Hanji's eyes stared at the big calendar hanging in the kitchen of the Ackerman household. 20th December and she still wasn't sure what to give to Levi on his 18th birthday besides well... herself she supposes considering she has to give him an answer about their deal and her decision. But ever since Erwin's new years party it was clear what would happen soon. Levi knew it already too, looking prouder and more happy ever since she gave him that little kiss on her own voluntary.
"Hanji, dear could you put these plates in the dishwasher?"
Kuchel's voice next to her made her snap out of her deep thoughts.
"Ah- sorry I spaced a little out. Thinking over something."
Apologizing Hanji quickly took the dirty plates from Kuchel.
They had finished dinner not long ago. Hanji got invited over and stayed longer to help cleaning up at least. Levi was cleaning the table and dinning area while both woman were left alone in the kitchen.
"Is it over Levi and your deal with him?"
The question came so suddenly Hanji was glad she didn't drop the plates, blushing all embarrassed now. Kuchel had somehow found out over it a while ago from Levi as she questioned him out if he had a crush on Hanji or not. This much Hanji knew already but to get asked directly over this topic was new to her. Now Kuchel's knowing dark grey blueish eyes just like Levi's were staring at her.. demanding answers. A 'no' would be not accepted.
Resigning to her embarrassing fate Hanji put the plates away into the dishwasher before letting out a long sigh.
"W-well not directly."
Looking around and making sure Levi was not close by Hanji leaned closer to Kuchel and whispered.
"I don't know what to give him as present for his 18th birthday... it should be something special since he becomes an adult... and the deal is there too.."
Her cheeks turned lightly pink while Kuchel chuckled only.
"Ohh Hanji... I think I can help you out there. Why don't we go and do some shopping together?"
"Together?"
"Yes, how about tomorrow? Levi will not know. I will make sure it will stay between us two mother and my son's soon girlfriend and eventually even daughter in law perhaps."
"Kuchel!"
Now Hanji was blushing furiously at her potential mother in law. But Kuchel was getting ahead a lot of herself now. There was still a huge step to take to think about marriage even if she and Levi would start dating soon. But not for Kuchel as it seems, having fun watching the brunette next to her panic while smiling warmly at her.
"Now, now no need to get shy. Let me just make a short call."
Having said this Kuchel pulled her cellphone out of her pocket and dialed a number. Shortly after someone picked up much to Kuchel's delight.
"Ah Isabel dear, can you help me out with something? Would you like to spend some time with your Levi bro tomorrow? And can Farlan be there too? Yes? Good. Because I need him to be busy tomorrow and he didn't saw you two for a while and from the 24-25th he will be busy this year... so better see him now and afterwards when we will celebrate his birthday officially."
Shortly after Kuchel hung up again having this scheming innocent look on her face. It didn't even take a minute later after her call until Hanji could make out Levi's cellphone ringtone in the distance and hearing him talking. Shortly after he came into the kitchen saying he made plans with Isabel and Farlan for tomorrow and staying over at their place even. Farlan was two years older as Levi and got his own little home since about a year. Isabel was 16years old and due to having a bad relationship with her parents ended up mostly living with Farlan now instead of living at her parents home. They didn't care where she was or what she did as long as she didn't got herself pregnant and them into trouble.
"So, is it ok if I stay over?"
Levi looked rather at the direction of Hanji instead of his mother's since this meant he wouldn't be able to see her.
"Sure it's ok. If you do not need Hanji tomorrow then I can borrow her, right?"
Placing both of her hands on Hanji's shoulders from behind her she smiled at her son as she pulled Hanji closer to her as if to keep her.
"Hanji offered to help me with some last minute shopping for Christmas since I noticed I am short on some ingredients, right?"
"Y-yes! So just go and have some fun with Farlan and Isabel. Tell them hi from me too."
Hanji smiled hoping he wouldn't see between the lie.
Levi eyed the two important woman in his life with narrowed eyes. Something in him told him this was not the only reason why his mother wanted her help but he couldn't tell why and so gave up.
"Fine."
"Than it's settled. You two will see each other soon enough anyway."
Looking at the clock Kuchel continued. "It's already very late and dark outside-.."
Levi noticing what his mother plan was and jumped in.
"I planned to bring her home anyway mother."
"I can go home alone too. It's just a short drive-" Hanji wanted to protest but got cut of by Levi.
"No. I will come with you. Come put the last plate down and grab your things. My mother can clean up the last bit alone and you have work tomorrow, right?"
Feeling Kuchel even push her out of the kitchen Hanji gave up and grabbed her jacket and bag before she followed Levi outside to her car.
Just like Hanji had predicted the drive was uneventful.
In front of her apartment Levi even followed her until they stood in front of her apartment door.
"So... what are you gonna do now Levi? I am maybe at home in safety thanks to your knightly act but you have no ride to come back home."
