Caroline had stayed with Levi and Furlan for nearly a month now. Everything was almost normal. She still had rough nights, but Levi barely slept. They would spend hours stilling by the window and watching the stars through the small holes in the mud ceiling, and the cats that would hunt for mice in the streets when everyone was tucked away. The time was almost always spent in comfortable silence over a steaming cup of tea until one of them decided that it was time to call it a night. She'd learned the hard way that Levi liked a clean house. Cara wasn't neat. Actually, she was a bit of a slob during the first week. Levi threw a bit of a fit about the state of the spare room. Cleaning wasn't the only thing she'd learned how to do though.

The thugs were still thugs after all, and they had made a deal with Cara. She got a cut if she helped and as soon as possible, they'd pool the earnings to get her back up to the surface long enough for her to find her aunt. Stealing was easy enough. Cara was a quick runner, and even though she was taller than Levi, she was still rather small and agile. Levi and Cara made a great team when it came down to evasion. It was almost fun... The more time she spent with them, the less she wanted to leave. The underground was dreadful and stuffy... but still, it felt more like home than her father's farm land ever did.

Today was more exciting than the others though. Furlan and Levi had been using the ODM gear for ages, even before she arrived. They were so great at it, but the fragile equipment was too expensive and hard to come by to simply give Caroline a set and hope for the best. She'd been training with Levi; focusing on her balance. She could walk across beams and balance using the cables suspended in the air. The first few times she'd fallen flat on her face. Furlan patched her up so many times it started to become normal... but Levi still worked with her.

Despite his kindness, he was a cold teacher. Their late night talks and moments alone vanished the moment she wore the gear. He turned into a complete dick, to be frank. His always narrowed eyes took on a more judgemental and impatient tone—but it was a hell of a motivator. She wanted to impress him. There was no denying that. Levi seemed like he was on a completely different level than anyone else... She always felt so small beside him. When those almond eyes shifted and showed even the slightest bit of pride it made Cara's heart swell.

Today though... today was the day she was going to get to take flight. All the tests had been passed, and she had Levi's seal of approval. Of course he didn't help her get suited up. Furlan and Levi both sat on the stairs as she slipped the belts onto herself and adjusted the plates awkwardly. She had an audience; some thugs, some kids and their mothers... everybody in the area was excited. Not many of them got to see the gear in action. The Military Police would rarely have to use it.

"My wall these are heavy," she laughed as she clipped the gas tanks into place. They had no blades, but the handles held all the controls which Furlan had shown her. She looked them over carefully, making sure she remembered.

"Tch... what did you expect?" Levi asked rhetorically as he took a slow drink. She was so excited it was almost annoying, but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't excited for her too. "Start slow alright brat? I don't think Furlan can mend you if you break your spine."

"I won't!" she glanced back and readjusted the plate that rested at the base of her spine. It dug into her uncomfortably, even with a vest on to give more resistance. Still, she wouldn't break anything with the plates in the right place. "Can I go?" Furlan laughed at her eagerness, but he didn't answer. Levi was the expert. "Levi!" she snapped with a grin as she bounced up onto her toes impatiently. Levi rolled his eyes and set down his cup of tea before standing and approaching her. He looked over the belts and sighed with disappointment before tugging one of the plates into the proper place. He then tightened the strap across her chest so tight it made her gasp.

"The idea is not to slip out of it the second you're airborne, idiot," he muttered. Was that a smile on the corner of his lips? She grinned a little when she saw it, even if it was for a split second.

"Noted. Am I clear for takeoff?" she asked with a grin as she bounced a little where she stood. Levi placed a hand on her shoulder and pushed down to stop her idiotic bouncing before scoffing lightly and letting her go.

"Start slow. Stay below the buildings," –

"Yes! Yes! I know!" she interrupted him as she kept an eye on two perfect spots—a corner in the courtyard that would make the perfect launch point. She took a breath and positioned herself so that she wouldn't hit the wall at full force before pulling both triggers. It happened fast, especially when her thumbs hit the gas. She didn't expect it to launch her quite so quickly, and when her feet hit the wall, her knees followed and hit the wall hard. Without thinking, she let go of the triggers and the cables came snapping back; pinching the sides of her fingers. "Ow!" she gasped as she hit the ground. She fell flat on her back; the metal digging harder into her. Her audience couldn't suppress their laughter, but Levi was the first to walk up to her to make sure she was okay. He reached down and grabbed her arm to pull her up and she took his quickly. "I'm good! Really."

