Chapter Nineteen ~ Business as Usual

Reader's prov.

Levi's recovery sped right up after last night. You wouldn't think that taking a shower and enjoying the night in a woman's arms would help much, but the next morning Levi was up and getting dressed into his uniform. Unfortunately from his weight loss, his uniform hung a little looser around his shoulders and hips. His hair combed through and even his undercut had been trimmed and tamed back into its usual primp and proper way. I rose up from the covers, leaning back on my elbow as I took him in, his fingers working carefully as they adjusted his cravat. A small sad smile came across my lips as I remembered his words, 'It's the last thing I own of my mothers'. I brushed the bracelet that laid against my wrist, the small Wings of Freedom, Levi's and my initials engraved below. The best gift that I had ever received.
I sniffed lightly as I trailed my eyes back over to Levi, who was now facing me. His nonchalant steel blue eyes locked onto my face, his mouth set in a grim line as he walked slowly over to the bed. His side of the bed dipping slightly as he perched on the end.

"Are you alright?" He asked, concern settling like a film over his eyes, his jaw set as if he were annoyed at something, or someone.

I studied him closely for a moment before answering, "Maybe I should be asking you that question," I murmured, a sad edge to my voice as I brushed my fingers over his face. He closed his eyes and pressed his cheek gently against my hand, breathing a long sigh through his nose, "I'm okay. I just need some time."

My brow furrowed as I stared at the man, "Time for what?" I questioned, my voice soft however I couldn't stop the small hint of irritation slipping through. Levi's eyes flickered open and he regarded my features for a little while before he shuffled off the bed and stood over me, "Time to get used to all of this," he whispered, trailing his fingertips along my jawline, "When you have been alone for as long as I have, it is very hard to believe in others feelings. No matter how many times they are voiced."

I could sense he was hiding something as I sat up, the bed sheets covering my chest as I didn't want to give him a distraction, "That's not the only reason, is it?" I pushed, sliding off the edge of the bed and standing in front of him. My chest pressed up against his, my other hand resting on his arm, "Please Levi, tell me. I thought we were okay."
His breath caught in his throat as he stared down at me. I bowed my head, my forehead touching his cravat. He brought his warm arms around me, resting his chin on top of my head. His voice vibrating through his throat, "I'm...scared," He whispered, his voice pained. I lifted my head so I could look into his steel blue eyes, the beautiful hues swimming in sadness.

"Why on earth are you scared?" I asked, raising one eyebrow.

This time he bowed his head and turned away from me, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose, "I'm scared of letting people in. I'm scared of loving someone, not because I don't want to but because I am terrified it will be ripped away from me again..."

My breath hitched as he explained. Everything made perfect sense, this poor man has had everything he has ever held dear to him, ripped away. It's completely understandable. I smiled gently at him, placing my hand on his shoulder, "I'm scared too. But it's okay to be scared of the unknown. Everything we have in this world is so uncertain, but I can understand you being scared. It's what makes you human," I said soothingly as I turned him to face me. His face still expressionless, however his eyes still swam with unshed tears, "It takes someone who is so strong to admit that they are scared of something. Others can see it as a weakness, but I don't. I see it as your strongest aspect. Not that you can be fearless or emotionless when the time calls for it, but that you can show that you have another side, one where you are scared of what is to come next. That, at least in my eyes, makes you one of the strongest men I have ever met."

Levi released a slow, shuddering breath as he glanced up at the ceiling. The tears in his eyes slowly trying to spill over his lower eyelids, however he refused to let them go, "I don't feel strong. I let the one thing I care about almost get ripped away from me. Twice," he whispered, his voice low and pain-stricken.

My lower lip quivered slightly as I placed my hands on either side of his face, lowering it so I could see his eyes, "There will always be times where you could lose something you care about, whether it be from the Titans, humans, or even things we cannot control or predict. Better to enjoy the time we have together than to focus on what we could be losing."

