"...What?"

Aubrey laughed again at the stunned and horrified tone in Levi's voice, but she could already feel the humor leaving her body. The seriousness of what she was about to suggest was starting to creep in. But she didn't have a choice. Even if this would lead her directly to the past she'd tried so hard to forget… she still had to do it.

"It's my family. I'm sure of it. They're the ones that took the pastors."

Aubrey would have turned to look fully at Erwin if she could have, but Levi still had her face in his hands and it was obvious that he wasn't planning to let her go any time soon. His own face was whiter than ever and Aubrey knew he could snap at any moment. So… she'd have to hurry.

"That pastor… Nick. I know him. Or, I knew him. He used to come to my house when I was a child. He and my father would lock themselves away in our study about once a month. I hadn't known what they were discussing then, but now I'm assuming they had some sort of deal or partnership… which would include rescuing the pastors if they were ever, say… forcibly held by the Scout Regiment?"

There was a long pause and Aubrey waited as silence settled over the room. She glanced over and took in everyone's expressions and saw that both Erwin and Hange just looked… serious. Horrified, but serious. Unlike Levi, her statements had yet to completely cloud their judgement. They could still hear her, they were still listening. But Levi… Aubrey knew he was already lost. As soon as he broke from his stupor, she knew he'd be yelling, shutting down every other suggestion she had. He hated her family. He loathed them. And Aubrey knew he would do absolutely anything to keep them away from her forever. But, she doubted he'd ever expected this scenario. A scenario in which she would be going to her family. And because he'd never suspected this turn of events, he'd been left in shock… and Aubrey had just a few more minutes to make her case and get both Hange and Erwin on her side. If she could do that, even Levi's yelling wouldn't be able to stop her.

So, Aubrey went on without anyone even asking her a single question.

"I know they would have taken them back to base. Or, um… home." Aubrey's brows furrowed. She didn't really know what to call it anymore. But she didn't have time to figure it out right now. She needed to keep going. "That's standard family protocol unless there's a location decided on beforehand. But they don't decide on a location unless they know exactly what's going to happen, which they couldn't have in this case. They would have followed protocol and taken them back home where they knew the terrain and had proper protection. They're in the north. I know they are."

Silence. Again.

But, this time, Aubrey let it settle. She could see Erwin's eyes glinting in the light and she knew he'd be speaking up soon. She was right.

"Are you sure they're in the north? I'm sure your hometown was destroyed with the fall of Wall Maria. They could be anywhere, if they're still alive that is."

Erwin's words were blunt, but she appreciated that. They didn't have time to dally or be gentle. They had to move.

So, Aubrey nodded assuredly.

"They're alive. After Maria fell, I decided to track them down. I knew my father would never leave the north for anything. So, I started asking around with the locals in town and figured out they'd built themselves a secluded little village. They're no more than a half hour's ride from camp."

Aubrey scoffed. She couldn't believe her father had chosen to build a new family headquarters just half an hour from where she'd been training soldiers and carrying out her duties as a captain. She'd never been able to decide whether it was coincidence or if he'd somehow located her and decided to torture her a little more from a distance. But, she'd decided it hadn't really mattered. She'd long ago given up on being afraid of her father. Now she was just angry. But he was still dangerous. There was no doubt about that.

"What?!"

Uh oh.

Aubrey's eyes snapped back to Levi's face immediately. He was angry. Definitely angry. Really angry. But she hadn't expected anything else.

"You went looking for him?!"

Out of the corner of her eye, Aubrey saw Erwin give Hange a small nod and then they both made their way across the room and out the door. They'd wait in the hallway until Levi had finished his oncoming temper tantrum.

Aubrey took a deep breath. It would be essential for her to stay calm during this argument. If she got fired up, too, they'd end up in a screaming match. And now was not the time for that.

So, she kept her voice steady and nodded. Well, half nodded. Levi's hold on her face had only tightened.

"I needed to know if he was alive, Levi."

She saw his eyes flash and his jaw clench and she knew she was in for a lot of shouting before he finally calmed down. He was going to totally ream her out.

"Who gives a shit if he's alive?! I hope he's rotting in hell! He tortured you, Aubrey! Why would you care if he's alive?! Why would you go looking for him?! Why didn't you tell me?! Why the fuck would you do that?!"

