Levi slowly opened his eyes, blinking several times just as slowly. He was resting his ear on both hands. He sluggishly sat up, and looked at the man sitting on the chair next to him, sleeping. Had he been watching over him all night?

What a strange thing.

Dozens of people passed by Kuchel's room back in the brothel, but they never said anything. They didn't even know Kuchel was dead. None of them bothered to check up on her, or Levi. They did know of his existence, he supposed they just didn't give a shit. No one did. Kuchel was known for her incredible beauty and was well-solicited, but the moment she got sick, it's like she ceased to exist.

No one cared. No one even thought of the starving child.

But this man just showed up and took him in without so much as hesitating. Without question. He fed him, took him to a doctor, bathed him with his own hands, gave him warm clothes and allowed him to sleep on his bed.

Levi sat on his knees, still sleepy, and stared at him. Who was he? Why was he so kind to him?

He was scary. Really scary. And yet…

Levi hopped off the bed. He should somehow make himself useful. They shared tea last night, that meant he liked tea, right?

He made his way around the unfamiliar house. It was very clean and cosy, quite unexpected from someone in the Underground. Levi lived a short life, but even he knew that. Even so, when it came to supplies it was relatively empty. Like someone didn't actually live here at all, or at least didn't spend much time in the home. After several moments of scouring, he found a tea box.

How the hell was tea made?

It had water, and it was hot, so surely he had to heat water? Perhaps then pour the leaves in?

Levi, box in hand, looked around the kitchen. He tried jumping to see well, to no avail. He pushed a chair, legs screeching against the floor, and climbed it. He felt lost. He suddenly missed Kuchel deeply. He climbed on the counter and looked around the shelves, vision blurry from the tears forming in his eyes.

He found a pot and grabbed it, eyes darting between both items in his hands. Should he pour water in the pot and hold it over the fire?

Well, it was worth a shot. He was so weak that he felt his arms shake just by holding the pot of water. He set it over the fire and waited for a couple of minutes. He was careful to not burn himself when taking it back. He got on his tippy toes and put the pot on the counter. He grabbed one of the cups and put the leaves in, then poured the hot water.

Surely that'd be good enough?

He grabbed the cup and walked towards the room.

Kenny remained in the position he had slept in. Arms and leg crossed, but his head fell forward a bit, and his hat fell.

Levi crouched to pick it up.

He tapped Kenny's arm.

Nothing.

"Mister Kenny," he called, voice raspy, tapping his arm several times.

"Eh…?" Kenny slowly woke up, looking around.

He closed his eyes and tilted his head back, grunting. "Wha' do ya want, runt?"

Levi was too nervous to speak, so he shook his leg to make him open his eyes again.

"Geeee, what is it?" he snapped, looking down at him.

Levi's eyes were widened, maybe a little scared. He was holding a steaming cup.

"Eh? What's that?"

"I… made you tea, Mister Kenny."

"Tch," he scowled, snatching his hat from his tiny hand. "The hell were ya rumblin' around in my kitchen for? Ya didn't break anything, did ya?" he uncrossed his leg, grabbing the teacup.

Levi shook his head.

Kenny took a sip, and reflexively spit it out into the cup. "The hell!?"

The kid seemed taken aback.

"Is this some kind of sick joke? This tastes like shit!" he placed the cup on the night-stand.

Levi's head hung slightly. He couldn't even make tea right. He'd be living in the street in no time.

Kenny scratched his ear, feeling uncomfortable. "Don't make that face, ya runt. It's the truth. It tastes like shit."

That only made Levi feel worse.

I ain't good at this... he thought. "There's no shame in making shit tea," he said, trying to raise his spirits. "We've all been there."

What was he supposed to do? He hesitated, but he placed a hand on Levi's head. The boy's eyes widened at the contact. He looked up at Kenny.

"Ya had good intentions, kid. That was a shit try, but a try nonetheless. And hey, ya can improve! Want me to teach ya how to brew some tea?"

Levi lightened up.

"Well, are ya mute or what? Do ya want me to teach you or not?"

"Yes," he said hoarsely, nodding.

"Aaaaaaalright," he stood up, groaning. Honestly, he felt like sleeping for a whole day. "Alright, alright. Come on. Let me show ya how it's done."

