"Aubrey, are you sure this is a good idea?"
Hange whispered in her ear as they walked toward the porch and Aubrey let out a breath as she answered.
"No." Hange's eyes hardened and they stared suspiciously at her. But Aubrey wasn't done yet. "But I don't think we have a choice. It would be better to be inside while we talk. We don't need to attract any more attention yet. You saw how hostile Finn was before he knew it was me. The rest of my family will be like that, too. But they won't drop the gun when they see me. Finn can tell us what we need to know to get to my father. And, I'm still cautious, but… on a certain level… I trust him."
There was a beat of silence and then Hange spoke again.
"Why?"
Aubrey had to pause a second to think. Why did she trust Finn? She had to work through it for a moment, but she soon realized that the answer was much the same as the one she'd given Hange about her father.
"I just… do."
There was silence again. Aubrey knew that answer was horrible… again. But it was the best answer she had. Finn was the only member of her family that had ever been kind to her. He was the only member of her family that she truly considered… family.
Everyone seemed to accept that answer, as horrible as it was, but Aubrey felt Levi tug her a little closer and his hand tightened around hers. She just tightened her fingers right back. She'd need him for this.
The three of them followed Finn up the stairs and onto the porch and Aubrey watched as Finn took the woman's hand.
Aubrey smiled. That woman… was Finn's wife.
Aubrey took a second to look at the new addition to her family.
She was on the taller side, but still a few inches shorter than Finn, who looked to be about the same height as Levi. Long and straight brown hair was contrasted by dazzling blue eyes, pale skin, and pink lips. Higher brows and softer features gave her a warm look. But, already, Aubrey could tell that this woman wasn't a warrior. She didn't have any straps or belts or sturdy boots on. Her clothing was casual, as was Finn's. but, unlike Finn, she didn't have a gun slung over her shoulder or a decent sized knife at her hip. But that only made sense. Those that married into the family weren't expected to act the same way as those who were born into it. Aubrey and Finn had been raised from birth to be fighters, but those that married in would have no clue how to do such a thing. So, they were left out of the fighting and the jobs for the most part. They were still expected to learn to defend themselves and do the basics, so Aubrey wouldn't be surprised if the woman had a knife tucked somewhere inside of her clothing, but other than that they usually helped with the non-fighting part of the family. Which was still important. Organized crime did involve a lot of organization.
Aubrey was brought back to the present by the sound of metal clanking and she looked up to see Finn unloading his gun with expert precision. Her brows furrowed. She wasn't surprised by his efficiency, but… why was he unloading the gun? Was he trying to show them that he wasn't a threat? That would make sense except… Why was his wife taking off the belt that held his knife like they did this every day?
The process continued with Finn pulling an additional knife from his boot and unloading another pistol that had been holstered in his belt. Every action seemed mechanical and well practiced… and mundane. But… why?
Aubrey never got the chance to ask because Finn finally finished unloading his pistol, setting it in his wife's hands before he turned back to them and nodded his head toward the door.
"Come on in."
With that, Finn grabbed all of his unloaded gear and walked through the front door.
Aubrey felt Levi squeeze her hand again and Hange whispered in her ear.
"What was that about?"
Aubrey just shook her head.
"I don't know." She took a breath and stepped forward. "But let's not keep them waiting."
They all moved forward, but just as Aubrey was about to go through the door, Levi pushed her behind him and put his hands on the handles of his gear, ready to draw his blades if need be. Aubrey narrowed her eyes, but she didn't say anything. He had a right to be cautious.
It turned out his caution wasn't all that needed, though.
As soon as Aubrey walked through the door, Aubrey saw Finn putting all of his gear into a drawer and… locking it.
Locking it?
Aubrey's mind raced, trying to find an explanation, but before she could find one Finn turned back to her.
"Well, what do ya think?"
His eyes travelled around the room and Aubrey suddenly realized he was talking about the house.
She let her own eyes wander and realized that it looked… beautiful.
The entire building appeared to be made of a dark stained wood, but rather than planks, the walls were made of actual logs, which gave the whole place a very warm and woodsy feeling. A humongous stone fireplace was set into the right wall with an already roaring fire and a mantle so elaborate it almost made Aubrey dizzy. The center of the room had a large seating area and Aubrey assumed this was the living room. The furniture looked expensive and everything was a matching cream color that set off some of the darkness of the wood around them. There were huge windows on the wall that was up against the porch and they let in enough light to illuminate the entire space without the help of any lamps. The floors were the same dark wood as the walls, but it was once again set off by a large cream colored rug. On the left, Aubrey could see a doorway that led to another room as well as a staircase that led up to a second story. The back wall gave way to a hallway that led further into the house. The place was huge… and expensive.
"Very nice."
Aubrey answered with a raised brow and Finn laughed as he took his wife's hand again and walked back across the room.
He stopped right in front of their little group and Aubrey had to fight against Levi's grip just to stand beside him rather than slightly behind him. She saw Finn watching their struggle silently, but he didn't say anything beyond answering her earlier comment about the house.
"Good." He paused for just a moment and then took an exaggerated breath before continuing. "Well, first things first, this is my wife Vivienne."
Aubrey turned her attention to the woman at Finn's side and saw that she was looking friendly, but rather confused. Which was understandable. She still had no idea who any of the people in front of her were.
Luckily, Finn turned to her and explained.
"Viv, this is my cousin, Aubrey, and her husband, Levi. And…" Finn paused as his eyes landed on Hange and he suddenly looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've been introduced yet."
Finn lifted his hand and Hange took it just a second later with an eager smile.
"Hange. Just a friend."
Finn smiled back.
"Finn. Nice to meet you."
Hange gave him another grin and Aubrey turned her eyes back to Vivienne… only to find that she was already staring at her.
For what might have been the first time in her life, Aubrey was the one caught off guard by an embrace. Vivienne wrapped her arms around her so quickly that it took Aubrey a couple of seconds before she could return the gesture.
