Late February, 820

Kuchel wished with all of her heart that she didn't have to start taking clients again.

The past few months spent bonding with Levi were the happiest she'd ever known. He already had such a personality about him that it astonished her. Levi was a fairly quiet and easy little boy, fussing with muted whimpers when he needed something from her. The times he got the most upset was when he wanted to be held, his mewls turning into wails until Kuchel cradled him. It was heavenly, having all day for a few months to do nothing but relish in everything about her perfect son. Each day she only loved him more, if that was even possible.

The first thing she noticed about him was that he loved to grab her long black hair in his chubby fist. Whenever he could reach it, a handful would end up clutched messily in his delicate fingers, making her laugh every time she noticed. His own hair was slowly growing in more, and each night Kuchel couldn't help but toy with the strands that darkened every day. She'd hold him with his cheek against her shoulder, supporting his head and swaying in the dim candlelight. Most nights she'd find herself singing a lullaby to lull him to sleep.

Levi also still had that new baby smell, so she'd never miss the opportunity to press her nose to his wispy strands of hair and inhale deeply, exhaling with delight. The same thing happened this morning, and she couldn't resist. "Li-Li you smell soooo good, Mama could just eat you up! Yes she could!" Kuchel cooed, adjusting Levi so that she could kiss his full, pink cheeks. Of course, he saw this as an opportunity to shove some hair in his mouth, getting caught red-handed with wide blue eyes when she pulled away to look at him. She grinned, and used a fingertip to hook her hair out of his grasp and back over her shoulder. "Ah-ah-ah! Hair's not for eating, Levi, you little trouble maker~"

The hand that was once occupied with her hair now reached to touch her face, the smile still plastered across her features. "See what Mama's doing? That's a smile! Can you smile for me yet Li-Li? Hm?" She asked him, knowing full well that he'd likely be too preoccupied with trying to find another lock of black hair to care about that. No smile yet, just like she thought, but Kuchel figured he'd do it in his own good time. The book said that right about now he could smile, but every baby was different.

Levi gurgled as she set him on the bed, belly against the sheets. The book also said that now that he could hold his head up more on his own, it was good to let him stretch and explore on his belly so that he could strengthen the muscles in his neck. He seemed to enjoy pawing at her pillows, and resting his face against the covers that most likely had the comforting scent of his mama lingering on them.

While he was preoccupied, Kuchel brushed her hair out before putting it into a simple three-plait braid. Her happy feeling was dulled for a moment as she did so, thinking about how now she'd have to go back to her daily routine of what she felt to be degrading work. Sometimes the men were horribly mean, and it wasn't uncommon for her to be struck during a session. It's not like the pimp cared if his whores got hurt; as long as they could still take clients the next day, it was of no concern to him.

The sound of a man in the hall caught her ear, and she listened as the heavy footsteps followed a familiar and cheery voice into the room across the hall, the click of the door making Kuchel think for a moment.

Amelia's got a client.

It took a few more seconds, but soon after that thought, she felt an unsettled pang in her belly.

Where am I going to put Levi while I do my work? I can't have him in the same room, that would be wrong in so many ways. I never want him to see that. But if Amelia is with a client…

She knew that in the next ten minutes her first client would be waiting at her door, and she'd be damned if their sleazy, leering eyes even caught a glimpse of her precious son. After all, how could men as low as the clientele of the brothel ever compete with the wonderful boy that was cooing on the bed? They didn't deserve to gaze upon an angel like Levi.

Kuchel realised that there was really only one option for now, and though she did not like it, she promised herself that it would not become a common occurrence while Levi was a baby. Maybe when he was older, but not when he needed her almost every waking hour of his days.

Opening the door, she looked up and down the corridor before walking to the next door down from her. The young woman knew quite well that this room was empty, so she could use the bed in here for her client. Levi watched his mother ducking in and out of their room with a curious look on his face, seeing her take a few candles with her into the empty room next door. After lighting the other space well enough, she came back to her son, picking him up and rubbing the apple of his cheek with a ginger brush of her fingers. "Okay Levi, Mama has to work… but she'll come and check up on you lots, okay? Please be good for Mama. I'll be back, baby boy." Kuchel promised, getting him bundled and cozy in his basket. The kisses she left upon his nose and forehead seemed to make his eyes heavy, making his mama simper when he yawned and stretched before promptly conking out. He'd done this before many times already— getting excited about seeing things and spending time with Mama before subsequently falling asleep at the drop of a hat.

Thank the Walls. Maybe he'll sleep right through most of the time I'm gone. I'll come back and check after each client though, to make sure he's not hungry or needs changing.

After making sure he was secure and safe, Kuchel went back into the hallway, leaning back against her door after closing it. Her keen eyes flickered towards the direction of the staircase, and as she heard a client trudging up the creaking wooden steps, she stationed herself in front of the other door.

"You Olympia?" The man grumbled, a toothpick between his yellowed teeth as he sauntered towards her. As if instinctually, her stomach lurched when the client walked past the door, as if she expected him to throw it open and snatch her precious Levi right up from his peaceful slumber. Of course, the guy was a drunk, and didn't even cast a half-assed glance at the door. Hell, he didn't notice it at all. His eyes were trained on her like a beast about to pounce on its unsuspecting prey. Something about that was unsettling in its own way, but she forced a smile across her rosy lips and leaned against the doorframe while batting her eyes at him.

