Author's notes: Sorry for the delay everyone. I had a horrible bout of writers' block figuring out how to write this part. The first parts are pieces I couldn't really find a home for but I hope you enjoy them anyway.
"So this is the underground, huh?" said Hange. The survey corpsman was tasked with guarding Bert's spot until the old man returned. Clare offered to stay but the witnesses needed an escort above ground and besides this wasn't so bad. It took a while for Hange's eyes to adjust but this place looked like any other district. Well, beside the filthy air, dirty people and scowls on everyone's faces. Growing up here would make anyone hard, thought Hange. The soldier could understand why Levi was who he was now. Living in perpetual darkness, never allowed to see the sun would make anyone sad.
"Oi!" A teenage boy barked. Hange looked over at the boy. "What are happened to Old Bert?" The boy had the same gruff expression Levi had when he was annoyed. His accent was gritty like the ground Hange sat on. "What are you doing in his spot?" A few more boys walked up behind the lead boy. Hange looked up at the teens and smiled. Hange wondered if that was how Levi Looked when he was captured. Somehow Hange couldn't imagine Levi wearing dirty clothes even in a place like this.
"I am guarding it until he gets back," said Hange. "I'm official and everything." The survey corpsman pointed to the emblem on the green cloak. "I hear this is prime real estate. It would be a shame if Bert lost it."
One of the other boys whispered something to the lead boy. The dirty boy looked down at Hange in disbelief for a moment, appraising the soldier, before speaking.
"Do you know the boss?"
"The boss?"
"The invincible Levi," said the boy. "You know him? One of our guys saw him wearing clothes like yours." This boy wasn't as good at hiding his emotions like Levi. Hange could see the sadness in his eyes. Perhaps there was some honor among thieves, thought Hange.
"Yea, I know Levi," said Hange. "We are in the Survey Corps together."
"Survey Corps?" said the boy.
"They go out and fight titans," said another boy. The group of boys gave a collective gasp of awe. The lead boy crossed his arms.
"You fight titans?"
"When I have to," said Hange. "Mostly we explore outside the wall."
"Ain't no titans down here," said the lead boy. "So why are you in Bert's spot?" Now Hange was sure that this had to be Levi's old gang.
"Levi was accused of something that he didn't do. Bert is trying to prove his innocence," said Hange. The soldier watched the boys' expressions. Suddenly, the lead boy moved to take a seat on the ground beside Hange.
"So the boss is out there fighting titans?" said the boy.
"Yea," said Hange. "Last time he killed like 10 of them."
"Whoa," said the boys. The other boys came and sat around Hange.
"Sounds like the boss," said the lead boy. "We'll stay here with you until Bert comes back. Make sure nobody bothers you."
"Thanks," said Hange."
000
After all the testimony and both sides had the opportunity to question the witnesses court was adjourned. Levi was sent to a jail cell. He looked around box. It would take nothing to break out of here. The difficulty level was a only step a stop above picking a lock. There was a high window, too tall to be reached without a ladder, that let in sunlight. Even if Levi wasn't able to pick the lock on the cell door in his sleep, the bars were spread just far enough that Levi could slide between them. He would just have to stretch first.
"All we can do is wait," said Erwin. He pulled up a chair to the metal bars. A stool was brought for Levi to sit on while they waited for the commanders to come to a decision. Out of habit, Levi broke the lock around his wrists. It took him a little longer but it at least gave him something to do as he sat in yet another cell. He was tempted to bust the lock on his feet but decided to against it. Erwin would be upset if he found out that Levi broke his chains again. Erwin smiled watching the smaller man fiddle with the busted lock. 37 seconds. That was how long it took Levi to break the lock while keeping its locked appearance. Erwin had to admit he was impressed. By the way Levi kept his wrists slightly curled in his lap, hidden from Erwin's sight, Erwin was sure Levi was trying to hide his triumph.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For trusting me today."
Levi turned his head so he wouldn't have to look at him. "You're such a fucking sap."
Erwin laughed. "Perhaps."
000
The military commanders sat in an office of one of the government officials. Jenna was beyond bored. She could care either way about the decision of this case. Captain Smith did give an interesting performance. It still wasn't as interesting as a broken Levi but it was enough to keep her from falling asleep. It appeared that the rumors were true about this man. He was able to come out on top from the lowest filth. Jenna decided to create a proper file for Captain Erwin Smith.
"So what do we think?" Commander Pixus asked. He sat behind the official's desk. Jenna and Keith shared the couch.