The unshed tears broke free from their holdings, flowing slowly down his porcelain cheeks, creating streaks down his chin before dripping onto the hard wooden floor. His mouth twisted slightly as he nodded, his hair falling into his eyes. Slowly he bent so his forehead rested against mine, his nose caressing my own, his eyes staring deeply into my (E/C) hues. He cleared his throat, his voice thick and a hushed whisper, "You're right. Better to live a life now with no regrets, than to live one not worth living at all."

My smile grew as I nodded, closing my eyes and I gently pressed my lips to his. His lips warm as they moulded with my own, his mouth tasting of salt from his tears. His hands weaved their way into my sleep-dishevelled hair, his thumb caressing my skin at the nape of my neck, sending goosebumps down my arms. He released me, his eyes sparkling in the low light of dawn.

"Are you sure you are ready to get back to work? I am sure they will allow you to take more time off," I murmured as I huddled against his chest. His strong arms banding around my waist.

A chuckle rumbled through his chest, "I am more than ready. I think I would go crazy if I took anymore time off than what I have already."

I nodded once, nuzzling his chest, "Just promise me one thing?"

Levi sighed a long deep sigh through his nose, his tone reserved, as if he were wanting to complain, "What is that?"

"Just promise me that you will talk to me if you are feeling like this more often. I want to help ease this unsettling feeling, and I cannot do that unless you talk to me. Just promise me that you will not shut me out," I whispered, blinking back my own tears. I knew it was the hardest thing I could ask of him, but I needed that reassurance that he would be able to come to me if there was any doubt in his mind. If he was ever feeling overwhelmed or scared, that he would feel safe enough to talk to me.
Levi hummed gently, turning his head to the side so that he could rest his cheek over the top of my head. His chest rising and falling slowly yet deeply. Had he not been standing in front of me, I would have thought he had fallen asleep.

"I promise."

I smiled gently as I glanced back up at him, raising one eyebrow at him, "Okay thank you. Just don't over do it today," I murmured before slyly adding, "But you are grounded."

Levi cocked his head to the side, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at me in confusion, "Grounded?"

"Yes grounded. You are not allowed to use your ODM gear under any circumstances, is that understood Captain?" I ordered, my tone sultry as I pushed away from the man and gathered up my uniform from the floor, sliding my underwear on before dropping the sheet and grabbing my bra off the floor.

Cold steel, blue eyes followed me as I continued my little tease. Giving him a full view of my chest as I slowly clasped my bra and tugged the straps over my shoulders. He walked over, towering over me and placed a finger under one of the straps before letting it go with a snap. It stung a little but not enough to cause real pain as he stared down at me, his eyes lustful.

"What makes you think I am going to follow your orders, Lieutenant?" He whispered, snapping the strap again. I gasped as I stared into his hooded eyes, my own lust coming into play as I took a glance down at his groin, where his pleasure was clearly visible.

"Because sir, if you don't, I am sure I can think of a punishment for you. After all, a stable relationship requires balance, meaning, you can punish me but I need to be able to punish you too if you don't do as I say from time to time," I whispered in his ear, causing him to shudder slightly.

He smirked at me as he took hold of my upper arms, "And what sort of punishment would I get if I fail to comply with your order?" He questioned, his tone curious as he cocked his head to the side. His hair falling into his face, his eyes flashing playfully.

I smiled up at him as I reached up to whisper in his ear, "No more fun evening activities for you." My smile only grew as he gasped, dropping his hands in mock surrender, "You wouldn't?"

I turned away from him and proceeded to grab my trousers from the floor, still teasing him, "Oh but I would. So be a good Captain and don't use your ODM," I giggled as I ran from the room to the bathroom, leaving a stunned yet laughing Captain behind me.

Levi's Prov.