"Why yes I am, sir. Did you come to see little ol' me? How about I show you a good time, hm? I bet you're exhausted and in need of some lovin'." Kuchel spoke in a much different tone than she ever used with anyone else– right now, she wasn't Kuchel— she was Olympia, and Olympia needed to sweet-talk this scumbag to hopefully earn a tip. Maybe he'd be too starstruck after his orgasm to notice her top off the tip with a few more coins from his satchel. One could only hope.

"Aye, I did come to see ya. Now how 'bout we get to it, hm?" He slurred, putting an arm around her waist and opening the door behind her. The man stank to high hell of beer and tobacco and she swallowed her urge to vomit. Kuchel had almost forgotten how disgusting men were, since her little boy was as sweet as peaches and cream in the summer.

"Sounds blissful to me, sweetie. Let's get to it."

Get to it they did, and she realised that she'd also forgotten how quick drunkards came sometimes. It was done in less than five minutes, and just as she'd expected, the guy acted like it was the first time he'd reached climax in his life. It almost made her laugh, but Kuchel had done that once before and earned a smack that left a welt on her cheek for a week. It was best to not get another one of those.

Surprisingly, it didn't hurt as much as she thought it would. A whole baby had come out of the same place only about two months prior, so Kuchel had assumed that intercourse would have sent a searing pain through her. Instead, it was more like a mild cramp that ebbed away as quickly as it had come. The midwife had given her some medicine, so perhaps it had helped her heal better. Regardless of why, she wasn't going to question her good fortune.

After he left, Kuchel checked on Levi, just like she'd promised. Of course, he was still asleep, but now with his thumb and curled-up index finger stuck awkwardly in his mouth and covered in drool. It drew a gentle giggle from her as she soundlessly closed the door, vowing to check on him again after the next client.

It was with the last of four clients that Levi started to cry.

The sound was muffled at first as Kuchel laid there with the client, going through the motions of pretending to be in ecstasy as he moved against her. It was a younger man this time, closer to her age, but that didn't make it any more enjoyable. None of this was ever enjoyable. However, the younger men smelled better most of the time and weren't decrepit with missing teeth. It made it slightly more bearable, if anything.

But as the man moved against her with a quickened pace, she heard the unmistakable wail of her baby boy. It struck a fear into her that she'd never felt. Was he okay? Was he just hungry, or was something else the matter? Not knowing was making her insides churn and draining the colour from her cheeks that had flushed from the physical activity she'd been doing. The customer didn't notice her reaction, only grunting "Stupid fuckin' kid, who needs 'em?" as he continued to take advantage of the time he paid for. Kuchel could only nod silently in response, since a word out of her mouth would have shown just how anxious she'd become about the well-being of the child he was so annoyed by. It was times like these especially that she hated having to abase herself to her clients just to guarantee her payment.

When all was said and done, she hurried to clean up and escort him out, only to run back and throw the door open to their room. Levi was still crying, his cheeks red and eyes squeezed shut in discontent. Her heart wrenched in her chest as she rushed to scoop him up, checking Levi over as tears poured down his face and dripped off his chin.

"Oh baby boy, Mama's so sorry. I'm here now, I'm not going anywhere. Shh… shh… Oh Levi, my little angel…" She couldn't help the frown that pulled her lips down, and with the soft pad of her thumb, Kuchel brushed some of those salty tears away. "Mama's here now."

It took some time for her to calm him down properly, with her taking the opportunity to change him and put him in some fresh clothes. The young mother only had a few outfits for Levi, but it was better than nothing. Eventually she was able to soothe him and convince him to eat, feeling a pang of guilt with every sniffle he made against her chest. When he was done, the dark-haired woman covered herself once more before hooking her hands under his armpits. With his mother's hands supporting him, he was put on her knee with his eyes still a bit puffy from crying. Kuchel gave him a sad smile, leaning in to litter the squishy flesh of his cheeks with kisses. "Mama's sorry Levi, I won't do that ever again. I promise."

He responded with a hiccup suddenly, looking at his Mama with wide eyes. Levi had never done that before, so his face was painted with a sense of bewilderment. Another one caused him to jump a bit where he sat, and Kuchel's sad look finally melted away. How could she be upset when her son was so damn cute?

"Oh!" Kuchel feigned surprise as well, her lips parted slightly as she watched his face. "Was that a hiccup baby boy? Hm? Did that scare you?" Laying Levi on his back, she leaned over him and held his ankles with the softest of touches, giving the soles of his feet adoring kisses. "Don't worry, hiccups won't hurt you angel."

Levi didn't entirely seem to believe her, gurgling and widening his eyes when another hiccup shook his tiny frame. However, when he realised that his Mama was smiling and not frowning in concern, it appeared like he accepted that she was telling the truth.

Kuchel continued to shower him with affection until the hiccups subsided, and then ended up lying on her back with his cheek resting against her bosom. Her hands cradled him to her, one resting on his petite back and the fingers of the other busy stroking his black threads of hair. She released a deep sigh into the air, letting all of the tension from the day out with her breath. All in all, Kuchel had made a decent cut with her tips, but knew that Levi would be growing fast and would need more clothes sooner than later. He was already growing so fast that it stunned her– it seemed like only yesterday that she was holding the helpless newborn that was rouge in the face and wrinkled like an adorable raisin.

