Aubrey could hardly think, hardly breathe, hardly walk. The only thing keeping her on her feet was Levi, who now had a steady arm around her waist to hold her up. Her legs barely seemed to move and she felt sick. Everything seemed so… impossible.

But she had to hold on.

She had to hold on for now. She didn't know how long it would be before she and Levi could be alone, but she had to hold on until then. For now, she needed to be strong. They still had to hurry and get the pastors and then get back to Erwin. He would no doubt be wondering how their trip was going… and wondering if he should send a rescue party.

So… they needed to hurry.

Aubrey leaned into Levi and his arm tightened even further around her waist. They were out of her family's village and now… the tavern was right in front of them. They'd hooked an additional carriage and a couple more horses onto their own carriage to accommodate the pastors and they also hadn't hesitated to take plenty of handcuffs and restraints from the family stash. But, now… they would have to use them.

The tavern was right there and there wouldn't be any more waiting. It was time to act.

Aubrey straightened her stance as much as she could, still leaning into Levi, but trying to hold her own. For this, there could be no hesitation, no sign of fear. Right now, she had to be a Hilmar. That was who these pastors feared, who they would cower in front of. And, even though Aubrey loathed the idea of using her maiden name… she'd use it now. Her hair and eyes would be enough to scare them, but the name… it would put them over the edge.

So, just for right now… She'd be a Hilmar. One more time.

"Levi."

Aubrey cringed when her voice came out as a breathy whisper rather than the strong tone she'd been hoping for. She'd have to get over that soon. But, for now, all she needed to do was warn Levi.

"What is it?"

Aubrey felt his arms tighten around her waist and when she glanced at his face she saw that his brows were furrowed with worry. She gave him a steady look and hardened her own features. She didn't want him to worry, but… she knew they didn't have time for hugs or kisses or reassurances. They had to move. So, she turned into him and raised her hands to his face as she started to speak.

"Levi…"Aubrey forced her voice to come out stronger and she watched Levi lean closer as she continued. "When… when we go in there… I'm going to have to be the person my father raised me to be. I'm going to have to be cruel, Levi. And I just… wanted you to know."

Aubrey waited, staring up at him as his brows knitted even closer together. But, after just a moment, he spoke again.

"I know, Aubrey." His hands wrapped around her wrists and squeezed gently. "Do what you have to do." He paused for one more second, hardening his gaze as he stared down at her. "I know who you are."

Aubrey felt a spark in her. She could do this. Levi wouldn't be appalled or scared by her performance. He knew exactly who she was. In fact, sometimes she felt like he knew her better than she knew herself. He knew absolutely everything about her. They'd made a point in their relationship to tell each other everything… except for the odd secret about tracking down lost families… but even that was out there now. Levi knew everything about her and she knew everything about him. And because of that, there was no way either of them could ever put on an act that would scare the other. On several other occasions, Levi had seen her bring out her cruel side, the one her father had so carefully trained and primed. It had never scared him away before; Levi could be cruel himself. But… she still liked to warn him. It scared her to show such a dark side of herself, even if she didn't really consider it to be part of her. It was an act, if anything. But she still warned him. Even she didn't really have to.

Levi knew who she was. He knew she wasn't the coldblooded Hilmar she was about to be. And… that was enough comfort for Aubrey to know she could do this. She could do this. She would do this. And Levi would stay by her side through all of it.

Aubrey gave him a steady look and nodded as she let out a shaky breath. She was going to do this and it was going to be hard. It wasn't in her nature to be cruel. But right now… she had to be.

So, with as much courage as she could muster, Aubrey turned on her heel, took Levi's hand, shot Hange a quick glance, and walked into the tavern.

As soon as the heavy wooden door was pushed aside, Aubrey heard the noise. There were people everywhere. Mostly men being extraordinarily rowdy, but there were a few women, too. The place was large, with dark wooden walls and a somewhat muggy atmosphere. Tables were scattered around, full of people laughing and arguing about this or that. But, straight ahead was the bar. And behind it was a bartender… who was already staring straight at her.

Apparently, the hair and eyes were already doing their part.

Aubrey hardened her expression and didn't hesitate. There was no time for pausing… they had to move.

