Ch. 51 - With These Rings

That very next morning, when I woke up I was warm and comfortable and I woke up naturally; that is to say, it wasn't because of someone talking, or my natural inclination to wake up when the sun rose, nor the sun streaming into the room. Rather, my body waited until I was well rested before stirring.

Whatever time it was, and no matter how rested I was, I decided it was far too early, so I closed my eyes once more and tucked the blanket closer to my chin. As though a direct response, as soon as I did so, Levi yanked the blanket back over towards him - but I wasted no time in pulling it back towards me.

Levi rolled towards me, and rather naively, I thought that he might be coming to cuddle, but I was so incredibly wrong. As a matter of fact, he gathered the blanket towards him before rolling back to face the other way in a hurry, leaving me without a man to cuddle, without a blanket and exposed to the cold, all at once.

I gasped, wide awake now, and I rolled over and propped myself up on my elbow to look at him. "Levi," I huffed impatiently. He did nothing in response other than turn his head, but only enough so that one tired eye could meet mine over his shoulder. "I would like at least a little bit of the blanket, please."

"Why?" His voice was a low, husky sort of rasp, one that was incredibly sexy, but it was unfortunately one that I had to ignore.

"Because there's only one," I argued easily. "And besides that, I'm cold." I started to reach for him, but he grunted and relaxed his head so he was resting against the pillow once more. "Oh, come on. Don't be an ass."

"That's not nice language," he said, adjusting to get more comfortable within all the bedding he was now hogging. "And in front of the baby, Amaya. Honestly."

Honestly, I echoed in my mind, what the hell was I to do with only a pillow or two? I frowned at the injustice of it all, but remembered at once who I was: I was Amaya Ikeda. I was no pushover, and I was going to prove it!

Oh, yes. I was going to get that blanket by any means necessary.

I slid across the sheets towards him and reached over him to grab the blanket. He had a strong grip on it, however. Clearly he anticipated my attack! From where I was now, sitting with my torso leaning over him, I could see his smirk, and immediately I knew this was all just a game to him. Not only had he anticipated it, he had been counting on it!

"Okay, funny guy," I said, tugging on the blanket with nearly all my might but getting it no closer to me. "Give it up."

"No," he said simply, closing his eyes again.

"This isn't funny," I hissed, getting to my knees and continuing to pull on the blanket. "Come on, Levi." He didn't budge. Perhaps a threat would work? "Levi, I swear I will beat the shit out of you." Still nothing. He was clearly not going to give in, so I let go, letting him have it. Guess I'd just have to play dirty, then. "Levi," I whined, flopping over him, becoming dead weight all at once, "I want the blanket."

"No," he said again.

I pouted. "Don't you love me?"

"Don't be stupid," he said. "And don't be a brat."

"If you don't want me to be comfortable and warm, then you must not love me," I argued.

"There are extra blankets in the closet," he countered, and though he was right, I wasn't going to let him keep this one because of it.

"But I want to cuddle with you, and we can't do that in different blankets."

"Tough."

I groaned and got off him entirely. "You are so damn difficult."

"Maybe I am," he said, "but what does that make you?"

"A glutton for punishment," I sighed out, "because I'm still here."

I laid back down again but adjusted to press my chest to his bare back. Knowing it'd drive him absolutely crazy, I trailed a slow finger down his side, light and teasing. It must have tickled him, because he flinched away and I got to watch as the muscles in the area flexed. I smiled playfully even as he swatted my hand away.

"Go away," he muttered dryly.

"Give me some of the blanket, then," I demanded.

"No," he said once more. I let out an impatient huff and propped myself up on my elbow again to see him better. Would I have to play dirtier then? It was certainly worth a try. To that end, I leaned over and delicately took his earlobe between my teeth, nibbling gently to start - another little trick I'd picked up over the years.

"Knock it off," he said, jerking his head away.

"All you have to do," I said quietly, "is give me some of the blanket. I don't need much. Just enough to cover my lady parts. These pajamas are awfully thin. We wouldn't want anyone climbing up the side of the building and seeing me like this, would we?"

Levi turned his head to look at me, a sour look on his face. I smiled innocently down at him, gesturing with one hand to my exposed body. Looking into my eyes incredulously, he asked: "Who the fuck would be climbing up the side of the building?"

"The world's gone to shit," I said with a shrug. "We overthrew a government, went on the run, murdered an old man with special blood and we kill giant, naked monsters for a living. Do you really think it's too far-fetched to think that someone might climb up the side of a building, when we have gear that allows us to do so with ease?"

As a strange sort of look crossed his face, I took the chance to gently roll him onto his back. Surprisingly enough, he allowed me to, and so I went further. I pried the blanket from his hands.

He watched my actions closely, ready to continue the tug of war if necessary. It was my job to make sure that it wasn't necessary.

A smile, rather sweet and more than a bit loving, spread across my lips as I pulled the blanket back and gently eased myself onto him. With practiced movements, I straddled his hips and lowered myself onto him. I relaxed, knowing already that I had won, because I had made it this far. My smile grew as I settled my head into the crook of his neck and he began to fix the blanket over us.

"Is this better?"

Levi grunted and set his arms around me once the blanket was securely tucked around us. He then closed his eyes again and rested his head against mine. "I get the feeling that you got the better end of this deal."

"All I wanted was some of the blanket," I said softly. "You're the one that made it difficult."

He grunted again in place of speaking and I yawned, ready to fall back asleep. We only got a few more minutes of peace before there was a loud knock on the door. Not the suite door, no, but the bedroom door - much closer, of course, and it begged the question of who the fuck had gotten into our suite.

"Why does this always happen?" Levi asked quietly.

"Maybe if we're really quiet," I responded in a conspiratorial whisper, "they'll go away."

Instead, the doorknob turned, and we had no time to react before it swung open. "Are you two lovebirds up yet? We've got a lot to – whoa!"

