*

A WEEK LATER

Things has gradually died down in regards to the battle in Shiganshina, and winter is just around the corner. The air has grown colder, and the days have become shorter due to the weather change and glacial air. People began stocking up more quickly, and work has been scarce for the people that were farmers.

Hanji has also been working hard in organising, and adjusting to her new role as Commander of the Scouts.

Though we didn't discus our own personal feelings about how we really felt, it was all left at the graves on that day at the memorial. Simply, we couldn't bring ourselves to dwell on it further, and focused in restoring our land and eliminating the titans that lingered behind Wall Maria. Though we are currently safe for now, we now know we have enemies behind the walls.

Not titans.......but humans.....

*

Sitting tucked inside the warmth of my office, a blanket draped over my lap, I was focused only on signing reports and old reports. With myself as Section Commander, and Hanji's right hand woman now, my role has become very important. Though with my pregnancy in the way, I was given orders to not excel into any activity or anything that will cause harm to my child. 

My hand drifts to my stomach instinctively, gathering warmth while my eyes glide along the reports that addressed to me personally to review. 

A short grunt leaves my lips, my forehead creases while feeling slight cramps settle near my lower abdomen. Pursing my lips in a thin line, I take a break from work and lean back to feel slight cramping causing little discomfort again. My fingers knead my stomach a little, trying my best to ease the pain. My heavy breath of air pushes past my lips shortly, as my eyes trail back to the small pile of papers neatly stacked.

~Knock~Knock~

"State name and--" I cut myself off with a sigh, rolling my eyes finding no use in asking anymore. "You can come in!" with a short inhale, before exhaling deeply.

The door creaks open before seeing Levi, walking in with cups of tea in hand. His face rests comfortably with no sign of a scowl or irritation, only noticing the slight light brightening his silver blue eyes. The sound of boots were soft, yet firm, indicating it was just a normal visit than anything demanding.

Laying the tray down on the empty spot on the desk, he bends slightly forward brushing a few strands of hair from my eyes.

"You doing alright?" his forehand rests on my temple, pushing my bangs away. "You have no fever which is good, but you must be tired, my love."

Humming softly I lean into his touch, "Yeah, but this work needs to be done--"

"Take a break for a few minutes, or even half an hour...." He insists firmly, his eyes turn a little more stern and with a slight commanding tone. "I've brought in some green tea for you, less caffeine and it's your favourite......so drink up and replenish your body, please?" he walks around the desk and stood beside me, his fingers raking through my hair, with a soft pleading look in his eyes.

I'm still getting used to his own tender and considerate side, but it makes me fall more in love with him as the days go on.

"Okay," taking the cup of green tea, I slowly lift it up to my lips and blew gently. A few seconds later adjusting the temperature, I sip it slowly allowing the warmth to soothe my raspy throat and loosen my concerns. Swallowing the sweet tea, I take a moment to lean back and close my eyes, letting it sink in.

Levi made himself comfortable beside me, pulling a wooden chair beside me and grabbed his tea as we spoke to each other for some time. His voice was quiet, yet so soft, mellow and warm that I could listen to his voice all day. There were no concerns, no quarrels, no titans, no violence, no political matters to discuss......It was just us two, as a couple, lovers just having a decent conversation between ourselves.

Soon he takes my cup and placed it on the tray, and pressed a soft kiss to my temple whispering to take it easy. Watching him walk out of the room, all I could do was smile as the door clicks shut behind. 

*

SCOUTS QUARTERS

Resting against the headboard of the bed, after a warm shower and a warm health meal, I was sketching some flowers that were my favourite. One in particular, was a rose that stood out the most in the centre of the flowers. The different hues of grey toned the sketches, as the pencil gravels against the rustic coloured paper.

Adding small details to the rose, I sharply place small spiky thorns along the rough stem.

My head however was somewhere elsewhere, finding myself sinking further dwelling on Levi's health. He's been working himself so much, we barely spent time except the rare visit in the office or we pass by in the hallways. Yet, when he has a scowl on his face, it smoothly softens when his eyes fall upon me. I've always been concerned, but he tends to keep things to himself and sometimes it even irritated me.

