Chapter 10

Levi's body, mostly his side, ached but he tried his hardest to suppress the pain. He was also tired but forced himself not to show any weakness. There was a tense silence as both Petra and Levi considered what they should do now. Any wrong move could end up with them losing their current advantage. The thought made Levi tighten his grip on the knife and press it harder against King's throat. The captive man was breathing heavily through his nose as he ground his teeth in pain or anger, maybe both. Blood still welled from the his shoulder. He would need medical attention but Levi felt little concern for him.

Levi looked over at Petra and saw that she had backed away further from the man named Luke. Her gun was still shaking as she pointed it at her former captor. The black-haired man could also see her glancing at the scarred man and then at him and King every so often. He could see the tension and uncertainty on her face as she held the weapon.

"Both of you, back up against the wall." Levi ordered. Both of the remaining gang members glared at him and then at Petra before slowly backing away. Surprisingly, they said nothing as they followed his command. Once they moved, Levi turned to Petra.

"Can you get the other gun?" Levi asked gently. He hoped she would be able to do it.

Petra could detect a little concern in his voice. The young woman's heart raced as she nodded. She slowly walked forward towards the gun, worried something would go wrong. Once near it, Petra lowered herself and quickly snatched the gun awkwardly off the floor with one hand. The other, she still held up so she could point the gun at the two Titans. As she picked up the weapon, Levi felt himself relax just a little. Once he had a gun, they would have a much better chance at surviving. If needed, though he did not really want to, Levi would pull the trigger so that Petra would not have to.

When King felt Levi's grip relax, he took the opportunity to move. He thrust his head backward, away from the knife, hoping to connect it with Levi's own. Levi reacted fastand leaned away before it could hit him.

"Move!" King shouted at his men as he and Levi struggled, the former trying to break free and the latter trying to get the knife properly at King's throat again. The scarred man and Luke began to step forward at their leader's command.

"Stop!" Petra shouted as she saw the Titans move. She kept a worried eye on Levi and tightened her grip on the gun. Would she have to shoot someone? If she tried to shoot King, would she accidentally hit Levi?

King stopped struggling and screamed in pain when Levi dug his fingers into the wound on his shoulder. Levi took the opportunity to get King under control once more. The knife was back against the man's throat.

"When I get my hands on you again, you filthy sewer rat. I will make you suffer. You'll beg me to kill you." King growled, breathing heavily. Levi just ignored him, thankful he had been able to subdue the man again. He stared disgustedly at the hand now covered in King's blood. He felt a strong desire to wash it immediately.

"Petra, come here." Levi urged. The sooner he had a gun the better. Petra did so hesitantly. King was glaring at her as she approached. His teeth were bared like a wild animal.

The young woman stepped behind Levi, making sure to stay away from King's reach in case he tried to make a grab at her. When he motioned for it, Petra passed him the second gun. With it in hand, Levi slammed the hilt as hard as he could into King's temple. The larger man instantly slumped over and Levi pushed him so he fell forward. King dropped face first and did not move.

"You bastard!" The scarred man shouted and made a motion as to move forward but stopped. He had no weapon and no way to take either the man or woman down if they tried to shoot him. Luke did not make a move.

"Petra. Go get your purse." Levi requested. At her confused look, he continued. "I saw your keys in there."

Petra remembered that she did in fact have her keys in her purse.

"You'll be alright?"

"Yeah, go quick." He spoke softly so no one else could hear. "If you have anything we can use to tie up these men, then bring that as well."

Bolting to the office, and worried that her departure could mean Levi's death, Petra dashed to the desk and opened up the drawer. Her purse was scrunched up inside of it. She pulled it out and looked around for something she could use to help Levi. Petra's eyes landed on an extension cord, almost hidden behind the couch. There was only one power outlet in the room so Gunther had bought the cord so that everyone could plug in their mobile devices to charge without having to wait.

On her way out of the office door, Petra gazed at the open exit door. She realized she could leave. Right now.

But if she left, she would be leaving the man who tried to save to these men. Yes, it was Levi's fault this had happened to her but Petra did not really blame him. The young woman believed Levi would be able to get out just fine without her. Could she leave? It felt so wrong. Petra began to feel guilt for even thinking of doing such a thing.

Petra turned away from the door and took a deep steadying breath before making her way back to Levi. They would both leave together. Soon.

When Petra returned, she was relieved that everything seemed to be how she left it. King was still laying prone on the ground and the two men were near the wall. Giving King a wide berth, Petra made her way to Levi.

"Did you want me to tie them?" Petra asked quietly. Honestly, she didn't want to go near them but Levi was probably better off with keeping a gun on the men. His arms were steady when holding it, unlike her own.

"No. You keep your gun on them." He noticed Petra cringe at the thought of nearing the Titans. He passed her his gun and grabbed the extension cord. Levi continued speaking as he checked the length of the cord. "I'm actually surprised you didn't run."