It was Hange's voice, because of course it was, and at the unwelcome sound and incredibly unwelcome intrusion, Levi grabbed the blanket and tugged it up further, making sure nothing unsavory was showing. His arms wrapped securely around me even as he lifted his head, and I barely had the chance to appreciate his protective actions because of how horrified I was that Hange had quite literally broken into our suite.

"What the fuck are you doing," Levi demanded, his voice low and definitely threatening, and almost deadly.

I could only look at Hange in shock, my mouth hanging open. What the hell made them think this was ok?! I suppose they might have been second-guessing their actions, or at least thought that they might face some consequences for it, because Hange was holding their hands up defensively before them and actually found it in them to let an embarrassed smile find its way to their face.

"Wow," Hange exclaimed, all embarrassment promptly leaving their system. "You two get going real early, don't you?"

"Hange," I hissed as heat rushed to my cheeks. Sure, we were in a compromising position, but we weren't doing anything, but even if we were, this was our room! "Get out!"

"All I wanted to do was let you two know that the ceremony will be happening tonight!"

"Tonight," I murmured before realizing it was better to not humor them with a conversation right now. "Actually, forget I asked. Just leave already, will you?"

"Alright, alright," Hange said, "but just-"

"No more talking," Levi snapped. "Just leave. We'll be out when we're out."

"I know when I'm not wanted," Hange sing-songed as they left, thankfully closing the door as they did.

Only when we heard the suite door out in the other room close did I relax and drop my head back onto Levi's shoulder with a huff. "When we find a house," he said slowly, "we're not giving shitty-glasses the address."

"No?" I teased, sitting up straight and starting to stretch my arms above my head. When I relaxed, I looked down at him evenly. "You don't want to bring our personal alarm with us?"

"Absolutely not," he said, setting his hands on my hips, holding me in place as I started to get off him. "Where do you think you're going?"

"I was going to get ready," I said, settling myself back on top of him and getting comfortable once more. "Why? Got something else in mind?"

"Hange said it wasn't happening until tonight," Levi reminded me. "And they can't exactly have our own ceremony without us, can they?"

"I suppose you're right," I relented easily, wondering just what he had in mind.

"Now shut up," he said. "You know exactly what I have in mind."

"And," I said slowly, "what is that?"

"You complain all the time about never being able to sleep in," he said easily, tucking one hand beneath my chin. When he moved it to cup my cheek, I smiled and leaned into his touch. "Go ahead and get some more sleep, Amaya."

"What will you do? Once you're up, you're up. I know you won't be going back to sleep anytime soon."

"I can stay up," he assured me softly. "I'll make sure you won't wake up cold again."

I smiled and shook my head fondly at him. I leaned down to press a kiss to his lips, one he didn't fail to reciprocate. When I drew away, I didn't go far. "I love you," I said, watching as his eyes softened. He really could be so incredibly sweet when he wanted to be. "And thank you, Levi."

"This is nothing you need to thank me for," Levi said, setting a hand on the back of my head to gently cradle it once I tucked my face against his neck comfortably.

"Don't be so coy," I said gently. "You're incredible, Levi. You really are."

He clicked his tongue but didn't shy away, though he did start to card his fingers through my hair gently. "Just get some sleep, sweetheart. I'll be here when you wake up."

I hummed thoughtfully. "I'd certainly hope so," I said. "You're my pillow."

"Quiet," he muttered. "Awfully talkative for someone who loves sleeping as much as you do."

Well, he had me there. To that end, I whispered another quiet "I love you," against his neck, and sighed wistfully when he responded in kind and pressed a kiss to my temple. Sleep found me quickly, quicker than I thought possible - and I was certain I dreamed of what was to come tonight, of our ceremony and where at long last, we would become one.

—

"Alright, so," Hange began, and it was hard not to react to the sheer level of mischief hidden within their voice, "I've got a little something for you."

At that, Hange slid off the desktop where they'd been sitting and dashed into the bedroom. We were in their suite; it was right next to our own, but while Levi was getting ready elsewhere, Hange dragged me to this room to help me.

They came back out after only a moment with a dress hanging from their fingertips, and though I'd never gotten excited at the sight of such a thing before, this one in particular had me smiling warmly as I took it in.

"I know it isn't exactly custom-tailored," Hange said placatingly, as though I'd have been concerned about such a trivial thing as they came to a stop in front of me. "But it should fit - and I think it'll be absolutely gorgeous on you."

I reached out and ran the pads of my fingers across the material. It was soft yet smooth, the material finer than anything I'd ever felt before, but at the same time, it remained simple, and... alright, I'll admit it: I liked it. I liked it a lot.

It was white, that was something that was apparently rather traditional up here. What did it represent... purity? Because, you know. That's what I was. Pure.

The dress had simple sleeves, ones that seemed to be made of lace or some other thin, intricate patterning. The bodice was solid, but it would show quite a bit more of my shoulders and chest than I thought it would. The dress itself would drop to the floor, but it wasn't long enough, it appeared to me, so that I wouldn't be able to walk with ease.

For someone who didn't wear dresses often or at all, Hange had picked a good one. And as someone who didn't wear dresses ever, I figured this was as good a time as any to try it and this was a damn good one to start with. What better occasion than this?

I couldn't quite imagine what it was like to wear it, but figured I would soon find out.

"You didn't need to go out of your way to find this," I told Hange, though the smile remained on my face. In response, they shrugged and crossed the room to hang the dress up for now on the coat rack and came to sit back on the edge of the desk.

I was seated at the desk, relaxing back in the seat and with my fingers linked across my belly. I wondered if I might tell Hange about the baby tonight, or maybe right now... but perhaps there was enough excitement to go around at the moment.

"Not me," they said, looking at the dress from across the room. "If you're looking for someone to thank, talk to the Queen. She's the one who planned it all out and she used her authority to bring a dress in based on your rough measurements and what she thought you might like."

"She works fast," I said. "We only had the idea last night."

"She had her advisors and staff working all night," Hange said, then sighed wistfully. "Oh, but to be a monarch with plenty of people to do your bidding..."

