LEVI'S P.O.V.

Levi's narrow eyes searched the crowd, picking apart the wealthy from those who wished they were wealthy. Stealing had become an art, a performance, a dance. A dance he had perfected at the age of 7. Three years later and surviving was easy but was it really worth it? He had no one. He was alone. What was the point of life, if he had no one to share it with?

The thought brought a humourless chuckle out of the cynical boy's lips as he walked past a fat well-dressed man, swiping his wallet with ease. Levi walked as he took the cash and coins out of the pouch, stuffing it in his pocket and dropped the material on the floor. He had no use for such clutter.

Look around him, Levi's steel grey eyes landed on something that made him raise an eyebrow. A boy, his age, maybe a little older, was attempting to steal from a merchant. Levi crossed his arms, watching with a tilted head as the boy hesitated and the shot was lost but the boy stayed on him.

"Not going to work, idiot." Levi muttered, a strand of black hair falling into his eye as he watched the merchant turn, catch the boy in the act and curse him before striking him in the face. Hard.

Levi grimaced as the blonde's head fell into the dirt and he failed to pull up his heavy limbs. Levi was about to leave when he hesitated. Why? He had no idea. Maybe he was bored and wanted some entertainment. Maybe he disliked the idea of the boy's head in the dirt for a second longer. Or maybe... it was because it looked like the blonde needed help... and he needed a friend. Life was pretty lonely by himself.

Levi sighed, ignoring the thoughts that told him this was a terrible idea and walking up to the boy who was still lying in the mud. Levi kicked him in the leg.

"Oi. Get the fuck up." Levi said in a bored tone. No, he wasn't the friend type, but he'll see how it goes. The boy groaned, lifting his bloodied, mud covered face, so his warm brown eyes met Levi's grey. "You're going to get yourself killed like that." He pointed out. The boy sighed, shifting himself to lean against the wall.

"Don't you think I know that." He mumbled. Levi rolled his eyes. Great a whiner. Well there was no turning back now.

"Well you shouldn't just sit there and take it. Make your miserable life better by becoming better." Levi crossed his arms. The blonde scoffed.

"What are you going to teach me?" He said sarcastically. Levi thought about it for a moment. He could probably use another man in his operation. Cons worked better with two people. More cons, more money, easier survival.

"As long as you quit ya whining and man the fuck up. Yeah, sure, I'll teach you. I'm Levi." Levi offered a hand. The boy looked at him like he was crazy before letting out a laugh and shaking his head.

"What the hell, I have nothing to lose. I'm Farlan." He took the hand and Levi pulled him up. Suddenly, life seemed a little brighter. He wasn't alone anymore.

8 years later and life was good. Sure, they were still down in the mud, but they lived better than most. They had found some 3DMG and jobs came easy. Stealing cargo and selling it to their fences earned a hefty sum and taking out operations on orders of benefactors worked even better.

They had found Izzy along the way when she stumbled into their lives, quite literally, and asked them to teach her how to fly. She was just a stupid kid, but Levi liked her spirit. They took her in, and she became a part of their family. Life got a little brighter with the loud redhead and Levi found himself relatively happy. But he wouldn't stop. Not until his friends had the life they deserved on the surface. He would do anything to make that happen.

"Hey, big bro, if I steal something better than you today, will you teach me the move on the gear where you do a backflip!?" Izzy asked excitedly. Levi looked down into her massive green eyes and raised an eyebrow. Why she was so hell bent on getting herself killed was beyond him.

"Iz, you suck at stealing." Farlan chuckled. Izzy pouted and crossed her arms.

"Untrue Far! Tell him, Levi!" She protested. Levi looked straight forward, already picking out his targets for the day.

"Farlan's right, Iz. I have never met someone whose more shit at stealing." Levi replied in a bored tone, ignoring his friends as they started to bicker around him. Levi rolled his eyes. "Shut up and focus. We have a job in 2 hours. This is rent money. Be quick, efficient and don't you dare get caught." Levi instructed. His friends face fell serious and they nodded, the three of them separated in the crowd. Not far enough away to yell out for assistance if needed but not close enough for it to look suspicious.

An hour later and the three met up at the wall at the end of the street, sitting down and laying out their steals. Levi himself got 6 pouches of coin, 5 watches and 3 rings. Izzy got 3 bracelets and a fancy looking hairpin. Farlan got 4 pouches and a sliver necklace in the shape of a crescent moon, a blue gem in the top.

"Wow! That's so pretty!" Izzy gasped, snatching the necklace. "Can I have it? Can I?!" She begged. Levi rolled his eyes and put it in the bag.

"You know the rule, Izzy. Don't get attached to steals. We need money more than shiny things." Levi scolded. Izzy sighed but nodded in understanding.

"I'll go pawn it. I know a place." Farlan offered, grabbing the bag. Levi looked at him with narrowed eyes as Farlan scratched the back of his head as he stood up. He only did that when he was nervous. Farlan was about to hide something from them.