"I… Thought about it." Petra admitted, guiltily.

"I wouldn't have blamed you if you had. Thank you for coming back."

Petra gave him a small smile. She had willingly put herself back in danger. The young woman hoped she wouldn't regret it.

"Turn around." Levi ordered the men. When the men did not move, Levi narrowed his eyes and gave them a threatening glare. "Turn around or I will have my friend shoot you right now."

The men were quiet as they did so and Levi was able to bind their arms with the cord. He tied the cord so that both men's arms were behind them and tied together. It would be hard for the Titans to break free now. Once it was done, Levi walked back to Petra and took back one of the guns.

"What if they get out?" Petra asked worriedly. "And what about King?"

"He's still out cold and we'll soon be gone so it doesn't matter. Let's just get the fuck out of here." Levi seized Petra's arm and pulled her to the front door. He unlocked it and pushed it open.

Petra inhaled deeply as she stepped into the cool night air. She stopped for just a second as relief washed over her. They were free! They were alive! She felt almost giddy as she realized she had survived.

"Come on." Levi urged when he saw her slow. His voice snapped her out of her giddiness. They were not out of danger yet. What if there were Titans outside as well? Petra felt the fear coming back. And what would she do when she had to come back here? King would probably figure out she worked here, if he hadn't already. Petra wanted to leave this place, now.

"No wait, this way. My car is over here." Petra grabbed Levi's hand and pulled him toward the direction of a small, red vehicle in the parking lot of the shop. Levi waited outside the passenger side while Petra went to the driver's. She almost ripped her purse open to get her keys. Her hands shook as she inserted the keys into the door. She fearfully cast a glance at the coffee shop entrance, feeling as if someone was going to come after them any second.

"Are you alright?" Levi asked. He could tell she was not. He heard the sound of the locks opening after a few moments.

"... I'm okay. Please get in, I just want to leave here." Petra almost pleaded.

Levi gave her a worried glance as she sat inside the car and closed the door. He quickly did the same and he heard the sound of the door locking almost as soon as he shut it. He buckled himself in as she started the ignition and then put on her own seat belt. Rapidly, the car reversed and sped out of the parking lot.

"Levi, we need to call the police." Petra stated after a few minutes of driving. She was still feeling the tension from everything that happened tonight.

"... Right." Levi agreed. "I'm not talking to them though."

"What?"

"You can go ahead and say what you like to the police but I'm leaving."

"Why? Levi, it's not safe! And you're a witness to Fritz's crimes!"

"Do you think anyone will believe me? I'm homeless. I have no credibility."

"But…" Petra trailed off. She didn't want to force him to talk to the police but she really did want him to come with her.

"I've survived on the streets for over almost three years." Levi explained as he stared out the window. "Just drop me off wherever. I'll take it from there."

Petra glanced at him as she stopped the car for a red light. Levi looked so resigned. The young woman did not want to leave him to fend for himself when King's men could already be looking for them if they manage to free themselves. Petra wondered when was the last time Levi had a proper meal, when he slept in comfortable bed, when he ever felt safe.

It wasn't a good idea. It was a very bad idea but Petra had a strong desire to help this man. She did not want to leave him but she did not know him. For all she knew, Levi was lying about everything and could kill her at any moment. Even so, Petra wanted to help this man. She did not believe he would do those things and felt like she could trust him.

The light turned green but Petra did not go. Luckily, there were no other cars so no problems were caused. The ginger-haired woman clenched her hands in indecision but then made up her mind.

"Levi?" Petra turned to face him.

"What?" Levi didn't bother to turn to look at her.

"... Would you like to stay at my place tonight?"

"What?" Levi uttered in surprise, his head turned sharply to look at her.

"I… I don't want anything in return. You don't have to go the police or anything like that. I just thought you would be safer at my apartment rather than outside on the streets." She could see his shocked expression and continued talking. "My place isn't that great but it's home. Its an apartment but it's clean, or at least I try to make it be. But sometimes that doesn't always-"

"Petra!" Levi interrupted as she began to grow flustered. "Do you know what you're asking? I don't know you. You don't know me. King will be looking for me. Do you really think that's a good idea?"

"Yes. No. I don't know! But I want you to be safe, at least for one night. So do you want to?" He stared at her but didn't answer. Petra felt like the answer was going to be a no, and felt almost… Embarrassed? Rejected? But then Levi opened his mouth to speak.

"Yeah. Yeah, I would really like to." Levi admitted.

"Alright." Petra smiled. She would keep her guard up just in case, but she didn't think Levi would hurt her. The young woman felt relief knowing this man would be safe for one more night. She couldn't deny the fact that the thought of having Levi around, when he went through the same experience as her, was a bit comforting.

Petra began to drive again, mentally preparing herself to call the cops and lie a little about Levi's whereabouts. Erwin would hopefully be able to take care of things after that.

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