Chapter 20

Another evening of pure, hard training continued for the small group – even with Juno's injured hand. The weather was cooling, which meant they moved training to an earlier session and once everyone was warmed up and not complaining about the weather, they would set them off for routine 3DMG routes along the border of the property.

Juno was lucky to have had all the pieces of ceramic removed, but was left with several more stitches within the palm of her hand. The brunette had explained what had happened within the mess hall, however her tale ended quite quickly once she couldn't explain what happened with the tea cup itself. According to Levi, he had entered the room and seen both Connie and Sasha throw themselves away from the table from shock. The younger female had soon propelled herself forward, attempting to pry the cracked ceramic from Juno's hand, however her grip had been nothing short of iron.

It had been Connie who had spotted Levi and shouted for him, indicating frantically that Juno was in a dire situation. The smaller male had easily pried Sasha from Juno and upon seeing the blank, vacant expression on her face, gave her a sharp slap across the face.

"You didn't need to hit her," Hange had scolded angrily. "You could have just taken the cup from her hand, Levi."

Levi had paused, eyes settling on his comrade as he growled, "You think I wouldn't have tried? If Potato Girl couldn't open that tiny hand of hers, what do you think that told me? Juno was on a different world – she didn't even see me there. Besides, I didn't hit her hard."

The smaller female had shrugged, confirming she felt a slight sting on her face and that was it.

When Juno had arrived at training, Levi had insisted she attach a leather riding glove around the bandage surrounding her hand. She still had full movement, it just meant that she wouldn't aggravate the wound. The petite female had found it interesting, observing how Levi had given everyone instructions regarding the schedule, shouted and drilled the team into groups, then suddenly turned slowly to approach Juno and removed the glove from his back pocket.

As he brought the glove over her hand and began to tie the straps and buckles around her wrist, Juno asked with a slight smile tugging on her lips, "Where did you get this? I didn't see you stash it last night or this morning."

Levi tugged at a buckle and said gruffly, "It was… one of my old squad members."

Juno felt her chest tighten, seeing the fogginess skip across his lowered and concentrated gaze. Levi let out a small, sharp breath of air and added, "She once broke her wrist. Clumsy idiot. It healed but it wasn't the same, so she used this to provide extra strength."

Slowly nodding, sincerity on her features, Juno asked, "Who was she?"

"Isobel. She'd be about your age now," Levi said so quietly Juno had almost missed the words leaving his mouth. He stepped back, a moment of silence before his gaze lifted to her face and Levi's expression returned to his impassive mask. "What are you waiting for, Monroe?" He snickered, hitching his head towards the group of soldiers behind them who were now well into their routine. "Just because you're sleeping with the Captain, doesn't mean you get out of training. Move!"

Juno was jolted out of the rare moment and thrusted towards the others. Stepping away from the older male, a smile played on her lips as she chanced a quick glance over her shoulder at the now bellowing male. He had already moved over to Jean, who had somehow managed to rip a hole in his trousers.

It wasn't often Levi did this. But when it happened, Juno treasured it.

The day went on as normal, only that Levi was forced to allow an early finish. He had worn the soldiers out to their limits, so much so that more than one had thrown up from the sheer intensity of the Captain's expectations.

After combat training, he had chosen to swap 3DMG for survival skills. Loading sacks with rocks, he made each soldier run up an intense slope for 100 meters, drop and complete 50 push-ups, then run back down and complete 100 sit ups. This was done over and over again, with no indication of completion.

Until Connie threw up near Levi's feet.

Before the Captain could so much as mutter his disgust, this only prompted Reiner to be equally as sick at the very sight and smell of his fellow comrades' illness.

Groans of disgust and pain rose around them and as his attention moved from the mess at his feet to the familiar brunette sprawled out on the ground, gasping loudly and covering her face from exhaustion, Levi decided to call it a day.

"Springer, Braun," Levi said with a sigh. "Go clean yourselves up."

"Y-yes, sir."

"Oh, god – thanks, sir."

Levi brought the kerchief to his mouth, covering his nose and masking the scent, the senior soldier stepped away from the mess and shouted to the remaining team, "I won't lie, it's disappointing to see how easily you lot gave into your bodies. However," his expression softened, although it was simply the crease between his brows disappearing. "None of you gave up. You've all worked your arses off the past few weeks. Everyone scrub up."

"T-thank you, sir."

Turning his attention away from the limping and groaning soldiers heading towards the barracks, Levi brought his sight to the brunette sitting on the ground, her knees propped up and head lowered between them. She was breathing heavily, loose strands of hair falling around her face.