Once (F/N) had returned from the bathroom she was fully clothed in her uniform, her hair left loose around her shoulders, her eyes bright and her cheeks flushed. It was quite a sight to behold since most of the time we spend together is either in bed or she's crying about something. I knew I was the main catalyst for those sad moments, but I didn't think seeing her so happy, bright and bushy tailed would brighten my mood so much. Her aura rubbing off on me in such a way that my fears that were voiced in the brief few moments before were pushed to the back of my mind.
She came to stand in front of me, her smile evident in both her (E/C) eyes to her plump, yet slightly swollen, peach tinted lips. I crossed my arms over my chest, a small smirk twitching at the corners of my mouth when I noticed she hadn't even bothered to cover up the bruise on her neck.

"I'm glad you're not covering that up," I murmured, as she touched her neck.

She giggled, the sound music to my ears, "Well of course sir. To be honest if they haven't really guessed that there is a relationship between us that is more than professional then I'd have to class the scouts as rather unobservant," she rolled her eyes, placing one hand on her hip, "And with a profession like ours, not being observant is a rather dangerous concept, wouldn't you agree sir?"

I chuckled and nodded my head once, "That would be a rather dangerous predicament. Now come, I am sure we have things we need to get on with."

The (H/C) Lieutenant smiled and turned toward the door, falling into step beside me as she ran through the schedule for the day. Since I was out of practice, she had to inform me of a lot. Like a mandatory meeting with the Commander and other Squad leaders, mainly just for reports on how their squads are performing. A meeting with Squad leader Hanje about possible opportunities to capture titans and learn from them, which many of the Squad leaders kicked up a stink, however Erwin and I both agreed that, yes it was unsafe and would need careful planning and consideration, would be good to learn more about the enemy. The last of the meetings regarded just myself and the Lieutenant with Erwin.

He sat us both down in his office, his eyes tired as he sat back in his winged leather chair. My eyebrows narrowed as I took in the office. I remember when Furlan had described the layout, but it was nothing like how he had said...

...

Furlan sheltered under a large tree behind him, leaning his drenched back against the wood, crossing his arms over his chest. The rain was pelting down yet the Squad leaders insisted on training throughout the bad weather. Isabel was sitting on a large bay horse, practising an ODM assisted dismount. The brat was nowhere in sight, yet her horse was grazing happily over the other side of the paddock. I had barely spoken to her since the hand to hand combat session, but I had no time to think on that right now. I strode over to man, my hair sticking to the sides of my face as the wind sent an icy chill through me. It was a week before the expedition would begin and we were no closer to finding those documents and segregating Erwin Smith to take 'care' of him. I gnashed my teeth together and sheltered beside Furlan, wringing my cravat out.

"This is ridiculous. ODM isn't supposed to be used during this kind of weather, no wonder they have complaints of rusted buckles and bearings in the weapons depot," Furlan growled, running a hand through his sodden brown hair.

I sighed, "Is that really what you are worried about? Rusty buckles and bearings?" I grumbled, staring up at the man. His dull blue eyes creased at the corners as he weighed my snarky words. His mouth twisting into a sneer as his eyebrows curved over his eyebrows, "Of course not. I am concerned that we are not going to be able to complete the job. I've been getting cosy with that blonde bastard but I can't seem to get anything out of him."

"Tch... that's no fucking excuse. If you can't gain any information from the man himself then we go into his office and steal whatever we can find," I hissed, my eyes returning to the black stallion over the other side of the paddock.

"That's why I managed to acquire the plans to his office. I don't want to take any chances when getting in there, if we get caught then we are as good as dead," Furlan murmured, handing over a scroll of paper.

I unfolded the paper, making sure to shield it with my body to prevent it from getting wet, and glanced quickly at the blue prints. It was a fairly simple layout, yet there were two exits from the office. One from the office itself and another from the joining bedroom.

"I'm thinking if I have you staged outside the office and Isabel outside the bed room then we should be covered. I will go in and search through his desk, it's positioned by the window. He has bookcases outlining the walls so I will search through them as well. Then I will check the fireplace to the left and make sure there aren't any burnt documents, and lastly I will check in the bedroom itself in case he feels better in keeping those sorts of documents close to him. If you guys see or hear him coming then give me the signal and I will escape without being seen," Furlan explained, a small smile stretching across his face. This is what Furlan is good at. Strategy and planning the best form of attack when it comes to stealing important documentation or supplies.

