The first thing Aubrey noticed when she woke was the darkness. The only light was a dull glow from the dying embers of the fire.

Her eyes slid over to the window, seeing that not a single sliver of sun was shining through. She'd slept the day away.

Aubrey scrambled to sit up. She was still drowsy but she was already feeling panicked about having left Levi alone for so long. How could she have been so careless?

"Oi."

Aubrey's eyes flew to the sound, finding Levi next to her.

"What's wrong?" His voice was filled with concern and Aubrey could just barely make out the way his brows were lowered over his eyes.

She flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and placing kisses all over his face.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to sleep for so long! Why didn't you wake me?!"

"Tch."

Levi pushed her back gently, stopping the frenzy of kisses. He was annoyed by her inability to just enjoy her rest but most of him felt relieved. When she'd woken so violently he'd been worried that perhaps a nightmare had slipped through. For all he knew, she could have been suffering for hours and failing to show any physical signs. Thankfully, that didn't seem to be the case.

"Don't be an idiot. I didn't wake you because there was no reason to."

Aubrey stared at him wide eyed. She searched his features for any kind of distress, hoping that her absence hadn't left him alone and in pain.

She looked and looked but she couldn't find anything but his usual neutrality… and maybe a bit of annoyance.

When she felt confident that he wasn't spiraling, she moved back toward him, crawling into his lap and wrapping her legs around him. She sighed.

"You're sure you're alright?"

Aubrey pressed her forehead to his.

Levi rolled his eyes but still nodded and wrapped his arms around her back. The biggest problem he'd had was missing her while she was out. Every time his thoughts had started to wander into dangerous territory, he'd just focused on her face, memorizing every line and angle. It had worked. Or at least it had worked enough for him to stay calm.

Aubrey sighed. She was still worried but she had to admit that she was grateful for the rest. She felt rejuvenated. Maybe now she would have the energy to face her next task.

"We have to go see Erwin."

Levi pulled away from her enough to see her eyes.

"I thought we already solved that problem."

She nodded.

"We did. But, unfortunately, you don't just appear on the Special Operations Squad. You have to be placed there. By him. And…" Aubrey took a deep breath. "I think it's time I hear him out."

Aubrey winced when she mentioned the topic of their former argument. They hadn't necessarily resolved the issue, just lessened its ability to fester.

To her surprise, Levi just leaned back into her and hummed his approval.

After a moment of slight shock, she moved further into him, her chin resting on his shoulder as she spoke.

"I think we should go now."

"Now?"

Aubrey nodded. If her estimate of the time was correct, Erwin was probably in his office doing his nightly paperwork. And if they hurried, they might be able to make it to the Mess Hall for dinner. She wouldn't force Levi to go but she would feel much better if she could get a proper meal in him.

"Do you want to get dinner first?"

"In the Hall?"

"Mhm."

There was a pause as Levi considered. After being alone in a room with Aubrey for so long, the Mess Hall just seemed so… crowded. But other than that, he couldn't really think of a reason to object.

"Fine."

Aubrey placed a quick kiss on his neck before she pulled away, moving out of his lap and off the bed.

By now she felt fairly awake and alert but a light haze of sleep still hung over her. It took her a moment to remember where she'd ultimately left the stachel. Eventually, it came to her and she recalled taking it to the bath before their fight.

She went into the bathroom, finding it lying on the floor in the corner. She rummaged around in it, eventually finding the extra pair of pants she's packed. She certainly couldn't wear the ones she had on now. With the button torn off, they could hardly be expected to actually function as pants. She removed the old pair from her legs and had the new ones on in seconds.

When she returned to the main room she saw that Levi was finishing the laces on his boots. He'd already found hers and had them neatly waiting for her beside him. Aubrey couldn't help but smile at his thoughtfulness.

She sunk onto the bed next to him, pulling on her shoes just as Levi finished with his. Without saying a word he kneeled at her feet, working on the laces for her.

Aubrey paused for a moment, her heart swelling with affection. How could he be so… perfect?

She watched him as he worked. His fingers were swift and steady and he had her laces finished far faster than she would have.

When he stood Aubrey looked up at him, unable to fathom how she'd gotten so lucky. She got to see a side of him that she was sure very few even knew existed.