Juno gave another gasp of air from tired lungs and said, "Thank god. I was worried I was going to throw up. I'm so nauseous and my back is killin' me."

The Captain snickered, holding a hand out to Juno. She grasped it and with little effort, he pulled her up to her feet. Studying her paled face for a moment, he mumbled, "It's not meant to be a walk in the park, Monroe. Did you eat like I said?"

The female nodded then wiped a bead of sweat from her brow. "Yes, Levi – Sir – Captain - Corps."

"Smart arse," he snarled, yet smirked. "Get going. We need to leave in an hour."

Taking the ruck-sack of rocks from the female and throwing it over his shoulder like a bag of feathers, the Captain slowed his pace to stroll with the struggling woman. Rubbing her face, she sighed and scurried next to him, the muscles in her legs taunt with objection. Juno seemed to blink slowly, a fleeting confusion darting across her face.

"Oi," Levi paused, shooting her a glance. "Are you actually going to chuck guts or what?"

Swallowing hard once more, Juno opened her heavy lids, having now reached out and grasped his arm quite forcefully to regain her balance. "Just a head spin from laying down," she quietly confirmed, voice airy as she began walking again. "I'm good."

It was pains and aches like this that I truly wished Levi would carry me up the stairs, like when I had sustained my more serious injuries. I never truly damaged my legs badly aside from lacerations, yet he had always insisted it was quicker to scoop me up and propel us up the stairs because, 'I don't have patience for your short legs.' I had always thought about refuting about the minimal size difference between our legs, but it didn't seem right or worth the risk when he could so easily drop me – not that he would.

Now, as I practically did breathing exercises to get up the stairs, Levi watched me disapprovingly from the top landing. Arms crossed, snicker on his face and narrowed eyes as I grasped the railing and lifted another leg to plant my foot gently down on the next step. The soles and heels of my feet were burning from over use – the type of pain from running too long or holding a pointed foot during a dance lesson. Hissing as uncomfortable strain sizzled within the arch of my foot, my gaze lifted at the sound of Levi letting out a bored sigh and suddenly darting down the stairs.

"This is one time thing, Monroe," Levi muttered as he scooped me up, a grin now plastered on my face. "Like I said, just because this is a thing, doesn't mean you get special treatment when it comes to training."

"It's after training," I refuted with a satisfied chirp. "And you said after training you would do couple things. You know what that means, Ackerman?"

"Tch."

We reached the second floor and Levi casually strolled to his room, no indication of strain as he easily cradled me to his front door. Stopping so I could reach down to unlock the door and push it open, I cooed with enthusiasm, "After hours, you're Levi. My Levi."

The stoic male sniggered, his hardened eyes simply not matching the restrained amusement on his lips. "I won't argue," he muttered in that smooth drawl, directing us towards his bathroom. "But I will make you bathe – you're disgusting."

"Wha – eep!"

With a readjustment of his arms, Levi lifted me from under the arms and sat me down on a small level near his sink. He turned the shower on, testing the water and collecting several toiletries before turning his attention back to me, silvery orbs watching carefully with one, finely shaped brow propped with interest.

"Off. All of it." The words were deep, burnt like coal and husky like a smoked whiskey. "Now."

With silent obedience, my fingers moved with their own mind as I began to unbutton my shirt. A part of me wanted to say, 'Yes, sir', but those searing, hot orbs were burning into my face and slowly following my fingers as they worked further and further down, rendering me speechless. A shiver was threatening to dance along my flesh and he wasn't even touching me.

"We have 45 minutes, Levi." I announced softly, amused and drawn by the hunger teetering behind his controlled demeanor.

Another snicker, a curl of his lips as Levi untucked his shirt and brought it over his head. Without a thought to his usual need for cleanliness, he dropped the item of clothing to the ground and closed the small space between us. It took me a moment to realise as I had turned my attention to the muscular, alabaster body now within my eye line, but I had now pressed the palms of my hands against his chest and was slowly running the delicate skin under my fingertips. "A lot can happen in 45 minutes, Juno," he drawled, now removing the remaining buttons I had since abandoned. "And it only takes about 10 min to get you into that dress."

"That's about 9 minutes and 30 seconds longer than to get me out of clothing," I chuckled lightly as his lips brushed past mine. "I can think of other things you can do to me that don't take too long to happen."

A growl rose in his throat, spreading across his chest and vibrating against the palms of my hands. Raven hair tickled at my cheek as hot breath and moist lips delighted along my neck. Callused and quick fingers made use of removing the belt buckle from my pants, pulling the zipper down and wriggling the clothing from my body. It also was discarded next to the forgotten shirt.

"Is this pay back?" I asked as I was once again scooped into his arms. "For that time in the shower?"