"Sure." Levi replied, wanting to see how it played out. Farlan nodded and walked off. Levi and Izzy waited a while before the redhead got bored and dragged him to the market. Levi bought her a roll and she shut up for a while as she scoffed it down.

Levi scanned the area for his tall friend, doubling back when he saw him in the corner of the market. He was crouching down next to a kid. A girl, it looked like but Farlan was blocking her face. All Levi could see was long black hair and tanned skin. He watched with curiosity as Farlan took the necklace from earlier and put it in her hand. The girl barrelled into him in a hug and Levi tilted his head slightly in confusion as Farlan smiled and hugged her back. Who was this kid?

"Who's that with Far?" Izzy asked as Farlan said something and the mysterious girl ran around the corner.

"Not sure. Don't mention it to him." Levi ordered. Izzy blinked up at her brother.

"Why?" She questioned.

"I don't know yet. But I'm going to find out."

Later that evening, the job was done, a success. They would survive in this hell for a little longer. Izzy was asleep in her room and Farlan was counting his cut, getting ready to go back to his home, if you could even call it that. But Levi had given up on that argument.

"Alright. See ya." Farlan said, turning to leave.

"Who was the kid?" Levi asked bluntly and Farlan froze, slowly turning back round to face him.

"What kid?" He asked. Levi glared at him.

"The kid you gave the necklace to today. Who was she?" Levi persisted. Farlan sighed and rubbed his messy blonde hair.

"Caught that, huh?" He mumbled. Levi gave him a look.

"I catch everything, Far. What the hell are you doing giving away a valuable piece like that?" Levi asked, a tinge of annoyance seeping into his voice. Farlan sighed, looking down at his feet like a guilty child.

"I'm sorry. I met her yesterday. She was half dead on the streets, and I gave her some food. She told me she has a brother to look after and their both starving. I hoped the necklace would buy them a bit more time." He admitted remorsefully.

"You're just prolonging their suffering. You can't save everyone." He pointed out. Farlan nodded.

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again. You can take it out of my cut if you want?" Farlan offered. Levi rolled his eyes at the suggestion. He wasn't going to punish him for being a good person. He may be the leader of their operations, but he wasn't a fucking dictator.

"It was your steal. Your shitty decision to make." Levi said, monotoned. Farlan cracked a grateful smile. "Just don't let it happen again or I'll kick your ass. If we're getting out of this hell hole, we can't afford to do shit like that." Levi warned. Farlan nodded in understanding.

"Yes boss!" He teased before saluting his hand to his forehead and leaving the apartment. Levi sighed in annoyance, wondering why he ever made friends with the stupid blonde in the first place.

Levi opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling, going over the memories. He never did find out who that girl really was. It was obvious Farlan was lying, he was always a terrible liar. But Levi trusted him to have a good reason for lying so he didn't press. Still, that left him with a lot of unanswered questions concerning the blonde. It always felt like Farlan had a double life. A life he was hiding from Levi and Izzy. Why would he though? They were his best friends. He trusted them, didn't he?

Levi sighed and rubbed his face, getting up from bed and checking the time. It was early. A few hours before people would start getting up. Although, since it was a free day today perhaps they would get up later than usual. They normally did.

Levi opened his curtains slightly looking at the sun rising over the tops of the trees. He blinked as he heard a muffled noise that sounded like laughter and turned his head. He swallowed hard as he saw Dilan and Eld on the grass laughing together. It was barely four in the morning. Had they been there all night?

Levi clenched his jaw at the thought and shut his curtains with way more force than necessary before starting to pace his room, desperately trying to ignore the jealousy that started to burn in his stomach.

She's not yours asshole. She can be friends with whoever she wants. She can date whoever she wants. Just because you love her, doesn't mean you can dictate who she ends up with. You're never going to tell her anyway. Do you want her to end up alone, you, selfish bastard? Eld's a decent guy, kind of, if he makes her happy then you should stay the fuck out of it. Ugh. This fucking sucks. You're getting ahead of yourself anyway. It's not like you caught them making out. Two friends hanging out. There. Get a fucking grip, Levi.

"Shit." Levi cursed, shaking his head of the annoying thoughts. He was going to turn into Hanji at this rate, rambling nonsense to himself all the time. Just pick yourself up and get ready for the day. He thought decisively, pushing the thought of Dilan and Eld to the back of his mind and taking purposeful strides to the shower.

An hour later and he was dressed, ready, sitting on the end of his bed and staring into a book without actually reading anything. His curtains were still closed, and he hadn't checked if they were still there, but his will power was growing weak. Levi tapped his foot trying to abandon the thought. If you check on them that makes you a jealous creepy stalker. You get that right? You haven't fallen that low yet. Levi tried to convince himself, shaking his head and reading his book. Five minutes later and he could bear it no longer.

"Fuck it." Levi muttered, discarding his book and walking over to his curtains. He rubbed the back of his neck, hesitating and praying they weren't there. He lifted his hand to open the curtains and flinched as a knock sounded on his door. Levi blinked at it, scolding himself for such a nervous reaction. What the hell have I become?