Turning her head just a bit, she nuzzled the little one's head with her nose, taking a moment to cherish that sweet baby smell that she loved so much. Something about it made her heart swell and brought a smile to her lips, no matter how she was feeling otherwise. In response to her touch on his head, he made a delightful coo that made her simper. "Oh, you make the sweetest sounds my little birdie. You know just how to butter up your mama, huh?"

The little one's fist grabbed at her shirt, knotting the ivory fabric in his grasp in response. That told her that yes, yes he did know how he was melting her heart like iron ore in a mighty forge. He was a wee bit smug even at only a few months old, go figure. Kuchel remembered that her mother once noted Kenny was the same way as a baby, and internally chuckled at the thought of her son acting anything like her older brother. With any luck, that would be the only similarity. Kenny had been kind for coming down to see her, giving her money, and eventually sending down a few baby books he'd found in Mitras for cheap. Despite all of that, at the end of the day, he was still a serial killer. As if she'd want her innocent Levi being anything like that.

After a long time of relaxing with her baby in the bed, she realised he'd fallen asleep again. It didn't surprise her, since babies needed a lot of sleep. Plus, those hiccups and the crying probably tuckered him out. When he was curled up in his basket once again, Kuchel took the chance to eat some bread and dried meat for a quick meal. The meat was a treat for sure, and she'd gotten it at a great price since the vendor was about to toss it out. The flavour was wonderful, especially with the tang of the salt on her tongue.

When Kuchel turned in for the night, she blew out every candle but one so she could see when getting up to tend to Levi every few hours or so, depending on if he needed her.

As her eyes grew heavy, she murmured to him, "Goodnight, Li-Li. Mama loves you."

...

December 25, 820

Today was a very special day for Kuchel, but an even more special day for her beloved Levi. A year ago on this day she received the greatest gift of all– a bundle of joy with an uncanny resemblance to his dear mother (but he was much cuter, in her humble opinion). So of course, it was his first birthday, and she wanted to make it special for him. It was a challenge to save up enough money, but she eventually was able to afford a stuffed bunny with buttons for eyes, as well as a fresh apple for a sweet treat. Kuchel had given Levi to Amelia for a little while so she could go shop for the items, and once she'd hidden them away, the young woman returned to find Levi practising standing on his wobbly legs with his Auntie Lia. Amelia loved the boy like he was her own son and Kuchel was more than happy to make her his honorary aunt. After all, he deserved all of the love in the world he could get.

"Levi's really getting the hang of this whole standing thing!" Lia sang, leaning over a bit so she could hold his hands and keep him steady. Levi took advantage of the assistance, lifting a foot off the floor to kick at the air a bit. His dear mother smiled and watched for a moment before coming over and scooping him up with one arm, with his still-chubby legs hanging over and his head resting against her shoulder.

"Hello my love, Mama missed you! Did you have fun with Auntie Lia?" Kuchel asked him, admiring the sweet smile that blessed his face. His smiles did more than light up a room– she could have sworn that he radiated more warmth and life than the sun ever could. Who needed it when she had this handsome boy to brighten her days?

The little one nodded as Kuchel reached her free hand to his forehead, brushing aside some of his locks that were as dark as the shadows of the night. He looked more and more like her every day, with his once vibrantly azure eyes having faded to a more grey hue. The blue was still there, of course, but it dazzled the most when illuminated. Right now she could see it clearly as he gazed up at her innocently. Kuchel then continued speaking, cupping his cheek and simpering when he instinctually leaned into her touch. "Well, Levi. Today's a very special day. It's your birthday! You're a whole year old, baby boy!"

"Ba-ya…"

"Oh almost, smart boy. Birth-day!"
He tried a few more times but eventually gave up, looking rather pouty about it. Part of her was concerned, because Levi had not said a single word yet. Not even "mama". It wasn't entirely clear to her when he should start trying, but it seemed like it was well past the time where he should have at least learned to call for her. He didn't speak much to begin with, only making incomprehensible sounds at best on most occasions. Amy insisted that he was just reserved and would speak when he saw fit to do so, but Kuchel couldn't help but fret.

"Does Levi want his surprise?" The dark-haired woman asked the little boy, watching the gears turn in his head, thinking about her words before nodding. "Aah!" His sound was followed by him touching her cheek, as if to tell her "Yes Mama, let's hurry! I wanna see!"

Amy followed Kuchel as she carried Levi to their room, gently sitting him on the bed with a pillow behind his back in case he decided to fall backwards. When on the bed he would do that sometimes to look at the rafters, to see the dust on the ceiling that she tried so hard to forget about. This time, his big blue-hued eyes were keenly focused on his mama as she walked to their small "kitchen", which was simply a stone stovetop with a stained cast-iron pot Kuchel was pretty sure was older than she was. Near it she had prepped a quarter of the apple by slicing it thinly, packing the other half away so it could be eaten later. "First, we have a little treat for my big strong boy!" The young woman chimed happily, sitting with him on the bed and showing the sliced fruit to him.