Her arms reached up at him but weren't quite long enough to wrap around his neck. It didn't matter, though. Levi got the message.

He leaned down, putting his lips on hers as her fingers combed through his hair. The kiss didn't last long but it left him breathless anyway. Something about it had been so… soft.

When he felt strong enough, he stepped away, extending his hand as he helped Aubrey to her feet.

As soon as she was up, he loosened his grip but Aubrey laced their fingers together.

"Hold my hand?" Aubrey did her best to make the question a true question. She knew he wasn't a fan of public affection and if he didn't want to, she wouldn't be offended.

Levi glanced down at their hands. Her fingers fit perfectly with his own and he had to admit that having her constant touch was comforting. The thought of unlocking their fingers was far more painful than the idea of people seeing. If somebody wanted to mention it, a kick to the groin would probably shut them up.

Levi squeezed gently and lifted the back of her hand to his lips. A silent 'yes'.

Aubrey smiled at him. She knew their walk would be easier if she could keep her hand in his.

With that, Levi pulled her toward the door.

Once she was in the hall, Aubrey took a deep breath. The air was slightly colder outside of their room and it filled her lungs, waking her up even further.

As soon as she heard Levi shut the door behind them, she moved forward.

Her hand continued to grip his as she led them through the corridors of the castle. They wouldn't have to go outside and it would only take them a few minutes to get to their destination. The Mess Hall was just downstairs. Aubrey sighed… The perks of Special Ops.

Neither of them spoke the whole way. It wasn't until the sounds of the Mess Hall filled the air that Aubrey glanced at Levi. He was already staring at her.

Her eyes scanned the hall, looking for signs of anyone approaching. She heard no footsteps and saw no shadows and so she stepped toward Levi, placing a comforting kiss on his jaw. His eyes closed at the touch but opened again as soon as she backed away. Aubrey shot him a small smile before tugging on his hand and moving them along.

As they rounded the corner into the Mess Hall, Aubrey's eyes instantly searched for Erwin. His table was empty and she exhaled in relief. She wasn't ready to face him yet. Especially not in such a public setting.

A few pointed whispers hit Aubrey's ears as she pulled Levi into the room. Word of what had happened to Squad Flagon had no doubt spread throughout the regiment by now. Plus, her and Levi's display on the field before the expedition probably wasn't helping matters. She was sure they were the talk of the town.

Aubrey squeezed Levi's hand as they walked to the back of the room and approached the food tables. It looked like the usual. Potatoes, green beans, some kind of soup. Whatever it was, it was better than the bits of dried meat and bread that she had in their room.

They had almost made it to the food when Aubrey's eyes locked with a familiar gaze.

Hange.

She was sitting with her squad, though she seemed to be the outcast. No surprise there.

Aubrey nodded but Hange's expression didn't change. She was staring with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Aubrey looked away. She'd be talking to her friend later. After all, she had a promise to keep.

Finally, Aubrey reached the back tables and she unlocked her fingers from Levi's. She'd need both hands to fill a tray.

She peeked at his expression as she loaded whatever food was in front of her onto her plate. He was as neutral as ever but Aubrey could only hope that he was as calm on the inside as he appeared on the outside.

Her hand soon found his again and her eyes scanned for a place to sit.

The first thing she noticed was the empty table where Isabel and Furlan had always been waiting for them. Aubrey nearly choked but held it back for Levi's sake.

She forced her eyes to move on. She looked until she found a spot in the corner. The table was empty and there weren't any large groups near it.

The second she found the seats she was guiding Levi across the room, trying to ignore the stares she could feel hitting her from all angles. The staring was annoying, but nothing more than that. She hoped Levi felt the same.

As soon as they reached the table, Aubrey turned to her tray. She suddenly realized that she was starving. The ration bar at dawn hadn't held up very well. It wasn't long before she was inhaling her food but a squeeze of her thigh from Levi reminded her to slow down.

The two of them ate silently. There wasn't really much to say. Levi's hand on her thigh was warm and comforting and it helped her to prepare for what was to come. A confrontation with Erwin, a possible argument, maybe even tears. She'd have to be ready for the turmoil she would likely face.

