Devon ran a hand over her face.

Why is this my luck?

They were doing things a little differently this year. Instead of the Commanders of the Garrison, Scouts and Military Police coming to give speeches, the cadets were to receive their ranks and submit a form that informed Chief Shadis of their division choice. Then in the following days carriages would take the cadets to their designated division.

Devon hadn’t been able to sleep last night. She’d been too anxious about hearing the ranking results. Her friends promised to see her the second the ranking announcement was over.

She flinched when she heard the sound of the Infirmary doors burst open. The sound of fast paced footsteps and laughter resounded through the Infirmary.

Keith flew through her bedside curtain, his face alight with a dazzling smile.

“Devon!!!! You were first!!”

Her mouth dropped open, “No way.”

He opened his arms, “Yes way!”

She nearly flew into his arms. A deep laugh left his lips the moment she wrapped her arms around him. He spun her around.

The familiar sound of two more voices filled the air and she peeked over Keith’s shoulder to see that Imada and Monty had arrived. Imada was leaning against the footboard of her bed, out of breath and flushed-face. Monty was bent over, his hands on his knees, clearly catching his breath as well. They each held forms in their hands.

Obviously the two of them had raced.

Pain shot through Devon’s shoulder, making her hiss. Even though she was relatively healed the doctors still wanted her bed-bound for a few more days.

“Shit.” Keith muttered before gently lowering her onto the bed. “You okay?”

She grasped her shoulder, “Yeah-I’m fine. More than fine, fool.”

She turned towards Monty and Imada, “Tell me your guys rankings right now!”

They laughed.

Monty finally stood up straight, “I got fifth!”

He glanced over at Imada. He smirked when he saw her fan herself with the form in an attempt to catch her breath.

“Imada got fourth,” he replied for her.

Keith raked a hand through his hair, pushing his shoulder length hair back. “I was seventh.” 

“Oh my god! You guys were almost back to back.” Devon exclaimed.

“I know!” Imada squealed before throwing her arms around Devon.

Devon laughed before squeezing her back—uncaring of the pain in her shoulder. This was time to celebrate.

“Oh my god—“ Devon suddenly drew back as she realized, “We all got in the top ten!”

Imada yelled out in joy before pulling Devon into a hug again. Devon jumped off the bed to hug her properly and waved hurriedly towards Monty and Keith to join.

The boys joined, hooting and hollering as they did so. The four of them made a small circle and bounced around—laughing like maniacs.

“I can’t fucking believe it!” Keith shouted.

Monty was beaming before he broke the circle to grab Imada by the waist and twirl her in the air as she laughed joyously.

Imada’s eyes sparkled as she looked down at him before fist pumping the air, “We did it, guys!”

Imada kept her hand on Monty’s chest when he finally lowered her.

She pointed at Devon, “And Devon got first!”

Another round of cheering erupted as they tackled Devon in a hug.

Monty grasped her shoulders, “I knew you could do it, lil Dev.”

Keith swatted his hand off her shoulders, “Ey, her shoulder, man.”

“Whoops, my bad.”

Devon grabbed Monty’s face, completely delirious with happiness, “Monty you were fifth! You fucking smartass.”

Monty laughed, smiling hard enough to reveal his hidden dimple, “You know it.”

Imada squealed as Keith appeared to be tickling her.

“I can’t believe Miss Imadabada was ranked before me and Monty. Did you pay Shadis or something? Huh-Huh?” Keith joked as he tickled her.

She giggled before shoving his hands away, “Shut up-are you really surprised with your pea-sized brain?”

“Alright-alright,” the nurse walked in, “Keep it quiet in here, cadets.”

The nurse eyed Devon, “You be careful, don’t overexert yourself.”

Devon nodded before sitting back down on the bed. She’d be lying if she said her shoulder wasn’t throbbing. It didn’t help that her head was still spinning from their bouncing around earlier.

The nurse eyed the four of them warily before saying, “Congratulations.”

Keith grinned, “Thank you, Martha.”

Despite being an older woman, she blushed before leaving.

“Seriously,” Imada shot Keith a look, “who do you not have wrapped around your finger.”

He winked at her, “Can’t help it, baby.”

Imada rolled her eyes.

Monty handed Devon a paper, “Here’s the form. Make sure you hand it in to Shadis before tonight.”

Devon glanced down at the form, skimming it briefly before looking at her friends.

“So…,” Devon murmured, “Have you guys decided?”

Keith lips pursed, “Yep.”

She saw Imada and Monty exchange looks.

Imada nodded just as Monty said, “Yeah.”

Despite the group of friends being so close only Devon and Keith had been rather outright about which division they wanted to be in. Devon knew Monty wanted to join whatever Imada chose but…no one knew what Imada was going to choose. She’d been pretty diligent about keeping her cards close to her chest when it came to speaking about which division she wanted to pursue.

“Sweet.” Keith slipped a pen out of his pocket and quickly filled out his form. He passed the pen to Imada next.

They all passed the pen to each other and quietly filled out their forms before folding them.

Monty took Devon’s form, “I’ll give it to Shadis for you.”

“Thanks.” Devon replied.

Devon jutted her chin subtly towards Imada-asking Monty with her eyes.

Do you know what she picked?

Monty’s jaw tightened momentarily before he shook his head.

Keith crossed his arms as he looked over at Imada who seemed to be avoiding eye-contact with all of them.

“So…Imada, are you gonna tell us what you picked or are you just gonna disappear without saying bye?” Keith asked with a tilt of his head.

Imada straightened, her voice confident, “I’ll tell you guys tomorrow morning.”

“You better.” he muttered.