Amelia sat on the other side of Levi, gently caressing his black locks. "You've never had one of those before, handsome! All you've really had is Mama's milk, huh? That and some kinda soggy bread…"

"What, you gave him bread?" Kuchel asked curiously, not having tried it herself.

"Give? No. He did crawl over to a bowl I'd left with some in it that had water spilled into it. Li-Li didn't seem to mind."

"Oho, you pint-sized rascal. Are you stealing Auntie Lia's food now?" Kuchel mildly teased her son, kissing his cheek in rapid succession and earning a giggle that was the most beautiful music to her ears. Levi loved getting lots of kisses, and would sometimes flail his hand at her to get her to do it again. If she didn't, he'd pout and crinkle his brow in such a way that would always make her laugh. This time she was able to distract him with a thin slice of apple. "This is an apple, Levi! Apple…" She repeated the word slowly the second time, watching him take it from her palm.

It was interesting to watch him interact with new things. Levi would first try to grip it in his plump palm, testing it before trying to put it in his mouth. Kuchel grinned as he tasted it, his eyes getting wide in surprise. He was primarily using his gums to eat it, but he had a couple teeth budding from his gums that were helping him out.

"Oh, did you like that baby boy? Does my sweet birthday prince want more?"

"Mmmm… Maa… Mama…" Levi babbled, reaching for more apple to put in his mouth. However, Kuchel's jaw dropped, feeling tears brewing in her eyes. "D-Did you just talk, Levi? Baby say 'Mama' again for me, please?" She asked him, ready to burst into tears.

He furrowed his brow a bit, both because he was uncertain about his mother's expression, but also because he wanted more of that sweet fruit that was in her grasp. "Mama… mama…"

Kuchel put the apple aside to scoop him up and spin him around, squealing in delight. "Oh my baby, my precious little Levi! You said your first word, I can't believe it! And on your birthday too!" She sniffled, shedding tears of joy and hugging him close to her chest. Levi mimicked her excitement, holding on to her and flashing her another heart-warming grin. "Mama, mama!"

"Oh he's catching on that it makes you happy~" Amy cooed, smirking as she sat on the bed with her chin in her hands. "He's a clever one~"

"Yes he is, I think he gets it from my brother." She mumbled the last part under her breath, and though Amy seemed to catch it, the tone appeared to make her think twice about delving further into this mysterious brother that had never been mentioned previously. Kuchel continued on praising Levi, and soon he pointed to the apple pieces that she had set aside. "Aba."

His mother's smile grew even bigger and she handed him a piece, watching him shove it in his mouth in delight. "I guess you were right. He was just absorbing the knowledge like a little sponge and wanted to use it when he felt like it."

"Auntie knows best, Chelly~"

"Oi oi, don't be smug about it." She laughed, swaying a bit and bouncing the baby in her arms a touch to amuse him. He hummed in delight as he ate his apple slice, resting his cheek against his mother's and transferring some of the messy and sticky juice on his face to her own. It didn't bother her one bit. Levi was a baby, and babies did gross things. One time she sat him down after a feeding and he projectile-vomited onto her. It alarmed her greatly, but he looked completely unaffected, babbling and kicking his feet as he stared up at her questioningly. Some apple juice on her skin was nothing in comparison.

When the light blue-eyed boy was satisfied, Kuchel used a rag that she dabbed on her tongue to wipe his face, since there wasn't any water in the bucket on the stove. He squirmed uncomfortably as she cleaned him up, but when it was over with Levi simply rested his cheek against her own again. It made the corners of her lips turn up, adoring the affection that only her sweet-hearted son could give her. Patting his bottom playfully, she purred against his temple. "Now does the birthday boy want his second present?"
"Aba?"

"Heh, no, you just had some apple pieces. Now you get something else."

Swiftly, Kuchel pulled the stuffed bunny out from its hiding spot behind a pot on the stove, and watched his eyes light up like the brightest lanterns. "Bawa!"

"A bunny! You get a bunny friend!" She chimed, sitting on the bed with him in her lap and handing it to him. Amy and Kuchel relished in the joy that Levi showed when he hugged it close to his chest, resting his round cheek against the top of the rabbit's forehead, his nose nuzzled between the floppy ears. It cost a week's worth of tips to afford it and the apple, but she didn't give a shit. The happiness that the birthday presents brought him, as meager as they may have seemed to some, gave her a gleeful feeling of her own.

Wrapping her arms around him snugly, Kuchel rocked side to side and buried her nose against the crown of his head, thanking whoever was listening that she had Levi. Never had she felt more grateful for another person in her entire life than she did with him.

Still watching Kuchel and Levi, Amelia swung her feet as they dangled over the bed, with her chin still resting in her hands. A gentle sigh left her lips, and she murmured, "I want one…"

"What, a stuffed bunny? They still have some at the shop." Kuchel replied, petting Levi's hair as he hugged the toy a bit tighter to his chest.

"No."

She glanced over at the redhead, chewing her cheek and trying to understand what she meant. Wanted what? Following Amelia's gaze, it dawned on her that she was staring at Levi, not the toy.

She can't be serious.

"Amelia, no." Kuchel whispered, shaking her head slowly. "You can't… not in a place like this."

The copper-haired woman furrowed her brow and pursed her lips a bit. "And just why not? That's the pot calling the kettle black, don't you think?"