"Levi?" Dilan whispered and Levi realised he had just been staring at the door like an idiot. Of course, it was the brat. No one else would ever knock on his door at this time of the morning. Sighing in relief of many things, Levi walked over and opened the door. It seems Dilan had gotten dressed and ready too meaning she must have left Eld a while ago. "Hey." Dilan smiled. Levi didn't reply, the bitter taste of jealousy and resentment on his tongue. Dilan raised an eyebrow. "You okay?" She asked.

"Something you want?" Levi asked bluntly, crossing his arms. Dilan frowned in confusion.

"No... I thought we could hang out for a bit before we leave for Sina in an hour. My bad." She gave him a weird look and turned to leave. Levi internally cursed himself for being a dick. It wasn't her fault he was a jealous asshole.

"Brat, wait." Levi sighed and Dilan turned around, looking at him expectedly. "I'm sorry for being an ass. Rough night." He admitted. Dilan's eyes softened.

"You look tired. Do you feel sick?" Dilan asked, getting closer to gently brush his bangs out of the way and feel his forehead. Levi's pulse sped up at the affectionate action as he looked into those amazing fiery eyes and he fought every urge to close his eyes and lean into her touch. Instead he simply gave a small smile and shook his head.

"Fine." He reassured, taking the hand away from his forehead back down and hesitating before letting go. Dilan looked slightly worried, but she didn't push.

"Alright well I was going to suggest training, but you don't look up for that." She pointed out. Levi rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to object, but Dilan cut him off with a stern look. "You're not a machine, Levi. Everyone needs time to relax. Come on, let's go to the roof." She encouraged. Levi fought a smile as he nodded. The brat was always looking out for him. Maybe if she was less amazing Levi would find it easier to ignore his feelings. The point was mute though. She was a true friend, she cared, and Levi found himself loving her for it.

DILAN'S P.O.V.

A few hours later and they were descending into the underground. Dilan couldn't help the excitement that built up in her chest. It had been a year since she had been home. Sure, it was a shitty place full of shitty people and she much preferred the corps in terms of living arrangements, but it was still her... home. It was still the place with every single memory of her brother, and she couldn't deny she'd missed it, along with her friends and the orphanage. It was good to be back.

Weird how the last time she was here she hated the man beside her with a burning passion. Now they were returning as friends. In fact, Levi might be the most important person in her life. She wasn't lying when she told him she loved him 5 months ago. She did. He had become like family to her and Dilan cared about him more than anyone else in her life.

Dilan looked beside her at Levi, noticing how tired he looked. She'd been worried about him recently. He was working himself too hard and sooner or later he was going to burn himself out. With paperwork, training and his insomnia, he was carrying a heavy load that Dilan was trying hard to help him lift but the man was stubborn, and he rarely let her help.

What's more Dilan had noticed he worked out a lot in his spare time, which he didn't get much of, and Dilan caught him drinking on the roof sometimes. She felt like there was something wrong. That something was bothering him. She wanted to ask but she doubted she would get a straight answer. That was the thing with Levi, and herself really. Unless they brought it up themselves, they weren't going to talk about it. It's why they worked so well as friends. They respected each other's privacy. Still, Dilan was starting to think she should amend that rule and confront him.

They came out into the city and the distinct underground sent burned at her nose, a twisted smirk working its way onto her lips. She was home.

"You're a fucking weirdo, you know that?" Levi pointed out, observing her cheerful demeanour. Dilan grinned, walking forward.

"Yup." She replied, practically hearing Levi's eyeroll as they started heading towards the orphanage.

20 minutes of walking later and Levi knocked on the orphanage door. Dilan waited happily next to him, laughing as she heard the excited yells of 'Grumpy is here!'. Levi simply gave her a glare and elbowed her in the ribs making her splutter.

"Fuck you." She hissed quietly as the door was thrown open and the kids came pouring out, jumping onto Levi and hugging him around the legs. Dilan's heart warmed at the scene. Apparently, they had a new favourite.

"Dilan?!" Cassie gasped and all the kid's heads snapped around to see her, their eyes widening to the size of saucers.

"DILAN!" They screamed and ran over to her. Dilan laughed as they hugged her tightly and crouched down to say hi to them, immediately having a child jump into her arms, she took a second to realise it was Johnny.

"Hey bud." Dilan chuckled, hugging him back.

"WE MISSED YOU!" Nifa wailed, burrowing into her side as the kids engulfed her in a giant hug. Dilan tried her best not to tear up, but they were all just too god damn cute. She looked up at the smirking Levi and smiling Cassie.

"I'm not crying." She defended before they could say anything. Levi rolled his eyes playfully.

"Sure brat." He said sarcastically and Dilan glared at him.

"Come on, kids. I know you missed Dilan, as did I, but you can keep hugging her inside." Cassie chuckled and the kids reluctantly leg go. Well... all apart from Johnny who was clinging onto her in a death grip. Dilan smiled as she picked him up properly, ruffling the kid's hair as they followed the them inside. Levi chuckled.