Finally, Aubrey finished eating, looking over to see that Levi was done, too. She was happy to see that he'd eaten everything on his tray without her having to coax him. It seemed like a good sign.

Without saying anything, Aubrey rose from her seat and when Levi stood up next to her, she locked his fingers with hers once again. She would need him as she walked.

They made their way to the back to discard their plates and then headed for the exit.

But Aubrey halted when she remembered something crucial. A promise she had to keep.

Aubrey dragged Levi over to Hange's table. Her friend didn't even see her coming and she jumped when Aubrey leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"Come to Erwin's office in thirty minutes."

Aubrey didn't stay to see her reaction.

She turned on her heel, heading for the exit with Levi trailing behind her.

As soon as they were in the hall, he gave her a puzzled look.

"What was that?"

Aubrey almost didn't hear him. She'd already been returning to her thoughts about the future.

"Oh, um… I made a promise to Hange a long time ago. I'm following through with it."

Levi raised a brow.

"And that means having her come to Erwin's office in thirty minutes?"

For a second, Aubrey was surprised that he'd been able to hear her whisper but then wondered why she'd assumed he hadn't. He practically had super senses.

She chuckled and nodded. She wasn't going to elaborate any further. He'd find out soon enough.

The two of them walked back through the corridors of the castle but this time Aubrey took her usual path to Erwin's office. It was almost time.

Their heels clicked against the floors and Aubrey's breaths grew longer and heavier the closer they got. She was trying to keep herself calm. It was only halfway working.

Finally, Erwin's office door came into view and Aubrey felt her chest tighten. Levi sensed her discomfort, gripping her hand more tightly as they finally came to a stop.

Aubrey took a deep breath. She could do this. She had to do this. There was no other way. She was going to go in there, sit down, and talk to him. If she got angry, so be it. If she broke something, so be it. If she cried, so be it. But, no matter what, she was going to leave this office with the wounds ready to heal. She was going to leave nothing undiscussed.

She ran the plan through her head too many times to count, her eyes closed as she focused. After what could have been seconds or minutes, she turned to look at Levi.

She stepped closer to him, raising her free hand to his cheek.

"I love you." No matter what happened inside that office, she wanted him to remember that.

His lips found hers and they shared a brief moment before Aubrey broke away. Without pausing, she knocked on Erwin's door. There was no backing out now.

Almost immediately, she heard the words that made her heart skip a beat.

"Come in."

Aubrey forced her hand to reach for the doorknob and without thinking she turned it and shoved, walking into the room she'd visited so many times.

Levi's hand was still clutched tightly in hers and he followed her in, halting at her side. He watched as Erwin's eyes shifted from Aubrey to him and back again. He looked a little surprised, but not shocked, to see them.

Aubrey turned around, shutting and locking the door behind her. She didn't want any interruptions.

She turned back to Erwin, staring him down as she felt the familiar heat of anger in her chest.

Immediately, she let go of Levi's hand, barely glancing at him when she spoke.

"Sit."

For a second he stood there, debating whether or not he should actually leave her side. He could tell that she was already getting upset and wasn't sure that moving away was the wisest choice.

But, another hard look from her was all it took to make him realize that he should follow her instruction. This was her battle.

Levi moved slowly to the couch, sitting but staying on the edge of his seat. He wanted to be ready just in case she needed him.

When she saw that he was settled, Aubrey turned her attention back to Erwin. The two of them stared at each other, wordless communication flashing in their eyes.

Eventually, their contest ended when Aubrey worked up the strength to speak.

"We're going to talk."

Erwin leaned back in his chair, his eyes glowing.

"Very well. What about?"

Aubrey had to hold in a snarl. Why was he always so civil?

"I think you know."

Erwin sighed.

"Yes, but you'll have to be a bit more specific."

Aubrey pushed her fingernails into her palms.

"Levi told me about his job. About the documents, about his plans to kill you." She paused and Erwin waited, his hands locking together. "You knew about it? All of it?"

Everything was quiet. Aubrey could feel herself beginning to shake. The confusion, the anger, the hurt, it was all too much.
Levi watched her carefully, ready to be at her side in an instant.

Finally, Erwin answered.

"Yes. I knew."

Aubrey snapped.