"You're too eager," he corrected her as he looked over the purple marks on her hands from being pinched so hard. "Try again. Don't go for a wall this time..." he let her go and fixed her gear again before pointing at two buildings. "Lock onto both of those, don't press the gas right away. Not until you have a clear path—then use the gas to propel yourself up onto the roof. Alright?" He had that same tone in his voice that sort of ruined the magic of it, but she nodded in understanding—ready to learn.

Slowly, she kept her eyes on her targets and pressed one trigger at a time; launching the hooks into the cement. When she was sure it was safe, she reeled herself up and hung, suspended in the air long enough to know exactly how fast she would move. Levi was watching her from below, but now he had his tea in his hand once again. That was a good thing. It meant that he wasn't getting ready to catch her. With a hasty breath, she pressed the gas and propelled herself forward. She was quick to release the hooks and just as Levi said, she landed on the roof. Still, she was clumsy. She hit the roof and rolled as she landed. Furlan taught her that, since landing straight took some getting used to. "Whoohoo!" she cried as she stood up and looked down at the crowd from the roof. They were just as enthusiastic; cheering for her success.

Now, Levi's smile was obvious—hidden only by his tea. It was such a small accomplishment but it was still one that meant everything to her. She followed the same directions again; this time she aimed for the ceiling across from the one she now stood on. She knew that the drop would be scary, but she understood the triggers now. Once again she launched both hooks into the buildings and used her gas to swing between them. This time, she landed much better; with one foot breaking her landing on the edge of the roof before she took a step. "Told you I was ready Levi!" she called down playfully. Furlan laughed at her and folded his hands behind his head.

"Say that when you can outrun the MP's Cara. Come on down," Furlan said with a grin as he looked up at her. The view from where she stood wasn't fantastic, but still... it was exciting. "That adrenaline rush is only gonna get you into more trouble."

"Ease down; lock into the buildings and release the cable slowly," Levi called up to her, though he wasn't looking up still. Maybe the smile was in her imagination, but she could tell he was pleased with her—despite the rough start. She followed his directions and drifted down slowly before landing in front of him and letting the cables snap back. Her wild rush of energy messed with her impulse control as she threw her arms around Levi tightly. He stiffened rigidly and held his arm around her slightly as if he wasn't sure what to do. Hell, he even exchanged a panicked glance with Furlan.

"Thank you so, so much," Caroline gasped as she squeezed him tightly; her face buried against his shoulder. Awkwardly as hell, he patted her back.

"Okay—off, Caroline. I get it," he pushed her lightly and cleared his throat before running the back of his hand over his heated cheek. "You've got a lot to learn. We should probably take care of that knee." Levi stood up and turned into the house so quickly that Cara was worried she offended him. Even Furlan seemed confused, but he changed the topic before she even asked.

"You scraped up a pair of perfectly good pants," he said lightly as he gestured to her knees. She looked down and cursed under her breath at the blood spotting through the material where she hit the wall. "I think you busted Levi too." Caroline looked up at him and grinned a little teasingly.

"You noticed that too huh?" –

"I can still hear you idiots," Levi called from the living room. Caroline blushed and started taking off the gear carefully as she made her way inside. She'd never actually touched Levi—not because she didn't want to... she was nervous to. He seemed so closed off to everything, and the rigid hug only solidified that thought. He did... kind of hug her back. The excitement of today's lesson had Cara so enthusiastic she felt like she was drifting on a cloud. Someday, who knew. Maybe she would be! Levi helped her unbuckle some of the trickier straps and didn't make eye contact as he tugged the gear from her hips to set it aside. "Get cleaned up. I don't want you getting blood on the furniture." He only spoke after he subtly checked her for any significant damage. He wouldn't worry about a few scrapes.

"I'm touched that you care so much for the upholstery," she mused sarcastically as she tugged off her vest and set it aside. She still couldn't shake the grin on her face, no matter how hard she tried to. Hell, Cara wasn't even worried about interpreting Levi's expression. Instead she made her way to the washroom so she could scrub her knees free of blood and let her pants soak with the rest of the laundry. When she closed the door behind her to get undressed, she immediately heard Furlan. He was speaking a little quietly—obviously not wanting to talk in front of Caroline.