Aubrey had to take a breath before answering. Her teeth ground together and she had to close her eyes to steady herself. She was beyond tempted to yell right back at him. She knew he was mad… and maybe he was right. She probably shouldn't have gone looking for her father. But she'd needed to know. It was as simple as that. She'd needed to know. And it was a good thing she'd found out because knowing her family's location was about to save their asses.

"I just needed to know, Levi. That's all. I don't have any other reason. And I didn't tell you because I knew you would react like this."

Aubrey couldn't help but glare at him. She was trying to stay calm, but his temper was fully showing itself… and when his temper flared… so did hers.

"Of course I'm going to fucking react like this! How else am I supposed to react?! He's scum, Aubrey! He's an absolute monster and you just had to go looking for him?!"

Aubrey was sure she hadn't seen him this angry in years. He was absolutely furious and if she didn't manage to keep a hold on herself, they'd get out of control.

She clenched her teeth again and took a breath. Levi was lost already, but she had to hold it together.

"Levi." Aubrey met his eyes and gave him the steadiest stare she could. "I know you're angry, but-"

"Of course I'm fucking angry!"

That was it. All reservations or hopes of keeping it together went out the window immediately. If he wasn't going to make an effort to calm himself then neither was she.

"Okay, fine! Be that way! You're right! I shouldn't have gone looking for him! I shouldn't have cared if he was alive! And I should have told you when I started thinking about finding him! You're right! I fucked up! But you need to calm the fuck down! I know where he is and that's over and done with and now it's going to save our asses! So, quit it, Levi! Calm! Down!"

Aubrey was left panting after her speech. She had definitely been yelling and if Erwin and Hange were still in the hall, they had definitely heard. But… it seemed to have worked.

Levi stood there, slightly stunned by her outburst. She hardly ever snapped so suddenly and she certainly hadn't held back. And she'd caught Levi off guard.

Aubrey took the opportunity she had immediately and brought her hands up to grip his wrists as she lowered her voice.

"We don't have time for this Levi." She paused, staring into his eyes and trying to soften her gaze ever so slightly. "I know you're angry, I know you're upset, and you probably have a right to be. You've helped me so much with my past, Levi. So much." Aubrey squeezed his wrists gently. She'd gotten her anger out in one fell swoop and now they needed to move on. "And I know we've worked so hard to move on from it, but… I need you in this. We don't have a choice, Levi. We need those pastors. And when we get there I'm going to need you." Aubrey stepped closer to him, bringing her face only a few inches from his own and staring at his slowly softening expression. "I'm going to need you to do what you've always done and make me feel safe, okay?" The last flames of anger left Levi's eyes and Aubrey leaned her forehead against his. "I'm going to need you, Levi. Ineed you already. Please…"

Aubrey felt his arms wrap around her, pulling her up against his chest, and she knew they were done yelling. They were tired and scared and worried and they were done yelling. There was no point anymore.

She felt Levi's lips on her hair and then felt his cheek resting on the top of her head as he whispered to her.

"Don't go, Aubrey." Her eyes widened the slightest bit at his words, but she thought she knew what he was talking about. "Let Hange and I take care of it. You don't have to go. You don't have to see him."

Aubrey sighed and pressed further into him as she gave the answer she knew he was already expecting.

"You know I have to go, Levi. We don't know where they're keeping the pastors and unless I get him to tell us, we'll never find them. He won't talk unless I go and, I'm sorry, but you won't get it out of him by force. He'll take the family secrets to the death."

Aubrey felt his arms tighten around her and she pressed her lips to his chest. She knew that this was just as hard for him as it was for her if not harder. She'd come to terms with her past and accepted it… in a way. She'd still never forgive her father or her family, but she'd put it all behind her. She had a new life, a new family. But Levi… she wasn't sure he'd ever come to terms with or accepted anything. He hated her family and Aubrey wouldn't be surprised if he struggled to keep his blades sheathed when he finally met her father for the first time. Not only would she need him, but he would need her.

She felt Levi's body tremble, but she wasn't sure if it was from worry, hatred, or lingering anger. Either way, his lips touched her hair again and then she felt his fingers curl around her chin as he raised her eyes to his.