Imada turned to Monty, “And you? Are you going to tell us what you picked?”

Monty stared at Imada-the dilemma obvious in his eyes-but he looked down instead. “I’ll tell you guys tomorrow as well.”

Keith huffed, “What’s all the suspense for?”

Imada shrugged.

Devon sighed, “Let’s just drop it. This might be one of our last moments together-we gotta make the most of it.”

“What’s there to do when we’re stuck in the Infirmary.” Keith complained.

Devon smirked, “We don’t have to be.”

After some serious convincing-and the added bonus of Keith’s presence-Nurse Martha decided to be lenient and release Devon a couple days earlier than her set release date. She just had to keep coming back to the Infirmary for a daily check-up until her chosen division’s carriage arrived.

The four of them walked out of the dining hall–bellies' full and faces flushed.

Monty rubbed his stomach, “I think I ate too much cake.”

Keith was still stuffing his face with another slice, “I wish I could have that problem on a daily basis.”

Imada stared at Keith in awe, “I can’t believe you aren’t full already.”

Devon was smiling softly to herself-lost in thought. So many of her fellow cadets had congratulated her today; it was rather heartwarming to get recognized for her ability. It was the exact opposite from what she’d been anticipating. She’d been expecting her classmates to look at her like she was damaged or weak after the Carter issue but-to her relief-no one even mentioned him.

Keith elbowed Devon lightly, “Hey-can you believe Corinna got into the top ten? She was tenth place.”

Devon shrugged, “She might’ve snored hella loud but she was always pretty good at ODM gear.”

“That’s actually true,” Monty added, “Once when I was-”

“Alba!” a voice suddenly called out Devon’s last name.

They all turned their heads to see Instructor Zameer.

She brought her fist to her chest, “Sir.”

“Chief Shadis requests to see you in his office.”

“Yes, sir.”

He nodded-the expression on his face oddly dour as he walked away.

“What’s that about?” Imada asked once Zameer was a good distance away.

“I-I don’t know.” Devon answered-slightly dazed.

“Maybe it’s to congratulate you?” Monty supplied-though he didn’t sound too sure.

“I guess you’ll find out in a bit.” Keith muttered.

“Well-It’s getting kinda late anyway. In case I’m not back from this meeting quick I’ll just say goodbye now.”

She quickly hugged each of them goodbye. When she hugged Imada, she playfully took out the pin holding her hair in place.

Imada’s silky black hair fell in waves over her shoulders–and just as Devon predicted, Monty was staring in astonishment. Keith started laughing the moment he saw Monty’s face.

“Hey! Give that back!” Imada yelled out but Devon was already jogging off.

“See you guys tomorrow!” she said with a wave before running towards Chief Shadis’s office.

Devon pushed open the door to Chief Shadis’s office hesitantly. He was seated at his desk, the windows behind him showcased the mixed colors of the sky as the sun set. She’d only been inside his office a few times but each time she went she couldn’t help but notice its opulence. Apparently, she was the only one who considered it opulent because Imada called it mediocre.

She raised her fist to her chest, “Sir.”

He looked up from a paper in his hand, “Alba.”

He gestured towards the seat in front of him, “Sit, please.”

She walked over and sat down as directed. She belatedly realized that the paper in his hand was the form she’d signed earlier. The form that stated she’d chosen the Scout Regiment.

Her eyes slowly widened as she realized Chief Shadis’s normally menacing countenance appeared conflicted.

“Devon Alba, I want to congratulate you on receiving first place rank. It was well earned.”

She wanted to smile but his conflicted expression made her nervous, “Thank you, sir.”

“But I also…unfortunately, must inform you that the Scout Regiment is not willing to accept you into their division.”

She blinked, unsure if she’d heard correctly, “What?”

That’s impossible. The Scout regiment takes any and all volunteers…don’t they?

His shoulders slumped, “It seems that they find…your skill unsatisfactory but the Garrison and Military Police divisions are still open for you to choose from.”

“U-Unsatisfactory?” she stared at Shadis in complete astonishment. “I don’t understand. Respectfully, sir, I was in top rank, I don’t think my skill should be a concern.”

He hastily placed her form down on the desk, “Bah! I know—in fact I think you’d be a great damn addition to the Scout Regiment but it isn’t my call.”

“Not your call?” she questioned.

“I’m sure many of you cadets already assumed this but Captain Levi was initially sent here by Commander Erwin to formally recruit a few of you cadets that he deemed fit. And, I suppose…he deems you unfit. Said you wouldn’t do well in the Scout environment and other crap,” The resentment in his tone was obvious..

His beady eyes suddenly bore into her, “He did mention that your shoulder wound may hinder your ability though.”

Devon swallowed—she’d anticipated this, “Yes, Only for a few more weeks or so. After that Nurse Martha told me I should be back to my old self.”

“Hm,” He rubbed his chin in contemplation, “Either way, I can’t send you to the Scout Regiment without his approval.”

Her thoughts were in complete turmoil.

Captain Levi did this?

But her face didn’t showcase a single drop of emotion as she asked, “Is…Captain Levi here?”

He glanced towards her wearily, “Should be in his office.”

She stood up, “I need to speak to him.”

She turned on her heel without waiting to be dismissed. The anger slowly coursing through her body made it impossible for her to remember formalities.

“Alba.” Shadis called out and she immediately halted.

She turned around.

His lips were pursed, “He’s…very adamant about this so don’t expect much.”

Her brows furrowed—Adamant huh? Is he really that concerned about deterring my career?

For what reason? It doesn’t make any sense...

She merely nodded before leaving the room.

