WARNING: SMUT. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

"Aubrey."

Erwin looked up from his desk as his door opened and both Levi and Aubrey stepped through. Their hands were locked and Levi held the tray of tea in his free arm. Aubrey still looked unnaturally happy.

"Hi, Erwin."

She turned and shut the door behind them as Levi set the tea down on the table.

As soon as Aubrey turned back around, she started on the tea. She poured a cup for Levi, handed it to him, and then poured two more for herself and Erwin, adding the milk and sugar.

She carried the cup to Erwin, setting it in front of him before scanning the stack of paperwork. She'd promised to help him.

Most of it looked like the usual. Formation plans, squad assignments, evaluations, a few letters from generals in the Garrison and the Military Police. There was a small pile that looked related to the recent expedition but Aubrey didn't dare to let her eyes linger on it. Instead, she looked at the one stack that seemed unfamiliar. She picked up the top sheet of paper.

"What's this?"

Erwin took a sip of his tea before answering.

"Ah, do you remember that fundraiser I told you about a few nights ago?"

At first, Aubrey remembered no such thing but then the memory came flooding back. Erwin had mentioned it in passing the night before the expedition.

Aubrey nodded.

"Yes, vaguely."

Erwin hummed.

"Well, it appears that there may be more in it than I originally thought. There'll be some very important people there. And I happen to know that some of them are eager to support the regiment; a Lord with a son who was a Scout in his younger years."

Aubrey raised her eyes.

"Hm. Do we know how eager they are to support the regiment?"

Erwin chuckled. She wanted to know just how much money the Lord was willing to give.

"From what I understand, very."

Aubrey smiled and dropped the piece of paper back into its pile.

"Good."

Erwin chuckled as she reached for a pile of the formation plans. She'd done those before. It would be easy.

She went around the desk, standing next to Erwin as she pulled open a drawer and took out a spare quill and some ink. She made her way back to the couch, plopping down beside Levi and pulling the table closer so that she could write.

She started writing and out of the corner of her eye she saw Levi reach for his teacup but she didn't pay much attention. She was already scribbling away.

She'd just barely managed to fill out the first box when she felt a hand on her thigh.

She looked over to see Levi staring at her.

"Oi…"

Aubrey's brows furrowed.

"What?"

Levi turned his eyes back to his teacup.

"You should make this more often."

Aubrey laughed and Erwin joined.

She leaned in and put a kiss on his cheek. He'd obviously been caught off-guard by her tea-making abilities.

"Sure thing."

She smiled as she turned back to her paperwork. She'd make him some tomorrow morning before they left for town.

Aubrey went back to writing as Levi took another sip of tea but there was a thought poking at her mind.

The mention of the fundraiser combined with the paperwork in front of her had made her think about the future of the regiment.

"Do you have your eyes on any of the recruits from the next Training Corps class?"

Erwin raised his eyes to look at her and grinned.

"There's a few, a boy named Eld that looks particularly good. But, honestly, I usually don't try to 'recruit' individuals."

Aubrey raised a brow.

"You tried to recruit me."

Erwin nodded.

"Yes, you were an exception. I had to try."
Aubrey snickered as she turned back to her paper.

"Well, I guess you got lucky, huh? You already had me."

Erwin laughed.

"Yes, that was certainly a piece of good luck."

"You were recruited?"

Aubrey turned to see Levi with a brow raised. His teacup was almost empty.

She smiled and nodded.

"Yes, I was first in my class."

Aubrey winked at him and he rolled his eyes.

She chuckled at his reaction and poured some more tea in his cup without him even having to ask.

"First by far I might add."

Erwin returned his attention to his paperwork as he spoke.

Aubrey laughed again.

"Well, they didn't know it but I'd had a lot more practice than them."

The air in the room shifted and everything suddenly seemed awkward and cold. The mention of her past had ruined the mood.

Aubrey didn't feel upset herself but she knew that the topic still bothered Erwin and every time her father was brought up Levi clenched his fists like he was going to punch something.

She sighed. They'd have to get over that. She'd told them so that it could start to be… less taboo.

