Gentle Champion

Market Day always seem to bring life into the city. Crowds and crowds of people, local and beyond coming to sell, but most often then not most came to take advantage of good sales, and exotic ware. Even the underground had a certain buzz of good spirits.

Well almost.

There was a catch to it, there was always a catch for the people here. And it started in the what was dubbed the square.

"One set of chores it's the Royal Guards this time."

"Two, it's the Queen's"

"Deal."

Half listening as Isbela and Farlon went about their usual shenanigans, Levi focused on finish his knot braid, he managed to get a few new colored ones this time. Around him the rest of the residents moved about, talking among themselves, a feel of anticipation about. Suddenly, there was a sharp whistle from above and all went, quiet, still.

Suddenly, there was another whistle, this one longer then the first.

Relief.

Joyful

"I win!

"Nooo!"

Finally the caravan came into sight, along with the familiar colors of blue and white.

There were two carts as usually, being pulled by one person each. It's sides and rear were guarded, though that did nothing to hit the items in the carts.

"Yohoo, Levi!"
"….Great."
"Could be worse." Farlon offered.

"Doubtful."

Snickering Farlon followed Isbeala, both slipping into the growing crowd. Levi hung back, content to watch, and trusting the two to get what was needed. Frowning when he felt a sudden weight against his shoulder.

"Off. Or you'll be messing a finger."

"Tsk, tsk." Hinge teased as they moved away. "Hey, hey. I heard you were proposed a deal."

"And I said no."

"You and I both know, that's not going to stop him."

Levi didn't want to think about that.

"Oh!" Hinge snapped their fingers, "Speaking of which, I got something for you. Ta-dah! A gift."

The tin was black and unassuming, but Levi knew it well. He reached for it, frowning when it was pulled out of his reach.

"Well, I say gift, but it's more of an insintive."

They meant a bribe.

"And what if I don't want it?"

"You didn't even let me start my pitch," Hinge pouted, before giving an answer, "Well, I guess the owner of this fine item will have to come and try convince you themselves."

The thought of the Commander of the Queen's guards strolling into the Underground gave the Alpha heartburn.

"On the other hand, if you take this," Hinge shook the tin, "there will be moorrree."

"Tempting."

So damn tempting, so, can already smell and taste it, tempting.

"But no."

"Oh come on," Hinge sighed, "I thought this would work."

"My will is iron-clad." Levi deadpanned.

He stole the tin before the Hinge and the cart left.

~.~.~.~

After making sure his hair wasn't a mess for a third time, strightening his uniform for a fourth, and ingoring the amused gaurds next to him. Erwin finally opened the door and stepped inside. A quick glanced showed there was nothing dangerous about, and that he could give the only other person in the room his full attention.

"Good afternoon. You summoned me?"

The figrue paused in their writing, before dropping the pin and turning in their chair, a smile bright upon seeing the Commander; cheeks flushing with happniess and the air turned sweet.

"Erwin!"

Arms are around suddenly around his waist, and a body pressed close to his own, the Alpha bite his tongue to keep himself from rumbling; especially when they stood their toes to reach his neck for a nuzzle. His nose flared, and he was greeted with the scent that reminded him of grass and the sun. He wanted to roll in it, mark it, make it his.

Clearing his throat, he took a step back.

The Queen blinked, surprised for a moment, before he pouted, and crossed his arms. Very much displeased.

"How may I be of assiatant to you my Queen?" He asked, ignoring the little voice in his head that coo'd at how cute the Queen looked.

"Don't my Queen me," the Queen huffed, "why did you step away?"

"It's not approprait-d"

"And I told you I don't give a damn about appropraite when it's you."

He had, numerous times.

"And espeially when it's just us. You're my Erwin."

"Do not melt into a pile of goo on the floor, the poor maids will never get the stains out."

The Queen's eyes narrowed when he didn't get a response, "Are you not?"

Clearing his throat again, Erwin answered, "I am, my Queen."

"That's not my name."

"...Eren."

The unhappy expression melted away into a soft familiarity, and the sharp scent of displeasure was quickly replaced with sweetness. Without another word, Eren opened his arms expectedly. Resolve gone for now, Erwin stepped froward and hugged the Omega.

"Better." Eren purred as he nuzzled into the Alpha's chest, arm's around the Commander's waist. "Don't know why you always bother trying to be so proper, it never works."

Even though he knew he shouldn't, Erwin lowered his head to nuzzle the soft hair, "One day it will." He murmured.

The Queen doesn't repsonse, but his scent doesn't change, so the Alpha figured nothing was wrong.

"Why did you call me here?" Ewrin finally asked, formal speech gone.

"I missed you." Came the answer, all quiet and shy.

As though he hadn't been keepnig count, his mind reminded him that's been a little over a month since he and the Queen had seen each other, actually seen each other. Not just glances and polites hellos and small talks in the halls, both surrounded by subornaite alike. Arms tightening around the body smaller then his own.

"I've missed you too. I apolgize for not-"

"It's not your fault" He's inturrupted, eyes looking up at him "I know you've been busy with preparation for this….thing. We both have, I just got lonely."

Pushing away the desure to pick the Queen up, carry him to his home, bury the both in every cover he had and hold him forever. Erwin settled for placing a kiss and stepping back. This time the air stayed sweet.

~.~.~

Everyone in the Underground loved the Queen.

A surprise to anyone who discovered this little information, hell, Erwin had damn near fainted when Levi had told him.

However, it was true, the Underground loved the Queen.

And that's because the Queen loved the Underground.

Or at the very least understood that having more on your side was a good strategy.

How else to you explain the carts that came every Market day filled with items donated from the people above. How else do you explain the clinic, that while open to everyone, was specially designed for them. Or that more agencies were suddenly willing to help them find jobs, rather then turn them that schools were now open to everyone, and not just those who could afford it. Hell, you could actually serve in the military, granted it was just in one branch right now, but the people rather be in that one considering anyway. Even in the courts, when a Judge would normally through the book, jailhouse and even the dirty sink at anyone who live in the Underground. Now trails are fairer, laws were fairer, and least like a death sentence, sometimes literally.

And Levi, well, he loved the Queen too.

And while it's because of everything the Queen had done. There was more to it.

No one dared ask.

And Levi dared not tell.

However, and despite his protests, he was going to say yes to Erwin.

And just like his love for the Queen, there's was more to it.