"No big deal I called Farlan earlier and he will pick me up."
Looking around Hanji however saw no other car parked in sight.
"Seems like your ride is a little late however... want to come inside? It's pretty cold outside to wait for Farlan." Hanji offered.
"I will accept the offer." Levi said.
He watched her unlock the door and Hanji stepped inside first before letting him in as well.
Hanji was already about to make her way inside her living room before something grabbed her arm strongly and pulling her back. Preventing her to move any way more far away Hanji got pulled back near the doorway again. Feeling something grabbing her ponytail 'this something' made her head move downwards enough until soft lips could be felt getting planted onto her own.
Hanji couldn't help it but kissed him back after the first shock was over, her hands resting lightly on his chest until Levi withdrew from her enough to be able to look at her. And looking pretty satisfied to add.
"Levi... it's not yet-"
"You seem to forgotten to have put this up here... it's not my fault."
Pointing up Hanji's eyes followed the direction spotting the mistletoe she had hung up the other day herself right at her entrance doorway from the inside. Her cheeks flamed up. How could she forget about it!?
Hanji wanted to surprise Levi on his birthday... as soon as they went inside her house to celebrate together she would point upwards and give him a kiss on his cheek. A way to start his birthday until the clock would hit midnight and she would have to give him her answer... And now all was ruined!
"It cannot be helped then I suppose." Hanji mumbled.
"Damn right it cannot. But I am happy to know you kissed me back."
Levi muttered, even about to lean in again in hope he could maybe sneak out another kiss from her. The loud horn from another car interrupted the two however making Hanji quickly withdraw from Levi much to his displeasure. Cursing under his breath he turned his head around spotting a grey car with his old friend Farlan sitting in. Turning his side window down Farlan greeted them.
"I am sorry to interrupt the lovebirds but the ride has arrived."
"Goddamn it Farlan." Levi cursed for the second time in less than five minutes.
Hanji chuckled a little shyly.
"Go to them Levi. We will see each other on the 24th again."
"The latest on the 24th maybe even earlier." Levi said. If possible not wanting to wait this long until seeing her again.
Taking a seat inside Farlan's car on the passenger side, Farlan grinned at his friend and on the backseat Levi found Isabel grinning at him too.
"You are here too Isabel?"
"Jup! Levi bro I'm sorry we came at such a bad timing. Should have called us if you wanted some alone time with your Hanji."
Levi rolled his eyes while putting on his seat belt.
"She wouldn't let me yet anyway. Let's just drive already."
"Keep calm. Just a few more days until your birthday."
Farlan chuckled noticing Levi's disappointment in his voice, driving away from Hanji's apartment.
The next day Hanji found herself in a really awkward situation. With a toothbrush in her mouth, disheveled unkempt messy hairstyle, still in her pajamas Hanji was eye to eye with a cheerful and looking like a goddess out of heaven escaped Kuchel in front of her doorstep.
"K-kuchel!?"
The toothbrush fell out of her mouth while she mouthed her name. They said they would go shopping together but it was 8'clock in the morning only!
Rushing back inside Hanji disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Kuchel alone at her doorstep to come in herself. In just about 5minutes Hanji made herself look acceptable decent. She changed into simple clothes what she grabbed first out of her closet which was a red pullover and a pair of dark blue jeans and red heeled shoes. Her hair back up into a ponytail and her mouth of course rinsed out with water and lastly splashing some water in her face to freshen up as well.
Back outside Hanji panted. She believed she never got ready and dressed in such a fast time ever in her life.
"W-what are you doing here Kuchel? It's so early... you could have called..."
"We have a lot to do today and this is why I came early. I apologize for not calling you however but I wanted to surprise you."
"You sure did..."
Hanji sighed feeling so tired after gotten dressed so quick.
"Where are we going anyway?"
"This is a surprise. You are ready? Let's go and take a seat into my car."
Having no other decision really Hanji had to accept she would have no morning coffee today. Grabbing her purse and house keys she follows Kuchel into her expensive red sports car.
This was going to be a wild day and Hanji didn't even know at this time of the day how wild it would get.
"So Hanji, you have any plans already what you want to do at the day to celebrate my son's birthday?" Kuchel asked after a while, anything to start a conversation while they drove into the city to one of the biggest shopping malls existing where they were living.
"Well... Levi doesn't like crowded places so anything like this he would probably not like. I am going to make him a cake like every year since he seems to enjoy them. And instead of going to the cinema or anything like this I was thinking we could watch something at my place... than do whatever he wants.. tea I stocked up enough for him to use..."
Kuchel was listening to Hanji's explanation, smiling all the time. She knew her son well and his unique taste. He wasn't a party fan. He disliked going to any place with many people. He would rather prefer to be alone with his special friends and just talk to them in peace or he could like to play video games with them.