"It's so amazing to finally meet you and see that you're well. Finn talks about you all the time."
Aubrey's eyes widened and a moment later a large smile came to her lips.
"It's great to meet you, too. I hope he's only saying good things."
Vivienne laughed and nodded as she pulled away from their embrace.
"Yes, of course. Only good things."
Aubrey grinned again, but the grin soon turned to shock when Vivienne… hugged Levi next.
Aubrey heard Hange stifle a laugh, but she was much more focused on a horrified Levi. She wasn't really sure what to do. She couldn't expect Levi to hug her back. The only person he ever hugged was herself. But it was still awkward to see him standing there with his muscles as stiff as a board.
It was over soon enough, though, and Vivienne pulled away, seemingly unbothered by Levi's unresponsiveness as she smiled at him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Levi."
Levi didn't respond, but that was alright because Vivienne was already moving on to Hange. They hugged and exchanged greetings and then Vivienne moved back to Finn's side and took his hand.
Aubrey saw Finn open his mouth again. But he never got to speak.
"Dad?"
Aubrey's eyes flew to a doorway about halfway down the hallway on the back wall, quickly realizing that… there was a child. A little girl with blonde hair and green eyes.
Aubrey nearly gasped as Finn spun around to face her, a bright grin covering his face and his arms extending out to her.
That explained why he'd removed the weapons.
"Hey, girly!"
The child smiled instantly, revealing tiny teeth as she giggled and ran forward and into her father's arms.
Finn scooped her up immediately and settled her on his hip as Vivienne immediately raised an eyebrow and pinched the girl's cheek.
"Lilli, I thought I told you to stay in your room."
Finn laughed lightly and the little girl made a slightly sad face as she answered.
"But dad's home."
Vivienne smiled and shook her head and Finn laughed lightly.
"Well, now that I'm home, I think I have some people here that you might like to meet."
Aubrey watched as Finn turned to meet her eyes and then Lilli's eyes followed. Finn raised a hand and pointed at Aubrey, being very clear about who he was describing.
"This is your Aunt Aubrey."
Aubrey felt her heart skip a beat. 'Aunt Aubrey'?
But the next words were only more shocking.
"And this is her husband, your Uncle Levi."
Aubrey felt Levi's hand tighten around her own almost uncomfortably and his eyes widened ever so slightly as he struggled to maintain his neutral expression.
This child was going to be raised as… their niece?
Finn moved on.
"And this is their friend, Hange."
Aubrey heard Hange give some kind of greeting to the child, but she and Levi were still too stunned to really pay attention. Their eyes were locked on the girl and Aubrey knew they were thinking the same thing.
Is that what our child would look like?
Aubrey felt her heart speed up as Finn returned to her, his eyes meeting hers again as he gave her a small smile.
"What about Aunt Emmy?"
Aubrey could hardly bear the sound of the little girl's voice. It made her feel like she might explode.
Finn laughed lightly again and turned to Lilli as he spoke.
"You can have more than one Aunt, sweetheart. Aunt Emmy is your mom's sister. Aunt Aubrey is…" Finn trailed off and Aubrey could see him deciding how to explain. "Well, Aunt Aubrey is the closest thing I have to a sister. So, she's your Aunt."
Aubrey felt her heart stop as Lilli looked straight at her, green eyes meeting green eyes. Just a second passed and then Aubrey forced herself to speak.
"Hi."
Aubrey's voice was breathy and weak, but a smile came to her face as she spoke. She could hardly believe this was happening. Finn had a daughter. And Aubrey was her aunt.
"Hi."
Lilli answered in that clear and high voice that had made Aubrey's heart stop before and, sure enough, Aubrey felt her heart stop again. But she quickly regained her composure and scrambled to find something else to say.
"It's nice to meet you, Lilli. How old are you?"
Lilli shrank back into Finn's chest, suddenly slightly shy now that Aubrey was asking questions, but she still answered.
"Four." Aubrey's eyes sparkled, completely dazed by the child in front of her. She was too interesting to look away from. "How old are you?"
Aubrey giggled. For once, she didn't mind answering that question in the slightest.
"I'm twenty-seven."
Lilli shifted her eyes to Levi and Aubrey thought she could sense what was coming next.
"How old are you?"
Aubrey heard Hange stifle another laugh and Levi stiffened again. Aubrey just nudged him lightly, urging him and ordering him to respond. And he did.
"Twenty-nine."
Levi's voice was more of a low grumble than a clear tone, but he'd gotten the words out and that was what mattered.
There was a beat of silence and then Vivienne spoke up again as Lilli turned her eyes to Hange.
"That's enough asking people's ages, Lilli. How about we go back to your room for a bit. Your dad has some things to talk about with your aunt."
Aubrey felt a jolt of disappointment go through her. She didn't want the girl to leave. Aubrey had only just met her and she hadn't even gotten to hold her yet or ask her more than a simple question.
"We'll come back out when they're done."
Aubrey felt herself relax instantly. She'd get a little more time with the child. She knew they didn't have time to linger, but that girl… made her want to forget about her father and stay here all day.
Vivienne took Lilli from Finn's arms and Aubrey saw him mouth a silent 'thank you' at his wife. Vivienne just smiled and nodded and then carried Lilli away and back to her room, shutting the door behind her.
Aubrey turned her eyes back to Finn as soon as Lilli and Vivienne were out of sight and she shook her head.
"You could've told me you had a kid, Finn."
Finn smirked at her.
"You didn't ask."
Aubrey rolled her eyes but she froze instantly when Finn opened his mouth again.
"What about you two? Any kids?"
Aubrey felt a horrifying sadness start to settle over her. She had children… just not the kind Finn was asking about… and she'd lost so many of the children she did have less than a week ago. But the kind of children Finn was talking about, the kind Aubrey so desperately wanted… she wasn't sure when she'd get them.
"Not yet."