"Which one? It's not pay back if you like it, brat."

Water sprayed across our bodies and I felt his warm mouth against my neck, rough fingers trailing down my breasts.

"We won't have enough t-time to wash my h-hair!" A gasp slipped through my lips as his firm hand collected a hefty amount of my right arse cheek and squeezed tightly.

A deep, amused chuckle danced from his throat and heavy, burning orbs met mine. "You underestimate my time management skills, Monroe."

With a final tug, Levi secured the ribbon at the base of Juno's back. The gown she was now neatly dressed in, was a deep, earthy green with simple lace across the hemming. She had paired the silk dress with a loose-fitted corset with shoulder straps, something Levi had insisted she went with as it not only covered some of her skin, but was also not so tight that she appeared spilling out of her clothing. The prepared soldier had also insisted on the corset with movability due to conventional reasons.

Stepping back from Juno and inspecting her appearance, Levi reached into his back pocket and produced a small, silver butterfly knife. Swinging it several times in front of the brunette before snapping it shut, he reached around her waist and tucked it into the waist line of the corset.

"I see, I see," Juno mused with approval. "And is there any reason I'll need this, Levi?"

The older male pursed his lips, pausing as he studied her expression. The Veteran had changed into a sleek, black formal uniform – an ensemble of clothing Juno had not seen before. Dressed in similar pants to his day-to-day uniform, the trousers were neater with presses down the front. They fit his lean legs comfortably and tucked nicely into a pair of black boots. Secured with a mahogany, leather belt, his formal shirt was an off-shade of black, yet equally as crisp and perfectly pressed. Also similar in style to his usual clothing, it only differed in the thin, green lining surrounding the tips of his collar. In true Levi style, he finished off his formal attire with a black cravat.

"No, but it's better to be prepared rather than to be surprised by a knife in your arse," he muttered, whilst adjusting his cuffs.

"You're not wrong," Juno scoffed. "Okay, well. Time to go."

The pair left the building and joined Hange and Mike at a waiting carriage. Both veterans had also changed into more suitable attire; the giant switching to beige dress pants and a white, crisp shirt and the mad woman into what Juno could only describe as a women's pant suit. Wearing fitted brown trousers, a collared shirt and a matching brown tail coat, the usually messy female looked eye-catching. Hange had not only changed into something rather dashing, but had also brushed her hair and pulled the mangled mess into a tight bun at the top of her head.

As the carriage took off, Juno studied her female friend before smirking and asking, "How many?"

"Well!" Hange beamed and crossed her legs. "Pistol in my right boot, lock-pick in my underwear, knife in my bra and an explosive in my hair."

Juno gagged with surprise then flickered her attention to Mike.

He shifted in his seat then grumbled, "Not as much as Hange."

"Packin' heat, or what," Juno chuckled with disbelief then asked, "so what is this event? Why do we have to go?"

"Oh, Levi hasn't told you?" Hange clapped excitedly. "It's Premier Zachary's birthday! Every year they do a charity event and the senior soldiers attend a birthday party!"

"Tch. I wouldn't call it a party. It's more that we're forced to go to keep up appearances," Levi drizzled, bored in tone as he peered outwardly. "I'll admit, Zachary was a damn good soldier. But he's now a shit-talking show off."

Juno nodded, absorbing more information provided to her to better prepare for the arrival. Premier Zachary was a just, yet strict man. A fearsome soldier in his hey-day who worked his way to the very top, the now senior male was the sole controller of all three regiments. Zachary had final say in all major happenings, finances, economy and large-scale missions within each division.

Juno soon learnt that the Premier generally chose to remove himself from minor happenings such as standard patrols, smaller recon missions and general daily requirements within each regiment. That must be why many people don't know what Hange gets up to, Juno concluded as the three soldiers explained further. If they knew what she was up to, they'd easily use her for a more sinister expenditure.

"And Juno, I was thinking that once we get back, we'll do some final tests before you head off with the others," Hange advised as the carriage pulled into the immaculate building. "I won't be coming along – I have a few things to do with my good friend Pastor Nick."

"Sure, not a problem," Juno took Levi's hand and stepped down from the carriage. "Am I the only other person besides the younger ones going to prison in a few days?"

Hange frowned, tilting her head as she stood by the shorter brunette. "Please don't think you're being locked up. I know it's scary, but you will have freedom to move around – plus, you'll be there with Mike, Nanaba and few other senior soldiers. It's just for a few days – I think."

"And I'll be checking in," Levi added, followed by a tiresome huff of air. "Making sure no more brats try to confess their love for you."

Juno chuckled, her face brightening as she linked her arm into Levi's elbow.