But that could wait. For now, she'd just switch the subject.

Aubrey pulled a piece of paperwork from her pile and set it in front of Levi.

"Here, make yourself useful."

Levi glared at her.

"I don't know how to do that shit."

Aubrey glared back at him.

"Well that's why I'm going to teach you. Besides, if you're ever going to make your way up to captain you'll have to know."

Aubrey laughed at her own words. But, even if she was joking, she had to admit that he'd make a great captain one day. He was a natural leader.

Levi grunted.

"I don't want to be one of your shitty captains."

Aubrey took his hand and shoved the quill into his fingers.

"Too bad."

Levi glared at her again but he didn't object. Maybe he didn't mind the idea of being a captain as much as he let on. Or maybe he was just bored.

Aubrey started with her lesson immediately.

She gestured to the different boxes, explaining what numbers to match, copy, and verify. Most of the paperwork Erwin did was tedious and time-consuming. It wasn't hard, just necessary and annoying.

When she'd finished she looked to Levi, expecting him to object or say something snarky. But, to her surprise, he just grunted, took another sip of his tea, and followed her instruction.

Aubrey stared at him for a few more seconds, grinning, and then filled his cup again before returning to her own work.

They worked for what must have been the better part of an hour. Erwin asked how they were liking the Commander's Suite and Levi muttered something about it having too many bookshelves. Aubrey had just smacked him on the shoulder and told Erwin it was perfect.

They talked a bit more about their plans for going into town and Aubrey resolved to buy Erwin some more ink when she pulled the last pot from his desk.

Eventually, the stacks of paperwork diminished into nothing and it was time to go.

Aubrey stood, stretching her muscles before dropping the last piece of paper onto Erwin's 'complete' pile. They'd gotten through all of it.

"There, I think we managed to help a little."

Erwin laughed at her understatement.
"Yes, just a little."

Aubrey nodded, satisfied with their work.

"Well, I think we'll turn in for the night, then."

Aubrey started to turn back to Levi but Erwin stopped her.

"Oh, before you go, I have some paperwork for you."

Aubrey twisted back to him, her brows already furrowed.

"For me?"

Erwin nodded again but the smile had disappeared from his face. Aubrey felt a flicker of worry in her chest.

She watched as he opened the bottom drawer of his desk and delicately pulled out the paper he'd been referring to. Aubrey suddenly felt Levi by her side, his hand finding hers. He must have sensed the tension, too.

Erwin handed her his quill and she took it hesitantly as he turned the paper to face her.

Aubrey glanced down at it but Erwin started to explain before she could even begin to read.

"It's the finalization of your name change."

Aubrey's eyes flashed to his immediately and she squeezed Levi's hand.

Erwin continued.

"I know I told you it was done and that was true, all records of your name have been changed to (L/N). But I need you to sign this as proof of your signature. With your real name."

Aubrey felt Levi let go of her for just a second as he moved behind her. One of his hands pressed into her lower back and the other twined with her fingers again. She was grateful for his touch.

Erwin pointed to a blank line at the bottom of the paper.

"Whenever you're ready, sign here."

Aubrey squeezed Levi's hand and he pressed into her the tiniest bit more. This was the first time she would have to write her name, her real name, in years. It was surreal, strange, horrifying. But it was also exciting. She knew that there would be a peace in her mind as soon as she'd done it. It was the ultimate act of freedom from her old life. The life in which she hid who she was, hid from her father, hid from her feelings. That was over.

Aubrey raised her hand, the quill steadier than she would have thought. She dipped it into the ink and paused for just a second before bringing it to the paper.

She took a deep breath.

Aubrey (L/N)

Aubrey set the quill to the side slowly as she stared at her name. It was so familiar, yet somehow still so foreign. But most of all… it was freeing. She smiled.

Aubrey let out a breath and stepped back. Levi put a steadying hand on her waist but she knew she didn't need it. If anything, she felt empowered, legitimized.

Erwin reached for the paper and quickly tucked it back into his desk. It was done now. Really, truly done.

Erwin sighed and smiled up at Aubrey. He was surprised to see her smiling right back.