Aubrey was surprised when Levi was the one to answer. She felt his arm snake around her waist and he pulled her close. Aubrey leaned into him. He always knew when he needed her.
Finn nodded, unaware of the turmoil his innocent question had caused.
"How long have you been married?"
That question made Aubrey return to the present just a bit. It was certainly more lighthearted and… the answer would probably be a little shocking.
"Um… four days."
Finn's eyes widened at Aubrey's answer and the sight of his surprise forced a smile to Aubrey's lips.
"We've been together for almost eleven years if that makes it any less shocking."
Finn managed a small laugh as he answered.
"Took your time, huh?"
Aubrey shook her head and giggled.
"That's one way to put it. Work stuff, ya know? Got in the way."
Finn nodded and smiled, but Aubrey watched as his expression slowly shifted to a look of seriousness. She thought she knew where this was going. It was time to stop with the small talk and get down to business.
"Well… let's take a seat, shall we?"
Aubrey felt Levi's grip on her hand tighten again and she gave a squeeze back. It was time to ask the real questions… and she'd need him. Even for this.
Aubrey gave Finn a small nod and then watched as he turned and headed for the seating area near the fireplace. Aubrey stepped forward, but Levi stuck close to her side, never letting her get ahead of him. She didn't mind. He was doing what she needed him to do… he was making her feel safe.
Finally, Finn took a seat in a cream colored chair and Aubrey moved across from him on the other side of the coffee table to sit on a loveseat. Levi sat, too, and his arms instantly wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. Once again, she didn't mind his protectiveness.
Hange took a seat in another one of the chairs and then Aubrey met Finn's eyes.
For just a moment they stared at each other, gauging the atmosphere and knowing that this conversation would be tough for both parties… but Finn had agreed to talk… and Aubrey had agreed to tell… and ask.
"Well… I guess we should start with the obvious." Finn's voice was soft but steady and Aubrey gazed back at him with a hard look in her eyes as he continued. "What are you doing here, Aubs?"
Aubrey felt a jolt go through her at the nickname he'd used for her when they were kids, but she didn't let it affect her too much. She still had to answer.
She sighed and Levi tightened his arm around her waist for just a moment as he encouraged her. He was going to let her handle this conversation. Only she knew how much to share and how much to hide. So, he'd leave it to her.
Aubrey gazed straight into Finn's eyes and gave him her answer.
"I'm here to see my father."
Finn let out a long breath and leaned back in his chair.
"Why?"
Aubrey's brows furrowed and she bit the inside of her cheek as she decided what to reveal. Finn didn't seem aware of why she was here and the fact that he'd been near his house when she'd arrived told her that he probably hadn't been part of the operation to rescue the pastors. But… she had to tell him something and she didn't see how the truth could really hurt. She trusted him.
"I'm here on behalf of the Scouts. We were running an operation in Stohess and the pastors of the Wall Cult revealed that they may have some information that would be… very important to us. But, just as we were about to get them into custody, they were… taken." Aubrey stared intently at Finn's face and she thought she could see a look of recognition of his features. It was hard to tell, though. He had a steady and unreadable expression for the most part. "In this case, though, I'm guessing they were rescued. By the family. I can remember one of the pastors from before I left. He would visit my father every month. Only now do I realize that the Wall Cult probably had some kind of deal with us."
There were a few beats of silence and then Finn sighed again and furrowed his brows.
"I'm afraid I don't know anything about that operation, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if you were right. I could very well have just been left out of the loop on this one. We still get a visit about once a month from a Wall Cult pastor, though I'm not sure if it's the same one you remember. And a group did ride out this morning and return with carriages. I didn't see who was inside… but it could have been your pastors."
Aubrey's eyes widened. She'd been right. There was no doubt now. She'd been right.
"Do you happen to know where he might have put the pastors?"
Finn frowned and shook his head.
"No. Sorry, Aubs. Like I said, I was out of the loop on this one."
Aubrey sighed and nodded. She'd expected that answer, but she'd thought it was worth a shot.
"I figured. Just thought I'd ask."
Aubrey's eyes fell to the floor as she realized what Finn's answer meant. She would have to face her father. There was no way around it.
At just the right moment, Aubrey felt Levi's hand rub her side comfortingly and she shot him a glance. Just from the look in his eyes, she knew he'd understood what she was thinking about. He gave her a reassuring nod, but before she could respond, Finn spoke again.
"So… you're really going to go see him?"
Aubrey looked back to Finn instantly, her eyes locking with his as a few seconds of silence filled the air. But, eventually, Aubrey got the word out.
"Yes."
More silence followed, but after a few long moments Aubrey saw something shift in Finn's demeanor and he nodded again.
"Alright." There was one more beat of silence and then Finn's voice came out softer and slightly more… dark. "Just be careful, Aubrey. He's older now… but he's still your father."
Aubrey hummed lightly. She figured it would have been something like that.
"Don't worry, I know. That man wouldn't change his ways if his life depended on it. He's too proud."
Finn let out an amused hum of his own.
"You're right about that."
Aubrey stared at him and she could see his mind working behind his eyes. But Aubrey had more.
"Where is he, Finn?"
Finn's eyes flashed and he returned to the present, taking a sharp breath before answering.
"Walk all the way through the village and you'll find a dirt path that leads up another little hill. Follow it and you'll find his house."
Aubrey nodded. Of course her father would want to be secluded. He always did like to brood in his study.
"Thanks, Finn."
He nodded.
"Of course."
Silence ruled again as everyone mulled over what they'd just been told. Aubrey didn't have many more questions about her father or the pastors. Finn had obviously been excluded from this particular job and there was nothing more he could tell them. But, now that all of that was out of the way… Aubrey had a few more questions for Finn himself.
"Finn…" Aubrey's voice came out low and serious and she was sure that Finn's hard expression matched her own. "How's the family?"