So, quickly, Aubrey stepped inside, her hand still tightly grasping Levi's as she guided him and Hange between the tables. A few people turned their heads to look at them, lingering for a few moments, but nobody really seemed to take particular notice otherwise. That was good. They didn't need people paying close attention when they were led into the basement to retrieve a group of stolen pastors.

So, Aubrey turned her attention to the bartender as she finally came to a stop in front of him. He was rather tall, perhaps a couple inches over six feet and he had dark brown hair that hung over his forehead in shiny locks along with dark brown eyes to match. But Aubrey wasn't all that concerned about his looks. She was far more concerned about saying the right words. The words her father had told her to say.

Aubrey squeezed Levi's hand and gave Hange one more look before she turned her eyes back to the bartender. It was now or never.

"May I see your selection of wines?"

Aubrey saw the bartender's eyes shift instantly. He paled and she saw his hand tighten around the rag he was holding as he stared at her. She could see him examining her features as he solidified his suspicions about who she was. But, fortunately, he didn't pause for too long before he answered.

"Are you looking for anything in particular?"

Aubrey felt a small piece of her relax. He'd said the right line. He knew who she was and he knew why she was here. Now all she had to do was say the right words.

Aubrey nodded.

"Yes, I'm looking for port, champagne, merlot, chardonnay, and riesling."

The bartender's jaw flexed and he spoke again.

"Are you sure that's what you're looking for?"

Aubrey stared him down. This was it.

She reached out and knocked her knuckles once on the wood of the bar.

"Yes, absolutely. Only the best, please."

The bartender took a shaky breath and nodded as he gestured to the side.

"Of course. Follow me, please."

Aubrey watched carefully as the bartender made his way out from behind the bar, watching the crowd as he went to make sure they weren't getting any unwanted attention. They weren't.

So, when he finally turned and headed for the back hallway, Aubrey followed. Carefully.

Levi stayed at her side for every second and Hange looked alert as well. Even though her father hadn't told them anything about having to be on their guard, but it was always better to be safe than sorry.

So, they watched closely.

Aubrey followed behind the bartender and stayed a few steps back as she took in her surroundings. The hall was made of the same dark wood as the rest of the bar and the doors looked unassuming and plain. But, apparently, one of them wasn't normal. Or, at least it was going to lead them to their destination.

The bartender turned to one of the doors randomly and Aubrey froze as she watched him pull a set of keys from his pocket. Levi's arm went in front of her, obviously ready to push her back if need be, and he was keeping an eye on Hange, too. Aubrey was entirely grateful that he was there. Not only was he her husband and the only person that would be able to help her through this, but he was also humanity's strongest soldier and he was the only one they could truly trust to protect them from absolutely anything. Aubrey knew that she was strong herself, and so was Hange, but Levi… he was on an entirely different level. He was… Levi.

And he would make her feel safe… just like he always did.

The keys jangled in the lock until the bartender finally pulled the door back and revealed a shaded staircase that led down into… the basement. Just as her father had said it would.

Aubrey stared into the dimly lit stairwell, but she didn't take a single step forward. She wasn't going to go first. And, apparently, Levi was thinking the same thing.

"You first. Go."

He spoke firmly, his eyes on the bartender the whole time and giving him a glare that Aubrey could see was sending a shiver down his spine. But the bartender followed his instructions.

Slowly, he stepped forward, going down the first step and then another and another until Levi finally felt safe enough to follow. He pulled Aubrey along behind him, keeping his hand in hers as they descended into the basement. Aubrey reached back to take Hange's hand as well and she squeezed lightly. Hange squeezed right back.

They went step by step with Levi scanning every inch of their surroundings as they went. There was no sign of the pastors so far. In fact, there was no sign of anything out of the ordinary so far. Right now, it just looked like a tavern basement. There were stacks of wine and food everywhere, all organized neatly. But no sign of the pastors.

The bartender took the last step onto the basement floor and Levi pulled Aubrey down behind him. Everything still seemed normal and there were no signs that something dangerous was about to happen, but Levi was still on edge. As he should be. According to her father, there was still a secret room they had to find… and none of this seemed entirely trustworthy. But they were almost done. Just a few more minutes and they'd have the pastors and be out of there. And that was all that mattered.