"Guess you're still the favourite then, huh?" He pointed out. Dilan rolled her eyes but smiled anyway, watching with amusement as Nifa tugged on Levi's pant leg before demanding he pick her up.

"You so sure about that, grumps?" Dilan smirked and Levi sent her a glare but picked up the child, anyway, failing to supress a smile as Nifa hugged him around the neck. Apparently, Levi had grown fond of the kids too.

"Dilan! Dilan! Where have you been?!" Amber asked with wide eyes, grabbing her hand.

"Yeah we missed you!" Another kid shouted.

"Yeah why-why didn't you visit us?" Johnny sniffed. Dilan smiled sadly, putting Johnny down and crouching to all of their heights so she could talk to them.

"I wanted to visit; I've missed you all a lot. But I was kind of... banned from the underground for a while." She tried to explain. The kids looked at her with confusion.

"Why?" Charlie asked. Dilan looked to Levi. She wasn't exactly sure herself.

"Our boss is mean." He shrugged and Dilan chuckled. That was one way to put it. At least her friend didn't swear. The kids made 'oh' faces in realisation.

"I'll beat him up for you, Dil! Then you can come visit all the time!" Johnny proclaimed proudly, grabbing Charlie in a headlock and starting to roughhouse with him.

"Hey! No fair!" Charlie protested, trying to fight back and Dilan barely contained her laugh as Cassie frowned in disapproval.

"Boys. What did I tell you about fighting?" She scolded. Johnny huffed.

"But D-Dilan and Levi fight! Why can't we?" He argued. Cassie cringed and looked to Dilan and Levi for help.

"Well, kid... we're soldiers. And we fight titans not people." Levi answered, putting Nifa down with the others. Johnny pouted.

"Well then I want to be a soldier like you! Like both of you!" He said with a boy-ish grin. Dilan smiled, masking her sadness. It was unlikely that he would ever get such a chance, but it was a nice dream to have.

"Go on, children. Get dressed upstairs, remember to brush your teeth too." She said sternly and the kids sighed but nodded.

"Yes, miss Cassie!" They replied before running upstairs, the pitter patter of little feet on the wooden floorboards. Cassie turned to Dilan with teary eyes and a bright smile before pulling her into a tight hug. Dilan chuckled and hugged her back.

"You miss me, Cas?" She teased. Cassie huffed, pulling back and wiping her eyes.

"Of course, I have! A whole year and all the only information I get about you is from this unsociable grump." She threw Levi a teasing look and he glared.

"Watch it, Cas." He warned, earning himself a playful eyeroll as Levi walked into the kitchen and put the kettle on. Dilan was astonished at how... himself Levi was being. He wasn't normally like this with other people around. Dilan supposed they had known each other for a long time. Still weirded her out though.

"Come on, tell me everything." She smiled kindly, snapping Dilan out of her thoughts and grabbing her hand, leading them both into the kitchen. They sat down at the table while Levi made the tea.

"What'd you want to know?" Dilan asked with a smile. Cassie's face dropped a bit.

"I probably shouldn't ask but... was it horrible? Levi told me you weren't killed but captured." Cassie asked hesitantly and Dilan tensed up a bit.

"Um..." She didn't really know how to answer that. Was it horrible? Yes, but she didn't want to make Cassie feel guilty. Thankfully, Levi came to the rescue.

"The brats had to deal with worse. She willingly took part in some of Hanji's dull experiments." Levi commented in a bored tone, setting their tea down and taking a seat himself. Cassie chuckled and Dilan internally sighed in relief, throwing Levi a thankful look.

"She's the crazy scientist, right?" Cassie asked and Levi nodded. Dilan raised an eyebrow. Just how close were these too? Dilan supposed they must be roughly around the same age. It wouldn't be inconceivable for them to connect considering how much Levi visits here. The thought made an emotion form in her stomach that she did not care for, so she briefly dismissed it.

"Hey, they weren't that bad." Dilan defended. Levi gave her an exasperated look.

"Not that bad? You told me they were the single most boring 4 hours of your entire existence and that you thought about ending it more than once. That is a direct quote, dumbass." Levi shot back. Dilan glared.

"Oh yeah? Well it was totally your fault I had to agree to her stupid experiments in the first place!" Dilan argued. Levi scrunched up his nose.

"Me? What the hell did I do?" He asked. Dilan scoffed.

"I only had to volunteer because she asked you to help and you blatantly ignored her! You're so mean to her Levi; she loves you so much!" Dilan protested. Levi grimaced.

"She's crazy! I was focused on self-preservation, unlike a certain idiot." Levi remarked in a monotoned voice, sipping his tea. Dilan growled in annoyance about to reply but a laugh from Cassie brought them both out of it.

"Sorry, please continue. You are both rather entertaining. I see Levi was worried for nothing." Cassie hummed in approval, sipping her tea. Dilan cocked her head as Levi froze up.

"What are you talking about?" Dilan asked slowly as Levi sent a death glare Cassie's way. The blonde smiled in amusement but shook her head.

