Untitled

"Sweetheart, you are too slow for this." Your voice is heaven to the blind when it chrips up from behind him. The child in his arms is taken and his hand is wrapped in yours as you tug him forward.

The fresh smell is what gave the place away. Familiar and nostalgic, slightly pungent and salty. And when the air conditioning hits his face, he's certain he's figured the surprise out.

And if he was wrong, Lucian saying "Ooo totopus." would be the very thing that gave it away.

"Papa, up, up." Kyros, now closer, locks his arms around his knee and tries to climb him like a firepole. "Fast-ou!"

The urgency, of course, was for Kyros to climb on his shoulders and pull away the veil from his eyes. It takes a while for his blurry vision to adjust to the dim light and the shifting shades of blue, but when clarity returns nothing is as breathtaking as the sight of his family before a beautiful blue tank of large medusae.

Arms outstretched, and proudly grinning. Atrocious jellyfish hats on their heads (yes, even Lucian!) shimmer and shake when they exclaim. "Happy Father's Day!"

His vision is compromised again when Kyros leans over and covers him with his own jellyfish tentacles on his head as a result of a tender kiss on his forehead. "Ta-da, papa!"

"Thank you." He chuckles, peeling back the curtain like tentacles and catching you in a hug.

"Did you know? Was soo-prised?" Kyros asks, bouncing on his shoulders eagerly.

"No, not at all." Sylus implores him, lifting him and sitting him in the bend of his elbow. "Good surprise, angel."

Before Lucian bellows something about what about me from below— already peeved about the itchy thing on his head— Sylus scoops him up too and blows a raspberry on his cheek. "Very well done, both of you."

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

The rest of the day is spent following Kyros and Lucian around the aquarium, hand in hand with you. He is delighted to see that the nature documentaries he puts on do not dissipate from their minds as soon as they lull them to sleep.

Kyros takes pride in naming at least five fish in the saltwater tanks, while Lucian lists all the kinds of sharks he knows that swim above him in the tunnel.

Your own academic list is more of a concerned mantra, one that goes, "did he lick that?" whenever you catch your kids pressing their faces on the glass to see better.

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

Lucian's voice is booming when he retells you all of the robotic dolphin show he just watched— the one you were also all present for— in his own colorful way. "Da doh-fin go sh— sh— ssh—" he wiggles his body and bobs his head in a wave-like motion, then jumps. "spash! flying! so high!"

You're listening intently, smiling and asking him what else the dolphins did.

Meanwhile, Sylus stands in the designated audience-drier beside you after he and Kyros got spashed in their seat, and squints to read Lucian's lips through the turbine's noise.

"Your turn, Lucian." Sylus plucks him from the ground and places him in the drier too, making sure to put his palms over his ears to protect him from the sound.

"How about you, Ro? What part did you like?" you ask, turning to your quiet little baby currently staring down at his shoes... or what you think are his shoes.

He looks up with a bright smile and says, "Wain-cott."

You stifle a giggle.

"Wain-cott!" Kyros says happily, spinning in his yellow nylon raincoat, he made sure to pack it in his dinosaur backpack. The single item, actually, in there, he insisted, was important.

And true enough, he is the only one who didn't step into the warm, loud dryer.

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

"Kee-ro, is okay!" Lucian reassures an anxious Kyros when he refuses to put his hand in the petting tide pool. Hiding behind papa's legs while you and Lucian dip your fingers into the water. "Kee-ro, nice fishies!"

"Wanna try?" Sylus inquires, kneeling to meet him where he is and letting small fingers curl around his thumb.

Kyros pouts, his lip trembling at the fact that he does want to, but his heart is racing, and he can't seem to get his legs to move.

"Papa try?" he asks through sniffles that border on a sob. "Then Weewo?"

"Of course," he mutters, lifting him and approaching the tidepool together.

You help Sylus roll his sleeves up. Kyros doesn't look away when he reaches in and traces out a starfish's outline gently.

Sylus aquires a successful giggle from both his sons when his long fingers chase after Lucian's hand underwater like a stingray and catch it with a tender squeeze.

He is relieved when that prompts Kyros to roll up his sleeves and joyfully cry too, "My turn!"

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

"... papa's cousins," Sylus hears you whisper to them in the reptile section's warmth. You yelp when he pokes your side and catches you in a loose embrace.

"We don't talk," he whispers like a conspiracy. "Not since the bearded dragon owed me money."

You laugh and lean against him.

His chest is a familiar pillar of warmth, reminiscent of when you were here years ago. His hands, the same ones that gripped yours when you fought against the pains of the tail end of your pregnancy.

You fought him here then. You're glad to return under more favorable circumstances now.

As if he can read your thoughts, his hands ghost over your stomach. Remembering a similar memory from his own mind's misty eyes.

You lead him to the bench in the middle of the exhibit as your children run around and fawn at the different lizards and frogs under heating lamps and yellow lights.

He rests his chin on your shoulder and kisses your jaw. To spite him in jest, you wipe the kiss away. He clicks his tongue.

"Did you bring me back here to fight with me?" he murmurs, amused. "You miss our quarrels that much?"

You laugh. "Of course not."

"Hm." he smiles, pressing a kiss to your hair. "So, for the poetry."

You fight a smile because he's right. But the day is already his— he can't have everything. "Maybe."

He scoffs because he knows he's right. "Maybe," he says incredulously, shaking his head at your stubbornness.

You sigh. "Look at them."

He follows your gaze to Lucian, who holds Kyros's waist as he balances on a step to look into an enclosure, and then to Kyros chasing his brother to hold hands when Lucian takes off running to another one across the room.

His heart seizes, then melts under the tenderness of what his life has become. His sons— looking so much like him it was uncanny, and yet carving through this cruel world with the hearts that you've given them. The hearts he helped hold, mold and love.

Kindness isn't something he shows himself often. Only when you ask him to do that does he. Now, he is forced to be a model to two little souls that watch his every move and want to be every bit of the person he is.

He cannot say he opposes.

Before you, he knew he needed only one thing to complete all the desires he could ever have in this world. After you, he never would have thought he'd want more— two in fact.