She burst into Levi’s office. She was momentarily caught off guard by his appearance. He’d been leaning his head on his propped elbow while reading paperwork. His dark hair appeared wet as if he’d just showered.

When he stood up the moonlight pouring through the single window casted a translucent glow over him, outlining the sharp contours of his body through his dress-shirt.

She hadn’t seen him since their last encounter in the Infirmary.

She strode up to his desk, “Did you tell Chief Shadis that I am unfit to be a Scout?”

He looked away, his hands leaning on the desk, “Yes.”

A pang of shock resounded through her. For some reason, she was hoping it wasn’t true. That it was just some misunderstanding. That he wouldn’t do that to her.

Her voice was strained, “Why?”

He pushed off the desk, “Because you are.”

His voice sounded cold to her ears.

She took a step closer to his desk, “How can you say that to me? You knew I wanted to be a Scout and now you decide to say this?!”

He clenched his jaw, “You are better off without being a Scout, trust me.”

“Trust you? After you stopped me from getting into the division I’ve worked three hard years for?”

His razor sharp eyes met hers, “Yes, three hard years only to die as titan fodder.”

She took a step back, “I can take care of myself.”

“Can you?” His voice didn’t waver, “Will it be easy for you to hear your comrades begging for their lives while they're getting tossed in an ugly-ass titan’s mouth?”

He took a step around the desk.

“Will it be easy for you to deal with the stench of blood for days after recovering stacks of your comrades' bodies?”

Another step.

“Will it be easy for you to walk through crowds of people after expeditions-looking and smelling like shit-only for them to remind you what a waste of tax dollars you are?”

He stood in front of her.

She struggled to keep her voice even, “I’m not looking for an easy way.”

His half lidded eyes peered down at her, “No, of course you're not. Because you're a fool.”

“Excuse me?” her voice was barely above a whisper.

“You're looking to die for an old woman’s dream of non-existent shit beyond the walls.”

Her eyes narrowed and in that moment she didn’t think—she just acted. The palm of her hand connected with his cheek in a firm slap. Her hand still pounded from its aftereffects.

“You don’t know what you're talking about.” Her low voice shook with anger.

He was still for a moment-facing the direction that she’d slapped him. His fingers outstretched at his sides before closing into fists.

His eyes were dark with fury when he looked at her, “You don’t know what you're asking for.”

She shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears and she knew she had to leave soon before she did anything else stupid.

“You don’t know what you're doing. You're messing up my life. My career.”

“I think I know very well.” His voice was devoid of emotion.

She took a step back—shaking her head. She was speechless. She knew if she spoke another word she would start crying and that was the last thing she wanted to do. Especially in front of him.

But she couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you doing this?”

The black fire in his eyes didn’t budge. He didn’t answer.

That made her angry.

Do I not even deserve an explanation?

She pointed an accusatory finger at him, “If you think you know what’s best for me—you're wrong. I don’t need a parent!”

Suddenly he grabbed the front of her shirt in his fist and pulled her close. Close enough that her face was only millimeters away from his.

His harsh breaths trailed down the front of her chest as he snarled, “I’m not trying to be your goddamn parent.”

She stared at him in complete astonishment. Her heart beating rapidly like a dove fighting against its cage.

She placed her hands on his chest and shoved him back.

She didn’t bother to look at him when she turned around and stalked out of the room—slamming the door on her way out.

“I’m sorry, Papa. I know I made you all worry. I shouldn’t have done that but how could we let them take the medicines away? And… You and Mama taught me that I should do my best to help if I believe there is something I can do so I couldn’t just turn away…”

Marius’ eyes softened, his daughter’s words grounding him away from the merciless thoughts that have been plaguing him ever since coming to the Underground.

“What’s so wrong with that?” She mumbled sadly but said no more, remembering her resolve when she woke up.

They all heard her and felt for the kindhearted little girl. But things are different in the Underground and she has to grasp that.

They have raised her well but she was still too naive of the world. “But never at the cost of your safety, not here in such place.”

“I’m sorry too, Alec and Bran-onii…”

Alec’s sigh of surrender was heard in the kitchen.

“Maybe you and Amon should stick together again?” Bran interjected with faux worry making his little sister whine in exasperation because it was only said to elicit an eager nod from Alec.

“But we split so we can get things done faster. I’m a big girl now!”

The twins snorted and Agnes tried to hide a smile. “Of course you are, my sweet girl.”

“You better be back by your brothers’ stall by 4. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Papa.”

“Stop talking to strangers, alright?”

“Yes Alec-onii.”

Claire turned to Bran expectedly but he only smiled and secured her beret on her head.

He may be a goof but he knows when to stop teasing or when a lecture is not needed - not that he bothers to give any.

When it was time for the deliveries of the day, Claire quickly dodged Amon having already suspecting him to insist accompanying her too.

She had awoken earlier that morning and sat for a while in bed, pondering the cautions she was told yesterday over her brothers’ snores.

By the time her brothers stirred, she had decided to take heed of what everyone said, especially what Levi said. “This is a different place,” she kept reminding herself.

Although she was hurt, she had overnight to think about it and figured he was right anyway.

Besides, the fact he even bothered to lecture her seems to her like he was coming from a good place, despite his approach or choice of words.

So naturally, Claire was astounded when Levi landed beside her as she turned down an alley for her first delivery. Silent as the wind and light as a cat.

Had Levi’s reflexes been slow like typical mortal men, she would have fallen over in her bewildered stumbling, maybe toppling a few heavy crates on herself.

He had pulled her just in time as one crashed, missing her head by a few inches.

“Oi, are you always this clumsy?”

She hadn’t spoken out of confusion and Levi thought he might have offended her once more.

