*

Taking a big deep breath, I stood before the large dark wooden doors.

My heart rate was picking up, my palms sweaty and nervous. I didn't have anyone to walk me down, but I'll be okay right? It's just to exchange vows about a lifetime together, it's not a big deal....right? If Erwin was here....maybe, but he was no longer here. He left too soon. I had no family here, but I do have the Scouts. The only remaining Scouts, that is.

The doors slowly open, while feeling myself sweating slightly out of anxiousness.

'I can do this......I can do this......come on Akira, don't cry. It's pathetic.' I thought to myself, finally seeing the aisle I'll be walking down. 'dammit, I o

My hands glance down to the bouquet of beige white, and musk pink roses that rests in my hands against my waist. Trying to gather all my courage, I raise my head before seeing the doors full opened with all eyes slowly turning to see me. The centre of attention, eyes set on me feeling the pressure of the military upon me, like they've never seen this side of me before.

A soothing song begins to gently play, as I soon swallow back my fear and began walking slowly, with my strides simple paced but with confidence.

Never been to a wedding in my life, this was all so new to me. However it's mine, so I wasn't sure how fast I should walk, but Lena and Hanji explained to walk at a simple and slowly stride. Showing no regrets in my steps, no hesitance, to express that this is my decision and choice. The church was quaint but enough room, for a certain amount of soldiers to sit on either side.

Candles lit on either side by the windows, and at the centre where my eyes land upon him. My eyes felt watery for only a moment, while taking small confident strides towards my husband-to-be.

Every seat was occupied with each regiment, meeting familiar faces along the way like I would. Each one was either close comrades, from our training days, Section Commanders, squad leaders and Commanders. All wore their dark forest green cloaks, dressed in formal attire beneath, and their attention focused on me that is all in pure white.

Taking in my surroundings all at once while focusing only on Levi, the room gave off a warm comforting glow. It wasn't in mourning, nor was it melancholy. No, it was restoration, and luminous. With the morning glow of the sun peering through the coloured glass stained windows, the room was illuminated with mixture of warm colourful hues, coaxing the carpet that was spread towards the alter.

Mother......look at me now, are you proud? I've finally met someone, you told me I would find one day.........

*

~ PAST - (Akira 8 y/o) ~

"Love?"

My mother hummed softly with a nod, while she settles in the long grass in the meadows inside Wall Maria. "It is such a strong feeling, an emotion you can't touch but feel....." she spoke softly, her knuckle stroking my cheek tenderly. "I want you to live a life......to find someone, than it being forced upon you......"

"Forced? What do you mean, mama?"

She turned her body towards me, and chuckled softly with a mellow sound. "Some people can get married without a choice.......but what I want for you my dear, is to find that love for yourself......." her finger twirled a lock of my hair, with her eyes filled with wisdom and contentment. "......for example, your father and I were forced to marry.....so--"

"So you don't love papa?" I asked curiously, eyes gazed up into her cerulean eyes of her with innocence. 

She sighed with confliction, "Of course I love him, but I had to learn to love him.....he may be harsh........but there was a time where he showed his true side to me......" She admitted softly, but I couldn't understand what she meant. ".....but what i'm trying to tell you my dear.........don't force it, don't search........just let life take you....."

Her eyes lifted up to the glowing sun, shielding her eyes with her delicate hand, casting a shadow over her eyes.

"......allow yourself to experience what life is first.....and once you found that someone, wait and see what it brings to you," her words were filled with so much wisdom, and assurance that left we wondering what she had meant. Her eyes lowered to meet mine, "......but for now you're only young, so I don't expect to see anyone in your life so soon, so........enjoy your childhood while you can, okay baby?"

"But how do I know?"

She shuffled over with the grass rustling around and beneath us, as her warm hand wrapped around and pulled me into her plush and soft body, "You will know, think of it like a spark......a warm igniting feeling...." she points to my tiny chest, the material crinkling beneath her soft touch. "....in your heart, and body."