"Sounds good to me. You know my little Levi well, but I am not surprised since you were once his babysitter." Kuchel chuckled. "Time sure flies by."
"Yes it does... how out of this little Levi became the Levi he is now.. I am still very shocked sometimes about it... and the way he sees me..." Hanji lightly blushed.
"You think so? In my eyes as his mother Levi saw you this way since a while. My son never liked any babysitter. He made them all run away after a day or two times babysitting him but as you came he became so different. He opened up to you so quickly and grew so clingy to you. Usually it was always just me he run after and felt like protecting like a hawk due to me being a single mother and he never having a father."
Hanji listened to Kuchel's words closely and thought about them hard.
"Levi still wants only the best for you Kuchel."
"Of course but he has his eyes on you now more lately. Ever since he hit puberty I noticed the change from the way he looked at you."
"It cannot be this long.." Hanji gulped a little shocked now.
"It sure can. I have seen him getting love letters often from classmates. Or girls in his classes wanting to visit him and yet he denied them all. Instead he asked if Hanji had time today to come over to 'study' with him despite my son being smart enough alone. Hanji you think he needed your help? My son always had top grades. He only acted more dumb to be able to see you and sit close to you."
Hanji had already guessed so but it was funny to learn the truth now.
"Sly boy."
"Aren't all boys like this? You didn't saw his mood whenever other males were looking at you."
At this Hanji had to disagree but decided to keep it to herself. Hanji saw how Levi could act territorial. Especially to Moblit later because Moblit loved her.
"Levi is easily jealous."
"He sure is. Actually... I might should not say this but... I think as soon as he noticed what he felt over you he had to know you more and more. He even stalked your facebook profile to find out where you might be living so he could visit you or what your status is." Kuchel said amusingly.
"And you? Are you jealous by now if other woman are looking at him? You two went to a party last year with a pool. I bet a lot of woman were looking at Levi there considering his abs he has built up due to his kick boxing hobby and other sports training he does because he has fun doing it."
Hanji blushed lightly remembering that day and how she behaved like an idiot. How embarrassing she was there.
"I admit I was surprised seeing his body at the party. So different to his.. well small size."
At this Kuchel laughed. "And this is why he started training and kickboxing. He has a serious height complex and so wanted to beat at least everyone else with his muscular body, cute right?"
Hearing this side of Levi she didn't know made Hanji laugh too. This was truly a cute sight of him. She never saw Levi's height as a problem even through he was still 10cm smaller as herself and smaller as Kuchel his own mother too.
"He is truly cute but he would deny it if we say this to him." Hanji chuckled.
"He would." Kuchel joined her.
A little bit later Kuchel parked at the parking lot of the huge mall and dragged Hanji quickly inside.
"So Hanji here we are. Any ideas about what to buy for Levi as his present?"
As Kuchel asked her, she had a big knowing smirk on her face as she saw Hanji's troubled expression.
"I-I don't know. I want it to be special since it is his 18th birthday. But nothing comes to my mind. I mean Kuchel let's be honest you know about this deal I have with Levi... and I have to give him a response on his birthday and besides this I don't know what else to do yet..."
"It depends about what your reply will be but I can pretty much tell already what you picked."
From Kuchel Hanji couldn't hide anything and knowing this Hanji could only admit the truth to her.
"I plan to try it out and give him a chance to date me.."
"I knew it! And this is why I have already an idea to what only YOU could give my son to surprise Him."
"Only me?" These words peeked Hanji's interest. This was most likely the kind of special she was looking for.
"Yes, only someone like you. A person loving my son."
Taking Hanji's arm Kuchel dragged her through the mall in search for a certain shop she knew did exist here. At first Hanji had high hopes for finally finding the special something she was searching for to give Levi until they stopped in front of the certain shop. Frozen to the spot the brunette stared at the shop sign and the inside of it, feeling her heart skipping a beat or two before it sank to the bottom of her legs.
"Kuchel... why.. are we standing in front of a expensive lingerie brand store?"
"Because you wanted something special and something which would surprise Levi?"
Kuchel said those words as if these were no big deal. But of course they were for Hanji! Feeling as red as a tomato turning into as she looked at Kuchel with a shocked expression. She even grabbed her by her shoulders as if to shake her lightly. She cannot be serious!
"Are you serious!?"
"I'm always serious my dear Hanji. Don't freak out it's just lingerie. And you have an expert with you remember?"
Kuchel winked at her and just pulled the still freaked out Hanjj with her inside.
Lowering her voice Hanji whispered.
"He's your son! You are implying I-I should you know doing what with him right away!"
"Won't you? After waiting so many years for you... you think my 18years old son will be able to hold himself back? He's my precious son but as well a male and they sometimes rather think with their male genital."
Kuchel's reasoning was logical but still Hanji felt so embarrassed just thinking over it.
"I.. that's... I don't know!"
"Well, trying some on won't hurt, right? You can keep them for a later time too."