“Tch.” He grumbled to himself whilst letting go of her wrist.

Obviously things weren’t going so well and he was starting to think maybe he should have thought this through.

Then again, it’s not like he has had so many opportunities to make up to someone or try for the matter. Not that he even cared for anything before, right?

He tried to convince himself that was still the case now.

But her sad eyes haunted him and he felt an unease he could not shake. He had gone back to his lodging last night and felt an overwhelming urge to pull his hair out in frustration.

“Why did she have to look at me that way?”

Not even knowing what he was supposed to do, he decided to follow her as usual. He figured he’d have to approach her but he had no idea what he should say.

All he knows is that he could not sit still and that he just had to see her. Minus that look she gave him.

Before he knew what he was doing, he was jumping down from the roof when he saw her, having been waiting for her to pass by.

Claire eyed the now awkward boy in front of her, a hand shoved in his pocket and another running through his hair in obvious discontent.

Then her eyes travelled to the roof he came from, mentally gauging the distance, noting it was pretty high, “Levi, are you alr-?”

Her first instinct was to ask but stopped mid-sentence.

It was of course not unnoticed by Levi and he felt uneasy, so to say, seeing her being hesitant that way.

He knew he was at fault.

He didn’t know what exactly he expected but when she didn’t smile at him or when her eyes held a wary gaze in them he just felt like something dropped within him.

It was his heart but Levi is not really aware of it. Yet.

Her eyes then flitted to the shattered planks of wood, the resulting disarray of her uncoordinated momentary fright from his sudden presence.

“Uhm… what brings you here?”

“Tch, I was just passing by.” He answered a little too quickly and Levi wanted to smack himself right there. Couldn’t he think of anything better to say?

In reality however, he thought accompanying her would be a good place to start if anything? He could stop her from pulling stupid stunts.

But he couldn’t say it out loud. More precisely, wouldn’t. She might ask why - probably would - and he didn’t have an answer to that.

“Ohhhh-kay… well uhm, take care. Goodbye then!” Claire politely bid, not really knowing what to say or how to act towards him before turning to walk away not really thinking he’d be following her like a pup.

Levi reached out instantly pulling her back by the strap of her bag.

A small squeal escaped from her. “Levi! What is it?”

“There was a rat.”

“… A rat…”

“It just went that way,” he said pointing nowhere in particular.

Claire’s eyebrows furrowed finding the way he was acting as strange but knew better than to say anything.

She proceeded with her deliveries for the day as usual but this time she was completely aware of Levi trailing behind her.

Because of this, she wasn’t able to stop by and have small talk with the homeless people she usually gave food to, feeling his sharp eyes boring into her head every time she tried to stop to interact with them.

Taking peaks behind her back every once in a while and resisting the urge to ask what he was doing.

Levi on the other hand would either glare at her or say, “Look at where you’re going, brat.”

By the time she arrived at the boundary of the market, she had been debating with herself if she’d ask if he’d like to come have some soup, for the sake of being polite.

She decided she would if his face was back to the bored expression and she wouldn’t if he was glaring at her, not that she was scared.

However, he was gone much to her utter confusion.

This went on for two more days.

On the fourth day, they were both frustrated already.

“Tch, how can this brat run so damn fast?” Levi cursed under his breath as he chased her smaller figure.

She hadn’t gone to her usual first stop today. The patient no longer in need of medicine and Levi didn’t know that.

Instead, Claire had a new address on her list and she was too scared it would be an invitation for Amon to accompany her if she asked.

So here she was now: lost, panicking, and wallowing in regret.

It took a few minutes before Levi finally tracked her down.

When she had turned down a street that was supposedly leading to the brothels, he leapt down from the roofs with the intention of guiding her.

Unfortunately for him, he ended up spooking her.

She had broken into a run with his hands inches away from her, having sensed a presence too close to her in the unchartered paths she was currently taking.

His feet were light on the cobblestone ground but it seemed to thunder in her ears, further spurring her on out of fear.

He thought about just yelling at her to stop, call her out. But then that would invite attention and he was actively trying to lay low because she is involved, not exactly wanting another encounter.

Also because this wasn’t a particularly good area of the Underground.

Besides, even if he didn’t know shit about actually talking to someone, he did know somehow that if he yelled at her now it won’t make things better.

The fact that someone is following her didn’t exactly help things and in her distress she decided to just run, abandoning all sense or inhibition. Not caring where her feet were carrying her.

She just wanted to get away from whoever it was.

If only she knew it was Levi.

A yelp escaped her when she felt a hand on her shoulder as he finally caught her. He yanked her form behind a crate to face him, also physically hiding them from the eyes of the drunkards nearby.

He physically strained to reel his body from crashing hers to the hard wood. When he has controlled his momentum he placed a hand over her mouth.

Funny how it was reminiscent of the night they met but this time he has the mind to actually be cautious.

Claire’s eyes were tightly shut and her breathing was hard.

Shaking arms held her bag to her chest whether it be a feeble attempt to put some distance between her and her pursuer or a stubborn will to prevent it from being taken from her.

She didn’t know too.

“P-Please if you could tell me w-what you need I-I’d happily help i-if I can and be o-on my way. Just d-don’t h-hurt me.” She blurted out in a panicked muffle.

Though she was not really banking on the off chance her pursuer would actually leave her alone after getting what he/she wanted, she figured it was worth the try if it worked yesterday.

Then her mother’s reprimand from before replayed in her mind. Oh boy was she in trouble.

“What the hell are you talking about, brat? Why did you even run?” Levi hissed.

He had half the mind to keep his mouth from saying something offensive and he actually wanted to say something along the lines of, “Do you always say stupid shit like that?”

