Another Story: After Autumn (Attack on Titan AU)

What it means to love

Back to the present time...

Gabbers of children's voices mixed in the air. Litters of toys, children's books, and about any plaything that could capture the attention of a typical child were scattered across the carpeted floors. Elementary-aged school children occupied the Kid's Corner, some making doodles on sheets of papers, some busy with the toys, and a few were genuinely interested in what they were reading about.

Isanna sat by a table, languid chin resting on her open palm as she kept watch over the children. Some may do get a bit loud at times, but she genuinely found herself enjoying their playful company every now and then whenever she worked her brief hour shifts at the public library. She'd even gotten more closely acquainted with their homeroom adviser, Mrs. Marie Dok, and the two would often get lost in their own conversations whenever Stohess Elementary booked the library's room and resources for the children.

"I do hope I get to meet your fiancé soon," Marie remarked with a slight twinkle in her gaze. "Based on how you talk about him, he seems kind."

Isanna held back a snort.

"Kind is a unique way to describe him.. he can be a bit of a jackass."

Marie silently laughed through her nose at the term, yet even she could hear the subtle fondness in her voice. "I'm pretty sure that's how he shows his affections."

That, Isanna couldn't deny. She hummed.

"Mhm. He's annoying like that.."

Marie couldn't help but widen her smile. One thing she noticed about Isanna was that despite her not-so conventionally positive description towards her fiancé from time to time, her words and voice were always laced with a certain tone of affection. Marie supposed that's how Isanna expresses her own endearment, too.

She's a bit like Nile in that regard, Marie thought to herself, thinking about her husband with the slight tsundere undertones on occasion. Although he never once showed his annoyance towards her, he had a habit of displaying his affections in unconventional ways; years of marriage and he still blushes profusely in front of her whenever she teases him.

"I'm curious," she started, catching Isanna's attention. "When will you tie the knot together?"

Isanna looked a bit off-guard at the suddenness, judging by the way she stared at Marie.

"Oh, I don't mean to pry. It's okay if you haven't decided yet," Marie quickly added. Based on Isanna's stories, she and this Zeke Yeager seemed to have been together for a notably long time. It seemed like it was the perfect opportunity for them to finally get married.

Yet, seeing the way Isanna lowered her gaze with a bit of hesitance, Marie could instantly tell there was something she wasn't seeing as clearly as she thought.

"We.. haven't really talked about that, yet," Isanna admitted. They'd talked about setting a date once they settled down in their new home here in the city, but neither of them really brought it up now that they were often out for work.

"By the end of the year, maybe?" Isanna suggested, tilting her head with a chuckle. They had three more months left till New Year's, and she supposed starting a brand new year with her soon-to-be husband wouldn't be so bad—it wasn't like they were planning a big wedding anyway. Just a small, intimate get-together with some friends and family members would suffice.

"I'll invite you," Isanna added, earning an excited smile from Marie. "And bring your husband, too." Who would've thought the guy she ran into back at Paradis café with Zeke would be Marie's husband—it truly is a small world.