The sound of the door creaks open, before closing as my eyes flicker up to see Levi walk in slipping his boots off, neatly leaning them against the wall.

My eyebrows furrow, "Everything alright?" my questioning lingering in the air.

The air grew heavier noticing his eyes meet mine for a split second, seeing his gaze soften. "Yeah, I'm just....gonna have a bath...." he trails off, his voice grew hoarse and gravelly. "....Won't....." he heavily sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose before raking his locks back for a moment. "....won't be long, m'kay?"

Soon he enters the en suite without another word, leaving me sitting there disconcerted and bothered for him as he didn't seem like this earlier today with the way he trudged in.

Hearing the bath being run all I could do was tap my pencil against my book, my eyes flickering around with my mind not even focusing on my sketch. My eyes linger to the door where he just walked into, before I sigh deeply reluctantly standing up and making my way over. With a gentle timid knock, I hear a grunt follow after.

"Hey, it's just me......" I softly spoke, not hearing a reply I know he's already undressed and soaking in the water. Slowly I open the door, I was greeted with a heavy warmth of steam covering the room like a blanket. Carefully walking over, I knelt beside the bathtub and rested my elbows comfortably, hearing the water sway against the walls of the tub.

"Did something happen, after you visited me?"

He remains quiet while his eyes stare into nothing, like he was choosing and considering his next words. Reaching up I brush a few strands away from his hair, but he clutches my wrist in his damp grip. Without another second he sighs, before lowering my wrist drawing smooth wet circles against my palm.

"I'm fine........just been in deep thought," he dismisses my concern, but hated to reveal a side of vulnerability for a moment. His eyes flicker down to meet my tender gaze, "Don't worry about it, it's fine......just a stressful day. If you stress over me, it won't be healthy for our child...." his eyes trail down to my abdomen, that wasn't as noticeable currently as it's been a month and two weeks.

Chuckling with a light scoff, "I won't stress much, but I do want to help in anyway for you," assuring him, when he presses a soft kiss to my knuckles. One by one, his lips caress my knuckles for a while, savouring the small moment. My eyes were soon trailing along his muscular chest and shoulders, scars littering across his pale flesh with red and blue blemishes from previous heavy wounds.

My heart ached seeing his wounds, but we both hold them.

"Hmmm.....I know," he murmurs lowly, with a hint of endearment lacing in his tired voice. "I will be out shortly, you just rest, please?"

For a few seconds of hesitating to leave, I soon push myself up, "Okay my love," and pressed a kiss to his temple and made my way out to the bed. Glancing back over my shoulder to meet his soft gaze, I close the door before heading over. The light was dim and a soft glow, that made it more cozy and warm inside. Lying back into bed I rest against the headboard, and took my sketch book out again and began to sketch small little random drawings. 

Being so consumed with worry and concern for Levi, I didn't realise he was finished as the door creaks open.

My eyes lift up to see him dressed with only comfortable pants, that rests comfortably around his defined waist. He was ruffling his wet hair dry with the towel, tousling it as it hung over his eyes with small cute waves. Soon my eyes trail down his exposed upperhalf seeing his scars again, but they were old ones I tended too over the years we spent. Slowly he throws the towel neatly over a chair, and rakes his fingers through his tousled fluffy hair.

"Ready to talk?" while my eyes trace over his defined muscles, that glistens with droplets of water. 

He grew suddenly hesitant, as if something caught in his throat for a moment. "I'm alright......"

My hand scrunched the sheets in my grasp, knuckles turning white with frustration as I wanted to pry for him to tell me. Yet, I didn't have the heart to push him further, than he already has been through.

No........I love him, and I must get through to him and hope for the best....

He sits at the edge of the bed as the mattress dips beneath his weight, his back to me with a heavy sigh drawing from his lips. Crawling to his side my hands tenderly drift from his back to his right shoulder, while I sat pressed against his left side. Pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder, I lean against him with some warmth and comfort. Not knowing what is going on in his head, I still wanted him to at least know I'm here.

"Something we can't discuss together, or is it other reason--"

"Akira......"

