A:N/ Elyse belongs to me. Everyone else doesn't and that sucks, but life goes on.
Months have passed since Elyse opened up to Erwin, and their lives were starting to get a bit busier to Elyse's horror. It was event season galore.
That meant that Elyse had no time for herself and that she had to go out almost every day for some event that she was invited to: charities, galas, and dinners that involved rich people using "summer" as a verb.
She was especially looking forward to relaxing with her one year-old children after celebrating Armin's birthday just two days ago. It wasn't long before Erwin informed her that there was no time to rest anymore and that Nifa and maybe another hire would be tending to the children.
Elyse had been upset at that and didn't let Erwin hire another person since the children were already used to Nifa and she trusted Nifa already. Erwin had sighed at that, but he didn't argue with her.
Getting ready for event after event, Elyse was always wistful when she had to say goodbye to her children each night. The bright side of it all was that Elyse had an excuse to pamper herself with clothes and makeup, giving her something to do at the estate besides taking care of the kids and household chores. It reminded her of getting ready for a show, the steps to prepare for the scenes. And, technically, she was preparing herself to be the perfect wife for the press and Erwin when it came to business. She liked to call it the "Perfect Stepford Wife" role.
There was another charity tonight and Elyse was preparing herself once again. Once she was done applying her favorite red lipstick of late, she noticed her phone was vibrating on her vanity. She answered, immediately, and said, "I literally have an hour left to be there."
Erwin laughed on the other line, "I didn't call to scold you, Elyse. Stop being dramatic," Elyse smiled at that, her vocabulary was staring to rub off on him, "I just called to tell you to let the driver know to take you to my office building because I'm running late."
Elyse gasped at that, "Oh my, Erwin Smith is actually late for something. The world must be ending."
She smiled wider when she realizes that Erwin just hung up on her.
Taking one last critical look of herself in the mirror, she goes downstairs, kissing Nifa's cheek goodbye and reminding to let her know if anything is wrong, no matter what.
Dieter, her faithful bodyguard, helps her to the car and she thanks him. It was a routine at this point.
"My husband's office, please." Elyse informed the driver and after a moment, they were off.
Elyse clucked her tongue in annoyance after calling Erwin the second time without an answer. Hanging up, she turns to Dieter, who is looking at her, expectant.
"I'm going to inside. You can stay here, Dieter. No need to leave the car. Uh-uh, I said no need, Mister." Elyse stated, wagging her index finger at him when he moved to protest.
Dieter had no choice but to stay in the car as Elyse ran straight to the building and into the elevators, surprising the employees inside.
"I mean, there's a beautifully dressed woman who just randomly ran inside to the elevators…and is that Mr. Smith's wife, too?" Elyse heard one of the women in the building loudly whisper.
Amused, Elyse giggled in the elevator and she noticed that two other businessmen, who were on the elevator with her, were looking at her, amused and confused. Elyse noticed that the elevator attendant still remembered her as he already pressed the button to the top floor, and he smiled shyly back at her as she thanked him with a small nod.
The businessmen seemed to freeze as realization dawned on them that the crazy woman who just ran in the elevator was the CEO's wife, meaning that her father was the ultimate owner of the whole business.
Elyse sighed inwardly as she noticed that they were noticeably intimidated instead of amused anymore, and she watched as one of them hastily slightly bowed towards her in their confused mannerisms, and she watched, before the elevator doors close, as his friend hit him in the back of the head for bowing like an idiot.
The ride to the top floor was quiet, and she thanked the attendant, who shyly replied. When the elevator doors closed, Elyse noticed that Petra or Isabelle was present in the waiting room. She took the time to walk towards Erwin's office, thinking about what happened moments earlier.
Will my life ever be normal?
She had been in the spotlight with her brother since she can remember. Not because of her father, but since her mother was a very well-known operatic singer back then before…what happened, the spotlight was on her family. Her brother also caught the press's attention during his "rebellious" stage as a teenager, and not because he was rebellious, he had been far from rebellious in public, but because of his fashion. Elyse teased him when she was old enough to find the magazines that had him photographed, and Levi ordered her to burn them.
Now, here she was, having her share of the spotlight with her brother and husband, she hoped the press will keep on staying away from the children as long as she's in it. But, they seemed impatient, and she gave it two more years until the children can publicly go outside if the press still considered her and her husband "one of the most golden couples of Europe."