~ PRESENT ~

Striding towards Levi, every step gracious and steady, almost making it to the very end of the aisle. My glance over the front rows, noticing Hanji and Lena smiling in my direction. Hanji waves excitedly, while Lena gazes at me with slight concern but waves. Giving them a subtle nod and smile, my eyes trail back to see Levi waiting but his eyes were slightly widen, the closer I stride to him.

He adjusts and pressed his suit, as if he was trying to make sure he was cleaned and looked presentable. 

Wearing dark brown dress shoes, dark pants, a black boat over and a simple and his usual grey shirt underneath with a black and grey patterned tie, loosely around his neck. Feeling our eyes only each other for a moment, it was as if he was trying to compose himself from my appearance. I couldn't help smiling tenderly with him trying to look his best, when in honesty, he was already perfect in my eyes.

This is it, I'm gonna be with this man. The person I wanted to be with, til death do us part...

Finally reaching the end Levi steps down from the three small steps, offering his arm out to me. His eyes meet mine for a moment, that felt like everything was a blur, and only us in the bubble of it all. Taking my arm tenderly, he guides me back to the centre of the alter in front of the official. 

How ironic that a simple chase down in the underground, lead to this? For us to be together, for us to have our first child so soon.......

I wonder what will the former Levi squad thinks, what would they have done if we were together before they left? Would Eld help me out being the one taking me down the aisle? Or would Petra help me out with my dress, and hair like Lena and Hanji did? Oluo would've fussed over Levi's attire, along with Gunther. My brother, he would've questioned Levi, making sure Levi was serious about all this. What would Farlan think? He would be too protective of Levi, and Isabel would be dying to meet our little one. 

Makes me realise how little time we have on this earth, and unpredictable our life can become too.....

Raising my chin up as we stood in front of each other, hands interlaced while our eyes meeting. His palms were slightly sweaty from his anxiousness, but his calm exterior masked it all. A small smile curls upon my lips, but I said nothing and just gave him a warm smile of assurance. Though my anxiety was lowly seeping through, chewing the inside of my cheek nervously, I didn't realise my own hand shaking subtly in his own.

A simple strong but tender squeeze, eased my anxiety when he makes me lock eyes with his silver blue eyes, hearing the music fade into soft comfortable silence.

"We're gathered here.....to witness the love between Akira and Levi!" The official announces loudly, and clearly. "To witness humanities soldiers, but as normal citizens of the walls........a couple that has survived for so long.....finally having something special........let's exchange vows and rings...."

A heavy pause lingers, feeling his hands leave mine rummaging in his pocket. He holds both the rings, passing one to me carefully, while I try to take small subtle deep breaths in and then exhaled quietly.

My heart was beating heavily against my chest, feeling as if my ribcage could break. 

He parts his lips while his eyes trail to mine, "This ring," he held the silver band, licking his bottom lip with his breath shaky and nervous. He clears his throat, "This ring is a symbol of our unbreakable bond, and commitment and undying love for you...." he takes a moment, losing his breath for a moment, gathering some courage in his voice. Tears begin to sting the corners of my eyes, but not enough to be perceptible. "......and that nothing will change...."

My cheeks flush with warmth, with adoration of his words.

"I promise.......to love you," he continues on, eyes glancing down to the silver ring to my eyes. "To keep fighting with you, to accept your faults, and strengths....to accept every flaw of you, to support you....and to cherish you....."

He swallows thickly, while I tried to hold in my tears.

"......I may not be good with words as you already know, but my actions can prove otherwise...." he raises his heads a little higher, with confidence in his eyes. Hearing a few soldiers chuckling in response, knowing that's typical Levi. ".....You've made me into a better man, than I ever thought I could grow up to be. However, I want to become better for you, and to hold onto you. Though our lives have limits to this day, I still want you to be part of my life....."

The glow of the ring shines in the colour glass reflection, with a soft hue.

"......When we first met, you and I were like raging storms...." He shyly glances at the rings, before meeting my eyes. "....but we are undeniably each other's tranquility, and I've never felt so at peace with you. You're someone I want to protect, to keep fighting for and I don't want to let.....I love you, Akira."

A warm smile curls upon my lips, feeling my heart skip a beat. No, I felt complete when he claimed I was his. Feeling the cool silver ring slide along my finger, realising there was no going back. 