"Just imagine the experiments you can run with an army of servants," I mused, knowing the thought would be enticing for them. "At any rate, it's impressive," I said. "I just didn't realize this was so important to everyone."

One of Hange's eyebrows rose up and they looked down at me almost incredulously. "You didn't?" I shook my head in reply, and their eyes widened. "No, really?"

"Really," I said.

"You can't be serious," Hange gawked.

"I am," I pressed. "It's only a ceremony. Levi and I weren't even planning on having one, let alone something this big."

"Since everyone found out," Hange told me, "it's really given us something to look forward to. With Mike gone and everything else we've lost recently and the fact that our track record is spotty at best, a lot of people look to you for hope. Surely you must know that, Ms. Blue Wing?"

"I guess," I considered hesitantly. "But looking to us for hope and being excited for a wedding are two different things entirely."

"Oh, please," Hange said. "You're the two most badass soldiers we have. Sure, Erwin has the tactical prowess and I'm the weird Titan researcher, but when it comes to fighting, you two are the best we got, and fighting is at the core of what we do."

"Sure, but-"

"They already celebrate your victories on the battlefield," Hange told me seriously. "Not just them, meaning our soldiers and the public - but us as well. Me and Moblit and Erwin and Rashad, too. So, to be able to celebrate with you, well..."

My heart warmed at the thought that even something as simple as our wedding ceremony could excite everyone like this.

"There won't be too much... formality, will there? Not too much pomp and circumstance?"

"A ceremony in the capital of the interior," Hange pretended to ponder. "No, I think you'll be good."

I laughed, feeling no better when it came to my nerves but knowing that at the very least, all the people I loved would be there to support me and Levi through this. "Thanks."

"It's about time we get you ready," Hange said happily, and as they slid off the desk once more to head towards the rack to get the dress, I frowned and glanced towards the nearby grandfather clock set against one wall of the room. It was late afternoon, and as a matter of fact, it was nearly evening by now. The sun was about to set over the walls, and all would be dark.

And by this time, Levi usually had his afternoon tea to help get him through the rest of the night before bed.

For whatever reason, since Levi and I had finally stepped out of our room this morning, Hange had been hellbent on keeping Levi and I apart. It was apparently a tradition to keep spouses from seeing each other the day of the wedding until the actual event began, but I didn't see the sense in that, as if we believed in good or bad luck, and as if we were traditional by any means.

"Come on, Amaya," Hange chimed, holding the dress.

"Can I bring Levi some tea?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Absolutely not," Hange answered right away.

"But I always make it for him," I protested immediately.

"Oh, come on," Hange huffed, grabbing me by the arm with the dress draped over the other. "He can live without one cup of tea, and besides, there will be plenty to drink at the ceremony... most of which won't be tea. But if you're really that concerned, I can send for someone to make it for him and bring it."

"That's maybe not a good idea," I said, nearly wincing at the thought of some poor kid being yelled at by Levi because he didn't make tea to the inhuman standards Levi required. "It won't work. He'll be able to tell. He's always been able to tell. I can just go and-"

Hange pretended to hack, and I thought for a moment that they might actually spit something up with the force of it all. "You're so sweet," Hange commented. "It's awful. I can't stand it!" Hange shook their head as though to physically remove such thoughts from their head. "Strip down," Hange then said seriously, though it was clear they was getting excited. "It's time to get dressed!"

"Hange," I said as they began to walk away. "What about-"

Hange cried out exasperatedly, then said: "You are a pain! I'll tell someone about the damn tea!"

I smiled, far too used to such antics to think I'd actually upset them. "Thank you," I chimed happily, then pulled my shirt off over my head as they prepared the dress. I undressed to my underwear quickly, then accepted their help to get into the dress. I stepped into it and Hange helped pull it up my body and then fasten it along my back once it was resting comfortably around me.

"Alright," Hange said contemplatively once it was done, taking a step back. Feeling more than a bit excited myself, I spun in place so they could see me, and I couldn't help but laugh because I felt like a little girl again. "Is it maybe a bit tight?"

"I feel fine," I said honestly, looking at myself in the mirror. The dress was oh so simple and that's what made me like it. It wasn't overdone, but it was pretty, it really was. "It's beautiful," I said softly, still looking at it.

From beside me, Hange smiled warmly, and I met their gaze in the mirror. "You're beautiful, too," Hange said earnestly. "Don't sell yourself short; the dress wouldn't look half as good if you weren't in it. Shorty's going to be speechless."

It hugged my figure in a way I supposed might have been alluring to the right audience (which hopefully included my to-be husband), but it was breathable as well, and custom-tailored or not, it fit me incredibly well.

I typically wasn't one to appreciate such things, but these years of serving in the military had certainly helped my figure.

"Just wait until you see what Historia's done," Hange said devilishly as I put not the uniform boots on, but a set of more casual boots - ones that didn't go up nearly as far up my leg, and were comfortable. Historia had provided heels, but how the hell was I to learn to walk in them and do so tonight during the ceremony? It would require a miracle, which the goddesses were rather stingy about giving out.

"Oh, no," I said, shaking my head as I laced them up. "I didn't want anything too extravagant, even if it was here."

"That's too bad," Hange said, waiting until I was done and standing once more to step behind me to start on my hair. "Try not to worry too much," Hange continued. "If you and Levi are happy, the scouts are happy. You are our Wings of Freedom, after all."

I sighed. "I still don't like to be called that, you know," I said sheepishly, only to wince. "Ow," I hissed in response to a hard tug to my hair, one so perfectly timed I had a feeling it wasn't an accident.

"Sorry," Hange said. "Not about the nickname. Just the hair."

For a few minutes, they worked in a relative quiet, and I watched them work in the mirror. Hange didn't do much, but soon, my hair was nearly parted, a pretty sort of braid on each side of my head rounding to the back of my head only to end in a bun, with the rest of my hair cascading in curls - the result of having my hair braided overnight. I watched their smile widen in the reflection of the mirror at the sight of me.

"Look at that," Hange breathed out. "We're already done, and look how pretty you look!"