She found it ironic especially when she knocked on Erwin's office doors and heard giggling from the inside. Erwin opened the door, and Elyse was surprised that he was already impeccably dressed especially since she had thought…
And that's when Isabelle appeared, looking thoroughly ready to pounce on Erwin with her messy hair and backwards pencil skirt. Isabelle smiled at Elyse, warmly, as if she wasn't…disheveled.
"Hello, Miss Elyse." Isabelle greeted, still smiling and Elyse stifled a giggle when Erwin shot her a warning look.
"Good evening, Isabelle. Busy night?" Elyse asked, trying to fight off another giggle as Erwin came to her side and he quickly snuck a warning pinch at her waist.
It was even harder to try and remain professional when Isabelle, poor Isabelle, who didn't seem to notice the exchange between Erwin and Elyse, nodded, "Yes, the busiest."
Elyse found herself being escorted to the elevator as Erwin hastily wished Isabelle a goodnight and Elyse, still amused, waves goodbye at the smiling Isabelle, who still seems oblivious.
When the elevator doors close, Elyse began to laugh, "She has no idea that I know, huh?" Elyse asked the man next to her. The elevator attendant not there since it's Erwin's private elevator that they entered in order to avoid the press when they go down.
Erwin doesn't answer as he fixes his tie and hair in the mirrored elevator, making Elyse roll her eyes, but she followed suit, and she gasped when she saw that her hair was a slight mess from running and she hit Erwin in the ribs with her elbow as he chuckled.
"You should've told me, …meanie." Elyse muttered. Erwin laughed, placing an arm around her waist as the elevator doors opened, revealing Dieter and their car waiting for them.
"Asshole, Elyse." Erwin sighed, but Elyse simply smiled as she entered the car.
Arriving at the charity event, the press greeted them with an uproar of questions and cameras. Erwin helped her out the car as always and he strategically placed his arm around her waist to lead her amongst the blinding flashes and wires that were on the ground. Elyse pulled away for a second to smooth her dress, so Erwin went ahead of her by just a bit.
That's when she tripped, slightly, without anybody noticing, and she was already laughing once she reached Erwin, who was already in front of the cameras, smiling yet stiff. He reached out his arm for her, and she accepted it, and his arm was placed around her waist once more, but this time, she noticed that Erwin was a little stiff, and she knew that the press wouldn't like that.
Learning from experience and embracing her role like embracing a show role, Elyse leaned in to whisper in Erwin's ear, and he froze.
"I just tripped a moment ago without the press watching, and I'm pretty sure that there's a tear in my dress from it." Elyse whispered, and Erwin smiled, relaxing.
With that tactic, it looked like the couple were having an affectionate conversation and they began to eat that up, calling for them and telling them to smile at them. Erwin, finally relaxed and his smile more natural than before, bent down to whisper in Elyse's ear, "Smart move, partner."
Elyse responded by flipping her hair as they entered the venue of the charity event and he pinched her once more.
They greeted the usual people and Erwin excused himself from her so he could talk with the other businessmen, and she nodded, thankful to sit down and relax before she had to get up and make her rounds to smile and nod at whatever was said to her. She sat down at their designated table and took a sip of the ice water on the table.
She felt someone sit next to her, and she groaned, inwardly, ready to be the pleasant wife of Erwin Smith until she noticed that it was someone familiar who sat next to her.
"Hange! Hi, how are you?" Elyse greeted, happily, pressing kisses on her friend's cheeks.
That was another bright part of events like these. She get to see the people she has been steadily getting closer to since she moved to Paris for her new life like Hange, Eld, Gunther, Mike, and Nanaba. She would see them in every event, and she would enjoy their company, visibly relaxing around them rather than having to pretend to be some housewife to entertain businessmen. Her brother, the sneaky man, decided to return to New York City after Armin's first birthday because "he wanted to help their father out", but she knew that he was just avoiding the event season.
"Good, yet bored." Hange complained, sighing as they took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
"Bored? Aren't you helping with some scientific research? That's your favorite." Elyse stated, amused by her friend's groaning.
Hange snorted, almost snorting into their drink, "Yeah, but they're useless. Boring. Like this event, like my life right now."