I glanced up at the man, narrowing my eyes at him, "Fine but I think we should do two sweeps of the office. One now, then another on the eve of the expedition," I suggested, crossing my arms over my chest. My eyes widening slightly as I spotted a figure heading over to the black stallion. I could make out that it was a woman, but nothing more than that. But I was certain that the stallion doesn't allow other people near it without putting up a fight, yet the animal was perfectly fine. More than fine, the animal practically charged over to her once it saw her.
Furlan followed my gaze and sighed, "I think you should keep your distance from her."

I shot a glare back at the man, "Why?"

Furlan sighed and pushed away from the tree, standing just under the canopy so that he wouldn't get soaked from the rain, "Because, she is a distraction. We need to focus on the job at hand. We can't let ourselves get swept up in any feelings for some woman."

I raised one eyebrow, a sneer twitching at the corners of my mouth, "And what do you mean by 'we', Furlan?" I hissed, taking my eyes off the brown haired man. Biting the inside of my cheek, I knew exactly what he was about to say. But even the thought of it made my blood boil in my veins.

"Come on Levi, surely you're not that dense to know that we both seem physically attracted to her. I am just saying we shouldn't be fraternising with the enemy," he continued, placing a calm hand on my shoulder.

I scowled at him before pushing off the tree myself, grasping the triggers of my gear and shooting a grapple into the nearest tree, "Furlan, you might have taken me in, but don't try and tell me what I can and cannot do," and with that, I flew out of the dry canopy and into the torrential downpour.

...

"...Levi, were you listening to anything I just said?" Erwin grumbled, placing his large hand on the side of his face and rubbed at his temples.

I shook my head, feeling disorientated. The memory of Furlan alive shook me to the core, my hands shaking by my sides. I glanced at the Lieutenant who was sitting beside me. Her eyes concerned as she placed a hand on my knee, "Sir, are you feeling alright? Do you want to take a break?" she questioned, her tone worried. I focused on her face, trying to bring myself back to reality. Back to where my friends were no longer apart of my life. I focused on how the corners of her eyes crinkled ever so slightly as she squinted at me, how her eyebrows arched over her eyes. How her mouth pursed, thinning them, how her warmth soothed me, returning me back into the office.

"Levi, are you feeling well?" Erwin asked. I glanced over at him. He, too, seemed to be concerned about my wellbeing as he removed his hand from his temples and stared at me straight in the eye. His massive eyebrows weighing down over his electrifying blue eyes.

I shook my head and cleared my throat, "I'm fine. Now what were you saying?" I mumbled, rubbing my eyes before pinching the bridge of my nose.

(F/N) didn't seem convinced but she didn't push the matter, she just released her grip on my knee and sat back in her chair. Her eyes every now and then focusing hard on me, to make sure I was okay.

"I was explaining how it would seem our issues with Lovof haven't been resolved, even with his death," Erwin stated, his voice grave as he steepled his fingers, resting his chin on them.

My eyes widened slightly. I vaguely remember being told about how I killed Lovof, but remember nothing about myself committing the act myself. I glanced over at (F/N), her face had drained of colour and her eyes were open wide, her mouth stretched into a grim, white line.

"But surely, Lovof dying would have settled everything..." she said, her voice breathy and thick with fear. I could tell exactly what was running through her head at the moment, but it seemed that she wasn't willing to let it show.

Erwin sighed deeply, "Ideally yes, with his death everything should have been an open and shut case, but it would seem that he is not the only one who has been embezzling out expedition funds. It would appear that Lovof was just the face of the operation and that this runs far deeper than we realised. It would seem the nobles want to shut down the Scouting Regiment and focus their money onto the Military and Garrison Regiments," Erwin explained. He unclasped his hands and slid two files across the desk, one for myself and the other for the Lieutenant.
"There are is one noble in question, but he doesn't live within Wall Sina. He happens to live in Shiganshina District and controls most of the merchant guild and markets there. I would like the pair of you to investigate. We are sending you in undercover as Military Police, once you have gathered enough evidence to bring down this whole operation then you are to call on me to help make the arrest."