This was one question that only Finn would understand. Aubrey didn't really care about the status of her individual family members, she wanted to know how the family was operating as a whole. She wanted to know how the family was operating as a business.
Finn let out a long breath and Aubrey knew he'd comprehended her question. And he was going to answer.
"Not much has changed since you left, Aubs. We're still running jobs, still doing dirty work. It's all the same. The only thing that's different is that everyone's getting older. My parents don't go on many jobs anymore. Our cousins are stepping up to take more responsibility. And… everyone's waiting for your father to name a successor."
Aubrey's eyes widened immediately as waves of shock rolled through her body.
"What?"
Aubrey felt Levi pull her closer at the sound of her breathless voice, but she hardly even noticed. She was far too focused on Finn's response.
He frowned and his eyes focused on her as he spoke.
"As of right now, it's still you, Aubs."
Aubrey felt like she could hardly breathe. But she needed more. Now.
"What do you mean 'it's still me'?! Surely he named someone else the instant I ran. Milo, Anton, anyone."
Finn shook his head.
"When you ran… he just…" Finn trailed off for a second and Aubrey could see a haze in his eyes as he traveled through a memory and recounted it aloud. "He called a meeting the next day and just said something like 'she's gone' and then… that was the end of it. No one dared to ask him for more information and we… we never talk about you. You're… taboo."
Aubrey let out a breath and slumped back in her seat. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"He wouldn't do that. He wouldn't go fifteen years without a stable successor."
Finn sighed, but Aubrey was surprised when he added his own piece.
"Obviously, I don't think he actually believes you'd ever come back, but… I think it's a matter of his pride again. You're his flesh and blood and he would never name anyone else. He knows that if he dies and you're still in line, it'll just pass right over you to my father. I think he'd be perfectly happy with that outcome. My father would just name Milo or Anton and everything would be fine. He's just… not willing to let you go."
Aubrey shook her head. She still couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"But… he hates me, Finn. He hates me."
Finn met her eyes and then looked away as he answered.
"I don't know anymore, Aubs. I just… I don't know what to think."
Aubrey was still for a second and then she turned into Levi. He looked neutral, just like he always did, but in his eyes Aubrey could see countless emotions. Anger, upset, horror, confusion, concern… all of them were there. But, despite the fact that he was rattled himself, she needed him.
Aubrey leaned into him and Levi pulled her closer, their bodies pressed up against each other as much as they could be. That was all they would get unless Aubrey wanted to crawl into his lap right there. But she didn't think that would be very appropriate.
So, Aubrey just savored the feeling of having him close and instead asked a question she'd been wanting the answer to since she arrived.
"Why are you still here, Finn? Why… why haven't you left? You're not like them."
Finn met her eyes and she was surprised when… he laughed.
"Ya know, I can't tell you how many times I've thought about it. I almost did a few times, too. But… honestly, Aubs… I just didn't have the guts like you did." Aubrey's brows furrowed, but Finn just kept explaining. "When you ran… I almost followed you. I almost packed my stuff and went running, but… I was scared, Aubs. You're father was horrible and the things he did to you are unforgivable, but… my parents weren't like that. They were tough, yeah, and they demanded a lot from me, but I don't hate them. They're still my parents. And they're my family. I just couldn't leave them. And then I got older and I just got pulled deeper and deeper into the family and pretty soon I was too far in to ever get out. And then I met Viv and we got married and we had Lilli and…" Finn looked reluctant but sure as he said his next words. "I've gotta keep 'em safe, Aubs. This family provides for my family and I can't risk leaving and causing an unstable life for them. I just… can't leave."
Aubrey's eyes fell to the floor, settling on a divot in the wood. Those words were hard to hear. Even after spending just a few minutes with Finn she was already desperate for him to leave this place and move somewhere where he could live a normal and happy life… and where she could see him. Because… she missed him.
But she understood. He didn't have much of a choice. He was staying for his family. And Aubrey knew she would do the same for her family. She'd found her family and she would do absolutely anything to protect it, just like Finn had done.
So, Aubrey nodded. She understood even if it hurt her.
There were a few long moments of silence and Aubrey wasn't sure if they sat for seconds or minutes, but, eventually, Finn spoke again.
"Aubs." Aubrey raised her eyes to his and he spoke immediately when he saw that he had her attention. "I have something for you." Aubrey's brows furrowed when he started to stand from his seat. "And I'd like to talk to you… alone… if you don't mind."
Instantly, Aubrey felt Levi's arms tighten around her waist and she was fairly sure she saw his eyes narrow suspiciously. He obviously didn't want her going anywhere alone. But every passing second was making her trust Finn more and more. And there were a few things that Aubrey wanted to discuss alone, too.
And if she wanted to discuss alone… Levi would need some convincing.
She turned to him, raising a hand to his cheek and forcing him to look at her. She stared into his eyes, trying to convey her sureness and her trust. Levi didn't look convinced yet.
So, she'd have to try words.
She leaned in, bringing her mouth next to his ear and putting a steadying hand on his chest as she whispered.
"I'll be alright, Levi. I trust him. He already took off most if not all of his weapons and I have a knife and a pistol. I'll be okay. He's not even going to attack me in the first place. And I have a few things I need to ask him about in private. I'll be alright, Levi. If I need you, I'll scream."
It was Levi's turn to whisper and he brought his mouth to her ear all while keeping an eye on Finn.
"You could be dead before you even get the chance to scream."
Aubrey held back a sigh and answered him.
"He's not going to hurt me, Levi. And even if he tried, I do know how to defend myself. He wouldn't be able to kill me so easily, even with a broken rib."
This time, Levi fell silent and Aubrey knew he was mulling it over in his mind. She'd be going with Finn with or without his approval, but having him approve would certainly make things easier. And, eventually, he did approve.
"Be careful."
Levi whispered in her ear again and Aubrey pulled back immediately. She met his eyes once more, seeing the distrust and worry there, but only kissing his cheek and then rising from her seat. But, just as she was about to walk away, Levi caught her hand and she turned back to him. His expression told her everything she needed to know.