He couldn’t wrap his head around the thought of what if it had been another thug who was actually going to mug her or worse and those were the first things out her mouth.

She stilled and her eyes popped open in surprise the very moment he said his first word, instantly recognizing his voice. “L-Levi? What-?”

Levi felt a spark of relief bubble inside him when she reached out to him but it quickly dissipated as she awkwardly slipped out of his hold.

“Y-You scared me… I thought someone else was chasing me. What… what are you doing here?”

She had been acting off, for lack of a better term, the past few days which made him uneasy.

He a had been acting weird, so to say, the past few days which made her completely clueless.

They both bottled up frustrations over the other’s behavior and it was about to reach the tipping point.

A look crossed her eyes and she bent down, hand to her chest as she tried to catch her breath once more.

Her body shook again at the thought of being chased by one of the terrifying men that lurked in the shadows.

A wave of disappointment washed over Levi, completely misunderstanding her general fear as one specifically towards him.

It was weird for him to be feeling such emotions, so new and unusual.

However looking at her that very moment he realized:

He didn’t want her to be scared of him.

He didn’t want her to look at him like that.

“You’re lost.” He pointed out.

Claire wanted to ask how he knows, feeling the restraints to all her questions dangerously close to snapping but decided against it, remembering his outburst before.

Levi felt something perk up inside him again when she appeared to briefly consider, her eyes lighting up with hope but then she looked away again.

“… stop being an inconvenience to others.”

“I… It’s fine I can find my own way back.”

On the contrary to what he believed however, she felt relieved to see him.

She has somehow gotten used to his presence in her deliveries, the dark nooks and crannies no longer felt as ominous with him behind her.

That morning though, she was slightly disappointed to find that she wouldn’t pass by her usual route that day.

It meant she wouldn’t see him and maybe it was for the best.

But here they were. Levi always seemed to have a sense of her whereabouts.

Even though she politely declined, Claire’s heart thumped wildly in her chest. She really wanted to ask for help but his words from that day rung in her ears.

Without another word she turned away only to be pulled back by the strap of her bag. Again.

“It’s this way, idiot,” navigating her away from the direction of the brothels by her bag.

She really wanted to slap his hand away, getting annoyed with his constant pulling.

Mumbling a thanks, she followed his directions but was intent on finding her own way from there.

Claire took out a paper from her pocket, looking troubled. She sighed loudly crumpling the sheet in her small hands out of frustration.

She stopped at an alley trying to discern which was the right turn. Choosing to go left, she was pulled back once more and a gasp came from her.

“This way.”

“Levi! Can you not-?” She gently shrugged his hand off, “I’m not going back yet. I still have one more lodging on my list. You… you don’t have to follow me,” before walking away from him again.

She wouldn’t even meet his eyes! Oh dear was Levi getting fed up. This has been going on for days.

Something about the way she was acting ticked him off. Although he is aware that he is not mad at her.

He wanted to punch himself because he knows it’s his fault why he’s in this situation but does he have to be so difficult?

She insisted on being friends and he was trying his best to be one.

In his own way.

They weren’t exactly on the same page, were they?

Without even realizing, he has come to get used to how she treated him before but now that she acted differently, for the first time, he felt panicked.

She didn’t smile, ask questions, or argue back like she used to. Hell, she didn’t even mention anything about that day but it was obviously the reason for the change in her behavior.

Claire has been struggling about it but she was raised to know better than to throw someone’s words back to them. Although she was really tempted.

Levi diligently endured about another hour of listening to her mumble about streets and alleys and repeatedly pulling her out of the way of drunkards or crates she didn’t even see while she stuck her nose at her list.

Claire tried her best to thank him and apologize for the trouble before politely telling him repeatedly that she can do it on her own and that he can leave her but he wouldn’t budge.

However, he finally snapped when she jumped in fright once more at the laughter of sleazy thugs echoing from windows above or narrow alleys to the side.

He didn’t like the fear in her eyes, the way she tensed up, or the obvious way she was being rattled.

He snatched the paper from her and held her back with a hand to her shoulder when she tried to take it back.

“Levi! Please give it back…”

“Where are you even trying to get to, brat?”

“I-I can find it on my own.”

“Shut up and stop wasting time. Where to?”

“Really, I’ve got this. It’s a new address but I’m sure I’ll find it.”

“Where?”

“I said I can do it!” She exploded reaching to snatch her list back, angrily stomping away. Her mouth was set in a stubborn pout.

If Levi hadn’t been on edge the past few days, he would have been amused at the fact this girl was acting tough despite the numerous times he has watched her get lost.

Never has he been so wrong when he thought it was annoying enough when she clung to him. This was way worse.

He easily caught up to her and grabbed her wrist to drag her back to the direction of the hospital. “You might as well just go back.”

“What-? No! Let go, Levi!”

“Where are you off to?”

“I said I can find it on my own.”

“Back to the hospital you go.”

“Levi!”

He stopped and sharply turned to face her, trying to catch her eyes to glare at her.

“Where, brat?!”

She adamantly refused to meet his eyes or say a word.

“I’ll drag you back to the hospital.”

“Fine! I need to get to the lodging of a merchant named Merrick Solda!”

“Follow me, brat.” But he didn’t really give her a choice because he started to pull her again by her wrist.

Claire wiggled out of his grasp, “Just tell me where to go and I can handle it on my own…”

“You can’t! Tch, you took the wrong turn since the bar by the smith shop.”

Before she could protest more he was already dragging her to her destination. Not too long after she was counting the coins to check the merchant’s payment.

“Can… can you point me to the direction back to the market?” Claire hesitantly asked Levi, already too tired of today’s excursion to be stubborn.