Kuchel pushed her inside after giving Hanji no room for excuses. She was death set on it.
Hanji felt out of place and lost. She was not the type which ever EVER was shopping for lingerie for the sake of looking sexy. Especially knowing her cup size wasn't the biggest she felt like she had no real need to do so or right.
After Kuchel had questioned her about her size the woman was none stop able grabbing many different models of lingerie's and showing them to Hanji. Some Hanji saw were so thin clothed and covering barely anything... just thinking about wearing it made her blush and quickly shaking her head in response.
In the end having found 3 models Hanji got pushed inside a cabin to try them on.
"Tell me if you need help." Kuchel said from outside as she waited.
"Kuchel can I ask you something as well?" Hanji asked a little hesitant after a moment of silence.
"Sure what is wrong?"
"Why are you okay with me dating your son? You are very supportive of this relationship I might have with him soon."
Waiting for Kuchel's reply Hanji started undressing and to try on the first bra. The red one.
"Why should I not Hanji?" Kuchel amused questioned her back. "You are a gentle and kind young woman. I know you since years now too and you know my son since a few years as well. You two are both 6years apart only which is still in my book a normal age gap. I would be a worried mother if my child would have fallen in love with an older woman 10years or 15years older than him but not if it is only 6years. Or if my child would be a player and use one girl after another. This would shock me."
Hanji grunted. She could never imagine Levi be like this. Levi detested players, people which looked down at woman. He scoffed at movies many times if a character turned out to be that way.
In the meanwhile the brunette was done getting changed, looking at herself in the mirror with the red lingerie set on. It was somehow not to her liking.
Hearing Hanji defeated sigh Kuchel couldn't help it but peeked inside, making Hanji yelp in surprise and cover herself at first.
"K-kuchel!?"
"Hmm it does not seem to be fitting well. The design looked not bad but it does not look very good on you. Your chest gets not pushed nicely up as well..."
"Well sorry my chest is small... compared to other woman.." Hanji pouted with pink cheeks. "Could you get out so I can change?"
Kuchel stepped back away while laughing a little.
"Don't be so harsh on yourself. Your body looks good. You are tall and have long legs, slim and have nice curves and your chest is not as small as you make it out to be."
Everything what the black haired woman had added to say to praise her afterwards made Hanji grow red even more.
"And you are surely Levi's type. My son is having a long leg fetish I assume having seen his hidden porn folder once on his computer. And glasses they were wearing too and not really with a big chest..."
"I get it! I get it! I will not even dare to ask why you saw his folder."
Interrupting Kuchel before she could continue embarrassing her or Levi, Hanji tried on the next lingerie set. This time a black model.
But the black one was not really what she found good either. The pattern to make the set look sexy was not much noticeable. And it kinda felt uncomfortable to wear. So only one was left. A dark purple set with black pattern decorated.
As she put the last lingerie set on Hanji stared at herself in the mirror for a while, saying nothing at all. The material was very good feeling on her body. Her chest looked somehow bigger than usual, pushing her breasts up on the right places she supposed?
Her cleavage and lower body was nicely showing but she didn't felt too much uncovered. The pattern was looking pretty and was very visible with the different black and purple colors.
The long silence even bothered Kuchel and so she ended up looking inside the dressing cabin, a knowing smirk appearing at her face as she looked at Hanji still staring at herself in the mirror speechless.
"Seems like we got the right set."
Kuchel insisted to buy the lingerie for Hanji until she gave up protesting and let the woman do so.
"I will quickly go to the restroom. Will you wait here Hanji? I will be back quickly than we can eat something, what do you say? They have a good cafe here with good pastries."
"Sure..."
And so Hanji was left alone in the mall. Luckily for her a bench was nearby to sit onto which she did. Her legs were starting to kill her in those high heeled shoes. She shouldn't have worn the red heels even if she liked them a lot and fit to her red pullover.
"Hanji?"
Blinking surprised Hanji looked up being eye to eye with Moblit Berner looking as surprised as her for meeting him here.
"Moblit? Fancy meeting you here. Christmas shopping?"
Looking at his many bags he was carrying with him Moblit nodded and spotted her own bag. His cheeks turning red as he read the brand name for the close by lingerie shop on it. Noticing Moblit spotted her bag, Hanji quickly put her jacket over her bag to hide it and coughed.
"Well... haha... aren't those heavy? Take a seat if you want." Hanji offered while she avoided eye contact with him.
"Thanks.. I will take you up on the offer."
Sitting down next to her Moblit didn't know what to do next. He felt pretty nervous, his feelings for her still were existing inside him... even after she had told him she is not looking for a relationship at the moment and they should remain friends.
"After the holidays work will keep us busy a lot. Better be prepared Moblit."
Hanji started a conversation first. Anything was better than this uncomfortable silence.
"Yeah, I will."
