Partners in Crime Fighting

20. The Partnership

HANJI: "You may now kiss the Hanji." I had blushed as Levi came in for the kiss. He had pecked me on the lips lightly, but I grabbed his face and kissed him properly.

The reception that night was just a party at the office. Levi and I smashed cake in each other's faces.

"So Hanji, where are you and Levi going for your honeymoon?" Officer Ral had asked me.

"Levi said we weren't going anywhere, just staying in. I don't really care what we do, to be honest. When we have a bit more money we might take a family vacation with Armin. Which reminds me, I have to get the paperwork signed for Armin's legal adoption..." I mumbled.

"Don't worry about it, Hanji; you'll get it all done. You and Levi are perfect for each other. You're perfect partners in crime fighting." Officer Ral smiled.

I glanced at him, a tipsy smile on his red face as he talked with Officer Jin.

"Yeah, I guess we are." I agreed.

A few days later we went to get the paperwork signed for Armin's adoption. I also got my surname changed from "Zoë" to "Ackerman".

"So, 'Armin Ackerman'," Levi mused, "how does it sound?"

"It'll take some getting used to," Armin admitted, "At least my initials are the same so I can keep writing 'Armin A.' on my schoolwork."

"How are you doing in school? You're going into your junior year, right?" I asked.

"Yeah," he said, "I'm going to take a forensic science class this year, along with criminal justice studies. I want to do the best I can to solve cases with you."

"That's my boy!" I cheered, hugging his shoulders.

"Don't crush the boy, Shit Glasses," Levi smirked.

"He's my son now, I'm allowed to dote on him," I insisted.

Levi chuckled and shoved his hands into his pockets.

We got back to the office and I set the paperwork on my desk. "Alright, so I guess you can turn that extra room into your very own room now. I guess it's been your room for the last year almost, but it's 100% officially your room." I said.

Armin beamed. I'd never seen the kid look so happy. "Really?"

"Kid, this entire office and the apartment upstairs is pretty much yours," Levi added.

Armin's blue eyes filled with happy tears and he hugged us. I bear-hugged him back, and Levi ruffled his hair.

"Just don't touch my science stuff without my permission." I said. "Or you're grounded for life, mister!"

"But I can help you on cases now, right?" Armin's eyes sparkled now, and not because of the tears.

"Well, technically you've been doing that since a year ago, but now you're officially doing it." Levi said.

Armin grinned wider and sat down at my desk. "When do I start, boss Dad?"

Levi pursed his lips. "Don't call me dad."

The next morning I woke up in a very warm bed. It wasn't my bed. I rolled over and gazed at Levi's sleeping form. I traced his back, caressing the smooth skin.

He stirred, finally waking up and rolling on his side to meet me. "Good morning, partner in crime fighting."