Be careful.
Aubrey squeezed his hand and nodded and then, after just one more second, Levi let her go and she walked to Finn's side.
They didn't dawdle. Finn gave her one more glance and then he walked down the hallway at the back of the room.
Aubrey followed along behind him, her eyes lingering on the door of the room that Vivienne and Lilli had disappeared into. But she didn't get to look for long because Finn pushed open another door at the end of the hall and stepped inside. Aubrey didn't dare to look back at Levi. She knew he was probably staring daggers. So, she just followed Finn inside.
As soon as she stepped in, Aubrey realized that they were in the study. Bookshelves lined the walls and a large window sat at the back of the room, a wooden desk directly in front of it. Everything looked immaculate and expensive… just like the rest of the house.
"Aubs, I've gotta ask you something."
Aubrey snapped her eyes away from the stacked bookshelves and brought them back to Finn's face. She was surprised to see that he had a look of genuine concern, worry, and… interest.
"Are you happy?"
For a few moments, Aubrey could only stare at him. Was she happy? What did he mean by that? Did it seem like she wasn't happy?
Aubrey had no idea what he was really getting at, so she figured she'd just answer honestly… and simply.
"Yeah, Finn. I'm happy. My life has its ups and downs just like anyone else's, but I'm happy."Aubrey saw him relax almost immediately and he let out a long breath and nodded. But she still didn't know what he'd been so worried about. "Why do you ask?"
Finn met her eyes and Aubrey could see a burning intensity there that only made her more curious. She listened closely when Finn sucked in some air and started talking.
"I… I've just been wondering about you this whole time, Aubs. You knew that I was safe with the family, but… I didn't have any idea if you were safe or if you were even alive. All I've been able to do is hope that you're happy."Aubrey felt a rush of sadness go through her, but Finn wasn't quite done yet. "And when you showed up outside and you realized who I was… you laughed, Aubs. Do you know how hard I used to have to work to get you to laugh? But you were laughing and joking with me like you do it all the time. Do you? Do you laugh all the time now?"
Aubrey was almost too stunned to answer but the eager look on Finn's face made her force herself to speak.
"Yeah, Finn. I do. I laugh and I smile and I joke. I do it all the time. I have friends and a husband that I love more than anything else in the world and soldiers that are like children to me. I'm happy Finn, happier than I ever thought I could be."
Finn barely waited a second before asking another question.
"And being a Scout? That makes you happy?"
Aubrey frowned. That was a hard question to answer. But she'd try her best.
"That's… difficult to say, Finn. I love being a captain. I love my soldiers, I love my training, I love the freedom beyond the Walls, I love playing a role in something so important. And I love the family that I've found there. The Scouts are my home and they will be until the day we can stop fighting. But… it's hard. I've watched people that I love be killed over and over again right before my eyes and I find myself constantly wishing that I could find it in me to just stop caring and run away. I wish I could give up and take Levi and run away to a little house in the middle of nowhere and live out the rest of my life like nothing bad had ever happened to me. But I can't, Finn. The Scouts are a part of me and I have people there that I will fight for until the day I die. It's as simple as that."
The room fell silent again and Aubrey let her eyes fall to the ground as she waited for Finn's response. But she didn't have to wait long.
"Yeah, that sounds like you. Fighting 'till the very end. You never did know when to give up."
Aubrey looked up at him again, her eyes wide as she took in the small smile on his lips. But, Aubrey soon picked up on his intentions and she smiled back. He was happy that she was happy, even if that happiness came with its share of struggle. But all happiness did. Nobody's life was perfect. Finn knew that and so did she. And he was just glad to hear that she'd made the right choice in leaving the family. And now that he knew that, he was ready to move on.
Aubrey huffed a small laugh and answered.
"I wonder who taught me that…"
Finn huffed, too, and leaned back against the wall.
"Yeah, he never accepted anything less than your absolute best."
Aubrey shook her head and smiled.
"Sometimes not even that."
Finn hummed in agreement and then the two of them fell silent again as they thought over everything they had to talk about. Aubrey knew Finn had mentioned 'having something for her', though she didn't know if that had just been a way to get her alone or not. Regardless… she still had a question that she needed to ask.
Aubrey raised her eyes. She was horrified by what the answer might be. But she had to know.
"Finn…" He met her gaze immediately and then Aubrey took a breath as she forced herself to continue. "Your daughter… you're not… training her, are you?"
Finn's eyes hardened and he answered immediately.
"No. I would never do that to her. Until she's old enough, she'll live a completely normal life and I won't teach her a thing about fighting. And when I do teach her, it won't be how our parents taught us. I would never do that to her."
Aubrey sighed and nodded. She'd hoped that would be his answer… but she had to be sure. That little girl had seemed happy and she hadn't been able to picture Finn as the kind of cruel teacher their parents had been. But… she'd had to make sure.
There was more silence for a few seconds, but Aubrey soon remembered that they'd come in here for a reason. She wanted to know whether that reason had been legitimate or not.
"You said you had something for me?" Finn met her eyes again and Aubrey smirked. "Or was that just a way to get me away from Levi?"
Finn gave a small laugh.
"Both. He's pretty protective, huh?"
Aubrey tilted her head to the side as she thought.
"I guess. It's in his nature. But he's not usually like this. He's just on edge because… well, he just really doesn't like my father. Which isn't surprising. And also…" Aubrey paused, wondering whether to trust Finn with this information. But, ultimately, she decided to just go ahead. "I have a broken rib."
Finn's brows furrowed immediately.
"How'd you manage that?"
Aubrey nearly froze, but she forced herself to spit out a generic answer. There was no way she was about to say or even think about how she'd broken her rib.
"It was on the latest expedition."
Finn hummed and nodded, but Aubrey quickly changed the subject.
"So, what do you have for me?"