It was then that Elyse realized that someone who would certainly interest her life come to her table.
Hange noticed the man and she shoots an appreciated look at Elyse before turning to him.
"And who might you be?" Hange asked, offering a seat next to them for him.
"I'm Braun. Braun Lexington." Braun introduced himself to Hange, smiling politely while looking dashing in his suit. He faced Elyse then, smiling at her, and Elyse smiled back, shyly.
"Hello, Braun." Elyse greeted, and she noticed that her voice reached a higher pitch and she wanted to run away in embarrassment, but it seemed that nobody noticed.
Hange looked at Braun and Elyse, back and forth, interested, "How do you know little Ackerman here?"
Braun looked taken aback and slightly confused, looking around, "Levi? Well, he-"
Hange laughed, loudly, turning heads into their direction while Elyse chokes on her water, coughing and gasping for air. Braun just looked confused, trying to calm them down.
"I meant Ely here. How do you know her? Through Erwin? Are you one of his business partners?" Hange asked, curiously.
Braun shook his head, and Elyse noticed that he looked slightly annoyed at that, but it disappeared after a moment, "Childhood friends in France then attended Julliard with her."
Hange nodded, and they smiled, mischievously, "Did you have a crush on her? I would've. She's too damn sweet and pretty for her own good. Ultimate Girl Next Door right here." She nudged Elyse, teasingly, and Elyse smiled, weakly.
Braun decided to smile at Elyse then, that smile that made her shiver and fluster, "Who wouldn't?"
Before Hange could turn around to face Braun once more, Elyse could hear Erwin's voice calling, but instead of her name, she heard Hange's instead.
Hange sighed at that, and got up, immediately, "Well, it seems that the Comma—Erwin is calling. Ugh, habit. If you'll excuse me."
Before Elyse could stop Hange, she watched, helplessly, as Hange walked to where Erwin was standing. She looked at him, lost and exasperated, and he winked at her, turning back to his conversation.
"So, I haven't spoken to you since your son's first birthday." Braun said, catching her attention and Elyse noticed that he moved closer, "And, by the way, I saw your little trip earlier, still the same clumsy Ely, I see."
Elyse laughed at that, trying to cover her awkwardness. Braun seemed to notice this, and he sighed, leaning a bit closer to her.
"Look, Elyse, I wanted to apologize the last time we talked, but your…husband interrupted before I could say anything." Braun said, finally addressing the elephant between them.
Elyse narrowed her eyes at him, feeling defensive about Erwin, "He interrupted for a good reason, unlike some people I know, he wouldn't want to leave his wife when she is obviously stuck in a conversation she doesn't want to be having."
To her satisfaction, Braun did look a little miffed by that. "Elyse, you can't really still be mad at what happened years ago. You're the one who told me to take the spot and to follow my dreams."
Elyse sighed, feeling the pain coming back at the reminder, "I didn't expect for you to accept it and leave the next day like nothing ever happened between us."
Braun looked away, guiltily, and he thanked the waiter when he came around with glasses of champagne. This time, Elyse took one, too.
"Aren't you still 18?" Braun asked, a little amused at the irony.
"I've been 19 since a week ago. Besides, it doesn't even matter right now. I act more mature than most of the women here. I'm pretty sure that one of the businessmen's wives here are 16." Elyse argued, taking a sip from her glass to prove a point. She coughed a little, still not used to alcohol since she swore it off ever since Armin's conception.
"I guess he's following your husband's example." Braun stated, the bitterness in his smile coming out.
Elyse felt herself hurt by his low blow.
Elyse glared at him, "Love is love, Braun. At least my husband knew that, and he didn't run away to Australia."
Braun scoffed, swishing his cup around, staring at the contents instead of her, "Please, Elyse, you make it seem that marrying you after Julliard was possible."
Appalled and getting tired of their argument, Elyse sighed, "What do you mean, Braun?"
"You wanted a reason to break it off with me. You knew that we were perfect together, but your father's permission was more important to you than your own heart. So, I gave you the gun and you decided to pull the trigger. You knew that your brother wouldn't have minded, and you still used it as an excuse. God, Elyse, you were always the good girl for your father. So, excuse me for thinking that your father had something to do with marrying his 16-year-old daughter to a 26-year-old man, who happens to take over your father's Parisian company right after." Braun whispered, closely, never breaking eye contact with her, making Elyse want to lean in even more, to touch his lips once more, but she resisted. Her anger and bitterness was stopping her, and more than that, her pride making her hold her head up high and not break.