"Nothing, nothing. Anyway, Dilan. I've been wanting to do this in person for a long time." Cassie smiled, taking Dilan's hand. "Thank you for saving my kids. You promised you would save them, and you did, and I will never be able to show how grateful I am for that. Thank you for helping us all those years with money. You're the reason why I was able to take so many kids on. Even more since Levi started contributing too. Thanks to both of you, you really are both such amazing people." She said kindly to both of them. Dilan blinked, not good with such high praise. Levi looked embarrassed too which made her bite back a laugh. Instead she simply smiled.

"You're welcome. But you don't need to thank me. I'm happy to do it for them and I'm sure Levi agrees with me that it's you who deserves the high praise. You've changed all these kids lives. You're the amazing one Cas." Dilan smiled and Levi nodded in agreement. Cassie smiled and blushed a bit.

"Thanks. But honestly, they're the amazing ones. They give meaning to my life." Cassie shrugged, smiling as they heard the kids laughing upstairs. The smiled turned into a frown as the laughing turned to arguing and they all heard a smash. "That doesn't mean they aren't little shits. Excuse me." Cassie said, hurrying off. Dilan laughed, taking a sip of her tea.

"Hey what was Cas talking about earlier?" Dilan asked, observing with curiosity as Levi tensed ever so slightly.

"The hell if I know." He mumbled and Dilan frowned but dropped it. Maybe she would find out later.

LEVI'S P.O.V.

Levi watched with a smile that he failed to supress as Dilan sat around the coffee table with all the children, helping them with their colouring in, smiling and laughing. He loved seeing her so happy. Maybe he could bring her on all his trips to the orphanage from now on. He would certainly get an earful from Johnny if he didn't.

"Well, well, well. Levi are you openly smiling?" Cassie smirked from beside him and Levi turned to glare at the blonde before walking into the kitchen knowing she'd follow him.

"Cas what the hell was that!? I told you about my feelings for Dilan in confidence!" He hissed quietly. Cassie chuckled as she collected the empty mugs.

It was about 3 months ago now when Levi was on the verge of a breakdown. He had been drinking, he hadn't slept for a few days and he was pent up with emotions that he couldn't tell anyone. He arrived at the orphanage late when he knew the kids were in bed since he wasn't in the right state to see them. He was, quite frankly, a mess. Cassie let him in, obviously quite shocked by his intoxicated self. He handed her the money and was about to leave but Cassie took him inside and sat him down, made him some coffee to sober him up and asked him what was clearly bothering him.

In the moment, facing this kind woman, he didn't have the energy to lie that he was fine and it all came pouring out. How his crazy friend made him realise he was in love with Dilan, how he would never be able to tell her since she was his subordinate. How while Dilan did love him, it was only as a close friend it never would be more. How he tried everything, but he couldn't get over her and it was tearing him apart on the inside.

Yes... he was an honest drunk.

Again, Cassie must have been shocked but thankfully she didn't say anything, giving him the advice that things don't stay the same way forever and that maybe one day he could tell her how he feels. Levi wasn't sure about that, but the way Cassie said it was comforting and it gave him hope. Besides, it was nice to get it all off of his chest. He had been more comfortable around Cassie ever since that night.

"I'm sorry, Levi, it just came out." She snickered. Levi was not amused.

"You know how perceptive she is! And this is why I don't trust people." Levi mumbled the last bit to himself and sighed in defeat, sinking into a chair, rubbing his face. Cassie smiled kindly and sat down in a chair next to him.

"Levi, you have nothing to worry about. Dilan adores you." She said happily and Levi moved his hands away from his face, looking at the blonde woman with scepticism.

"Yeah but not like that." Levi replied. Cassie chuckled and rolled her eyes.

"Yes, like that. She just doesn't see it yet. She doesn't see how painfully in love with you she really is." Cassie said simply and Levi swallowed dryly, trying not to act so eager in his response.

"And how... do you know this?" He asked slowly, not meeting her eyes.

"Well for one, she was totally jealous when she saw how casual your acting around me." Cassie smirked. Levi blinked.

"Wait. Really?" He whispered, abandoning his pride for the moment. Cassie nodded.

"Totally. It was all over her face. Secondly, well it's just obvious. The way she looks at you, I haven't seen that look on Dilan before." Cassie said with a hum of agreement with herself. Levi tapped his fingers on the table, willing the blush not to rise on his face. Pride just be damned these days, huh? Levi sighed.

"I just don't think so, Cas." He mumbled. "She doesn't see me that way. And why the hell do I even want her too? I mean, I'll still be her superior. Nothing will have changed. Why would I want her to feel as shitty as I do, knowing nothing can ever happen?" Levi ranted with a huff. Cassie smiled sadly.

"Time isn't frozen Levi. Things change, you just have to be patient." Cassie comforted, squeezing his hand for support. Levi sighed, feeling slightly better.

"You're always saying that." He pointed out. Cassie chuckled.

"That's because it's true." She smiled. Levi looked over in the direction of Dilan as he heard a loud chorus of laughter from the children after she said something.

