#aot levi

See You Soon: Part 2

“Hide and Seek”

The Research mess hall was about as good as it got. Better than Scout provisions anyway. Levi had busted more than a few brats sneaking over to get better food. Now that he was here, he understood why. Windows were open to let in the breeze. More people but less crowded. Bread straight from the ovens when the flour was actually fresh, not that stale rye they got from Trost. Not that it mattered all that much. Bread was bread. Fed was fed. Fresh was just a preference, like whiskey over ale. 

Levi served himself some black tea and sat at a wooden table in the corner, half wondering what he was doing here. If you’d told him yesterday that he’d trek across the training grounds to meet a woman, he’d have called you a liar. He hadn’t bothered with anyone since Petra—easier that way. 

But there you were, beaming as soon as you walked in. You wore what you normally wore: a loose blouse and long slacks, practical but flattering. You were surrounded by friends—or at least people who sought out your company-–and spoke to everyone like they were the most important person in the world. He wondered how that would feel. To be that to you. 

“Captain Levi,” shouted a lab tech, barreling over to his table with a “sorry to bother you” grin. She wore a cobalt blue cloak with a breastpin made of bone—one of the kids from the titan anatomy wing. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to a stern. Most of them creeped him out. 

“I never thought I’d get the chance to talk to you in person. Wow, geez.” She took the vacant seat across from Levi, slammed her cup of water down and asked, “Is it true you took down two of the strongest titans on your own?” She took a huge gulp of her water and wiped her mouth on her sleeve. Her eyes were wide with bags underneath. All drive and no sleep. “What are they like on the inside? Sorry, sir. I shouldn’t ask that. I know there are people in there, but you did what you had to do, as far as I’m concerned—”

“An empty seat doesn’t mean an invitation, stern,” said Levi, still watching you. 

It took a second for the lab tech to get it, but she apologized, muttered something about how Levi was a hero, then skulked away. 

Some beanpole a decade younger than you touched your shoulder and whispered something in your ear. You threw your head back and laughed so hard you snorted a little, which almost got a chuckle out of Levi until he realized something: you gave this to everybody—your light, your laughter. Levi wasn’t special. Inviting people to tea was just something you did. 

You tossed him a glance over your shoulder, making his stomach drop. Levi darted his gaze away, studying the divots in the table, the veins in his hands. Anything but you. He thought of leaving before you came over. Huh, good idea, he concluded. He took a sip of tea, clipped his badge back onto his lapel, and stood up to leave. 

“That was quick,” you said, setting your tray down with a look of mock suspicion. 

Suddenly, it was better to stay. “Some of us have places to be,” Levi said, retaking his seat.

You sat across from him, gently nudging a carafe of tea his way. You tore off a corner of bread, the heat steaming up your glasses. You spread strawberry jam over it in slow, deliberate strokes. Only you could make spreading jam look graceful. “Of course,” you said. “Like…?” 

You were right. The brief with Shadis didn’t start until thirteen hundred. “Like meetings that start on time,” Levi said. 

“Mmmm. Is that what this is, a meeting?”

“What else would it be?”

“Yeah, I mean, this is Captain Ackerman we’re talking about here,” you said gravely. “You left Levi back in the barracks. Could you go get him?”

It irritated Levi into a huff of laughter. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Let’s start over, then.” You rolled your shoulders back and extended your hand across the table. “Hi, I’m Ridiculous. And you are?”

A pit formed in Levi’s stomach. Touching you felt big, like there was no going back from it. He reached for you, clasped your hand, and—stupidly—held onto you a little too long. Your skin was soft, if a little calloused from the work you did. It was…nice. “Levi,” he said. 

You whispered, “Good. Between you and me, Captain Ackerman’s a real piece of work.”

Levi laughed. The sound was rusty in his throat. Unfamiliar. He gestured toward the chamomile tea. “You don’t expect me to actually drink that, do you?”

You shrugged. “I don’t expect anything. But it is a little sad to watch you miss out.”

Levi narrowed his eyes, then poured himself the smallest quantity of tea he could without looking like an asshole. “Happy?”

“Almost,” you said, turning over a small cup of honey and guiding the sweet nectar into his cup. You reached over and used his teaspoon to stir it. “Mmhmm. Now I’m happy.”

You clasped your hands and rested your chin on them, eyeing him with anticipation. Levi took a sip. It tasted about like he thought. Like chewing wildflowers but worse, except there was sugar in it. “That’s the nastiest thing I’ve ever tasted.”

Laughter bubbled up from you. You had to take your glasses off because they were foggy from the tears. Levi couldn’t help but like the sound. It was kind of dopey, to be frank. But it was pretty. Honest. 

Weirdly, the tea got better the more he drank. “It’s kind of good though,” he said. “Somehow.”

You loved that. “There it is. See what happens when you give things a chance?” 

You made the rest easy. There was a rhythm to how you spoke—a flow that kept things going. You’d take a bite of bread and jam, ask him something, then give him a smile that made it impossible not to answer you. Levi hated talking, but this wasn’t talking, really. You were moving, the two of you. Dancing. 

Levi told you there was an interesting pitch in your voice. It rose in the middle of certain words, like you’d pronounce “maybe” like “mehbee” sometimes. He said it didn’t sound Marleyan. 

“South Marley,” you said. “I’m from Sabiya, one of the seaside towns. When your city opened its gates, I was the only one who wanted to come to Paradis.”

“Why?”

“Sabiya is full of doctors, surveyors. People who think they have nothing to learn and don’t like to be challenged. I thought I could make a difference here, you know?”

“Yeah,” said Levi, not knowing what to make of that. People said this sort of thing when they were trying to impress the higher-ups, make themselves out to be something they’re not. An I’m here to heal the world kind of thing. But you didn’t care how it made you look. You meant it. “So you got into this to help people.”

You brushed your curls back, revealing a pale scar on your left temple. “Didn’t you?” you asked. 

Levi thought about his time in the Underground—all he’d cared about was his next meal and dodging the boy-runners who prowled the boroughs looking for kids like him to snatch up and sell. 

Whenever Levi’s mother had clients, she’d hide him in one of the cupboards so they wouldn’t see him. That was their game: hide and seek. One of the men saw him anyway, on the hunt for ale. “This yours?” the man shouted at his mother, his face screwed up like he’d seen a dead rat, stale wine on his breath. “What use I got for a spent cow?” 

Levi’s mother tried to pull the man away from Levi, but he backhanded her. When he left—mom’s money in tow—Levi patched up her lip with a bandage he’d found outside. It was filthy, but where he was from, nothing was ever clean. There were nights like that, where neither of them had enough to eat. It’s why Levi was on the scrawnier side. You can’t grow in a place like that. 

He'd hurt a lot of people, taken things that weren’t his, and hadn’t felt bad about it. Does a fox cry over who couldn’t eat the eggs he stole? Fed was fed.

Commander Erwin had given him a choice—join the Survey Corps or spend his life in a cell. “Not really,” Levi said. 

Beanpole picked a fine time to stop by. He walked up behind you, lightly brushed your upper back and said, “You ready to go? Oh, afternoon, Captain. It’s an honor.” 

Levi’s jaw tightened and he set his mug down hard. 

You lifted your gaze to the clock, then back to Levi. “Nice meeting you,” you said to Levi. You gathered your things, stuffed the rest of your bread and jam into a paper bag (what a messy thing to do) and stood up. 

Beanpole took the bag from you and gave you wet-dog eyes, like he was waiting for you to say “good boy.” It made Levi sick. “We’ve known each other a year,” Levi said, not taking his eyes off where this guy put his hands. Who did he think he was, anyway? 