But did I look back? No...I didn't....

He lifts my hand and gently kisses my ring finger gingerly, before lifting his head to meet his soft and tender gaze releasing my hand. Though we've gone through hell a week or so ago, losing so many others, and our entire regiment, it felt peaceful for once. It was like time stopped for this specific moment.

Inhaling slowly I take his hand, holding the small silver band between my thumb and index finger steadily.

My eyes flicker up to meet his, "With this ring, I promise to give cherish and hold the weight of the world alongside you," my breath grew shaky, swallowing thickly I could feel his eyes on mine. Taking in every detail, colour and emotion that blended through, my heart warms. "A symbol of our unshakeable bond, to prove that I'm yours and only yours to keep."

I tried my best to keep looking into his eyes, his lashes resting half-lidded with a small warm smile. It was like I'm put on the spot, but I needed to continue and express my feelings that I wasn't to express.

"When we met was complicated at first, as you didn't know who I was at first, you saved me and tended to my wounds without question. Then the next time we met again, I had to put you in shackles," I lightly chuckle, not really wanted to remind. Yet a small smirk rests across his lips, while I clear my throat blushing profusely. "We never got along since after that, but I kept staying by your side whether you liked it or not..." a few people in the crowd chuckle in response, while my eyes looked into his with confidence. "....but seriously, I never expected to fall in love in my life....let alone someone who understood me more than anyone. We became something stronger once our feelings were revealed, and I felt more alive to keep fighting. The pain, suffering and the many battles we went through, and yet you stayed alive for me. For us...."

My heart was hammering against my chest, as this was coming from the top of my head all at once. Trying to find the right words, to not fumble over them while my hands slightly shook in his grasp.

Licking my dry lips from anxiety, "....Levi, there is no one I would rather be with than you," I continue on, finally gaining leverage to my heart. "You've become a close ally, a friend, a lover and my soon-to-be partner forever.....you're so strong, smart, collected and you've been through so much.....and I want to help be that tranquility in your life, as I am your tranquility. You may not show it much, but I know you care deeply for these people and it made me fall for you more. I want to help carry those burdens, I want to provide comfort and your needs because I love you...and I want you to know, that you're worth so much than you imagine.......you make me feel happy for the first time. So I'm honoured to become yours...."

Lifting his hand I slide his silver ring on his finger, before pressing a soft ginger kiss to his ring. Lingering for a few seconds, my eyes flutter shut realising my feelings have been revealed to everyone. Yet, I never regretted a single word.

Lifting my head the official steps in, "Levi Ackerman," The Official begun. "Do you take Akira Yamasaki, to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Levi's eyes meet mine, "I do," he warmly says, with confidence lacing in his tone.

"Akira Yamasaki, do you take Levi Ackerman to be your lawfully wedded Husband?"

"I do," I spoke firmly, but softly keeping my azure eyes on his warm silver hues. This was it, this is gonna be my new chapter.

The official nods, "Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife...you may now kiss the bride,"

Levi takes a single step with his hand drifting to my cheek tenderly, he leans in as I do so following him. Our eyes rest halfway tenderly, before our lips meet, fluttering our eyes closed. The warmth of his lips over mine, felt more loving and permanent, giving me the assurance that this was a big deal. My hands slide his chest and rests there, bracing myself against him. His other hand grips my plush waist, drawing me in closer to him to feel his warmth coax me.

Everyone cheers around us earning whistles, clapping while standing up onto their feet to congratulate us.

He pulls away a few inches away, "Finally, I've got you now," earning me to chuckle softly, as tears lightly roll down. 

"Yes you have...." feeling him press a soft kiss to my dimple, with a soft deep hum. 

*

The day ended with a small celebratory evening, soldiers congratulating our marriage and a few simple gifts. Though Levi and I had our own shared quarters, we haven't really thought much on a house because of our current situation. We still had to remain close, to keep tabs on everything, meaning that we couldn't lose our guard. I wasn't bothered much on a home, seen Levi already made me feel at home.

In the corner of my eye most of the time, Hanji would tease Levi over his vows he exchanged which wasn't like him. 

