"Don't look so grim," Levi frowned over at me as the two of us walked along a winding road, the town growing closer and closer.

WELL-

"I'm just practicing my impression of you," I shrugged, "so, what's our cover story?"

"What?"

"Like- when we talk to people- what's our relationship?" I paused, "we kind of stand out, but aren't we supposed to pretend to be the children of a wealthy merchant rather than- I don't know the heirs to two noble houses?"

levi is a little recognizable-

"I don't know whether to be relieved that you're back to normal or disappointed," he sighed loudly, "didn't you want to blend in with the locals?"

of course

"Well yeah but," I gestured to our outfits, "you're wearing a dress embroidered with gold thread, I don't think you're passing for a local."

i'm just wearing a random suit but it isn't exactly lowkey either-

"So?"

"I feel like we've swapped places and it's a little unsettling," I stared blankly at him, "hold on, what about your face? Won't people recognize you as the 'young lord?'"

that actually feels like waaay more of an issue

"If that was the case I wouldn't be able to sneak out," Levi replied, unbothered. "There's a small shed just outside of town that has some cloaks in it-"

"A DISGUISE?"

"Why are you so fucking loud? Yes, a disguise."

LEVI I LOVE IT WHEN YOU'RE FUN

"I'm obsessed with you."

"That's not a good thing."

"My body is going to look so cute undercover," I beamed, "we still need a backstory- what if someone asks?"

"People will mind their own fucking business- there's no need."

BORING

"What a cute couple, where are you two from?" Not two seconds after stepping into town was Levi proven wrong.

I TOLD YOU SO

"Oh we aren't-" Levi rushed to explain, scowling over at me.

"We're from the L/N marquisate," I cut him off, pulling his hand into mine, "thank you ma'am, my wife and I appreciate it."

"Certainly," the old woman who had stopped us smiled warmly.

WHAT DID I TELL YOU LEVI ???

"Take care," I beamed at her, dragging an indignant Levi away from the scene.

we can all agree that he totally deserved that right?

"Don't say it," Levi stared at me, a pained expression painting his features.

"I fucking told you so."

"You're horrible."

"You should be thanking me, I have our entire backstory thought up-" I paused. "Our names are Lev and (SHORTENED VERSION OF YOUR NAME), we dated for four years before getting married, we're traveling across the country for our honeymoon before settling down and having two kids."

"Make it stop."

"Listen Levi- we need to be prepared for everyone, just be thankful that you're with someone as quick thinking and generous as I," I rested my hand on his shoulder, internally giving myself the biggest pat on the back.

I'M SMART HE JUST HAS TO ADMIT IT

"You're evil."

"Your name literally rearranges to evil- you have no room to talk."

"Shut the fuck up."

"So? What do you do for fun when you sneak out?"

please tell me he doesn't just like... go to a local bookstore

i mean...

yay supporting small businesses but-

"Well- usually it's night-" he trailed off.

omg

"You go get drunk and people watch at a random tavern? That sounds really fun-"

"No, idiot," he shot me down immediately, "I just walk around."

OH MY GOD

"You continue to floor me with just how totally boring you can be," I grumbled.

we need to fix him

"Sorry I'm not living up to your standards," he rolled his eyes. "Well, what the fuck do you want to do?"

HAVE A LITTLE FUN

"Aren't you curious about what people think about you? Now is the time to run around and eavesdrop!"

well more specifically now is the time for YOU to go ask random ppl what they think of you

they don't know my face-

this is exciting

"Not really."

"Liar."

"I'm allowed to not care."

"Sure, I just don't believe that," I rolled my eyes at him. "I think 90% of our arguments have happened because you care."

"You're so annoying."

"You only say that because I'm right."

and besides

this could be fun

just go along with it

"I'm still not interested," he shrugged. "I have a decent idea of what people think of me."

SO BORING

"My hate for you is endless," I grumbled, "I'll just do it for you if you won't do it."

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO HIDE WHY ARE YOU SO UNINTERESTED?

"Don't-"

"Why, do you have something to hide?" I draped myself over his shoulders, forcing him to meet my gaze, "you should know it just makes me more curious."

"If anything you're going to be disappointed by what you hear."

no way

"Liar- you're just saying this so that I'll walk away," I shook my head, "Levi, I never give up."

"I know," a pause. "Unfortunately for both of us, I know."

"Then- shall we just get this over with?"

PLEASE?

"Fine, don't complain when you get a shit answer."

"I hope they hate you."

"No you don't."

"I guess it would be more trouble than it's worth to have to comfort you but-" I frowned, looking back at him. "Makes for a way more interesting story don't you think?"

"There's something deeply unsettling about the way you think."

<3

"Humor me?"

"Fine," Levi stared at me for a second before relenting, his gaze leaving mine to search for a stranger.

maybe i wouldn't be as stubborn if my persistence wasn't always rewarded

Watching Levi give in and begin searching I couldn't help but smile.

YOU SOUND TOTALLY EVIL HOLY SHIT

"This is totally disappointing," I grumbled. We had interrogated several people and each of them had responded with nothing but praise for a certain young lord who was currently sitting across from me in a cafe, gloating.

"What did I tell you?" He chuckled.

WOW....

LAUGHING IN MY FACE...

WITH my face

"You know though-" I picked at the cake we had ordered, "shouldn't you be thanking me? You wouldn't have heard all of those nice things if it wasn't for me."

"You're insane."

"It was worth a shot," I shrugged. "It's impressive, you're well liked."

"A compliment?"

"Please don't make me say it."

"You're the one who started this."

"It's cool-" I looked away, "it's different hearing actual people talk about you. I still find all of your adoring fans insufferable- just-"

i don't know i guess i never cared to pay attention to how competent you actually are

"You're never living this down."

"Don't turn my genuine compliment into something torturous."

"I won't," he shot me a smile. "I appreciate it."

"You'd better."

_______________________

little bit of filler + y/n acknowledges tht other ppl like levi and doesn't immediately feel like ripping out her tongue

excited to finish writing this little bit in one or two chapters and then head towards the l/n territory- i have a BUNCH planned there and i think yall will like it (it's a little more emotional)

- ami