Hi there! Sorry for a few skipped weeks - i was wrestling with my personal writing, but I have got it to where it needs to be for the time being. So on with the show! Hope you enjoy!

LEVI POV

While glad to be back on active duty, Levi still had to steel himself as they approached the gaping mouth of the Underground. The same as any other entrance, but he couldn't help but liken it to stinking jaws. It had been quite some time since he fought a Titan. Now he once again had to fight his past. Last time he returned, with Robyn, it had been simpler. It had seemed detached from him somehow, a distance had been present in his mind. Just a visit. A momentary stepping into the pit he had crawled out of. But now, with White Cloak connections reaching into the damp earth like the stairs they descended, he couldn't shake the sensation. Like chains. Slithering round his ankles and wrists. And it wasn't the White Cloaks control, that had been more like strings on a puppet. No, the chains were what he had freed himself from with Isabel and Farlan. Those rusted links forged by years of being ignored by MPs, being cast aside by society above, but blinking in the light of the sunwells as his mother sat nearby and mended some tattered piece of clothing. Chains of the past. A past that he respected, and didn't wish to forget, but never wanted to repeat.

Not that going down there meant a repeat.

But as he stepped off the stairs and into the main street of the Underground City, he still couldn't shake that rusted sensation against his skin, like something was going to stop him ever leaving again. Like he'd never fly again. He had gear strapped on, in case they needed to enact evasive manoeuvres, but the flight within the Underground was nothing compared to up top. Sure, as a thug, knowing nothing else, he had felt like a god zipping around the streets, fucking up merchants and MPs days alike. But now? He knew it would just feel like fluttering about in a cage. Go ahead, fly as much as you like, but watch out for those big gleaming bars blocking your way.

He shook his head and led the way along the street, intending to make for his old neighbourhood again. It wasn't the same situation. He had no reason to fear. Not only were the MPs a lot less shit those days, but the government was led by Historia. And while he had not been sure of her initially, seeing her hard work with the orphanage had quelled any doubts. She cared. About her people and about their future. Power wasn't her goal, life was. She would not abandon anyone in that pit, and anyone that wished to stay, she would make life better. Not a hard bar to raise. But even with it only being a few weeks, Levi could see the improvements. Government food bags littered corners, being handed out by MPs, stores and medical units were set up all along the streets, freshly painted. And the MPs nodded, they smiled, they helped the people instead of controlled. Already, there was hope.

Robyn's hand brushed his and she gave a careful smile, her own gear on, ready to take action. But she had no doubt picked up on his nerves, his tension. She could read him so well those days. It had been a slow start for her that morning, she hadn't been at breakfast so he took some food to her room, assuming she had a case of nerves. He found her asleep still, tangled in her sheets, brow furrowed by dreams and a thin sheen of sweat on her brow. From the looks of the bed she had been tossing and turning all night, and the bruising under her eyes backed that up. She had woken groggily, confused to see him in her chambers no doubt. But it was an innocent enough context. He perched on the bed and let her enjoy her tea, comforting her that she had plenty time. The others were loading the supplies that she had organised the day before. She could eat, shower and dress in peace. A sigh of relief left her, and she enjoyed her breakfast, making no mention of whatever she had been dreaming of. He wondered if it was their captivity, or the stink of a smoking house that haunted her that night. It varied. But she clearly didn't wish to linger on it, eating quickly and kissing his cheek before going for her shower in the communal room down the corridor.

He waited in there, gathering her uniform and checking her gear. She still had the red ribbon from Keza draped over her mirror, and pinned to it a small bird broach. The one Petra had given her for her birthday. He touched it briefly and looked up, bidding the whole team a good morning before carrying on with his task. She came back moments later, hair being roughly dried in her towel, another wrapped round her. Scars still littered her legs and the skin peeking over her towel. They were fading day by day, but it still took his breath away to see how many new ones had been carved into place. Yet she kept insisting he had endured a worse time of it. He didn't think it was about who had it worse anymore. It was simply surviving together. So as she braided her damp hair to one side, partially dressed in her underwear and shirt that hung limp to the curve of her ass, he kissed the back of her neck. She had laughed, sighing softly as he moved along her throat, then gave gentle pecks to her shoulders, ear, anything he could reach. Simple. Loving. But still intimate. It wasn't what he wanted to do. No, he wanted to spin her round, push her up against the mirror and wrap those silken thighs around his middle, but it would have to wait. Between their waiting duty in the compound, and the fact he still couldn't trust himself, it all had to wait.