Your lap dog must have gotten the message, because he turned around and walked down the hall. All sterns had a small, white number stitched on the back of their blue cloaks. Four digits. He could only make out three of them. Five, four, seven — 

“No, like, really meeting you,” you said. You had the habit of tapping your lips with your index finger when you were being clever. Your mouth was tinted red from strawberry jam. “I like what I see so far.”

Levi couldn’t remember the last time anyone said something like that to him—kind without trying to get something out of it. He felt something between dread and euphoria. Fuck, he thought. I’m in trouble. “Bye, then,” Levi said. 

“Mmmm, I don’t like bye.”

Brat. “Yeah? What do you prefer?”

“See you later?”

“Fine,” Levi said, folding his used napkin into a square before tossing it in the trash. “I’ll think about it.”

—-------

Shadis’ office was twice as big as Levi’s and half as hot. You could tell it was an old man’s office by the look of it—ancient furniture but well maintained, and a whiskey cabinet mounted on the wall behind the desk. Nobody under the age of fifty bothered having a whiskey cabinet. If you could afford good liquor, you kept that shit in a cellar. You don’t want your friends being jealous of you. Respected, yes. Envied, no. 

Shadis was smart about where he set up shop when he took the head instructor position: it faced away from the summer sun. In winter, it soaked up the heat from the surrounding offices without needing the fire going. One of the perks of age is, for the most part, you know what you’re doing. 

What Levi didn’t expect was for Commander Erwin to be there. 

Ambush meetings only happened for three reasons: 1.) You were in deep shit and about to be demoted, 2.) You were being forced to ‘voluntarily discharge’ and they didn’t want to embarrass you in front of your squad, or 3.) You were about to be told something really important, but nothing you’d like. 

“So I’m supposed to tell my cadets they can’t go on leave until September because—why again?” Levi asked. 

Erwin was seated in a leather chair across the room—about as far from Levi and Shadis as he could be—with his hands folded in his lap. He knew Erwin well enough to know he didn’t want to be there any more than Levi did. “This wasn’t an easy decision,” Erwin said. 

Levi huffed a laugh and raised the whiskey to his lips, smelling the oak before taking another sip. Less smoky than he liked, but it was cold and soothed his throat.

Shadis slid a grey folder across the desk stamped in green: CLASSIFIED. Levi opened it, and on the first page was a sketch of a titan’s eye in every attitude: closed, open, cut down the middle with nerves spilling out. All of it. “Our chemists have discovered a new substance,” said Shadis. “One that, if we could extract from a titan’s optic nerve and manipulate it properly, could render someone…undetectable to a titan for a period of time.”

Levi’s throat clenched. “Undetectable?” 

Shadis glanced at Erwin, prompting him to continue the brief. “Not invisible, but not of interest either,” said Erwin. “We know from your scouts what attracts titans to their prey. They want to be human again. Liquid camouflage would make us no more desirable to them than trees.” 

Shadis tapped his glass on the desk to shake the rest of that watered down whiskey loose, then gulped it down. “It was all in Armin’s report, though I couldn’t read all of it. I don’t want to spend any longer than I have to in a titan’s head.”

“Sir,” Levi said, “are you saying we might have a way to hide from them in the future, in plain sight?”

“If we can pull it off,” said Erwin. “Whoever is assigned to extract the sample, they’ll have to get it from the titan’s eye. Meaning, none of the scouts can do it because they don’t have the anatomy training. A titan anatomist has to do it, but we need scouts to cover them. During the next survey mission, your team will trap a titan, preferably a slower moving female, then the TAs will complete the extraction.”

Levi chewed on that thought a moment. No chance a stern would be quick enough to get in there before a titan blinks. But with the speed serum…

Commander Erwin continued, “This goes without saying, Captain, but you cannot, under any circumstances, make the purpose of this sample known to anyone. If we can make liquid camouflage, supply will be extremely limited and everyone will want it for themselves. The only ones who know about this and the speed serum are the principal investigators, the chemists, and the people in this room. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Commander.”

Erwin stood and shook Levi’s hand firmly. “Thank you, Levi. I knew we could trust you on this.”

When Erwin left, Shadis leaned back and looked Levi over. “You good, kid? You look like something’s uh…” He was looking for a good way to say it. “Been on your mind.”

Levi said nothing. He was already figuring out a way to keep you out of the field. You were the principal investigator of the Chemistry wing, and you’d be the first one they called to supervise the extraction. But telling Shadis or Erwin that would earn him a reprimand at best. Instead, Levi nudged his empty glass in Shadis’ direction. 

That brought a gravelly chuckle out of Shadis. Pouring a finger of whiskey into Levi’s glass, he said, “Whoever she is, enjoy it. But keep your head on straight. Love stirs you up. Everything has stakes when you have something to protect.”

“Who said I loved her?” Levi asked. 

Shadis raised an eyebrow. “So there is a her.”

Just outside the window, an older couple shuffled down the brick path together. The man pointed to a sparrow perched on a roof and his wife looked at it in awe, like she’d never seen one before. Maybe she had, just not with him. On that day. On that roof. 

“Just say something,” Shadis said, raising his glass. Moments passed, and Levi raised his own, and they both drank. The sparrow flared its wings, shook the bramble from its feathers, and flew away. “I never did.”

—----

Three weeks passed. Levi finally had enough of sweating through his uniform and took his fan to Hange at the aviation maintenance hangar. After Marley opened up and introduced flying boats to Paradis, she’d switched to engineering. He’d rather have her in the field, but he couldn’t deny she did exceptional aviation work. 

Levi paced the hangar, pulse pounding in his ears. He had to yell to be heard over the racket. “It’s like we don’t have standards anymore. Erwin deserves better soldiers. I had a cadet report to me wearing boots older than he was. What’s going on with these kids?”

“Uh huh,” Hange said, biting her lip in concentration. She didn’t like using a workbench, so she had her tools spread out all over the floor. Levi watched her lead a wire through the fan’s coil and snip it. 

“And who appoints someone so frivolous to Lead Researcher in the chemistry lab?” Levi asked. “All she does is fraternize with everyone and their mother. It’s a dangerous position. Someone could get hurt.”

“The one you’ve been talking about for an hour?” Hange asked. 

“What?”

“Nothing. Hold this,” she said, then tossed Levi a wrench. 

When he caught it, he could feel rust flaking over the handle. She’d probably had that thing since she joined the Survey Corps. His whole body started to itch—he’d need a good rinsing off later. “We have reports that need to be filed,” Levi said.

“And she gets them in on time?”

Levi narrowed his eyes. “Yeah.”

“Have you thought about getting a new fan?”

Something about that prickled his nerves. “Runs just fine.”

Hange made a face like, ‘okay buddy,’ and kept working. Levi went on for a while and Hange made noises here and there. A lot of “Ah. Yep. Damn.” She asked for her wrench back a few times and finally just kept it in her pocket. After about ten more minutes of tinkering, Hange put the fan back together and flipped the switch. 

The blades whirred, and the air blew hot at first but got cooler the longer it ran. Levi sighed. “Thanks. Grab a drink later? Onyankopon should be back in a few hours.”

“Can’t. I have a date with Greta.” 

Levi leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. “What happened to that other girl? The one with the freckles?”

Hange bundled the cord in twine and handed the fan to Levi. “Oh. That was an ethics thing,” she said.

Levi was all ears for this story. “What you do?”

Hange told him about a clause in the Research training manual that regulates behavior. Romantic relationships between researchers and their participants were strictly prohibited. As in, if you dated someone in a study you ran, it would be grounds for dishonorable discharge. 

Levi, in that moment, could have sprouted wings and flown. He would never tell you what he was about to do with this information. If he did, you’d never speak to him again. 

Hange recoiled. “Ew. Are you smiling?”

“Fuck off,” Levi said, hot with the rush of a terrible idea.