"Are you doing well Moblit? Any plans for Christmas? You look a little down..."
Her question made the tall man bit his lip. Taking a deep breath before he readied himself he turned around to her side and grabbed her hands.
"Actually... I am still thinking about the thing that happened between us."
"Moblit-" Hanji tried to stop him but Moblit continued.
"If you have time during Christmas would you like to spend it together and we could-"
"I am having other plans already Moblit and-" Hanji started already as another woman voice interrupted her.
"Sorry it took so long Hanji. Who is this guy?"
Narrowing her eyes Kuchel stared at their hands. Hanji quickly pulled her hands free and sighed.
Just great. It couldn't get any more complicated could it?
"This is Moblit Berner my assistant at work. And Moblit this is Kuchel Ackerman. The mother of Levi Ackerman."
Moblit gulped, his eyes widening visible to anyone upon hearing who this other woman was. Kuchel held out her hand to shake his, smiling sweetly at him but as soon as he took it he felt her strong grip and how she painfully crushed his hand between her fingers.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Berner. I'm Kuchel Ackerman. So you are Hanji's assistant? It's nice knowing you keep helping her out."
To Kuchel's luck Hanji's phone started ringing and as soon as Kuchel spotted her son's number on the display she smirked.
"Go get it. Don't mind us."
"Eh? Okay...?"
Hanji was already thinking to ignore Levi because she was worried about Moblit and Kuchel meeting each other. But Levi didn't stop calling her and Kuchel said it was fine.. so in the end she went to answer her phone.
As soon as Hanji was busy with Levi, Kuchel leaned a little closer and whispered so only Moblit was able to hear her.
"Levi would be worried if his girlfriend would put herself into too much danger or overwork herself."
"G-girlfriend!? They are... dating?" He stuttered.
My 18years old son and Hanji are very much in love and dating yes." Kuchel lied a little since they would be in a few days only be a thing.
"My probably in the future daughter in law as well is very precious to me too... so I will ask you kindly to remain just her close friend that looks out for her during work in a platonic manner and accept your loss and broken heart like a grown up man you are."
Threatening Moblit enough Kuchel stepped away, her kind sweet smile still on her face.
Moblit felt like his soul left his body however. He could only watch Kuchel approach Hanji and ask her something before she took Hanji's phone from her who was being more than a little confused.
"Mum!? Why are you wanting to speak with me?" She heard her son on the other line with an irritated voice. He wanted to talk with Hanji and not his mother.
"Don't be like that my son. You can see Hanji soon enough." Kuchel smirked knowing her son way too well. "I just wanted to inform you, you have to thank your mother a lot soon."
Levi raised one of his eyebrows as he took a sip of his tea, sitting on the couch watching Farlan and Isabel play video games. He just set out on this round to call Hanji.
"What do you mean? What happened?" He had a bad feeling about this.
"Told your rival, what was his name again Moblit? Anyway I told him nicely he has lost and should keep his hands of Hanji my future daughter in law."
Spatting out his tea Levi started coughing a lot on the other line. Farlan and Isabel both stopped playing and looked at Levi confused.
"Mother! Are you kidding me!?"
"Never. I'm giving you back to Hanji now."
Handing the phone back to a confused Hanji as she took it, the brunette raised it to her ear.
"Levi? You still there?"
"...What is going on? Where are you two? Who is with you!?"
Getting bombarded by questions Hanji was not even able to answer him at first.
"I'm in the mall remember? Grocery shopping with your mother? We just... run into Moblit there and I introdu-"
"Him!?"
Levi almost jumped up from his chair until he remembered his mother's words and relaxed again.
"... as I was about to say before you interrupted me. I introduced the two of them. And than you called me and here we are."
"Is this all? He didn't do anything?"
Hanji rolled her eyes. Here it was the jealousy.
"Told him I would be not able to spend time with him on Christmas as he asked me. He said he still cannot stop thinking about last time."
Hanji told him the truth despite knowing she made him furious. But keeping it a secret would make him angry too.
"I'm going to murder him..." Levi growled.
"Levi... no murder threats. I told him no remember?"
"Fine..." he obeyed which made her chuckle.
"Good boy. Now I will hang up to keep your mother not waiting any longer. Will see you on the 24th, okay? Bye."
Hanging up Hanji couldn't help but smile before she went up to Kuchel and a still very shocked looking Moblit.
"What happened to him? Kuchel what did you do?"
"Me?" Kuchel asked innocent. "Nothing~"
Waking up from his shock state Moblit gulped and grabbed his bags quickly.
"I have to go now. It was nice meeting you Miss Ackerman and Hanji. We will see each other at work next year then."
"Sure we will. See you at work then Moblit..."
And lastly Moblit was gone taking his escape as quickly as possible before Kuchel could attack him 'kindly' again.