And then there was the unsaid thing behind Robyn's eyes.

She hid it well. Of course she did. But it was there, a shadow that entered her gaze whenever he drew near. It wasn't something that appeared on mission, or out and about during duties. Right now, traipsing through the Underground she was focused on the task at hand, keeping those hazel eyes keenly on the look out for their prey, or anyone who fancied making them prey. But in the quiet moments, the slow moments, the times snuck behind a corner where he could hold her close, that shadow crept into place. At first he had feared it was of him. That his actions under the White Cloaks had forever tarnished him in her eyes, as he feared it might have for Keza – not that he blamed her. But no. It wasn't that. It was something that seemed to creep into place, and slither along Robyn's tongue. Yet each time she bit it back. Like it was too sour to voice. She would tell him when she was ready, he trusted in that. But he hoped it was sooner rather than later. The more he opened up to her about his memories, the more he longed for her to meet him halfway. But first, he had to get her past that guilt. Of being saved. Of not having her mind fucked with. Things to be grateful for, not drenched in guilt.

He would give her space like she had given him. It might have simply been nerves about the mission. To be back in the Underground, searching for Kenny, perhaps interacting with the White Cloaks again. He was terrified. She was likely the same. But neither of them showed it. They had to be Squad Leaders; Ackerman, Jaeger, Kirtschtein, Braus and Springer in tow. Artlet had asked to come along as well, but they couldn't risk both he and Jaeger. It was unlikely the White Cloaks would manage to take anyone, between Jaeger being able to control his ability well now, and Ackerman there to be her protective guard-dog self, they had a strong team. Beyond that, the Braus girl had pinpoint instincts. He trusted the brats completely. Had someone asked him that a year ago, looking at them as recruits, he would have suggested they'd gone insane. Trust? Those greenhorn kids? But no, they had stepped into their roles as Scouts and become real soldiers.

They turned another corner and there was the house. There had been no time to send word ahead of his arrival, but it seemed like it wasn't necessary. It was empty. Not abandoned, but cleared out and vacant, a sign saying as much. The others made perimeter checks while he approached the front door.

Robyn put a hand on his arm. "I'll go ask the neighbours?"

"Good plan…" He ascended the steps and went inside, finding the spare key stowed away as usual.

Dust sheets covered the furniture, the whole place was spotless if a little stale. It had been a week at least, he guessed. Upstairs the same, and all cupboards stripped bare. Nothing remained. A chill ran along his spine; had they left of their own choice, or had Kenny come calling? Was he punishing anyone for associating with Levi? Did Levi have that family's blood on his hands?

The back door snapped closed and Robyn shrugged off her cloak, smiling softly. "They're fine."

"Did they choose to go?" He held the back of one of the kitchen chairs.

"Yeah, they signed onto the Queen's volunteer programme and are likely on their way to live somewhere near the orphanage. We'll probably see them there next time we visit." She went over to him and put a hand to his cheek. "Breathe. Kenny didn't get to them, they're happy and on their way to new lives. Up top."

He breathed out, leaning into her hold. "I thought…"

"Kenny is nowhere near this. He might be snooping about now that we've arrived, but he had no hand in this. The place is vacant for the time being, so we can use it while we're here. You have good neighbours, Levi. Or rather, you were damned good to them and they're now repaying that kindness."

