Help you smile [Attack on Titan-Ereri/Riren]

Chapter XXIV: College

Previously: Eren and Levi have graduated high school and are going to the same college.

•••

*Two Year Time Skip*

•••

It is the summer before mine and Levi's third year of college. I've spent the last two years experimenting with different majors and I think I've figured out what I want to do. Levi is doing well in all of his classes of course. He is nearly done writing his first book that he has been working on with a real life editor. He hasn't let me read any of it though, I'll respect his wishes but the curiosity is killing me. The only thing he has told me is that it's fiction and to use his words, "not any of that overdone dystopian crap". I've learned not to ask.

We decided to stay in my house one extra year so we just moved into our own apartment. It is only a couple blocks from our college so that's nice. Levi is currently on the bed, typing on his laptop. The bed is the only thing in room that is fully assembled, tomorrow we're both off work so we will fully unpack everything. I go lay down in bed next to him and lean my head on his shoulder.

"Whatcha typing?" I ask.

"My book," he responds.

"Ooh can I see?" I say looking at the screen.

"No," he says bluntly, closing his laptop.

"Oh c'mon babe, the curiously is killing me!" I pout.

"You are twenty years old, learn some patience," he says looking at me.

"It's not fair," I say and poke his nose.

He scrunches his face up and says, "you're such a brat."

"You know you love me," I say playfully.

He sighs and takes my hand, linking our fingers.

"I promise once I've completed it you'll be the first to read it," he says and kisses my forehead.

"Yeah?" I say to him.

"Have I ever lied to you?" He says.

I smile and then lean over and kiss him. During the kiss he caresses my cheek with his other hand and we only break the kiss for need of air.

"You excited for our date next Friday?" I ask him grinning as we shift to more comfortable positions.

"Sure," he says rolling over slightly so that he is up against my side.

It's just a normal date, we're going to the same restaurant we went to on our first date. It's still not the fanciest place but we like it and the food is good. Levi still isn't fond of overly crowded environments but he tolerates our friends. We found some new ones at college as well as old ones like Jean and Marco, Connie and Sasha who came with us. College life has been good and Levi and I's relationship has only gotten stronger. I think Armin and Erwin are still together we haven't seen each other in awhile. Everyone from our old group is planning on getting together this summer so that should be fun.

Oh, did I mention I'm planning on proposing to Levi on our date?

•••

The Friday came of our date and we drive from our apartment to the restaurant. We get there and we are seated. I'm shifting in my seat nervously, I'm trying to hide my uneasiness as best I can but as always I'm a bit obvious.

"Are you okay?" Levi asks.

"O-oh nothing," I say unconvincingly.

He looks at me from across the table, frowning. "You've been acting strangely lately, what's wrong?"

"What do you mean?"

"You've been on edge since we moved into the apartment last week, you're making me worried."

This makes me smile, call me a teenage girl but him saying he is worried about me makes me really happy. I reach over and put my hand on his.

"I'm fine, okay?" He looks at me unconvinced.

Our food comes and we talk about school, our jobs and other things. Unlike on our first date, he is talking almost just as much as I am. Eventually we finish dinner and we both order a small dessert. After which I get up, circle around the table and get on one and take the ring out of my pocket. His eyes widen and with a big smile I say what I need to say.

"Levi, we have known each other for three years and have been dating for almost that long. You are one of the only people able to calm me down when I'm nervous. I thought you hated me or were at least annoyed by me when we first met but ever since that night at Hanji's party and even before then, our relationship has only gotten stronger. I'm so proud of how far we've come. I have never not loved being in your company and I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I love you."

Many people in the restaurant around us are watching in anticipation. Levi's face is covered in pink.

"Levi Ackerman... will you marry me?" He just stares in shock and puts his hand to his mouth. I tilt my head slightly, waiting for an answer.

"Yes, you idiot!" He finally says and he both stand up and hug.

Everyone cheers, some scoffs but who cares. Levi pulls me down into a love filled kiss. After we pull away I take his left hand and put the ring his finger. It is a silver band with a thin strip of gold running through the middle. Mine is similar with gold and and silver in the middle.

We touch foreheads and I maintain my giant smile. I have never felt as happy as I do now.

"I love you," I say holding his hands.

"I love you, too," he says quietly with a small, genuinely happy smile.

We decide to leave and on our way out many people say congratulations. I hold my fiancé's hand, oh gosh, that sounds so weird to say, yet so perfect. We drive back home still hand in hand. We go inside the apartment and before I can say anything he pulls me into another kiss. This one is more passionate and leads to us making out on the couch for several minutes. We end up resting with him laying on top of me.

"When do you want to have the wedding?" I ask.

"I don't care but it should be small," he responds.

"I agree, I was thinking as soon as possible maybe before school starts again, unless you want to wait."

"That sounds fine."

"You know we may not have to do anything if we just leave all the planning to Hanji."

He looks up at me staring with skepticism in his eyes. "Think about that, do you really want Hanji to plan our wedding?"

I think for a second. "Yeah, you got a point, that would probably end badly."
I smile and then squeeze him tightly.

"What was that for?" He asks after I let up.

"We're getting married!" I exclaim.

"Yeah," he says contently.

•••

A/N: I won't be writing the wedding but I imagine it was small and sweet and Hanji probably passed out when they told her they were engaged:)