The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

Talks about the Future

The Following Morning

Tessa's POV:

The sound of light snoring and the warmth of someone's embrace pulls Tessa from her peaceful slumber as she opens her sky-blue eyes, only for her smile at the sight she sees. Facing her is Levi resting on his side with his arms around her waist, and at their feet is a ball-shaped form that is Kip, also sleeping, with Phoebe, or "Furball," according to Levi, on top of him. She softly laughs at the two bonded pets before returning her attention to the sleeping raven-haired man beside her. As Tessa brushes the few strands of his dark hair from his eyes, she takes in all the details of his face as he sleeps while caressing his sharp jawline. Even with the sullen look in his characteristics, Levi is still handsome as ever to her. Over the past six years, these mornings have become Tessa's favorite because she gets to enjoy the stillness of the twisted world in the arms of the man she loves and admire his features as he gets a break from his dreaded insomnia and nightmares. This is only one of the few times that Tessa has seen Levi at peace because it only happens when it's just the two of them or when he is sleeping.

Another faint smile appears on Tessa's face as she gently rubs her thumb against Levi's defined cheekbone, careful not to wake him from his needed slumber, only for a deep and husky voice to make her pause her movements, "How long have you been staring at me?" Levi asks, even while keeping his eyes close, though his voice is still laced with sleep. Tessa smiles as she resumes rubbing Levi's cheek, "Long enough to admire your features," She answers, "I'm sorry for waking you, my love." She apologizes, only to get a huff from Levi, who still has his eyes closed, "I'll accept your apology as a kiss, nothing more." He declares, and Tessa rolls her eyes before sitting up to kiss Levi's smooth lips, only to feel him smile against it, which makes her blush, "Good morning, handsome." She whispers, and Levi hums, "Good morning, Angel." He says as he finally opens his storm-colored eyes. While Tessa brushes a few more strands of his raven-colored hair, he takes her hand and kisses it, "Did you get enough sleep since you got back late?" He asks, and Tessa nods, "Yeah, I did," She answers while tracing his palm, "I always sleep better when I'm with you." She admits, which makes Levi smile, "That makes two of us because I hardly slept while you were gone, honey." He confesses before kissing Tessa's hand again and pulling her into his chest, only for him to rest his head on hers.

Levi begins running his fingers on Tessa's back as Tessa hums against his bare chest, "I wish our mornings were like this all the time." She admits, and Levi smiles before kissing her head, "I do too, sweetheart, but we won't have them until we stop the Titans." He says, knowing that he has ruined the peaceful moment, and waits for the glare from Tessa, yet she doesn't move from her curled position. However, she does let out a defeated sigh, "I know because I'm ready for it to be over," She admits, then sighs again, "Levi?" She whispers, and Levi hums, "Hm?" He responds, to which Tessa looks up at him, "Will you promise me something?" She asks, and Levi nods as he cups Tessa's cheek, "Of course. What is it?" He asks, but Tessa pauses, "Honey, what's wrong?" He asks, and Tessa takes a deep breath, "Promise me that after this is over, we retire and have a peaceful life together. Please." She requests, and Levi says nothing as he kisses her forehead, "As long as you do the same for me, Tess." He whispers, and Tessa nods, "Promise." She smiles before kissing Levi's cheek.

Levi watches Tessa return to the warmth of his embrace as he resumes running his fingers up her spine when he remembers what Tessa had said. She wants them to retire and have a peaceful life together, which Levi wants to do too, yet there has been something important on his mind for the last few years, keeping him up at night because he doesn't know how to approach it with Tessa. As his thoughts race over the familiar topic, they stop when he hears Tessa humming the familiar lullaby as she traces circles against his knuckles, and he decides to bite the bullet and just say it. Levi takes a deep breath as his hands rest against Tessa's back, "I do have to add one thing to that request of yours, Tessa." He says softly, which makes Tessa stop humming because she hears Levi say her full name, not by 'Tess' or 'Angel,' which means Levi is serious about the conversation. Tessa looks up at Levi, softly smiling, "What's that, my love?" She asks while tilting her head, wondering what Levi is planning as she feels him caress her cheek again and meets his storm-colored eyes, his racing pulse beating under her palm, "Levi, what is it?" She asks, concerned, and Levi brushes a strand of her curls back and smiles, "Marry me." He whispers as he rubs his thumb against Tessa's cheek. Levi sees tears swelling in Tessa's eyes and quickly wipes them away, "Honey, are-" He goes to ask, only for Tessa to crash her lips into his, and Levi tightens his grip around her nape.