He sat in the chair and undid his cloak. Things really were changing in the Underground; families moving up top freely, houses being vacant rather than abandoned and bloodstained, actual paths to freedom were opening. He laughed breathlessly. Farlan never would have believed it, he'd have been theorising how the government were actually going to screw the family over, or somehow drag them back down there. Isabel would have whooped, cheered and likely suggested she had 'known it all along'. Neither of them would have looked at the City without their jaws hitting the floor though. It still had its problems, but that sense had left the air. Everyone for themselves. Now, it felt like a community. Helping hands. It was madness.

Robyn knelt in front of him and eased the cape off, putting her hands on his gently. "Maybe someone else can make this a home after all this? A new family can create memories in these walls."

"How's it…" The words escaped him and he laughed breathlessly. "It took so fucking little time to let the people down here be human. To stop them being rats, bickering amongst themselves."

She squeezed his hands. "I know, I'm so sorry, Levi. You and everyone else down here was failed completely by those in power. But maybe this breaking of the cycle can end all that. Hopefully for good."

"That would be nice, wouldn't it?" He smirked and leaned down to peck her lips, the simple intimacy once again filling his heart with warmth. He hadn't considered it, but there was a sense of healing settling into his bones, being back within those walls. Back when he really considered the fact he was in love. When his heart, battered by life, bruised by loss, torn by the endless uncertainty, had finally been able to open up and accept the hope of love. He tucked Robyn's hair back and smiled softly. "I love you, Robyn. You know that still, don't you?"

She narrowed her eyes and tilted her head, looking at him like the prize fool he felt. Then that smile fell into place. "Of course I know that, you fool of a man. Y'know I love you too, right? We're going to figure all this out. This mess with the White Cloaks, with Kenny and…. And ourselves."

He let his hand fall away. "Together, right?"

"Right, and I'm going to get better about that."

"Robyn I didn't mean you–"

"I know you didn't, really." She smiled still but her eyes were shining. "But I do mean it. You need space to heal, but so do I, and by not leaning on you that little bit I'm discrediting you. And I'm sorry. I-I am, I–"

"Hey, you don't need to know the answers, Robyn. We're both figuring this out, right?"

"Right."

The others came back inside, Robyn having stood up and stepped away as the steps approached the doors. It wasn't that they had to hide their relationship anymore, but it made sense not to be too flaunting with it. Especially with Jaeger still being uptight about things.

Levi stood, getting the mask back into place. Though it was strange – part of him knew it wasn't 'required' with those cadets. They respected him as a Captain but also knew how human he could be as well – still, they were on a mission and those lines couldn't be allowed to get too blurred.

He nodded to them as they closed the door behind, the perimeter checked and cleared as secure. "Alright, brats, go claim a room. It'll have to be some sharing, but there's several beds upstairs. Just don't go into the room to the left of the top of the stairs, that's mine."

Mikasa was last to go up the stairs, turning back, about to ask Robyn a question when her eyes landed on Levi and she closed her mouth.

He raised a brow. "Question, Ackerman?"

"Will uh… I assume Robyn will be sharing with you, sir? Or is that still not allowed?"

"We'll figure that out, no one will be without a bed. Go on."

They headed upstairs, their chattering carrying on with them, leaving him and Robyn alone downstairs again. It hadn't actually been discussed what their sleeping arrangements would be. He wasn't sure he trusted himself to sleep in the same bed as her yet. Not entirely for hurting her either. Being that close to her would make it almost impossible to keep his hands to himself. And he had a feeling the same applied to her. If the look in her eyes whenever they drew even slightly too close was any indication.

Robyn perched on the sofa. "So… We flipping a coin for who gets the bed?"

"I figured I could take the floor if need be."

"You're an old man, can't keep camping out on the ground." She chuckled and tilted her head. "But all right, if that's what'll make you comfortable. Think there's any blankets and stuff upstairs?"

He shrugged. "I can make do with my cape."

"Mm, fair. We should organise watches though. Don't want to be caught by surprise when Kenny comes sniffing about." She got up and went to the window, leaning on the sill, making his heart ache with nostalgia. "Did Kenny ever visit you here when you were with Isabel and Farlan?"

"No, I hadn't seen him for years when we found him working with Reiss. Since he walked away from me randomly down here, when I was still a kid, I hadn't had any word. I'd rather hoped he'd gone and done the world a favour by dying."