Finn took a deep breath and then Aubrey watched as he pushed off the wall and walked over to the desk. She saw him pull open the top drawer and start rummaging around and her curiosity instantly grew. She had no idea what Finn could have for her after not seeing her for fifteen years.
But, her curiosity turned to confusion… when he pulled out a rock.
Aubrey's brows knitted together as Finn closed the drawer and walked back over to her, sticking out his palm to display the small stone. Aubrey stared down at it, noticing that it was a rather jagged rock, with sharp edges. It almost looked like it had been chipped off a larger stone.
Aubrey opened her mouth to ask what exactly she was looking at, but Finn answered before she even got the words out.
"It's a piece of your mother's gravestone."
Aubrey's eyes widened so much that she knew she looked like an absolute maniac. But she couldn't help it. A piece of her mother's gravestone?
"What?"
Aubrey's voice came out sounding breathless and shaky. She couldn't believe what he had in his hand.
"When we got the news that Maria had fallen, I was in the cemetery. I don't know I managed to stay calm enough to think, but I remember just knowing that… I had to get a piece. I know how much peace going to her grave brought you. And I knew the chances of any of us ever seeing it again after that day were slim, so… I chipped off a piece. I didn't know if I would ever see you again, but I saved it. And now… it's yours."
Finn grabbed her hand and dropped to rock onto her palm before closing her fingers around it. Aubrey was speechless and she could feel tears pricking at the back of her eyes. It was all… too much.
Suddenly, Aubrey couldn't stay still any longer and she flung her arms around Finn's neck, pulling him close and shakily whispering into his ear.
"Thank you, Finn. Thank you."
She felt his arms wrap around her waist and he squeezed her lightly.
"You're welcome, Aubs."
Aubrey nodded into his body, holding back her tears as she pulled away. She didn't stop to look at him, though. Instead, she walked straight over to the desk, pulling open the drawers until she found some paper, a quill, and a pot of ink. She moved quickly, still slightly sniffling as she held back any kind of real crying, and started scribbling on the page.
As soon as she was done, she put away the quill and the ink and headed back to Finn. She grabbed his hand and pushed the piece of paper into his fingers before finally meeting his eyes. He looked confused, but Aubrey was about to explain.
"This is our address. Send me a letter if you think you can or come visit base. I know that might be impossible, but… I miss you, Finn. I don't think I'll ever be coming back here again, but I don't want this to be the last time we speak. So, if you can, talk to me. In any way you can. And if that happens to be visiting Levi and I on base, then make sure you bring Vivienne and Lilli. I love them already." Aubrey gave him a genuine smile and she saw Finn take on a tender look before he pulled her in for another hug and whispered in her ear.
"I'll try, Aubs. I will."
Aubrey hugged him back and nodded again.
"I'm so happy for you, Finn. I'm so happy that you're happy."
Finn hugged her a little tighter.
"Thanks, Aubs. I'm happy for you, too."
Aubrey wished she could stay there for a long time, holding onto him and letting him know just how much she'd missed him. But she couldn't linger any longer. It was time to go.
Aubrey kissed his cheek and then pulled away before looking into his eyes one more time. It was hard to speak, hard to say the words, but she had to. It was… time.
So, she took a breath to steady herself and wiped the threatening tears away from her eyes before finally managing to say what she needed to say.
"I think I have to go now, Finn. At the very least we need to leave this room before Levi freaks and kicks the door down."
Finn huffed a small laugh.
"He'd do that?"
Aubrey laughed, too.
"I've seen him do it before. He can be very impatient."
Finn smiled and Aubrey returned the look as he answered her.
"Well, we'd better go, then. I'd rather not have my door broken down."
Aubrey nodded and smiled again and then watched as Finn reached for the doorknob and swung the door open, allowing her to pass through first. She shot him one last glance and then did her part and walked out.
Her eyes instantly searched for Levi as she tucked her stone into her pocket and she found him still in the seating area, though he was standing now and his arms were crossed over his chest. Hange looked just as relaxed as ever and Aubrey had to stop herself from laughing when she saw them leaning back comfortably in their chair, relaxing like it was just another day.
Levi didn't look so relaxed, though.
The second he saw her, his arms uncrossed and he took a few steps forward, already reaching for her. Aubrey hurried along and just a few moments later, she was in his arms and feeling as safe as ever. She was so distracted by him that she almost didn't hear Finn telling Vivienne and Lilli to come out and say goodbye. But she did, even if Levi was curling his fingers around her chin already.
He tilted her head up and met her eyes and even without him saying a word, Aubrey already knew what he was asking.
Are you alright?
She nodded and pressed her hands into his chest as she tried to reassure him that what she was about to say was really true.
"I'm fine, Levi."
Aubrey saw him open his mouth to say more, but he never got the chance because, right behind them, a child squealed.
Aubrey turned around to see Lilli running right at her and she nearly gasped when the girl lifted her arms, silently asking to be picked up.
Aubrey shot a look at Finn, only to find that he was laughing with Vivienne smiling beside him. Thankfully, though, Vivienne gave her an explanation.
"Sorry, I may have told her that you were Scouts. She's rather fascinated by that fact."
Aubrey's shock only lasted for one more second and then a grin spread across her face as she leaned down and lifted Lilli right into her arms, settling her on her hip as Finn had done earlier.
Aubrey smiled down at the little girl in her arms, absolutely amazed. She was so small, so tiny, and yet she was a full person. And she was adorable.
"You went outside the Walls?"
Aubrey giggled at the sound of Lilli's voice and nodded.
"Yes, I have. Many times."
Lilli's face turned more serious and she asked another question.
"Were there titans?"
Aubrey's eyes widened. This conversation was turning dangerous very quickly. But… Lilli didn't look scared at all. She looked perfectly fine and her attention was on the Wings of Freedom sewn onto Aubrey's breast pocket.
So, Aubrey continued, treading carefully.