He walked past Levi, and the boy immediately followed. He held down his sleeve, as though to not get away from Kenny for a second.

"Come on, ya don't gotta keep holding my sleeve down like that. Ya ain't—"

A kid? That's how the saying went. "You're not a kid."

But he was a kid. A very tiny child that could barely speak from how malnourished he was.

He'll let the kid knock himself out.

"Alright," Kenny began. "You've got the right idea. Thing is, ye put too many leaves and not enough water. Ya don't want your tea to be too bitter! Specially since we don't have milk or sugar 'round here. Got that?"

Levi nodded.

"This is black tea. Ya gotta wait at least three minutes for it to brew."

Instead of showing him like he said he would, Kenny instructed him everything step-by-step. He didn't really have to correct him, it was such a simple task that Levi managed under better instructions.

"Yeah, see! Ain't that hard, is it? Now let's wait."

When enough time passed, the new cup was done. Levi looked up at him in expectance.

"Not bad. Better than before. Here," he passed him the cup.

Levi drank and visibly enjoyed it.

"I can see ya like tea real nice. Yesterday you almost drank the whole pot."

The boy said nothing, but he was clearly satisfied.

"Ahhh..." Kenny stretched his arms over his head. A quiet yawn followed. He leaned forward, elbows on counter, looking at Levi. "You have a better semblance today. Sleep tight?"

Levi nodded.

"Aw, come on! Why am I doin' all the talking here? Ya ain't mute!"

Levi didn't know what to say.

"Suit yerself, ya gloomy brat. I'm gonna take a bath. Don't drink the whole pot! And remember, slow sips! If I find out ya didn't take slow sips, I'll uh…"

Levi's large eyes looked at him curiously.

"I'll…" he scratched the back of his head, walking away, "just don't drink it too quickly."

Levi's eyes glistened at his disappearing silhouette.

X

Kenny sighed heartily, head tilted against the tub and arms over his head. So, what was his plan for today? He closed his eyes for a few minutes, pondering.

He sensed someone coming to the bathroom. What did the runt want?

He opened his eyes to indeed find him standing at the door. "Eh? The hell ya doin' in here?"

"Mister Kenny," he muttered, voice still raspy. "Can I take a bath, too?"

"How selfish can ya be!? Ya just had one last night! And I ain't even done here. Go back to the kitchen."

Levi stood there, a little aimlessly. He didn't budge an inch.

Kenny sat up. He was growing irritated. He hung his head in defeat with a quiet, slow sigh. "Alright."

Levi perked up. This clearly rose his spirits, even if faintly. He then took off the shirt too big for his small body, ready to hop in. Kenny, who was only preparing himself to tell the kid to close his eyes so he could get up and leave the tub, was of course startled.

"Whoa! Wait up, kid! What're ya doin'? Put that back on!"

Levi's eyes widened, stopping halfway to the tub.

"Ya don't intend to bathe with me, do ya? You little creep!"

"But I used to bathe with mom all the time."

Well, it made sense. It saved water and time. But, still… Kuchel was his mother. Kenny just met him, regardless of blood.

"I'm not your mother, kid. Would ya just bathe with any person ya come across? Dontcha have any sense at all?"

Levi said nothing, not sure of how to proceed.

"Fuck," Kenny cursed. "Either put that damn shirt back on or get in here! Don't stand there naked like a creep!"

Levi obliged. He hopped in, careful to not splash any water. Kenny muttered an inaudible "disgusting."

The water was warm. After being cold for so long, this was welcoming to Levi. At the very least he now knew he'd have the chance to be clean.

"Ya want to wash that mop of hair of yours again?"

Levi nodded. Kenny grabbed the herbal bar soap and handed it to him.

"Roll it around yer hands until it's foamy and put it in your hair."

Levi did so, expertly. Kenny was going to mention what a scoundrel he was for not telling him he knew how to wash his hair. Last night he did it for him! Then he remembered how the kid could barely stand, and let it go. He supposed Kuchel must have taught him, or he must have seen Kuchel do it. She had always been known for her beautiful, black hair.