"That's all I've got for you. Well done, Aubrey."

Aubrey looked him in the eyes and had the sudden urge to hug him. She moved forward and around his desk before wrapping her arms around his neck.

Erwin froze for a second, he hadn't been expecting her embrace, but he soon pulled her close. Aubrey stayed there for a moment, grinning, and then placed a kiss on his cheek as she moved away.

"Thank you, Erwin."

He smiled softly.

"Of course."

Aubrey touched his cheek one last time before she moved back around the desk and took Levi's hand.

"Do you want me to take the tea?"

Erwin shook his head.

"No, I'll get it."

Aubrey nodded and headed for the door.

She put her hand on the knob and turned back for one last glance.

"Goodnight, Erwin."

"Goodnight, Aubrey. Sleep well."

Aubrey saw Levi and Erwin exchange nods and she couldn't help but smile. They were moving on.

She tugged on Levi's hand one last time and the door closed behind them.

As soon as the lock clicked, Aubrey pulled him close and kissed him. She was feeling invigorated, free, like a new person.

Levi tried to keep their kiss slow but he'd been suppressing the hunger in his gut all day. And now they were finally alone. But she'd just done something intense, something that had probably left her in pain or at least made her uncomfortable. He couldn't imagine what it must have felt like to sign a name she'd hidden for so long, that had caused her so much torment.

So he broke away.

"Aubrey-"

He could barely get her name out before her lips hit his again. He suppressed his surprise and pulled away again.

"Oi, are you alright?"

Aubrey stopped her kisses and instead dragged him into a hug, her arms wrapping around his neck.

She leaned in to whisper in his ear.

"I'm fine, Levi. If anything, I'm more than fine. Signing was… liberating."

He moved away to look at her, examining her expression. What she'd said was true. She looked… excited.

Levi arched an eyebrow, quickly catching on to her mood and speaking with a teasing tone.

"Really?"

Aubrey giggled and threw herself at him again. She made an effort to stay quiet; they were still right outside Erwin's office.

"Yes. Now you have me. No more symbolic 'Daremo' shit. Just me."

Levi gripped her jaw and pulled her lips closer.

"You know, your mouth is getting pretty filthy."

Aubrey rolled her eyes and smirked at him.

"Hmm, maybe I should spend some time with a better influence."

Levi tugged her even closer, his arm wrapping around her waist as he pressed her against him.

Aubrey saw a sly smile on his lips.

"I'm not sure I like that idea."

Aubrey giggled again. She couldn't believe he was playing along with her.

She stared up at him.

"Well, I think I might have an idea you will like."

Levi tilted his head to the side.

"And what would that be?"

Aubrey smirked at him.

"I think you should take me back home."

Levi gave her a crooked smile and brought his mouth even closer to hers. Their lips were practically brushing as he spoke.

"Mm, I think I do like that idea."

Levi lifted her off the ground and Aubrey struggled to keep her laugh quiet as he carried her away.

Levi twisted through the hallways but found the trip back to their room exceedingly difficult. Aubrey kept nipping at his jaw and leaving small bites down his neck. She was driving him just as crazy as ever.

Eventually, their door came into sight and Levi pushed it open with much more force than necessary.

Aubrey giggled again as he kicked it shut behind them and then set her down as he slid the lock into place.

Aubrey only had to wait a second before his arms wrapped around her from behind and she laughed when she heard him mutter an annoyed "finally" into her ear.

His lips instantly went to her neck as his hands slid over her shoulders and dropped her uniform jacket to the ground. She heard her 3DMG clatter to the ground next and then his fingers quickly went to the buckles of her straps, undoing them easily without even having to look.

When he'd done all he could from behind, his hands went to her hips and he twisted her to face him. His mouth went back to her skin and he continued to undo her buckles.

"Fucking gear."

Aubrey snickered at his eagerness but her hands went to his chest and she tugged at his jacket until he moved his arms away from her straps just long enough for her to remove it.

She unhooked his own gear and then started on his buckles as he was finishing up with hers.

Levi had her step out of her boots and then he slid the straps off the bottoms of her feet, tossing them aimlessly across the room.