"What the hell was that?" he asked quietly and playfully. Caroline had edged towards the door hesitantly, not sure if she should be listening in. Eavesdropping wasn't her thing, normally, but she was curious. "She did good. You could have hugged her back,"

"Would you shut up?" Levi replied promptly with a sigh. She could hear the kettle being placed on the wood burning stove, along with his feet shuffling. She'd learned this entire house... now he was probably leaning against the window. "I'm not much of a hugger, Furlan."

"Obviously, but I figured that you'd let that go when it mattered," Furlan pulled out a chair that scraped lightly against the floor—by now Caroline's ear was pressed right up against the door. The long pause was uncomfortable. She wanted to know what he meant... When it mattered? Levi... well, he wasn't like other guys her age. At sixteen most guys were sex crazed assholes who only wanted one thing. Levi didn't seem to want anything. She'd thought about it, but she always assumed he was indifferent.

"It didn't matter—she was excited that's all," he broke the silence, no doubt after a long drink.

"She didn't hug me, Levi. It meant something to her," Caroline blushed hard and turned around to sink down with her back against the door. Did it mean something? Repressed feelings were kind of her forte, especially when she was afraid of being rejected... She could live without romance. "I was even closer," he teased. Now Levi pulled up a chair. She could imagine him in thought with his elbows resting against the table; eyes dark as ever...

"Drop it, Furlan." He said finally—effectively ending the conversation. Caroline took a breath, surprised he didn't deny it as she moved to sit on the counter. She ran the washcloth over her knee; wincing at the sting of the water hitting the raw skin. Of course, there was a different pain in the other room manifesting itself... It had been there since they day they brought that scrawny whelp home.

Levi didn't get attached to many people... Furlan was his only real friend up until now, but Caroline was more than that. It was difficult to see it that way, knowing that she would be leaving soon. Chances were they'd never see each other again after she left. It wouldn't be the first time. It was easy to play the indifferent card when that's what everyone expected. He'd gotten so good at hiding his true feelings, even from his friends... but Furlan was right. She did move to embrace him first—and he knew they were much closer than he'd like. Saying the words out loud would never come to pass, but he did want to talk to her.

Being asocial made it difficult to find words for what he felt, but as he waited for the kettle he tried to muddle over them. When she came out of the washroom he stood up to pour a somewhat hot cup of black tea for something to do. Furlan stood to help her out with the scrapes.

"Hey that's not too bad for your first try. I got snared by a flagpole my first go. Cut my arm right down the side," he laughed as he pulled up his sleeve. "Levi's first time was better than both of ours but there isn't much he's not good at—obviously."

"Clearly," she agreed softly as she sat down on the couch in her shorts. She opened one of the stubborn windows and looked out at the courtyard while some cleared out. She couldn't help relaxing as a soft guitar tune played—adding to the impending darkness. Levi chuckled quietly and shook his head some.

"I've been learning longer than you Furlan. Caroline you'll get the hang of it if you're here long enough," he hoped she wouldn't be. He wanted her to stay, which was selfish of him. It seemed like he got attached to so few... so when it happened he didn't want to let go... she deserved to be up there though.

"Honestly the longer I'm here the more I don't want to leave," she said lightly. Both Furlan and Levi paused and exchanged glances—unsure of how to reply. "This place... you guys... You make it home," she sighed as she looked out the window; not expecting a response.

"No." Levi said after a long moment. "You're a citizen... do you have any idea what that means? If you take that for granted and throw it away then you're worse than anyone I've ever met. People would kill for the ability to live up there—we would and do kill for the opportunity... and you have it. This isn't your home; we aren't your home. You're going back as soon as possible—so don't get attached like some ignorant teenager. This isn't the place for that." She'd never heard him so cold, but the words he spoke were delivered so harshly the color drained from her face.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled as she looked for words. Furlan was obviously torn. She could tell he agreed, but he seemed guilty...

"Yeah, I know... but ignorance can't be excused when you've seen what this place does to people. You have seen the people on the streets; you've seen the filth and the disease and you've seen the way we're treated by the guards meant to protect us... to choose to live in this filth is selfish and an insult to those who can't leave." He wasn't holding back. The dark glare was like knives and it scared her, genuinely.

'I don't mean to be insulting anyone I just—"

"You just what? Assumed that everybody was as nice as they are in this little corner of the underground? Wanted backyard meet ups and a risk free criminal lifestyle? We have been protecting you since you got here—so don't think that this place is anything you think it is. If not for us you would see why this place is hell." Levi let out a harsh sigh and stood up before shoving his chair back into place and heading to his room. Caroline couldn't look away from his back. What the hell?