"Hey. This wasn't planned. You're over there thinking of baby names." Kuchel retorted in a low tone, trying to keep herself composed in front of Levi. Never once had she raised her voice in front of him, and she wasn't planning on doing so.

"But I want a baby. I want to be a mother, too. It's not fair, Chelly."

"Life doesn't work like that…" She whispered. "Even if you want it to be fair, it never is. It's not fair that I was born in this subterranean dump, or that I have to raise him in it. You do remember where we work, right? Do you think that this is a cakewalk? I worry every time that he's not in my sight that the Boss is going to tear him away and sell him off to some sicko. I worry that he's not eating enough; I fret about affording medicine, clothes, everything. I don't want you to feel the same way that I do."

Kuchel watched as tears formed in Amelia's eyes, and she held out her hands, wanting to hold the obsidian-haired boy. The young mother complied, sitting him in the other woman's lap and watching as she hugged him close. She rested her chin gingerly on the top of his head with tears pooling in her emerald eyes. "I-I know you're right, but it hurts."

Kuchel sighed, carding her fingers back through her dark and silky strands before sitting next to her. Putting an arm around Amy's shoulders, she whispered "I know it does. Maybe someday we can leave this crappy place and you can find a nice man to settle down with… or woman, whatever suits you." She added. "And then you could maybe have a little angel of your own. You never know."

"That's a nice dream to keep in mind." Amelia replied, running her fingers through Levi's hair and humming when he rested his cheek on her chest. There was a moment of silence before she asked, "Would you ever have another one?"

Shaking her head, Kuchel told her, "No, I can't. The midwife told me that my body couldn't handle another one. Besides, I have trouble affording this little darling, as much as I love him. I wouldn't make enough to handle another baby."

"Fair enough." Amy shrugged, rubbing Levi's shoulders and smiling softly as she realised he'd dozed off while clutching his new friend against him. As Kuchel picked him up to put him in his little basket, which would soon be too small for him, Amelia piped up. "Do you think we'll ever get there? To the surface?"

She remembered having gone to the surface a few times in her life, to visit her grandfather as a little girl. Kuchel recalled how fresh the air smelled, how she could gaze up infinitely at the sky and never see where it ended, with the clouds rolling overhead and the rays of the warm sun kissing her pale cheeks. The thing that astonished her the most was the running water in the river that ran through the side of town for transporting goods.

They used a boat led by a cable on the water to go to Wall Rose to see grandpa, and it was usually her favourite part of the trip. Grandpa was old and cranky most of the time, so she spent the majority of the trip outside and exploring the vastness of nature on the property. Kuchel felt a smile tug at her lips as she reminisced about the smell of the grass, the feeling of the wind on her face– it felt like that was all so long ago.

"I hope so, Amy." She finally responded to the question, caressing Levi's petite cheek as he rested peacefully with his new toy. "I really hope so."

...

June, 823

"Mama?"

Kuchel felt a prod to her left cheek.

"Mamaaaa, up. Wake up."

A smile gently spread over her lips, and she groggily hooked her arm around the one who woke her from her satisfying slumber. "I'm awake, don't you worry~"

After taking a moment to awaken a bit more, she opened her eyes to find two periwinkle-dabbled orbs peering back at her. Kuchel couldn't help but grin, and pulled her son closer to smother him with kisses. "Good morning, Li-Li. How did you sleep?" She purred.

"Hehe, Mama that tickles!" He squealed, his gentle fingers touching her cheeks in a playful attempt to push her away. It didn't stop her, and she continued until they were both out of breath from laughing. That smile Levi had only grew brighter over the last few years, and every time Kuchel saw it, it brought her so much joy.

"How did you sleep, baby?" She repeated, pulling him close and petting his hair as they calmed down. Levi reached to play with some of her hair, mimicking how she caressed his own locks. Even after all this time, he was still interested in her long black hair.

"I sleep good…" He replied, yawning and retracting his hand to rub the sleep from his eyes. "I'm hungeeee, Mama…" Levi told her, emphasising the last syllable and drawing it out. Some words he didn't quite know how to say yet, and she found it adorable. Part of her hoped he'd speak like a little baby forever.

"Hungry? Mama never would have guessed with your little belly rumbling, hm?" Kuchel cooed, sitting up and stretching her arms high in the air. When she glanced over, she found Levi copying her stretching, his eyes squeezed shut and his cheeks puffed up as he did so. A laugh erupted from her chest, and she turned to tickle his sides. "Why are you puffing up your cheeks, cutie? Mama's not holding her breath~"

He fell back onto the bed and rolled off to escape the tickling torture, standing quickly and stumbling across the wooden floor to regain his balance. "Haha, Mama you silly. Big stretch!"

"Yes, big stretch." Kuchel nodded, getting up and shuffling to the stove. There was some bread in the basket, and she frowned as she saw that they didn't have much else to eat. Exhaling a sigh, she tore the bread apart, giving herself about a third and giving the rest to Levi. "Here baby, eat up. Then we can get you dressed and go out shopping today."

"Shopping?" He asked, taking the bread and murmuring a quiet "Thank you, Mama." as he bit into it. He looked back up at her again, flicking his chin to the side to flip his bangs out of his eyes. "Shopping for what?"