She moved forward, her hands slamming down on his desk. Papers flew into the air and the wood creaked under the force of the blow.

Before a single sheet of paperwork had even hit the ground, Levi was behind her, an arm wrapped around her waist. He'd drag her away if he had to.

"You knew and you still let them go? Why? Why?"

Erwin's eyes flashed to where Levi was holding her steady. He hadn't been expecting such a display of closeness between the two of them. For just a second, it threw him off.

"Why, Erwin?"

Aubrey's choked voice brought him back to the discussion. He could see the tears in her eyes and an intense pang of guilt went through him. He'd caused her so much pain. He hoped it would be worth it in the end.

"It was their choice."

Aubrey's entire body went rigid. Levi tightened his grip and braced himself. He could sense another wave of anger coming on.

But when Aubrey finally spoke it was just above a whisper.

"Their choice?"

Erwin took a deep breath. He might not be showing it but this conversation was exceedingly difficult for him. He'd made the sacrifices he'd thought were necessary. This time, it happened to include human lives. That was something he would live with for the rest of his life. From what he could tell, he'd successfully gotten Levi to join them... but it had come at a price. Perhaps it was a price too steep for Aubrey to ever forgive him.

"Yes, Aubrey, their choice. And I had no right to take it from them."

Aubrey froze for the second time. She'd heard those words before, but in her own mind. Every time she'd thought about forcing someone to stay behind the walls, they'd run through her mind. Jack, Tika, Furlan, Isabel, Levi… she'd wanted all of them to stay in, to stay safe. And yet, she knew what it was to have choice taken away from her. She could never do that to someone else, no matter how dire the consequences.

But it still didn't seem good enough. Everything had gone so horribly wrong. Levi may have made peace with Erwin, but Aubrey had yet to forgive him.

"They didn't have to die, Erwin." Aubrey's voice was eerily calm.

Erwin stood, his hands pressing onto the desk as he leaned toward her. Levi held her even tighter. If she stretched far enough, she'd be able to reach Erwin. He didn't want her to do any damage she would regret.

"I know. You might think me a monster right now, but know that I did not want them to die. I… I'm sorry. Their deaths will not be in vain." Aubrey didn't see but Erwin glanced at Levi as he apologized. It was meant for both of them.

Aubrey felt the tears in her eyes begin to spill over. Soon, her cheeks were soaked and she was sobbing. Her hand reached out and she had almost touched Erwin's collar when Levi pulled her back a step. She just kept reaching.

"It's alright, Levi. Let her go."

Levi's eyes flashed to Erwin's. It was the first time they'd directly spoken to each other since the expedition.

Levi still hesitated. Aubrey was shaking in his arms and he had half a mind to simply pick her up and carry her out of the room. But by the way she was still leaning toward Erwin, he knew that wasn't what she wanted. He would just have to trust her.

Slowly, Levi loosened his grip on her waist. He went little by little, making sure that she could stand on her own. Then, finally, when he was sure he could let her go, his arm slipped away.

Aubrey didn't waste any time. She crawled onto the desk, grabbing Erwin's shirt and pushing her face into his shoulder.

She sat there sobbing and pounding her hands against his chest until his arms finally wrapped around her.

He'd held her like this before, after the most traumatic time in her life. He'd embraced her just the same way on the day that she'd lost everything. She'd forgiven him back then and she knew that she'd forgive him again. She'd never doubted that. She'd just needed some kind of… answer.

Maybe it wasn't the best answer but she thought that… maybe she could live with it. She still believed what Erwin had told her as she'd sat in the company of her dead friends. Their losses were painful, horrible, and yet they would only make her stronger. Maybe she'd be able to use that strength to make sure their deaths weren't pointless.

And then, as much as she hated to admit it, the choices that Levi had made had led him to her. If he hadn't chosen to take that job, chosen to follow through with it, she never would have known him. She would have gone on with her life, never knowing how big of a piece she was missing.

Aubrey felt herself growing weaker every second. Even her tears had started to dry because she simply didn't have the energy to shed them.

Her arms moved around Erwin's neck and he pulled her closer, picking her up off the desk. Slowly, he carried her to the couch, setting her down gently and kneeling before her. He glanced up at her and saw the bleak expression on her face. He sighed. Seeing her so exhausted, pained, and hurt made the ache in his chest flare even hotter.