"Let's not fight anymore today. I'm sick of it."

Aubrey huffed a small laugh as he gently rubbed his hand up and down her back. He might not have said it right out, but… he'd accepted that she was right. If they were ever going to find those priests, she had to go along… and she had to speak with her father.

"Deal."

Levi let out a long sigh and Aubrey reached up to brush a lock of hair from his eyes. But, just a second later, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. All of the anger and tension from just a few moments ago was gone and Aubrey could feel the apology with every touch. She did the same right back. After all, she'd lost her temper, too.

The instant they broke away, Levi pressed his forehead to hers and he gave her an apology with words and not just actions.

"I'm sorry I yelled. I just…"

Levi cut off and let out some kind of angry grunt and she knew what he was thinking about. She quickly ran her fingers through his hair, trying to calm him.

"It's alright. I'm sorry, too. You… you were right. I shouldn't have looked for him and when I did I should have told you."

There was just a slight pause and then Levi spoke again.

"He hurt you, Aubrey. He hurt you. In almost every way possible. How am I supposed to so much as look at him without wanting to kill him?"

Aubrey ran her fingers through his hair again. She'd suspected he'd say something along those lines eventually. And… she didn't really know how to answer. But she'd still do her best.

"Well, you can still want to kill him, just don't actually do it. Just stand there and look scary like you always do."

Aubrey pulled away a bit and gave him a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. It worked. A little. A smile ghosted across Levi's lips, but his brows were still knitted together. He brought his hand up to her cheek and his thumb brushed gently over her skin as he stared down at her.

"Aubrey…" She stared back at him, giving him her full attention. She knew they were both done being unreasonable. Whatever he was about to say she would listen to wholeheartedly. "I just-" Aubrey saw him close his eyes in pain. "If he hurts you in any way I-"

He cut off again, unable to express just how deeply he felt about the matter. But Aubrey didn't need to hear him say the words. She knew what he was saying.

She gently pulled his head down to her shoulder and his arms instantly tightened around her waist as he let out a shaky breath. He was hurting for her. And it broke Aubrey's heart.

She ran her fingers through his hair again, kissing just above his ear as she whispered to him.

"He's not going to hurt me, Levi. I'm not going to let him. We're not going to let him. I'm done letting him control my life. I was done with that a long time ago. Now… I just have to prove it. And you're going to be there to help me. You'll keep me safe. You always do."

Aubrey felt him shake again, but his lips pressed into her neck and he whispered back.

"Damn right I do."

Aubrey huffed a small laugh and kissed his hair. But she could feel that they had finally settled things and… they didn't have time to linger. Every second that they waited was another second her family could use to plot. And when it came to her family every second mattered.

So, reluctantly, Aubrey pulled back and pressed her lips to Levi's for just a second. It was an apology, a reassurance, a thank you, an 'I love you'… he'd get the message. She could feel him saying it all right back.

But, just like she'd planned, the kiss only lasted for a second and then they broke apart. She gave him one last look, seeing the love and tension and tenderness… and fear. He was scared. And so was she. But they were going to get through it all. Together.

Levi leaned in and gave her one last kiss on her forehead before turning and heading for the door. He threw it open quickly and Aubrey saw both Hange and Erwin waiting, their expressions still serious.

"We're done now."

Levi turned around immediately and when Aubrey saw him reach for her she didn't hesitate to reach back, even as Erwin and Hange walked in.

"Well, geez! Glad that's over! You were yelling so loudly I thought the windows might shatter."

"Shut it, four eyes."

Aubrey huffed a small laugh. Leave it to Hange to make a joke after their screaming match.

"Aubrey." Erwin's voice, despite the fact that it was quiet, demanded everyone's attention immediately. A serious aura filled the air again and Aubrey met his eyes, taking a sharp breath as they pierced through her. "You truly believe this was your family?"

Aubrey instantly felt the weight of that question settle over her. Erwin was trusting her. This decision would be up to her. He wasn't going to make a call about whether or not he believed what she'd said. He was leaving all of this to her. If she said no, that she wasn't truly sure, then they'd keep talking. But… if she said yes… she was sure they'd be moving out in an instant. But she already knew her answer. It wasn't like they had many other options.