"You need some new clothes, mister." Kuchel replied, booping his nose and making him cross his eyes for a moment to look at her fingertip. "You're a big boy, you're growing like a weed!"

"What's that?" He asked, chewing the bread with his mouth open. Kuchel tsked, tapping his chin to remind him to close his mouth while eating.

"What's what, baby, a weed?"

"Yah."

"Oh, well it's a plant. And they grow faster than other plants." She explained to him, eating some of the bread before grabbing her brush to smooth out her hair and detangle the bed head. Levi whined, and reached up for the brush. "Me, me!"

"You want to brush Mama's hair? Well, alright. Be gentle." Kuchel acquiesced, sitting on the bed. Levi put his bread to the side, and clambered up onto the bed to sit behind her. He ran the hairbrush through the strands, being careful just like she told him to.

"Pretty…" Levi hummed. "Mama, you are so pretty."

"Aww, thank you baby." His mother cooed. "You are so sweet."

"Sweet like apples? I like apples…"

"Yes, yes just like apples."

Levi seemed satisfied with her answer, and after he finished brushing her hair, Kuchel turned to take the brush and kiss his cheek. "Okay now it's my turn."

"But my hair not bad." He tried to tell her, whining when she turned him around and brushed his hair anyway. "Mama!"

"Shh, you have bed head. We can't have you looking messy when we go shopping."

"But-"

"Levi." Kuchel tutted, poking his side and causing him to squirm. "No buts. One day you're going to want your hair to be nice all the time."

"No think so." He huffed. She was glad that he couldn't see the slight smirk on her face as she noticed how much like her he really was. Yes, he looked just like her, but when she was a little girl she also hated getting her hair brushed.

"Kuchel, sit your butt down so I can get that knot out of your hair!" Her mother shouted, running after a 5 year-old Kuchel through their meager home in the Underground. Kuchel ducked under the table, and weaved around chairs while Kenny watched in amusement from the doorway.

"No! It hurts and I don't wanna!"

"Kuchel get over here this instant or you're getting a spanking! Kenny don't just stand there, grab her!"

The memory of the ass-whupping she got from her mother made her wince, and she could almost feel the stinging on her rear end. Her parents had not been the most loving people all the time– maybe that was why Kenny was such an asshole sometimes. Blinking the memory away, Kuchel finished brushing Levi's hair before pulling him into her lap from behind. The young woman pressed a kiss to the crown of his head and she murmured, "Mama loves you, munchkin."

"Love you too Mama~" He sing-songed, obviously over his discontent with getting his hair tended to. Levi wiggled in her arms, turning around in her lap to hug her. "I love you lots!"

"Lots? But that's so much!" She giggled, cupping his cheeks and rubbing her thumbs over his cheekbones. "Are you sure you love me that much?"

"Yah! I love Mama most!" Levi beamed.

"Well aren't I the luckiest mama in the whole world?" Kuchel kissed his nose, and then kissed his eyelids when he closed them to laugh. It was moments like these that she cherished the most– being able to have her son all to herself to love and cherish. Yes, she did miss when he was a baby, but Li-Li would always be her baby, no matter how big he got.

After finishing up their food, Kuchel got herself in a slightly more modest dress before putting Levi in a dark green shirt and some pants that were still a bit too big around his ankles. He was not growing as much as she'd have hoped for, and while she knew the food they had access to was part of the issue, she was also well aware of the fact that the lack of sunlight in the Underground was not helping him. It was all too common for the deficiency to cause peoples' legs to go bad, and the thought of that happening to him terrified her.

After the two got on their shoes, Kuchel scooped him into her arms and walked out into the halls of the brothel. She made her way down the steps, brushing past gross customers and some other prostitutes. The further down she went, the more the smell of smoke and alcohol overwhelmed her senses. Instinctually, her hand went to cover Levi's little nose and mouth a bit until she finally made it out the door.

"Oi, whore!" A man who was loitering around the entrance to The Pink Pearl had cat-called out to her, a fat cigar between two fingers. "Line's long, how about you drop that scraggly thing and treat me instead?"
Before Kuchel could turn to retort, Levi glared back at the bastard and stuck out his tongue. "No. Mama mine. Fuck off."

Kuchel's stomach knotted up as she looked at her son with her mouth agape. His brow was furrowed and his eyes were narrowed as he held on to her, staring the man down quite seriously. The black-haired woman rushed off before the client could react, and when the coast was clear, she huffed and looked at her son with wide eyes. "Levi, you do not say words like that. Understand?"

"Why? He mean."

"Levi, that's not the point. You shouldn't be saying bad words like that. Where did you even hear that?" She mumbled, obviously unamused. The little boy saw his mother's discontent expression, and wallowed in his mistake with his face hidden in her neck. "Auntie Lia… she say to bad guy."

His explanation made sense, but it didn't help her feel any better. Levi must have heard Amelia by accident and latched onto it, like kids do with unfamiliar words. Although, it made her wonder what other things he could have possibly overheard. Walls, that was a different can of worms Kuchel didn't want to open yet.