"So we have to pose as MPs in Shiganshina? How are we even going to gather evidence? How did you even find out about this?" (F/N) questioned, her voice shrill.

Erwin smiled gently at her, his eyes kind as he answered her, "Yes. I suppose you could gather the evidence with the help of a former criminal," he murmured, gesturing to me. I sighed and crossed my arms over my chest, careful not to crease my cravat. "As for how we found out, it was simple since we have managed to crack Gabriel. He is singing like a song bird, throwing all his employers under the carriage as it were."

Before she could speak, I cut in, eyeing the blonde Section Commander with a harsh glare, "We accept the mission. We will ride out for Shiganshina in the morning," and with that, I grabbed the files and stood. Erwin stood as well, his expression kind but neutral, "I wouldn't ask you two to do this if I could trust anyone else with this. But I cannot, so I wish you the best of luck and I hope that you are successful in your mission."

I nodded once, turning on my heel, I left the room with the Lieutenant trailing behind me.

Reader prov.

I followed the Captain away from Erwin's office. I couldn't believe that this shit that started with Lovof still wasn't over. Would it ever be over? Would we ever be free from the tyranny of the nobles? They have to understand that without the Scouting Regiment, there would be no way to even begin to explore the outside world. There would be no escaping these infernal walls.
The Captain lead the way through the corridors, only briefly stopping to talk to the Commander who asked him how he was doing. It was quiet in the HQ building, the other squads were out in the training fields, gearing up for another expedition that would take place outside the walls in just a short few days. Word was that there was another stronghold just east of the wall with many vantage points where fighting the titans outside the walls would be made possible. This mission was vital, it was just a shame that I wasn't going to be apart of it.

Levi continued to lead me through until we stopped as he unlocked the door to his office, asking me to go inside. I walked in and smiled gently, it seemed that Hanje was true to her word. While Levi was comatose due to being stabbed, Hanje had promised that she would look after his office, making sure that everything was clean and tidy. Seemed that she had actually done a good job as there was practically no dust and the desk was neat, the closet where Levi's cleaning supplies were stored was shut and the windows were streaming in the natural light, despite the fact there was a light drizzle splashing up against the glass.

He closed the door and walked over to his desk, carefully lowering himself down into the seat, placing the files down on the hard wooden surface of the desk. He pinched the bridge of his nose, a deep sigh escaping through his mouth. I sat down in one of the chairs opposite, hoping that I wasn't in any trouble. We were sitting in silence for a while before he glanced back at me. His steel blue orbs warm, "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice monotone.

I nodded, "Yes I am fine. I am just a little shocked. I would have thought everything with Lovof would have been done and dusted with his death," I replied, resting my elbows on my knees and placing my head in my hands.

"It's not an ideal situation. You're not the only one who is more than pissed off at the fact this matter hasn't been resolved. But we will do our best to gain access to any evidence to bring down this shithole of an organisation against the Scouting Regiment," he stated, swiping a stray hair from his face, "Without the Scouting Regiment, I would not be here in this position. So I believe anyone who pits against it should be taken down."

I smiled weakly at him, "It seems like only yesterday I was sent to the Underground to get you," I giggled, glancing up at the former criminal, "Even in these short months, you have grown to understand the cause and want to fight anything that can prevent us from taking down the titans."

Levi smirked and clicked his tongue, his eyebrows arching over his eyes, "Well I must say, the only reason I have my freedom is because of the Scouting Regiment. Therefore I owe a great debt to humanity," he explained, his tone gentle.