The only answer he gave her was to pull her by the wrist again but gentler this time.

“Levi-”

“Just stay close, brat.” There was a different tone in his voice.

She did as told despite her confusion. The loud rumble of laughter she soon heard enlightened her.

A gang of 9 maybe 10 men were drinking up ahead. Some were leaning on the wall, some were seated around a small square table.

Her heart was beating in her ears and she clutched her bag closer.

“They won’t be after your bag if they notice you’re a girl. So don’t say a word and keep your head down.” Levi said calmly but his eyes were alert and his stance vigilant.

He didn’t have to explain further, chills went down Claire’s spine and she tried her hardest to conceal the shiver that vibrated her body.

She felt his hand tighten as they passed and the men quieted down making her more nervous.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw a man do a double take and Levi turned to fix him with a glare while still walking.

He has no problem taking care of the sleazy bastards should they try something funny but it didn’t sit right with him to make Claire witness another exhibit of violence.

The man was unwilling to back down and was about to stand but two others stopped him, whispering something in his ear.

Levi eyed the others recognizing some to be ones he has already handled before and he smugly smiled internally. “Cowards,” he thought.

As they neared the market, Claire started making a fuzz about how she has to buy something and that she can get back on her own now.

He thought it was suspicious how she was suddenly turning left and right, as if searching. Her eyes settled on a lone figure by a stall, obviously recognizing the person.

“Has this brat been meeting with this bastard before going back to her brothers?”

He glared at her, realizing what she has been up to every time he slipped away for the past three days when he was sure she could get back on her own.

He should have seen this coming from her.

She started pulling away again but Levi kept his grip firm. “You’re up to something stupid again,” tilting his head to the direction of the man.

It was the brother of the sick girl Claire checked up on that day. One of those that tried to steal from her and Amon.

“N-No I’m not!”

Off all the days, why did he have to stay today?

He narrowed his eyes at her taking note of her defensiveness and the way her ears were starting to redden.

“Damn right you aren’t because I’m taking you back to your brothers right now.”

“Levi! I said I know my way from here.”

He let her go only to dare her, “Start walking, brat.”

Claire hesitated, eyes flitting back and forth between the man and Levi. If the man came here, there must be a problem. Maybe Isabel needs more medicine or her fever still hasn’t broken.

“Well?”

“Why-, why do you even follow me?!”

“Because I know you’re going to do some idiotic shit like this!”

“What do you care? Just go and uhm, uh, do your thing! …That way I won’t be an inconvenience to you!” She blurted out, unable to hold back.

Claire fumed, arms determinedly crossed on her chest and the way she pouted finally revealed just exactly why she was acting the way she was, proving Levi’s suspicion right.

However he was rendered silent.

Levi could admit that there was a certain maturity in the way she acted or talked sometimes. A wisdom behind her general dispositions especially in the way she interacted with people.

But times like this moment made the child in her obvious just like when she insisted on being friends or her stubborn resistance against him.

He could have found it cute has he ever before encountered anything to apply the word to but there was none.

Until he met Claire.

He knows he has a sharp tongue and he has never had to care about the things that comes out his mouth but with her, it was just different.

His conscience won’t even let him rest about it that’s why he’s been persisting for days now.

She didn’t deserve to be told the things he said, even if they were true. At least not how he said them.

He was alerted by some shuffling behind her, eyes turning into a look that made the man approaching raise his hands up in nervous surrender.

“That’s close enough,” Levi warned pulling Claire behind him.

“What do you mean-?” Claire asked as she was spun, making her peek from his shoulder in confusion. Her eyes landed on Isabel’s brother standing at least three feet away.

She almost wanted to roll her eyes at Levi’s reaction.

“I mean no harm. I… just want to thank your friend…” The man addressed Levi, rushing to pull out something from behind him.

Levi was on edge, hand discreetly wrapping around the handle of his knife. However he halted when he felt Claire’s hands tightly cover his.

“No, wait…”

The man presented an apple, eyeing Claire this time who has already started to move in front of Levi, to meet him.

He tried to pull her back but Claire quickly jogged closer to the man.

“Isabel’s fever has broken a few hours after you left that night. She is doing much better now. Able to take some food down. My father and I can’t thank you or apologize enough for all the trouble.”

Claire stared in shock. She was relieved to hear about Isabel but she thinks she could not accept the apple. They might need it more.

“This is all I can give. I had to work two days just to buy this so I couldn’t come to thank you sooner.”

Levi knew full well what work mostly meant in the Underground but said nothing.

Upon hearing the man, Claire immediately reached out to politely push the man’s hand back, “Please keep it, sir. While I appreciate it, you really didn’t have to. It’s enough for me to know that she’s better now.”

“… Thank you, child.” The man tearfully replied body almost bending to a bow.

Levi observed in silence but he literally had to pull her away when she opened her mouth again.

“Should you need anything more, please do not hesitate-”

“Oi! Just get going already,” he dismissed the man then tapped Claire’s shoulder, “Start walking, brat.”

“Levi, stop it!”

He ignored her focusing a harsh glare at the man, a silent threat brewing in his eyes, until the man finally turned to leave.

“What was that?”

Levi scoffed.

Claire closed her eyes trying to reign her emotions in.

Even in her anger or after the words he told her she chose to try and understand. Also tried to put up with his bizarre behavior the past few days.

But right now, he wasn’t making things easy.

She was starting to think maybe he is just outright rude.

“I don’t understand.”

“What?”

“You told me we’re not friends so what are you doing?”

“Making sure you don’t do shit.”

Claire rolled her eyes and started marching towards her brothers’ stall.