He stood back up immediately, kicking off his shoes as Aubrey worked on the buckles near his hips. He joined her and then, after another minute, he was free of all his equipment.

Without a second of hesitation, Levi lifted Aubrey from the floor and eagerly tossed her onto the bed. She giggled again as the mattress bounced beneath but her laugh hardly lasted for more than a couple of seconds before Levi crawled over her and put his lips on hers.

Aubrey reached into his hair, grasping at him desperately. She may have been the one to do the teasing today, but that didn't mean it hadn't affected her, too.

She pulled him in closer, deeping their kiss as much as she could before Levi forced her tongue back and took control.

Aubrey squirmed as Levi pulled his hand down her side, feeling her body through her clothing. He moved slowly, savoring the feeling of every curve, twist, and bend. He could hardly believe she was real.

Levi felt her arch her back when he reached the seam of her shirt but he had no intention of removing it just yet. His hand slipped beneath the fabric and he ran his hand up her stomach and grabbed at her breast. She gasped and broke away from their kiss.

Levi didn't mind. He had plenty of places for his lips to attend to.

His mouth went down her neck, nipping and biting lightly, though he was careful not to leave any marks. They'd had enough trouble with that already. When he got all the way down to her shoulder he dragged his tongue along her collarbone until he finally hit her sensitive spot.

Aubrey yelped and gripped his hair even tighter as he started to nibble and bite at the mark he'd already left the night before. The sensation left her writhing around, desperate for more.

She slid her hands out of his hair and dragged them down his back, tugging on him until he had almost his full weight on her. He was still too far away. She wanted him closer.

Levi grunted when she pulled him down.

When she was satisfied with that, she slowly moved her hand around his torso, pressing her fingers into the hard muscles of his abdomen. She paused for just a second and then slid further down, pressing and moving her palm against the bulge in his pants.

Levi sucked in a sharp breath and then emitted a noise halfway between a groan and a growl. She was getting more confident with her actions each time they were together. She was making him go insane.

He couldn't take it.

He pulled out of Aubrey's grip and moved away in a flash. He only got to see her shocked expression for a second before he reached beneath her and flipped her onto her stomach.

Aubrey squealed as he practically manhandled her. He'd never been quite so assertive and she hadn't been expecting it.

Levi's hands went to her shirt, pushing the hem up to expose as much skin as possible while he crawled over her.

Aubrey squirmed when his lips hit her spine. She was sure he was going for the spot that he'd discovered that morning. She was right.

As soon as he got there, she started writhing around and a shudder went through her whole body. She wailed but Levi's knees stopped her hips from shifting too much and he'd moved his hands to the backs of her arms to hold her still.

Aubrey felt his tongue and teeth hit the spot over and over again and each time she whimpered as her body writhed around instinctively.

Levi stayed there until he'd managed to calm himself somewhat. If he was going to succeed with what he was planning, he'd have to keep himself under control. Especially when he had the habit of giving Aubrey whatever she asked for.

Finally, he gave one last scrape of his teeth and he felt Aubrey squirm beneath him.

He sat up, flipping Aubrey onto her back again before he kissed her.

Her lips moved weakly at first, still a bit shocked by the sudden change but she quickly recovered. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she pulled him closer. But when she went to slide her hand over his chest, she realized that both of them were still completely clothed.

That wouldn't do. She wanted to feel his skin.

Aubrey bunched the fabric of Levi's shirt in her fingers and tugged.

Levi broke away just long enough to get the cloth out of the way and he was back on her lips so quickly that he didn't even see her toss it to the ground.

Aubrey ran her hands over Levi's bare abdomen as he reached for her own shirt. He yanked, Aubrey lifted her arms, and it was off in a second.

She moved to go back to his lips but she was surprised when she saw Levi moving behind her, pressing his back into the headboard and pulling her into his lap. Aubrey stared back at him with furrowed brows. They certainly were doing a lot of moving around tonight.

But Aubrey barely had time to take in Levi's expression before she felt his legs go over the tops of hers, twisting around her thighs and pushing apart at her ankles.