He was right. Of course, he was. She was heartbroken when he left, but she had been relieved right after.
Braun sighed after a moment, standing up and leaning in to whisper in her ear, "I loved you, Elyse, but I wasn't about to risk my dream because the girl I loved was never going to give herself completely to me. Yet, so God help me, I still love you, and if I'm more than five minutes in your company…"
He stood up straight then, staring into her wide eyes, "I'm tempted to take you away once more." He finished, grabbing her hand and placing a small kiss on the inside of her wrist.
With a small nod, Braun took his leave, and that's when Elyse realized that the reason why Braun had left so quickly was because he saw Erwin coming to their direction since it was time to start the speeches for the event.
As Erwin took his seat next to her, he raised an eyebrow at her drink on the table. Elyse shook her head, still shocked at what just happened. Erwin took this as a sign for him to not say anything, and he just put an arm on the back of her chair, patting her shoulder, gently.
When the rest of the people at their table joined them, Elyse was more than grateful to be distracted into playing the role of "Perfect Stepford Wife."
Erwin helped her into the car as the press clamored around them, and Elyse adjusted herself on her seat, sighing. Once the doors shut, Erwin took out his phone to call Nifa, checking up on the kids.
Once that was done, Erwin turned to her, smiling reassuringly, "The kids are fine. Eren tried to run in the backyard again, but he ended up falling and skidding his knee. Don't worry, he's fine. Nifa bandaged him up and everything."
Elyse nodded, biting her lip at the news, reminding herself to check up on Eren before she retired for bed.
Erwin stared at her for a bit, and Elyse tilted her head, questioningly.
Erwin chuckled, before turning away, paying attention to pouring himself a whiskey from the small mini-bar in their car.
He didn't say anything more as he drank and read whatever was on his phone, respecting the quiet between him and Elyse.
Grateful for it, Elyse rested her head on his shoulder. Erwin seemed to relax at that, and he planted a small kiss on her head before paying attention to his phone.
The moment she started to fall asleep, Erwin whispered her name and she looked up, sleepily.
"I'm going to smoke a cigar, so if you want smoke in your hair…"
Elyse couldn't help but smile as she shoved him away and he chuckled.
You're right, Braun. My father did make me marry him, but at least, he didn't leave when he could.
At least.
But, Elyse still felt guilty. He had been right, so right. And, her heart had pounded, loudly and fast, when Braun said he still loved her.
The car came to a stop in front of the house and Erwin offered his hand to her when he got out first. They entered the house and Nifa greeted them with her usual report of the kids sleeping. Once again, Elyse was excited to go up and see her children, sleeping or not sleeping. Erwin, she noticed, seemed a bit anxious too.
They both went upstairs and entered the nursery. Elyse smiled as she walked up to their crib. Erwin and her had decided to get their children one big crib because they had been fussy and crying whenever they were separated to sleep in separate cribs. It was a good move, and the kids fell asleep even quicker now that they were together.
Erwin chuckled as he moved Eren's arm from Armin's face. Elyse smiled, wistfully, and Erwin noticed it.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Erwin asked. Elyse shrugged, "I just…I just miss being with them all day. I feel like I miss too much."
Erwin nodded, agreeing, "Hey, you and I both know that you also missed being with people your age."
Elyse stared at Erwin, almost wanting to break into a giggle or a scoff, "Erwin, I'm literally in between the kids age group and your age group."
At that reminder, Erwin scratched the back of his head, sheepishly, "You know what I meant."
Elyse couldn't help but tease him and roll her eyes, "Yes, sir, I know what you mean."
Elyse realized that Erwin's face darkened at the term, but it was only for a moment.
"Well, if you need anything else, I'll be in my office." Erwin stated, his voice a little harsh, but Elyse just thought it was because of the whiskey he had been drinking back in the car.
Elyse nodded, and she kissed him on the cheek, "Goodnight, Erwin."
Erwin nodded, smiling, and left, hastily. If Elyse didn't know any better, she thought that she saw him grit his teeth.