—-----------

Five, four, seven. All he needed was one more number. Levi put in a formal request for TA medical reports, with the serum study as justification. He came in early to look through them before morning drills. The morning was pitch black, not a soul in the building but him and the dawn crew. 

First, he could narrow the list of TAs down by height. Beanpole was a tall kid. About a head taller than you, and you had Levi by a couple of inches. When you’re wearing ODM gear, you have to eyeball measurements pretty often. How high a tree was relative to certain buildings, things like that. If you’re on a roof being chased by an abnormal titan and underestimate the distance of your next latch point—well—that’s what the Survey Corps calls a goodnight move. One bad call and it’s lights out. 

He figured Beanpole was about 6’4. His uniform was fresh too, not faded or pilling yet. You can’t test into the anatomy wing after the age of 25 unless you have serious credentials, which Levi guessed he didn’t have. He was probably smart, but the kid had a look to him that suggested a lack of life experience. A ‘lost in the woods’ kind of look. You can just tell. Levi guessed he was 26. 

An image came to Levi’s mind unbidden—how he touched your shoulder. Slow and eager, like he wanted more of you. And the way he looked at you…

Focus, Levi told himself, shaking the thought loose. When he whittled the list down as thin as he could get it, it was between three TAs. Irvine Greber, Arnolf Messer, or Boris Bertz. All tall as hell and healthy as horses. He’d need to confirm the cloak number himself. 

Levi felt a cold shock of humiliation run through him. This course of action was unequivocally absurd, and an abuse of rank. Is this who he was now? 

Best not answer that question and go back to what he knew. Identify the threat, tag the threat, neutralize the threat. He was good at that.  

That afternoon, he visited the titan Anatomy wing. It was the tallest on the Research campus, being the only building that could accommodate specimens over 50 feet high. 

One of the TAs left their cloak hanging outside the bone examination room, and Levi borrowed it. Damn thing was too big but it would have to do. He raised the hood, strolled down the hall like he belonged there, then took a clipboard off the basket of someone’s door. Note: if you don’t want to stand out, look busy. 

Levi blended in a little too well, turns out, because someone recognized him. 

“Boris?” a girl’s voice called behind him. It sounded sad. 

Levi froze. Didn’t speak, didn’t move. That was one down—Beanpole was definitely not Boris. 

“I…I thought we could talk. You know. About us.”

Oh, hell. Levi wanted nothing to do with whatever mess Boris made for himself here. “Later,” Levi said under his breath. He could hear her footsteps behind him. “Not now.”

She was screaming now. “Not now?! I suck your dick every night for three weeks and now you don’t have time for me?”

There was no way to double back without her seeing Levi’s face, so he walked into the bone examination room after a lab tech left the door cracked, shut it behind him, and scanned for an exit. The girl would have followed him if the door didn’t lock automatically. He could feel her seething through the walls. 

Another good thing about being older: less drama. 

An enormous bone fragment that was bigger than most houses stood on a platform in the middle of the room. The sternum, Levi figured. Every titan anatomy student had to piece together one of those giant’s sternums from fragments and name each component within 10 minutes. That sounded exactly like a nightmare to Levi, and he was grateful to the people who liked that stuff. He was better with a blade. 

Students surrounded the sternum, taking notes from a confident instructor. Young guy. Lanky, tall…holy shit. 

This was him. Suspect identified. Levi crouched behind the sternum and waited for someone to say his name. 

“Mr. Messer?” a student said. 

“Call me Arnolf.”

There he is. There’s the fucker.

Levi made his exit, hung Boris’ cloak back where he left it—the least he could do after inadvertently ruining the guy’s day—and headed straight for your office. 

He didn’t even knock, like he usually did. He walked in and stood in front of you for an uncomfortably long time. It was really unfair how striking your eyes were. How just you looking at him made him stupid. 

“Do you want to have dinner with me tonight?”

You looked confused and adjusted your glasses. “Uh. Hey, Levi. I…what?”

Levi felt like he was watching himself do this. He doubled back and kept it professional. “Oh. I have a name for you. Arnolf Messer. Medical records, history, they all line up. His nervous system can handle the serum. Never had one episode of shock or panic, no broken bones, barely even a cold. He’s a fit.” Levi set the paperwork on her desk, arranging it neatly in a pile.

You glanced at it sidelong. “Thank you.”

Levi hated how you sounded. The music in your voice was gone. If he wasn’t special before, he’d completely blown it now. “I’m sorry I haven’t seen you lately,” he said before he could think. “I’ve wanted to, I just…anyway. I have standing reservations at the Officer’s Club. I think you’ll like it.”

You looked at him like an equation that didn’t add up. “Are you asking me out right now?”

No, you’re not. This is a mistake. Take it back and be smart about this. “Yeah.”

You gave him a little smile that nearly undid him right there. “That sounds nice, Levi. Let’s do it.”

“Eighteen hundred?”

“Mmhmm,” you said. 

“That’s, uh. Right. Yeah. Bye.” Levi winced at the string of nonsense that somehow came out worse than he could have imagined, and headed for the door.

The warm Mediterranean breeze rustled gently through the towering palm trees lining the private rooftop terrace. Below the penthouse, the sparkling turquoise waters of the Italian coast stretched endlessly toward the horizon, crashing softly against pristine white sands.

You lay back against the cushions of a wide outdoor sunbed, the brilliant Italian sun warming your skin. A light novel rested in your lap, though you were far too distracted by the sight in front of you to read a single word.

Levi was moving about the terrace. Dressed in just a pair of dark swim shorts, his lean, toned physique glistened under the sun as he laid out a lavish spread: chilled fruit platters, iced water, and fresh espresso.

As he walked past the foot of your sunbed, his sharp eyes trailed down the length of your exposed legs. A dangerous, slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Before you could even register his movement, Levi knelt at the edge of the bed, leaning in to press a row of lingering, feather-light kisses up the smooth skin of your calf, moving past your knee.

With a soft gasp, you set your book aside on the side table and slid your sunglasses down the bridge of your nose, looking down at him with an amused glint in your eyes.

You raised your foot, resting your sole flat against the centre of his chest. Slowly, deliberately, you dragged your foot down the firm plane of his stomach, stopping right at the waistband of his swim shorts.

"And what do you think you're up to, Mr Ackerman?" you asked, a playful arch to your brow.

Levi didn't back away. Instead, his hand slid up to gently grip your ankle, his thumb stroking your skin as he looked up at you through his dark lashes. "Just giving my girl some well-deserved love," he purred softly. "Is there a law against that, detective?"

You let out a chuckle, dropping your leg and opening your arms wide against the cushions. "Not at all. In fact, come here and give me proper cuddles... a wife needs her husband, after all."

Levi froze for a fraction of a second, the word husband catching in his chest. A sweet smile broke across his face as the reality washed over him; in just a few short days, under the Italian sky, you would officially be his wife.

"You don't have to tell me twice, love," Levi rasped.

He lunged forward onto the sunbed, tackling you into the cushions. You let out a delighted laugh, wrapping your arms tightly around his neck as Levi buried his face in the crook of your neck, peppering sweet, hot kisses over your jaw, lips, and sun-warmed skin.

You let out a soft, humming laugh as Levi's dark head buried further into your neck, the low, vibrating rumble in his chest pressing directly against yours.

"You're acting like a happy, purring kitty," you teased, your fingers tangling into his soft, dark hair and lightly scratching at the base of his scalp.

Levi didn't even argue. He leaned up just enough to look at you, his eyes heavy-lidded and filled with lazy affection. "That's because I am one," he purred smoothly, pressing a warm kiss to the underside of your jaw. "And an owned kitty needs constant attention, pets, and kisses. It's part of the contract, sweetheart."

"Is that so?" you giggled, pulling him down to press a sweet, lingering kiss against his lips, followed by another to the tip of his nose. "Well, I suppose I have to keep my side of the bargain."