The wooden tub was soon overcome with bubbles and foam. In midst of his sullen expression, Levi seemed to at least enjoy it. He waved his hands around. Memories of bathing with his mother came to mind. They couldn't always afford to clean themselves, so when they did, it was not only for basic hygiene but also a bonding experience. They'd play, splash each other. It was nice. It was warm.

At the memory, he mindlessly splashed a bit too hard, and the water got in Kenny's eye.

"Ah, shit! Not again!" he hissed, squeezing his eye shut, rubbing it.

Levi's lips curved down, scared. Was Kenny angry at him now? Would he yell at him? His fear seemed to be confirmed when seeing his scowl, but it quickly changed when Kenny noticed his scared expression. The last thing Levi ever imagined happened, and Kenny splashed Levi as well, which made his mouth open in surprise.

But he accepted this.

He splashed Kenny again, and Kenny splashed him. They toyed around for a while, until Kenny unexpectedly heard the sound of Levi's laugh. For a moment, it surprised Kenny. He didn't know how to react to it. It was a soft, quiet laugh, but it was there. Kenny rested his arms against the tub.

"Ya ain't such a gloomy brat now."

His tone was so gentle he surprised himself. His normally hardened expression softened ever so slightly as the kid waved his hands on the water. Kuchel… this kid looks so much like you… it's just like when were k—

Levi then sneezed. He noticed him shiver.

Sure, the water had cooled by now, but the water wasn't that cold. Granted, Kenny understood the kid was severely underweight, so he'd normally be colder than a healthy person.

"Alright then, that's enough. Close yer eyes for a moment."

Levi complied, and Kenny stood up. He got out of the tub and grabbed his towel, drying himself. He wrapped it around his waist. "Alright, runt, let's get moving," he said, picking him up. He held him with one arm and grabbed another towel. Water splashed everywhere and he was already irritated by the prospect of having to clean.

He put the towel over Levi, covering completely. He found the silhouette of Levi's head moving around, presumably confused by the sudden darkness. He almost found it comical.

"Alright," he put the towel on the bed and sat Levi on it. "Dry yerself while I go dress. We're gonna buy ya some clothes today."

That alone struck fear in Levi. The Underground was a brutal place, but more so for children like him. People scoffed at them, spat on them—there were even occasions where young, orphaned children appeared dead on the streets. They were considered dead weight. It had happened to friends of Kuchel who had a similar situation to hers. That's why she never, ever allowed him to go out, anywhere.

Kenny dressed himself with a black trench-coat, black pants and a black hat. He was attractive and he worked it with his sense of style, he thought.

He threw Levi one of his shirts.

It was too large, but it had to do. Kenny grabbed his favourite knife and house keys. "Let's go, runt."

Levi hesitated before walking out the door. Kenny tried pushing him, and when he budged forward, he'd take a step back again.

"What is it? We're wastin' time! Hurry it up!"

Levi looked up at him, scared.

"Like hell I'm gonna carry you! You got two legs, use 'em!"

He walked out, waiting for Levi. Ultimately, he hesitantly complied. Kenny locked the door, stuck his hands in his pockets and went down the stairs. He knew angering the man wasn't wise, but Levi couldn't help it. He couldn't find it in himself to move.

"Oi, come on! What's the hold up?"

Levi looked around, noticing the thugs several feet away from them.

"Oh, good grief," Kenny pressed his hat, approaching Levi. He knelt. "Hey, runt," their eyes met. "I ain't lettin' anything happen to ya, got it? Just stay close to me. No one's layin' a finger on ya."

Levi was still scared. Kenny sighed, offering him his hand. At once, Levi took it, and felt more assured. Kenny stood and resumed pace, Levi following very closely next to him. They walked until they found a decent store. Not too cheap, but for a reason, as it was better than most. The owner was a friend.

"Yo," Kenny slammed the door open, startling several customers.

"Kenny!" the owner cheerfully called. "Been a while!"

"Damn right. Anythin' new, Moritz?"

"Nah, same old, same old. Been struggling to get some materials, but I'm getting by. What can I do for ya?"

"Ya got any discounts for kids' clothes?" he asked.

Moritz then noticed the small figure hiding behind Kenny. He peeked his head a little, holding onto Kenny's legs.

"Kenny!" Moritz chuckled. "No way! Ya got a kid o' your own!? It ain't been that long!"