"Yes, I do."

There was just a slight pause… and then Erwin nodded.

"Then take Hange with you and go. I'm afraid I won't be able to join you. I need to stay with the regiment."

Aubrey nodded. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about him not coming along. On one hand, she wanted him there with her. He'd always been her rock and now she'd need more grounding than usual. But… she didn't want Erwin and her father in the same room. It would almost feel like two completely separate worlds colliding. Erwin was her friend first and foremost, but… she couldn't deny the additional role he'd played for her over the years, especially when she was younger. He'd filled a gap that her real father had left. And sometimes he still filled that gap.

So… maybe having him stay behind would be best.

Aubrey nodded again and then left Levi's arms. She walked right up to Erwin and wrapped her arms around him. She knew they didn't really have the time for a goodbye, but it was going to happen, anyway. She needed it.

Erwin must have known that, too, because he lifted her into his arms immediately and brought his mouth to her ear.

"Be careful, Aubrey. Keep Levi close."

Aubrey held him tighter. She'd be following both of those instructions religiously. She'd definitely be careful and she'd definitely keep Levi close. It was the only way she'd be getting through this.

"I will." Aubrey paused for just a second to take a breath and then she said her brief goodbye. "I love you."

Erwin gave her a gentle squeeze and set her down as he repeated the words back to her.

"I love you, too."

Aubrey gave him one last glance as she stepped back, feeling Levi's hands on her waist as he waited to pull her away. She stared up at Erwin, staring at the sure and steady look in those icy blue eyes. She tried to memorize it because, in just a short while, she'd need all the sureness and steadiness she could get.

And then, as soon as she had gotten the long look she needed, she turned, took Levi's hand, and walked out the door.

Aubrey could hear Hange on their tail, but she didn't look back. There was no time for hesitation or nervousness. This task had to be done… and she was ready to do it.

Perhaps… more ready than she'd thought she would be.

Aubrey had never planned on seeing her father again, but now that that very situation was staring her right in the face… she found that it didn't bother her as much as it should have. In a way she felt… ready. She'd spent so long trying to forget her past and trying to heal from it. And for the most part… she had. And she'd always thought that would be enough. And maybe if she'd never been thrown into this situation, a situation that was forcing her to face her past, healing and forgetting would have been enough. But maybe there was a part of her that wanted more than to just forget. Maybe she wanted to remember. And maybe she wanted answers.

It made sense. It explained why she'd had such a blind urge to seek out her family, to know if they were alive. She'd needed to know if her option for answers had finally been taken away. But… it hadn't been. And now she was finally going to do more than just forget her past. She was going to face it.

Aubrey felt Levi squeeze her hand gently and she looked over to see him giving a firm yet comforting stare. He couldn't have known what she'd been thinking about, but he somehow always knew exactly when she needed him.

She squeezed his hand back and then turned forward again as she spoke.

"We'll take the carriage."

Aubrey didn't know how much time had passed, but… she knew they were getting close. The terrain outside the window had slowly but steadily grown rougher and more mountainous. The signature of the north. In a strange way… it felt like home. Not only had she spent years here, training soldiers and sending them back to Erwin one by one, but she'd also… grown up here. It was a part of her that she'd never be able to shake. She hated the storms and cold snaps as much as anyone else, but she'd never fail to love the crisp air, the cool breeze, the sharp peaks and low valleys. It was imprinted on her very soul.

Levi's arm was wrapped around her waist and he was holding her uncharacteristically close. The only other person in the carriage was Hange, but, still, Levi nearly had her in his lap.

She could tell he was on edge. His eyes kept shifting around even though there was nothing new to look at inside the carriage and his muscles were a bit more tense than they probably should have been. Aubrey had already tried the comforting glances and gentle touches, but no matter what she did he still seemed so… alert, like he was expecting to have to defend them at any moment. And while she understood his concern… she knew her family wouldn't make a move without a carefully orchestrated plan. That was just how they were. Precise, sharp, and efficient. She wouldn't be surprised if their presence was reported the instant they reached the outskirts of the village, but her family wouldn't attack.

"Do you have a plan, Aubrey?"