For a long, blissful stretch of time, you stayed tangled together under the warm Italian sun. You stroked his hair, running your fingers over his back as you swapped soft, leisurely kisses that tasted like salt air and sweet fruit. The trauma of New Mitras felt a million miles away, replaced by the tranquil rhythm of the crashing waves below.

Eventually, the heat began to catch up to you. "Levi," you murmured softly against his mouth, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I'm thirsty... can I have a sip of my drink?"

"Of course, love."

Levi pushed himself up effortlessly, reaching over to the shaded glass side table to retrieve your chilled cocktail. Instead of handing it to you, he held the condensation-covered glass right to your lips, steadying it with one hand while his other rested comfortably over your waist. You took a long, refreshing sip through the straw, humming in satisfaction as the icy sweetness cooled you down.

"Good?" Levi asked, setting the glass back down.

"Perfect," you whispered.

Levi leaned back down, reclaiming your mouth in a deeper, more possessive kiss. You wrapped your arms tightly around his shoulders, pulling him against you as the kiss deepened, lingering until your lungs burned for air and you had to reluctantly pull back with a breathless gasp.

Levi didn't let you rest for long. Tracing a trail of fiery warmth down your jawline, he buried his face back into the sensitive curve of your neck, peppering hot kisses against your collarbone before gently nipping at your sun-warmed skin, making you shiver in his arms.

A soft, contented hum vibrated in your chest as you closed your eyes, melting completely into the warmth of Levi’s touch. The Mediterranean breeze brushed against your skin, carrying the soothing sound of the waves crashing far below the penthouse terrace.

As Levi’s lips moved gently along the sensitive skin of your collarbone, a heavy wave of exhaustion suddenly washed over you. You couldn't stop the quiet, mid-sigh yawn that escaped your throat.

"Sorry," you murmured softly, a sleepy, sheepish smile touching your lips as you blinked up at him through heavy lashes.

Levi immediately paused, leaning back onto his elbows. His sharp eyes softened with tenderness as he reached up, his warm thumb tracing the delicate skin just beneath your lower lashes.

"Don't apologise, sweetheart," Levi whispered. A tiny smirk tugged at his mouth. "If anyone should apologise, it's me. I've kept you up most nights since we landed... and half the day, too. I’m exhausting you."

"I'm not complaining..." you mumbled, your eyelids fluttering heavy.

"I know, love," Levi purred, brushing a stray lock of hair away from your forehead. "But I'll tone it down a bit, alright? You need your rest, especially before the big day."

Slipping off your chest, Levi stretched out beside you on the wide sunbed, sliding his arm beneath your head and pulling your body against his warm, solid side. Reaching over to the side table, he picked up a small brass remote and pressed a button.

With a low, mechanical hum, a heavy canvas awning extended gracefully overhead, blocking out the harsh afternoon sun and bathing the wide sunbed in a cool, comfortable shade.

Levi pulled the soft outdoor throw blanket over both of your shoulders, tucking you in against him. He leaned down, pressing a lingering, warm kiss to the centre of your forehead, his thumb continuing to stroke soothing circles over your hip.

"Close your eyes and sleep as much as you need," Levi murmured softly against your hair, his strong arms holding you tight and secure. "I'll be right here the whole time. You're completely safe... I'm not going anywhere."

Wrapped in his scent, his warmth, and the quiet peace of the Italian coast, you finally closed your eyes, drifting off into a deep sleep.

He watched the subtle twitch of your eyelashes and the faint furrow in your brow. A faint knot of worry tightened in his chest. Even here, miles away from New Mitras, the ghosts of the past few months had a way of creeping into the quiet moments, and he prayed to whatever forces existed that the dark shadows of Julian Vance weren't haunting your sleep.

Levi leaned down, his lips brushing the shell of your ear as he breathed out a soft, barely audible whisper. "I love you, sweetheart... I can't wait to marry you in a few days."

As if hearing his voice through the fog of your sleep, the tension melted from your face. A soft, contented hum escaped your throat, and you instinctively shifted closer, tangling your fingers into his shorts and burying your face into the warm crook of his neck.

A gentle smile touched Levi’s lips. He squeezed you tight against his side, stroking your back, knowing he had successfully chased the dark dreams away.

On the side table, his phone vibrated softly against the glass.

Keeping one arm securely wrapped around your waist so as not to wake you, Levi reached out with his free hand and snatched up the device. The caller ID displayed Ray.

Levi slid the screen open and brought the phone to his ear, keeping his voice down to a quiet, gravelly murmur. "Ray. Everything alright? How's the shoulder holding up in the Italian heat?"

"Can't complain, Ackerman," Ray’s familiar, gravelly voice came through the receiver, sounding lighter and more relaxed than Levi had ever heard it. "Honestly, I just called to thank you again. Giving me this holiday, putting me up in a five-star suite... I'm not used to this kind of luxury. The shoulder scar is healing up fine in the sun. I'm just looking forward to watching you two finally tie the knot."

Levi let out a faint, amused huff. "You earned it. How's Erwin treating you?"

"He's good company," Ray chuckled softly. "We've been checking out all the ancient historical ruins down the coast. It's... nice, actually. After being a stubborn loner on the force for so many years, it's good to have a real friend around."

Levi’s gaze softened as he looked down at your peaceful, sleeping form resting against his chest. "Thank you, Ray," Levi said quietly, his tone laced with gratitude. "Not just for back then... but for being a real friend to her. A father figure when she needed one most."

There was a quiet, warm beat of silence on the other end of the line. "She's family to me, Levi," Ray murmured softly. "How is she doing today? She sleeping alright?"

"She’s sleeping right next to me now," Levi answered, his hand gently smoothing down your back. "She still gets the occasional nightmare... but I manage to soothe her through them. It's going to take time, but she'll get better."

"I know the feeling," Ray agreed with a heavy, understanding sigh. "I still have my good days and bad days with it all, too. But we just have to keep reminding ourselves that it's over. Julian is dead. He can't ever touch either of you again."

"That's exactly what I keep telling her," Levi whispered, pressing a soft kiss into your hair as you stirred slightly against him. "And every day, it helps a little more."

"Alright, alright," Ray chuckled softly through the receiver, his tone turning warm and parental. "I'll let you get back to watching over her. But seriously, Levi, let the kid sleep. I know you're crazy about her and excited for the wedding, but she needs the rest after everything you two have been through."

Levi let out a soft, defeated sigh, a faint smirk touching his lips as he looked down at your face buried against his ribs. "Yeah, yeah... I promise. It's sweet, you know, you acting like her dad."

"Well, somebody's gotta keep an eye on her," Ray murmured softly. "You know how it was for her at the precinct before all this. It gets lonely in this line of work. A lot of the other officers and detectives kept their distance, pushed her away because she was too smart, too dedicated... I was really the only one who stepped up to back her."

Levi's eyes darkened slightly at the thought of you ever being isolated, but his grip on you tightened protectively. "I appreciate it, Ray. Truly. If I were a detective on the force back then, I would've been the same way with her."

Ray let out a booming laugh that vibrated through the speaker. "Please! If you were a cop, you wouldn't get any work done; you'd just be chasing her around the station all day."

"Can't deny that," Levi rasped, a quiet huff of laughter escaping his chest. "I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off her."

"She's a sweet, brilliant, beautiful woman, Levi," Ray said fondly. "The two of you... you really are perfect for each other. I'll let you get back to her. See you both at dinner later."

"See you, Ray," Levi replied quietly, ending the call and setting the phone back onto the glass table.

Levi leaned back against the cushions, looking down at you. In your deep, peaceful sleep, your fingers had subtly shifted, lightly massaging the firm muscle of his pec. A tiny strand of hair was stuck to your cheek, and a small, endearing spot of drool was dampening the skin right over his heart.

