed by a gentleman who put a bill in her bodice.

“Don’t get distracted, heichou,” a server whispered in his ear on her way to a table. They exchanged grins and he slid his hat off his head, exchanging it for a cigar on a passing tray.

The waitress passed again. Levi touched her shoulder. “Hey, bearcat, who’s on tonight?“

Irene, who’s worked at Maria’s since Levi was a showgirl himself, turned to him. “Oh, Dottie, you’re always such a flirt!”

Levi’s eyes grew wide and his face grew red. He composed himself quickly, grabbing Irene around the waist, dipping her low. “Careful, doll, no one’s called me that in years,“ he breathed.

Irene laughed and righted herself in Levi’s arms. “Relax, heichou! Nobody knows it’s you. We’ve got these new gals. Friends, brothers maybe. They’re good together, but Titanya is our new star. The other gals call her Anya.”

“See, Irene, was that so hard? Get daddy a drink while he works, would ya?” He let her go to get his usual refreshment.

Levi Ackerman scanned the stages for a good gal to enjoy. His drink in hand, he found a sheba that showed promise. He chose a table near the dame’s stage. The patrons seemed pleased with the performance, so Levi hailed another waitress to bring a steady stream of liquor and a clean ashtray. He couldn’t stand the sight of a used ashtray. The girl seemed mildly clumsy, like she hadn’t gotten used to the high heeled shoes the gals at the speakeasy all wore. She gasped as the heel of her shoe slipped between two splitting floor tiles. Her ankle caved and she stumbled, nearly spilling Levi’s drink. He rushed to catch her, saving his drink, and likely her ankle.

“Careful, sweetheart, between Irene’s bargain flooring and being ill practiced in showgirl’s shoes, you’re bound to break somethin’.”

Between the surprise of the fall, and the sudden strong arms around her, the gal was stuck. She gathered herself to meet the man’s eyes, where she was again lost, this time in an ocean of glistening grey.

“Miss?“

The man’s inquiry brought her back. “Sorry, mistah, my dogs ain’t used to the kicks,” she blushed, tucking her short hair behind her ear.

“I can tell,“ a small smirk broke Levi’s neutrality. He returned to his seat, “Listen doll.”

She set his drink down. “The name’s Petra, mistah.”

“Petra,” sweet smoke left his lips behind the word. “Try walkin’ heel to toe, one foot in front of the other.“

“Thanks, mistah, I’ll try it!” Petra grabs her tray and his empty glass and heads back to the bar, watching her toes.

The gal on stage was doing well. Briefly, Levi wondered if this was the new girl, Anya, Irene had mentioned. A man began calling out to the girl, and it was clear he’d had too much to drink. Levi turned his attention away, until the man became particularly rude.

“Hey, mac, why don’t you let the doll be?“ He approached the man, one hand in his pocket, one holding his cigar.

“Why don’t you mind ya own business,” the man replied.

“Jean, that’s enough!“ The showgirl tried to cut in.

“Pipe down, Anya!”

Levi took a long drag on his cigar. “Is this ya gal?“

The man blushes and trips over his tongue.

“That’s what I thought. Now why don’t ya scram and go powder ya nose, or somethin’.” The smoke frames his words. The man, Jean, walks away, grumbling.

“He treat ya like that all the time, doll?”

The gal blushed. “Yeah, sorta.”

“You deserve better.“

“Thanks, mistah…” she waits for his reply, face still flush.

“Ackerman, but please, you can call me Levi.”

“It’s nice to meet ya, Levi. Thanks, again.“

“Don’t worry about it, doll. I know how it is.” Winking, Levi hands the gal a large bill, then turns and walks away.

He chose a new table, in clear view of the talented Anya, but a bit farther in the shadows.

Petra walked by, still staring at her feet.

“Petra,“ he called her, still watching the stage.

“Hey, mistah, what can I do ya for?”

Levi held her in his cool eyes. He reached a hand out to her face, and chills raced to the idea of him touching her. He placed his finger under her chin, inches from her tightening throat.