Aubrey snapped from her haze of thoughts at the sound of Hange's voice. Her eyes found them and she felt Levi's fingers dig into her waist as he somehow managed to pull her even closer. Aubrey just put a calming hand on his chest. She knew it probably wouldn't help much, but she'd still try.

"Not really. But… I don't think I need one. I just have to find my father… and talk to him."

Hange's eyes narrowed and Aubrey knew that they weren't quite convinced.

"Any what if he attacks before you can 'talk' to him?"

Aubrey shook her head and looked out the window again, watching as a familiar stretch of land flew by. They were getting closer.

"He won't attack."

There was a beat of silence and Aubrey knew that both Hange and Levi were staring at her. She could feel it.

"How can you be sure?"

Aubrey thought for a moment. There were a few reasons she could think of. Attacking such a small group wouldn't do him any good. If they'd brought the whole regiment, he would've been left with no choice, but that was why Aubrey had chosen to only bring Levi and Hange. Her father was also an exceptionally patient man, despite his demands for perfection. He always took his time and he never acted rashly. He wouldn't attack without cause or even without scouting the surrounding area to make sure that she hadn't brought the regiment with her. But the last reason outweighed them all. And, somehow, it would be the least convincing to say out loud. But it was the reason that Aubrey was most convinced by.

"I just know."

A horrible reason. A horrible answer. But it was the truth. She just knew. Even with all of the jumbled confusion surrounding the image of her father, Aubrey still knew him. He wouldn't attack. She just… knew.

The carriage fell silent after that. Hange knew that they had no choice but to follow Aubrey's gut and Levi wasn't about to question her. And Aubrey herself… she just had nothing else to say. Now, it was just time to wait.

Aubrey tore her eyes away from the window and leaned her head on Levi's shoulder. She wasn't going to look again… until they got there.

The minutes passed by, but Aubrey wasn't sure if time was moving too fast or too slow. Her body was in shambles. Every nerve was buzzing and yet she still felt eerily calm. It wasn't just her mind that was confused, it was every piece of her.

The carriage rattled and the sound of hooves could be heard from outside as they moved along the gravel road. The village was so secluded that there weren't even cobblestone roads. Leave it to her father to choose the most pain in the ass location to reach. The horses were probably about to faint from the uphill journey. Aubrey was starting to wonder if they'd actually be able to get them to the destination. But they did.

Or… they had.

The carriage was stopped.

Aubrey instantly felt her heart drop into her stomach and Levi turned to face her, his hand coming up to hold her cheek as he whispered to her.

"You can do this."

Aubrey felt her entire body tensing and shuddering, but, again… she somehow felt calm.

She gripped Levi's wrist and squeezed gently as she stared straight into his eyes.

"I know."

Levi searched her face for just a moment… and then he nodded. And, with that, Aubrey knew… it was time.

She tore her gaze away from Levi's face, reached for the handle on the carriage door, and pushed it open.

The afternoon sun hit her face and caused her to squint for a second, but she soon regained her sight and stepped fully out and onto the ground. The gravel of the road crunched beneath her feet and she noticed the slight chill in the air. It wasn't cold by any means, it was summer, but it wasn't quite as warm as home. Her real home… the one she shared with Levi.

Aubrey heard Levi hit the ground beside her, followed closely by Hange and she watched as they, too, paused to take in the sights. They truly were in the middle of nowhere. Her father had chosen a grassy plateau at the top of a steep hill to build his family base. Always take the higher ground, Aubrey. She could practically hear his voice in her head and for a brief moment, she wondered if he still sounded the same. She figured she wouldn't have to wonder for much longer, though. It wouldn't be long before they came face to face for real.

Aubrey turned her attention back to her surroundings, trying to get the last few details. A sunny, cloudless sky, bright green grass, an abundance of trees that were scattered in every direction, and… the mountains. Straight ahead was a beautiful view of the true mountains. Compared to those peaks, they were practically in the foothills.

Aubrey snuck a look at Hange. They'd been to visit her here in the north a few times, but she wasn't sure if they'd ever had such a clear view of the scenery. It was obvious they hadn't. Even at a serious time like this, they had a bright and amazed grin on their face as they excitedly beamed at the sight. Aubrey actually smiled.