"Ain't like that, Moritz," he shook his head. "Just doin' someone a favour."

"How much are they payin' ya?"

"Ha. Ya know I'm as elusive as I am handsome, I'd never answer a question like that!"

"True, true," Moritz leaned against the counter.

"So? Discounts?"

"For you, sure. Watcha lookin' for?"

"Eh… ya know me. The closest thing ya have to classy. He may not be my own, but while he's in my care he's gotta be my spittin' image, ya know how it is! I ain't carrying around a rat kid."

"Ha," Moritz laughed, walking around the counter. He knelt before Levi. "Hey, lil' guy. What's yer name?"

His hold on Kenny tightened. "Levi…" he mumbled with his raspy voice.

"Levi. That's a classy name! How 'bout you come in the back with me, Levi? I could find you somethin' special that ain't here!"

He looked up at Kenny for guidance, and Kenny nodded.

"Okay," he looked back at Moritz.

"Guinne!" he drew his assistant's attention. "Take over! I'll be busy for a bit."

"Uh-huh," he responded, getting behind the counter and subtly holstering his gun, just in case.

They walked to the back and found a small tailor room.

"This is where I used to come when I was younger. Moritz's old man used to tailor clothes for me before he dropped dead. Moritz took charge after that. You can trust him," he told Levi.

Levi squeezed his hand, nodding.

"How 'bout this?" Moritz came out with a navy blue shirt, khaki shorts and plain black shoes.

"Mm… ain't bad. Do ya like it runt?"

Levi didn't know what to respond. Kenny let go of his hand, pushing him slightly. "Go on, check 'em out and see if you like 'em."

Levi complied, slowly approaching Moritz. He took the clothes, felt the fabric and sniffed them.

"He's gonna need some underwear, too," Kenny added. "And keep 'em comin'!"

"Uh-huh!" Moritz yelled in the other room.

He brought a pile of clothes. "You can go in that room to change," Moritz pointed at the room he came out of.

Levi went to try several clothes.

"So, babysittin'?" Moritz crossed his arms, grinning at Kenny. "Are ya strugglin' that bad? I never imagined."

"I'm doin' just fine for myself, Moritz," he smirked almost imperceptibly. "I just, uh… found the kid half-starved. Half-dead, even. Not even I could leave him to die like that."

"I always told ya!" Moritz reproached. "Ya try to act all tough, but deep down yer a softie!"

"Oi, oi, oi!" Kenny scowled. "Keep givin' me that shit and I'm gonna take yer right arm!"

"And ya still can't take a joke! Ya never change, Kenny."

"Shut your fat mouth."

"I ain't that fat," Moritz frowned. "I've been losin' some weight!"

Kenny snorted, and they were in comfortable silence for a few moments.

"Oi, but there is something I'd like to ask of ya."

Moritz just looked at him. His words seemed to carry some weight.

"There will come a time I may have to leave the runt to fend for himself. If it ever comes to that, ya think ya could give 'im a hand every now and then?"

"No problem, Kenny," he agreed without hesitation. "If lil' Levi ever needs a roof, he can come here any time."

"Aw!" Kenny grinned. He wrapped an arm around Moritz and ruffled his hair with his fist. "Yer such a softie!"

Levi then walked out to find them messing around. He had chosen a black cardigan, grey undershirt and black pants. Kenny wore all black right now, so Levi chose the same. He didn't know how to announce his presence.

"Ah!" Kenny cried out. "Look at that runt!"

"Where did he even come from?" Moritz jested. "Kid, the interior's up there! This ain't place for a classy kid like you!"

Levi smiled slightly, feeling accepted. The clothes ran large, but that was okay. They'd fit better once Levi gained weight.

"Ya like it?" Kenny asked, crossing his arms.

Levi nodded shyly.

"See? Clothes make all the difference! Now all ya need is a good haircut!"

"Come on," he approached Levi. "Try squatting, jumping around. Ya gotta make sure they fit comfortably no matter what ya do."

Levi complied, as best as he could. He felt better than yesterday, but his body was still weak.

"Ah, speaking of," he turned to Moritz. "Ya got a scarf or anything? Kid tends to get cold easily."

Moritz took out a navy blue scarf, an olive scarf and a black scarf.

"Which one do you like best?"