“Chin up, toots. Be confident, you’ll make better money that way.“

"Say, how’s you knows all this, sir?”

“Let’s just say, I’m real familiar with the business,” Levi smiled.

That smile. The way he smiled, behind the sweet smoke and those steel eyes, how could anyone resist the man?

“What, yous used to work here or somethin’?” Petra brushed a ginger curl behind her ear.

“Yeah, but that was years ago, Petra.” Levi sipped his drink as Petra contemplated what to say next.

“Say, mistah-”

“Levi. The name’s Levi, doll.”

“Alright, Mistah Levi, then. Tell me, what did they call you? Ya know, back in the day?”

Levi chuckled at the reputation behind his name. He threw back his double whisky, and looked at the young gal. “Anybody ever ask you if you were friends with Dorothy, doll?”

Confused, Petra answered. “Well, yeahs. Then I just send ‘em to Irene.”

“Well, sweetie,” he met her yellow eyes, “I’m Dorothy. They called me Dottie, for short.”

“Dottie?” Petra’s eyes lit up. “You slay me! Irene talks about you all the time!”

“I know. She writes me all the time too. It’s hard to blame her, since she took me in and taught me the ropes.” Levi flicked the blackened end of his cigar into his tray.

Petra giggled, “I guess that’s why she called you her daughter.”

“I suppose that’s right, doll,” Levi chuckled. “Say, sweet cheeks, I could use another whiskey.”

"Comin’ right up, daddy!” Petra fumbled towards the bar.

“Hey, toots!” She looked back at Levi. “Chin up!” Petra lifted her chin, focused on her feet, and pretended she was on top of the world. In the distance she heard a faint “Atta-girl!” When she looked back, he was gone. She kept him in mind that night, her chin up, steps confident, and made twice the money she’d made all week.

~~~~~

After work Eren walked out waving to Irene as he stepped into the parking lot. The faint feeling of raindrops barely registered as he looked up and saw his coworker, Jean, waiting for him and quickly turning his good mood. Jean was more popular than Eren at the joint; He resented him for that. His small smile turned into a frown as he looked at the tall man before him, who was admittedly very attractive ‘probably why the bastard makes more money than me’ Eren thought to himself. Jean was well built and Eren had taken notice on more than one occasion backstage. They were always butting heads and fought almost constantly.

“What'n the hell do you want?” he asked bitterly.

“I wanna talk,” Jean answered crossing his arms.

Eren raised a brow “About what?”

“Ackerman standin’ up for you. You his new boy toy or somethin’?”

“What? No!”

"Is he your Daddy?”

“No I’m tellin’ ya I ain’t never talked to him before tonight,” Eren said trying not to raise his voice.

Jean only scoffed in response “Yeah, right, pretty boy. Does your little boyfriend know you’re neckin’ with an older guy? Maybe I should tell him.”

“What’s your problem? Always tryin’ to get between Armin and me?” Eren asked “You got the hots for me or somethin’?”

Jean didn’t say anything just tightened his hands into fists.

“That’s what I thought.” Eren said before starting to walk off.

“You know, Jaeger! He deserves better than someone like you!”

Without hesitation or thought Eren turned around and punched him square in the jaw. “What? He’d be better off with some no good bum like you?”

Jean shoved him to the ground and kicked him in the stomach, but Eren kicked his legs out from under him and pinned him to the ground throwing another punch barely missing his bigger opponent. Jean rolled so he was over Eren. Rising to his feet, he pulled Eren off the ground by his collar and slammed him against his car. As Jean’s knuckles connected on his jaw, Eren could imagine the bruise to come.

They stood for a moment in silence.

“You know what your problem is, Jean? You never know when to shut up.”

“Whatever. You’ll get what’s comin’ to ya, Jaeger.”

“Why don’t you mind your own damn business?” Eren noticed the blood on Jean’s lower lip

“Why don’t you shut the hell up?” Eren carefully watched Jean’s mouth form around the words.

“How ‘bout you make me?” Eren retorted, breathless.

Jean looked down at him, contemplating the meaning behind the words. Taking a shot in the dark, he quickly leaned forward, smashing their lips together.

Eren grabbed Jean’s shirt, pulling their bodies closer together.

Jean separated them. “Someone might see us out here.”

Eren was already opening Jean’s car door and was shoving Jean in the car before he had time to think. He quickly looked around for any onlookers. When he saw that no one was around, he got in, straddling his foe and closed the door, pressing down the lock.

Jean grabbed Eren’s collar and pulled him down to capture his lips in another kiss, each of them fighting for dominance. Eren fumbled with the buttons of Jean’s shirt, but he felt him grab his hands before he could get very far. They parted once again.

“Back seat. No talking.” Jean said sternly.

“Shut up, Kirstein.” Eren replied. Jean grabbed Eren’s hair and pulled him down to meet his lips again, immediately owning the kiss. Eren unbuttoned Jean’s shirt, the feeling of hands going up his legs and undoing his belt, his bulge nearly escaping.

They roughly made their way to the back seat, over the console, and Jean’s hands still pulling on Eren’s belt. Eren grabbed his hands, wanting to maintain what dominance he had Jean smirked.

“Come on, Jaeger, don’t act like you don’t want it,” he said in a cocky tone.

“I hate you,” Eren stated.

Jean rolled his eyes, “I know, just shut your mouth, Jaeger.” His strong fingers popping the button on Eren’s pants. It was a struggle to liberate Eren’s shaft from his garments in the tight space. Eren tore at Jean’s clothes until he was bare. They shared a scream of pleasure as Eren slipped inside.

