Forced Union

8

Zeke began to walk back, dragging Hanji with him. Levi's fight reaction took over. Without really realizing it, Levi threw the knife. Zeke had fully predicted this. Levi's eyes went wide seeing Zeke push Hanji in front of him. The blade pierced Hanji's left shoulder. Zeke laughed.

"What an interesting turn of events!" he said.

"The lover hurt his woman."

"You will pay for that you bastard!" Levi growled.

Zeke shoved Hanji to the ground.

"Stay there while I deal with this one." He said.

Hanji held her shoulder and looked out at Levi.

"You just made a huge mistake," Levi said.

He pulled out a second knife. This time, when he threw it, it flew through the air and with expert precision hit Zeke in the forehead, killing him instantly. Levi went to get Hanji but Marleyan soldiers blocked his path. There was a blur of black with red that collided with a few of the soldiers.

"Go help Commander," Mikasa said.

Levi nodded.

The 104ths took care of the soldiers.

"Levi!" Hanji exclaimed in relief.

Levi pulled her into his arms.

"I'm sorry...so sorry..." he whispered.

"It's all right," Hanji said.

She nuzzled her face to his neck as Levi held her. Levi freed Hanji from the ribbon binding her wrists. Levi felt awful seeing the blade embedded in her shoulder. It was his faul this happened.

"It's just a minor wound," Hanji assured him.

"I will be fine."

"I will make sure you are taken care of," Levi said, stroking her cheek.

Sasha rushed over, in her hands was a medical kit. After several long minutes, Levi and Sasha removed the blade from Hanji's shoulder and got her patched up. Sasha also did a quick check on Levi's wounds, but he refused treatment.

"All the Marleyan's have been locked up," Armin informed Levi.

"Good," Levi replied.

"And Zeke's uh...has been dealt with," Jean said.

Levi nodded.

"What should we do now?" Sasha asked.

Levi looked at Hanji.

"Come here," he said offering his hand to her.

Hanji took it. Levi brought her to the front of the room, right in front of the priest.

"Zoe, I realized that even though we are still at war, maybe not so much now that that bastard is taken care of..." Levi began.

"That there are few things in life that are very important to me."

Hanji looked at him.

"I've loved you for a while Zoe, and now, it's time I make it right," Levi said.

Hanji's eyes went wide as Levi dropped to one knee. He pulled out a simple silver ring.

"Hanji Zoe, will you marry me?" Levi asked.

Tears of joy beaded in Hanji's eyes.

"Yes..." she said.

"Yes!"

Hanji threw herself into Levi's arms, kissing him. Levi held her close and kissed her back.

"Careful of your shoulder!" he said as he pulled away.

"Sorry," Hanji replied with a chuckle.

"Let's make this official," Levi said.

Hanji smiled as Levi slipped the ring onto her finger.

"Well, I for one, hated Zeke, so...I would love to make your proposal official," the priest said.

Levi and Hanji smiled; Levi only a little but that was just him being Levi. The priest got everything set up again and everyone was seated. Hanji had left the room and Sasha, Ana and Mikasa fixed her hair, dress and flower bouquet.

"Ready?" Sasha asked as they waited outside the doors.

"This time, I am," Hanji replied.

She was smiling and happy now. The doors opened...

~~~~~~~~~

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said.

"You may kiss your bride."

Levi kissed Hanji gently but with love.

-All was right in the world now-