His voice grew more stern, with gravity in his tone that left a small chill to run up my spine. My hand lingers on his heart side of his toned chest, my eyes look at him from his side profile.

His breath grew shaky for a moment, his eyes sliced to mine "........I'm not the best when it comes to romantic gestures, or I may not give you enough attention than what you should deserve......but I do know one thing....." he placed his large hand over mine, holding it delicately over his heart, as if this conversation has changed. Emotionally. ".......that you have never given up on me, the person I am today........is because of you...."

His words hung in the air, while my eyes widen with surprise with his sudden declaration.

He scratches his cheek a little averting his gaze from mine, ".....we've been through shit together, fighting against more than one foe to the next....but you kept going no matter how bloody it's gotten," He continues, his voice softening with every word that leaves his lips. His hoarse voice cracks, before he clears it smoothly. "......and it makes me fall more deeper for you, and a child on the way? I want nothing more to commit my life to you...."

"Levi?"

He turns fully around before taking both my hands, feeling his rough palms graze my softer ones. "We both are like raging storms, but..........when we're together it's like a tranquility I never felt before........I found my peace in you, Akira."

".....I...I.."

"You don't have to say anything, there's more....." Unable to comprehend his confirmation of his love, he raises my left hand in front of both of us with a steady and firm gaze. It was like he decided to do something, but I couldn't predict what was going to happen. "You're my other half......my soulmate and my best friend....."

His eyes soften with an expression I've never seen before, ".......Akira, will you become my wife....?"

There in that moment, my heart fluttered and my body grew warm with an overwhelming rush of emotions. 

"Yes.......yes I will....." my voice cracks, feeling warm tears roll down with this some relief I've held in. It was as if he finally accepted all of me again, but this time it was a new feeling soaring in my heart and chest.

He kisses my ring finger while caressing beneath my palm, his lips lingering soothingly.

"Thank you.........I know it isn't much, but I needed to tell you," he breaths out with relief, before he reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch was so tender and delicate, before he cups my face drawing me closer to him. Leaning in towards him, our lips meet with just a longing of love between us. 

Moving slowly in sync, he couldn't help but smile against the kiss.

"I've got you now........and I'm not letting go...."

*

TWO DAYS LATER

Word has spread of the news between Levi and I, because obviously who would dare spread rumours? Hanji. Even the 104th received word, so now when walking in any part of the headquarters or anywhere exactly, I would hear congratulations. To be honest it felt nice to have a different atmosphere within the HQ than mourning, knowing it wouldn't bring anyone back.

Though at first I assumed it was selfish, but soon I received reassurance that it was the best news they could get .

Hanji paced back and forth muttering under her breath, while I sit down drinking some tea with my squad as they chattered amongst themselves. When they all found out about my pregnancy before, each of their reactions were adorable. Jean was surprised, but he absolutely has given me his support through it. Connie and Sasha were thrilled at the news, but Sasha soon begins to make me eat more, because it's healthy for my child.

"Hanji, just take a chill pill and sit down!" I sigh deeply, with a nervous smile. "It's just gonna be a small wedding, nothing too big and grand......"

"But it's the biggest day of your life!!!!" Hanji exclaims, ruffling her hair standing behind me where I sat on the couch. "Your wedding is next Monday....so we must make this wedding the biggest an--"

"Commander, aren't you going a little off the rails?" Connie tilts his head, while biting into a chocolate chip biscuit. He chews for a moment, "If the Corporal-- I mean Akira, wants just a small simple wedding, just let her do that...besides, Section Commander?"

Lifting my head, "Hmm? What is it?" taking a quick sip of my tea, before lowering to my lap carefully.

"Where and Who will be attending your wedding?" He questions, curiosity in his hazel eyes. "

"Hmmm.....well we need to discuss where will it be held," tapping my bottom lip, my eyes were tired and my body fatigued. However, the wedding plans distracted me, making me feel more excited as the days go by. "Figure who will be the official, and if only the Commanders from each regiment attends.....maybe, only ones that are able to come...."

"So, who will walk you down the aisle!!!!" Sasha exclaims, with her mouth muffled with food.