"So," I said, "now that I'm ready, can I go make Levi some-"

"No," Hange responded easily. "And stop asking."

Well, if Hange wasn't going to let me make him tea, I would get to him somehow. This wasn't just about the tea anymore, or about breaking tradition, or what. This was just to prove I could still outsmart Hange - and do it easily, at that.

I wasn't the so-called esteemed actress, as Farlan had called me, for nothing.

Oh, no. Definitely not for nothing.

I frowned then, and crouched down to grab my jacket. I patted my pockets, reached into them, shook the jacket out, then did the same for my pants. "Oh, shit," I muttered.

"Hm? What now?"

"When we were in the library, or... or maybe earlier," I started to say, sounding hesitant and nervous. "I bring a keepsake of my father with me and I had it with me because I thought I'd be getting dressed then, and so I wanted it hidden within the dress somewhere, but I think I... Oh, I took it out at some point to look at it, you remember, don't you?"

"I... I don't..."

Seems I'd confused them, or at least forced them to try to dive into their recent memory to figure out if at some point they had seen me looking at a keepsake. I kept it vague, so it would be impossible for them to know - and it worked.

"I have to find it," I said, looking up at Hange in what seemed like a panic to anyone other than myself.

"Whoa, there," Hange said. "Slow down. I'll go. What am I looking for?"

"A patch," I told her. "A military patch. Military Police, and it's the full piece, with his name and assignment. You know, like how we have our ranks on our chests?"

"I know," Hange said. "I got it. I'll go. You just sit tight, alright?"

"Ok," I said hesitantly, raising myself to return to a standing position once more.

"Relax," Hange said surely. "I'll get it and be back soon."

I only nodded and watched as Hange turned, then left the room. Without a moment to waste, I followed. Thankfully the door was set on silent hinges, and that my feet were so trained to be silent, because Hange was none the wiser as for several paces, I followed. I wasn't sure where exactly Levi was getting ready, so I peeked first within the suite we shared, only to find nothing.

Thinking that perhaps he was where Erwin had told me he had prepared a few things for Levi for the ceremony, which was downstairs, I turned on my heels and broke into a run. I couldn't help but smile as I took the skirt of the dress in hand and hiked it up so I could run freely, and I picked up the pace. I slid to a stop around a corner, then broke back into a sprint right away to keep running. Down another hall I want, approaching the nearest stairwell as quickly as physically possible and then some.

Perhaps I should have called out that there was a wild woman running through the halls (though to some extent I expected my footfalls to be evidence enough of that as the sound echoed down the hall far before me), but I didn't; and so, turning a corner, I was knocked down by what felt like a wall barreling at me. I was knocked right to my ass with a grunt - at least, that's what I expected.

Instead...

I heard a startled grunt and before I could hit the floor, two strong hands reached out and took hold of my hips, holding me steady against that broad chest. I pressed my hands to that very same chest and finally blinked and looked at who I had nearly been mowed over by.

Fate certainly had a way of making things come full circle, and I loved it.

"Levi," I breathed out, a warm smile overtaking my features.

"Amaya," he greeted evenly. "Were you running?"

"I was," I answered, now noting the defined flush in his features, the slight tremble of his breath - as though he had to catch it. "Were... you?"

"I might have been," he said. "I finally managed to distract Erwin long enough to leave."

"Huh," I mused, impressed. "I did the same to Hange."

"You didn't send shitty glasses to the library, did you?"

"I did," I answered. "Why?" The answer reached me as Levi bit his cheek to hide the true extent of his smile, and I laughed. "Oh, no. We're in trouble."

"Since when do you care about that?"

"I don't," I assured him. "I don't care how much trouble I get in, I just wanted to see you."

"Me too," he replied, making sure I was steady on my feet before removing one hand from my waist to cup my cheek. "Traditions are stupid."

"They are," I agreed. I took in the sight of him then, and my smile grew. Goodness, this was the man I was going to marry? Lucky me. "You look so handsome," I said genuinely. I could nearly feel the heat of his gaze as he looked at me.

"Gorgeous," he murmured, and I knew at once he hadn't meant to say it aloud. I chose not to teach him for it, not now, especially with the way so much fondness had found its way into his eyes.

"I hope you have your vows ready," I said, pressing my hands to his chest. He patted his pocket, and I chuckled. "I'm impressed; I'd have thought you'd come up with it on the fly."

"Not this," he said earnestly, shaking his head. "I wouldn't do that for something important as this."

Holy shit, he was perfect.

"Ah," I said, emotion overtaking me. "I love you so much." I leaned in, intending to kiss him, but he leaned away.

"Not until the ceremony," he said quietly, and I huffed. "Don't be a brat. We'll have plenty of time to-"

He cut himself off at the sound of voices approaching from the hall behind him. I peeked over his shoulder, and watched as Erwin and Hange rounded the corner at the other end of the hallway.

"Time to run?"

"Time to run," he confirmed. And so, he took my hand and off we went.

—

"Honestly, did you think we were going to let you elope?" Hange asked incredulously, affixing a flower to my hair, the delicate plant being tucked into my braid. "You two are ridiculous."

"Maybe," I said absently. I could only watch with a smile through the mirror as Hange adorned my head with small flowers, asters and cosmos and the like, and the effect was beautiful.

Excitement rose in me like a wave, and my whole body seemed to anticipate what was to come. Warmth bloomed in my chest and my fingers wrung each other nervously as I thought of holding Levi's hands in my own and endless streams of pretty words ran through my mind, and I was only just able to cling onto the very best ones, those that I would state within my vows.

Only minutes ago, I'd watched Hange gather these flowers from a nearby garden box, but they'd had to traverse the balcony railing to reach it. It had happened upon my return to the room after Hange frog-marched me here:

"Hange, whatever you're thinking, don't-"

"I got an idea! One final, perfect detail!" With that they ran from the room and I rushed to follow her. "You stay put," Hange ordered. I watched them curiously for only a moment before they flung the balcony doors open and ran out. I could do nothing but follow, intrigued as I was.