"Thank you," is all he can say when you lace your fingers together— for you, for them, for this life he would not trade for anything in this world or the next one over.

You plant a kiss on his ring finger, telling him you feel just as grateful.

You both watch them for a moment longer. Carve the patterns of their giggles, the outlines of their hair and cheeks against the dim light of each room into the crevices of your memory. Just for a moment longer.

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

"Your doctor is going to have a field day about this," Sylus chuckles, handing you and your children each a tall cup of electric blue slushie.

"Don't tell!" Lucain harruphs, already slurrping the sweet drink up before anyone—including Doter Sayne who he fears would pop up from the penguin exhibit— could take it away.

"Aa!" Kyros whines, squeezing his eyes shut after he'd sipped too fast. "Owwie! Ow!"

"Oh, brain freeze." you rub your palm over his hair and bring him close to your chest. "Slowly, baby."

"You know, I thought it was an old wives' tale," you tell Sylus, taking a sip of your own drink. The very same one you asked for during the most inopportune times during your pregnancy. "But maybe pregnancy cravings do affect the babies."

Sylus hums, pinching Lucian's cheek as he stubbornly slurps at a large ice block at the bottom of his straw. Sylus shakes the drink for him and takes a sip. "Or maybe it's poetic."

You roll your eyes at him.

"All done," Kyros tells him, only just halfway done with the drink. Sylus didn't buy himself one for this very reason. Kyros adds so very gallantly, "Happy father's day, papa. Love you. I love you."

"Mm!" Lucian gasps into his straw, but unlike his brother, he is unwilling to give up his drink. "Not done— but, but— love you, papa!"

Sylus laughs, full and rich, as he gathers them both in an embrace. "Thank you. I love you too."

You're too busy snapping photos of them in their little group hug to notice the two other men who walk up behind you. The other two owners of the clownfish all-access pin in your purse.

Startled, you yelp at the sight of them. "Where have you been?"

Then, at a further examination, you frown. "Why are you all wet?"

"Mermaid lessons," Luke offers no other explanation as they approach the group hug and join with zero warning.

Sylus cries out at the sudden weight of two more of his sons, suddenly getting his coat wet, but the big twins make no comment apart from

Happy Father's Day.

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

a/n thank you again to @tojislovergirl and @luubug for helping out with some of the ideas

smau taglist: @saturnsurn @cisseadven @angelica-115 @chosos-prettyprincess @chewiebee @renrenrenren17 @sug4rk1tty @seungkwansflower @henzypoo @dayhsdreaming @jinjoohaaa @godofstory @venusins @strawberryshortcakkitty @chloeee20 @anthy-jay-ander @winkii @claymoreshaze @sxpernova @serennovasworld @r0vena @ophirei @love-d-luxe @letis1a @msdarkshadow @duckie3801 @turtlefairyy @estrnrea @kurtcobaingirlie @tojiscreampie @kekeanna266 @ruiislove @floravyn

Although you began liking him first, the realisation that he liked you too hit him harder than being tossed across the forest by a demon. It felt a little scary at first how he kept getting distracted by you and his thoughts kept revolving around you, so much to the point he had to confess or else he felt like he is about to explode from keeping all his feelings to himself.

Kyojuro never realised you actually loved him first, but is incredibly thankful nonetheless that you do anyway. After you randomly mentioned to him once, he was actually really flabbergasted and incredibly honoured.

—

Gyomei Himejima // Stone Hashira.

He fell first, you fell harder.

Gyomei felt guilty for developing feelings for you. He was sure you had no interest in being with someone that is doing the same work you do and all the heavy baggage that comes with it: going out during odd hours, the pain and injuries, the worrying about if the other is going to come back alive or the death announcement being delivered over a crow— he was sure you wanted a little bit of normalcy in your life, so he avoided the thoughts that seemed to circle you lately.

You fell much harder than he did. You couldn’t stop blushing around him to the point that even Gyomei could feel the heat radiating off your body and checking if you have a fever by touching your forehead, making you heat up even more. You can’t help but really begin to love the hunk of a man that is a walking green flag. You couldn’t help but confess to him one day and hope for the best.

Gyomei can’t help but smile every time you mention your early feelings for him. He feels silly for being hesitant about his feelings for you whenever you talk about how your feelings were gnawing at your brain until you finally confessed. It’s adorable, he thinks.

—

Giyuu Tomioka // Water hashira.

He fell first, he fell harder, he almost died while confessing.

Giyuu melted everytime he saw you. On the inside, that is. On the outside, Giyuu only eyed you occasionally and tried to keep his, what he thought to be a small crush at first, at bay and as secretive as possible. This is only temporary and his feelings will pass soon. But for now, he will mentally berate you for your choice in unhealthy foods and stare at the ceiling at night, wondering if you are safe and sound right now.

This “little crush” of his began to get a little out of hand. Giyuu could tell that his feelings were getting a little out of hand as he kept loosing focus and getting beat and kicked to the ground by the other hashira, mostly Sanemi for some reason, during training and rolling over in bed over and over while loosing sleep over if you are still alive. He began to fantasise about being in a relationship with you every now and then, only to become depressed afterwards about how impossible and unreachable that fantasy is.

Giyuu knows confessing to you was one of the best things he ever did, you falling in love with him as well was so surprising to him, he almost thought he was being manipulated by a demon or you were a skinwalker of sorts. But now that he has you secure in his arms as he admires your sleeping face, he realises that yes, this is real and that you’re not going anywhere.

—

💠

Author’s note. Thank you for reading!

I finally know what colour to paint my nails in my Douma cosplay after the trailer dropped— AND I can finally colour in my fans the way he had it in the trailer too UGHHH the trailer took me outtttt

Also why is the first pic in Kyo’s banner so delicious

Anyways, make sure to EAT, SLEEP and DRINK enough!!

papa? he’s spent all week memorizing the names of the organizations affiliates. not one is called papa. had he missed something? so soon shall this be the end of his career?

he swallows. ponders—this can either be an enemy with technology to change their voice, or… no, how could a child know this number?

“hello? can talk to papa?”