Though I couldn't help and laugh about it, all I could do was embrace the evening with everyone. Normally as I've heard, the evening of a wedding would be bigger and louder music. Just earlier at the wedding was stressful enough, especially seen I've feeling unwell due to my pregnancy. I couldn't shake off a strange feeling, but maybe it must be just my mind playing with things. 

"Akira, you look absolutely gorgeous in white!" 

My eyes widen seeing Ingrid approaching me, seeing her icy blue eyes shine with a warm tender smile. My eyes trail down to see a young girl, but my eyes widen realising it's little Klara. She must be at least around eight years old, last time I saw her was roughly about four years ago. 

Walking up to her, "Ingrid, so glad you could make it," embracing her, I give a gentle squeeze before pulling away. "You look good, taking care of the bakery in Karanes district I assume?"

"Yes, and little Klara has been my little helper," she gestures a a warm hand, to the child's back. Klara was more healthier in weight, her forest green eyes more brighter and cheeks glowing with warmth. "You remember Akira, right? She was the one who brought you up from the underground?"

Klara nods with a brighter smile, before hugging around my waist. 

Surprised with her more warm approach I return the warm hug, not wanting to ruin her braided blonde hair. "So good to see you doing well, little one," I muse softly, relief washing over my eyes. "Keeping Mama and Papa company in the bakery?"

She nods, "Uh-huh......and i baked you some sweets too!" passing me a small paper bag, while my face warms up with adoration for the young child. I knew I picked the right woman to adopt her, because I see a more livelier version of Klara. "Thank you so much Klara, I'll make sure to share some with Levi too.."

Speaking of Levi, he approached me from behind greeting Ingrid.

"Been a while, hasn't it Mrs Becker," Levi nonchalantly greets, trying to at least be warm and welcome our guest. 

"Been a while Captain Levi, and please just call me Ingrid," She waves her hand dismissively, embarrassed to be so formal. She then turns to Klara, "Come on Klara, say hello..."

Klara's eyes glance up innocently to meet Levi's warm gaze, "H-hello....Captain....Levi..." she spoke shyly, but Levi chuckles softly.

"Call me Levi little one, you've grown up haven't you," He knelt down to her level, resting his palm upon his up right knee. "Glad to see you're doing well with your mother, hmm?"

My heart throbbed with how gentle and approachable he is, and Klara was slowly coming out of her shell. Probably because of his intimidating exterior, but she soon embraced him. He stiffens for a moment, but slowly returns the hug briefly before pulling away and standing back up side by side with me.

"I won't keep you both long, but I'm glad you two finally decided to seal the deal," She smirks teasingly, mostly directed towards me. "Alright Klara, let's go grab some dinner...hmm?"

"Okay mama,"

Watching the two walk away I arch an eyebrow, "Hmm, looks like your ready for fatherhood, how cute," with a sly teasing grin, while he clicks his teeth together.

"Please don't start now, brat," he mutters, but I press a warm kiss to his cheek softly.

"I'm just saying....don't be so uptight," I ruffle his shaggy locks, earning another dry scoff and seeing his cheeks flushing with a dark hue. 

Suddenly Jean, Sasha, Connie, Armin, Eren and Mikasa approach us, along with Lena who guided them over, "Enjoyed the vows Akira, was that all memorised....or...?" Lena placed a warm hand upon my shoulder.

Rolling my eyes with a chuckle, "No, that was from the heart......."

"Really? So all those twenty drafts of vows you've written dai--" I slam my hand over her hand, muffling her while feeling Levi arching an eyebrow in suspicion. She muffled more against my palm, realising she said too much as I wanted it to be a secret. 

"Don't listen to her, I didn't write anything....." chuckling nervously, Levi continues to give me a deadpanned expression. ".....don't give me that look Levi....?"

Jean and Connie began bursting into fits of laughter, after trying so hard to stifle their laughter. 

Taking my hand off Lena's mouth I lower my hand, wiping any drool on Lena's shoulder with a playful glare towards her. Though I never communicated to her about it, I just assumed she would get the gist that I wanted my words to be true and perfect. "Anyway, Captain Levi........loved you vow too...." Lena compliments, directing it upon him