"I hope your right."

Another hour later and they had just left the orphanage after about a 20-minute-long goodbye where Dilan was forced to hug every single child, Johnny multiple times. They walked down the pathway in a peaceful silence, sighing in content. The brat had a smile on her face and Levi was happy she was. Plus, it was good to have that talk with Cassie every now and then. It was the only time he didn't deeply repress his emotions. Which couldn't be insanely healthy, but he had done it his whole life so why change now?

As they walked along, Levi realised they were going the wrong way and stopped moving.

"Hey brat, the exit isn't that way." Levi said. Dilan turned around to him with an evil smile.

"I know. We're going to have some fun first." She smirked and Levi's face fell into a deadpan look. He did not like the sound of that.

"When I said no trouble this yesterday... what exactly did you hear instead?" Levi asked, narrowing his eyes. Dilan laughed, rolling her eyes and grabbing his arm, starting to pull him towards town.

"Loosen up, Levi! You've been so stressed lately-" Well Levi wasn't going to deny that, but he didn't like that Dilan noticed he was stressed. It would only be so long before she asked and that meant lying to her. "-let's go do something!" She said excitedly. Levi remained where he stood, fighting back against her hold which was kind of difficult to do with a straight face considering how strong Dilan was.

"How the fuck can two people have fun in the fucking underground?" He pointed out. Sina or Trost, he could get but this place was a literal dump. Dilan rolled her eyes.

"Oh, look at Mr privileged 'I'm too good for the underground'. Come on, you've just got to let go! You trust me, don't you?" Dilan asked with a wide smile. Levi frowned, hesitating.

"...yes." He replied reluctantly. Dilan grinned in triumph, letting go of Levi to start sprinting towards the nearest building. Levi's eyes widened as he was forced to follow, not wanting to lose her. "Dilan! The fuck are you doing!?" Levi yelled, irritated. He heard Dilan laughed loudly and he followed her into an alleyway. He looked around, panicking slightly as the brat was just gone.

"Oi." Dilan called from the top of a very tall building. Levi looked up and raised his hands in exasperation.

"How the fuck did you get up there?!" He yelled. If anything, this was stressing him out more. Dilan laughed, pointing to the ladder next to him although Levi was still pretty sure the brat used some sort of acrobatics like the little freak that she was. She didn't have the time to climb all the way up that ladder. Levi crossed his arms and gave her a look.

"Come on Levi. I want to show you my version of the underground. Let me?" Dilan asked hopefully. Levi looked up at her and sighed. He had become so fucking soft. He could never deny her a single fucking thing. Man, I'm pathetic. Levi sighed in defeat and started climbing up the rickety ladder, grimacing slightly at the dirt. Dilan grinned happily when he joined her on the roof and Levi couldn't even begin to regret his decision if it made her look at him like that.

"Now what?" Levi said in a bored voice. Dilan smirked and looked out at the horizon of lights and roofs.

"Now... we run."

A while later Levi and Dilan were sitting in a warm pub drinking surprisingly good beer. It had been a crazy few hours. Levi was both surprised and not surprised at the way his friend travelled round the underground. Jumping and running over the fucking roofs of buildings. Levi had to admit, while he almost died multiply times, it was rather fun. Perhaps it was the adrenaline boost, but it had a lot of stress relief involved, adding that to the fact Dilan kept laughing and the sound made him smile. He was reminded of the day Dilan taught him how to use the 3DMG her way. The brat had such a different perspective on things. She really was unlike any other person he had ever met.

From there, they stopped in town centre and Dilan dragged Levi to meet her pawn shop friend 'Mama P'. Levi was reluctant to go in, but the brat didn't take no for an answer, mentioning since he wasn't on a mission to stalk her this time, he didn't have to stay behind like a 'loser'. Levi had frowned at that, making her laugh and he was pulled in anyway.

They had an interesting chat with the woman who was extremely happy to see Dilan alive and well after all this time, even with the letter Dilan had sent her. Levi was kind of worried that he was intruding on the moment but the woman turned out to be incredibly friendly and included him too, thanking him for that day at the stair gate once more and for looking after Dilan in the survey corps. Dilan was not happy about that last comment, protesting that she could protect herself. Both Levi and Mama P scoffed at the same time. It was a nice moment and Levi could see why Dilan liked the woman.

After a nice conversation and a hug that Levi didn't react quick enough to get out of, the pair were back on the road with pockets full of some sort of lollipop sweet that Dilan had lifted while Mama P wasn't looking. Levi had called her an idiot but didn't object. They pulled into the same Brandon bar and Dilan told Levi to get a booth at the back while she talked to the owner. Levi hated to admit it, but he was having a good time. Figures that the only person who could make the underground fun was Dilan. Of course, Levi knew it wasn't the location. He'd be happy outside the fucking wall surrounded by titans as long as the brat was by his side.

"Levi." Dilan called and Levi looked up to her, realising he'd spaced a bit.

"Yeah?" Levi asked. Dilan tapped her glass, biting her lip in deliberation.