“who is this?” he demands, harsh.

it is lost on the voice. he dictates his own learned script slowly. “my name… is… keewo.”

keewo… neither was that on the list. had he missed a page? was it the phonetic alphabet? code?

his palms begin to sweat. phone calls should never last more than a minute unless necessary. and the time ticks dangerously closer to forty seconds.

and his supervisor seems to he counting with him, because across the room, polishing a newly shipped in protocore weapon, his eyes meet ones behind a crow’s mask.

“you are not in our system.”

“what tissem?” the voice breathes, mouth too close to whatever receiver he was using. “can talk to papa pease?”

“are you a child?” forty seconds… the masked man rises from his seat.

“no. i boy.”

“how old are you?” forty-three. he’s placing the weapon down.

“i two. oh-most, twee.” the boy says happily. “can talk papa now, pease?”

forty-nine. his eye twitches. “who is papa?”

“my papa!”

fifty. shit. the supervisor is a few steps— “what’s his name?”

“uhh… uh…” fifty-three.

fifty-four.

fifty-five.

“papa name is… uh—“

“you dialed wrong.” fifty seven.

“no! i pwactice.” he harrumphs on the other end. fifty eight. “my papa name sy-woos!”

fifty-nine.

sylus.

his blood runs cold.

at sixty, like clockwork the phone is snatched from his hand. but the masked man who’d given him strict instructions that day has frozen in his own place a few paces away.

behind him stands a ghost never meant to be witnessed by mortal eyes. this shadow clad in darkness that only allow his red irises’ glow to pierce through. he lowers his head—respect, fear— he cannot say. but his heart beats like hooves in of a stampede.

“kyros.” says sylus. mister sylus— he would be instructed to call him were it not deemed unnecessary because he never comes in. “papa is working, angel.”

he barely hears the commotion on the other end. doesn’t even register the way the ominous entity of a man’s voice softens to an unbelievable timbre just above him.

“i know, i miss you too.” he says. footsteps fade along with the voice as he retreats with the wireless into the private office reserved for him alone.

he’s done for, surely. how could he have dismissed the boss’s son? how could he have known? no matter; he should have. and now—

“hey.” the masked supervisor squeezes his shoulder and he jumps like a cat.

the man— he isnt sure which twin this is but there were two of them earlier— snickers. “scared?”

he swallows.

“don’t worry about it.” he points to the dock missing its handheld, towards the light glowing orange. “forgot to mention, if it’s this color, always redirect to the main phone.”

he swallows. the boss doesn’t like to be bothered with trivial things, is what he knows. right?

but his supervisor adds. “he doesn’t like missing calls from very important people.”

he has no time to process before sylus returns and the handheld clicks in place in the dock before him.

crimson eyes examine him and he feels like his skin is peeled apart and soul exposed for a moment before sylus slowly turns away.

“carry on.” is the command.

and so, he does. he can do that.

i. in his office

he sat in his office chair, filling out documents like usual when you'd barged in.

he knew it was you because no one else would ever have the courage to walk into his office like that unannounced.

he didn't exactly hear much that you said when you came in, but he knew it had you heated. you were pacing his office as you spoke passionately, clearly you had been wanting to get this off your chest for a while. but he wasn't paying attention to that. he was paying attention to you.

he watched your face silently as it glowed in the dim lights of his office.

god were you beautiful.

"levi, you're not even listening." you said, stopping in front of him.

"¡ am. you just began to repeat yourself."

"because you weren't listening."

"i'm sorry. finish what you were saying." he said, gently taking ahold of your wrist.

you took that opportunity to slip into his lap, letting him wrap an arm around your waist as you continued talking again.

and he let you, let your voice fill his office once more as he silently studied your features. the way your eyes squint as you furrowed your eyebrows, or the slight pout your lips had when you spoke about something that upset you, or-

"levi!"

he blinks slowly. "hm?"

"what's up with you?"

"you look pretty." was all he said, catching you off guard.

his compliment brought a smile to your face, taking that opportunity to lean in and press a gentle kiss to his lips.

“thank you.”

he'd grunted in response, acknowledging your words.

a comfortable silence surrounded the both of you, one that was familiar. it was nice, familiar.

maybe he should do it now.

levi pulled you closer to him, looking at you deeply which caused you to tilt your head slightly in question as his free hand slowly gravitates toward his pocket.

"what is it?" you asked, messing with a bit of his hair.

deep breaths.

"i wan-"

he couldn't even start his sentence before someone barged into his office panting, catching you both of guard.

"captain lev-oh."

it was jean. the annoying brat.

"i'm so sorry captain." he apologised quickly, bowing his head.

you took this chance to get off levi's lap, straightening yourself up.

levi let a small noise of disapproval, the sudden lack of warmth not welcome.

"you're being requested urgently by higher ups, sir. i didn't mean to-"

"that enough." he grunts, standing from his chair. “let’s go then.”

he glanced at you as he walked toward the door, silently apologising for the interruption. you didn’t say anything, just nodding in response. you knew it wasn’t his fault.

ii. your bedroom.

rays of sunlight shone through the gaps in the curtains, casting a warm glow onto your boyfriend’s chest.

he was up, of course he was.

the fact he’d slept last night was a miracle but you were forever grateful he did because it meant you had his chest to sleep on.

you turned over to be met with levi, seated upright on the bed with some documents in hand.

he heard your movement, placing them down on the bedside table, giving you his full attention.

“good morning.”

“good morning, handsome.” you greet, leaning up to giving him a soft kiss.

levi liked mornings like these.

though they were rare because you never seemed to be up on time, he cherished them deeply.

you rested your head on his shoulder, closing your eyes again, and levi took this opportunity to look at you.

really look at you.

his gaze lingered, taking in every small detail he’d already committed to memory. he often found himself wondering how he had gotten so lucky.

he wasn’t one that was used to expressing his emotions and for whatever reason, you understood that.

you let him take his time as he tried to get comfortable with it.

and even now, though he may not be there yet, he was definitely getting better at it.

his eyes flickered briefly to the bedside table. the top drawer to be more exact. where the ring sat in its box, waiting for him to open, waiting for him to ask you. where he’d placed it there earlier without much thought.

but now it felt impossible to ignore.

this could be it.

it was quiet.

you were here.

there was nothing to interrupt him, no one to get in the way.

just the two of you.