She glanced at Levi next, but found that he didn't look shocked in the slightest… only a little amused. She wasn't surprised. His visits to her here in the north had always been full of walks and picnics in which she'd explained to him the sights of her childhood. She'd loved showing him and he'd loved seeing them. Even after ten years on the surface, Levi still marveled at nature. But he'd seen all of this before, and while she was sure he would've enjoyed the view at any other time she knew he was still too on edge. And he had a right to be. They had to go now.

Aubrey took his hand and laced their fingers tightly. She met his eyes for just a moment, finding the steadiness she needed, and then stepped forward.

"If we're not back by nightfall report to Erwin."

Aubrey gave the order to the soldier that had steered the carriage here. He was one of Hange's, but Aubrey didn't even know his name. They'd just needed one person to act as a messenger in case something happened. And even though Aubrey was fairly sure her family would capture him, too, if they truly meant to attack… it was worth a shot.

"Yes, Captain."

Aubrey tore her eyes away from him the instant he responded and then glanced over her shoulder to see if Hange was following. They were, though they still seemed astounded by the view and they were even giggling under their breath. They'd get over that soon, though. They wouldn't have any choice once her family made an appearance.

So, she looked forward again and, without any hesitation, she walked on.

There was just a little more of a hill before they would reach the village… if one could even call it that. It wasn't really a village or a town of any kind, it was more of a family compound. No one lived here besides her family. It was a private, secluded place where they could shape their own world and where no one would dare to bother them.

Well… no one except the runaway daughter.

Aubrey tugged Levi along with Hange close behind them and her eyes stared straight ahead as the village came further into view. She could see houses now. All of them were large and made out of what Aubrey knew was a very expensive wood. Her family certainly didn't have any lack of money… and they didn't mind showing it off.

There was a large building further ahead that was so elaborate it nearly resembled a church. It probably served as a town hall of sorts. It certainly had scores of weapons within it and a dungeon beneath it. Aubrey doubted that's where they were keeping the pastors, though. It was far too obvious.

Closer by, she could see that the stables and she could even hear the shifting and occasional neighing of horses. At least she knew somebody was at home.

There were carriages and wagons lined up next to the stables. Again, a generous amount that didn't fail to display the family wealth.

Aubrey caught sight of several gardens, all of them pristine and without a single weed.

To anyone else, this would have looked like a well-kept town full of ordinary people. But she knew it wasn't. This was a well-kept town full of very not ordinary people.

But, the strange thing was, despite there being horses in the stables… she had yet to see a single soul. Obviously, everyone was busy… or watching. She wouldn't be surprised by either.

She kept walking, her eyes gliding over the grand porches of the houses around her as Levi gripped her hand tightly. Aubrey wasn't really sure where to start. Until there was a shuffle nearby.

Aubrey turned immediately, as did Levi, and she immediately reached for the knife she tucked into her boot before they'd left Stohess. Levi reached for his blades, too… but it was already too late. Standing right in front of them was a man with a gun in his hands… and it was pointed right at them.

Aubrey took a breath. He'd been hiding between the houses. There was no chance they could have noticed him earlier.

"Who are you?"

Aubrey paused for a moment, taking in the man's appearance. If he was here, he was obviously a member of her… family.

Aubrey gasped.

Pale blond hair the same as her own cut short, green eyes the same as her own that sparked with distrust. A straight nose, a strong jaw, high cheekbones, a muscled body, and… freckles. Aubrey didn't have freckles… but she'd known someone who did.

"Finn?"

Aubrey only whispered his name, but she still saw his eyes widen immediately. The shock lingered for a moment and then recognition flashed over his features.

"Aubrey?"

He didn't lower the gun, but, somehow, she knew he wasn't going to shoot.

She took a step forward and felt Levi tug on her hand, but she simply pulled out of his grasp… and ran.

Aubrey saw Finn toss the gun the instant she started smiling and then… he smiled back.

She jumped at him, her arms wrapping around his neck and a soft grunt sounding from his chest as he struggled to stay upright after her attack of an embrace. But then… Aubrey laughed.

She giggled, trying to keep the sound as quiet as possible, but finding it difficult.

"Aubrey?!"