With a heavy sigh, she adjusted Levi in her arms as she continued navigating the narrow alleys of the Underground City to get to the clothing shop. Pressing a kiss to his temple, she murmured "It's okay baby, Mama was just startled. Thank you for sticking up for me. You're a good boy, but don't use words when you don't know what they mean. They could make people angry."

"But everyone says it."

"Who is everyone? Mama doesn't say that."

"Um… Auntie Lia… and Cree-stow." He had trouble saying the other name, but she knew exactly who he was speaking about.

"Crystal?" She asked him, earning a hum in response. "What did Crystal say that for?"

"Mad I got in way." Levi replied simply, then looked around before seeing the clothing shop nearby. "Shopping?" He pointed at the little building, and Kuchel kissed his cheek while taking a mental note that Crystal had had the audacity to tell him to fuck off when he was probably just doing whatever little boys do. She'd have a talk with her later. A stern one.

After stepping inside the shop, she set him down so that he could explore a bit on his own. Levi was becoming quite the independent little man nowadays, and liked doing things by himself. At the end of the day he still snuggled up to Mama and wanted to hear stories, and that was all she could ask for.

The shopkeeper smiled at the two when they came in, and waved politely. "Hello, looking for anything specific?"

"Hello, just some clothes for the little one here." Kuchel smiled, her silver-blue eyes flickering over to see Levi dragging his hands across the skirts of dresses that were lined up on a rack. He seemed to enjoy the texture of the different fabrics, so he repeated the action a few times. The old woman behind the counter smiled at the sight. "Having fun there, darling?"

"Yah! Mama, soft!" He exclaimed, ducking his head between the dresses to feel the satin of one and the cotton of the other on his cheeks. Kuchel and the shopkeeper both laughed heartily when Levi emerged with his hair sticking up from the static he'd accumulated from the fabric. "Mama, why no wear dress? Like this?" His fingers traced over the lace on another gown, and her heart strained at the sincere frown that overtook his features.

Forcing a sweet smile, she came over and crouched in front of him, her palms gently coming up to his head to smooth his jet-black strands down again. Damn, she needed to trim it. It was getting far too long.

"Because Mama likes her dresses that she wears already. They're soooo comfy and soft, baby boy~ Mama doesn't need a fancy dress like that anyway."

He didn't seem satisfied with the answer, so he looked to the shopkeeper and turned on the cuteness. Levi knew he was cute, she swore he did, because he then asked with full toddler confidence, "Mama have dress? Pretty please?"

"Levi, no." Kuchel told him sternly, gently grasping his chin to make him look at her again. "You don't ask people for free things."

"Why?"

"Because people need to make money, and if they give things away they don't have money for food."

"But why? Why people no share?"

"Levi, now is not the time for this discussion. Be a good boy and apologise to the nice lady." She insisted, gesturing to the shopkeeper. Patience was one of Kuchel's virtues, and unlike most parents, the repetitive questions of young children didn't bother her. She just wanted Levi to understand that it wasn't okay for him to ask for things for free. Luckily, he was the type of child that seemed to learn well from his mistakes. Her son turned to the shopkeeper, giving her a mild apologetic bow like he'd seen Kuchel do. "Sorry, missy."

"Oh that's quite alright sonny, you were just trying to look out for your mama." The shopkeeper smiled. The woman took something from a little jar, and came over to Levi, offering him what looked to be a marble dusted in something white. "You can have a nice honey candy if you're a good boy while your mama picks out your clothes. Can you do that?"

Levi's eyes sparkled in a way Kuchel hadn't quite seen before— something about them was filled with excitement and intrigue. "Yah, me be good, missy. Thank you!"

The woman grinned and gave the candy to him, and he inspected it, even giving it a sniff before popping it into his mouth. Kuchel kept an eye on him as she shuffled through some of the clothing in his size, and the outside layer must have dissolved, because Levi made a sound of pure delight. "Ah! Mama! Sweet! It's sweet!" He hummed, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"Is it baby? Sweet like apples?" She inquired, holding a dark red shirt closer to him to gauge if it would fit him okay and allow some wiggle room to grow into.

"Sweeter than apples." Levi insisted, smiling brightly for his mother.

"Well the shopkeeper is very nice to give that to you. Candies are rare down here."

Levi only nodded in agreement, swaying and fiddling with things like the three-and-a-half-year-old he was. His attention span wasn't that long yet, so Kuchel wasn't surprised that he got distracted by other more interesting things.

Kuchel bought him the red shirt, as well as some grey pants and new socks. The dark-haired boy insisted he walk by himself on the way back, and who was she to deny him that? Besides, it was so adorable when he held her fingers with his soft and delicate hand.

His fingertips and palms bore no callousness, for he had not been subject to working, nor scuffling in the streets of the Underground City to survive. Kuchel hoped he stayed untouched by the depressing reality of this place, but she knew it would only be a matter of time before he explored on his own. It wasn't like he could stay in the confines of The Pink Pearl for the rest of his life— in fact, Kuchel preferred that he didn't. But the alternative was seeing what people were truly like, how they killed each other over scraps, how they would rip the very clothes off your back to sell them for firewood or booze.

A grimace overcame her features as she thought more about it. Levi wasn't even safe being a boy, which many would horribly assume. No one in the Underground City was safe from dastardly deeds. Memories of things she'd seen in dark alleys when scavenging before her time at the brothel haunted her dreams— children did things down here to survive that made her feel faint. The mere idea of her precious Levi being subject to that was enough to make her skin crawl as though she were covered in the roaches that resided in the dank sewers.