Aubrey's eyes widened as she watched Levi spread her legs apart and felt his lips on her back again. He hit the spot and she shivered.

"Levi?"

Aubrey had no idea what he was about to do.

She didn't have to wait long to find out.

Levi's hand slid beneath her waistband, beneath the fabric of her underwear, and suddenly he was pressing down between her legs.

Aubrey wailed and squirmed around. Now she knew why he'd restrained her legs.

His lips continued to hit the spot on her back as his fingers moved and Aubrey continued to writhe around at his touch. She gripped at Levi's thighs and barely even noticed when he unhooked her bra.

The hand that wasn't working between her legs went to her chest and Aubrey gasped as her body started to shake. He had her moving so quickly. The unexpectedness and intensity of his actions had her on the edge already. She could feel herself rising close to her peak and she leaned into Levi as she started to go limp.

But he stopped.

Aubrey felt Levi's hand slide out from beneath her waistband and she both gasped and groaned.

He'd stopped?

Aubrey turned desperate, trying to twist around to face him even though he still had her legs restrained.

"Levi, why di-"

She didn't even get time to finish her sentence before Levi had her on her back again. Aubrey groaned as she felt her high slipping further away with every passing second.

Levi put his lips back on hers and she realized that they'd have to start all over again.

Aubrey broke away.

"Levi, why did you stop?!"

Levi moved his lips down her stomach and he smirked as his hands went to yank on her waistband.

"I don't know what you mean."

Aubrey looked down at him in horror. She knew what he was doing. He was teasing her. She should have known. She'd teased him the whole day and now he was paying her back.

Aubrey whined as Levi pulled her pants off her.

All she could do was hope that one round of teasing had been enough for him.

Levi tugged her underwear off just a few seconds later and Aubrey wiggled around as he hovered over her again. His mouth found her neck. She hardly even cared anymore. Her legs tightened around his knee but he instantly moved it away and left her completely without any sort of friction.

"Levi!"

He still didn't move from her neck.

Aubrey whimpered in total frustration but an idea soon came to her mind. She was sure he'd deny her again if he got the chance, so she'd just have to make him eager enough that he couldn't wait.

Aubrey moved her hands to the buttons of his pants and managed to get one undone before all hope slipped away and Levi disappeared from her neck.

His arms locked around her thighs instantly and before she knew it, he had his mouth between her legs.

Aubrey screamed again, completely unable to contain herself.

He was going to push her and then leave her right on the edge again, she knew it. And yet, she still held the tiniest glimmer of hope that maybe one round had been enough for him, that he'd give in and give up on his plans.

She moved her hands into his hair, gripping and tugging as his tongue was joined by his fingers.

He had her shaking again in no time at all.

Aubrey felt it coming and decided it was now or never if she was going to ask for what she wanted.

"Please, Levi. Not again…"

Levi felt a twang in his gut but he'd been preparing for this. Just once, he wasn't going to give her what she wanted.

He kept pushing, feeling the shake in her body grow stronger by the second. Her moans turned more desperate, more helpless, and her fingers twisted even tighter against his scalp.

He could feel her trying to hold his head in place but her strength had left her some time ago and the pressure she was putting on him was barely more than a light touch.

Levi felt her muscles tensing and with one last surge of his own willpower, he pulled away from her.

Aubrey screamed again but it wasn't from pleasure. He'd done exactly what she'd feared he would and left her on the edge. Again.

She felt tears in her eyes and she whimpered as Levi crawled back over her, wiping his lips.

When Levi saw the look of torture on her face he almost regretted not giving in. He knew it was time to give her what she wanted. He'd teased her enough.

Levi brought his hands to his waistband and Aubrey joined him, yanking at the fabric eagerly. He snickered but allowed her to help.

His pants slid down his legs and Aubrey already had his underwear halfway off before he was able to assist her.

Finally, all clothing was removed and Levi didn't waste any time.

His hands went to her knees, spreading her legs gently and then, just a few seconds later, he was inside her.

Aubrey groaned more than gasped this time. The pain she'd once felt had nearly completely disappeared.

