Anime One Shots And Imagine (Black Ocs) Take Two

Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way (Erwin Smith)

~~~~~~~
Martha was typing away at her desk in the teacher's lounge, writing up reports and grading assignments for her classes. She was so deeply focused that the rather large presence next to her almost went unnoticed.
"Working hard per usual, Mrs. Ambrosie?" the deep but calming voice said on the side of her. Martha looked up at the man with a small smile on her face.
"Of course, Mr. Smith, but please call me by my maiden name. I no longer go by Mrs. Ambrosie," she answered, stretching her limbs a bit as the taller man chuckled.
"My Apology, Ms. Garris. I just wanted to invite you for dinner tonight. We managed to make it through another exam week, so it seems appropriate.". The woman thought as she glanced over her work.
"I can finish it over the weekend," she thought before looking up at the man with a wider smile, agreeing to the invitation.

The pair decide to meet up at the bar nearby to catch up. The taller man held the door for Martha as they entered, greeting the hostess. Once they sat down and had their drinks, they started to converse as they waited for their food.
"So how have you been? If you don't mind me asking.".
"Well the house has been lonely since my youngest went to college, but I have prepared myself for that mentally. I wish I could say the same about my marriage.".
"Well divorces are never easy. As you know, I had my fair share with them. So if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm all ears.". Martha smiled.
"Thank you, Erwin.".

******
Martha was rather quiet. More so than usual even after her divorce and that made Erwin concerned. So after the woman's class cleared out, he decided to pay her a visit. Knocking on the door, the man walked to her desk.
"Ms. Garris?". Martha looked up to see the man before going back to work.
"Oh. Erwin. Hey there. I'm just grading some paperwork then I'll be heading out.".
"I don't mean to pry, but it seems that you haven't been yourself lately.".
"Well ending a twenty-five-year marriage will do that to you.".
"Martha.". Erwin gently took Martha's hand and brown eyes full of sorrow met blue ones filled with concern, contrary to the serious expression.
"We've known each other for too long for you to try and elude me with mind games. That may work for others, but not me.". The woman's walls started to crack as the tears stung her eyes.
"It hasn't even been two months since the divorce. He's already getting remarried. Did the twenty-five years we spent together mean nothing to him? Was I a fool blinded by the false security of a long relationship?". Erwin did not have an answer to those questions. How could he? He still pondered those same questions himself. So instead, the man pulled her into his arms as a barrier for now, and in his arms, the woman's walls came crashing down as she cried in his arms. In that dark room with the only light being the setting sun, two broken people held each other and it was as if time stood still.

******
Martha walked into the teacher's lounge just to be surprised by all of her colleagues.
"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!" they all shouted. Erwin walked over to her with a small bouquet of her favorite flowers, which she took graciously.
"Thank you, everyone.".
"Since you have had a rough few months, we wanted to make today special and give you gifts to show that we appreciate you being here with us." Hange expressed with a wide smile.
"You deserve this at the least. We can't have you moping around now can we?" Levi added, with a vague but present smile.
"Plus, you're the only mom here which makes it easy to spoil you for a change," Zeke yelled from his desk. Though she was playing it off well, the joy that the woman felt was indescribable.

Erwin had texted Martha about meeting up at his home after work to celebrate mother's day. So here she was standing outside of his home. After knocking, it only took a few minutes for him to answer the door.
"Welcome, Martha. Please allow me to get your coat.". Martha agreed, looking around as Erwin hung her coat up.
"What a lovely abo.".
"I appreciate it. Dinner is about done if you want to wash up.".
"Yes, thank you.". Erwin pointed her to the guest bathroom before returning to the kitchen. When the guest of honor returned, her host was pouring wine into each of the glasses and a lovely meal was awaiting her.

They talked about anything that came to mind throughout the meal and for the first time in a while, Martha felt at ease. After eating, they cleaned the dishes and sat down to talk more. Seeing Martha back to her usual self, even if only by a fraction, but a smile on Erwin's face.
"Mr. Smith are you even listening to me?" the woman giggled.
"Of course, I am, Ms. Garris.".
"Then what's with that look?".
"I was just thinking about how much I missed this. I was worried I wouldn't be able to see the Martha I knew and loved.". The declaration stun the woman, unable to believe this was coming from her relatively conservative colleague.
"I guess my personality is still in tack. I have you to thank for that.". Erwin slid closer to the woman, wrapping an arm around her, and tilting her head to maintain eye contact.
"I merely helped keep you upright. You did the walking by yourself.". Martha pecked the taller man before replying "You gave me the courage to walk.". The man's smile widened as he leaned in to return her kiss.

******
It's been almost a year since
Martha and Erwin started going out and it was the best time she's had in a really long time. Erwin was very tender, caring, and loving. Replacing all of her emotional wounds with healing remedies, as if they were never there. She eventually sold her home to move in with him and their domestic life together started. They're able to talk things out and if they don't agree with something, they both compromise something in exchange. Talking to him doesn't lead to a screaming match. He can confide in her as much as she confided in him. At work, even though they remain professional, they show affection in small means. Bringing each other coffee, kisses on the head when working late, hand kisses before classes, flowers on the desk with a love note, and quality time during lunch periods. They were healing steadily with each other's help and would travel together to get away from responsibilities for a while. The part that Erwin loved most was waking up to the love of his life and going to sleep with her in his embrace.

******
It was Erwin's birthday and Martha had the whole weekend planned for it. They went to visit his family and sightseeing in his home, Hamburg. Martha never really traveled around Germany outside of Berlin, so she was ecstatic. On the evening of his birthday, there was a small party with close friends and family and live music. They were having fun, socializing, and dancing. Martha's eldest child even came out with their partner and daughter. Suddenly, the music was turned down and all eyes looked toward the stage to see Erwin.
"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for the wonderful birthday. Enough to make this old man very gleeful. Thank you to my mother and other relatives for being here with me. Thank you friends and colleagues for traveling out here. And as for the woman who made this the best birthday yet, Martha please come on stage.". The taller man reached his hand to help his lover on stage.
"As uncommon for the birthday boy to give a gift to someone else, I feel like it would be appropriate and it would be the best birthday gift.". With that, Erwin took a knee, fishing a small velvet box from his jacket pocket.
"I know this is a bit late considering we've been together for almost two years, but would you do me the honor of being my wife.". Martha was crying and nodding profusely, unable to formulate proper words. Erwin stood to hug the weeping woman, kissing her and rocking her as the audience clapped and cheered. Once Martha calmed down a bit, Erwin slipped the ring on her finger. This was the best day of Erwin's and Martha's lives by far.