Levi picked the olive one.

Kenny knelt and draped it around Levi's neck, making one end longer than the other. He took the long end and crossed it over the short one, bringing it under the opening of his neck. He tied the knot and pulled both ends. It was a simple and practical accessory, but Kenny managed to make it look classy.

"Feel good?"

Levi nodded.

"I don't have much cash on me, so pick another outfit and that's it, got it?"

"Kenny," Moritz intervened. "That's alright. Let him pick two more and I'll charge ya for one."

"Yer an angel!" Kenny approached him and kissed him on the cheek. "Go on, Levi. Thank Moritz!"

"Thank you, sir," he mumbled.

"Aw, he's polite," Moritz wiped Kenny's kiss with his sleeve. "Ya better not corrupt him, ya nasty bastard."

"I told ya, I'm gonna take yer right arm!"

Levi suddenly noticed how Kenny's speech fluctuated so much. At times he sounded polite, other times he sounded like a thug, and other times he was just informal. He had a strange choice of words.

Kenny paid Moritz and thanked him. Before leaving the store, Kenny spoke to Levi.

"Hold the bag under your armpit. Try to hide it, got it?"

Levi complied.

X

Day after day passed, until Levi was able to eat food, and rapidly gained weight in a matter of weeks. Kenny took him for another check-up, and Silas approved.

Kenny and Silas were inside, discussing the business from the MP named Leif, and Levi was outside, kicking rocks. He wore his all-black outfit, which now fit much better, and the olive scarf classily draped and tied around his neck. His hair was shorter, though it wasn't styled in any particular way.

Two men, accompanied by a third, had been observing him as they drank booze and played skully.

"These are some fancy clothes for a rat like that," one of them said, noticing the quality of the materials.

"Ya think he's got anythin' of value?" the other said, gliding the bottle cap.

"Let's wait until the clinic closes and tail him."

"Wouldn't do that if I were ya," the third one who had been laying against the stairs, reading a cheap, old book, said. "That's Kenny the Ripper's runt."

"Ha," the second man glided a cap. "Bullshit. Man disappeared from down here ages ago."

"Hey, kid!" the first one yelled, drawing Levi's attention.

He froze, looking at them.

"Come 'ere!"

Levi looked around.

"Who else we callin'? Come 'ere!"

Levi hesitantly complied.

"Those are some nice clothes ya have there," the first man stood up, towering over Levi. "Where ya get 'em?"

He didn't respond.

"Yer bein' talked to, ya little rat. Have ya no manners?" the second one glided another cap.

Levi was now increasingly nervous. They didn't notice the third man had stood up, getting away from them as he muttered something about Kenny the Ripper. If they didn't want to believe him, fine by him. He wasn't going to pay for their arrogance. Levi couldn't help wondering about the Ripper moniker the man had mentioned.

"I-I have to go," he muttered, turning. His wrist was crushed as he was pulled back.

"We ain't done with ya! We just asked ya a question. These are some fancy clothes. Where ya get them? Are yer parents in there?"

"I have to go," Levi reiterated. "Please let me go."

"All ya gotta do is answer the question!"

Levi pulled back, trying to set himself free. The man wouldn't release him. So, Levi did what he thought was most appropriate. He bit the man's arm as hard as he could.

"Agh! You worthless rat!" He kicked Levi away, knocking the air out of him. His small body rolled around the ground several times as the man walked towards him, grabbing fistfuls of his hair.

"Hey, hey," the second man intervened, standing up. "Hold up, no need for doin' that. Just let the rat go."

"The piece of shit bit me!" he struck Levi.

"Hey, calm down," the second man said a little nervously. Things didn't need to escalate this much. "Rat's just a kid, let's just leave him."

"Like hell! I'm gonna teach this trash some manners," he struck him again, and again.

That's when Kenny walked out of the clinic, bidding Silas goodbye with a two finger salute.

Levi used his arms to protect his face, but it did little to nothing. His eyes were tight as he felt the burning spreading across his body.

"Oi, oi, oi!" he heard a shout. "The fuck do ya think you're doing?"

Levi's eyes widened. He looked at Kenny and ran towards him the second the man got distracted. Kenny immediately noticed the blood running down his nose. Levi hid behind him, tightly holding on to his leg, frightened out of his mind.