"Erwin's witnesses appeared honest enough," said Commander Shardis.
"Then you know nothing about the underground," Jenna said offhandedly..
"What do you mean by that?" asked Commander Shardis.
"Spending all that time outside the walls you only know how to deal with titans," said Commander Gibson. She wasn't really angry at the her peer just bored. Keith is always so easy to tease.
"At least outside I know what's out to get me," said Commander Shardis. Commander Pixus coughed.
"If you're going to squabble like trainees at least vote first so we can get this matter over with," the older man said. He was their elder by at least a decade.
"Why are we voting anyway?" asked the Military Police commander. "You are the one who makes the final decision."
"I see you are committed to being rather childish today, Jenna," said Commander Pixus.
"I thought you liked your women youthful, Dot?"
"There is a difference my dear," the older man said. Jenna opened her mouth to speak when there was a knock on the door. "Come in." The door opened and in stepped Bruce. The bruised rookie had a bandage over his broken nose but the bandage couldn't hide his black eyes. A smile touched her lips. Levi really did a number on her nephew. Inside she shrugged. Knowing Bruce probably deserved it.
"Keeping to that top ten rule, I see," muttered Commander Shardis.
"Only the best and brightest," replied Commander Gibson. Bruce was actually 25th in his class. She would end up giving him an office job somewhere.
"Please forgive the intrusion Commanders," Bruce saluted. "Commander Gibson, I have something that requires our immediate attention." Jenna sighed, giving her best annoyed look.
"Fine," she sighed "Give it here" She extended her hand for the letter she anticipated. The rookie rushed over to her and handed her the envelope. "Dismissed." She waved the rookie away.
"Yes Commander." Bruce saluted before leaving the office.
"Pressing business?" asked Commander Pixus. She opened the envelop to read the short note inside. Nile could be useful when he wanted to be, she thought. Commander Gibson folded the letter and put it in her inside jacket pocket.
"Not anymore," she said sweetly. "Are we ready to vote?"
000
It was early afternoon by the time the commanders. Disappointed with Levi's earlier performance many of the galleries earlier visitors found other ways to use their free time. Commander Pixus, ready go get back out in the festivities wasted no time in relaying the verdict.
"After reviewing the information we find that Levi could not alter the 3D equipment as he was underground during that time." The bald man leaned forward a smile on his face. "You are free to go Mister Levi." Levi breathed a sigh of relief.
"Levi," said Commander Shardis. "For disregarding your commanding officer's direct orders you will be removed from this year's Royal Games."
"Y..yes sir," Levi said. The Garrison soldiers removed the chains around his wrists. Levi slowly rose to his feet and looked down as they unchained his ankles. Did this really just happen? Am I free to leave this place?
Erwin, finally allowed to walk around the wooden post, took hold of Levi's hands swallowing Levi's in his. The younger man looked up at him in disbelief.
"I believe you requested a shower and a clean uniform," he said with a smile. "But first, I believe there are a couple people who would like a word with you." Levi turned around to see Bert and Claudia waving at him.
Levi walked over to the people who helped set him free. If the three were surface people they might have hugged, instead they stood together shyly.
"Thank you," Levi said softly. He knew that the words weren't enough but they were all he could give at the moment. Old Bert gave him a gentle smile.
"You gave this old man another day of sunlight, is all," the old man said. Erwin approached the small circle and pressed a pouch in Bert's hand.
"This isn't necessary," said Bert.
"I insist," said Erwin. The old man reluctantly accepted the pouch. Erwin turned to Claudia. "This is for your mother." Claudia's face fell as she nodded. "And this is for you." Her face brightened with surprise. "It will be out little secret."
"Thank you."
Levi reached out to touch their hands. Isabel and Farlan saved him once again. He added Old Bert and Claudia's names to the list of people that he needed to pay back.
000
Levi tied his cravat with care. He still couldn't believe that he was out of that cell. That for once the legal system hadn't tried to fuck him. Was it because he was one of the surface people now? Or that he was a part of the Survey Corps? Either way it seemed that he owed that man a debt. He slid on his jacket. It seems that some things can't be helped.
He gave himself another once over in the mirror before stepping out of the dorm room. Levi walked to the floor that held the captain's quarters and stood outside the door. By now the blonde should be about ready to exit.