~~~~

Realization and regret set in like a ton of bricks as their sweaty bodies separated. Eren quickly redressed and slipped his shoes back on. The air around him so thick he was sure he would suffocate.

“I have to go,” he said opening the door.

“Jaeger, I can drive you home,” Jean’s offer was empty.

“No, it’s not far, I can walk.” He quickly declined. Even it were genuine, Eren would have rejected, anyway.

Jean shrugged nonchalantly, “Suit yourself.”

Eren stepped back into the parking lot, welcoming the cool night air. He smoothed his ruffled hair as he watched the car pull away. His heart sank into his stomach and he felt like he might hurl. The brunette fumbled with a box of cigarettes before finally pulling one out and lighting it. Eren lit one, himself, and took a long drag on his cigarette as his feet started him in the direction of his house.

Louis - Claude

Eden  - Elle 

Bash - Kenna

Alec - Reina

Just a dream, but dreams come from cravings. We went to a carnival, us and our other lovers. I don’t remember who all was in the group, but I suspect our siblings. I suspect I came with his own brother. But that would only mean that I never gave up the way I love a man’s scruffy face and built stature. Something about the feeling of his stubble on my neck… Dear God, if only… I shouldn’t be indulging these passing thoughts, but after a dream like this, a dream with many lovers, I find my desires beyond my own control. I no longer want to reign them in. It helps that he may be a virgin, though I doubt it, his brother claims it wouldn’t surprise him. I do love to collect virgins.

In my dream, we all came separate, meeting together, in our group of many lovers. We were all together, in a large polyamorous relationship. I had my main lover, the man I met with, but enjoied the company of any of the others in the group. My own sister was in the group as well, Elle.  And Aaron, my lover, his brother had just joined us. Alec was far shorter than his brother,  obviously older and far more mature. He had this look in his eyes that made him desirable. He was so different from his brother, even at only a first glance. His appearance with his lady in our circle had me somewhat conflicted. I have always drawn myself to the unpracticed. I like men who need to be taught, who are eager to please me. But this man, Alec, he is different. He is experienced, more so than I, and I must know what that feels like. Our group met up, including a pair of friends who are not involved in our circle, at least if you ask Kenna. Her partner, Bash, doesn’t believe in the monogamy of their love as she does.