She couldn't sleep that night. All she could think about was Braun's words and how her heart was falling for them. He was just as bitter as she was about their relationship. Their break-up had been quick, and if she being totally honest, it seemed emotionless as if their relationship wasn't two years long. Braun was three years older, and he had been a great first boyfriend even holding back on having sex with her because she was already feeling guilty about hiding their relationship from her father.
And she had eventually given her virginity to a stranger to get back at her father.
Boy, did that backfire.
Giving up on sleep, Elyse got up and opened the door leading to the nursery, quietly. She noticed that Mikasa was starting to wake up and she rushed to pick her daughter up, who squealed at the sight of her mother.
"Hi, sweetie." Elyse greeted her daughter, softly. Mikasa giggled as her mother kissed her forehead.
This is what felt right. Compared to everything that has been happening in her life, the chaotic world seemed to stop when she held her children in her arms.
"I've missed you, ma petite." Elyse whispered, poking her daughter's nose as Mikasa placed her hands on her mother's face, cooing.
"Ma!" Mikasa exclaimed, and Elyse smiled, grabbing her daughter's hands so she can play with her. She helped Mikasa stand on her lap and had her dance around, pretending she was a little ballerina which entertained Mikasa to no end.
Maybe that's why Erwin came rushing inside the nursery, alarmed. Elyse stared at him, her eyes widening.
He was half-naked, dressed only in pajama bottoms, and his hair was undone and down, making him look more soft compared to his usual hardened face.
Erwin relaxed once he saw Elyse with Mikasa, sighing and rubbing his face. "Elyse? What time is it?" He asked, his voice rough from just waking up.
"Were you sleeping in your office?" Elyse asked, shocked and a little disappointed at having to think of Erwin's tall and broad frame trying to fit on to his couch in the office.
Erwin ignored her, waving his hand, "What time is it?" He asked again.
Elyse narrowed her eyes so she could see thought the dim lit room at the clock on the wall, "A bit past 5."
Erwin nodded, and he walked towards them, his hands ready to pick up Mikasa. When he did pick his daughter up and as he placed kisses on her cheeks, Elyse appreciated the sight of Erwin's hardened body. When did the man ever find time to work out?
Once Erwin was done showering his affection on their daughter, he gave her back to Elyse, and she raised an eyebrow when he moved to leave the room.
"I'm going to go work out for a bit. I should be back in time for breakfast." Erwin announced, quietly, sneaking a look at Eren and Armin, who were still sound asleep.
Ah, so that's when. Still, it worried Elyse.
"Erwin, it's so early. You have work right after breakfast." Elyse whispered back, holding on to Mikasa as she tried to walk to her father.
Erwin smiled as if reading her thoughts, "Don't worry, Elyse. I don't sleep…well. You should know that."
Elyse sighed, but she nodded. He winked at her then at Mikasa as he closed the door, leaving mother and daughter alone once more.
Mikasa whined, but Elyse shushed her by holding her, "It's okay, baby. Papa will be back. At least, he keeps his promises."
Elyse thought back to what Braun said, and what she had thought about in the car.
At least, he didn't leave me, Braun.
The next event was a garden tea party, and Elyse was about to throw her heels at Erwin when he told her that it was a literal garden tea party.
"Are we in London? Because I'm pretty sure we're not." Elyse groused, curling her hair in front of the mirror in Erwin's office.
Ever since event season began, if Erwin got home early or didn't have work, they would get ready together. Meaning their finishing touches were done together as in hair and makeup and ties and cuff links, the whole dressing part was apart and Elyse made sure of that. Erwin would tease her, and she would threaten to get one of the babies' dirty diapers and throw it at him.
Erwin chuckled from his corner where he was tying his tie, "Well, Mr. Durant's wife is English besides she's a nice woman. She's the one who complimented you about your "family decisions".
"Oh yes, because leaving children home is my decision. Can we just bring them to the party? Can we do it to annoy her and then when she asks me about what happened to my "family decisions" and I'll smile and tell her that it's all the rage to bring children to parties. Maybe she'll buy it." Elyse ranted, running her fingers through her hair to style it.
Erwin shook his head, his eyes shining with laughter, as he approached Elyse to help out. Elyse pointed to the necklace on the table, and Erwin obeyed, putting the necklace around her neck.
"We can't do that. Instead of enjoying the party, you'll be having to chase the kids around." Erwin stated, clasping her necklace.