“..levi?” you mumbled quietly, your voice thick with sleep.

“hm.”

“come back to bed.” you murmur, shifting closer to him, your hand resting against his side.

he removed himself from his thoughts, looking down at you. at the way you were barely awake, completely relaxed against him.

and suddenly it felt wrong to do it now, not when you were half asleep.

so he pushed down the thought, sinking back into bed and wrapping an arm around you to pull you close.

iii. campsite

it’d been four days since that morning.

it was dark out, the sky clear with occasional bright white dot visible in the sky.

you’d insisted on sitting out in the dark for a while and who was levi to deny his girlfriend?

you both sat outside your tent, your head resting on his lap as you looked up at the sky. pointing at the occasional star or constellation you would spot in between idle chatter.

levi didn’t say much.

not that he really did.

he much preferred listening to your voice as spoke, his hand resting on your waist, thumb absentmindedly moving back and forth.

“that one.” you say, raising your arm to point.

“which one?”

you nudge levi’s leg, raising your arm again. “there, the really bright one.”

he follows your finger this time, looking up.

“i see it now.”

you smiled to yourself before getting yourself comfortable as familiar silence fell between you both again.

your eyes remain fixed on the sky, watching the stars flicker faintly above you.

“wait,” you gasped, sitting up suddenly.

levi’s hand naturally reached out to steady you. “what?”

“look.” you say quickly, pointing at the sky again.

he follows your gaze just in time to see a bright streak of light cut through the night sky.

a shooting star.

“make a wish!” you say, immediately closing your eyes.

levi watches you for a moment.

“that’s not how it works.” he huffs, earning a nudge from you.

“just do it.” you insist.

he sighs in defeat, but he doesn’t close his eyes. just watches you quietly.

your soft expression, the small smile on your lips.

he didn’t need to close his eyes to make his wish.

he already knew.

you open your eyes and look up again, as if expecting the star to still be there and then turning to look at levi.

“what did you wish for?”

your question earned a scoff from him. “you’re not meant to say.”

“i know,” you smiled. “i’m going to tell you anyway.

he doesn’t reply. just looks at you, waiting for you to continue.

“i wished for things to stay like this. just us. for as long as possible.

if you looked closely you could see the smallest shift in levi’s expression.

“what about you?”

his face remained unreadable, stiff. but his hand reached for yours, holding it in his gently.

this was it.

the perfect opportunity to tell you just how he felt, no–

“captain!” a distant voice called, followed with the heavy sound of footsteps.

really? levi thought.

he slowly closed his eyes, composing himself before rising to his feet, holding his hand out to help you up next.

the scout was stood before you now, drawing deep breaths.

“captain, you’re both needed urgently. some movement has been detected at the left wing.”

and just like that the both of you were sucked back into work, your previous moment forgotten.

iv. on a walk

the spring breeze felt nice on your skin, cooling you down as the hot sun continued to beat down on you.

for the first time in a while, you had some time to yourself before training. but that wasn’t even the most shocking part. the most shocking part was the fact levi also had that same period of time off. so what better way to spend it than basking in the late afternoon sun whilst taking a quiet stroll through the grounds.

this was a rarity you both enjoyed whenever you had the chance.

the two of you walked a familiar path, hand in hand, taking in the stillness around you. it was quiet, peaceful in a way your lives rarely allowed, and for once there was nothing pressing waiting for either of you. no orders, no responsibilities.

this was perfect.

“we should think of heading back soon. i’m sure training will begin shortly,” levi said, glancing ahead.

you sighed softly, turning to face him. “come on, levi, don’t be like that.”

he frowned slightly, not understanding what he’d said wrong. he was right, you both had to head back soon.

“don’t you want to spend time with me?” you asked, stepping in front of him and wrapping your arms around his neck.

his hands found your waist easily, like they always did, holding you without thought. he liked when you touched him, even if he’d never say it out loud. there was something grounding about it, something he’d grown used to without realising.

“i am,” he said simply.

you smiled at that, studying his face for a second before leaning in. he met you halfway, your lips moving together in a way that felt second nature now.

he definitely liked this.

you let out a quiet hum against him as his grip tightened slightly, pulling you just a little closer as the kiss deepened. for a moment, everything else faded away.

levi knew.

this was it.

he’d planned it this time. waited for the right moment, made sure no one would be around, no one to interrupt or pull you away. everything was exactly how it should be.

slowly, his hand slipped from your waist, moving toward his pocket. his fingers closed around the small box, steady but deliberate as he pulled back from the kiss just slightly.

you followed instinctively, your forehead resting against his, your breath still warm against his lips.

“…what?” you murmured.

he hesitated for only a second before pulling the box out, holding it low between you. his thumb brushed against the lid, heart steady in his chest even as the weight of the moment settled around him.

this was it.

“…i—”

a drop of water hit your cheek.

you blinked.

then another.

and another.

you both glanced up at the sky just as the clouds that hadn’t been there moments ago seemed to roll in all at once.

“you’ve got to be kidding me,” you muttered.

within seconds, the light drizzle turned heavier, rain falling fast and sudden, soaking through your clothes before either of you could properly react.

you laughed, grabbing onto him as the rain came down harder. “okay, maybe we should go.”

levi stood there for a second longer, the box still in his hand, the moment slipping away in real time.

then he exhaled sharply, snapping it shut and shoving it back into his pocket.

“come on.”

he grabbed your hand, pulling you along as the two of you rushed back toward shelter, your laughter mixing with the sound of the rain hitting the ground.

by the time you made it inside, you were both soaked.

you pushed wet hair from your face, still smiling. “that was fun.”

“…you’ll catch a cold,” he muttered, clearly not happy with the rain.

“loosen up, grumpy,” you teased.

he didn’t respond.

just watched you for a second, taking in the way you looked; soaked and laughing.

the moment had been perfect.

everything had gone right.

and somehow, it still hadn’t happened.

v. at dinner

it was a special night tonight.

it was date night, which meant one of you cooked while the other stayed out of the way, and then you both sat down and ate together like nothing else mattered. it was a tradition you kept every month or so. something simple, but something you always found yourselves looking forward to. though tonight felt slightly different.