Aubrey kept her eyes on her surroundings even as Levi pushed her around like a ragdoll until she was completely shielded behind his body. She appreciated the gesture and she was glad he was keeping an eye out, but he'd need to let her go in just a moment. She was the one who the pastors would recognize. The hair, the eyes, they'd see it all instantly and that was what would make them listen. So, in just a few moments, Levi would have to let up and let her play the role of a Hilmar.

Despite Levi's back blocking most of the view, Aubrey still tried to take in her surroundings. It looked like the bartender was leading them toward the left wall and he was now pushing some crates out of the way. Aubrey thought she knew what was coming next.

So, quickly and carefully, she wriggled out of Levi's grip and moved in front of him. He grunted and his hands were on her waist instantly, trying to pull her back, but Aubrey wasn't having it. He needed to let her do this. He needed to let her put on a show for just a moment.

"Levi." Aubrey grabbed at his wrists and squeezed as she turned to face him. "I'm alright."

Aubrey stared into his eyes as they flashed violently in the dim light. He wasn't happy and he obviously didn't like the idea of letting her go first. But he must've understood that Aubrey really did need to handle this herself. Her family name would be key in this exchange and her appearance would help, too. So, for now, he had to let her go first.

His hands slowly relaxed on her waist until he let go of her completely. But, even though he'd let her go, he wasn't going to give up completely. He moved even closer until his body was practically pressed up against hers. When he was satisfied with that he reached for Hange and pulled them closer, too. Obviously, he wasn't taking any chances.

Aubrey met his eyes again and saw the smoldering worry in his gaze. Except, this worry wasn't just about the pastors… it was about her. Levi was worried about her. Everything with her father and her family was wearing heavily on them and it was getting harder every second to hold it all in.

Aubrey tried to give him the most reassuring look she could. In all honesty, she couldn't wait to be alone with him and cry her eyes out in his arms. But, right now, she needed to be strong… for just a little while longer.

Aubrey was torn from her thoughts, and from Levi's gaze, when a loud clicking and creaking noise filled the air. She whirled around to see the bartender pressing into the wall and… sliding it away. A hidden door.

Aubrey felt her muscles tense in preparation. This was it. It was time to be cruel.

The door continued to slide open inch by inch and every second that ticked by was another second that Aubrey let her expression harden and her body calm. She'd put on a mask of cruelty plenty of times during her childhood just to endure the tasks her father had given her. But, today, there was not simply a 'task'... this was real. And it was time to put her father's lessons to use.

The door finally slid open entirely and Aubrey peered inside. People. Men. Pastors.

No hesitation.

Aubrey stepped forward and walked straight into the room without a single pause. The pastors were already looking at her, their faces pale and their eyes wide. Her hair and eyes were apparently making an impression.

"Who are you?"
Aubrey's eyes shifted instantly to the man who'd addressed her. He was older, with greying hair cropped close to his skull and wrinkles that covered his face. But, despite his aged appearance… Aubrey already knew exactly who he was.

"Ah… Pastor Nick." Aubrey trailed off for a moment, forcing a dubious smirk onto her lips. She already didn't like this, playing the bad guy, but she had to do it… so she would. "You are rather difficult. You made us follow you all the way up here just to get back what we'd already had."

Pastor Nick's eyes widened and Aubrey watched as all blood left his face, leaving behind clammy and white skin that paired perfectly with his horrified expression.

"I asked who you are. Are you a Hilmar?"

Aubrey raised a brow. Her hair and eyes really had frightened him and, from the looks of it, it had frightened all of the other pastors, too. Aubrey wasn't exactly sure what her father had done to that pastor all those years ago, but whatever he had done had certainly been enough to make the Wall Cult fear her family on sight.

Good. That would certainly play to their advantage right now.

Aubrey forced her smirk to grow wider and took a couple steps forward. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Levi twitch, probably because he didn't want her going anywhere near the pastors… but he would just have to trust her on this. Besides, the pastors probably weren't armed and, even if they were, Aubrey seriously doubted they really knew how to use a weapon. She'd be alright.

So, she stepped away despite Levi's discomfort and gave her full attention to Pastor Nick.

"You really don't recognize me, Pastor?" Aubrey watched his face and saw it somehow pale even further. She gave him a malicious smile and stopped a short distance away from him. "I'll give you a hint, I am a Hilmar… but we haven't met for many years now."