"Is that a hint of jealousy I hear, Shorty?" Hange hustled next to the pair as they began towards the main entrance of the building.

"Don't say the J-word, Hange! Or you'll get a round house kick to the head!" Juno jibed, a huge grin on her face as she glanced at the Captain.

"Tch. Fact."

The four soldiers gradually climbed the large set of stairs and paused on the landing, hovering within distance of the slow-moving crowd. The building itself was reminiscent of what Juno could only describe as a very fancy, grey and white dance hall. The doors ran across the entire front of the building, a tessellate effect with hinges between each panel. This meant they had pulled the doors back to open the space up further, giving the illusion of open space. Highlighting the open space, stood several, white pillars that reached to the upper beams of the ceiling. The entire property had a Grecian feel, only that the brunette was certain she was the only person aware of this.

So, they must draw inspiration from some sort of history, Juno mused quietly as they gradually shuffled to the front. But why does their history only date back 100 years?

"Name." A prim looking man asked, not bothering to lift his gaze from the check list in front of him.

"Ackerman, Hange, Zacharius and Monroe."

"Hm," the doorman shifted his weight, running his finger down the list. "Scouts, I presume. I have the first three, but not the last."

Juno furrowed her brow, her gaze moving to Levi. The male was already scrutinizing the MP with a hardened stare. "Monroe is the guest," he announced, nodding towards the word listed under Mike's name. "I'd assume you could figure that out."

The MP let out a sigh, finally lifting his eyes to scan the four soldiers waiting. Bored in expression, he skimmed the familiar three quickly before landing on the female watching him suspiciously. "Monroe," he tested the name, rolling it off his tongue before letting another dramatic sigh leave his lips and looking away. "Food and beverages can be located throughout the entire venue by servers. The guest book can be found to the right upon entering, speeches will begin at promptly 8 pm."

As they finally stepped into the highly-decorated venue, Juno chose to keep her mouth clamped shut at the annoyance bubbling at the back of her throat. She could feel the anger tingling upon Levi's skin, a slight jolt in his arm as he guided her towards the guest book. She had met few MP's, however they had never outwardly displayed a sense of isolation towards her. Odd but probably nothing to worry about, Juno shrugged at the thought, taking the pen from Levi and scribbling a comment in the book, followed by a fake signature. Levi's gaze dropped to observe the illegible writing, nodding in approval at Juno's acute awareness.

"Juno!" A rusty, gravelly voice called out.

Turning towards her name, Pixis reached the group and shook each person's hand. His warm, honey eyes gleamed with his polite smile as he greeted everyone individually, commenting on their health and well-being before finally reaching Juno.

"My dear, I hope you have been keeping well?" He questioned, a hesitant shift in his gaze. "I understand you have been through some tough times as of late."

Juno observed the older male, a faint confusion and wariness ticking at the forefront of her mind. As far as Juno knew, Pixis was neither aware nor part of what occurred to her. Within her tests and training, they had concluded that Pixis likely knew nothing of what had happened within his regiment as the older man was known for his pride and moral ethics. It simply would have not managed to get past him, had the senior man caught scent of the debauchery occurring under his own roof.

But the little female still felt wary as the man still held the same emblem as the men who had hurt her.

"Yes, I've been ill but things are looking a lot better," Juno responded evenly, a faint smile on her lips. "I've been lucky that Hange is my own, personal medic."

"Ah, yes. The infamous Hange," Pixis turned his smile to the taller brunette, standing slightly behind Juno. "I have been trying to get her to agree to transfer to my regiment for years, yet she insists on staying with Erwin."

"The flattery is appreciated, Dot, but the Garrison is just too boring!" Hange nipped playfully, nudging the older man in the side. "But hey! If the Scouts and the Garrison keep working together like we have, who knows what'll happen! Erwin does like you."

"Speaking of Erwin, can we expect an appearance?" Levi asked, drawing Pixis back within a more serious conversation.

The older man pursed his lips, shaking his head sadly. "No, from what I have heard from Nile. Things should change soon, though."

"Excuse me." Mike slipped past the small group, stepped into the crowd. His ashen, blond hair dipped into the mixture of people until Juno could no longer see the giant man.

"I'll let you kids enjoy yourselves," Pixis said quietly, unusually forlorn in tone. "We can chat later in the evening."

Juno watched the older male smile before leaving and greeting another group of people across the room. Taking the glass of water from Levi, she started as a hand gently pressed against her arm. "Drink it," Levi instructed. "You started to burn up while talking to him. Cool down before someone notices."

Juno nodded, sipping the cool liquid. After a few gulps, she asked in a hushed voice, "I felt weird – like he knew something or he's hiding something."

