Closed door | Eren x Mikasa

Part III

The sun's rays passed through the branches of the tall tree by which we found shelter. The weather was extremely warm. Her close presence wasn't helping, but I had no intention of doing anything about it. I had no right to complain. I wanted this. This and much more.

– I'm about to melt – I heard her slightly grumbling voice.

She was leaning with her back against me, her head resting on my chest and her fingers intertwined with mine. I strengthened my embrace and, as if to spite her words, made her come even closer.

– I assume that you want to speed up the process – she spoke up, twisting her head to look at me.

– Not sure.

She lowered her gaze for a moment, and when she came back to me, I heard her voice once again.

– Have you noticed that something has changed recently? There are moments when you smile.

– Yeah, sometimes it happens – I agreed, running her soft hair between my fingers. – It's because of this place and the fact that you're here with me.

– Do you feel happy?

– I do.

– Me too.

– What if... I'll take a step further and... – I hesitated, wondering what is the best way to ask this question.

Mikasa kept silent. It was as if she didn't dare to speak, or maybe she didn't understand what I really wanted to say.

Is the choice of words that important? Does it require a special vibe? Is the feeling that this is the moment not enough?

I want to ask and I want to hear her answer.

Just like that.

I moved, forcing her to change position, and when she looked at me, all doubts disappeared.

– Mikasa – I very clearly said her name.

I wanted to make sure that she herself would have no doubt that every next word she heard from me will be addressed to her.

– Will you spend the rest of my life with me?

– Why are you asking me this? You know I will.

Right. She had the right to not understand the meaning of this.

– Then I'll ask in a different way – I said, feeling my heart speed up. – Will you marry me?

Her eyes widened and her cheeks turned red. My hand involuntarily went to her face. Pleasant warmth penetrated my skin.

Mikasa continued to remain silent. This time I didn't dare to speak up either.

– If I answer yes, it will mean... then...

– Then you will become my wife, and I will become your husband – I explained calmly, although it was not easy for me.

Was it really so unclear that she needed additional explanation? Or did she simply not see the point of my question, given our situation?

– Ask me again – she asked softly.

Maybe I wasn't wrong. Maybe there was a point after all.

She stared at me with a kind of fascination and disbelief. I ran my fingertips over her smooth skin, and my lips moved, fulfilling her request spoken almost in a whisper.

– Will you marry me?

– Yes, I will.

Stimulated by the sound and meaning of her answer, I embraced her, pulling closer to me. I felt her hands tightening on my back, and her warm breath pleasantly teased my neck. I closed my eyes cuddling tighter, and an undeniable smile curved my lips.