A fond smile broke across Levi's face. He reached down, brushing the stray lock of hair from your face, completely unbothered by the mess as he settled in to watch you rest.

Levi reached up with his free hand, his index finger lightly tickling the soft curve of your cheek.

"You're fucking adorable, you know that?" he whispered, his voice dripping with affection. "Just like a cute little bunny... dreaming about tasty things while you cling to your warm nest. You fight like a feisty little rabbit, too. Got those deadly legs."

A low rumble of laughter vibrated in his chest. Shifting slightly beneath you, Levi leaned down and began covering your face in a shower of soft, warm kisses, on your forehead, the tip of your nose, your eyelids, and finally your cheeks.

You stirred under the sweet assault, your eyes fluttering open as a warm, sleepy smile bloomed across your lips. "Mm... Levi..." you mumbled, stretching lazily against his solid body. "What have you been up to while I was out?"

"Not much, love," Levi rasped, resting his chin on top of your head as his hands smoothed down your back. "Just had a long chat with Ray on the phone."

You blinked up at him, rubbing the lingering sleep from your eyes. "Is he okay?"

"Yeah, he's doing great," Levi murmured softly. "Told me he's been relaxing by the pool and hanging out with Erwin. Said they've been checking out the ancient ruins together."

You sat up slowly, yawning into your hand as you pulled the soft throw blanket around your shoulders. "That's really sweet. I like that Ray has a friend... he was so lonely for so long at the precinct."

Levi stared up at you from the cushions, taking in your messy hair, your flushed cheeks, and your genuine, gentle smile. He suddenly threw his arm over his eyes, letting out a heavy, ragged sigh. "Fuck..."

You paused, looking down at him in confusion. "Levi? What's wrong?"

Levi dropped his arm, his eyes burning with overwhelming, intense affection as he looked up at you. "You're just so damn cute. You go from dreaming and drooling all over my chest to sitting up and acting like the sweetest angel on earth. It's driving me crazy."

Your cheeks instantly burned. "I—what?! There is no way I drooled on you!"

"Oh, really?" Levi smirked, tapping two fingers against the damp, shiny patch right over his heart on his bare chest. "What's this then, detective?"

You gasped, placing your hands over your burning face in sheer embarrassment. "Oh my god... Levi, I'm so sorry! I'm so embarrassed!"

Levi chuckled softly, reaching up to snag your wrists and pull your hands away from your face. "Don't be. I loved every second of it, sweetheart. You remind me of a bunny."

You crossed your arms, puffing out your cheeks in a dramatic pout. "I am not a bunny!"

Levi sat up, leaning in to gently pinch your pouting cheek between his fingers. "This right here? Very bunny-like. The way you eat your little snacks, the way you kick when you fight... hell, you literally leapt off a stage to tackle me into the orchestra pit a few months ago. You're a bunny, love."

You couldn't hold back the giggle that bubbled up in your throat, your embarrassed pout melting into a bright laugh. "Okay, fine... maybe I am a little bit of a bunny. But that means you're a purring kitty."

Levi wrapped his arms tightly around your waist, pulling you firmly back onto his lap and burying his face against your neck.

"Bunny and kitty..." Levi purred warmly into your skin, squeezing you close against his heart. "Yeah, sweetheart. Sounds like the perfect couple to me."

You smoothed your hands down the soft silk of your wedding dress, carefully flattening the simple, delicate folds of the skirt. The gown was light, elegant, and completely yours, a breathtaking contrast to the heavy, suffocating Victorian nightmare from months ago.

Stepping up to the full-length mirror, you checked your reflection for the hundredth time. Your hair was pinned up in soft, romantic waves, and your makeup was subtle, highlighting the warm glow in your cheeks. Yet, despite how perfect everything looked, your heart hammered against your ribs in a dizzying flutter of pure pre-wedding nerves.

Taking a slow, steadying breath, you picked up your skirt and stepped out of the bridal suite into the grand terrace lounge.

Standing near the open balcony doors was Ray, looking remarkably sharp in a crisp black suit, engaged in a warm, quiet conversation with your parents. At the sound of your footsteps, all three of them turned around.

Your mother gasped, bringing her hands up to cover her mouth, while your father’s eyes welled up with pride. Ray took one look at you, and the tough, battle-hardened veteran detective visibly swallowed back a lump in his throat, his eyes shimmering with emotion.

A soft, affectionate laugh escaped your lips as you looked at the three of them. "Are you three going to start crying before I even walk down the aisle?"

You walked over, pulling your parents into a warm, lingering hug before stepping back to give Ray a tight embrace. "Thank you all so much for being here. It means the world to me."

"We wouldn't miss it for the universe, sweetheart," your father murmured, dabbing at his eye.

You offered a small, nervous smile, smoothing your dress again. "Be honest... do I look okay?"

"You look absolutely wonderful, love," your mother said softly, her voice thick with pride.

"Breathtaking, kid," Ray agreed warmly. He reached over to the side table, picked up a stunning bouquet of white roses and delicate greenery, and carefully handed it to you. He offered his arm with a soft smile. "So... ready to go down there and marry a dangerous man?"

You smiled, your nerves instantly melting away at the thought of Levi waiting for you at the end of the aisle. "He's only dangerous if I try to run."

Ray let out a chuckle, nodding in agreement. "Ain't that the truth. But in all seriousness... Levi is a good lad. What you two have... it's bloody magical. I mean it. I can't wait until I get to be an uncle."

Your cheeks heated up and you let out a quiet laugh. "Give it some time, Ray! Right now, I still want to focus on working my way up in the department for a bit."

Ray smiled proudly, squeezing your hand on his arm. "Well, you're going to make a fantastic Captain one day."

"Thank you, Ray," you murmured, a playful glint returning to your eyes. "And honestly... that Commissioner position has your name written all over it. Imagine that, you and me running the whole department together."

Ray laughed out loud, his chest expanding as he led you toward the grand double doors leading out to the sunlit garden. "Now that sounds like fun, kid. You know I'll always take the chance to work alongside my favourite partner."

The heavy wooden doors swung open, exposing the breathtaking, sun-drenched Italian garden. Soft violin music drifted through the warm sea breeze as you stepped onto the stone path, flanked by your parents and Ray.

Your heart swelled to near bursting as you looked out at the rows of seats. The garden was filled with the people who had become your second family throughout this terrifying, beautiful journey. There was Mike, looking sharp and broad-shouldered in his suit; Erwin, standing proudly at the altar as Levi's best man; and right near the front row sat Aiden Cho. His facial scars glinted shiny and fresh under the bright Mediterranean sun, but his expression held a deep, peaceful warmth as he offered you a gentle, grateful smile.

And then, your eyes landed on the end of the aisle.

Levi stood beside Erwin, looking so breathlessly handsome it took the air right out of your lungs. He wore a sharp, tailored white suit, a striking, deadly contrast to his dark hair and sharp features. In such a light, pure colour, he looked utterly magnificent, like a piece of living art.

The moment Levi’s eyes locked onto yours, his usual stoic mask shattered completely. A massive, radiant smile broke across his face, his lower lip trembling slightly as his eyes shimmered, fighting back overwhelmed tears.

Your chest tightened with intense love as you walked down the stone path toward him, every step bringing you closer to the future you had fought so hard to build together.

Reaching the altar, you turned to hand your bouquet to your mother, giving her a soft kiss on the cheek before pulling your father into a brief, emotional hug. You stepped over to Ray, wrapping your arms tight around him one last time.

"Go get him, kid," Ray whispered gently, stepping back into his seat.

You turned back to face Levi, taking both of his gloved hands in yours. The second his fingers laced through yours, Levi let out a quiet, shaky sob, a single tear slipping down his cheek despite his best efforts.

