A/N) It's been a week! And I think a friend could use a pick me up! We are still on their Christmas Eve Christmas. I have a bit of humor and stuff thrown it. I really don't have much to say except that if I were Carla I might react the same way! You'll see what I mean in just a few sentences. I want to thank everyone for their kind words, and I am so happy you are all still loving the story. I still enjoy writing it!
"No! What? Are you kidding?" Carla heard Eren yell from the living room.
"Oh go to hell, Mikasa!" Armin said shortly after.
Carla shook her head "Sounds like Mario Party. They always fight when they play it."
"What kind of bullshittery is that?" Hange yelled out.
Levi put his hand to his forehead "Sounds like they are all getting into the spirit." He went to get up to yell about being an adult, but forgot about his cast. He bumped the table, and accidentally spilled his tea on his shirt "Oh shit! That's hot!" He pulled off his shirt quickly, not thinking.
Carla bit get tongue to refrain from agreeing, that yes indeed it was. For a fraction of a second, she was jealous of her son. Levi was pure muscle, and he obviously took care of himself. You could see the definition waning a bit from being laid up for so long, but it was still present.
"Eren!" He called out. He heard his brat scramble to get up, and rush in the kitchen to help him.
"Is everything okay?" Eren asked as he walked in. "And why is your shirt off?" he asked.
"I spilled my tea on myself. Can you go get me another shirt?"
"Yeah sure. I'll be right back." Eren turned to head upstairs and noticed his mother gaping. He chuckled "Mom! You'll catch flies like that. He's got an awesome body huh?"
As Eren walked off, Carla's cheeks went pink, and she snapped her mouth shut "You, uh, obviously take care of yourself, huh?"
"Yeah. I used to take out my aggression with extreme sports and working out. Eventually, I developed this body, and haven't been keen on letting all that hard work go to waste."
"No, of course not."
Levi chuckled "It's okay Carla. You aren't the first woman to check me out, and won't be the last. My boyfriend's mom or not you are still human."
"That's the problem. I shouldn't ogle you like a horny teenager. But I can admire the hard work!" She was completely justifying her staring. Carla jumped when the doorbell went off "Who in the world could that be?"
She opened the door, but a group if nosy kids were peeking around the wall. "Oh! Hannes."
Mikasa nudged Armin, and he smiled at her. For as long as they could remember, Hannes had a crush on their mother. He wouldn't interfere with a married woman, and for a time was married himself (she had passed away), but now, Carla was on the market.
"I heard about Grisha, my condolences. I know this might be inappropriate to do on Christmas Eve, but I've been so busy."
"I understand. I am sure being a cop is always a busy job. What brings you over? I know you could have called to offer condolences."
"You got me. I brought you a gift." He held out a small package to her.
"Oh, you shouldn't have!" She took it, and then looked up at him "I feel terrible, I have nothing for you. We are having Christmas today. I'm making dinner, would you like to come in and eat with is?"
"Only of you will allow me to help you."
"Of course." She stood to the side, and let him in. The little heads peeking around the wall were gone now. She shook her head, and closed the door. Mikasa grabbed her hand when she went to follow Hannes into the kitchen "What in the world?"
"You do have a gift for him, mom!" Mikasa told her.
"Please tell me we aren't talking about sex. I'm not ready for that conversation with you."
"Mom, please! That's gross. No, Hange and I gave you two tickets to the Bahamas. You both like each other, give it a shot!"
"Isn't it a little awkward? To just ask him so suddenly. My ex husband just died."
"Mom, a herd of ravenous monsters wouldn't be able to keep him from wanting to go with you."
Carla had a lot to think about. She walked in to the kitchen, and saw Eren and Levi laughing with Hannes. Eren was always very close with the man. He was always so kind, and never judged Eren for his sexuality.
Levi looked up and saw Carla. He gave her a smirk "Eren, could you help me into the living room? I'd like to try this game that's pissing you off."
"Sure. Mom, do you need anyone else to help?"
"No dear. I have Hannes. You all go have fun." Carla told him.
As Eren left, the blonde gave her a smile "Those kids have really grown up. Dating successful lawyers and everything. You must be proud."
"Eren has been featured in galleries for his art, Mikasa and Armin both start their doctorates next year. They are all dating lawyers, and a future psychiatrist. Yeah, I am pretty proud."
"You should be. You did a great job with them, Carla."
In the living room, the kids were talking in hushed voices.
"Is it really okay for her to start dating again? Isn't a little soon?" Eren asked.
"Her marriage was over before it was over. This is good for her." Mikasa said.
"Plus, she's been close to Hannes since his wife died. They are cute together." Armin said.
The three of them continued to talk, while Hange and Erwin showed Levi how to play the game.
"How in the hell is that fair? That's not fair! This game is shit!" Levi yelled.
"Shut up short stack, and deal with it!" Hange cackled.
Armin giggled "I think they love this game more than us."
"Watch your mouths in there!" Carla called from the kitchen.
"Sorry Carla." The older ones answered.
Dinner was an elaborate affair. Carla was a master in the kitchen. They talked and laughed, thoroughly enjoying Hannes as company.
"Oh man! I am so stuffed. The holidays are going to make me fat!" Erwin said, leaning back in his chair.
Armin giggled "Please. You're all muscle! There is no way a few extra calories are going to kill you!"
"Shut up!" Levi yelled.
"Hey. You'll be up and moving in no time Levi. Enjoy it!" Eren said, grabbing his grumpy boyfriend's hand.
"I know how you guys feel. Carla could make a fit man easily fat, after awhile. You won't hear me complaining though. Her cooking has gotten me through some hard times."
Carla blushed "You guys! Talking about me like I'm not even here! I just do what I can. I take care of my family."
"Yours is a lost art. Lots of women aren't learning to cook anymore."
"All my kids know how to cook."
"Really?" Hannes looked to the kids, but instead saw their partners shaking their heads in agreement.
"I don't think cooking is limited to girls. Boys need to learn to feed themselves. I told Eren he shouldn't rely on a woman. Then, I told him a way to a mans heart is through his stomach." Carla laughed.
After talking, Carla kicked everyone out except Hannes to do the dishes.
"Carla, you haven't opened the present I brought." Hannes said, while grabbing her shoulder to stop her from starting on the dishes.
"Oh, your right. Again, I'm sorry I didn't get you anything."
"It's been crazy. I have a full stomach, that's the best present I could ever receive."
Carla reached into her apron pocket, and pulled out the small box. She carefully opened it to reveal a small box. With nervous hands she opened it up to reveal a gold necklace with a heart design covered in diamonds. "Oh my word! This is beautiful. I can't accept this."
"It's a grieving wife necklace. I thought you would love it. I know you and Grisha weren't well, but this is a sign to always keep your heart shining beautifully."
Carla's eyes welled up with tears, and she hugged Hannes tightly. He grabbed the necklace, and helped clip it around her neck before hugging her back.
"I know this is sudden," Carla looked up at him "but would you like to go to the Bahamas with me? It's a cruise, and Mikasa and Hange got me two tickets, and I don't have many friends, and this is so beautiful, and I..."
Hannes leaned down, and kissed Carla to silence her rambling. The brunette blushed all the way down to her toes, but kissed him back. "I'd love to go with you. It'll be fun." he said with a small blush.
Eren and his siblings were peeking around the doorway. Eren laughed loudly "It's about damn time!" He yelled.
Carla was certain she couldn't get any redder.