By the time I ran out onto the balcony, Hange was already standing on the railing and reaching for a lone lily growing on the terrace. They had a tight grip on the ivy clinging to the walls of the building and I gasped in shock. If they fell here, she'd break her neck, or die, or something!

"Hange," I hissed, "you're insane!"

"That's," Hange paused, reaching further, "probably," they grasped the flower, plucking it. "True!"

Without wasting a single moment, I reached up to help them down from the railing. They leaned all of her weight onto me, holding the flower up like a trophy. I wrapped my arms around their thighs and I grunted as I tried steadying them. "I got it!"

I took a few steps back from the railing to create some distance between us and their certain doom. In their celebrations they swayed wildly, and at once, we fell backwards in a heap. Somehow, we ended in quite the interesting position: Hange was sprawled on top of me and goddesses only knew how it even happened.

It didn't matter much, so we looked at each other. We locked eyes, and barely a moment passed before we both busted out laughing.

That led us to now. But just as they secured the final flower, its delicate blue petals fanning out and adding that certain something to the look, there was a sudden knock on the door to the suite. We both paused and looked towards the sound. At my call, Erwin stepped inside and upon seeing me, his eyes softened and a smile graced his face - a welcome sight.

"Amaya," he said, "we're ready for you."

—

Hange ran off without us, taking with them my ring and leaving me with only a quick hug and quick words of parting and of good luck. I suddenly became nervous, but I wasn't sure why. All I was doing was standing there with Erwin as he waited to escort me to the ceremony. What was there to be nervous about?

I suppose part of it had to do with the upcoming ceremony, and accentuated by the fact that I missed the now comfortable, and uniquely comforting weight of the ring I'd gotten used to. I suddenly felt naked, exposed, and I wanted it back.

But the only way to do that... Well, we had to get to the ceremony, first.

There were a few pressing concerns, however. First, and perhaps most prevalent... how the hell did these things work, exactly? I'd never been to a wedding before, either in the bridal party or as a guest, and other than stating vows, I had absolutely no idea what was to come, today. Didn't most people have a rehearsal or something for these?

Erwin must've noticed my sudden change in mood because he smiled down at me. "Don't worry," he told me warmly, gently, as though I really was family to him that he wanted to comfort... and perhaps I was. It certainly fit the dynamic we had settled into over these past few years. "All you have to do is stand next to Levi and say, 'I do.' You'll be fine, Amaya."

Erwin took a step, only a single simple step, but it was one that reminded me of where I was and why he was here, and I momentarily panicked. Thinking nothing of it, I reached for him then, aiming to loop my arm with his... but I was met with an empty sleeve.

Immediately realizing my mistake, I started to stammer out an apology: "Oh, goddesses," I stated more than a bit embarrassedly. "I'm so sorry! I stepped around him to stand on his other side to hold his arm, and he seemed to take this all in stride.

"Don't apologize," he said, starting to walk once more. I fell into step alongside him, taking deep, steadying breaths to fortify myself and steel my nerve... or at least try to, anyway. "You're the reason I didn't lose more than just my arm, after all."

"I'm still mad at you about that," I muttered, looking out the windows we walked by. "You damn men think you're invincible. Honestly, do you two intend on sending me to an early grave with a heart attack?" I sighed. "Seems all you two do is be reckless, and I'm left to follow and help how I can. But enough about that; how does this thing work, exactly?"

"Well," Erwin said, "it's pretty simple. In place of your father, I'll walk you down to Levi. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course I don't," I said. "Given the circumstances... who else would?"

It sounded harsh, much harsher than I intended for it to, and I frowned suddenly. I never meant to offend him or make it seem like I didn't want him to walk me down the aisle, it was just that Eld had offered when he was still alive and had taught me to dance. To go back on it, however necessary because Eld was gone...

I should've been grateful, and I was, to Erwin and his generous offer to walk me instead. Did I need someone to? Goddesses no, it was only tradition, and it was obvious how I felt about those. But it was so strange. In place of my father, who could not walk me down the aisle, Eld had offered; and now, in place of Eld, Erwin offered.

I could only hope he was watching over me, today, and could walk alongside us today, just as I wished for my father, brother, grandmother, and all those who I had lost on the way here.

"Of those available," I said, looking up at Erwin who was watching me closely, "there's no one I'd rather walk with than you."

"That makes me happier than you may think," Erwin said genuinely. "When I send you off, an official will marry the two of you and when asked, you will exchange rings with Levi and give your "I do's". Then... well, that's the easy part, because you have to talk about why you love each other. After that, there'll be another feast."

"Oh," I said suddenly. "Will there be dancing?"

"Dancing? I believe so. Where there is music, there will be dancing. But I didn't take you to be the dancing type."

"Neither did I," I told him, my voice soft and reflective. "Eld taught me how. Back before the 57th obviously, while we were in the abandoned base... He figured that Levi and I would get married at some point, so I should at least know how to waltz."

Erwin smiled and considered it. "I didn't have him tagged as a dancer, either."

"I'm sure he isn't," I said. "Eld certainly didn't teach him - he was too scared to."

"Well," Erwin said, "it's a good thing you know how, at least. I guess that means I'll have to save you a dance."

"Don't sound so excited about it," I teased with a smile, which got a chuckle out of him. "But as always, I'll do whatever you say, commander."

"Don't make it sound like I have to order you to do something so simple," Erwin said, pushing me away slightly. I laughed and readjusted my hold on his arm, and soon, we reached and went down some stairs and traversed another hallway. At that point, at long last, Erwin stopped just before a set of large, ornate double doors.

"Here we are," he said. One of the doors opened, then, just a tad, and Moblit peeked his head out.

"Ah, you're here," Moblit said, sounding relieved. "I'll let them know. Stay here, please!"