"Remember, your emotions play a big role in your heat abilities," Hange whispered to Juno. "I know this may sound harsh, but try to keep your emotions in check otherwise you might accidentally burn someone's arm off by brushing past them."

"Right," Juno took another sip of water and several deep breaths. Her training and ongoing consultations had taught the group a great deal, however she was still learning to not let her feelings get the better of her. For the most part, Juno was able to remain calm, level-headed and generally normal, which meant her spikes in body temperature were minimal. Conversely, when she felt scared, angry or backed into a corner, Juno's body temperature would soar immediately. The sweating wasn't as prevalent now that they had started meditation and breathing exercises in her training, and more than once, Juno was able to will herself hot without the use of fear or anger. Yet, nothing could compare to the lava-like heat she emitted when Juno was in a life-threatening situation.

It was now a matter of building her confidence and control.

After a moment, she mumbled, "I wish I remembered everything else Baphomet had said since the first conversation."

"It takes time," Hange reassured with a big smile. "The best results don't just get handed to you. You test, trial, fail, alter and try again. It doesn't matter how many times you have to repeat that, because when the answer arrives – it's the most glorious thing ever."

Juno smiled in response, cheeks rising at the woman's positivity. The room was beginning to buzz with life, soldiers and upper-class civilians mingling with one another. A soft atmosphere of classical music hummed throughout the room and soon, servers were moving across the floor and offering glasses of bubbling beverages and snacks the size of a mouse. The trio hung back and away from the clutter, Levi only speaking with Hange and Juno unless being forced into conversation by Hange when she socialized.

The Captain remained aloof, generally unfazed by the fancy appearance of everything within the room. He stood casually, a drink in one hand and a hand resting at Juno's lower back. With trained eyes, he observed every person who passed by, entered from the front, side and back doors, listened in on conversations and on occasion, would nod in greeting to particular persons. Juno did not disregard these notions of the man who stood closely to her, his palm never leaving her lower back. She speculated that Levi was just doing what he always did; being acutely aware of his surroundings, and that the hand on her back was more for affection as opposed to keeping a tab on her temperature. But, as she shot a quick side glance to the raven-haired male, something didn't sit right in her gut.

"Hey, Levi," Juno began, pursing her lips. "Is there something –"

The music was suddenly cut short and a loud ringing silenced the chattering crowd.

The same doorman entered to the front of the room, standing on a small stoop as he announced, "Ladies and gentlemen – thank you for attending the annual Regiment Charity Ball. As you all know, this ball will be our 57th and celebrated on the day of birth of our Premier, the most appraised - Darius Zackly!"

The room erupted into a mild applause, some of which were over enthused whilst others simply making a dull patter with their hands. The doorman removed himself and allowed for the sharply dressed, senior male to take to the small stoop.

Zackly cleared his throat, running his hands down his lapels and gradually fetching a pair of reading glasses from his inner pocket. Sliding them onto the bridge of his nose, the bearded man cleared his throat once more and brought out a small card. "I would firstly like to thank the junior MP's for arranging this venue, as well as the organizational structure of this annual event," tilting his head slightly, Zackly peered down at his card, "As I am aware of the current tension between some areas of our regiments, I thank you all for putting this aside for one evening."

Juno couldn't help herself but let out a small snuff, resulting with a sharp jab in the side from Hange. Flicking the female a playful glare, the petite brunette gazed past Hange to capture several men standing in their formal Garrison uniforms. Blinking several times, Juno allowed herself a moment to concentrate on the facial structure of the young male furthest from where they were standing.

Average build, slight features and with the turn of his head, Juno felt the blood in her ears thump loudly.

"E-Evans." The word had slipped from her agape mouth as she stared wide-eyed at the strawberry blond male who was listening intently to Zackly's speech. Standing with his side only to her view, it was clear as day: the same nose, jaw line and eye colour. The only difference was that he shared the same hair colour of the suspicious MP they had seen weeks ago.

And to the left of Evans, stood Bernard. Slouched slightly, standing with a scowl on his face, Juno felt her throat seize up and a horrible drizzle of anxiety slam her straight in the chest. Bernard paid no attention to her, in fact neither man was aware she was standing only a few feet away, yet Juno could see them clear as day. Both men shifted, Bernard leaning over to whisper something to Evans. The angle had changed and now, as she stared at them in frozen uncertainty, Juno finally saw the half-mask placed over Bernard's face.

Zackly concluded his speech and the crowd broke into another modest applause, only now as Juno stood stunned in her place next to Hange, the crowd of people were moving against her to make space in the middle of the room. Unable to catch her own breath, Juno forced herself to move and peer to her side, only to see that Levi was now gone. Feeling panic slice through her insides, she sharply turned to where she had expected to see Hange. Only that now, Hange was also no longer near her.