Both men recognised the trademark hat and trench-coat. The third man laughed at them.

By the time the first man set off running, Kenny had already caught up to him. He dragged him by the neck and pulled him back, sending him flying. The man got on all fours, trying to get up, but his head snapped forcefully to the side as Kenny's foot met his face. He sent six molars flying.

He continued kicking him, trampling him as he gasped for air, all while he coolly stuck both hands in his pockets, until he stomped the man's face against the ground, adding more of his bodyweight.

Levi's eyes widened as he saw blood pool underneath the man.

"Look at ya. Beatin' up a young kid that can barely wipe 'is own ass. Aintcha tough?"

The man writhed underneath him, struggling to breathe.

"What's that? Ya trynna say something?" he let go and the man rolled onto his back, panting violently.

Kenny stuck his foot inside his mouth, making him gag.

"I can't hear ya!"

With his only source of breathing gagged since the blood clotted his nose, tears formed at the man's eyes as a biological response to being asphyxiated. Kenny then decided it was enough and pulled back. He placed his foot on the man's stomach and stood, adding his whole bodyweight, making the man thrash around with a painful cry. He pulled back and wiped his dirty shoe with the man's clothes.

Like nothing had ever happened and not deeming his injury bad enough to go back to Silas, Kenny stuck both hands in his trench-coat and walked towards Levi. He held his hand, and they left. Like nothing had ever happened.

Levi looked back at the man, and how his friend ran to help him, yelling in concern.

"Brute strength is the strongest power in the world," Kenny told him. "That was just a very small taste of what power can getcha. If you have power, you're untouchable. That's what ya need to survive in this shithole. And I'm going to teach you how to survive here so that never happens to ya again. Got it?"

Levi nodded, leaning his head against Kenny's arm.

X

Levi moved his spoon around his stew, glaring at how the thick liquid moved around.

"What's wrong, runt?" Kenny asked. "Ya haven't touched yer food at all."

He just looked at him.

"Not hungry?"

Levi remained quiet.

"Is it about what happened back there? I told ya, ya don't have to worry anymore. Tomorrow we'll start your training."

He didn't seem assured or hopeful at all. Kenny pressed his hat, a little annoyed. When Levi put his spoon away and covered his mouth with his scarf instead, Kenny understood he wouldn't talk at all. He paid no mind to it, getting up. "Eat whenever ya want, then," he said, sitting at his whisky table.

He grunted and poured himself a shot. He was tired. He didn't even feel this tired when killing MPs. So, why?

It seemed like taking care of the runt was more tiring than anything else he did before. Emotionally draining, perhaps? He did feel that if he took his eyes off the brat for a second, he'd find a way to get himself killed. He was so tiny, he worried he'd drown in the tub if Kenny wasn't around. Or that he'd slip, hit his head and die while getting out of it.

Or that he'd choke on his food.

And when he did leave him alone for less than five minutes outside, he walked out to find him being beaten to a pulp. Who knows what would happen next time, with how depraved the men in the Underground were? He didn't even want to think about it, with how he physically resembled Kuchel so much. He just worried too much, something completely foreign of him. Emotional exhaustion was a little different from the physical one, he supposed. And he found it interesting.

"Mister Kenny," Levi finally spoke up.

Kenny looked at him, holding the shot to his mouth.

"Why do they call you Kenny the Ripper?"

His eyes widened.

"Where did ya hear that?" he asked, putting the shot down.

"Um…" Levi twiddled his thumbs, "one of the men called you that before leaving."

Oh, good grief. How was he going to explain that to the kid? Would he even understand what killing meant? What if he found out by someone else? Well… death was a reality Levi would have to face soon. He already had with his mother, the only thing he had. But death could come in other ways, as well. He may only be four, but that didn't matter in this shithole.

Would he hate Kenny?

"Eh…" he pressed his hat, tilting his head down to hide his eyes. "See, there's uh, bad people out there."

"Bad people?"

"Yeah. Like uh, the scum that beatcha up today. They were bad guys, right?"

"I, I, um… yes?"

So? Was he the bad guy? Slitting the throats of MPs?