I shook my head, my (H/C) hair spilling over my shoulders and shielding my face, "I just don't know how to do this. Surely a noble is going to know the difference between a fake Military Police soldier and a real one. How are we even going to get past that?"

I heard shuffling from behind the desk, but I didn't look up. I just stared at the ground, until a pair of brown boots appeared in front of me. Levi knelt between me and the desk, moving my hair with a gentle sweep of his arm, "I know this will not be your first time in deception of another human to gain evidence against them. I should know since I was on the receiving end of it. However you are correct, the stakes are higher now because this is a noble. However, this is simple enough. In the file is a note from Commander Shardis explaining that both you and I are being transferred to the Military Police. Of course this is not true, but it will fool the Military Police long enough for us to do our job. The noble has no say in who he gets as his guards, you and I just have to make sure we play the part," Levi whispered, raising his hand to stroke my face. His fingertips gliding across my skin.
I leant into his warm touch, turning my face enough to ghost my lips across his palm. His heated eyes sparkled as his mouth twisted up into a smirk, "Besides you have the Underground's worst criminal on your side, so as long as you stick to me, you will be perfectly fine," he chuckled, pressing his lips to mine in a chaste kiss before straightening back up.

Shaking my head I smirked at him as he went to sit down, rubbing his chest lightly as he went, "Now, if you would be so kind Lieutenant, a cup of tea would be grand. Then we can get to work on these files. We will need to know as much about this noble before we pursue him," Levi grumbled, opening the file and slumping back in his chair.

Laughing I stood, "Right away sir."

We spent the majority of the day in Levi's office, pouring over the files that Erwin had given us. Unfortunately there wasn't much to go on due to the noble being practically faceless. His name was Christoff Raymond. All that happened to be in the files was that he owned the large villa on the hill that overlooked Shiganshina district. As Erwin had said, he owned all of the merchant guild and markets in the small district and happened to have a hand in the dealings with criminals. Most of what I could gather was that the Military Police were scared of him and definitely didn't question his authority, no matter what. Levi didn't seem to like the idea of such a man. He kept curling his lip and spitting out nasty remarks about how the man seemed like a pig and definitely gave the impression that Lovof was just a pawn in Christoff's game to gain power in the noble court.

It was late that evening, Levi was still in the office, I had stepped out to get some more tea and bring him some food. It really seemed that Levi was like a dog with a bone, not able to let go until he had poured over every last detail, "You need to know the enemy inside and out before you can begin to think up a strategy to take them down," He had said before I left.
I yawned loudly, carrying a tray with two cups and saucers, a tea pot filled with Levi's favourite brand of tea and some bread and broth. It was all that was left in the mess hall, but then again, both Levi and I were knee deep in this mission and we needed to gather as much information as possible.

I walked quietly through the fire lit halls, the flames flickering and throwing up glowing, dancing shadows across the walls and ceiling. The occasional sound of groaning wood from doors opening and closing, chatting of soldiers as they got ready for lights out were the only sounds to be heard in the quiet castle. When I got to Levi's office, I balanced the tray carefully on my hip and let myself in.
The sight before me made my heart swell. Levi was slumped over his desk, snoring softly. His face smooth and untroubled by what was to follow. His eyes closed but not squeezed shut, his frown line all but disappeared. His lips parted slightly, a sheet of paper under his face. His hair spilling over his eyes and flowing around the sheet of paper. I carefully set the tray down over on the small table beside the two seater sofa, careful not to make any sound before I tiptoed up to him. His breathing soft and deep, his chest rising and falling in a slow yet steady rhythm. I smiled as I leant beside him, pushing a strand of his soft raven black hair behind his ear.
His eyebrow twitched and he groaned in his sleep, batting my hand away with his hand. Today really must have tired him out, he's only been awake for about a week and he was already trying to get back to his full time duties. I knew it would be hard but I had to support him as best as I could.

Gently I grasped his shoulder and shook it gently, "Levi, wake up," I murmured.