Hanji eyed kuchel with a questioning look. Something she did do but she couldn't tell what. Probably it was better if she didn't know either. Ackermans were scary and mother and son were a lot alike.
On the 24th December. Early in the morning Hanji's doorbell rang. She grunted searching for her classes on her bedside table. Putting them on she crawled out of her bed wih half closed eyes. Putting on her sleeping robe and her slippers she went to the door, shuttering as the cold from outside hit her face. Feeling fully awake however now as she was looking down at Levi, dressed in thick winter clothes.
It had snowed during the whole night and turned the outside into a dreamlike winter landscape.
"...you know how early it is? What's with your Ackerman's and standing at my doorway so early."
Hanji yawned tiredly and stepped aside to let him in. It was 7o'clock in the morning only for goddamn sake. Levi walked inside but before he went past her Levi stepped on his tip toes and planted a short kiss on her right cheek.
Hanji surely blinked confused and surprised while Levi merely pointed with his finger upwards.
"Your mistletoe hangs still up, remember?"
After he explained it to her he walked inside in direction to her kitchen.
"You still didn't answer my question Levi!" Closing the door Hanji went after him. In the kitchen she found him already rummaging in her kitchen and only now she noticed he had a bag with him and it smelled delicious outside of it.
"You know I sleep not many hours. I was awake since a while already and bored. Went even to the bakery for a nice breakfast for us." while Levi explained himself he started brewing for her, her deadly coffee she needed every morning to be awake and functioning properly how she always explains herself. Levi rather preferred his tea.
"Thanks. I forgive you then for waking me up so early."
Taking out plates and knife and forks and everything they needed she decorated the table and a little while later they were able to sit down and enjoy a nice comfortable breakfast.
"So Levi what do you want to do today? Any wishes?" Hanji asked after they were done and started cleaning up a little again.
"I don't need to do much. Just being here with you is enough."
He muttered honestly making Hanji stop with whatever she was doing.
"Levi... come on. I want to give you a special day until it is the 25th at midnight."
Going up to him she stopped behind him, placing her arms around him, her head resting on top of his own, only the back of his chair separating them from where he was sitting.
"Hanji?"
"Hm?"
"What are you doing..?"
"Hugging you from behind and resting my chin on top of your head because you have a good short size" She smirked teasingly before she chuckled to lighten the mood and continued to speak. "Anyway... let's think of something we can do. Later you get your cake and your presents. I luckily have made the cake already yesterday. But it's still a few hours until then because you came so early."
Thinking for a while Levi got an idea.
"Let's stay inside... it's cold as hell outside anyway. I prefer the warmth over the cold."
"Okay any idea what you would like to do inside?"
"I still need to beat you on that game of yours and you said you wanted to watch some movies lately. I would prefer to just have a lazy day on the couch with you... a blanket and to at least cuddle a little."
Levi was sure she would decline on the cuddling part even if he really liked her hugs, just proving it to him at the moment even... nevertheless he decided to try his luck out.
"Okay. But let me take a shower first. I planned to take one BEFORE you would arrive but you ruined my whole plans."
With this the brunette woman went out of the kitchen and into the bathroom leaving Levi confused and a little shocked behind.
"She didn't deny it did she?"
About 30minutes later Hanji came back downstairs dressed in a striped black and yellow pullover and some comfortable blue Jeans, her hair again back into her ponytail as well. she found Levi to her amusement with a cleaning bandana on his head and around his mouth, currently being busy collecting up some fallen off needles from Hanji's big Christmas tree in her living room. Avoiding the few presents which were placed under them skillfully while he cleaned.
The next thing Hanji noticed was the additional present which magically appeared underneath her tree which made her smile knowing from exactly who it could only be.
"Is my living real beautiful tree not to the liking of the biggest clean freak on earth? It's a real one Levi they will loose some needles from time to time."
Hearing her voice addressing him Levi went up from his kneeling position and pulled the banana off his mouth to speak.
"Every year they make a mess even in my house. Tch another reason why I am no fan of Christmas."
"Celebrating with all of your family can be a pain I acknowledge this much but it's only us two together this year. Don't say you hate spending time with me."
Ignoring Hanji's complains Levi changed the subject back to something he always had wondered.
"Speaking of family.. what is with yours? You never really talked much about them."
Levi himself was surprised he only released now how Hanji never much mentioned them. She spoke of her friends always and very fondly as well, but never did he hear much over her parents. The only thing he knew was that they were still alive and she having an older sister and an older brother.
Hanji paused saying nothing while she continued getting everything they needed ready, blankets, enough pillows and the gaming consoles and movies.
Levi was almost sure she didn't hear him as she suddenly spoke.