He thought no one should blame him for it. In fact, he thought he was doing the world a favour. The MPs were corrupt, spineless pigs. They had an easy life and didn't care about what the common folk went through. They sometimes went down to the Underground just to bother people, and screw over the few good ones there were.

Some even went to the brothels, and were far rougher than they should be.

Sure, prostitution was an unpleasant and undignified job, and he couldn't respect it much at first, Kenny thought. But it was the easiest way women could earn money and a roof over their heads. That didn't mean they had to be degraded further and beaten up because the pigs could get away with it.

At least that's what he thought when he visited Kuchel and saw several bruises.

In hindsight, he didn't care if he was called a lunatic for killing them. They deserved it for trying to fuck over the few good people there were left down here. Not to mention the horrific shit his family had to endure at their hands.

"Well, Levi," Levi's mouth opened in surprise at being called by his name. Not runt, not brat or kid. "Some people are bad. Even if they wear uniforms that supposedly mean they vowed to protect those weaker than them," he finally looked at him. "In one part of this miserable world, scum get to enjoy a refined existence while the other half starves," he scowled. "It's crap! It's just crap!" he yelled, slamming his fist against the table.

Levi leaned back, eyes widened in fear.

"Humans without intelligence or talent end up in positions of power due to bloodline or connections, even if they're worthless scum! It defies all logic!" he yelled again, putting his hands up. "In the hands of an incompetent, power brings nothing but ruin! Just look at this piece of shit world! Look at the unfairness! The scum above us get to live like kings while we gotta use all our energy to not starve! This could only be the work of imbeciles!" wrinkles formed around his eyes as his scowled deepened.

"Forget the titans!" Kenny yelled, unaware of what he was saying.

"T-titans?" Levi muttered above a whisper, like he was afraid of speaking.

"Yeah! The titans!" Kenny slammed his fist against the table again, standing up. Levi was terrified. "They ain't the problem! We are! These walls divide us like territorial markings! Like we're cattle! On the right side, some people can barely afford bread, while on the left side scum who do nothing have more than they need! And us, below them, we can't even feel sunlight, or fresh air! Runts like ya end up dead just for being kids! Because a kid like ya is just another mouth to feed! Ya got kind people like Silas and Moritz who can barely afford to live, who try to help, yet these fucking pigs come down every now and then to raid them and beat 'em up for fun!"

He hissed, "Madness! It's absolute madness!"

After a few moments, his heartrate stabilised. He completely let out what he'd bottled up for years. He was only twenty six, but the reality of this world is something he had learned and had come to terms with a very long time ago. He sighed as he sat back down, pressing his hat.

"That's why I follow him…" he muttered. "I'll crush that madness with him, and create a world so fair the concept of inequality will be forgotten. It'll be paradise inside these shit walls."

He looked up at Levi's expression and finally understood he had exploded. He had said things he didn't mean to.

"Ha..." he spoke quietly, "look at me. Talkin' about this to some dumb runt… how low have I sunk?"

He took off his hat, sighing. "I've killed tons of people, Levi. My motives were rarely noble, but well, what can ya do? It ain't up to me to judge anyone, and I don't have the right to kill anyone… I just take that right. I'm so strong I appear out of nowhere to rob these inferior MPs of their worthless lives. Guess that means I'm one of the bad guys, too."

He looked at Levi, who didn't seem afraid anymore. He looked… normal. His eyes even seemed…

Different.

"Do ya hate me for it?"

His eyes widened when Levi smiled at him. The first real smile he'd had.

"I don't care what you do, Mister Kenny. I'll still like you," is all he responded to his grand speech.

Kenny frowned, mouth opening.

He looked down.

"… Oh."

After a few moments, he stood up and left his shot intact. "I'm tired, I'm gonna sleep. Eat." He left without looking at Levi. He took off his coat and shoes, and plopped on the mattress.

… What a creepy runt.

He fell asleep moments later.

Levi had complied and took his time eating his food. Thirty minutes later, he walked to Kenny's room and found him sound asleep. He climbed the bed, looking down at Kenny on all-fours. He didn't look that scary when he was asleep. Levi was cold, so he assumed Kenny was, too. He unwrapped his scarf and cuddled up to him, slovenly draping the fabric around Kenny.

Moments later, Levi drifted into sound sleep, too.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

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