“wow, levi.” you smiled, taking a seat across from him.

he didn’t say much, just adjusted your chair slightly before sitting down himself. everything was neat, organised, exactly how he liked it. the food was still warm, the table set properly, not a single thing out of place.

levi had one rule on nights like these; no one was allowed to disturb. and everyone knew better. tonight, he had made sure of it.

because tonight, he was going to propose.

you picked up your fork, glancing at him again. “you went all out.”

“…it’s nothing.”

you smiled slightly, shaking your head. “it’s not nothing. this is really nice.”

he hummed quietly, his attention on you more than the food. he’d planned this. every detail, every moment, making sure nothing would go wrong. for once, everything was exactly how it should be.

the box sat in his pocket, heavier than usual.

this was it.

the conversation stayed easy between you, light and familiar, the kind that didn’t need effort. you spoke about nothing important; training, small things, whatever came to mind, and he let it happen, waiting for the right moment to shift it into something more.

when you finished, you leaned back slightly, letting out a soft breath. “i enjoyed that.”

“yeah.”

you smiled at him, softer now. “i like this. just us.”

his gaze lingered on you for a moment longer than usual. “so do i.”

silence followed, calm and steady, the kind that usually didn’t need filling. this was the moment.

levi felt it.

his hand moved slightly, brushing against his pocket where the box sat, waiting.

say it.

just say it.

“there’s something i want to say,” he said.

you looked up at him, curious but relaxed. “okay.”

his chest felt tight, not in fear, but in the weight of it. of what it meant. of how much it mattered. you watched him patiently, like you always did, and for some reason that made it harder.

his fingers curled slightly against his leg. the words were there, he could feel them. all he had to do was say them.

“…we should do this more often,” he said instead.

you blinked, then smiled faintly. “i was just thinking that.”

he nodded once, like that had been what he meant all along, like that had been the question. the moment shifted, just like that.

you kept talking, completely oblivious to what had almost been said.

and levi sat there, listening, responding when needed, like nothing had happened.

like he hadn’t just failed again.

this time, there was no interruption. no bad timing. no one to blame but himself.

just him.

and the words he couldn’t seem to say.

iv.

the room was warm, lit softly by the lamp in the corner, the glow low and golden as the record player spun lazily in the background. the music wasn’t loud, just enough to fill the space, paired with the faint crackle of the vinyl.

you were already halfway through the song when levi walked in.

bare feet against the floor, hair still damp from your shower, wearing one of levi’s shirts that hung loose on you. you hummed quietly to yourself, moving around the room without much care.

he stood near the door for a moment longer than necessary, watching you move around. it wasn’t anything new. he’d seen you like this before. but for some reason, tonight it felt different.

“if you fall and hurt yourself i won’t help.

you turned immediately, grin already forming. “don’t lie.”

“i won’t.” he lied, he knew if anything were to happen he’d be by your side in an instant.

“liar.”

he didn’t bother responding to that, but his eyes followed you as you walked toward him, like you’d expected him to just… join in.

which he wouldn’t.

“come here,” you said, holding your hand out.

“…no.”

“levi.”

“i said no.”

you pulled him forward before he could finish, laughing softly as he stumbled the slightest bit, more from surprise than anything else.

“you’re no fun,” you murmured, placing his hands on your waist yourself before resting yours loosely around his shoulders.

he looked down at you, unimpressed on the surface, but he didn’t move them away.

“i’m not dancing,” he muttered again.

“you don’t have to dance,” you said, already placing his hands on your waist. “just stand there and look pretty.”

“i don’t do that either.” he scoffs in disbelief.

“you’re doing it right now.”

he gave you a look for that.

you smiled wider.

and then you started swaying again, slow and easy, guiding him without asking, like you always did.

it didn’t take long before he stopped pretending to resist.

“see?” you murmured. “not so bad.”

he doesn’t respond to that, just grunting at your words.

you laughed, leaning in slightly, your forehead brushing his for a second before you pulled back just enough to look at him properly.

“you’d be miserable without me.”

“i’d be able to get more done.”

“exactly. miserable.”

he never said anything, but something in his expression softened just slightly.

enough for you to notice.

“do you like being with me?”

the question came out of nowhere and it caused you to look at him with confusion.

“of course i do.” you said like it were obvious.

“why..?”

you let out a small breath, almost a laugh. “what do you mean why?”

“why?” he repeated.

the tone in his voice told you he wasn’t joking with you and it made you frown a bit. to you it was obvious why you were with him but levi was failing to see the same.

because.. you’re always there when i need you, even if you pretend it inconveniences you. you care for me and you’re honest. you make me feel safe.”

levi’s eyes never left your face, even when he finished speaking. instead he ket silence consume the both of you as he thought of what to say.

“i know i don’t talk a lot about how i feel.”

you huffed quietly, a small smile tugging at your lips. “you could say that.”

“i don’t.. but i think about it. i think about it way more than i say it.” he speaks slowly.

your smile faded slightly, your attention fully on him.

“i’ve lost a lot of people growing up. people i thought would see grow old alongside me. and i constantly think of all the things i never said to them.”

his words made you chest tighten. he didn’t talk about his past often and you knew there were scars there, scars that would most likely never fully heal. but whenever he spoke of it to you, you couldn’t help but feel grateful that he trusted you enough to open up to you.

“i know that nothing in this lifetime is promised, especially with our line of work but also know i wouldn’t be able to live with myself if anything were to happen to you. i can’t let it happen again, not with you.”

your expression changed, your hands resting on his shoulders.

“i don’t want this to end because of something i should’ve said. i don’t want to lose you knowing i could’ve prevented it.”

you shook your head in response. “you’re not going to lose me.”

“you don’t know that.”

“i do.” you said, stepping closer, your hands tangling in his hair. “i’m not going anywhere.”

he looked at you properly, like he found it hard to believe.

“..then marry me.”

you couldn’t believe the words that’d left his mouth, you breath caught in your chest.