She grabbed at Levi's arm and yanked him on top of her, finding his lips. Her legs wrapped around his back and Levi grunted into her mouth as she pulled him even closer.

Aubrey broke away again, biting at his jaw.
"Please… Levi…"

She didn't have to ask twice.

Levi's hand slid down her side as he started to rock their hips and Aubrey threw her head back the second he pressed down between her legs.

His lips found her neck again and Aubrey whimpered under his touch. She clawed at his back, sure that she was leaving scratches. She couldn't help it. He was finally going to give her what she needed.

Levi picked up their pace as he struggled to hold himself back. All of the pent up hunger of the day was taking over and he could barely control himself. And the way she was whimpering his name didn't help, either.

Levi's fingers kept moving and Aubrey could feel her body starting to shake for the third time. Her breathing was totally erratic and all she could do was let out shaky moans as Levi continued to push her.

Aubrey could feel Levi's own body starting to tense just as she was starting to reach the edge and she knew that he was holding back for her.

Luckily, Levi shifted his fingers one last time and Aubrey cried out as she finally reached the high he'd denied her for so long. Her body practically convulsed against her will as wave after wave of pleasure overtook her.

As soon as Levi heard her cry he let himself go and collapsed, shifting so that he wouldn't crush her.

Aubrey used all of her strength to wrap her arms around Levi's neck as he laid on top of her. She kept her legs on his back as they both caught their breath. Aubrey could hardly believe what he'd just done. She'd never expected that Levi would throw her teasing back at her in such a way. But then again, perhaps the hungry look in his eyes should have warned her.

"I… can't believe… you did that."

Aubrey spoke between pants. She still hadn't caught her breath.

Levi huffed into the skin of her neck.

"I could… do it again… if you'd like."

"Shut it."

Aubrey smacked his shoulder but couldn't stop a smile from forming on her lips. When had his comments gotten so… racy?

He huffed another small laugh and then Aubrey felt his lips on her neck, his touch gentle and light. She savored the softness of the action after the intensity of what they'd just done. She enjoyed the sweetness Levi showed her when they were done almost as much as the act itself.

She ran her fingers through his hair, wondering how it could always be so soft and perfect. Somehow, he always managed to be stunning. Even while panting.

They stayed there for a few minutes, enjoying each other's closeness and savoring the silence. It was a calm moment in their action-packed lives.

Eventually, Aubrey decided she wanted a little more. She missed his lips already.

"Levi."

"Hm?"

Aubrey ran her fingers through his hair one last time and then cupped his chin, raising his eyes to look at her.

She smiled at him.

"Kiss me, please."

Aubrey's smile turned to a grin when she saw a smile on Levi's own lips. She loved when he smiled. Usually, it was only for her.

Levi didn't hesitate to give her what she'd asked for. He brought his mouth to hers and kissed her gently, propping himself up on an elbow and bringing a hand to her cheek.

Aubrey ran her fingers over the muscles of his back, tracing every line she found. There was no shortage of them.

Levi had to break away every so often to let both of them catch their breath but he always went back. He wouldn't stop until she told him to.

Aubrey held onto him for a long while, never wanting to let go.

But, eventually, even Levi's little breaks weren't enough and she knew that if they didn't stop, she'd be back to panting in no time.

So, reluctantly, she tucked her chin into Levi's neck and wrapped her arms around his shoulders as his lips went back to her the skin of her collarbone.

Aubrey sighed as her mind swirled. She never thought she'd find this place in life. She never thought she'd care for someone the way she cared for Levi. He consumed her every thought, every day. It had been that way since the second she'd seen him on that training field, scowling and looking like he was out to snap at anyone who dared to look at him. She could remember that very first moment they'd touched and she'd felt the fire that was now a regular part of her life. She could remember those first days when she'd shown him the pond. When he'd nearly kissed her outside the Mess Hall. When she'd become so attached to him that they'd promised to just be friends. When, despite that promise, she'd only fallen for him faster. When they'd taken their nightly walks and she'd shown him the stars under the cover of a flimsy blanket. When the expedition had forced her to face her feelings and she'd found him without hesitation. When he'd told her he loved her for the first time. When he'd touched her under the moonlight at the pond. When the expedition had made her realize that he'd become her whole world and that she'd never be able to live without him.