She smirked and shook her head. "The old bastards are never that kind."

"I'll give the first watch to Ackerman and Springer, we should get some rest." He headed up the stairs, her not moving from the window, eyes looking like she was far away in her thoughts already.

The watches were organised and Levi even managed to find an extra blanket to sleep on to shield him from the unforgiving floor. Robyn suggested they take different watches, to allow them to take turns in the bed, but it wasn't going to work. Levi knew he wouldn't sleep with her out of sight, and Robyn was eventually honest with herself that the same was true for him for her.

They took the final watch, both happy to have a longer day the next day instead, and it allowed them both the most sleep prior to that. But as ever, Levi found himself not able to fully commit to sleep. At least, his mind didn't wish to. He had got a few solid hours, he knew that from the resting of his bones and the fog clearing from his mind. A thankfully dreamless sleep. He listened to the soft sound of Robyn's breathing, a smile pulling on his lips and then a blush along his cheeks as he realised how much it affected him to simply hear her breathe.

"Levi?"

He went rigid, gripping the blankets so tight his knuckles cracked. She had barely whispered. Had he been asleep there was no way he would have heard her. But he reeled. His mind had conjured the uncertainty of her call so precisely in that damned dream. Her calling to him, an edge of want, the nerves of not being allowed, the fear of rejection. It rang in every soft note. Her blankets rustled as she likely turned over and a deep breath left her as she likely sought sleep again. And he relaxed, keeping his breathing even. His body hadn't moved on its own, he was still lying there, still in control, still him. And the thrill of that line being crossed, will unbroken, thrilled him. It sizzled in his veins.

He was still free.

And now his mind was definitely awake, and thinking, and wondering, and wanting. He bit his lip. Sleep would be the better idea. Rolling over and closing his eyes, simply dreaming of kissing her, seeking his imagination for tasting her porcelain skin again, caressing those curves, drinking those barely bitten back sounds.

"Robyn?"

He couldn't help himself. But in the most natural way possible, not dancing at the end of anyone's string but his want of her.

Her breath caught and the blankets moved again. "You're awake?"

"Just woke, you alright?"

"Yeah I'm fine."

"Why'd you call out?" He peered towards the bed, her blankets rustling again and then a soft 'thumpf' as she flopped back against her pillow. "Robyn?"

"You know why." She sighed, the guilt laced into her voice.

He sat up, just seeing over the foot of the bed. She held herself up on her elbows and met his gaze in the barely lit room. She was on the exact same page. Doing what she could to conceal it no doubt, but he could read it like words in a book. She wanted him. Or perhaps even needed him. They had to be careful though, that dream echoed in his mind, warning, but even so, he still felt entirely in control. And so he slowly stood, a small shift in her posture, a bite to her lip, and he swallowed hard. She moved the blanket. She laid back, but always her eyes were on him as he approached.

He glanced towards the door. They would hear distress. They would come running and do what was needed. But right now, in that room, rumbling above the soft breaths leaving them both, was what they needed.

He set a knee onto the mattress, her hands skimming the sheets and curling to fists as she tried not to fidget. It was adorable, watching her try not to show how much she wanted it. Wanted him. He reached and caressed along her cheek. She leaned into it.

He smiled. "We still have to be careful."

"Whatever you need." She nodded, small shiver running through her – it wasn't cold, so he figured it was simply anticipation coursing through her veins. Unless…

He stopped and pushed her hair back. "I don't want to if you're worried ab–"

"No," she sat up and shook her head, hair falling about her shoulders. "I'm not scared of you Levi, I'm just worried I'll do something, or push too hard or…" She sucked in a breath, looking to the side, clearly wrestling with how to say something. She then put her head against his shoulder. "I just want to feel close to you again."

"Likewise." He kissed the top of her head. As usual, she was preoccupied with looking after him. "How about I set the pace? And the second you want to stop, just say, alright?"

"Of course, I've always known that with you, Levi."