"You know I respect your privacy, right?" Dilan asked, looking him in the eye. Levi raised an eyebrow at her, confused.

"...yeah. Why?" He asked. Dilan sighed.

"Look, no bullshit, we both know somethings going on with you." Dilan said bluntly and Levi tensed subconsciously. Shit. Was this why she brought him here? He decided to play it cool.

"I don't know what your talking about." Levi said nonchalantly, drinking some of his beer.

Dilan gave him a look.

"Oh really? Your insomnia's been all over the place, your drinking is borderline alcoholic and you never take time for yourself. You work too hard and sooner rather than later, you're going to reach your limit." Dilan said seriously. Levi frowned a bit. It's not like he could fucking tell her.

"I'm working as hard as I need to. I'm the fucking Captain of the survey corps, Dil. The title doesn't come with easy hours. As for how I sleep and drink, that's none of your fucking business." Levi spat, trying to ignore the guilt. Dilan didn't lash out at him in return though, she stayed calm.

"It is my business Levi. You're my best friend I care about you. I would expect you to pull me away from the edge, I'm just trying to do the same thing. Just talk to me, what's going on with you?" She asked kindly. Levi had to look away from her orange eyes to keep from caving and spilling his guts. You don't know how much I want to tell you.

"It's nothing, brat." Levi said quietly, still not meeting her eyes. Dilan sighed and Levi tried hard to swallow down the emotion forming in his throat.

"Okay, I'll drop it. Just know I'm here when you're ready to tell me." She said genuinely. Levi fought the tightness in his chest as he forced his monotoned reply.

"Well, like I said. It's nothing." He shrugged, taking another sip of his beer. Dilan clearly wasn't convinced at all, but she dropped it like she said, moving on too.

"Fine. But seriously though, do I have the best ideas or what?" She smirked, leaning back and drinking some beer before sighing in relief. The tension in Levi's shoulders were immediately gone and he found himself questioning how the hell Dilan changed the atmosphere from serious to light-hearted just like that. He gave her a glare and she laughed. "Oh, come on, you can't deny it. What would we be doing if we had followed your boring ass self and went back home early?" She asked with a smug smile.

"Paperwork." Levi deadpanned. Dilan rolled her eyes.

"Ex-fucking-actly. My idea are great, yours suck. I think if we have learned anything from this experience, it's that we should always listen to me." She grinned. Levi let out a puff of amusement.

"Fuck off. If we listened to you, we would both be dead in a ditch one thousand times over." He countered. Dilan laughed.

"I'm not saying you're wrong... and yet we're both still alive! Cheers!" Dilan smirked and clinked Levi's glass before he could reject her cheers. Levi looked at her blankly for a moment before cracking a small and laughing a bit.

"You're such a fucking weirdo." He shook his head. Dilan chuckled.

"Yup."

There was a forced cough to their right and they both turned their heads to look up at a tall man. He was built in stature, brown hair, beady eyes and massive ears. There was a scar across his eyebrow, and he was wearing a rather large grin. Levi tried and failed not to openly grimace.

DILAN'S P.O.V.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing in a dump like this?" He asked, sliding an arm to rest on the top of the booth, essentially blocking Dilan in. She ignored him, looking at Levi who was clearly pissed but a look from Dilan and he backed down. They didn't want to cause a scene in Joel's pub.

"Having a drink with my friend. Fuck off." Dilan said, monotoned, taking a sip of her drink. Apparently, that wasn't clear enough for the guy as he took it a step further to sit down at the booth next to her, close enough to get her pulse up a bit.

"Maybe you should stop having a drink with your friend and come have some fun with me." He said suggestively. Dilan continued to ignore him. Levi on the other hand looked absolutely livid. He wasn't going to last much longer.

"I suggest you leave before I do something, we both regret." Dilan warned, a slight anger seeping into her tone. He was too fucking close to her.

The man grinned.

"Feisty. I like it." He whispered, sliding a hand onto her thigh. Dilan lost it before Levi even had the change, grabbing the hand and breaking it in one quick snap. "ARGH-FUCK!" He yelled. Dilan didn't give him the chance to say anything else as she punched him in the face, hard, before kicking him in the stomach out of their booth. The bar was silent as she stood up, looming over him.

"Get the fuck out of here. Now." She warned dangerously to the very pale man, clutching his swollen hand, blood trickling down his nose. He only hesitated for a second before scrambling up and bolting out of the door. She looked out at the silent bar, noticing Joel smiling to himself and shaking his head at the back. "Good riddance, right?" Dilan shrugged, knowing that's what they wanted. Seems liked it as the crowd cheered and laughed, getting back to drinking. Dilan rolled her eyes, sitting back down. "Sorry about that." She mumbled, looking up at Levi after taking a drink. He was looking at the door and while his face was straight there was murder in his eyes. His fists were clenched so hard they were shaking, and he looked absolutely ready to run out that door and kill. "Levi." She tried to get his attention; it didn't work. "Le-" She tried again, eyes widening as Levi stood up and started towards the door. Shit.