Your own eyes welled up with happy tears, a breathless laugh escaping your lips as you looked up into his shiny silver eyes.

"Oh, Levi..." you whispered, squeezing his hands tight as your heart melted into a puddle. "You are being way too adorable right now."

Levi pulled you closer by the waist, drawing you right against his side. "You're so stunning, sweetheart..." he rasped, his voice still thick with emotion as he stared down at you. "I'm the luckiest bastard alive."

You wrapped an arm around his waist, leaning your head against his shoulder. "You're incredible, Levi," you whispered softly back.

You stayed tucked into his side, holding onto each other while the officiant began the non-religious ceremony. Truthfully, neither of you heard a single word of the speech. The world around you bled into a soft blur of sunlit colours and whispering sea breezes; your focus was locked onto each other, the warmth of his body, the firm press of his hand against your waist, and the quiet, sacred understanding shared between your eyes.

When the officiant finally gestured to the wooden registry stand, you both stepped up, taking the pen and signing your names on the line. The moment the officiant smiled and declared the marriage official, you didn't even wait for the traditional cue.

You threw your arms around Levi's neck and kissed him deeply right then and there.

The garden erupted into a deafening roar of cheers and applause. Ray was whistling loudly, Mike and Erwin were clapping, and your parents were beaming through fresh tears.

Levi let out a triumphant laugh against your lips. He grabbed you around the waist, lifting you right off your feet and spinning you around in a circle under the Italian sun.

"I finally got her!" Levi announced loudly to the crowd, his eyes flashing with joy. "She's mine!"

You burst into a bright, helpless laugh, quickly raising both of your hands to cover his mouth. "Shh! Levi, hush!" you giggled.

He slowly lowered you back down until your heels touched the stone path, keeping his hands anchored firmly on your hips. He pulled your hands down from his face, kissing your knuckles one by one.

"I can't help it, love," Levi purred smoothly, a breathtaking smile lighting up his features. "I'm happy beyond words. After all the chasing, all the longing, all the bullshit we survived... I finally have you."

You leaned up on your tiptoes, resting your hands over his chest right where his heart was hammering against his white suit jacket. A playful, wicked little glint danced in your eyes. "Well... you better still chase me, Mr Ackerman. You know I like it."

Levi’s smirk widened, his eyes darkening with pure, possessive devotion as he pulled you in for another lingering kiss.

"Always, sweetheart," he whispered against your lips. "I love the chase just as much as you do."

You pulled back slightly from his lips, breathless and laughing softly as the cheers from the garden guests slowly dissolved into ambient chatter.

"Levi, come on," you whispered, resting your palms gently against his chest. "We should move on. We can't just stand here kissing in front of everyone all day."

"Watch me," Levi purred smoothly.

Before you could argue, he scooped you right off your feet, tucking one arm under your knees and the other around your waist. You let out a quiet gasp, wrapping your arms around his neck as he carried you away from the central aisle. The guests chuckled and cheered as they began filtering toward the long outdoor dining tables set up under the pergolas, giving you both space.

Levi carried you down a winding stone path, ducking beneath a trellis draped in blooming purple bougainvillaea, until you reached a quiet, secluded alcove in the garden.

He gently set you down on the smooth edge of a low stone wall, surrounded by lush greenery and shaded from the afternoon heat. Levi stepped right between your knees, his large hands reaching up to softly caress your cheek, his thumb tracing down the side of your neck, sending a delicious shiver straight down your spine.

He leaned down, pressing his lips to yours, once, twice, three times, in a series of slow, deep, lingering kisses that made your head spin.

When he finally pulled back just an inch, his hot breath brushed against your lips. He let out a soft, low sigh, his eyes wide with awe as he looked into yours. "Are you really my wife?" he whispered. "Is this real?"

A radiant smile broke across your face. You raised your hand between your faces, twisting your finger slightly so the newly placed wedding band caught the sunlight filtering through the leaves.

"It's real," you murmured softly, running your fingers over his cheekbone. "See? Look at the ring. We even signed the official papers, Mr Ackerman. You're completely stuck with me."

A breathtaking, gorgeous smile lit up Levi's face. He let out a quiet huff of sheer happiness before leaning down and capturing your mouth again, kissing you over and over, deliberate, sweet, and possessive, sealing the promise of forever in the quiet shade of the Italian garden.

You pulled back from his lips with a laugh, but Levi didn't give you much breathing room. Tilting your chin up, he dragged his mouth down to the curve of your throat, peppering hot, lingering kisses along your neck before nipping gently at the sensitive skin right above your collarbone.

A quiet gasp escaped your lips, your hands sliding up the crisp white fabric of his suit jacket to rest over his firm chest.

"Levi..." you murmured, your fingers tangling lightly in his dark hair. "As much as I'd love to stay in this shaded little corner and make out with you all afternoon... I'm starving. And that delicious wedding cake is calling my name."

Levi paused, resting his forehead against yours with a low, amused huff. His eyes gleamed with dark affection as he looked down at you. "A hungry bunny is a dangerous thing," he purred smoothly.

Before you could even shift on the stone wall, Levi reached down, scooped his arms under your back and knees, and lifted you effortlessly into the air again.

"Levi!" you giggled, instinctively wrapping your arms around his neck to anchor yourself. "Put me down, I can walk!"

"Not a chance, sweetheart," Levi replied coolly, turning on his heel and carrying you back down the path toward the main garden pergola. "You're my wife now. I'm going to carry you wherever I damn well please, and I'm going to spoil you completely rotten."

"You already spoil me," you teased, resting your cheek against his shoulder as the lively hum of the reception drew closer.

"Get used to it, love," Levi rasped, pressing a quick, possessive kiss to your temple as the two of you emerged into the open garden to the delighted cheers of your guests. "Because I'm just getting started."

Levi carried you all the way to the head table under the decorated garden pergola, refusing to set you down until you were safely positioned right in your seat. The guests laughed and clapped as he smoothed down the skirt of your gown, ensuring you were completely comfortable before grabbing a champagne glass from a passing waiter.

He tapped a fork against the crystal, the sharp ringing cutting through the ambient chatter of the garden.

"Alright, listen up," Levi began, his deep, commanding voice effortlessly drawing everyone’s attention. He stood tall beside your chair, looking lethal and devastatingly handsome in his white suit.

"I want to thank everyone for coming out here to Italy," Levi said, his sharp eyes sweeping across the smiling faces of your friends and family. A rare, subtle smirk touched his lips. "It’s a bit strange for a guy like me to have half a police precinct at his wedding... but just so we're clear, the only officer allowed to arrest me is sitting right here. So if any of you are thinking about it, don't bother. You're out of your jurisdiction."

The table erupted into hearty laughs, with Ray shaking his head and shouting a witty remark back from his seat.

Levi’s smirk softened into something deeply genuine as he looked down at you, his hand coming up to gently rest on your shoulder. "Joking aside... I'm thankful. I'm thankful that my line of work led me to cross paths with my soulmate. I'm thankful that I made so many lifelong friends and connections, all because one ridiculously cute, fiercely determined detective decided to hunt me down across the city."

Your chest filled with a warm, floating feeling as you looked up at him, your heart hammering against your ribs.

Levi raised his glass high into the afternoon sun. "To my wife, and to love."

"To love!" the entire garden cheered in unison, raising their glasses before taking a sip.

Levi set his glass down and immediately slid into the chair beside yours, leaning in to press a deep, lingering kiss against your mouth that drew another round of soft applause from your parents.

Just then, the waiters began filing out of the kitchen carrying grand, silver-covered trays loaded with authentic Italian dishes, fresh pasta, grilled seafood, artisanal bread, and vibrant salads. Your eyes lit up instantly at the sight, a soft gasp of pure excitement escaping your lips.