Aubrey watched as the Pastor's eyes started to dart to each of her features. Her hair, her eyes, her nose, her mouth… all of it. Until it finally hit him and Aubrey saw the recognition settle on his face. And the fear.

"You're… that girl. His daughter."

Aubrey felt a jolt of nervousness run down her spine, but she forced herself to keep talking, to keep smirking, to keep up the act.

"Ah, well done, Pastor. So, you do remember me." Aubrey stared him down, her arms crossed over her chest as her gaze met his. The realization only grew stronger in his eyes as he made the connections and truly started to grasp who he was looking at. Aubrey only made her eyes sharper and her smirk harsher. Things were going to start to get harder now.

"But you're… a Scout?"

Aubrey let out a small laugh and shifted her weight onto one leg as she answered.

"Yes, I am. That's really too bad for you, isn't it?"
The Pastor looked like he was choking on air. His body was completely frozen and his eyes were wider than ever.

"But we had a deal-"

"Your deal is dead."

Aubrey spat the words at him, the smirk falling away from her lips. It was time to get serious with this. They had to move.

The Pastor spiralled for a moment and Aubrey could see the fear in his eyes growing with every passing second. Good. Hopefully, that fear would make him tell her everything right then and there and they wouldn't have to drag them back to Stohess. But, somehow, Aubrey doubted that would ever be the case. Still… she had to try.

"Your secret is out. The Military knows what you've been hiding and it's only a matter of time before the public knows, too. You have no leverage. And, without any kind of benefit for my family… you've been left for dead. Or, more specifically, you've been left for me."

Aubrey heard murmurs and gasps from all of the pastors in the room and she stepped forward, finally coming to stop just a foot away from Pastor Nick. He stared down at her, his body completely still and his skin clammy and pale. But Aubrey smiled at him. It was certainly not a friendly smile, more threatening… and it was having its desired effect. Pastor Nick started to shrink away from her, but Aubrey quickly reached out and put her hands on his shoulders, her fingers digging into his skin beneath his robes. But she just kept smiling as she spoke.

"Oh, come on now, Pastor. I'm not so bad. All you have to do is tell me everything you know and I'll let you go. That's all. Just tell me what you know and we can avoid all of the bad stuff."

There was silence for a few moments as Aubrey stared at Pastor Nick and Pastor Nick stared back. Tension filled the air and Aubrey could feel every second ticking by. But, when Pastor Nick answered, it was the answer that she'd unfortunately been expecting.

"We can't tell you anything."

Aubrey glared at him even as her smile stayed on her lips. She'd give a few more seconds… just a few more seconds before she took action and played the cruel role her father had always taught her to play.

But Pastor Nick never took his chance. And he left her with no choice.

Aubrey bent down and, in a flash, she pulled out the dagger hidden in her boot. Before Nick could even react, Aubrey moved behind him, pressing the blade to his neck just hard enough to make a single stream of blood trickle down.

For just a second, Aubrey's gaze settled on Levi's face and she was relieved to see that he looked as calm as ever. Levi had seen her be cruel before. Plenty of times. But she still hated putting on these acts in front of him. With Levi, she was always afraid that one day he'd see a side of her that shocked him and made him question. But she knew that would never happen. Levi really did know who she was, inside and out, and nothing she could ever do would ever make him question how well he knew her. Or how much he loved her.

So… Aubrey continued.

She brought her mouth to Nick's ear and took note of the gasps and small shouts from the other pastors in the room. She paid them no mind. She was glad they were scared. That was what she wanted.

Aubrey clicked her tongue and started to speak.

"Now, Nick, you know my family and you know my father. I can guarantee you that he didn't skip the torture lesson and that I am perfectly capable of carving you up until you can't even recognize yourself in the mirror."

Aubrey felt him swallow hard and there were more protests from the other pastors… but none of them dared to move. Not only was Aubrey threatening them, but she also had Nick as a hostage. These men may be determined not to tell anything, but they certainly still cared about their colleagues. None of them would dare to rush her. And, even if they did, they didn't stand a chance against her. And they especially didn't stand a chance against a hawk-eyed Levi.

"Believe it or not, I'd really rather avoid getting your blood on my hands. It's quite messy and this uniform is actually pretty comfortable. I'd hate for it to get stained. So, what do you say you tell me," Aubrey pulled him even closer until she was snapping her words directly into his ear. "and you can keep your pretty face and I can keep my uniform, hm?"