"Yes, there were."
Lilli still didn't look upset, but she'd moved on to running her fingers over the fabric of the patch she was so interested in.
"Were they scary?"
Aubrey swallowed, but decided to answer honestly again.
"Yes, they were. Very scary."
Aubrey waited patiently for the next question, hoping Lilli wouldn't ask if someone had died or if she'd ever killed a titan. That was a bit more morbid than she was willing to get with a four year old.
But, luckily, Lilli's curiosity about the patch finally seemed to catch up with her. She met Aubrey's eyes for a moment and then looked back to the patch again.
"What is this?"
Aubrey half sighed in relief and half giggled at the question before she answered.
"Those are the Wings of Freedom. They mean that I'm a Scout."
Lilli ran her fingers over the patch a few more times and Aubrey watched her carefully. She seemed so genuinely interesting in just a small bit of fabric, like it was the only thing that mattered in that moment. Aubrey couldn't help but grin wider. She hadn't held a small child like this since she'd been a child herself, holding her younger cousins. But doing it as an adult, as someone who wanted a child herself… it made her happier than she knew how to describe.
"Dad wears those sometimes."
Aubrey emerged from her daze at the sound of Lilli's voice and was instantly confused. Finn wore the Wings of Freedom? But Aubrey soon realized that Lilli had moved on again and she was no longer talking about the patch. Instead, she was reaching for Levi.
And pointing at his straps.
Aubrey's eyes flew to Levi's face only to find that his eyes had widened and he almost looked… terrified. Which was why she was absolutely shocked when he reached for Lilli on his own.
He pulled her out of Aubrey's arms easily and held her up against him as the little girl pulled gently at the straps across his chest. Aubrey was sure she felt her heart burst at the sight.
Levi was holding a child.
"You're a Scout, too?"
Aubrey saw Levi hesitate for just a second, but he managed to answer.
"Yes."
Aubrey saw an opportunity to make Lilli excited again and she leaned closer, her arm going around Levi's back on her other hand smoothing over Lilli's hair.
"Actually, he's the best soldier. He's better than everybody else."
Sure enough, Aubrey saw Lilli's eyes widen and the little girl smiled brightly as she looked up at Levi.
"Really?"
Aubrey snuck a glance at Levi's face only to see him giving her a very unamused look. Aubrey just giggled and left him to answer for himself.
He shifted around for a second and then managed another one word answer.
"Yes."
Lilli gave a small laugh and Aubrey's heart exploded for the millionth time, but it wasn't even over yet.
Lilli already seemed to have moved on to another interest and she reached up and grabbed a lock of Levi's hair. Aubrey panicked for a moment, thinking she might tug on it, but she didn't. She just held it gently and spoke with a small giggle.
"I like your hair."
Aubrey's heart exploded. Again. But it wasn't over yet.
Levi smiled. He smiled.
It wasn't a full smile, just a small upturn of his lips, but Aubrey felt like she was about to faint. And it only got better. He raised a hand and tucked a loose lock of Lilli's hair behind her ear as he answered her.
"Thanks. I like your hair, too."
Lilli giggled and Aubrey's grin grew so wide she could hardly take it. She pressed her lips to Levi's shoulder and he glanced down at her, the smile still on his lips.
Both of them turned their eyes back to a giggling Lilli and Aubrey couldn't help but feel like they were experiencing a moment of bliss at a time when everything seemed so dark.
But, all good things came to an end.
"Sorry, Lilli, but you have to let your aunt and uncle go now. They have things they need to do."
Vivienne walked over, reaching for Lilli and pulling her out of Levi's arms. Aubrey saw his smile slowly fade, but she simply kissed his shoulder again as his arm snaked around her waist. She hadn't thought he could get any more perfect, but… that might have done it.
Finn joined Vivienne beside them and Aubrey saw Hange move to Levi's other side. It was time to say goodbye.
Vivienne half hugged Hange, Lilli sandwiched between them, and then said a brief and friendly goodbye. Finn did the same and then he turned his attention to Levi, sticking his hand out again. This time, Levi took it with hardly any hesitation at all.
"It was great meeting you, Levi."
Levi nodded as they shook.
"You, too."
Finn gave him a small smile and backed off as Vivienne moved in, pulling Levi into their second hug of that day. Once again, Lilli ended up sandwiched between them and Aubrey's eyes nearly popped out of her head when the little girl reached and wrapped her arms around Levi's neck in a hug of her own. The smile flashed across Levi's lips again, but it disappeared as soon as Vivienne and Lilli pulled away.
But, Aubrey was next. Vivienne wrapped her in another embrace and Aubrey felt Lilli do the same thing she'd done with Levi and wrap her arms around her neck. Except, unlike Levi, Aubrey hugged back full force. One of her arms went around Vivienne and the other went around Lilli. She kissed Vivienne's cheek first and then moved to Lilli, who giggled at the touch. The sound made Aubrey smile even wider and when she pulled away, Vivienne whispered a few words.
"It really was amazing to meet you, Aubrey. I'm so happy you're well."
Aubrey smiled brightly and answered quickly.
"It was amazing to meet you, too." Aubrey paused, raising her hand to Lilli's cheek. "Both of you."
Aubrey let her hand fall away and she gave Vivienne one more smile before Finn moved forward and took her place. He hugged her immediately and Aubrey clutched at him. If she was being honest, she really didn't want to let him go. But she would have to. And she knew that.
"I'm so happy I got to see you, Aubs. And I'll try. I really will."
Aubrey knew he was talking about coming to see her on base and she nodded into his shoulder.
"Thank you, Finn. For everything."
Aubrey felt his lips on her cheek and then she gave him a kiss of her own before they finally pulled apart.
Aubrey went back to Levi's arms and Finn wrapped one of his own around Vivienne before he spoke.
"You remember?"
Aubrey knew again what he was referring to and she nodded.
"Through town and up the dirt trail." That was where she'd find her father.