I smiled at his enthusiasm as he closed the door again - it was very like Mobilt to put all of himself into whatever he did, but to see that enthusiasm towards something of mine, and my wedding of all things - but any comfort I got from seeing such a friendly, familiar face was replaced by nerves. Upon just guessing what was on the other side of this door, I felt a quick eruption of butterflies alight in my belly.

I was nervous; it was as obvious to me as it was to anyone who might see me. Honestly, with nerves like these, and in a situation like this, I was sure I'd find some way to mess up my own ceremony. It was just a matter of how and when.

"Amaya," Erwin called, looking down at me, "you'll do fine."

I bit my bottom lip to focus on anything other than the nerves bubbling up in my stomach. The doors were suddenly opened inwardly at the same time, revealing a beautiful ballroom. A rush of cool air came out to meet us, and I stood up a little straighter and rolled my shoulders back as I realized I was about to be the center of attention - and judging by the distinct weight of several sets of eyes finding me all at once, it seemed as though I already was.

A pretty little song began to play, then, and Erwin began to walk slowly, methodically, with strides trained to be shorter than he normally would walk. I wasn't sure if it was to walk to the beat of the song, or if it was so that I might not have to strain to keep up with him. All the same, I was grateful for it. Without much of a choice in the matter, I tipped my chin up a little higher and began to walk, keeping in time with him.

Walking so slowly, it was easy to take in the sights of the room. The ballroom itself was gorgeous, with intricate, gilded windows that let in all the golden light of sunset, a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling with which each individual jewel reflected the sunlight, and plenty of wall sconces, all lit with flickering candlelight. The hall was illuminated with gold, and amidst the crowd of those dark green overcoats and the golden decorations, I was sure I stood out particularly well, dressed in all white.

Looking to the guests now, I realized with a start (that I did my best to hide) that there were rows and rows of seats, and every single one seemed to be occupied. Everyone was standing to watch my march, but if I didn't know any better, I'd have thought the entire military was here.

I could recognize the scouts without even having to look at their matching long coats, for I knew them all by face and by name; and I soon realized that the Interior Garrison that had fought with us at Orvud, accompanied by several other battalions of Garrison soldiers, and it seemed the Military Police had joined us as well.

Erwin and I progressed through the ballroom, and with the scouts all set to the front where the altar was, I was able to greet (and be greeted) by those who knew me personally. Hange was there, sitting on the end of one row, with Moblit and the kids of my squad at her side.

Looking past them, there were lines of blue and white flowers along the hall, and I let my eyes trail over to the makeshift altar at last. I wasn't sure what I expected, but what I saw far surpassed every single expectation I may have had. Levi was standing on one side of the altar, and there was an old official standing just in the middle. I gripped Erwin's arm tighter as my eyes focused on the sight of Levi, and I heard Erwin chuckle, the deep sound nearly startling me out of my focus.

"Amaya," he whispered rather conspiratorially, "try not to rip that arm off, please."

"Sorry," I said absently, for my eyes were still on Levi. He was looking down at himself, a finger hooked into his collar to tug at it rather incessantly. He was wearing his usual gray button-up, his dark jacket and pants, the cravat, and his dress shoes. But somehow, standing there he looked more handsome than he usually did, and far more handsome than he ever had before.

Levi must have felt the weight of my gaze, familiar as it should have been, because he finally looked up. His eyes met mine instantly, and they widened rather cutely. He seemed to compose himself right away, and he continued to do his best to keep a straight face and maintain the look of seriousness and of professionalism. I did the exact opposite; I smiled brilliantly at him, and he finally allowed himself to smile, the one reserved only for me.

Everything else faded out of focus as I looked at him. All the music, the stimulus of being looked at by so many, the hushed voices as I walked past, the feeling of Erwin beside me all dissolved to nothing, because it did not matter.

For so long, I had loved only him. For so many years now, it had only been him. How was I to know that, years ago, the man that had literally ran me over as he tried escaping the MPs would be the same man I would marry? How was I to know that the man who taught me to fly would be the same one I would learn to love? It was certainly a strange love story, but it was ours, making it oh so special.

This man, who had started off as a stranger, a man I hated to watch at night in all my jealousy as he flew, when I so longed to soar with them.

This man, who became a partner, a trusted friend, someone I realized I could trust my life with and he'd do all in his power to protect it.

This man, who I fell in love with, and had been so patient with me as I realized what that meant and how best to address it.

This man, with his odd sense of humor, serious attitude, and this big, beautiful heart.

This man, who for so long had been plagued so horribly by nightmares of the past and worries for the future, yet with such devotion to that very same future, that he gives his life to fight for it.

This man, who I fell in love with more and more with every passing day.

I took a quick glance up at Erwin. He was smiling, and he met my eyes right away to wink at me. I knew within that moment that I wasn't just walking with Erwin at this moment in time. No, it wasn't just Erwin.

I was also walking with El, the man who had cared for me so kindly, saving my life and relieving my grandmother of a burden she simply couldn't deal with; my father, the soldier with a heart of gold, the man who had provided me with an education the best way he could and spent every waking hour making sure I was happy and safe. He'd taught me to read, to write, to braid, to take care of myself, to protect myself, to not be afraid to stand up for myself and what I believed in and to fight for it. He had taught me the importance of love, of loving wholly and truly.

I walked with Caden too, who had brought so much joy and happiness to El and I both. Caden had brought so much laughter to the two of us when we needed it most. When things got hard, Caden kept our heads above water and reminded us what was important. He had completed our family, and we didn't even realize we needed him until he was with us. He brought joy, he brought love, he brought life and light to a city so devoid of both.

Eld walked with me as well, one of my closest friends here in the scouts. He'd helped me with paperwork, had trained and taken criticism so enthusiastically and earnestly. He was so dedicated to the scouts, and in this way, it was hard not to be inspired to get stronger and to do more - and I so hope he saw the way his own devotion was appreciated and mirrored by those around him. Around Eld, I never felt like I was doing enough. He pushed me to be better, emboldening those around him with little more than his actions. And yet, he was a person before he was a soldier.