Fear. Immense terror and unabashed anger was beginning to twitch in her fingers.

"Come, Juno! You must participate!"

Pixis had suddenly appeared, taking Juno's hand and guiding her directly to the middle of the space. A small yelp rose from her voice, but Juno was already being moved to stand with the older male, the music beginning sharply and her feet being forced to follow his lead.

"P-Pixis, I need to find Levi," she managed to hiss, her eyes moving frantically across many faces. "I-I need to find – please."

"My dear, I promise I'm not a bad dancer!" Pixis chuckled, eyes sparkling as they moved in large, swooping circles across the floor. More and more people were joining in, making it very difficult for the brunette to scan everyone and locate an exit. "And besides, young Juno, Hange and Levi are currently busy."

"What?" Her frantic stare snapped back to Pixis, eyes narrowing with suspicion. A pause, followed by an acid, bit tongue as Juno snarled, "If you know something, Dot, you better open your god-damned mouth right now."

Swirling once more and only to receive a gleam from the older man, Juno was seconds away from prying herself angrily from the senior soldier, only that as she spun once more, her angered glare fell upon one very furious eye watching her. Feeling her chest restrict with panic, Juno tore herself from Pixis and darted across the floor and away from Bernard. Fuck, fuck, where are they, her brain was straining against her skull as a roar was beginning to block her ears, please Levi – please come out.

Pushing past bystanders, Juno fumbled with her corset to locate the butterfly knife. The smallest buzz of relief crossed her frantic heart as she threw herself forward to curve the right of the exit and head towards the gates.

The brunette was met with human body, slamming hard into a chest and sending her a few steps back. Sight met with black and white dots, Juno yelped with shock and took half a second to compose herself. Lifting her gaze to observe the person she had just run into in the darkness, outside of the event, her eyes became wide.

"Darling, I'd wondered where you went," Evan's cooed, a snicker on his lips. "I was worried we'd lost you."

Ripping the knife from her corset, Juno stepped back and lifted the weapon. Her hands were shaking, eyes large and wild like an animal cornered in a cage. "I'll fucking kill you," she snarled, stance shifting to brace an impact. "I don't care if I get hanged for it, I'll destroy you. And that piece of shit too."

Evan's calm expression broke into a sinister grin before erupting into an overzealous chuckle. "You're so funny, Juno," he patted his chest in fondness. "You'll have to tell me some more jokes once we get you settled in the carriage over there. I had a feeling you'd be brought here – that little man can't help himself, showing you off like he did at Stohess."

"Evans, is it?"

Gasping, Juno shot a glance over her shoulder to the familiar, low snarl.

Stepping from the left of the walk way, a glint of silvery eyes snared in an angered glare. The raven haired male approached the pair with immense confidence, his attention never leaving the scum standing adjacent to Juno.

Levi took the liberty to block the space between Juno and Evans, lowering his crossed arms and not once pulling his stare from the taller male. A small pant slipped from Juno, her body accepting the smallest amount of relief it offered to her unsteady, thumping heart within a constricted chest.

"I've known about people like you since I was born," Levi muttered, a hiss rising on his features. "Tch. People is likely not the right terminology. Scum. Scum like you."

Evan's confidence shifted ever so slightly, a twitch in his cheek and gleam slipping into wariness.

"Captain Levi, the Scouts best and most great soldier. What was it again?" Evans' crooned, lip curling into a sick arch. "Humanity's Strongest? I'd assume being the strongest would mean you would have found this little gem before Bernard violated her. Hm… Strongest, perhaps, most switched on? Debatable."

"You piece of sh –" Juno scowled and stepped forward, only to pause as Levi reached behind him and placed a hand to her arm.

"Don't waste your breath," Levi assured, tilting his head slightly to send her a quick glance. "It'll fall on deaf ears."

Before Juno could question the Captain, a gentle hand fell upon her shoulder. Startled for a second, she peered to her side to see Hange standing behind her, the shine of her simple glasses reflecting the fire torches surrounding them. A small sound, a sickened huff caught in the taller brunette's throat, shadows falling upon her features as she muttered, "Dead ears, Levi. Dead ears."

"What…" Juno began, her expression dwindling into realization as a massive, tall, broad figure appeared behind Evans. The man started, feeling the presence closer than wanted. Jumping and looking up, he was greeted with the dark sneer of Mike.

"Touch me and Bernard will know," Evans snapped, his cool exterior finally dissipating under pressure. "The whole Garrison will know! And the MP's – it was Bernard who violated her, anyway! It wasn't me."