He hummed and waited until she looked at him properly, leaning in slowly to press his lips to hers, their shared sigh breathing fresh life into the flame. His hand cupped her cheek initially, the other slipping into her hair. She gripped his wrists, sliding her touch along his arms and then his chest. The kiss deepened. They breathed each other in and she laid back as he leaned, shifting so he was between her legs, still just kissing but savouring every small touch. He hummed against her tongue, one hand keeping himself slightly raised, the other skimming along her throat, her collarbones, her chest, her torso. He caressed along her ribs, her sides, her hips and then her thigh. Her body reacted to every touch, curling up towards him, arching into his hold. She wanted him still. He needed her always.

"Levi." She breathed, no demands, no question, simply basking in the fact they were close again, her kisses moving to his throat, along his shoulder, then back to his lips.

"Robyn." He returned it, tilting his head, delving his tongue into the warmth of her mouth, drinking the small sighs that quivered in her throat.

His touch hooked her leg up slightly, and she let it fall to the side a little, her hips already undulating against him. So open. So trusting. So familiar, beautiful, astonishing. He kissed down her throat, lingering for a moment where he had imagined bruises blooming, well aware he wouldn't risk going the whole way with her that night. He wouldn't dare. This was testing the waters. This was sheer indulgence, but not madness. Then he continued, kissing down her chest, peeling the nightshirt away to lavish her skin directly. Her fingers threaded into his hair, letting him move wherever he wanted. And he wanted everything. His tongue traced the curve of her chest, the valley between her breasts, the line along her strong stomach. And in turn, each new scar was kissed, tasted, loved. A new sign of survival. A new punishment she had endured, but made it through. Like always. His teeth grazed her chest, her nipples hardening against the touch, her voice kept to a breathy whine as he nipped each, before laving them and mouthing them hungrily. So warm. Soft. Tender. Her spine arched, eager for more, to be closer. Beneath him her heart was hammering, fingers quivering in his hair. His touch stroked along her thigh, tracing closer to where that welcoming heat beckoned him.

She keened and turned her head to bite at the pillow. He grinned against her skin, releasing one breast with a soft 'pop', before winking at her prying glazed eyes, and moving to the other side. Her eyes rolled back; the timing of another bite, another lick, another slowly growing suckle, perfectly paired with his touch curling inside.

"L-Levi… nngh…" she groaned lowly, bottom lip pale under her biting.

He added another finger and kneaded at that pearl of nerves with his thumb. Her lips surrendered to a breathless 'O', a blush rising up her neck, dusting her cheeks. She grinned. She panted, her hips rolled eagerly and her hands gripped his shoulders, till her nails bit his skin. Perfection. He stopped staring and returned to worshipping her chest, her hands skimming his shoulders, into his hair, along his back. Her walls fluttered against him and he hummed, increasing the pressure, reaching deeper, suckling harder. She shivered. She gasped. Her spine arched harder and her breaths cut into a thin, barely audible whine. Perfect. And then she fell, boneless, against the sheets, breathing hard and rolling her hips weakly as he coaxed her through the aftermath.

"You're so beautiful." He breathed, still stroking her but gently as her drunken eyes sought him out. He moved up, kissing along her shoulder again before she suddenly had her strength back and tugged him closer, kissing him hungrily. She curled against him, chest to chest, hips to hips, hands roaming all over his skin. She was everywhere. And it was wonderful. No red haze. No whispers. Nothing but being with her, feeling safe, wanted and loved.

She started kissing down his chest, encouraging him to lay back. He allowed it, moving with her touch, laying his head back on the pillow as her kisses descended his chest and then stomach. Her hands skimmed along his sides, kneading at his hips, nails scraping in that way that always made his breaths hitch.

"Is this okay?" She asked, kissing along the V line of his stomach, tongue dancing lower with every swipe. "Levi?"

He gave a breathless laugh. "Yeah, it's good. I'm good."

"Say so if you need me to stop, okay?" She kissed slower, lingering at his hip bone for a moment. "You're still in control."

"Th-Thanks."

"Of course." She settled between his legs. "I love you."

