Chapter Text
Annie lay awake in bed, shivering despite the warm sheets. She reached out for him, but his side of the bed was cold and empty. As she pulled the covers closer to her body, she could only think of him, the only person who ever truly understood her. In a world ravaged by war, their love was a refuge, hidden within the safety of Marley's walls. The once-mighty empire had crumbled, but for Annie, has always be her home.... it was good to finally live free in her own country. Their once inconceivable love had blossomed into something passionate and symbiotic, but after 2 years for her...it was still a cause of concern.
Armin had become a revered and powerful figure in the country, his every word carrying influence and relevance. Annie's heart swelled with pride and adoration each time she watched him addressing the people with unwavering conviction and grace, patience and perseverance even toward his adversaries. In those moments, she felt an overwhelming sense of what love really meant: a fierce loyalty and admiration for this extraordinary man.
Recently, far too often, she could not help but wonder if all this was right. if she deserved all this.
In just a few years, she had gone from being an emotionless warrior to a young woman who found comfort and warmth in the arms of her former enemy.
As she watched him, her heart filled with love and terror. She was afraid of giving herself completely to him, of losing control and becoming vulnerable to his affection. Yet, as time passed, she longed for him with every fiber of her being.
Armin sat hunched over his desk, scribbling furiously on a never-ending stack of papers. As he sighed and rubbed his tired eyes, the soft glow of the dim office lights showed Annie's silhouette in the doorway. Instantly he pushed aside the piles of paper and eagerly walked towards her.
She stood there with a mixture of warmth and uncertainty in her eyes, vulnerable yet still so strong. He couldn't help but smile at her
- You not still asleep ?
they both said at the same time.
Annie giggled, but the chuckle was weak.
-Hey whats up?
he asked gently, trying to read her face
Annie hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.
-I... I just needed to see you. To make sure you're real.
She looked so lost.
The weight of her words hit Armin like a ton of bricks. Knowing the depth of her fears and insecurities, he couldn't bear to see her suffer anymore. Pulling her into a tight embrace, he whispered against her hair
-I'm real, Annie of course I am. And I'm not going anywhere
In that moment, surrounded by the comfort of his arms, Annie felt a wave of unease wash over her... and felt she was ready to explain her fears. But before she could voice them, Armin took a deep breath and revealed what had been weighing on his mind for weeks.
-We should get married, Annie.
he said firmly, with resolve blazing in his eyes as he held her gaze.
Her heart stopped as she processed his words, feeling both elated and terrified at the same time. But then she looked into his unwavering eyes and knew that she never wanted to let go of this man who was willing to face all her demons with her.
-Annie, we will be leaving Marley for Paradis soon. It will be dangerous I don't deny it and that is why I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. We may be in a advantageous position here in Marley, but I need to return to my country and share our story with the people of Ymir. Every detail, from the beginning to... to the end. And I need you by my side...
his voice voice quivered with emotion
-As my wife.
She knew the weight of their duty as peace ambassadors, but the idea of being bound to someone.... to Armin... On one hand, she loved and trusted him with all her heart. But on the other hand, the thought of giving him danger was unberable.-Armin...
she whispered
-I-I don't know if I'm strong enough to do this...
Her stormy eyes locked with his ocean blue ones, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation in his gaze. But Armin stood firm, reaching out to take her hands in his.
-Annie, I see your fears. But together we are stronger. We can face any challenge that comes our way, as long...as long as we stay together.
Her mind was a whirlwind of mixed feelings. As much as she loved Armin and wanted to fight for their cause, the burden of their responsibilities weighed heavily on her. Could she really wipe out her old self for this man? Could they really make a difference in a world still racked by conflict and war?
Tears streamed into Annie's eyes as she looked at him. He was embarrassed, just as was on the boat, that day, before the Battle of Heaven and Earth. He smiled softly tho. Annie started to sob. She felt so happy.
She was supposed to throw her arms around his neck and say "yes yes yes yes yes!" ten thousand times but instead... she blurted out
-Wait, who else knows about this?
***
My dear Mikasa,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I know we haven't been able to see each other as much the past three years, with everything that has been going on.
I know you do get my letters, and if you don't want to answer me frequently I can understand. But I beg you to answer to this one...I am writing to invite you to join me in Marley for my upcoming wedding to Annie. I know it may come as a surprise, but the time has come for me to take this step!! Yet, I cannot imagine having it celebrated without you by my side.
I understand that being alone in Paradis must be difficult, especially after everything we (YOU) have been through. But please know that you hold a special place in my soul, as more than just a friend or sister. Your presence would mean the world to me.
The wedding is going to take place on May 9, so you have lots of time to arrange. I hope Historia will also attend so you can travel together.
Send you our love
Your sincerely,
Armin.
Mikasa's heart was tearing apart as she read Armin's letter. She had not seen it coming.
As she went on reading, tears welled up in her eyes, thinking of Eren and all they had lost.
Suddely she shoot the door wide open and ran toward the setting sun, seeking a useless comfort on his grave, wishing he was here to take part in this moment. It was so bittersweet that Armin was moving on and starting a new chapter in his life, while she remained stuck in the past, unable to move forward without Eren by her side. In her sorrow, she whispered slowly
-My sweet love, our dear Armin is getting married soon... can you believe it? He even invited me to join him in Marley, but I am so afraid to leave you.... I cannot leave this place and go on without you.
She knelt down, tracing the letters carved in the stone with her fingertips, as if searching for an answer that did not come.
Silence enveloped her, broken only by the distant call of a bird. And then, as if in answer to her unexpressed prayers, a gentle breeze swept across the clearing, carrying with it a single white feather that floated and settled at her feet.
Mikasa's eyes widened in wonder as she picked up the plume and felt a strange warmth spread through her. She knew then that Eren was with her, watching over her.
Forever.
to be continued