"Levi! It's them – survey corps!" Farlan announced the moment he spotted the wings of freedom crest on the soldiers' uniforms.

"You know what that means." Levi answered, focused in front of him.

"It's the job." It was Isabel this time.

Levi didn't bother to say anything else, they did plan this over and over, anyway. Still, hesitation is creeping up on him. Doing this job meant going to the surface. And going up there meant leaving the underground behind – which is good, except for the fact he'll be leaving you as well.

"Tsk, that idiot." Levi muttered before the three of them separated and began their plan.

"Teach me how to use those gears, please!" You begged Levi, even going as far as kneeling in front of him. He looked down at you, his face as cold and as unreadable as a slab of marble. Yet you didn't falter. You couldn't! This is probably your only way out.

"Come on, Levi! I think she'd make a great addition to the group!" Said Isabel, as she approached the two of you.

"She doesn't even know what they're called." Levi said, and he was right. You just looked at him, trying to plead with your eyes. Isabel did the same, and you hoped that maybe this will help. With a heavy sigh, Levi turned away. You were stunned. You have nowhere else to go now. You shudder at the thought that this might as well be your final day alive, but then mid-way away from you, Levi spoke; "you better know how to clean. If you're filthy, I'll kick you out." And he went on his way. Cleaning?

Months passed, and you're miraculously still alive! It's all thanks to your comrades, especially to Levi. They taught you how to use the 3dm gear, taught you how to fight and gave you food and shelter. It was all too good to be true. You have a new family.

"(Y/N)! Look! I got us apples!" Isabel announced the moment she opened the door. True to her words, she was holding four apples. Four glistening, red apples! You run immediately towards her.

"How? Gahh, it doesn't matter." And you grabbed one, wrapping your hand around it to feel it's smooth skin. Almost tempted to eat it right away.

"Isabel! You just ran off with those apples! Where are they? Don't keep them all to yourself!" It was Farlan, this time who entered. Face flushed and seemingly out of breath, he followed Isabel towards you.

" (Y/N) can make apple pies with these!" Isabel declared, and really, you don't have any say in the matter. Besides, that was probably the best way to enjoy these red beauties. You nodded and went about to start making the pie. You were a wonderful cook, and it almost a huge factor in why Levi allowed you to stay.

See, none of you ever thought that a person could ever suck at cleaning, yet here you are. Good thing you had cooking going on for you.

"Tsk, acting like kids. Oi (Y/N)! You're coming along on our next job." Levi said as he swaggered over to where you are. Now there are four of you in the kitchen, with both of Isabel's and Farlan's faces a little too close on the apples.

"Guys, I need arm space to cook." You pleaded, and though Farlan was sheepishly walking away, Isabel looked reluctant to leave.

"Go and clean yourselves up. Especially you Isabel. You won't be of help anyway." Levi said as he scooted closer to where you are.

"Alright." With both Farlan and Isabel gone, you and Levi fell into a rhythm. Levi really is handy with a knife, and years of cooking for himself improved his skills. The two of you silently proceeded cooking, with an occasional humming here and there.

Whilst Levi was busy peeling and dicing the apples, you busied yourself with making the crust. By then, you could hear the other two on the floor above you – meaning you have what little privacy you two could get.

"Was Isabel too hyper for you today?" You finally said, breaking the comfortable silence.

Without looking up from what he's doing, Levi answered, which of course began with a click of his tongue. "She ran the moment she saw the apples roll down. She didn't even check if it was safe."

"Hmmm. I would have done the same."

At that moment, Levi was thankful you had your back to him. Otherwise you would have seen the smile on his lips. He knows it would have been dangerous, but the thought of you running after food amuses him.

After he was done with the apples and set them aside, he stepped closer to you. Finally wrapping his arms around your waist, he pulled you closer. He regretted it almost the moment he did.

You tensed up, as you always do when he touches you. He let go, reluctantly. After all, he didn't want you to disappear again. He never asked you why, he was just relieved you ever came back.

A moment of silence passed, and neither of you moved.

With a deep breath, you finally found your voice. "Sorry." Levi just hummed in acknowledgement. That's all he could do after all.

Whenever he tries to show affection, you'll seize up. He doesn't really know why but the fact that you run away whenever emotions and affections between you becomes a little too real was clue enough. And as someone who has had difficulty in expressing his emotions, he understands.

"That job I was telling you," Levi started as he leaned on the counter, facing you, "it's for a citizenship above." Never in your life did you whipped your head so fast.

"What?"

"A noble ordered a hit. Reward is citizenship for the four of us. Catch is, we'll face Survey Corps soldiers."

"Oh." This was it. The moment that could change your lives. Why? Because hell is where you are. Not literally, of course. Rather, a life so horrible that hell itself would be a relief. The only positive aspect of your life was Levi. A chance to live amongst trees and sunlight would be a dream come true. But are you ready?

The scent of pie soon filled the house. You didn't have to call for Isabel and Farlan. Right after they cleaned up their plates, both dashed off to finish their errands, leaving you and Levi behind. He moved to the sink to wash up, and you stood behind looking at him.

Who would have thought this beautiful man would ever love you? Someone you could never deserve. You have nothing to give him yet he wants you, and you only.

Full of affection for the man, you almost ran towards him and hugged him. Levi leaned onto your touch. You rarely initiate contact, and honestly, he wants you so bad and needed this.

He turned, forgetting the dirty dishes behind, and leaned down to your face. Finally noticing the tears threatening to fall from your eyes. Alarmed, he cupped your face and asked in a worried tone so full of emotion – which only you will ever hear – "what is it?"

"Nothing… it's just… I can't believe it. I'm so lucky. With you." You smiled. You meant every word. You never thought anyone – let alone a great man – would ever love you. And Levi is a wonderful man – violent, may be. Still, his heart is in the right place.

He wiped your eyes, and he called your name in a way that made you shudder.

"(Y/N)." He kissed you deeply on the mouth and you melt into it. If heaven is real, this must be what it feels like, you thought. "You, of all people, more than deserve me. We could be happy. We are happy, right?"

You nodded.

In the morning, you were gone. Days passed and it was the day of the job and you were still a no show. They had to go without you.

Their target captured them – the plan went smoothly. They're now being hauled off above, and in that moment Levi had to accept the possibility of not seeing you again.

That idiot.