Aubrey glared at him, her eyes flashing darkly as he struggled to suck in the air he needed. He was terrified and it was plain to see. But he still wasn't giving in.

"I've already told your friend over there… I'd give my life before I told you anything."

Aubrey's eyes followed Nick's gaze to Hange and she grit her teeth. She hated this. She didn't want to torture this man, but he was really leaving her no choice. At this rate, she'd have to load them into the carriage and take them back to Stohess where she'd have to keep up this act of cruelty.

But if Pastor Nick wasn't going to give in… then neither was she.

Aubrey flipped the knife, pressing it into the skin of Nick's cheek as she growled in his ear.

"I'm going to give you one more chance here, Nick. Tell me everything you know or I'm going to have to carve you to pieces. Your pick."

Silence settled over the room for just a second and all that could be heard was the pastors' shaky breathing. But, after just a moment, Nick spoke again.

"How many times do I have to say… that we're not going to tell you anything."

Aubrey felt her stomach drop. That was it. She had to take them back to Stohess. It was the only option. And, even though she hated it, she had to play the bad guy now.

With one swift motion, Aubrey twirled Nick around and shoved him angrily into one of the stone walls.

"Fine. Have it your way. We'll take all of you back to Stohess, get you all some nice little rooms, and I'll cut you all up until you realize you could've just avoided all this in the first place by telling me." Aubrey paused for just a second and reached down to grab one of the set of handcuffs she had stuffed into her pockets. The metal clanked until the sound of the handcuffs locking into place echoed throughout the room.

And then there was shouting. Aubrey turned to see Levi and Hange pinning the rest of the pastors to the walls and locking handcuffs around their wrists as well. It was time to move.

"You!" Aubrey caught the eye of the bartender and she saw him shake as he met her gaze. He obviously hadn't been prepared to witness a torture scene. "How the hell do we get out of here without going through the bar?!"

Aubrey was sure there was another exit. Her father would never have hidden the pastors in a location that didn't have a more discrete exit.

The bartender was silent for quite a while, but when Aubrey started to scowl impatiently at him he found his voice.

"Th-There's a back door."

He made some kind of weak gesture back toward the stairs and Aubrey grunted. It was time to get out of here. Aubrey grabbed as many pastors as she could and tugged them along. She was extraordinarily grateful for her military uniform. Nobody would question her. Civilians would just assume the Scouts were doing some kind of criminal arrest.

She yanked Pastor Nick out the door along with another pastor and gestured for the bartender to lead the way. He did.

They climbed back up the stairs, but instead of turning toward the bar, they went further into the building until they reached another door. The bartender pushed it open immediately and Aubrey was happy to see that it led to a mostly deserted street. Good.

Aubrey looked to the bartender again and shot him a glare as she spoke.

"Go out to the front and find the Scout driving a carriage. Tell him to come around back here."

The bartender didn't hesitate. He nodded and, in an instant, he was gone.

Aubrey immediately turned to Levi. He was already watching her, but, again, she didn't see any signs of discomfort or shock. She mostly saw worry. Worry for her, she assumed. He was always worried for her, about her.

And she loved him for that.

But she needed to keep her act up for just a little while longer. Just a little longer.

Aubrey wasn't sure how long she'd been gazing into Levi's eyes, but it must have been for longer than she ever could have imagined because, after what seemed like just a second, she heard the clacking of hooves and turned to see the carriage rounding the corner.

Aubrey's eyes widened, but she simply took a breath. For now, she was just going to focus on getting these pastors back to Stohess. For now, she wasn't going to think about what she would have to do after she got the pastors back to Stohess.

When the carriage finally came to a slow stop before them, Aubrey didn't hesitate. She stepped forward, yanking Pastor Nick and another pastor along with her as she flung open the back carriage door.

Aubrey took Pastor Nick and practically shoved him up into the carriage along with another pastor. Levi and Hange joined and soon all of the pastors were in. Aubrey tied them up with rope for some additional security and then stepped out of the carriage. Her eyes landed on Pastor Nick again and she stared him down. He avoided her gaze and gazed at the floor of the carriage as a resigned look covered his features. Aubrey found it hard to tear her eyes away from him… but Hange's voice tore her from her daze.