"Long story short, they are the exact opposite of your mother. Your mother is kind and accepting my mother or father were never. I am the oddball, the abnormal in my family and they reminded me of this everyday. My siblings are all married already, have blessed them with grandchildren while I jumped in my younger days from one short relationship to another, lost my virginity to an asshole they never approved off and were in the end even right about how he was no good." He could see her frowning at this. "He cheated on me and they told me he would eventually but love makes blind and naivety too. And than I focused on my job more than love which bothered them too and so I as soon as I could went out of the house and got this small apartment here. Than I lost my job and started babysitting you to pay my bills and found the new job thanks to Erwin and here we are were we are standing now."
"I see sounds like a pain in the ass of a family."
"They are. I still love them somehow because they are my family but I don't really want to visit them. Calling them on Christmas or their and my birthdays is enough." Hanji plopped down on the sofa after she was done.
Somehow thinking over her parents made her feel a little down. She recalled the phone call she had with them even yesterday complaining to her how she never visits them and her other 'better' siblings caring much more about them. About how she still is seeing no one and how her time would start to be ticking soon if she continues being that way. She was only 24years old! There was still time!
Of course Hanji didn't mention Levi to them yet and how it could be she was soon not single anymore. This could make them happy but as soon as they learned he is only 18years old they might be disappointed with her again and start another argument. Levi being too young, running away from her after a few years or months and leaving her alone again.
Noticing Hanji's problematic expression Levi put his cleaning supplies away, took his bandanas off and sat down next to her. Without a word he pulled her to him to have her lean against his side.
"I don't mind your abnormal self. Hanji is Hanji and this is good enough."
A little smile appeared on her face as she leaned closer to him and closed her eyes.
In the end they stayed like this for a while until Hanji felt good enough again and they started playing some games on Hanji's playstation 4. They even found Erwin online and played with him for a while until they had enough and grew hungry. Levi told Hanji he will make them something since he is a better cook than her. Hanji at first protested but gave up in the end and let Levi be.
He made for them what she had left in her house, Rice omelette. Hanji squealed in delight as soon as the first spoon entered her mouth.
"Okay I accept you are the god in the kitchen and a clean freak."
Hanji muttered with a full mouth, making Levi groan.
"Chew and than speak shitty glasses."
He ordered while he ate too.
Swallowing quickly Hanji stuck her tongue out.
"Accept my compliment about how good it is. You should cook for me more often."
"Maybe if you ask nicely or I could teach you." He offered and smirked a little tiny bit. Cooking with her could be both interesting and nice or chaotic and be a mess.
After they finished eating they decided to switch to watch some movies now. It got a lot colder now too and so they huddled up under the blanket together. Levi didn't complain as Hanji again curled up against him and he even could trap his arm around her shoulder without her complaining over it.
Time passed quickly and in around 1hour it would be midnight now. Levi felt how his body started to itch and his mind became slowly more and more restless. Not long anymore and he would be an adult and not long anymore until Hanji would answer him to their deal.
Returning from the kitchen Hanji carried a beautiful decorated cake with her. He had a red/pink color with chocolate syrup on the top. Strawberries and blueberries were on the top along with a candle in the form of an 18 and a little chocolate shield with the text 'Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas' on it.
Levi watched her walk closer until he couldn't help himself leaning closer to her and hug her from behind from the sofa he was sitting on.
Hanji almost let the plate with the cake fall down upon the sudden body contact and blushed embarrassed which soon turned into slight annoyance.
"Levi... what are you doing..? I almost dropped your cake."
He didn't cared as she scolded him and just buried his head more into her back, his grip strengthening around her torso too.
"I cannot move like this.. you release this? What's going suddenly into you?"
"Look at the clock..."
Hanji did as he muttered into her back. Still he was not making any move to let her go obviously.
The clock read about 45min until midnight and Hanji could understand what his problem was. Chuckling a little she sighed understanding.
"45minutes still Levi. Let me at least put the cake on the table. I put a lot of time into making this cake for you. Come on now be a big brave boy and let me go."
Levi reluctantly let her go so Hanji could safety put her cake down on the cafe table in her living room.
"Time should hurry up..."
"It will soon be midnight little man."
Sitting down again next to him Hanji ruffled his hair like he were a little kid until he slapped her hand away.
Levi pouted and waited. He couldn't concentrate on the series they were watching anymore, his eyes glued to the clock on his phone display.
23:30, 23:40, 23:50... the last episode has just ended and it was only 5 more minutes until midnight. Hanji figured they wouldn't watch TV anymore today and turned it off. Getting up from the sofa she picked up two presents from the tree and placed them next to the cake on the table.
"I am placing your presents already on the table and let's change the mood a little."
Turning the light off the only light that remained was the light from the Christmas tree and the light from the cake as she lit the candle. It gave a nice cozy atmosphere as Hanji sat down next to him and pushed the cake in front of him.
"One more minute..." Hanji checked his clock and the running seconds. As soon as the clock flipped to midnight Hanji started singing happy birthday. Levi knew she wanted to be nice but it only grew him more impatient. He only wanted to blow this candle out already and move on.