Elyse pouted, "You make it sound like I don't like that. I love chasing our kids around."
Erwin laughed, "Yes, and so do the press, Elyse."
At that reminder, Elyse sighed, accepting defeat. "Fine, I'll just go to this garden tea party missing my children while their father goes around, kissing…butts."
Elyse managed to dodge Erwin's hand before he could pinch her, and with a laugh, Elyse ran to the car.
Braun was there once more. And Elyse found her heart pounding against her chest, confusing her.
He smiled at her, and she smiled back. Erwin excused himself once he saw the exchange, and before Elyse could stop him, Erwin went to go greet his friends, Eld and Gunter, who waved at her. She waved back, smiling, happy to see them and she couldn't wait to talk to them.
Until then, she'll have to deal with Braun coming up to her with that devastating smile that made her weak in the knees.
"You look beautiful, as always." Braun greeted her, offering her his arm. Elyse didn't feel right to take it, and he seemed to notice as he politely put his arm down.
"Hello, Braun." Elyse greeted back, softly. They stood there, a little awkward, until Braun cleared his throat. She looked up, a little flustered.
"Do you want to walk in the gardens with me?" Braun asked, suddenly, more quietly and more sincerely.
Not trusting her voice, Elyse nodded, shyly. Before they walked away, Elyse tried to look for Erwin and when she met his face, he smiled at her, encouragingly. She nodded back, smiling half-heartedly.
Even Erwin is rooting for me. Don't mess this up, Elyse. Think clearly.
Once they were in the gardens, Elyse and Braun walked, quietly.
"About last night…" They both said, simultaneously. They paused, blinking, and then they both began to laugh, easily.
"I guess some things never change." Elyse said, amused. Braun nodded, "We used to do that a lot, huh?" He asked in agreement.
It was as if the tension was off and the two of them began to catch up. Elyse laughed at the easiness of their conversation, and Braun got more confident with her as he placed a hand on her back, leading her through the garden maze. They talked about their past and about what they missed, and they talked about the present and about what they had. It was conversation after conversation, and Elyse felt her heart soar.
"So, after Australia, you mentioned you went home after an Army stint." Elyse stated, a bit curious. It had been bothering her. She had thought that he had been in Australia all this time, and she had been thinking of their conversations since he reappeared in her life.
Braun nodded, "I entered the Army after a month. Ever since I've been back and forth."
"A month?" Elyse asked, surprised, "What happened to dancing?" She could feel the bitterness coming up again. She let him leave only for him to quit?
The sorrow that clouded Braun's face took her aback, "It didn't feel…right." He stated, and Elyse didn't have to ask what he meant for that.
"Braun….I…I'm sorry. You were right about me breaking up with you. I used it as an excuse…" Elyse apologized, playing with her fingers. Braun's hands covered her hands and she looked up, she noticed that he was in front of her. His face, mere inches away from her, and he smiled at her.
"I forgive you, Elyse. I apologize for attacking you about…him and your father." Braun apologized back, and Elyse noticed that their hands were now intertwined.
"Braun…" Elyse whispered, warning bells ringing in her head, but it was too late. Braun titled her head up, and she found herself leaning in.
Their lips met and Elyse forgot to think.
Elyse was a flustered mess when she pulled away, quickly. "Braun, we can't." She whispered, harshly, looking around, trying to see if anyone saw. To her relief, she realized that they were still in the garden maze, covered by the tall bushes.
Braun sighed, still holding her hands, "I know. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so forward. I just…I've missed you, Ely." He said, his green eyes earnest.
Elyse nodded, smiling a bit, her heart soaring, "I've missed you, too. But, I have a public life now. If someone saw us…my life will go downhill."
Braun nodded, understanding, "Let's…meet up at the fountain. Remember that fountain? We used to go there when we were kids with my mother."
Elyse's face brightened at the memory, and she nodded, "I do." As if remembering she was a wife and a mother, she shook her head after a moment, frowning, "I can't, Braun. I have kids and Erwin needs me to—"
Braun picked his card out of his suit pocket and he placed it in her hands, "Call me when you think you can, Ely. Okay?"
Elyse nodded, slowly.
Braun, carefully, placed a hand on her cheek and he caressed it, slowly.