Finn's voice was slightly louder now and she could hear him trying to contain his own excitement as he hugged her back. She giggled again and nodded.

"Yes, Yes, Aubrey."

Instantly, she felt him pull away from her, his hands going to her shoulders as he leaned in to examine her face.

"You're so… old."

Aubrey scrunched her nose at him and flicked his forehead.

"Watch it. You're no better."

Aubrey saw a wide smile of white teeth flash and then he spoke again.

"Is that a grey hair?
"Finn!"

Aubrey slapped at his wrist as he reached for a lock of her hair, but he just laughed. His laugh didn't last long, though, because when Aubrey slapped his hand away she didn't fail to notice the ring on his finger. The wedding ring on his finger.

"Finn!'

Aubrey squealed his name again and snatched his hand again, pulling it toward her to get a closer look at the gold band. She stared at it for just an instant and then her eyes went back to his face as she grinned at him.

"Are you married?"

He chuckled lightly and nodded.

"Yeah. Five years now."

Aubrey stared at him, completely dumbfounded.

"Seriously?"

Finn playfully furrowed his brows and took the opportunity to return her earlier forehead flick.

"Hey, don't sound so surprised."

Aubrey smirked at him, but she didn't get the chance to tease him any further before he grabbed her hand and flipped it over, revealing the rings stacked on her finger.

"Speaking of marriage, that's quite the rock. Who's the lucky guy?"

Aubrey couldn't help the gleaming grin that spread across her face as she looked over her shoulder and reached an arm out in invitation.

"Levi."

For a second, Levi didn't move. All he could do was stare. This certainly hadn't been the turn of events he'd been expecting. But, here they were… and Levi could hardly believe it.

They looked… the same.

Finn could have been her brother, her twin. It was hard to believe they were only cousins. Aubrey had always said the green eyes and blonde hair were family traits, but it was more than just the hair and eyes. It was down to their actions, the way they moved. It was nearly identical. Although, Levi was starting to wonder if that was more a matter of being raised to fight and live in the same way, rather than being related.

Levi met Aubrey's eyes again and she gave him a small smile. A silent 'it's alright. You know he's the only good one.'

And Levi did know he was the only good one. According to Aubrey, Finn had been the only member of her family to ever show her any form of kindness. He'd snuck her extra blankets on those nights when her father made her sleep in the barn, found her extra food when her father was forcing her to survive on her own for a week, and, most importantly… he'd talked to her. Aubrey had said many times that he had been her only friend and the only person she'd trusted. Levi had never thought he'd meet him, but… he was right there.

Levi stepped forward, still wary despite Finn's supposed friendliness. He may have been kind as a child, but people changed. And not always for the better.

He took Aubrey's hand immediately, pulling her into him and wrapping his arm around her waist so that he could pull her away at any moment. He knew the protective move was rather obvious, but he didn't really care. Aubrey wasn't in any kind of shape to fight herself and if Finn was still a member of her family… Levi didn't quite trust him.

"This is my husband, Levi."

Levi could feel Aubrey looking up at him, but he just tightened his arm around her waist and kept his eyes on Finn. He knew that Finn could most definitely see the distrust in his eyes, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he just smiled and stuck out his hand.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Finn."

Levi stared down at Finn's hand for just a moment, but soon raised his own. As wary as he was, Finn hadn't given them any reason to believe he was going to attack this very moment. And getting a slap on the shoulder from an annoyed Aubrey wasn't worth it. He should just shake hands and avoid it.

Their hands clapped together and Levi spoke as they shook.

"Levi."

Aubrey watched eagerly as the two of them shook hands. It was like two different lives colliding, but… in a good way.

"Wait… Aubrey." Aubrey's eyes flew back to Finn's face only to see that his own eyes had widened and he was staring at her… clothes. Or, more so, her uniform. "You're a Scout?"

Aubrey giggled. It was strange to think that Finn knew almost nothing about her anymore. Her life after she'd left this family was a total mystery to him and his life was a total mystery to her. They were practically strangers.

She nodded.

"Yes. I've been with them for ten years now. I'm a captain."

Aubrey could see Finn's mind working behind his eyes and there was only a brief pause before he flashed another look at Levi.