Finally, he stood and he looked to Levi. He'd done all he could, now she needed someone else.

Erwin turned and headed for the door but halted when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked down, seeing that Aubrey was gripping him weakly, silent tears still streaming down her face. He shifted back to her, kneeling once again. She had something to tell him.

Ever so slowly, her hands found his face. She stared into his eyes. Those eyes had comforted her, consoled her, helped her through countless trials. Only now did she notice the dark circles beneath them that served as evidence of his exhaustion. When she looked closer, it was easy to see the sadness on his features. A pain struck her chest. No matter who she lost, what he did, she would always care for him. He would always be her rock.

"Erwin." Aubrey's voice was hoarse and barely above a whisper. The sobbing had gotten to her.

He gazed back at her, listening closely.

"Stay alive."

Erwin closed his eyes, remembering that she'd said the same thing to him on the field before the expedition. She was trying to tell him she still needed him or maybe she was saying that she couldn't handle another loss. Either way, he would do his best to make her wish come true.

He nodded.

Aubrey's hands fell from his face and he stood again, walking out the door. He knew Aubrey would need some time to recover before she could discuss anything else and, from the way Levi was looking at her, he expected he should leave them alone for a minute.

Levi hesitated when Erwin left. He didn't know where to go, what to do. But he had to do something.

He started by taking Erwin's spot at her feet. When he saw the hurt expression on her features, he nearly flinched. She looked so… lost.

He was surprised when her hand reached for his cheek and she lowered her head to his, pressing their foreheads together. She was still shaking and Levi could feel it in her touch.

In an instant, he'd risen from his spot on the ground and was seated beside her on the couch. His arm slid around her back and he tugged lightly on her waist: an invitation.

Aubrey turned to him, thankful for his presence and the comfort he offered her. She crawled closer, seating herself in his lap and burying herself in his shirt.

She was still horrified, still trembling, but every moment that passed calmed her further. She had to get it together, had to regain her composure. She still had plenty of talking to do.

Aubrey focused on her breaths, trying to match them to Levi's. At first, it seemed impossible. She was still so rattled and grief and sadness were still running rampantly through her. But the more she concentrated, the more she forced herself to breathe, the easier it became.

Eventually, she started to calm down and she pulled away from Levi's chest. She looked up at him and his hand came to her face, wiping away the still drying tears. She exhaled sharply and ran her fingers through her hair, smoothing it down. She felt steady, but she was afraid to leave Levi's lap. Right now, he was the one grounding her.

His hand moved to her neck and Aubrey leaned into his touch. It was the last bit of encouragement she needed to move away, out of his lap, and onto her own piece of couch. His hand found hers immediately, never allowing a second to pass where they weren't touching in some way.

Aubrey put her elbow on her knee and put her head in her hand. She just needed a few more minutes. Then she'd be able to continue.

Unfortunately, though, she wouldn't get those extra minutes. Erwin returned with a tray of tea in his hands, setting it down on the table and locking the door once again.

Aubrey felt Levi's hand tighten around her fingers and she squeezed back, even if it was a little weak. She'd just have to push through and start talking now.

Aubrey watched as Erwin poured a cup of tea, adding milk and sugar before and moving toward her. He placed the cup in her free hand and then returned to the table.

Aubrey stared at him. She didn't think she'd actually be drinking anything but his gesture was kind. He was still the sweet and thoughtful person she knew him to be.

"Levi?"

Erwin raised an eyebrow, asking if he wanted a cup. The tension in the air was palpable.

"I can get it myself." Levi's voice was completely monotone.

Erwin nodded, instead pouring some tea for himself. As soon as he finished he returned to his desk, sitting down and leaning back in his chair.

"I assume we have more to discuss?"

Aubrey met his eyes and saw the steadiness there. He was always so calm. She hoped she could be, too.

She took a deep breath, surprised when her lungs didn't shudder. Maybe she was actually going to make it through without breaking again.

"Yes. I have some requests."

Erwin examined her quietly. She seemed to have recovered somewhat but he could see she was still drained.

"Go on."