“what?” you questioned in disbelief.

his voice remained firm as he repeated his words.

“marry me,” he repeated, just as steady. “so i don’t have to keep wondering if you know how much i love you.”

your chest tightened at that, something warm and overwhelming settling in all at once.

“levi..”

you knew your answer and you also knew the fact that you hadn’t given him a proper answer yet was eating at him so you decided to mess with him a bit.

“there’s no ring.” you huffed in fake annoyance.

he paused, mentally cursing himself for being so unorganised.

“right..” was all he said before pulling away.

before you could react, he’d already crossed the room, opening the top drawer beside his side of the bed. you watched him, confusion settling in for a moment before he turned back around, the small black box now visible in his hand.

“…no way.”

he walked back over to you, slower this time. when he stopped in front of you, there was a brief second where he just looked at you before lowering himself onto one knee.

“will you marry me?”

you couldn’t believe this was actually happening. you just stared at him for a second, pure disbelief written all over your face before you nodded quickly, almost stumbling over your words.

“yes–of course i will.”

he slid the ring onto your finger carefully, his touch steady despite everything. when he stood, you didn’t even give him a second to say anything before you were pulling him into you, wrapping your arms tightly around him.

“i can’t believe you,” you murmured, your voice slightly shaky against him.

“do you like the ring?” he asked, his arms settling firmly around your waist.

you pulled back just enough to look at it again, a small smile breaking across your face. “of course i do.”

your gaze lifted back to his.

“i love you, levi.”

and for the first time in a while, you were met with a small smile.

“i love you too.”

you barely had a second to react before he pulled you back in, one hand coming up to your jaw, holding you there as he kissed you firmly, pouring all his emotions into the kiss.

when you pulled back, you let out a quiet laugh, still a little breathless. you shakily placed your hand on his chest, staring in pure shock as you get a proper look at the ring.

you stared at it properly this time, like it had only just sunk in.

“…oh my god.”

your voice was softer now, almost disbelieving, your thumb brushing over it like you needed to make sure it was real.

levi didn’t say anything.

he just watched you.

you glanced back up at him after a second, a small smile slowly forming. “did you plan this?”

he scoffed at the question, shaking his head.

“no.” he started. “i tried five times before this.”

that caught your attention immediately, laughter bubbling up in your chest.

“what? you’re kidding.”

levi shook his head, completely serious.

“i’m not.”

you pulled back slightly just to look at him properly, eyes narrowing a little like you were trying to figure out if he was messing with you. “…you’re lying.”

“…i’m not.”

“levi,” you laughed, shaking your head. “there’s no way you tried five times and i didn’t notice.”

“you didn’t.”

“that’s actually embarrassing for you.”

he gave you a look, unimpressed. “…it wasn’t my fault.”

“oh, so now it’s my fault?” you shot back, smiling.

“things kept getting in the way.”

you tilted your head, clearly entertained now. “you have to tell me about each time. in detail.”

he sighed quietly, like he already regretted saying anything.

the music from the record player continued to spin softly in the background, the faint crackle filling the space between you, playing a familiar tune.

you stepped a little closer, your arms settling comfortably around him as the two of you began to sway gently to the music.

“fine,” he muttered after a moment.

you smiled against him, resting your head on his shoulder as he started, reluctantly, to tell you about each failed attempt.

and as he spoke, quiet and low, you listened, that same warm feeling settling deep in your chest.

because every almost, every failed moment.

it had still led him here.

to you.

you smiled to yourself, eyes closing briefly as you held onto him just a little tighter.

yeah.

you blink. oh. not again.

reminded of the time this happened once before, you do not worry for being this way indefinitely. so, you decide in that breath to ride it out with a little bit more grace this time.

with a deep sigh, you make your way to lucian’s side and lick the tip of his nose.

you wish you could capture this somehow— the details of when they open their eyes to the sunlight in your feline vision. each lash so perfectly curated, each freckle in their irises wonderfully placed, the overjoyed expression that paints their features when a kitten wakes them.

“a cat!” lucian squeals, taking you with him again when he sits upright. you giggle in your mind, the purrs let them know you are.

you’ll commend them later with how gently they care for you.

kyros’s warm palm stays on your head, petting as he is talking to you about being part of the family. asking for permission to hug you which you respond to with slow blinks and head butts to his soft belly.

lucian excitedly crawls in circles around you, careful not to hit you, while yapping about how many tricks you’ll be able to do— with live demonstrations of said tricks. you so kindly demonstrate them back to him, and his face of triumph is one you've never seen before.

your heart warms, despite being in this predicament, not once have you yet worried about needing to turn back.

on this rare morning, when your little ones are fawning over you and showing you the fruits of your love for them, you take this curse as a blessing.

but that smell.

it’s not bad, just strong and warm and creeping. the smell of a living body— of milk, blueberries and a simmering smoke beneath. a strange variation of… sylus.

a scent too strong that you must wipe them clean of or else something else will smell them, then your little ones would be in grave danger. your pupils shrink to slits and your hackles rise at the thought. kyros murmurs a confused, "huh?"

hopping up on your hind legs makes him coo, but your singular purpose is to get to his cheeks. a few licks will balance them out, smooth it out and refine it— balance it with you, and make it smell like home.

"boys, have you seen your mother?"

you’re in the middle of licking lucian’s forehead when sylus walks into their bedroom. he stares at his children, hair mussed in different directions, and they stare right back at him.

"papa!" kyros smiles, scrambling off the sheets to crash into sylus's knees. he is caught just in time before any teeth are knocked out, and lifted into a sturdy embrace.

lucian tilts his head closer to you when you bap his forehead with your mitten. you start licking at another spot on his head. "papa, a cat came in."

"it looks like it." he chuckles, recognizing the dragon li that has begun scenting his children as none other than his wife. it's happened before, anyway, what he didn't expect is that it would happen again.

he reaches out to squeeze lucian's cheek good morning, but your paw swats his hand away.

the silence is heavy.

he scoffs at you, appalled. "are you keeping him from me?"

you hiss, ears flat back and petulant. the answer, horrifyingly, a yes.

you try to chirp at kyros, redirect him back to you because— ugh, he just undid all the work you did and now he smells even more like his father and even less like you. luckily, he is obedient and wriggles out of his papa's grasp at your command, much to sylus's displeasure.