"Well! It looks like there's room for one more!" Aubrey's head whipped to the side as she saw Hange climb into the carriage and squeeze into a spot that wasn't nearly large enough to be considered a seat. "We'll just get a little more acquainted, how about that?"

Hange glanced around at all of the pastors. None of them responded. But Hange didn't seem the least bit discouraged by that. Instead, they only settled further into their seat.

Aubrey met Hange's gaze for just a moment and she suddenly understood. Her heart melted as she realized what Hange was doing. They were giving her and Levi a moment alone. Hange could stay with the pastors and question them while she and Levi sat in the front carriage… alone.

Aubrey felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for her friend. Hange knew that she must be hurting right now… and Hange was right. Aubrey could feel all of the pain of the day sitting just beneath the surface, just waiting to be let out. And as soon as she got in that carriage with Levi… it would be.

"Well, let's get on the road, shall we?"

Hange leaned forward and grabbed the door of the carriage, giving Aubrey one last look before they swung it closed.

For a moment, Aubrey found herself unable to move. She was so overwhelmed that her body couldn't even react. But Levi could.

Before she knew it, he had her hand in his and he was guiding her into the front carriage. Aubrey didn't fight him.

Levi hoisted her up into the carriage and then climbed in after her, shutting the door with a loud click before banging on the ceiling to let the soldier know it was time to move out. Sure enough, just a second later, the carriage lurched forward and the sound of wheels on cobblestone was filling the air.

And then Levi was holding her.

Aubrey found herself seated in Levi's lap, his arms wrapped around her as his lips hit her hair over and over again. She was still frozen, still overcome… but that didn't last long. As soon as Levi opened his mouth, everything started to creep back in.

"Talk to me, Aubrey."

Aubrey felt the wall break down and, all of a sudden, she was crying.

She tried to keep it somewhat quiet, the pastors and Hange were just behind them, but a few sobs still escaped into Levi's shoulder. He just took it all in stride, whispering gently in her ear and rocking her back and forth as he did his best to provide her with some kind of comfort.

Aubrey didn't know where to start. Everything was blending together into a giant ball of confusion and pain and horror. But she thought that maybe she should start with the most glaring topic. With her father.

She didn't really know what to say. There was no problem to be solved or plan to be made… she just had to… process. So… she would.

Aubrey pressed her face into the skin of Levi's neck, her tears dropping onto his shirt and staining it a dark grey. He only pulled her closer, his lips pressing gently against her temple as he waited for her to speak. And she did. Even if it was shaky and broken and whispered.

"L-Levi, I-" Aubrey could hardly even find her voice, but, somehow, she managed to keep going. "I don't know what to think. H-He… what my father told me… and my mother… the way she died, Levi. I always knew she'd died in childbirth, but… but I… I never thought about him. My father always seemed so…. So cold! I couldn't imagine that… that my mother's death would have made him so… damaged!" Aubrey let out a sob, but Levi only pulled her closer, cooing into her ear as she continued. "I don't forgive him. I can't forgive him. I won't forgive him. But… but a part of me hurts, Levi. It hurts for him. And for me. And for my mother. And for everything my father and I could have had if he'd just… loved me." Aubrey sobbed again and Levi continued to whisper to her as she cried. "And-And now! I don't know what to do anymore! I don't know if I hate him! I don't think I love him! But he's my father, Levi! He was a shitty father, the fucking worst father! But he-!"

Aubrey cut off. She didn't know what else to say. She couldn't think, couldn't see, couldn't breathe. It was all too much. Suddenly, the unwavering hate she'd felt for her father just a few hours ago had become… blurred. She didn't know what to think anymore. She knew that what he'd done to her was wrong, that it was unforgivable, but he suddenly seemed so… human. And that sense, that realization… had her reeling.

And Levi could tell.

Aubrey was a shivering mess in his arms and he was barely holding it together while seeing her in so much pain. She was so confused… and so was he. But, this was a time when all of his years of practice with words would come in handy. When he'd first met Aubrey, talking certainly hadn't been his strong suit, but now… he'd had ten years of practice and it was moments like these that all of that practice came into play. Aubrey needed him. And he was going to be there for her.

Levi leaned even further into her, bringing his mouth as close to her ear as he could… and then he took a breath… and started talking.