"I'm so happy, Ely. I really can be happy now." Braun said, smiling. With that, he grabbed her hands and placed a kiss on both wrists in goodbye.
Once he left, Elyse stood in the garden maze, her heart beating fast, clutching on to the card in her hands as if it was her lifeline.
Erwin didn't question her on where she went with Braun on the way back home. He told her stories, amusing ones, and moved on to help her out the car when they got home. She thanked him, and Erwin and her went upstairs to complete the routine and check up on their kids.
Eren was the first one to greet them, jumping on his father's legs while Armin ran straight to his father's other leg. Mikasa was busy, concentrating on her drawing with Nifa. Elyse smiled, relieved at seeing her children.
Dinner came around, and Elyse thanked Nifa for preparing dinner, apologizing that she had to make Nifa cook. Nifa, as always, waved her apology off, laughing at her mistress's distress.
Erwin and Elyse laughed as they fed their children food and at the mess that was made. Erwin had whispered to Armin to throw food at Elyse, and Elyse warned Erwin with Mikasa's food. The Smith family was covered with food by the end of it.
As Erwin and Elyse excused Nifa from her duties, they took their kids to the bathroom and helped them in the bathtub.
In the middle of washing them, Erwin turned to Elyse, and she looked at him, noticing that he was curious.
"What?" She asked, with a slight smile. Erwin paused, and he shook his head as if thinking better of it.
"You can ask me, you know." Elyse said, sighing, nudging him with her elbow. Erwin rolled his eyes, but he gave in to his curiosity.
"So, is it working out between you two?" Erwin asked, finally, focusing his attention on cleaning Armin, rather than looking at Elyse.
Elyse hesitated, but she felt Erwin had a right to know. I mean, it had always been difficult between them. Lovers for a night, strangers in a marriage, and now weird friends in a family, it was chaotic, but he deserved to hear what transpired.
"Well, he kissed me. I kissed back, but I pulled away because I got scared." Elyse said, revealing a little too much.
Smooth, Elyse, smooth.
Erwin didn't even blink, "That's good. Does that mean you'll want to meet secretly with him?" He asked, and she could already see him calculating a plan for her, to her horror.
"Erwin!" Elyse exclaimed, almost dropping a soapy Eren and Mikasa. "That's…That's too soon. What?" She sputtered, shocked.
Erwin stared at her, amused, "Are you seriously being weird about this right now? You tease me about my secretary all the time, but the moment we're on you, you're flustered?" He teased, poking a soapy finger on her cheek.
Elyse wiped her cheek and pushed his finger away in the process, muttering at him.
"Seriously, Elyse, sometimes, I don't understand you." Erwin said, laughing.
Elyse stared at him, "You should be the last person talking."
The sound of Erwin laughing even louder echoed throughout the estate.
Once the children were in their crib, fast asleep, Elyse stepped inside her bathroom to wash up. She sat in the bath, thinking of the events that transpired and she sighed, sinking her body in the tub even more.
What do I do now? I obviously still have feelings for Braun, but I still have my duty. I'm a wife now and a mother. I'm not only a daughter anymore. But, that fountain…it's not like anyone knows about that fountain, and it's in a small area where I'm sure no one knows who I am, but still. Ugh.
The thoughts were running rampant in her mind, and she knew that talking to the insufferable man in the office would be the right thing to do. Her partner in all of this crazy stuff would love to give his two cents in her love life.
After drying herself off and dressing herself in her night shift and robe, she approached his office and knocked.
Erwin opened the door and she noticed that he wasn't alone. Pretty Isabelle sat on the couch, smiling at her. She smiled back, sighing inwardly, which meant that she would have to ask for Erwin's advice on a later date.
"Yes, Elyse?" Eriwn asked her, surprised to see her, and that's when Elyse realized that Erwin hasn't seen her in her pajamas, and she flushed at that. She had been too deep in her thoughts to realize that she was going to talk to him in her silky, almost see-through clothes.
"Oh! Sorry, it's nothing. I'll ask you tomorrow! Hello, Isabelle." Elyse said, trying to be smooth despite her flustered self.
Erwin simply nodded, as if he was eager to get rid of her, making Elyse feel guilty, "Goodnight, Elyse."
With that said, Elyse found herself facing a closed door.
A:N/ AHA. I feel the frustrated reviews coming.