"I'm sorry..." she said again, looking at Furlan. He shook his head and stood up to ruffle her hair lightly. She felt guilty, even if she didn't mean to say anything offensive. Why was Levi so on edge?

"Don't worry Cara you're alright," he said lightly as he started to clean up some wayward dishes. Caroline watched as Levi shut his door... what did she do? It was painful how hard such a good day could come crashing down. "Maybe we can head out for a midnight ride, huh? I'd have to carry you but still," Furlan was trying to make her feel better and she felt it... but it didn't help. She couldn't take her eyes of Levi's closed door.

"We can't waste the gas. You guys need it," she objected softly as she stood up to stretch and help Furlan clean up. "Do you know why he's angry at me?" she asked quietly, knowing all too well how well sound travelled through the house. She thought he liked her, but clearly she'd misunderstood. Furlan had a knowing gleam to his eyes but he shrugged it off.

"No... but it's not what he was saying before. He's probably just not used to feeling much of anything honestly," he set the dishes in the sink and started cleaning them off with water that Levi had brought in earlier.

"Feeling what?" Caroline asked as she set the dishes down beside the sink. He'd told Furlan to drop it when he was asked about it, so Cara wasn't sure what that meant. She had sneaking suspicions... most of them came from within herself. She knew that whenever she made that stoic expression twitch into an almost smile her heart seemed to explode... hell, mentally she could never focus around him unless he was directing her. She knew that she liked him, but she'd never act on it. Not unless... "Furlan feeling what?"

"I don't know. A crush? Maybe?" Furlan chuckled and set clean dishes aside. "Ask him. Preferably when he's calmed down a bit... I'm not sure what the lecture was about—maybe it's his way of flirting." Caroline's cheeks were so warm they burned as she looked down at the dishes. "Don't over think it like he does..." Easier said than done, she thought to herself as she nodded and continued helping him with the dishes.

When they were done, she and Furlan spent the rest of the daylight hours outside in the alley practicing her balance and listening to the softly played music in the courtyard. The only sign of Levi was the short whistle of the kettle as the natural lights in the mud roof disappeared. Furlan helped her down and the two of them made their way back into the house just in time to hear Levi's door close. Cara gave an annoyed sigh as she sat on the couch and grabbed one of the few books they had. She was going to wait him out... they needed to talk.

"Not going to bed?" Furlan asked with a grin as he finished off a slice of bread. She shook her head and looked out the window. She'd go to bed eventually, but she knew Levi would show his face in a matter of moments when the doors closed. Well... long moments. Actually, she waited for over an hour, reading the same pages two or three times as she grew weary. Levi's door opened quietly, no doubt because he thought she was already asleep. When he saw her, he looked away and at the kettle instead. When... wasn't he drinking tea?

"Levi... I have to talk to you," she said quietly as she set down the book and walked to the kitchen. She leaned against the counter at an angle so she didn't have to look down at him. "What was all that earlier? Do you want me to go?" he didn't meet her eyes at first, but when he realized she wasn't going to look away he glanced back.

"You're getting too comfortable here... we're getting too comfortable with you being here," he took a moment to think about the words he was trying to say—without sounding weak. "I don't want you to stay here. I want you to be up there... You deserve a life under the sky; not one underground." His words were thick with sincerity as he reached over to lightly place his hand over hers.

"You and Furlan are all I have," she said quietly as she turned her hand over to take his. It was cool against the warmth of her own hand... His fingers curled around her hand lightly—making her relax. "If I go back I have nobody..."

"Furlan and I aren't going to live long down here... Disease spreads, the darkness eventually takes a toll on your body... we're going to get caught one day and I don't want you here when that happens." His thumb unconsciously traced her hand as he looked back at the dark kettle; knowing that was the truth about their future. He hated the idea of taking Caroline down with them.

"You're wrong... together we're going to make enough money to get you both a citizenship and then..." he wasn't looked at her... she thought over the words and realized that they may never be able to even get past the stairs. All their money was stolen after all... "Levi... look at me." With her free hand, Caroline cupped his jaw and pulled him closer so that he needed to look into her eyes. "We'll figure it out together okay?"