"You know," Hange began casually, shine still bright on her glasses and shadows falling upon the highest peaks of her expression. She gleamed darkly, shoulders hitched as she continued, "It's funny what you can get from a person after a bit of forceful jabbing. I learnt that you were demoted from the MP's due to several cases of sexual harassment upon both men and women."

"Misunderstanding," Evans chattered, shooting another fretful glance towards Mike. "I chose to transfer to the Garrison because of my desire for modest living."

"Modest living?" Levi sniggered. "Or was it because you were almost caught trafficking humans? I'd suspect that they almost ratted you out, so you managed to bribe them into silence and transferred yourself out. Yet, you still have that uniform to wear, just in case."

"And using tomato juice as temporary hair dye isn't hard to come by," Hange added with raised brow. Evans whimpered, eyes becoming wide once more. Hange cackled loudly, "That was the first bit of information I got from him. The rest came after I broke two fingers."

A small, saddened sigh caught Juno's attention. Appearing by Hange, Pixis stood with a hardened stare and a sadden curve pulling at the fine, weathered lines surrounding his mouth.

"Pixis!" Evans reached out, only to be abruptly brought back in place by Mike. "Please, these people have cornered me and are trying to frame –"

"That's enough, Charles," Pixis rumbled, bringing his arms behind him and clasping his hands as he stared down onto the cowering man. "I have heard enough from Bernard before he blacked out."

"W-what? You believe them?" Evans wailed, all signs of his façade deleted from his exterior. "Y-you can't let them… Bernard! Where is he? I'll report this to Zackly!"

Hange cackled once more, her tone gravelly as she casually announced, "Oh, he's just sitting in a room. Well, most of him is still sitting. Some of him was thrown to the second room."

"H-Hange," Juno mumbled, her mouth dry as she mustered herself to remain calm. "What… what is happening?"

The brunette had remained silent for the majority of the confrontation and as information spilled out in front of her, surrounded by her friends, her lover and a man of high authority, Juno was almost certain that this had been planned all along. A whirl pool of emotions was rising inside of her, the desire to reach forward and fight – to destroy the human who had put her through the most traumatic experience of her life – only that as she stood there, slightly hidden by Levi as Evans began to flail frantically against Mike as the music and festivities became louder, a calm dripped into her until it consumed her entirely.

Tea leaves tickled at her senses, warmth running up her arms as rough fingers gave a reassuring squeeze. A tilt of a chiseled jaw and fine cheek turned slightly towards her, a glimpse of a metallic orb shooting her a quick glance. Lowered brow, thick black lashes peeked from their angle peering over his shoulder. A shoulder that spanned to another, creating the broad, muscular build of a man who made up in strength for what he lacked in height. A strength that was not challenged by anyone Juno had known in both her old life and now her new, a strength that was reserved and calculated, captured and isolated, both to save lives and to bring her body close to his in a heated embrace, claiming her as his own and as his queen. Juno felt no need to resist, relishing in the trust and swirling emotions that sprung up within her as she realized that Levi had planned this all along.

Levi was hers, as she was his. And Levi protected what was his.

"Time to go, kiddo!" Hange sang happily, taking the shorter brunettes hand and guiding her away and towards a carriage. "You don't need to be here for the dirty work."

"But - !"

"No buts," Hange reprimanded the female as they moved further and further away from the increasingly frantic Evans, held in place by Mike. "We'll be home shortly. Sasha and Connie will be waiting for you by the entrance."

Throwing one last glance over her shoulder, Juno caught Levi clearing the space between them and striking the increasingly loud Evans to the side of his neck. The man slumped instantly and Mike quickly dragged him into the darkness behind them.

"And their records?" Levi asked Pixis as he wiped his hand on a fresh rag. "You can guarantee no one will know?"

Pixis nodded, frown still apparent on his aged face. "No one will know. It will be as if both men never existed."

"Tch."

"I found the room, the blood," Pixis added, a scowl on his lips. "The evidence. And to hear it straight from Bernard… This won't stop this from happening to others, but we have removed two demons from our world. I have my connections, Captain Levi, and I am a man of my word."

The shorter male nodded as Pixis turned away, heading to the carriage that Juno had just entered.

"She's okay," Hange said, leaning on the door as Pixis approached. They both peered at the brunette sitting by the window, her gaze fixated on Levi standing at the edge of the building. "Might be a little shocked, but she'll appreciate your company on the trip home."

"How did you get all the guards away?" The older male asked, placing a foot on the step.

"A little something in the water to send them to the porcelain!" Hange gave a short giggle.