“Oi!”

She childishly held her hands over her ears as she walked and Levi scoffed.

“You just never learn do you?”

“I’m sorry but I can’t hear you. Bye!”

“That so? I’m sure your brothers would be thrilled to hear what you just pulled back there, huh?”

Claire whirled around, eyes wide in panic. Levi ignored her, walking past. He tried to hide the hint of smile when he felt her hand grab his arm.

“What-? Hey! Where are you going?”

“Oh but didn’t you say we could have that soup you like last time? Maybe I should tell your mother a story over a bowl?”

“Levi!”

“You look like you’re about to shit, brat. Let’s hurry, your brothers are waiting.” He nodded to the figures a few feet away.

Claire’s eyes shifted to her brothers. She knew she was running late. When their eyes met hers she knew she was going to be in trouble if Levi said something.

“Please don’t say anything…!”

“No? Oh wouldn’t that make me a bad friend?” He said sarcastically.

“Alec, I think Claire has been into some trouble again.” Bran spoked, eyes trained on the approaching pair.

A nervous laugh erupted from her.

She quickly glanced at Levi and mischief was in his eyes so she decided to beat him before he could even open his mouth.

“O-Of course not, onii. He was just leaving. Thank you for coming with me Levi.” Practically trying her hardest to push him.

“Claire, now where are your manners? It’s been a while, Levi. We were just about to head back. Why don’t you come have dinner with us? As a token of gratitude. We heard you’ve been accompanying her.” Alec said.

She told them he has been coming with her the past few days and they told her to invite him over for dinner but she said he always left before she could even.

Seeing Levi now and judging by the beads of sweat on Claire’s forehead, the twins were certain something must have happened.

Claire just wanted to vanish into thin air that very moment.

She was beyond exhausted but now she had to be on her guard every second because of the ever-looming presence that threatened to sell her out.

Eyes sadistically taunting her in between glances as they helped Alec around the kitchen.

Barely chopping the vegetables right to the point Alec warned to kick her out of the kitchen making Levi smirk much to Claire’s utter disbelief.

This couldn’t possibly be happening.

She sat at their table, completely on edge, wanting to shove bread in Levi’s mouth every time he opened it to put his spoon in.

The scrumptious soup Alec made unintentionally ignored as she focused all her attention on foiling Levi should he get an opportunity to rat her out.

“It’s good to see you again, Levi. I heard what you’ve done for Claire and I’m thankful. Hopefully she isn’t being too much of a handful?”

Claire choked on the water she was drinking and hurried to nudge Levi’s knee with hers under the table in silent warning and whined, “Mama!”

The twins watched their sister closely, beyond positive she was hiding something.

Levi didn’t even skip a beat, “She…” turning to Claire, a wicked look in his eyes that made her hold her breath as her hand wrapped around a mini loaf.

“… Got lost tracking down a merchant’s lodging so I helped her today.” Then just when Claire thought she could breathe in relief he added, “Almost went down the street leading to the brothels.”

Agnes’ worried gasp echoed around the small kitchen, Alec’s face was in his hands, Bran was trying to stifle a laughter, while Marius’ attention was on something else.

“Oh my goodness, my baby. Thank you so much for guiding her back, Levi.”

“Claire that was a dangerous place, you should have asked if you didn’t know the way.”

“I-I noticed too late that there was a new address.”

“Which merchant?” Marius asked, finding this information more important than his daughter’s innate inability to navigate streets.

“Solda,” Levi answered directly. “She also met with one of the thugs that tried to steal their supplies a while ago.”

“Levi!” Claire desperately tried to silence him, small arms winding around the boy in an attempt to shove the bread in his mouth.

Bran whistled, “Looks like someone is in big trouble.”

“Thank you for telling us, Levi, sweetheart.”

“I’m glad we can trust you to tell us what she has been doing.” Alec nodded in approval.

“I can’t believe you said that.”

“We’re friends, remember?”

Claire scoffed and pinched Levi’s thigh, “Friends aren’t supposed to tell on their friends!”

“Claire!”

Although Levi hadn’t really intended to get her in trouble and wanted to get on her good side again, it satisfied him because at least this produced results.

Agnes invited him to come over more often, even asking if he could accompany Claire on her rounds regularly now, offering to pay which he declined.

Marius had set him aside to ask about merchants and told him to come back tomorrow because there were things they “needed to discuss”.

Levi watched as the twins hovered over Claire as she begrudgingly washed the dishes. Alec’s arms crossed across his chest as he lectures her about manners and gratitude.

Bran on the other hand, could only laugh at his sister’s fate, mocking her about wanting to see Levi in the past and being the complete opposite now.

Much to Claire’s mortification because Bran wasn’t exactly keeping his tone down.

The next morning, Levi was waiting by their doorstep, eyes visibly tired and the bags under them darker. Before she could ask, her father left with him.

She couldn’t sit still the whole day at the hospital dreading her deliveries, expecting he’d show up again.

Claire had even resorted to asking Amon to accompany her but he bailed at the mention of Levi.

So there she was, an angry little thing marching around the streets of the Underground on her way to her rounds.

However, he was nowhere to be found and Claire felt disappointed but refused to admit it, convincing herself she was relieved instead.

Sadly though, she often caught herself peering up at roofs in hopes of seeing him leaping down or behind her glaring at her.

His absence soon became more apparent when she came down to the supposed last lodging, that of the merchant’s; lost and panicking yet again but Levi isn’t there to guide her.

With her heart beating in her ears once more, she looked around trying to spot of there was an MP nearby and was slightly startled when a voice spoke, “Where to child?”