"You can't be sure of that..." This time he didn't look away. He was searching her eyes for an inkling of confidence in her words, but he could tell that she was worried that she was wrong, just as he knew she was. He was about to turn away once again before she did something he didn't expect. Softly, she pressed her lips against hers and let her hand shift from his jaw. Her fingers ran through his hair gently and drew a small shiver from him as her moved his lips against hers. It wasn't fiery and passionate, but instead it was gentle and reassuring. Her fingers trailing against his skin felt so soft, while his hands moving to cup her face made her feel secure... Everything about the kiss made them feel... warm. She was slow to pull away, but she kept her fingers in his hair and stared into his eyes; searching for light.

There was a beautiful sadness in his eyes as he stroked her bangs off her face. She had trouble placing the emotion, especially with him touching her. One hand had moved to rest on the small of her back with the other cupping her cheek gently... she felt small in his arms, even if that wasn't the case.

He kissed her again, filling her chest with a warm glow she'd never felt before. She could stay like this for hours with their lips caressing one another's gently. His tongue flicked her lower lip gently and slid across it, desperate to explore. While his tongue traced hers delicately, his hands had moved down to rest behind her thighs. Carefully, he picked her up to rest her on the counter without breaking the kiss... He'd thought about this, but had never allowed the dormant thought to dominate their relationship. Had he known that she felt the same, perhaps they would have done this sooner.

His lips traced their way down her neck and stopped at her collar where he left a small hickie. Though his hands wandered her sides, he didn't push farther. Caroline closed her eyes at the feeling and kept her fingers locked into his hair. Every nerve was alive... it was an incredible sensation. Even when he pulled away to give her his last, slow kiss, she was still breathless with exhilaration... It didn't last long enough. Her arms were loose around him as he looked up at her with those soulful eyes. He wanted more for her...

"I'm sorry," he murmured lightly as he rested his forehead against her chest. She was quick to kiss the top of his head and stroke his hair as she sighed softly and contently.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," she said lightly as she ran her fingers through his hair. He didn't reply, but he did stand up straight once again when the kettle whistled softly. He let go of Caroline and walked towards it to pour himself another cup.

"Caroline you should go to bed," he said quietly. "Especially if you want to keep practicing tomorrow," instead of fighting him she slipped off the counter and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. She knew he probably had a lot to think about... he was just as new to this as she was... so she didn't mind leaving him alone to stew in his own pondering.

When she hit her mattress, she fell asleep almost immediately. It had been such an incredible day... soon she'd be able to zip through the air like the best of them, and then she'd earn her keep more than she was now. Levi would see she was cut out for this life. He'd get over his fears and it would all be fine. Her heart was melting with joy as her lips still tingled from the kiss... it was hard not to be in such great spirits... Though when her eyes opened the next day, what she found made those spirits come crashing down... A roll of paper bills rested next to a note in Levi's perfect cursive.

I meant what I said. You don't belong down here. Take this money and find your aunt... You will have an escort waiting for you at noon if you're not gone by then. Do something good with your life, Caroline. Don't spend it down here. You're worth more than that. Furlan and I won't let you throw yourself into the mud... Make a family under the sky. You'll be happier for it.

She was... devastated. A pit in her stomach sank as she read the letter and looked over the heavy roll of bills. It had to be all of Levi's money. It just had to be. There was enough there to pay for her trip up the steps and to survive for at least a few days, along with some transportation... She clutched the bills to her chest and didn't bother to fight the inevitable tears that followed... They had something; a moment. It was a moment of clarity and romance—something they both had ever had before and he was going to throw it away like this? She tore up the note and left it on the floor as she slipped out of her bed and searched for clothes. Yes... She would leave... but that didn't mean she could ever forgive Levi for playing with her emotions.

Whether it was intentional or not, she'd still been hurt worse than she thought any boy could possibly hurt her. He was taking away her family this way... turning her out; and for what? Some sunlight and a hot field to work? He couldn't possibly understand how badly he'd hurt her... What could she expect though? She thought she saw something; a hint of humanity... but he was cold down to the core. Her once tingling lips now trembled as she collected what little she had and prepared to leave the place where she'd finally found peace. Furlan and Levi were long gone—not much for goodbyes... It only made it that much harder to leave.

It was the end of what she could only imagine would be the happiest chapter of her life... so what now? Even the sunlight hitting her skin as she made it to the top of the staircase gave her no joy... What now? What could she possibly do... She felt abandoned by the only people who saw her as something more than a mousy girl from Wall Maria—and she would never see them again.

AN: Seriously you guys make me so happy. I'm starting the fifth chapter right away and we're going to get to see some more canon characters! Can't wait to hear what you think about chapter four. It was much more eventful!