Shaking his head with a bemused and somewhat impressed smile, the senior soldier entered the carriage and closed the door behind him. Slowly the carriage took off and Hange made her way back to Levi, who never let his attention fall from those rich, chocolate orbs until the carriage was out of sight.

"Ready?" Hange asked, pulling a pair of gloves from her back pocket and handing them to Levi. "Mike set up a bunch of torches because it was so dark in that sewer."

Levi grunted, taking the gloves from his fellow comrade. "We got these two," Levi mumbled, turning towards Hange. "And I am more than elated to fuck them up after what they did. But we still don't know who is running this ring."

Hange nodded, followed by a small shrug. "We're focusing on Juno for now. One thing at a time, Shorty."

"Did that shit-stain give up anything about the leader?" Levi questioned as they headed down to a narrow path leading to the river that ran along the center of Sina.

Hange held back a branch as the pair moved down onto pebbles and strolled under a small bridge. "Nah, not yet. I got a great deal from him but then he blacked out from blood loss. He might be awake now."

"Tch. They'll be no waking up after they've spent time with me."

A/N: Hello my lovely readers!

I hope you have all been well - getting enough sleep? Eating three square meals a day? Keeping positive?

I know i have been sloppy with posting and it's because of this 9 - 5pm mandatory course I am doing for work, since my qualification was superseded and I was forced to update my skill set. Thankfully, work has paid for it since it was entirely out of our control - the law, is the law, right? The worst thing - 40 min train ride to the city, 9 - 5 course, 1 hour train home due to crappy transit. Then there is homework and extra stuff I do, so not to fall behind. It's once of those intergrated courses where you have to keep up or fall behind, otherwise I would have had to do a 6 month course instead of a 2 week one.

I'm just whinging.

So, that's why I have been absent!

It may seem like I am 'filling' space between the story line, but it needed to be done to develop some character awareness between the Dream Team. I have some hectic curve-balls coming in soon, so keep an eye out for motif's! Those are your clues.

On a fun note, I went to an RTX event last weekend and cosplayed as Gizmo from Gremlins. It had nothing to do with Rooster Teeth, but it was still fun!

Now, to the reviews!

hayatin - Hello! I am so glad you are enjoying my story - especially since I am also a big reader on here and I find it hard to get past that trope as well, but also, can't get enough it ha. I also have a love/hate relationship for the predictable 'Girl was raised in the Underground and has a badarse attitude, knew Levi but then somehow ended up top and now it's the first time she's seen him since they were kids' trope. I get it.

TheLadyShira - Aw, well - I appreciate the numbers that I do have! To be honest, I think the fandom is at a lull recently, however it's picking up again on all my socials because of the S3 artworks and the new chapter soon out! Did you see the fake bald image of Levi floating around? I mean, bald with a 'stache... I wouldn't say no... Haha. I am so glad you are loving where this is going - I write to get the creative out of my brain and it helps me sleep at night! I hope it brings out some serious feels for you!

Pati - Oh, heeeey! You need to make an FF account so you get the notifications when I update! At least, if you want to ha. No pressure!

I am thrilled that you love my delivery of a mystic being! I have this odd fascination with good, bad, evil, light, dark - but really, what about the grey area? I'm not a religious person, but it's all very fascinating to me. It definitely would contribute to my obsession with the paranormal ha. And my, oh my - Levi is fantastic to write when it comes to his 'romance' development! I spend a good time mulling over 'how would Levi react if' and try to form a response that isn't strictly completely angry haha. Isyama did confirm he was immensely awkward when it came to relationships because he hadn't been in one before, plus who has time for feelings when titans are on your case?

Well, I made time for them - which is why this is so damn long.

I am so in love with using Levi's body (language - LOL I'm so funny) as a means of communicating what Juno means to him, as opposed to words - because he really isn't a man of many words! I also believe that he may have awkwardly childish responses at times, wrapped in a very attractive, manly facade.

And in reference to Mike - I can't even talk about it. Hint: 50/50 canon.

kid-kun - Your review actually prompted me to post sooner! And I also thought at the time 'okay, so hopefully kid-kun is still awake, whatever the time difference is - so they can read the update on the same day!'. So glad you got onto it quickly! Really hoping this isn't lagging for you - we're jumping back on the canon'band-wagon pretty soon and let me just say, I am probably gonna be all the feels.

AnisYamamoto- Oh heeey! I am so glad you came back on to a bunch of updates! I love when that happens - my old ff folder has emails from way-back-when where I need to pick up on stories long forgotten. I know they'll be huge updates, it's just a matter of time. And woo! Hearing that Levi x Juno is working out seamlessly, makes my heart sing!