"hey!" sylus harrumphs, watching as kyros sidles up next to you and lucian. his brood, now within your litter.

you hiss at him again.

"no," lucian chides, petting your ears down. "das papa. he's nice."

"papa no hurt you." kyros supplies helpfully. "he big, but he no hurt."

sylus softens at his children's words. to you, he says, "see, kitten? i'm harmless."

"her name miss waffle-cake, papa," whispers kyros, offended for you. you meow in protest at the dubbed name, knowing how sylus will use it against you later on, but kyros holds you close now and sniffs you. "she smell sweet!"

"oh?" sylus grins, sinister and mischievous. "may i?"

he's fast when he takes you from kyros. the height you travel up to is sickening with the speed, it makes you squirm and cry in protest. soon you're face-to-face with your husband, eyes gleaming, and smirk treacherous.

his nose is in your belly in an instant. it tickles. you do not know whether to scream or laugh.

your meows are incomprehensible, and your limbs flail about against your control. in your head, you are screaming for your life.

"stop!" is yelled from below you, your own kittens now pawing at sylus's legs in outrage. "stop, she don'ike it!"

sylus breathes a chuckle as he cradles you to his chest. your sheathed claws tap at his cheek in mock pride, saying, yes! listen to your sons!

"papa, be nice!" squeaks lucian, seeming most affected by your distressed sounds. "she little!"

"give me!" demands kyros, hands outstretched upwards. waiting for your return in his protection.

sylus laughs at your smug expression, surprised a cat can even have such a prominent one, and promptly hands you back to kyros.

"sorry." kyros kisses your forehead softly, and you melt in his embrace. "papa silly sometime."

lucian comes to scratch your chin and bump his forehead against yours. angrily muttering under his breath, "big lizard."

your purrs get louder as your laughter turns hysterical in your brain.

oh, your sweet boys.

"okay, i'm sorry." sylus sinks down to the floor to kneel on his legs and bows his head. "i got... excited."

lucian is the one who shifts his body to be the barrier between him and you. "papa... like cats?"

sylus chuckles at the accusation. "i love cats. especially waffle-cake." he nods towards you. despite yourself, you tilt your head shyly.

"miss waffle-cake." kyros sneers. he did come up with the name, after all.

sylus raises his palms regretfully. "miss waffle-cake."

oh he's loving this. you snuff a breath at him through your little pink nose.

sylus pleads with his family now, eyes big and unguarded. begging to be included in the fun. "i promise to be gentle."

the twins look to one another. it wasn't like their papa to lie to them. he messes with them, regularly, sure, but he isn't mean, they think. lucian is the first to nod, and so kyros announces the ruling that papa can now be part of the i-love-miss-waffle-cake-club.

grateful, he squeezes himself onto lucian's bed and takes all three of you in the crisscross of his legs. bending close to your snout for a little nuzzle as he whispers, "just say when."

knowing that the last time this happened, turning back involved lips and true love.

you rub your cheek against his chin in acknowledgement.

the morning is spent indulging your family on their simple joys.

you'd become one of the world's greatest marvels, existing being your greatest feat to your children.

your quick zoomies around the room are exhilarating, especially with two little boys trying to catch you.

you sniff them until their stomachs hurt from laughing.

you teach them to make biscuits on papa, starting your own little bakery on his bottom.

even your instinctive licking (because they're starting to smell like sylus again) is so inexplicably beautiful to them, they just sit there and let it happen.

and naturally, under the warmth of the morning light, once curious eyes waver behind heavy lids. your own yawn from your place on sylus's chest, underneath his shirt, seems to trigger everyone else's.

positions are established like nature, and soon you're squeezed up against two little ones who've decided they want to be kittens in papa's shirt too.

but before they drift away, kyros takes your paw in his hand and lucian kisses your head and murmurs. "wish mama was here."

melting your heart into oblivion.

"having fun?" sylus inquires once lucian has followed his brother into a dream later on. you've crawled out of his shirt and perched yourself on his shoulder, curling around your babies as best you can.

you chirp at him, yes. and slowly blink at your sons.

"ready?" he asks softly, but it sounds like another request entirely.

the slight pucker of his lips is cute, showing a little more than he let on— if you knew how to look for it. an expert in reading your husband, you read him clear as day: he misses you.

so you lean in, but instinct trumps logic and your paws press against his lips. "mrph!"

"what?" he wonders. you're getting up and climbing on his head now. he feels the sharpened bristles of your tongue move his unstyled hair in all directions, doing more harm than good if your intention was to groom him.

he lets you finish the job, just as obedient as his sons, until you give him the kiss he's been waiting for.

when your feline eyes turn from large and crystaline to the ones he fell in love with, he smiles. "kitten."

meanwhile, your hands slide up to the back of his head to tug him down. his hair—now perfectly balanced in scent thanks to you— is askew, but you make no effort in fixing anything else.

you take a whiff and sigh in relief. "much better."

"because... you're not a cat anymore?" sylus inquires. unaware of the still fading inner workings of a feline's mind.

"sure," you shrug, kissing his cheek. then you turn to your sleeping babies on his chest and soften. "but that was good too."

the headache hit the second your eyes opened.

it wasn’t the usual post exhaustion ache. this felt like someone had pried open a door in your skull and forgotten to close it. you sat up in your narrow bunk, pressing the heels of your palms against your temples, and that was when the voices started.

damn boots still aren’t polished right…

if i have to run laps again today i’m going to throw myself off the wall.

wonder if she’s awake yet…

dozens of thoughts crashed into your mind at once—some loud, some quiet, some bored, some anxious. you gasped, eyes wide. telepathy. somehow, overnight, you could hear what everyone around you was thinking. the survey corps headquarters had never felt so loud.

you dressed on autopilot, heart hammering, and tried to focus on building some kind of mental wall. it helped a little. by the time you reached the mess hall, the roar had dulled to a constant murmur. until you saw him.

captain levi sat at his usual corner table, back straight, cup of tea cradled in his hands like it was sacred. his expression was the same blank mask he always wore around you. you tried to slip past, but—

“oi. sit.”

his voice was flat. you obeyed, sliding onto the bench across from him with your tray of lukewarm porridge and stale bread.

