Hopelessly Romantic

Part 33

25 - one year later

You're on a date with Annie. An outdoor date, a date that's in the public eye and not just for you, but her too. She chose a cafe near your new apartment, though you moved in months ago, it's still new. You still haven't seen everything, and because of that, Annie is determined to give you more than you've ever known capable. "Sorry, what?" Her tongue darts out to lick at the foam on her cupid's bow. Glancing at her eyes, you go back to your drink in front of you, fingers lightly tapping the clear cup. "Did... you ever fuck Hitch?" She laughs a little, scoffs a little, amused by your question. "No, why?" You shrug, heat warming your cheeks as you lift your cool fruit punch to your lips. "You just... were experienced when you touched me in the pool." "Amateur porn from lesbians does that-" "Annie!" She laughs, picking up her cup once more. The real reason you asked is because you have an interview today.

In two hours, you're going to be on a screen when Annie is at her first match of the spring season, you aren't going to be covering it since your boss wants you to expand your coverage, also because there's a 'conflict of interest'- you covered it last year, he's just pissed you got 'best reporter of the year' last year instead of his nepo-baby. Nonetheless, you're doing an interview with a bakery owner, someone in Marley who is far away from you, yet somehow still stuck with you. "I hope your interview goes well today, love" Annie says, standing from the cafe table. You blink your eyes over to her. Her hair's the same length, though she's gotten more muscular from this trainer she's been seeing; her father recommended. "And I hope your match goes well, Annie." She hums, holding your hand as you stand. "It will, and I will brag about you all through my after-match interview." You smile, kissing her cheek before she kisses yours.

Her cafe has a sun and a few stars on them, and the glass is extremely clean, like clearer than most crystals. You know her cousin Levi is there, same with her uncle Erwin, but she's the one doing the interview. It makes sense since her baked goods are in the shop. "And three, two..." The woman behind the camera who looks oddly similar to you, signals for you to begin. Inhaling through your nose, a bright smile is placed on your lisp even though your feet are on fire form your red high heels. "Today we are joined with Mikasa Ackerman from Marley as she tells us of her successful business." Your blink, Mikasa right before your eyes as she finally sees you. You don't know how you should react, but your smile slightly fades, your eyes flicker between hers, and even though she's on a screen so far away from you, you still feel at mercy as her grey eyes stare into yours. She opens her lips, and instead of her maintaining interview etiquette, she asks, "How are you doing?" You blink at her words, wondering when she'll disappear from your life again.

Before you left for college, there was an envelope on your dorm bed; it had no return address or name on it. It was a plain yellow envelope filed with, seemingly, nothing. When you opened it, there was a check inside, addressed to you, and signed by Mary Ackerman. You knew it was her mother because of the amount of fame that woman has; money. You had never talked to Mikasa after that, only seen her business grow after you hoped she'd have all that she wanted. You're glad she does have everything she wants. At least to you and everyone else, you think she does. Your lips part, and you respond, "I've-" Your mouth stops, noticing how long her hair has gotten. There's no pressure in your eyes, but she still seems blurry, far away from you. "Been doing well, thank you." She hums with a nod. "I'm glad," she breathes out, like it's a relief. You want the interview to stop, you want everything to stop so you can tell her you didn't stop loving her, tell her the house never burnt down and the flame is still there, but instead your eyes find a photo in the background.

You smile, eyes glossy even though there's no pressure. "I know I'm late, but congratulations on marrying Hitch, Mikasa." You don't want to ruin what you both have for once. You're both strangers to each other even though you have some similarities. You know Eren, are better friends with him while Mikasa knows Armin, is better friends with him. You watch her smile, almost desperate as her face slightly falls. "Thank you..." For a second, you're reminded of the promise Annie gave to you, I'm never going to leave you . And then, you remember Mikasa's words, I'll wait for you; I'll always love you . You think the only thing she was right about were your choices. "Ahem, excuse me, um, congratulations on expanding your company. It's very admirable that you had help from Alert and Yeager Associates, a new starting company." She nods. "Yes, well, they're my friends. I don't think I'll ever want to stop knowing them." You nod back, a shaky breath entering your lungs as you look back at the camera. You wish you didn't, you wish you let your eyes take in every inch of her before you closed off, "That's all for today's business section, onto the weather with Connie Springer." The camera cuts to a grey-haired man, and two tears fall from you.

"So, that was an interview," Reiner says, Annie tossing a pillow at him which he doesn't dodge. "Annie, no throwing pillows, I've been over this-" "Bertolt, your Fiancé isn't getting any smarter-" "Okay, I'm right here-" You laugh a little, our girlfriend and friend bickering as you watch Renier get a prepared ice pack on his head. You feel something against your thigh buzz. Inhaling, you remove yourself from Annie's arm over your shoulders. "Where are you going?" "Bathroom." She hums, Reiner adding, "Come back, we still have a cake to cut." You roll your eyes, walking away. "Promise I won't fall in!" The bathroom door shuts, and you're left alone to look into the mirror. You're comfortable, out of your high heels and tight skirt and blouse. You're comfortable with your friends and girlfriend. Inhaling, you dig into your sweatpants pocket. Once you unlock your phone, you're reminded why you chose Annie.

you are texting... 💖💖Princess

Happy birthday, Y/n

you are texting... Mika💖💖

Thank you, Mikasa