Finn nodded and then he turned his attention to Lilli, who was still in her mother's arms.
"Say goodbye, Lilli."
Lilli's smile suddenly faltered and she asked another question.
"When are they coming back?"
Finn's brows furrowed for just a moment, but he wiped that expression from his face almost immediately.
"I don't know, hun, but I'm sure we'll see them soon."
Finn's eyes flickered to Aubrey's for just a second, but Vivienne spoke again.
"Say goodbye to your aunt and uncle."
Lilli looked away from her mother and father and her eyes flickered between Aubrey and Levi as her voice filled the air.
"Goodbye Aunt and Uncle."
Aubrey grinned and she felt Levi's arm tighten around her waist as both of their hearts swelled.
But it was time to go. For real.
"Goodbye, Lilli."
Aubrey whispered the words softly and gave Finn and Vivienne one last look. They were smiling, but in the same way that Aubrey was. Sadly.
But, despite the sad smiles, Aubrey took Levi's hand and headed for the door, Hange following closely behind them. And then, with one last glance, the three of them stepped out onto the porch and closed the door behind them.
Aubrey sucked in a breath of the afternoon air and squeezed Levi's hand as they stood on the porch for just a moment. The village still looked empty, but Aubrey knew her presence had probably been reported to her father by now.
All she had to do now… was find him.
And if she waited any longer, she knew it would only get harder.
So, she pushed all other thoughts from her mind and pulled Levi forward, walking down the steps and leading them through town just like Finn had said.
"Aubrey, what-"
"Not now Hange. I'll answer all of your questions later. Just… not now, please."
Aubrey felt a little bad for shutting down her friend so immediately, but she simply didn't have the capacity to answer questions right now. All of her attention was on her father. And that was all that mattered.
But, despite the shut down, Hange listened and everyone fell silent as Aubrey's eyes scanned the houses. She saw no movement within. It really did look like a ghost town. But it wasn't.
The sound of their feet hitting the ground was heard over and over again and second, minutes, hell, what seemed like hours passed as the houses went by.
But, eventually, the houses stopped appearing and… a dirt trail took their place.
Aubrey followed it with her eyes, her gaze climbing higher and higher… until she saw a house at the top of the hill.
Aubrey squeezed Levi's hand, but she didn't pause. She was going to do this. No matter what.
The three of them hiked up the trail, the house becoming more and more clear as they grew closer and closer. It looked like the rest of the houses, though it might have been slightly larger and its positioning on the hill made it obvious that someone important lived there.
And… that was true. Though, to Aubrey, he was important in a very different way than to the rest of those who lived here.
Aubrey took breath after breath as they climbed and she tried to calm her racing heart. She could feel Levi's eyes on her, waiting for any sign of distress, but she was determined not to break at any point during this encounter. She would need him, would need his presence. But her father would not break her. Not ever again.
Every step felt both too slow and too fast, but, eventually, Aubrey rounded over the top of the hill and the porch came into view.
Her jaw clenched, she squeezed Levi's hand, her feet rooted to the spot.
Right there, standing on the porch and looking like it was just another afternoon, was a man whose face she would never forget. Even fifteen years of aging couldn't make him unrecognizable. Not to her.
Aubrey stared at him, he stared at her. And then Aubrey opened her mouth.
"Hello, Father."
A/N: HIYOOOOOOOOO! How do we FEEL?
I am honestly WAY too excited right now. Dear old dad is HERE. But FINNNNNNNNNNN. What an absolute sweetie. And LILLIIIIIIIIIII. I cannot. THE DADVI moment? I am CRYING.
Okay, okay, hold on. Let's BREAK IT DOWN.
Okay, but when they go in the house and Aubrey finds out that Finn has a kid and both she and Levi wonder if that's what their child would look like? I cannot. Also, side note, I'm aware that both blonde hair and green eyes are recessive traits, but we're just gonna ignore that, okay? Cool. Thanks.
AND OMG 'AUNT AUBREY' AND 'UNCLE LEVI'? YOU KNOWWWWW THEY'RE THE COOL AUNT AND UNCLE. YOU JUST KNOW IT. Like, they would for sure spoil that child rotten lol.
Also, the fact that Finn calls Aubrey 'Aubs', GETS ME. That's so cute. I love it.
And when he gave her a piece of her mother's gravestoneeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Omg, my brain is malfunctioning y'all. It's too much. And when he asked her if she was happy? Ugh, a sweet man. We love him.
I. Do I need to say more? The way he didn't want to let her out of his arms… Oop. We love it.
Okay, okay, and MY FAVORITE PART. DADVI. Levi SMILED at that child and TOLD HER HE LIKED HER HAIR. LEVI HELD A CHILD. LEVI HELD A CHILD. Y'all, this chapter really be makin' me go crazy if you can't tell already lol.
And Aubrey and Levi were so happyyyyyyy to just look at Lilli and hold her and that's so adorable and they would be the BEST parents. Ugh.
And then, last but not least, AUBREY'S FATHER. I REPEAT, AUBREY'S FATHER. Next chapter is gonna be so good, y'all. I don't know if the confrontation will be one chapter or two, but it's gonna be GOOD. I have been waiting to write this part for so long and I'm so excited!
Alright, that all for the chapter lol.
As for the One Shot Book, I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who said they'd want to see it! I'll be uploading the first chapter/one shot some time tomorrow probably, so you can check back for it then. It WILL be the period sex one shot lol (sorry that's the only one I have finished), but I AM working on Levi's 19th birthday and I LOVED all of the suggestions y'all left! If you have more, PLEASE leave them!
Okay, that all I've got! Thank you so much for the comments on the last chapter! There was just something about them that made me a little extra happy. I know I haven't responded to most of them yet, but school is ramping up before finals, so I'll get to them as soon as I can! Anyway, please leave another one this time! I'm loving them, as always! Alrighty, that's it. Love y'all 333