The blond in question was also in the middle of his day's preparations. Well midday preparations. Since the court case was behind them the king would no longer wait for his favorite portion of the Royal Games. Erwin sighed. After the games, they were supposed to head to the tavern to celebrate Levi's release and the win during today's games. The following evening Erwin was supposed to join the commander at a ball for the closing of the games. Then there was the issue of who actually rigged the games. Erwin rubbed the bridge of his nose. He would sleep one of these days. He reached for the door handle.
"Levi, what are you doing here?" Erwin asked. The younger man leaned against the opposite wall with his arms crossed.
"Isn't it obvious?" Levi said with a sneer. "I owe you."
"Owe me?" Erwin chuckled. "You don't owe me anything."
Levi scoffed. "Everything has a price." Erwin thought for a few moments.
"Come with me." He waved Levi into his suite. The smaller man looked up at him wide eyed. He pushed himself off the wall and walked inside.
"This is what you want? I guess I should have expected this from a pervert like you." Levi said in disbelief. He did keep me out of prison, Levi thought. Kenny did say that it would be a hefty price… Erwin placed his hand on Levi's shoulder as he closed the door. Levi clenched his fists. If he had to do it anyway it might as well be on his terms.
Levi rose on tiptoe. He wrapped his arms around the tall captain's shoulders and pulled him down into a kiss.
"Le-." The surprise melted away as the smaller claimed his mouth. Erwin quickly joined the dance Levi's tongue started. Levi's lips were slightly chapped from being confined for so long. Erwin had to fight to not swallow the man's delicate mouth. He encased his dance partner into his arms, knocking Levi off his feet. He groaned a complaint between their lips but didn't break away. Erwin pushed so Levi's back was to the door. The smaller man gasped. Erwin took the opportunity to break away.
"Why did you stop?" Levi asked breathlessly. He kept his arms anchored around Erwin's shoulders. Erwin's hands slid beneath Levi's jacket, appreciating the muscles on the slender frame.
"Not that I mind," said Erwin. "But why so suddenly?"
"I'm paying you back for getting me out of prison," Levi said innocently. He pressed his lips to Erwin's. The captain forgot himself and leaned into the kiss. His hands roamed possessively over the smaller man's frame. Levi pressed his body flush against the taller man. He was starting to think it might not be bad with Erwin. People in the underground paid their debts like this all the time, right? They were breathless by the time the captain came to his senses.
"Wait, Levi," Erwin said. "You don't have to do this."
"You don't want to?"
"Not like this." He removed his arms from Levi's waist and took a step back. "If you insist on repaying me I have another task better suited for your abilities."
Levi leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. A hint of pink brushed his cheeks. Erwin could see his fingertips slip beneath his jacket to the security of his daggers.
"My abilities?"
"Aren't you curious who paid Jessie to rig the games?" said Erwin. He placed his hands on either side of the door. The angle forced Levi to look up at him. "As much as he hated you, I am quite sure he wouldn't risk jail to get back at you."
Levi scoffed. "He's an idiot."
"I'll put it this way," said Erwin. "I don't believe he had the same set of skills that you possess. If they locked him up he would have to stay there. Am I correct?" Levi turned his head so that he didn't have to look up into Erwin's clear blue eyes. There was a clear hunger in Erwin's eyes that Levi hadn't seen before.
Levi tsked. Erwin brought his fingertips beneath Levi's chin, guiding the smaller man to look up at him.
"I want you to find out who paid to rig the games." His thumb stroked along Levi's jawline. The pink hue that touched the smaller man's cheeks deepened because of Erwin's attention. He clenched his fists between his crossed arms. It appeared that Erwin's stray finally found his home. Erwin always had a fondness for hunting dogs.
"And then we're even?" Levi sighed. He kept his voice firm even as he fidgeted. Erwin stepped in close so that the tips of their boots touched. Erwin nodded.
"A few conditions," said Erwin. He brought his thumb along Levi's bottom lip. "I need the culprit unharmed and I need to be present when he confesses." Levi rolled his eyes and tsked. He turned his head only to be gently brought back by Erwin's large hand. He tilted Levi's chin up so that he gazed deeply into the slate gray eyes. "I believe you can do it."
Levi opened his mouth to speak. The blonde captain leaned down claim the smaller man's mouth. He teased the smaller man's tongue with his own until a small moan passed his lips. Levi uncrossed his arms. Instead of wrapping them around the taller man he pushed on his chest to move him away.
"I'll get them for you," said Levi. "Come on, before we miss lunch." Levi opened the door and walked out of the room. Erwin smiled. He was happy to see how good this hunting dog was at tracking human prey.