"Fuck off Furlan!" He groaned, batting my hand away again. This time his eyes cracked open and sleepily stared at me. My mouth popped open, but was quickly replaced with a sad smile. Levi slowly came around and glanced around, "Did I fall asleep?" he croaked, sitting back into the chair, twisting his head and raising his arms up above his head, arching his back like a cat.

"Yeah you did. And I think you were dreaming," I smiled, straightening up and walking over to the sofa. Levi hummed in response, cocking his head to the side as he stood and made his way over to the sofa. Once he was settled, I poured him a cup of tea, leaving it black with no sugar and then handed it to him. He pressed his lips to the porcelain cup and took a gentle sip, a smile etching onto his mouth as he sighed euphorically.

"You make a beautiful cup of tea," he murmured, glancing sideways at me as I ladled the broth into two bowls and handed one to him.

"I was taught by the best," I replied, "So what was your dream about?"

Levi's spoon paused in front of his lips, his eyes on me at all times, "What do you mean?"

Turning to face him, I glanced into his steel blue eyes, they were more guarded than usual but that wouldn't stop me from trying to get what I could out of him.
"You were dreaming. So what was it about?" I asked, popping a slither of bread into my mouth.

He sighed and placed the bowl back onto the tray, having touched nothing, "I... I was dreaming about Furlan and Isabel," He whispered, casting his eyes down at his boots. His mouth pulled down at the corners and his eyes closed, his shoulders slouching a little with the weight of his grief.
I placed my bowl back on the tray and turned to face him, placing the palms of my hands on the sides of his cheeks, "Levi, it's okay to dream about them. They were your friends, hell I would say they were your family. You lost them in such a horrific and sudden way, no one could ever be prepared for that and no one would blame you for being angry and upset over their deaths," I explained, tracing my fingertips over his sideburns.

Levi turned ever so slightly so he could read the expression in my eyes, I wanted him to feel safe, to feel that he could talk to me and express any sort of emotion around me. He smiled sadly, "I thought of them today, while we were in Erwin's office," he stated, his voice so forlorn and quiet.

"I know. I just didn't want to push it with Erwin there, better to ask you about it when we're alone," I whispered, tracing his eyebrow with my thumb, "What were you thinking about?"

"I remembered talking to Furlan during that horrible storm. Isabel was riding that huge bay and we were sheltering under a tree. I guess we were just talking about how we were going to get the documents that we needed for Lovof, and then we started talking about you," Levi smiled, leaning into my touch as I did hours before.

"Me? What about me?" I asked, genuinely intrigued now. I didn't know that in their spare time when I wasn't around that they would speak about me, how odd.

"He was trying to tell me not to get distracted by you. Didn't really work though," he smiled, placing a tender kiss to my lips, "I'm glad I didn't listen to him."

I smiled back at him, releasing him and handing him his broth, "I'm glad you didn't either. Now eat your broth then we can go to bed. You look like you could sleep for days," I chuckled.

"Hmm... sounds good, however I have a better idea that definitely trumps sleep," He grinned, flashing me a set of pearly white teeth. I chuckled and shook my head, "I think you should sleep. You've tired yourself out today."

Levi jutted his lower lip out and sniffed, his eyes wide with mock sadness. I sighed, laughing at his attempt at puppy dog eyes, "You should pull that face more often," I giggled, clutching my stomach.

"Why? Is it working?" He asked, still pouting.

"Yes it's working, now eat your broth!" I chuckled, elbowing him. Levi grinned a devilish grin as he gave me a quick kiss of the cheek before turning back to his broth and practically downed it all in one, "Wow! I've never seen someone so eager to go to bed," I chided as I sipped my tea slowly.

"Only when there's you involved, will I be enthusiastic to go to bed! Now hurry up!" Levi smiled, "I want to go to bed and spend all night getting up to mischievous shenanigans with you!"

I sighed and hoisted myself up, chuckling when he whisked me into his arms, pulling me close to his chest, "You are ruthless and completely insatiable, Sir. But that is why I love you."