Aubrey inhaled.

"I want Levi on Special Ops, starting tomorrow."

Erwin barely paused.

"Done."

Aubrey's eyes widened. She hadn't been expecting that to be so… easy. But she'd take what she could get.

She moved on quickly, hoping that he'd agree just as quickly to her next demand.

"We'll be taking a room in the castle, too."

This time, Erwin halted. He wanted to make sure he'd heard right.

"We?"

Aubrey swallowed and nodded.

"Yes, we only need one."

Erwin's eyes narrowed and he glanced at Levi and Aubrey's intertwined hands. They were closer than he'd been expecting. He'd known Aubrey had feelings for Levi but he hadn't known how strong they were until now. And it seemed that Levi returned them.

He thought things over. Her request wasn't undoable or unreasonable in any way but he still hesitated. Allowing them to take a room together would put Aubrey in a position to be hurt even harder should things go wrong and... he didn't want to cause her any more pain.

But, he trusted Aubrey. Her judgement had always been good and she seemed to have placed her faith in Levi. For that reason, he wouldn't stand in their way.

"Very well. You may choose any room you'd like. Let me know when you've decided."

Aubrey let out a breath. His delayed response had made her nervous and for a moment she'd thought he might actually say no. But he hadn't. That was all that mattered.

Aubrey squeezed Levi's hand and he returned the gesture. They'd get what they wanted.

"I just have one last thing."

Levi peered over at her. He hadn't been expecting her to say anything more. She'd already addressed the two issues they'd discussed.

"I'd like to request a records change."

Both Erwin and Levi furrowed their brows.

"A records change?" Erwin couldn't think of anything she'd need to alter in her written documents.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

Aubrey smiled. Hange was right on time.

"I'll get it." Aubrey rose from her seat before Erwin could say anything. Her legs were a little shaky but she'd be alright. She reluctantly released Levi's hand and headed across the room.

She swung the door open, revealing a slightly confused Hange. She still didn't know why Aubrey had called her here.

"Come in, Hange."

Hange peeked over Aubrey's shoulder, seeing both Erwin and Levi sitting deathly still. She could sense the tension even from outside the room.

"I'm not interrupting, am I?"

Aubrey shook her head.

"No, not at all. Come in."

Hange waited a few more seconds and hesitantly stepped inside.

Aubrey shut the door and turned to face her friend. She was no doubt feeling extraordinarily confused.

"Hange, do you remember the promise I made you?"

Suddenly, she understood. Aubrey was finally going to tell her the information she'd been waiting for.

Hange nodded, her expression shifting to curiosity.

Aubrey gave her a small smile.

"Good. I know I promised you'd be the second person to know but Erwin's here too, so you'll have to share with him."

Hange nodded again. She had no problem with sharing.

"Alright then. Take a seat."

Aubrey gestured toward the extra chair in the corner and Hange hurried to pull it to the center of the room. She was eager to hear Aubrey's explanation.

Aubrey sighed and returned to her own seat. Her hand found Levi's immediately, his touch now a necessity.

"Sorry, Erwin. I hope you don't mind." Aubrey hadn't exactly warned him that Hange would be joining them.

Erwin shook his head. He didn't really care who was in the room. He was itching to know what Aubrey was about to tell them.

"Not at all. Please, continue. You wanted a records change?"

Aubrey sucked in a breath. This was it.

"Yes. I'd like to request a name change."

A/N: Okay, so, I felt like this chapter was a little rough. It was hard to get the confrontation and reconciliation right. I figured that Erwin would probably have different answers for different people since maybe Aubrey's values are different. So, no mentions of regret, but a lot more mentions of choice lol.

Also, y'all really seem to be liking soft Levi! I totally see him as being super sweet with his s/o. I was worried that some people might not think it fit his character but I am CONVINCED he's a sweetie at heart. Plus, I think his relationship would eventually develop into a "my s/o can get away with anything but if somebody else tries it they'll die" kind of thing (Book 2 *hint, hint*).

Anyway, PLEASE LEAVE I COMMENT I AM A COMMENT PIG AND I LOVE THEM SO DON'T HESITATE TO SAY LITERALLY ANYTHING I WILL CRY. Thanks.