She turned to her right, squinting towards an alley lit by a torch, “Ms. Makai, ma’am?” It was a middle-aged woman, one she always gave food to as well.

“Let me help you. You’re friend said it’s the least I can do.”

“Friend?” Claire whispered to herself, absolutely confused. However, deciding now is not the time to ponder, she continued, “Uhm thank you, ma’am. I need to find the merchant Merrick Solda.”

She pointed her away, telling her to keep left for three corners then a right.

After that she found another two people she has befriended before and was directed by them as well.

“Just how far have I come and what are they doing here? These aren’t their usual spots or am I just not remembering it right?” She thought.

Soon enough, she found the merchant’s lodging once more and was now trying to decipher how to get back.

Lost in her thoughts she almost didn’t recognize she was being spoken to. Her boy’s name not registering in her mind at the moment.

“Heading back to the hospital now, Charles?” An older boy who was about her brothers’ age asked.

He was yet another one of the people she helped, once bandaging his sprained ankle.

“Derry-ani? What are you doing here?”

The boy only smiled at her before leading her to a wider alley that went down some stairs before instructing her to take a right for two corners.

Claire followed and met another two people and found herself on the familiar path that led to the sewers, Levi’s secret place.

“Wait inside, kid,” said the sleeping man from the first time she passed here with Levi. She had left him an apple and a piece of bread back then.

“… Uhm, thank you.”

She went inside and was about to sit on a rock formation when a voice echoed, “Oi, your shitty sense of direction at it again?”

“N-No, I uhm, I was led here.”

“Exactly,” then he mumbled almost to himself, “Looks like that Dory was good for something after all.”

“It’s Derry and what do you mean?”

He only fixed her with a bored look as if to say, “Figure it out.”

Processing what was going on and putting the pieces together, her eyes narrowed at Levi who nonchalantly stood with his hands in his pocket.

“Did you… get those people to…?”

When he suddenly wouldn’t look at her and cleared his throat, Claire’s jaw was on the ground.

“If you’re lost and I’m not there like today, those people you keep helping can point you to where you have to go, for free. Unlike the MPs.”

Levi has surely been busy last night.

After getting her scolded, he knew she’d only grown angrier at him.

When he passed the homeless old woman near their lodging that she always gave apples to, an idea struck him.

He never liked going back to his lodging anyway so he was grateful to have something better to do that night.

The number of people Claire has aided was not small and he had not even realized just how much if it didn’t take him till morning to situate them.

Thinking back to how he was acting the past few days, a spark lit up in her eyes as understanding dawned: he was trying to make it up to her.

And he finally did! With a special guide, just for her.

“What about-?”

“Just keep on the paths they’re at, brat. I… made sure to put them on the safest route to your deliveries or here.”

“So… I… can come and go here as much as I’d like?”

“Tch.”

“Thank you, Levi but… why?”

“You can’t remember where to turn for shit… You were being such a difficult brat and… I got you in trouble which serves you right… but-.”

She almost wanted to laugh at how he struggled with his words but took pity on him.

Realizing these words were also the closest she’d get to an apology, Claire decided she was fine with that.

With a wide smile breaking across her face, she crossed the short distance towards the entrance to engulf him in a hug, “You’re forgiven.”

Levi was grateful she was hugging him so she couldn’t see just how relieved he actually was, “Tch, what for?”

Claire could only roll her eyes at his defiance, “This was sweet of you. Now this is what friends do and not rat their friends out.”

“Troublesome brat.”

“I think you said sheltered and spoiled before.”

“You are.”

She pulled back and playfully hit his arm. “Mean. Where have you been anyway?”

“I had to run an errand for your father.”

“What for?”

“Enough with the questions already. Shouldn’t you be back by now? You’d be in deep shit again. Come on,” Levi said jutting his chin to the street outside.

She bounced to his side with a cheeky smile, “You’ll walk me back again?”

“What’s in it for me?”

Claire only turned her back at him.

“Oi!”

“Well I’m cooking tonight. Another one of Alec-onii’s punishments…”

“The answer is no then.”

“Hey!” She exclaimed grabbing unto his arm.

“How can I be sure you won’t poison me?”

Claire’s eyes widened in delight realizing Levi was teasing her. “You’re giving me ideas but I shall spare you for now.”

“Well it’s not like you’re giving me a choice when you’re clinging that way to me already, idiot.”

She let him go again, feigning being offended and Levi found himself longing for the contact. “I actually cook pretty well.”

“Doubt it.”

This only earned him a slap on the shoulder which he returned in kind with a glare.

“I was taught by the best. You’ll see, Alec-onii would be proud.”

As they headed back, they were back to their usual selves with Claire happily chattering about and Levi grumbling for her to shut up but patiently listened anyway.

Deep down, he acknowledged that this was something he would not mind getting used to.

Both children accepted the fact that try as they might, it was pointless to fight being drawn to each other.

Claire eagerly watched for his reaction at the table that night. “So?”

“Not bad.”

“So who’s better at it? Alec or Claire?” Bran asked.

Levi only shrugged and the siblings exclaimed in exasperation. If he was being honest though, her cooking was better than her brother’s.

Or maybe he’s just biased.

< Chapter 8 | Bonus Chapter (Levi’s Birthday >

Taglist:

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AUTHOR’S NOTE

Yay! Finally these two cuties are getting along well.

Hope you guys are happy and healthy!

I am in a rollercoaster of emotions right now having lost my guinea pig, Snowy, this morning 😔. He has been with us for almost 5 years.

Then there’s med school and I am absolutely at my wits end with it but I shall power through.

Here’s a chapter to celebrate Snowy’s life and the small victory of making through my first week back in med school! Cheers!