Dilan jumped up and blocked him, putting hands on his shoulders. His breathing was heavy. Dilan didn't know if she had seen Levi this mad before.

"Levi, look at me." Dilan tried. Levi's eyes remained on the door although thankfully, he made no moves to push past her. Yet anyway. Dilan put a hand on the side of his face, gently lowering his face so their eyes met. "I'm fine. I'm fine, okay?" She reassured softly and Levi's eyes seemed to soften, the tension melting out of his frame. He looked down at the floor, calming down.

"I'm sorry, Dil. I should've stopped him before he touched you." Levi apologised quietly, guilt in his tone. Dilan smiled at his concern, but it wasn't his fault.

"Levi, I've had to deal with assholes like that in the underground all my life. It's no one's fault but the assholes themselves. Come on, let's get going." Dilan suggested, dropping some coins on the table she took Levi's clenched fist and slipped her hand into his, noticing he relaxed a bit more before she led them out of the bar, saying goodbye to Joel on the way. She let go of Levi as they stepped out of the bar, again, failing to notice the twitch in his hand at the lack of contact.

As they got out into the cool air, Dilan looked beside her at her friend who seemed to be lost in thought. He did this a lot these days and during those times Dilan could read the pain in his eyes. It hurt her and she wanted to help him but clearly, he wasn't ready for her help. Whatever it was, it must be serious, or he would just tell her. They always tell each other everything, that was their main thing. Minus the few undiscussable topics.

Dilan wondered whether what was going on with Levi had something to do with his friends. Was the anniversary of their deaths coming up or something?

"Dilan." Levi snapped her out of her thoughts, and she looked at him. He looked worried. "This is fairly hypocritical of me to ask considering I shut you down in there-" Dilan's eyes widened a fraction as Levi confirmed there basically was something bothering him. But she decided not to bring it up. "-but... were you raped as a kid?" Levi dared to one of the questions that they had both been skirting around for a long time now. This was up there with the unspeakable topics of brother and friends. Dilan swallowed, looking forward and going through what she was feeling. She wasn't as panicked as she thought she would be. The topic hurt but it was Levi. Maybe if she opened up to him about this then he might tell her what's bothering him eventually.

"Yeah. I was fourteen. My brother was with his friends on 'business' so I was wondering round stealing what I could. Stupidly, I had been starting to stray away from the markets during my rounds since I had found some interesting people with big wallets away from the crowds before. I ended up outside Jack's whore house, we've stood in the place I was grabbed. I wasn't that strong back then, but he had caught me off guard regardless. I passed out pretty quick from the pain, but I'll always remember it."

Dilan swallowed, crossing her arms over her chest in an attempt to supress a shiver.

"I woke up inside the shitty place, had a delightful conversation with jack and high-tailed it home. I didn't intend on my brother finding out, but he had contacts. You know what the worst part was?" Dilan gave a small humourless chuckle. "The look on his face. The guilt. The fact that my stupid decisions made him look like that." Dilan said quietly, a rogue tear rolling down her cheek. She had never confessed it to anyone like that. It brought back a lot. A loud smash and a few gunshots from somewhere in the dark city had her flinching and she looked around nervously. Suddenly every dark shadow looked like it was out to get her. She felt like a fourteen-year-old girl again. Helpless.

"Hey, look at me." Levi cut through her panicking thoughts and Dilan brought her scared orange eyes to his steel grey. Dilan tried to stall the tears, but they fell anyway. Levi pulled her into a hug, and she let out a breath of relief, hugging him back tightly. She didn't know how much she needed that. "You're safe now, okay? You're stronger now, but you've got me too. I'll always be there when you need me." Levi reassured and Dilan calmed down. She believed him. Levi was always there when he needed her. The man was too good for her really.

"I know you will. You always are. Thank you for that." Dilan said genuinely. Sometimes she didn't know if she could survive without this man in her life. Levi pulled back to offer a small smile and wipe the tears off her face.

"You're there for me too." He replied quietly. Dilan looked into his eyes and felt her heart start to beat a bit faster. She wasn't afraid... no. This was something else. Before she could figure it out Levi took a step back, making Dilan realise they were pretty close up until then. "Come on, I need a fucking cup of tea." Levi mumbled. Dilan laughed, walking with him.

"You had tea 5 hours ago." Dilan pointed out. Levi gave her a look.

"Exactly. I'll get withdrawal symptoms soon." Levi deadpanned and Dilan laughed again, rolling her eyes. She could kind of believe that, considering how much tea he drinks.

"Well we better fucking hurry then." She grinned before taking off in a sprint. Dilan laughed as she heard Levi yell at her to 'stop fucking running everywhere!'. She had never been more grateful for her friend.

A/N: Sorry for the delay but Chapter 34 is here! Dilan's starting to get some of the feels. Of course she has no idea what they mean and won't be processing them for a long time but it is starting to happen.

We're so fucking close to a big development in the story! I'm so excited you guys. Something is about to go down.

Thanks for reading! Stay safe! X