“you look like shit,” he said, not even looking up from his tea. “eyes are puffy. didn’t sleep? try not to collapse during training. i don’t need dead weight slowing my squad down.”

your spoon froze halfway to your mouth.

she still looks beautiful. how is that fair? those tired eyes make me want to pull her into my lap and let her sleep against my chest. fuck. stop. she already thinks i’m an asshole.

you nearly dropped your spoon. heat flooded your face.

levi’s gaze flicked up. “what? something on my face, brat?”

“n-no,” you managed, quickly shoving porridge into your mouth.

all this time you had assumed Levi merely tolerated you. his sharp tongue, the constant criticism, the way he always seemed extra irritated when you were around—you thought he disliked you. maybe even resented you for taking up space in his squad.

but the thoughts flowing from him were impossibly soft.

she’s nervous again. cute. i should’ve saved her the softer bread roll instead of giving it to the new recruits. idiot. why can’t i just say something nice for once?

you spent the rest of breakfast stealing glances at him, fighting the smile threatening to break across your face.

training was even worse. or better. you couldn’t decide.

“fix your damn stance,” levi snapped, circling you with his arms crossed. “you’re swinging like a drunk civilian. again.”

look at her. form’s already improved so much. she’s getting stronger every week. makes my chest feel tight. want to tell her she’s doing well. want to put my hands on her waist and adjust her posture myself.

you stumbled mid swing. levi clicked his tongue.

“tch. pay attention.” he stepped closer, gripping your elbow to correct your arm. his touch was firm but careful. “if you die out there because you can’t focus, i’ll drag your corpse back and kick your ass.”

i’d burn the world down before i let anything happen to her.

your heart fluttered so hard you thought it might fly out of your chest. “yes, captain.”

he released you, but not before his fingers lingered half a second longer than necessary.

later, during hand to hand drills, he paired you with him. you ended up on your back in the dirt, levi’s knee pinning your shoulder.

“too slow,” he muttered, but his eyes were gentle. almost worried. “get up. again.”

she’s flushed. looks good like this. under me. shit—stop. focus, ackerman.

you bit your lip to keep from grinning. When he offered you a hand up, you took it. his grip was warm and steady.

after training, you were covered in sweat and dust. levi tossed a clean handkerchief at your face without warning.

“clean yourself up. you’re disgusting.”

her hands are too soft for this life. i want to wipe her face for her. i want to take her somewhere quiet and wash the dirt off myself. pathetic old man.

you pressed the handkerchief to your cheeks, hiding your smile in the fabric that smelled faintly of his soap—clean, sharp, comforting.

by late afternoon you were emotionally exhausted in the best way. every harsh word from levi was now wrapped in layers of affection in your mind. you followed him when he retreated to his office, pretending you had reports to deliver.

he was already wiping down his desk even though it gleamed. levi didn’t glance up when you entered.

“you’re still here? go rest. that’s an order.”

please don’t go. stay. the room feels warmer when you’re in it. i like the way you look at my bookshelves like you want to read every title. i like the way you say my name.

you closed the door behind you. levi finally looked up, one eyebrow raised.

“something wrong?”

you walked closer, heart pounding. “captain... you don’t actually hate me, do you?”

he scoffed, turning back to his rag. “don’t be stupid. if i hated you, you’d be scrubbing toilets with the new recruits.”

hate you? i’m so fucking in love with you it’s embarrassing. i count the days until i see you in the mess hall. i keep your gear in perfect condition because i can’t stand the thought of anything failing you. i replay your laugh in my head when it’s quiet.

you stepped around the desk until you were right beside him. gently, you placed your hand over his, stopping the endless cleaning.

“levi,” you whispered. “i can hear you.”

silence.

his entire body went still. those sharp gray eyes snapped to yours, wider than you’d ever seen them.

“what did you just say?”

“everything,” you said softly, smiling. “how you think i’m beautiful even when i look like crap. how you saved the soft bread for me this morning. how you wanted to adjust my stance by holding my waist. how you want to kiss me. how you… like me. a lot.”

levi stared at you for a long moment. a faint flush crept up the back of his neck—the tiniest, most precious crack in his armor.

“brat,” he muttered, but there was no heat in it. his hand turned beneath yours, calloused fingers threading carefully through your own like he was afraid you might vanish. “you’re a real pain in the ass for telling me like this.”

she knows. she’s still here. she’s smiling at me. don’t fuck this up.

you laughed quietly and leaned your forehead against his. he was shorter than you, but the way he tilted his head up to meet you felt perfect.

“i like you too,” you confessed. “i’ve liked you for a long time. i thought you couldn’t stand me… but hearing the truth? It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

levi exhaled shakily. one of his hands came up to cup the back of your neck, thumb brushing your skin with surprising tenderness.

“should’ve said something sooner,” he admitted, voice low. “but I’m shit with words. always have been.” he paused, then added, almost shyly, “you’re important. to me. don’t… don’t go getting yourself killed out there. i need you to come back.”

the words were still a little gruff, but now you could hear the full, beautiful truth behind them.

you pulled back just enough to look at him. “then i’ll keep coming back. every time.”

for a moment he just looked at you, eyes soft in a way no one else ever got to see. then he tugged you down gently and pressed a kiss to your forehead—slow, deliberate, and full of all the things he still struggled to say out loud.

“stay here tonight,” he murmured against your skin. “not for any weird shit. just… stay. i’ll make tea. we can sit quietly. i like quiet with you.”

you smiled, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. “i’d like that.”

levi held you a little tighter, his thoughts wrapping around you like a warm blanket:

finally. she’s mine. i’m hers. and i’m never letting her go.

outside, the headquarters continued its usual chaos, but inside levi’s office, the world felt perfectly still. just the two of you—his sharp words, his soft heart, and the new, wonderful understanding blooming between you.

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