"Aubrey… you don't have to decide how you feel right now. We have our whole lives to figure that out. Your father hurt you… that will never change. And I will never forgive him for that. But you have a right to be confused. He's your… family. And I know… I know how you feel."

Levi trailed off as his mind wandered. He certainly did know how she felt. His own feelings toward Kenny were muddled and messy. There was no right answer to how he should feel and there was no right answer for Aubrey, either. All she could do was accept things and… move on. Just like she'd always done. Just like they'd always done. Together, they'd always been able to move on from everything. No matter how much pain or suffering there was… they'd always been able to move on together.

And this time would be no different.

"Levi…"

Levi pressed his lips to Aubrey's hair as he heard her whimper his name. He knew just how difficult all of this must be for her. She was so strong, but sometimes he felt like the world never gave her a break. He wished so badly that he could simply carry her off to the cabin where she'd never face another death or horror or struggle again.

But they weren't there yet. Someday… but not today.

So, for now, he could only hold her and tell her she'd be alright.

Levi pulled her tighter against his chest, wrapping his arms around her body until she was curled into him in every way possible. And then he started to speak.

"I know it hurts, Aubrey. I know. Between the expedition and your father and now the pastors… I know you hurt. But just know that… I love you. Always. No matter what. There is absolutely nothing that could happen or that you could do that would ever make me love you less. I will always love you. Always."

Levi let out a long breath. He'd gotten the words out… perfectly.

Aubrey let out another cry and Levi kissed her hair again. And then her temple. And then her forehead. And then absolutely any piece of her he could find. He really would love her always. No matter what. In fact, he loved her so much it hurt. But it hurt in the best way possible, like he wanted to love her even more and just couldn't seem to make his heart grow big enough. But he loved that. He loved loving her. It was, without a doubt, the best thing he'd ever done.

"I-I love you, too, Levi. So much. Always."

Levi only hummed in response. He already knew how much she loved him. She loved him just as much as he loved her. And, because of that, nothing would ever break them apart.

"A-And… thank you."

That caught Levi's attention. Thank you? What did she have to thank him for?

"For what?"

Levi whispered the words between kisses and he was surprised when he felt Aubrey let out a small huff of laughter against his neck. But her answer only made him give a smile of his own.

"For making me feel safe. Always."

A/N: Hi y'alllllllll! Okay, so, I am SORRY that this chapter took so long to get up. I had to force myself to stop writing for a week so that I could focus on my finals lol. BUT, the good news is that I am now OFFICIALLY on summer break and I will have more time to write :))) I have also SERIOUSLY missed y'all's comments sooooooooooo… LEAVE ONE PLEASE. Lol.

Anyway, onto the chapter.

Sorry to return with a TRANSITION chapter, but… that's what happened lol. I honestly didn't think this chapter was all that entertaining and I don't think it's my best work since I'm getting back into the groove of writing after finals. BUT, even if it's not my best work, I just wanted to put something up to let all of you know that I'm not dead lol.

ANYWAY, Aubrey was a baddie this chapter. Girl's gonna have to torture some people. I KNOW THAT'S HORRIBLE, but I'm also excited to get to write soldier Aubrey again. She's been injured for a hot minute and we've been dealing with a lot of emotional stuff, so at least we're going to get some action again sometime soon.

And we'll be getting back into canon Season 2 next chapter, so… yay! Also, Levi is such a sweetheart. We had a little more PROTECTIVE LEVI this chapter lol. I like how we've all just collectively decided that protective Levi is best Levi. Like, he's just so… good. I love him. AND, he's such a sweetie at the end of this chapter when he's holding Aubrey in the carriage. Boi has come a long way with the words.

Also, I just wanted to let everyone know that the "Pregnancy Scare" one shot is up in the One Shot Collection. I uploaded it like a week and a half ago, but I don't think I ever announced it here on the main story, so I'm doing that now! So… go read it lol.

Okay, I think that's all I have for this chapter! Again, sorry to return with a TRANSITION CHAPTER, but it had to be done lol. Next chapter should be a little more entertaining. AND, like I said earlier, I've REALLY missed getting comments from y'all this last week, so, if you can, PLEASE leave one! It would seriously make my day and help me get back into the writing mindset. Alrighty, thank y'all for being the best readers. Love y'all 333