"Wait. This isn't Levi Ackerman, is it?"

Aubrey smiled and rolled her eyes. Apparently, Levi's fame as 'Humanity's Strongest Soldier' had managed to spread all the way up here.

"Yeah, that's him."

Aubrey tapped her hand on Levi's chest and watched as Finn's eyes widened even further before his expression settled into a smirk.

"Figures you'd go for 'Humanity's Strongest'."

Aubrey reached out and slapped his shoulder.

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

He just laughed and shook his head.

"Nothing, nothing. You'd just… need someone who would never give up. And someone who can keep up with you."

Aubrey rolled her eyes again and scoffed.

"Yeah, well, I'm the one that has to keep up with him, so…"

Aubrey watched as Finn opened his mouth again to respond, but he never got the chance.

"Finn? What's going on out here?"

Aubrey's eyes flew to the porch on the nearest house… and saw a woman.

Aubrey felt Levi's arm tighten around her waist immediately and she half expected him to draw his blades. But he didn't. Instead, his eyes cautiously flashed between Finn and the woman on the porch, waiting for any sign that he needed to fight.

But that sign never came.

Finn turned his eyes away from the woman and met Aubrey's eyes again.

"Maybe we should take this inside."

Aubrey paused for a moment. Levi wouldn't like that idea. He was already on edge and they were still outside in a place where they could make a run for it if they needed to. In fact, Aubrey wasn't sure she liked the idea of going in. But… it also didn't feel safe to stand outside. Someone else could spot them, if they hadn't already, and then all of this would turn into more of a show than it already was. And Aubrey needed info. If Finn knew something about the pastors… or where to find her father… she needed to know.

So, she nodded.

Finn gave her a nod back and then looked up to the woman on the porch.

"Everything's fine,Viv. We have guests."

A/N:

Oop… they had another fight lol. Which, I almost feel like it's important to write those scenes? Like, obviously, they love each other, and I don't think any argument could ever break them apart, but ALL couples fight sometimes. For Levi and Aubrey, I think they usually fight about safety and trying to protect one another. Which is tough since they literally have the most dangerous jobs in the world lol. But the way Levi just says he doesn't want to fight anymore because he's sick of it… I relate to that lol. Sometimes you're just over it lol.

Okay, so, like, I kinda sorta wanted Erwin to come along, but it just didn't seem like it could work? Like, realistically, I don't think he'd leave the regiment and run off, especially when he's on thin ice with the Annie thing lol. So, big sad but it seems like the only realistic option to me.

Hange being amazed by the mountains is my favorite thing. They totally would be. Like, maniacal smile and all lol.

And Levi loving nature even after ten years on the surface :' )

But, obviously… FINN. I have mentioned Finn ONCE before in Don't Die and it was only for like a sentence, so I don't know if anyone remembers that, but… yeah. Lol. WE FINALLY MADE IT TO HER FAMILY. Aubrey's father will either be in the next chapter or the one after that… probably the one after that. BUT YAY.

And, okay, sooooooooo. I may have written another one shot lol. That's why the chapters are taking a little longer. BUT, I have been thinking that I might go ahead and publish the one shot book early with only the one shots that take place BEFORE where this fic is currently at. A couple of them that I've already written take place in Seasons 3 and 4, which I don't want to publish yet because it could spoil things. BUT, if y'all want, I'd be happy to post the ones that have already occurred on the timeline (ex. Anything that happed in the Don't Die period because that's already finished and nothing can be spoiled!) Let me know if you'd like that! Most of the one shots are fluff/smut and I thought they might be good breaks for when we're in an angsty or serious part of the story. The first one that I have is, ummmmmmm, period sex? Lol. You can thank my women's studies class for getting me fired up about societal brainwashing surrounding menstruation. Thank you, college. I also have another one in the works that centers around Levi's birthday (specifically his 19th birthday, which would have been the first birthday he ever spent with Aubrey 3)! I could also do one about Aubrey's birthday if that interests y'all. Also, LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ONE SHOT REQUESTS! I can't promise that I'll end up writing it, but I would love to hear what y'all would like to see! I think it will be really interesting to see what aspects of their relationship y'all enjoy the most! Okay, enough about the one shot book lol.