BENEATH (Levi: An Underground Story)

Bonus Chapter: Unalone From Now On (Levi's Birthday)

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This was supposedly Chapter 10 and I was supposed to launch the official cover in line with this chapter but I kept putting it off because Christmas wasn't really mentioned in the world of Attack On Titan.

HOWEVER, IT'S OUR LITTLE BOY'S BIRTHDAY (he grew up to be a hot man though)!

I figured it'd be cute. I have been trying to upload it since Christmas just in time for his actual birthday but my internet has been doing me dirty. Anyway, here it is now!

Enjoy and happy holidays guys!

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Claire hummed in her mind as she skipped down the now familiar path towards Levi's secret place. Tugging the layers of her clothes closer to her body, shivering but vibrating with joy nonetheless.

She woke up that morning with an indescribable bounce to her every step like she did when the first traces of snow fell. There was a joyful buzz in the otherwise cold December breeze deep in the depths of the place.

Winter in the Underground was unlike in the Surface. Snow didn't cover every part but she was sure Levi's hideout had layers of it thanks to the opening from above.

However, the dirty cobblestone of the Underground floor was slick with ice that didn't even faze her joyful steps. She had already slipped a few times, the homeless friends she passed had rushed to get her up cautioning her to be more careful but she only brushed it off and giggled as she thanked them.

Claire could already hear what Levi would say when he sees her. "You look like shit, brat." She couldn't help but shake her head. He can be brutally frank but it just makes her laugh which in turn exasperates him.

Levi hadn't come today and given she hadn't been to the hideout for three days now she figured it would be good to visit. Besides where else could she try finding him? It's not like she knew where he actually lived.

It was past 7pm and if she were up on the Surface she wouldn't have been allowed to go. But it was always dark in the Underground and they have been living here for months now.

Marius and Agnes were a little more at ease now, a little more confident that she can come and go safely now for if she were ever to get lost, she had made a lot of friends that could help her out or Levi would accompany back her again, like always.

She has adjusted quite good and it was incredibly fortunate she met good people along the way. Levi was also such a big factor in her adaptation which honestly surprised them.

It was wonderful how their little girl was able to find kind people in such a place.

Claire patted the bag she had slung on her shoulders, inside her mother had stashed two small loaves of bread Alec had baked for dinner. She wrapped them in cloth to preserve the heat. There was also an orange and an apple.

Even when she slipped she held the bag up as if the world depended on it.

"Make sure to tell him to come tomorrow, alright, sweetie? "

Agnes was worried Levi might not have eaten. She made sure the child ate well every day he came, tagging along Claire as she did her duties at the hospital. Honestly it was more like he was watching over her. Hovering, eyes watching her like a hawk. Shadowing her every movement.

At first it bothered her as a mother but she saw he only had the purest intentions, even if he would never admit it out loud: Levi was very protective of Claire. For reasons she could never fathom yet.