We all met up and said our hellos, exchanged hidden looks, then we made a plan. Who would go with who? Where would we go? Would we meet for supper? We agreed to meet at nightfall for our evening meal at the center of the festival.

We all split up into our groups, Kenna and Riena going along with the other ladies to see a show. Aaron went with Louis and Claude to watch the men joust. Alec and I were headed toward the fire show, Bash approached me.

“Lady Katherine, it’s lovely to see you again,” he looked into my eyes with a longing I had missed from Aaron, bent to one knee and kissed my hand.

“Sebastian, I wasn’t sure your lady would allow you to come near our circle, again, after,” I hesitated, looking over his body, from his eyes, his lips, his stubble, to his perfectly toned muscles beneath his tunic, “after her suspicions were all but confirmed.”

Bash stood. “Well, my lady, how could I keep myself away from such a beauty?”

“Oh, Bash,” I smiled, reaching for embrace, “I’ve missed you so!”

“Kitty, it has been too long.” He stepped in close, and wrapping our arms around each other, we laughed, lightly and were glad the other was near.

Lord Alec cleared his throat.

“Oh!” I turned to Alec, “I’m sorry, Alec! How impolite of me! Lord Sebastian, this is Lord Alec, he and his lady, Reina, are the newest couple to our circle.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Sebastian,” Alec extended his hand toward Bash.

“Please, sir,” Bash met his hand and gave a devilish smile, “call me Bash.”

Respectfully, they shook hands, but the tension between them pleased me. Perhaps it was my suggestion of a history with Bash, a man outside the circle, that had Alec on edge with him.

“So,” again, Alec cleared his throat, “Bash, will you be accompanying the Lady Katherine and myself  to the fire show this evening?”

“If Lady Kitty permits my companionship,” he looked in my direction for approval.

I looked toward Alec. “You know, Bash, three is company.” I walked toward him, placing his face in my hand. I held his gaze. “Wouldn’t you prefer we meet together at a later time? In private.” Bash watched my lips as though they held the secrets of our world. He held to every word, like they stopped him from breathing.

“Bash?”

“Yes, my lady?”

“Does that sound acceptable?” I smiled, proud.

“Yes, my lady.” He had trouble holding my gaze. “I suppose I should go find my Lady Kenna.” He nodded toward Alec, “Good meeting you, Lord Alec.” He brought his eyes back to mine, and lost his breath, “Lady Katherine,” then he turned in the direction the other girls had gone.

I turned my attention to Alec. “Alec, my lord, are you ready for the fire show?”

He hesitated, eyes flickering toward Bash’s disappearing figure. “Yes, Lady Katherine. Shall we?” He offered his elbow to me with a sexy twist of his lips. I mirrored his look and slid my arm through his and we headed toward the show.

We walked in silence for a few moments, enjoying the subtle way our shoulders touched when we took a step, building the tension as my dress began to slide itself off my shoulder. Chills ran through my body as my bare skin grazed the rough leather of his shoulder guard. I gasped, and my gaze fell victim to the trap of his dazzling green eyes, and for the first time in my life, I felt vulnerable.

“Is there something wrong, Katherine?”

Quickly, I broke the connection. “No, my lord, everything is alright.” A moment more of silence.

“Alec?”

“Yes, my lady?”

“Tell me, what convinced you and Lady Reina to join your brother’s circle? The way he spoke of you before, it hardly seemed like this was the sort of thing in which you’d be interested.”

He laughed lightly. “Lady Reina and I,” he smiled, “we’ve been having trouble together for some time. One or the other of us is always craving one other than each other, but never daring to touch in fear of the aftermath. My brother was previously unaware of our,” he paused, catching my eyes, “issues. When I opened myself to Aaron, he informed me of the arrangement you and he had in your circle. I hadn’t an idea you were open to others, Lady Katherine.” He looked at me like a starving beast looks at an offering of meat. “I must admit, I was relieved to hear the news.”

For a moment, I’d lost my breath. “Relieved my lord?”