I knew that the rest of the squad walked with me as well, along with my parents, my grandmother, and everyone else I'd lost along the way. Standing beside Levi was his mother, and Kenny too, and I knew that Farlan and Isabel were with him as well, teasing him over his shoulder with every step I took.

We were surrounded by ghosts, but they gave us strength. They reminded us to love, to stay present - and gave us the courage to fight on. But not now, for today was for celebrating.

Celebrating... us. Celebrating our love.

And it was beautiful.

Erwin and I reached the altar and that was when Erwin stepped away from me, taking my hand in his to help me step up. Levi was there to take my hand as soon as I was close enough, and he led me to stand across from him before the official. He held both my hands in his and, surprisingly, they were warm, and... even a bit sweaty.

"Are you nervous?" I mouthed as the official began to talk. Levi seemed to flush slightly, and looked away from me briefly towards the official. When his eyes met mine once more, I silently added: "Don't be."

I wasn't sure when exactly my own nervousness had faded away, but the nervous butterflies had been replaced by excitement. I mean, I was getting married!

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep myself from smiling too widely. I tried listening to what the official was saying, I really did, but all I could focus on was Levi. If I tried hard enough, I could hear the rhythm of my own heart and the combined melodies of both of ours coming together.

It was a lovely melody, one I longed to hold onto, but soon (though to be honest, I very quickly lost track of time so I wasn't sure exactly how long had passed, if it really was soon) a child carrying a pillow ran up to us, our rings situated on them carefully. When prompted to, Levi picked mine up, holding it gingerly between his thumb and forefinger as he began to speak.

"With this ring," he said, lifting his eyes from the ring to meet mine surely, "I promise to..." He trailed off at once and cleared his throat, and I knew right away the brief pause was meant to offer him a single moment's breath to summon up all the courage he needed to continue.

"I promise to love you," he finally said. "I will take care of you and continue fighting for a future where we will be safe... and can actually take a break and not be interrupted by anybody." Ripples of laughter ran through those seated below us and I let out my own quiet laugh. "I'm not good with words, I say it all the time."

Well, that was rather true.

"But," he continued, "you make me want to get better, if only just to say the pretty words I think you would like to hear. Not only that, but I want to be better in everything I do, for you. We're scouts and I know we can lose our lives at any time. But for as long as I still have my life, I want you in it, and I will continue fighting for yours. I love you, Amaya."

I grinned - no, that was too weak a word. I downright beamed as he slid the ring onto my finger. To me, this felt no different than it did when he first asked me to marry him. It was only me and him in this extravagant ballroom, just like it had only been me and him in that little house in the countryside that night.

Of course, there were a few key differences. We weren't on the run anymore, but we were riding the high of a victorious battle and basking in the glorious glow of a stunning coronation. We weren't surrounded by enemies, and though our battle wounds remained, we were surrounded by comrades and we were safe.

When the ring was securely on my finger, Levi lifted my hand to his lips and, just as he had before, kissed the ring lightly.

He seemed to be fixated on the ring as he lowered my hand and straightened up. Unable to really do anything to stop it from forming, I wiped a stray tear from my eye before it could fall and roll down my cheek. He looked up at me through his eyelashes, with his head still bowed, and he found it in himself to look almost bashful, almost overwhelmed by everything going on - even though all that was happening was what he orchestrated, what he had just done.

After a moment, he released my hand and stood up straight, though his eyes never left my own as I reached for his ring, now. Holding the ring carefully, I took him gently by the wrist and guided his hand to me.

"With this ring," I began, "I promise to love you as long as I continue to draw breath."

As I spoke, I took in each and every detail of his eyes, as if I couldn't draw them from memory by now. But still, how couldn't I look into them, when they were so uniquely dynamic and dependent on the light? From gunmetal gray to sky blue, from stormy gray to the pale blue of dawn. They were beautiful - and I had the rest of my life to look into them.

"When we met, you knocked me over as you ran from the Military Police. I honestly don't think that I'd ever been angrier in my life than I had been at that one moment." Levi allowed a smirk to find his face, one he desperately tried to hide, and I took a breath to steady myself. "It wasn't the fairytale meeting that I had been expecting of the man I would eventually fall in love with, but somehow, it led to this, it led to us. I truly didn't think I'd find love in that city, but when you knocked me down, scowled at me for a while, then kept running from the police, you took my heart with you."

I wasn't expecting it of words I was coming up with here, yet were so incredibly true and genuine, but I could hear a few incredibly earnest aww's from those in attendance.

"Levi, you're wonderful," I continued after a quiet moment of contemplation. "Just... you're incredible. You're clever, intelligent, strong... You're handsome too, which certainly helps, but more than anything... You have this big heart and you care so deeply for those you love. I'm so grateful that I have the chance to be someone you love, and to be your wife..."

I paused, taking the moment to allow my heart the moment to appreciate the moment while we had it. I looked well into his eyes, and he met them without question. I never wanted him to stop looking at me. To feel so much with only a look...

"Levi," I said, "you make me so incredibly happy and I love you more than words could ever say, but for as long as I am yours, and you are mine, I will try. Day in and day out, all I want to do is make you happy, make you proud, and make sure you feel as loved as you are. I love you with my entire heart, Levi, and unfortunately that means you're stuck with me until the end."

Though my words had certainly gotten a bit of laughter from the guests, it might as well have been silent as I slid the ring onto his finger dutifully and incredibly carefully. When it was set, I lifted his hand to my lips and kissed the ring just as he had, making sure to wink at him as I did.

"Levi Ackerman," the official said, "do you take Amaya Ikeda to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do," Levi said, surely and confidently.

"Amaya Ikeda, do you take Levi Ackerman to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do," I said, my voice as calm and even as ever. This was, perhaps, the surest I'd ever been of anything.

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

We needed no more permission than that before leaning in towards each other. Levi set a gentle hand on my cheek, guiding me nearer. "Finally," he murmured to me, the words reaching no ears other than my own as I met him halfway. I lifted both hands to rest against his chest to brace myself as he held me and pulled me ever closer.