"I love you t… oh… fuck…" He breathed, one hand gripping the sheets, the other tangling in his own hair as that warmth surrounded his dick, and those silken lips stroked along his skin, that tongue dancing along the underside, kneading a perfect pressure that had him shuddering. And then she drew him in deeper, hollowing her cheeks, hands kneading his hip bones, turning him to limbless pulsing pleasure.

He just breathed, groaning softly, doing his best to keep in mind the thin walls. Sweat beaded his brow and his hips moved on instinct, following the pull of her mouth, the skill of her tongue, the tightness of her throat. She hummed. The vibrations made him gasp, his hips giving another small thrust, his hand abandoning his own hair to grip hers. He didn't want to be rough, but everything pointed to 'more'. And she let him set the pace. A little faster for a moment, then slower, deeper, stronger. And her instincts followed suit. Her hands skimmed his thighs, one skimming closer until he had to choke back a moan as she caressed whatever she could reach, tracing a nail along that sensitive skin just behind his balls. He panted. She sped up again. Humming. Stroking. Her silken hair falling, tickling his skin in the best way. Her tongue still doing that intoxicating dance. Nearly. Almost. He let go of her hair and laid back, focusing on that moment as it began to thread along his nerves, stroking his spine, fizzing in his belly.

"R-Robyn… fuck… You m-might want t–"

She took him as deep as she could, her nose bumping against his stomach, hurtling him over that edge. He put his hand to his mouth, balled in a fist, biting the knuckles to avoid the noise roaring out of him as his body sung for her.

It wasn't clear how long it had been, but when he found his senses coming back to him, she had cleaned up any mess to be found and was laying with her head against his chest, tracing along his stomach with her gentle touch.

He blinked and ran a hand through her hair. "Shit… That was…"

"Judging from the look in your eyes, good?" She grinned, sitting up a little and looking at him properly, her hair falling in a curtain of auburn and gold. "You back on the ground, yet?"

"Just about." He chuckled, encouraging her closer so he could kiss her tenderly. "As ever, you're astonishing."

"Mm, likewise." She kissed him lovingly and then sat up again, her spine giving those little 'pop' and crackle sounds it always did. She stretched, the curve of her spine, the perk of her chest, the swell of her hips, silhouetted in the growing lantern light beyond the flimsy curtain, beautiful. He traced along the line of her back and she shivered. "Now, now, we have our watch soon. And as much as I'd love to have you drive me back to jelly legs, we should probably wash up."

"Good idea." He scooped her up and headed to the communal shower room between the bedrooms. She objected for a moment, but clearly felt like indulging him, so soon settled into his hold. She sighed. She smiled.

It had been used already by the second watch when they had finished their turn, so the water wasn't too long in warming up. He held Robyn the whole time, her head nestled in the crook of his neck, lips pressing to his skin every so often in a gentle peck, or lingering kiss. Steam began to slip from behind the curtain and he stepped inside, letting her legs down slowly, holding her close still otherwise. She laid her hands against his chest, smiled up at him under the torrent, her eyes closed, and kissed him with as much desperation as she had when he first left the cells.

When she stepped back and scraped the water from her eyes, she grinned. "Thank you."

"For?"

"Coming back. Taking the chance." She started lathering the soap and washing him tenderly. "For trusting yourself."

"Mm, you're welcome. But I can't claim it was entirely selfless." He rumbled, taking the soap and washing her next. He leaned in close, feeling playful as he kissed under ear. "I've missed my favourite meal."

"Fuck."

"Mm? Is that you wanting me to have another serving?"

She swallowed hard and held him at arms length. "We have a watch to get to, mister. And there's not endless hot water."

He grinned and pulled her close, hand skimming to the curve of her ass. "Mm, but it will be some time before the last watch get up to shower… Plenty time for it to reheat."

She gulped and looked towards the curtain.

"And you didn't exactly say no…" He kissed her nose. "We have time, don't you think?"

"L-Like I can think right now…"

"Mm, good. So don't." He sank to his knees.

"Nngh… Levi…"

Cheers, cya