My body and mind paused for a moment, as my throat grows dry..........

Falling quiet I heard Connie whack the back of Sasha's head, "Shut up dumbass, don't you think that was a little forward?" hissing at her, while she pouts with food still in her mouth.

Rubbing her head, "What?"

A warm hand rests upon my shoulder, "Akira, do you wish to be taken down with someone......or do you wish to walk alone?" Hanji conscientiously urges, her thumb tracing along the seam of my shirt. 

Taking a quick sip of my tea I place it down on the table in front, my eyes glancing at the papers of forms about the wedding. "I'll think about it, give me some time......if that's okay?"

"Of course.....don't worry about the ceremony, I'll plan it all with the help of these guys, Commander Pyxis and Queen Historia,"

My eyebrows furrowed, "Commander Pyxis? Queen Historia? Why Pyxis of all people, Historia I get, but him?" I pick up a few papers, flicking through while briefly going over them again. 

"He volunteered, and is deeply indebted to you," She replies, shifting their glasses while walking towards her desk. She sits down, while Jean passes me a sample of old wedding contracts to look over. Whispering a small 'thank you' , I glance up. "Besides....I want this wedding to be perfect, you and Captain Levi really deserve the best.....ya know!"

Softly smiling with their bright enthusiasm lifted my heart, distracting me from anything negative that dared to seep into my mind. The idea of a small simple wedding seemed easier, and less selfish, and it would help to ease my anxiety for the day. Hanji didn't need to worry about my own nerves, but only the hard work that will be soon underway.

"By the way, where's Captain Levi?" Jean questions, out of curiosity. The query was directed towards me, but to be honest I did lose sight of him right after breakfast. I glance towards Hanji, but I notice a flicker of knowing behind those glasses. Arching an eyebrow, I shook my head with a breathy chuckle and didn't question her.

"Must be busy with other things, anyway......." pulling out a small folded note in my breasts pocket, I unfold it and straightened the creases. "......I might need some help with the vows.....I'm worried I might say something wrong--"

Mikasa glanced over my shoulder, "Say it from the heart, how you truly feel....." she advises quietly, with a hint of experience of expressing herself. Clearly I knew her loyalty to Eren, as a brother, family and maybe....something more. Her usual nonchalant expression softens, reading over some of my drafts. "hmm.....well, I don't understand the captain much.....but you could express the little things, nothing to big, but enough to show that you will be bound forever."

Armin agrees with a nod, "That's unusual coming from you Mikasa, but I would advise the same thing......" he spoke outwardly, his eyes brightening in response. ".....besides I've never been to a wedding ceremony before, so this all new to me too!"

A few of the cadets agree, while I couldn't help chuckle.

"Well you better thank Levi for that," before I putting my left leg over my right knee, resting a book on top with the draft of vows. Tapping my pencil, I tapped my chin thoughtfully while everyone began chatting away to themselves. It was as if Winter has definitely made the atmosphere cosier inside the rooms, with livelier company, and the fire crackling behind in the hearth.

However the question that dwelled on mind, was......who would walk me down the aisle?

I never knew my family's traditional ways of marriage, nor understand what they wore or how they bind marriages together. Did they wear rings, such as this nation? Or did they have another way of presenting their relationship status? The full consultation on marriage was a huge and different topic to discuss, let alone a heavy and final decision for your life.

"Section Commander?"

Breaking back to reality I saw Jean in front of me, "Just call me Akira, alright? No formalities when we're in comfortable settings, okay?"

He nods but touches my hand, "I know......but your hand is shaking," making me glance down, to see that my hand is definitely shaking. He gives me a look, as if asking permission, I simply nod when his larger hand takes mine. Giving my hand a warm squeeze, my hand slowly begins to stop shaking. 

With a grateful smile, I meet his eyes warmly.

Lowering my voice, "Thank you.......I didn't realise," chuckling, with a sheepish smile feeling rather pathetic. I hate being vulnerable in front of the children, my problems are my own.

"It seems this is a little overwhelming for you, is it?" He assumes, as he hit the nail on the head. His voice was low, and mellow warm with