Letting him take the lead, he pressed a simple, short kiss to my lips before pulling away. That was nowhere near satisfying for me, however, and I honestly thought that he'd know better. So, I took matters into my own hands and grabbed his cravat with one hand to tug him back to me. It took him by surprise, and the audience as well, but I didn't care about that as our lips met once more.

We pulled away at last to the sounds of cheering and wolf whistles, and I turned my head to smile at our friends and comrades. "You damn brat," he muttered against my cheek before pressing a kiss to the skin there.

—

Now that the ceremony was over, it seemed that all formality flew through the window, and so did the polite quiet we had been blessed with as it was happening. Levi and I had been swarmed with hugs and handshakes and congratulations and well-wishes from every which way, and it was all we could do to respond to even half of it all. We stayed together for the most part, not that I could go far with Levi's arm around my waist and holding me close.

Even with the silent support from each other, it was a bit much, to be honest. I appreciated every kind gesture, of course, I wasn't that selfish. I just wanted to go find someplace quiet with Levi, to celebrate the fact we were married in the calm embrace of his arms. But, well, this was our only wedding, so I guessed I could enjoy it now while I could.

Champagne was poured, and that seemed to be when the party really started; I had been pulled away from Levi at some point once drinks began to flow, and though I wanted to return to him, for now I was content to stand next to Erwin and chat as we people-watched and mingled whenever someone came up to us.

As Erwin had promised, there was plenty of dancing going on. It was a ballroom, after all, and a beautiful one at that - and the music was wonderful. But so far there hadn't been any songs slow enough that even remotely reminded me of the song Gunther played when Eld taught me, so I didn't want to press my luck and jump into a fast-paced dance for my first one in a while, and especially at my wedding.

Erwin smiled down at me as soon as a slow waltz started to play. "Is this song slow enough for you, yet?" Erwin asked teasingly.

"As a matter of fact," I said confidently, "it is."

"Well then," he said, offering his hand, "care for a dance?"

"I would," I said with a smile, taking his hand and letting him lead me onto the floor.

It was a bit awkward getting into frame, but we made do, taking an informal, looser frame to make up for the fact he only had one arm. But still, we waltzed, and the awkward nature of him trying to figure out how to lead me and me trying to remember everything Eld taught me made for a fun time.

Erwin and I eventually settled into a rhythm, finding that it was just easier and we could continue talking. We fell back into the conversation we'd been having earlier, essentially discussing how nice it was for everyone to be able to just let loose for a while, especially after so much loss.

We'd had some great victories recently, but we knew defeat all too well. And our fight was not over yet. He began offering some food for thought, some theories he had begun forming. Now that we knew Eren could harden his titan skin, taking back Wall Maria was not out of the question. In fact, it was downright feasible. And... it was our next goal.

In the break in the conversation, when most other dancers had left the floor for a break, I decided it was as good a time as any to let him know that I was expecting. As my boss, but more importantly a trusted friend, he needed to know.

"Erwin," I said, and he returned his eyes to me. He'd been looking over my shoulder, chuckling at something he saw - and though my news was important, I was too curious not to pry. "What? What's so funny?"

"Hange being Hange," he said simply, as though that was all he needed to say to explain it - which was rather true. "Nothing new."

"And let me guess," I mused, "poor Moblit is forced to watch them?"

"Maybe I should change his assignment to babysitter," Erwin joked, and I smiled. It wasn't often that he joked. Always so serious, so focused on all the wrong in the world, dead set in his desire to know the truth of the walls and life outside it. He carried the weight of the entire regiment on his shoulders, and I knew someone had to, but it was nice to know he still remembered to smile and cut himself some slack sometimes.

"That's a good idea," I agreed. "That's a good way to bring up what I wanted to talk to you about, actually." His baby blue eyes lit up in interest, and he nodded for me to go on. I looked around us, making sure there weren't any prying ears around. Realistically, I was just making sure Hange was still busy doing other things. "It's, well, something I'm very excited about. Not just me. Levi, too."

"Amaya," he said, his voice firm and unyielding. "You're beating around the bush."

"I am," I said. "I'm sorry. It's just new to both of us and I'm still not quite sure how to talk about it. I suppose the most important part for you to know is that for a good few months, I'm going to be unable to fight alongside you."

"A good few months," he repeated. "Why?"

"I'm pregnant," I told him, and his eyes widened. He stopped dancing, and though I nearly stumbled over his feet, I stilled, and I tried to guess just by his face whether that was a good or bad thing. "Erwin?"

"That's great news," he said, smiling widely now. I let out a sigh of relief. "You have my heartfelt congratulations."

"Thank you," I said. "Trust me, I want to be there so badly for when you reclaim Wall Maria, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to watch from the sidelines."

"You'll be a lot further than just the sidelines," Erwin said. "Given all that's happened, I think it'd be best for you to remain in the Interior."

"Absolutely not," I said, shaking my head. "I will be going back with you all to the base."

"Amaya," Erwin said in the tone that meant that he didn't want to argue. "Levi knows, doesn't he?"

"He does," I said in a tone that meant I did want to argue.

"There's a lot for us to discuss," he said. "I don't want him distracted. And-"

"Distracted? He'd be more distracted if I weren't there, you know that. And since when does that matter? I'm still a member of this army, Erwin. I cannot fight, but I can still help you plan, delegate duties, prepare equipment. I'm not useless because I'm pregnant. Take away my official role if you want, but I'll still weasel my way into helping."

"I know that," he said gently. "Forgive me. I'm just being selfish."

"It's alright," I said. "Just... The scouts are all I know, now. Levi and I have no other family. We want to serve for as long as we can. When you asked me to give my heart for this cause, I meant it when I said I would gladly offer my life for the good of humanity. I won't fight physically, of course, but I can still help in different ways."

Erwin smiled. "As always, I appreciate your hard work, Amaya. I will do all that I can to support you both through this. And the child will be more than welcome to visit the base."

"We'll be there a lot," I said with a smile. "And that's something you can gamble on."