When she knew that she'd found the only person that could ever make her feel… at peace.

Aubrey felt tears in her eyes as her mind played the same thoughts and memories on repeat. She loved him. She loved him more than anything.

The first tear slid down her cheek, landing on Levi's shoulder as her chest began to shake. She tried to hold him tighter even as he pulled back to look at her face.

His brows furrowed instantly when he saw her, his hand coming to her cheek as he looked into her eyes.

"Aubrey..." Levi's voice was low, soft, barely above a whisper and filled with concern. "What's wrong?"

Aubrey reached for his face, staring at him as she memorized every feature. She never wanted to forget a single detail.

Her chest shook again and she barely managed to speak. Even when she did, her words were shaky, uneven, and riddled with emotion.

"Do you know how much I love you?"

Levi leaned closer to her, his hand stroking her cheek.

"What?" His own voice was starting to shake.

Aubrey gazed into his eyes, able to make out their striking silver color even through her tears.

"I love you so much, I love you so much, so much."

Levi froze for a moment as he realized what was going on and then pressed his lips to hers, holding back his own waves of emotion.

He broke away after a few seconds, trying to respond.

"I know… I know… I know…" Levi put his lips all over her face, speaking between kisses. "I know."

Aubrey heard a sob escape her and Levi's hands wrapped around her back immediately, sitting her up and pulling her into his lap. She grabbed at him, holding him so tightly that she was sure it must be hurting him. He didn't say a word. He just ran his lips over any skin he could find, continuing to whispering "I love you" as he went.

Aubrey couldn't do anything to stop the sobs from overtaking her. All she could think about was how far they'd come, how hard they'd worked to get to where they were. The pain, the bliss, the confusion, the thrill, the suffering, the comfort… all of it was a part of what they were. And all of it was all a part of what had made her love him.

Aubrey cried into his shoulder until she had no tears left to shed. Her breathing steadied ever so slowly as Levi ran his hand up and down her bare back, soothing her as best he could. She was just about to look at him when she felt his fingers on her chin, tilting her head up.

Aubrey stared at him again, unable to do anything but mouth another "I love you".

Levi's brow furrowed and he kissed her again, pulling her as close as he could.

When he broke away, he pressed his forehead to hers, hoping that she knew he understood, that he knew what she was trying to express. He felt the same way.

"Aubrey..." Levi paused when he heard just how hoarse his voice had become. The lump in his throat was making it hard to speak. But he went on anyway. "I know."

Aubrey squeezed her eyes as a last tear rolled down her cheek.

Levi kissed it away.

"I love you, too. And… " He paused. He was only just starting to get used to words. It was still a struggle, but he thought he knew what she needed to hear. "I want you to know… I always will."

He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her from the bed and carrying her to the bathroom where he knew he'd tell her those same words until she really, truly knew he meant them. For as long as she wanted him, he was hers.

A/N: Y'all the fact that I went from being super nervous/blushing when I wrote smut to being able to write this stuff with a straight face is VERY concerning LOL. Anyway, this is last smut chapter for a while. There might be one at the very end, but it won't be nearly as spicy lol.

I may or may not have listened to A Thousand Years (yes, the freaking Twilight song lol) while writing the end fluff and made myself cry. I hope it didn't turn out too soppy/cheesy. The song mighta gotten me caught up in the moment, lol. Plus, I'm uploading this at 2am and I can proofread but my brain is unable to process *vibes* so I hope the vibe isn't off, hah.

Also, Chapter 2 of Book 2 is almost done so I'm thinking that I'll probably upload a few chapters right away when it comes out :)

Okay, the COMMENTS on the last chapter made my heart explode. THANK YOU. Y'all are so nice to me. Every time someone tells me they get excited when they see the notification that I've uploaded I cry a little bit. In a good way. Y'ALL ARE TOO SWEET. Plz keep leaving them thooooooo. They make me so happyyyyy :)