Levi caught your expression and let out a quiet, amused huff of laughter. "Is food your first love, sweetheart? Am I just taking second place?"

You turned to him with a playful, unbothered grin, picking up your wine glass. "When I'm this hungry, Levi? Absolutely. Food is number one."

Levi shook his head, a dark, fond gleam in his eyes.

You took a slow sip of your drink, setting it back down before leaning across the small space between your chairs. You cupped his jaw with your hand, pulling him in for a sweet, lingering kiss that tasted like champagne.

"Don't worry, Mr Ackerman," you whispered against his lips, smiling warmly. "You're my true love. Always."

You stood tall at the front of the main briefing room, resting your hands lightly on the wooden podium as your team sat in neat rows before you. The familiar hum of the precinct echoed outside the glass walls, but inside, every eye was locked onto you with deep respect.

A few years had passed since that sunny afternoon in Italy, and the hard work had paid off; you were officially the Captain of the department, and Ray had proudly stepped into his role as Police Commissioner. You both had made it.

"Crime statistics for the fourth quarter are down again by twelve per cent," you announced, your voice echoing with quiet authority as you flipped through the official precinct report. "Excellent work on the docks bust last night, Detective Creed. And Miller, your lead on that cold case saved a lot of lives this week. Brilliant work across the board."

The room erupted into appreciative murmurs and quiet applause.

Smiling, you stepped out from behind the heavy wooden podium. As you did, you rested one hand gently over the pronounced, beautiful curve of your baby bump beneath your tailored navy blazer.

Setting your briefing papers down on the edge of the table, you looked over your team. "Alright, team. Patrols are assigned, warrants are ready for serving, so let's keep this city safe. Dismissed."

The detectives stood up, gathering their files and chatting as they dispersed toward the bullpen.

As you began stacking your paperwork, one of the newer, eager young detectives lingered behind, stepping up to the front table with a furrowed brow.

"Captain?" she asked quietly, holding a thin manila folder. "Do you have a second?"

"Always, Miller. What’s on your mind?" you replied, giving her your full attention.

"It’s about the old Vesper investigation files," Detective Miller said, lowering her voice. "I’ve been tracking some recent high-end estate auctions. I'm starting to have strong suspicions about Dr Lawrence Sterling. He hasn't been the same since the killings years ago, and my digging shows he's quietly been buying up Vesper's old personal belongings."

You paused, your hand resting over your stomach as a brief shadow of the past flickered in your mind, quickly replaced by the grounded confidence of the present. You looked Miller straight in the eye.

"Go with your gut, Detective," you said, offering her an encouraging, firm nod. "Trusting my gut is what kept me alive and caught Julian in the first place. Pursue the lead."

Miller’s face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Captain. I'll keep you updated on everything I find."

"Good work," you smiled as she turned and headed out into the busy room.

You gathered the last of your case files, tapping them flat against the desk. Just as you turned to head toward your private corner office, the distinct, heavy thud of familiar dress shoes echoed against the floorboards.

"And how is my favourite niece doing today?" a warm voice called out from the doorway.

A bright smile broke across your face as you turned to see Commissioner Ray standing in the doorway, sharp in his dark suit, his hair combed neatly back.

You gently rubbed your rounded bump, laughing softly as you looked up at your old partner. "She's doing great, Ray. Baking very well in here, actually... though she's currently kicking my ribs like she's training for the SWAT team."

Ray let out a booming laugh, his eyes twinkling with genuine affection as he looked down at your bump. "Sounds like she's starting her combat training early! Taking right after her mom and dad."

"Tell me about it," you chuckled, smoothing down your blazer. You looked up at him with a playful arch of your brow. "So, Commissioner... are you just down here because you're bored, or did you actually need something?"

"A bit of both," Ray admitted with an easy shrug, leaning his broad shoulder against the doorframe. "Mostly, I just missed my favourite partner."

You shook your head, a fond smile gracing your lips. "Ray, you saw me yesterday!"

"Doesn't matter, kid," Ray replied smoothly, crossing his arms with a grin. "A guy's gotta check in on his partner every single day. It's part of the job description."

"Fair enough," you murmured warmly, stepping up and hugging your arm affectionately around his as you walked out of the briefing room together. "In that case... do you want to break for lunch? My treat."

Ray’s face lit up instantly. "Now you're talking! Going to lunch with a pregnant lady is the best. I actually get to eat as much as I want without looking like a glutton, because everyone just assumes I'm helping you finish your plate."

You burst into a laugh, the sound echoing through the precinct halls.

Together, you walked through the bustling bullpen toward the front exit. The station was a far cry from the chaotic, tense environment it had been all those years ago when you first started; it was calm, efficient, and running like a clockwork machine under your leadership as Captain and Ray’s as Commissioner.

Stepping through the glass front doors, the crisp, sweet air of early spring washed over you. The afternoon sun shone brightly down on the busy city streets, carrying the light, fresh scent of blooming flowers.

You strolled side-by-side down the sunlit sidewalk, making the short walk to your favourite local diner just around the corner. Sliding into a cosy, vinyl-lined booth by the window, the sweet nostalgia of your early detective days settled over both of you.

Within minutes, the waitress had filled your table with a massive spread.

Ray leaned back in his seat, taking a long sip of his coffee before offering you a warm, contented smile. "Now this... this is the life, Captain."

"It really is, Commissioner," you agreed softly, taking a bite of your food as the spring sun bathed the booth in a warm, peaceful glow.

Ray swallowed a massive bite of his bacon cheeseburger, a knowing, amused glint dancing in his eyes as he glanced out the diner's sunlit front window.

"Alright, Captain," Ray chuckled, gesturing with his fork toward the street. "Place your bets. Do you think he's going to show up in three minutes... or five?"

You let out a soft laugh, taking a sip of your ice water. "Knowing him? Probably sooner."

Right on cue, the low, deep rumble of a high-end sports car echoed down the block. A sleek black car smoothly pulled up to the curb directly in front of the diner's window.

"See?" you giggled, shaking your head fondly. "Told you."

Ray let out a booming laugh as the driver's door swung open. Levi stepped out onto the sidewalk, looking lethal and sharp as always, holding a heavy, boutique designer shopping bag in one hand. His eyes scanned the diner interior through the glass, instantly lighting up the moment they locked onto you in the corner booth.

He practically sprinted inside, the diner's doorbell chiming wildly as he bypassed the hostess completely and marched straight over to your table.

Without a word, Levi slid into the booth right beside you, wrapping a firm, possessive arm around your waist. He pulled you against his side, burying his face into the curve of your collarbone to press a series of hot, lingering kisses up your neck, ending with a sweet, affectionate kiss right on your cheek.

"Hey, sweetheart," Levi rasped. He pulled back just enough to look over your plate, his sharp eyes flicking to the massive spread of food, then to your face, his brows knitting together with mild concern. "Are you alright? You feeling okay? No sudden cravings or sick feelings?"

You smiled warmly, resting your hand over his on your lap. "I'm completely fine, Levi. I just wanted to get out of the office and have lunch with Ray."

Levi let out a soft huff of relief, his expression softening as he set the luxury shopping bag right onto the bench beside you. "Good. Because I was out running a few errands, and I might have gone a little overboard." He patted the bag with a proud, subtle smirk. "Bought you and the baby a whole load of presents."

You peered into the bag, catching glimpses of impossibly soft pastel baby blankets, tiny designer booties, and a few luxurious silk maternity items just for you.

"Levi, you are ridiculous," you laughed softly, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, love. We'll open everything up properly when I finish my shift tonight, okay?"

"Works for me, love," Levi purred smoothly, sliding his hand over your rounded bump and stroking it gently as he settled in to join you and Ray under the warm spring sun.