Unexpectedly, the voice of her good-for-nothing brother rang in her mind.

"But I know that if anyone tried to hurt yer kid, you'd finally awaken those Ackerman genes of yours and rip 'em to shreds for it."

Ackerman genes. The whole reason she hadn't passed the family name to her son. Those damn genes were the whole reason she was born and bred in a subterranean nightmare. They were the reason she was raising her son in the worst place she could have. She swore before Levi was even born that she'd never burden him with the family name. Without it weighing on him, he wouldn't be subject to the same cruel treatment of the previous generations— he could have opportunities the elder members of the family would have longed for. All she knew was that the Ackermans were persecuted by the King, and the majority of them were forced to live in the Underground City.

Kuchel assumed that the hunt for the family stemmed from their unusual strength. Kenny had awakened a power to fight that boiled within him on a dark day when they were younger.

The two young children were walking back to the house, Kuchel being nine and Kenny being thirteen. He walked in front of her with his hands in his coat pockets, with Kuchel walking in tow and carrying the basket. Her head was in the clouds, so she didn't realise until too late that a thug had stumbled close behind her. Her scream alerted Kenny, and he turned to see her on the ground, with the guy trying to kick her away so he could snatch her basket.

"Kenny! Kenny!" She sobbed, her pale cheeks scuffed from the kicks she'd received. That was when it awoke in him. Kuchel could sense it radiating off him, and when the man stopped struggling to tear the basket away from her, her eyes fluttered open to see her brother tearing the bastard to shreds. He screamed for the thirteen-year-old to show him mercy, but Kenny didn't stop until he was dead.

After he took a moment to regain his composure, he wiped the blood on his hand onto the fabric of his coat. Kenny's silver eyes flickered to his sister, and he offered her a hand. "Sorry ya had to see that. Come on. Let's go home, Chelly."

Part of her wondered if she would ever feel the same way. What if Levi had that awakening one day? She hoped he never had to resort to that.

"Mama."

The soft voice of her little boy broke her out of her deep thoughts. He tugged on her hand, and she looked down with a gentle simper. "Yes honey?"

"Listen!" Levi hummed, pointing as they walked towards a common area. People were gathered, listening to a man play a fiddle while his partner used a barrel for percussion, smacking his hands over different parts to make unique sounds. "Mama, can we dance?"

"Dance? Do you know how to dance, sweet boy?"

"No, but want to." He insisted, tugging her along to hear the music better. The woman giggled and let him lead her, happy to see that he was taking an interest in the tune.

"Dance with me, Mama!" Levi said eagerly, reaching his hands up and wiggling his fingers in a grabby motion. "Dance!"

"Oh, of course Li-Li. How can Mama deny such an adorable little prince a dance?"

The clothing was in a bag with a loose handle, so she let it slip to the crook of her elbow as she took his hands in hers. Kuchel tried to show him a simple waltz, which was about the extent of what she knew from her father teaching her to dance. The memory was fond, and she remembered standing on his feet and giggling as he showed her how to move her feet. Levi was a bit too tiny still for her to try that. Maybe some other time.

"Hehe! Mama this fun!" He squeezed her hands as they swayed together to the music. The grin on his face was priceless, and she wished she could get a portrait painted of him in that moment. As she heard some others fawn over Levi's cuteness, a grin of pride crossed her face. Her baby was the most adorable child in the Walls, and nothing would ever change her mind. He was perfect, and she wished this moment would last forever, with them dancing happily and enjoying the music.

However, her little angel soon grew tired, leaning his head against her upper thigh. "Sleepy..." He slurred quietly, burying his nose into the fabric of her dress and inhaling her scent that comforted him dearly.

She stopped swaying, picking him up and peppering his plump cheek with dainty kisses. "Okay baby. It's about time for your nap, anyway." Kuchel began to carry him home, running her fingers through his black locks as he rested his head on her shoulder. "Thank you for dancing with Mama. It made me very happy."

"Me like… make Mama… happy." Levi could barely finish his sentence before falling asleep, and Kuchel could only smile silently as she brought him home, kissing his forehead and brushing some strands out of his eyes.

"Mama likes making you happy too, honeypie."

Hello lovelies, I hope you enjoyed Chapter 2! A few things I would like to mention:

1. Holy shit, it's hard to write a kid talking when you're never around kids. I asked my mom if the dialogue was okay and she said it was, along with Levi eating an apple at such a young age. She knows nothing about AOT, so it was weird trying to explain that I was writing about a kid and his mom who lived in a brothel LOL.

2. Credit goes to YikesIDontKnowWhatImDoing (AO3) for Levi saying "fuck off" to the catcaller

3. In regards to the part where Kenny awakens his instincts to protect Kuchel, I want to point out that Levi at some point in the canon story says that Kenny had a power awaken within him at some point, and I also read somewhere that Kenny unlocked that power when in the Underground City (since that's where he lived for a long time before ever going above ground). I just want to clarify that because a lot of people are confused about how the Ackerman powers work after the ending of the manga (particularly the last few chapters). I don't want people coming for me hahaha