Ray let out a chuckle, wiping his mouth with a napkin as he looked at the oversized designer shopping bag sitting on the booth seat.

"Any of those fancy boxes got my name on them, Ackerman?" Ray joked, waving his hand with a booming laugh. "Ah, I'm just kidding with you. You spend enough on us already."

To Ray's complete surprise, Levi didn't smirk or make a sarcastic remark. Instead, he reached inside the boutique bag and pulled out a sleek, velvet-lined mahogany box, sliding it smoothly across the table toward the Commissioner.

"I don't forget the people who take care of my wife, Ray," Levi said. "I always buy a gift for her best friend."

Ray froze, his jaw slackening slightly in genuine shock. He looked between Levi and the box before slowly lifting the wooden lid. Inside, resting against black velvet, was an exquisite, custom-engraved luxury watch, timeless, elegant.

"Levi... this is..." Ray swallowed hard, a rare wave of emotion washing over his features as he ran a thumb over the polished steel. "This is incredible. Thank you."

Levi reached over, wrapping his arm securely around your waist and pulling you against his side. He rested his chin against your head, his eyes fixed warmly on your former partner. "Don't mention it. You're family, Ray."

Your heart melted at the sight of the two most important men in your life sharing such a quiet, deep respect. You stayed at the diner for another hour, chatting, laughing, and indulging in good food under the warm spring sun.

When lunch finally ended, the three of you walked back down the sunlit avenue toward the precinct. Levi refused to leave your side, carrying your shopping bag in one hand while his other held yours firmly, guiding you through the front glass doors of the station.

The moment the three of you stepped into the main bullpen, a quiet hush fell over the room.

Several new rookie officers and young detectives paused mid-sentence, their eyes widening in awe as they whispered among themselves. They all knew the legend of Levi Ackerman, the lethal, enigmatic powerhouse who kept the city's underbelly in line.

As Levi walked beside you toward the Captain's office, gently rubbing the small of your back, one of the senior detectives caught a rookie staring and clapped him on the shoulder with a knowing grin.

"Stop staring, kid," the senior officer murmured loud enough for the bullpen to hear, a proud smirk on his face. "You're looking at the only person in the world who ever managed to tame Levi Ackerman and bring him into this station. And mark my words... she'll always be the only one."

Levi didn't even glance at the whispering crowd. He just pulled you a little tighter against his chest, pressing a sweet, unbothered kiss to your hair as you opened the door to your Captain's office, completely content in the world you had built together.

You settled into the executive chair behind your wide wooden desk, letting out a small, grateful sigh as you rested your back. Levi naturally gravitated toward his usual spot, a comfortable leather armchair tucked in the corner of your office, looking at home amidst the official police plaques and framed certificates.

For the next hour, the quiet hum of productivity filled the room. You clicked through your unread emails and reviewed pending case reports, while Levi silently rose to keep you pampered. He poured you a fresh glass of chilled water, set out a small plate of sliced apples and nuts, and ensured you had everything you needed.

Eventually, Levi crossed the room and sank onto the carpet right beside your desk chair. Without a word, he gently lifted your feet onto his lap, slipping off your low heels to knead his thumbs into your sore arches, carefully checking your ankles for any lingering swelling from the long day.

A sudden knock rattled the glass door.

"Enter," you called out calmly.

A young junior detective pushed the door open, holding a thick case file, and froze dead in his tracks. His eyes went wide as saucers, his jaw nearly hitting the floor at the surreal sight of the legendary, formidable Levi Ackerman sitting casually on the carpet, lovingly massaging the Captain's feet.

You offered the frozen officer an amused, professional smile. "Is there something you need, Detective?"

"Uh—yes, Captain!" the officer stammered, snapping back to attention and hurrying over to lay a manila folder on your desk. "We recovered some new physical evidence in the Harbour break-in case. The team wants your final sign-off to push for an arrest warrant."

You pulled the folder toward you, scanning the crime scene photos and inventory logs. As your eyes traced the details, your brow furrowed. "This doesn't add up... the timeline is too neat, and the suspect's prints on the lockbox look completely pristine given the rain last night. This evidence looks planted."

The young detective let out a huge breath of relief. "Thank you, Captain! I said the same thing to the lead investigator, but nobody else on the team believed me. They just wanted to close the file."

"Well, you have my full support," you said firmly, leaning back. You tapped your desk and glanced down at your husband. "What do you think, Levi?"

Levi didn't even stop massaging your ankle. He reached up with one hand, snatched the file off the desk, and flipped through it with a sharp, practised eye.

"It's a plant," Levi stated coldly, handing the file back up to the bewildered detective. "The serial numbers on those tools belong to a crew out of the east docks. They've been framing small-time dealers to cover their own routes. Tell your lead investigator that if he pushes this warrant, he's walking straight into a trap."

The detective stared between the two of you, visibly stunned by the inside scoop. "I—wow. Thank you! Thank you both so much!" He grabbed the folder and hurriedly backed out of the office, eager to fix the case.

Once the door clicked shut, Levi leaned up, pressing a warm row of slow, lingering kisses up your bare calf. He shifted smoothly onto his knees, resting his head lightly against your rounded baby bump.

His sharp eyes softened as he looked up at you from your lap, his hands coming up to cradle the slope of your stomach. "Now... where were we, Captain?"

Levi leaned in closer, burying his face against the soft fabric of your shirt to press a warm, tender kiss right against the centre of your stomach.

Suddenly, he froze. His eyes widened slightly as he pulled back just an inch, looking up at you in pure wonder. "She kicked me," he murmured, a rare, breathless awe in his voice. "The little brat actually kicked me."

You burst out laughing, reaching down to stroke your fingers through his dark, silky hair. "She's getting a bit feisty these days, love. She definitely inherits her temperament from her dad."

A gorgeous, warm smile broke across Levi's face. He leaned right back down, peppering a flurry of sweet, affectionate kisses all over your baby bump before sliding up to press his mouth against yours in a lingering, possessive kiss.

"Can we go home now, Captain?" Levi rasped against your lips, his hands resting gently on your hips. "You've worked enough today."

You glanced over at the desk clock, smiling warmly when you saw the hands pointing past five o'clock. "Actually... yes. My shift is officially over."

Levi didn't hesitate for a second. He immediately grabbed your low heels from the carpet, kneeling back down to carefully slip them back onto your feet. Once your shoes were secure, he offered both of his strong hands, gently pulling you up from your executive chair until you were resting comfortably against his side.

"I want to carry you out to the car," Levi muttered, his eyes trailing down your figure as he wrapped an arm around your waist. "But I suppose you have to maintain your 'big boss' image in front of the precinct."

You giggled, reaching up to gently pinch his soft cheek. "Thank you for being so thoughtful, Mr Ackerman."

With his hand resting securely against the small of your back, Levi escorted you out of your office and through the quiet bullpen, giving Ray a respectful nod as you both headed out the heavy glass doors into the cool spring evening.

The drive home in his sleek sports car was quiet and peaceful, the low hum of the engine soothing your weary muscles. The moment Levi parked in the penthouse driveway and ushered you inside, his eyes landed directly on the mountain of boutique shopping bags resting by the entryway.

"Alright, sweetheart," Levi purred, turning to you with eager, heavy-lidded eyes. "Can we open all the presents now?"

You smiled warmly, unbuttoning your tailored blazer. "We definitely will, love. But first, I desperately need to get out of these work clothes and take a long, warm bath."

A sudden, mischievous glint flashed in Levi's eyes. "A bath, huh?"

Before you could even take another step toward the hallway, Levi scooped you up into his arms in one fluid, effortless motion, tucking you tightly against his firm chest.

"Levi!" you gasped, letting out a loud, delighted laugh as he broke into a full-on sprint down the corridor, carrying you straight toward the master bedroom.