After she was done she smiled.
"Blow out the candle and don't forget to wish for something! Adult Levi."
He was quick and blew the candle out. Finally this was done.
"That's right I am an adult now."
In a matter of seconds Levi had her pushed down onto the sofa and climbed on top of her.
"Levi..?" Hanji's face flamed up. She knew what he wanted from her, however it was still hard to tell him and made her heart race.
"Hanji... you know what I want..."
His blue greyish eyes were piercing into her soul making her shy and she had to look away to the side, unable to look him directly into his eyes anymore.
"Hanji.." he whispered right into her ear, blowing lightly into it and making her whimper. "Don't ignore me..."
Taking a deep breath before she exhaled again, trying to collect herself as much as she could she said those words very quietly out she needed to say since long now.
"I love you... you won the deal..."
In a matter of seconds Levi had grabbed her face and turned her around to face him and crashed his lips onto hers.
Like a switch was flipped over Levi hungrily kissed her, deepened the kiss until they were out of breath and had to separate for air.
Afterwards Levi just lied down onto her and hugged her, his head resting in the crack of her neck. She could feel him smiling like an idiot on her skin as she put her hands around his body, hugging him softly to her. One of her hands finding his hair and caressing over his undercut.
"Say it again" Levi mumbled against her skin.
"I love you." She sighed.
She felt how his lips was brushing against her neck.
"Again."
She blushed how many more times he needed it to hear?
"I love you.."
"Again."
She felt how he kissed her neck softly. Groaning Hanji blushed even more.
"I love you. I love you. I LOVE YOU! For goddamn sake Levi Ackerman I LOVE YOU! Stop teasing me!"
"Me too since freaking years, shitty glasses."
Leaving her neck alone Levi pushed his upper body up enough to attack her lips again. He felt Hanji's arms move around his neck pulling him closer to her and he just couldn't help but smirk still like an idiot.
"Levi... your presents?"
"Don't care. My best present I got already." He mumbled against her skin, happily leaving a red mark on her body. But as his hands traveled to her shirt to crawl his hands under it and push it up Hanji stopped him and grabbed his hands.
"Wait Levi!"
"Why?" He pouted feeling irritated now.
Seeing his irritated look with his puppy dog eyes followed soon after, it made her roll her eyes. So cute yet she had to stop him if she wanted to do this right according to her plan.
"Because I say so and I am the older one here."
Pushing her body up she got Levi to move down from her much to his disappointment until she tackled him all of a sudden and successfully flipped their positions.
"I told you, you will unwrap your presents first now."
Pulling her pullover over her head she revealed her body to him or rather her body with the sexy lingerie underneath it.
His mouth gaped open and his cheeks turned red seeing her like this on top of him.
"Fuck... you are sexy.."
"So... you like it?"
"Liking it is an understatement."
He let her hands move down to his grey hoodie and pull it up to reveal his abs. Damn them and now she was finally able to examine them closely and touch them with her own fingers.
Her fingertips ghosting over his skin made him grin.
"Liking what you see too? Or touch rather."
Hanji blushed and stopped immediately.
"Hey, idiot don't stop."
Pushing himself up enough he pulled his grey hoodie off to reveal his complete upper body to her. His clothes joined her own on the floor.
"Can I now?"
He asked hesitantly waiting for her to nod until his hands trailed down her sides of her body, tickling her all the while his head moved closer to kiss her lips than move down to her neck and lastly to plant a kiss on her cleavage.
He wanted to let himself time just exploring her body and kiss her over and over again.
Meanwhile Hanji decided to change the activity a little and opened the zipper to his pants before her hands slipped into them and started touching his hard bulge hidden inside it. She chuckled hearing him groan and he had to break his kiss.
"Let me take care of this, okay?"
"But Hanji... we cannot go all the way because..." he hated to admit it but he did not bring any condoms with him. He wasn't thinking he would get this lucky today and now he was and could not which annoyed him greatly.
"Don't worry. I got this. You will lose your virginity today if you want to give it to me~"
Her hands grabbed one of the wrapped presents on the table and she handed it to him to unwrap it. Confused he took it and opened it carefully. Inside was a box of condoms. Filled with many to use for them.
"See I got this."
To be honest now he was curious what was in the other one.
"Can I open the other one too?"
"Oh so now you got curious?"
Hanji was amused but handed his last package which was a lot smaller than the other one to him. "Merry Christmas Levi is this then."
"Yours is still under tree by the way..."
"I noticed the extra one you placed under it. I will open it later after we are done with everything."
Nodding his head, Levi's attention went back to his little present in his hands. Carefully unwrapping it revealed a little black box.
"And no, I am not proposing to you for marriage. Step after step and we are only dating now."
Opening the little black box it revealed a key which confused Levi even more.
"It's a spare key to my apartment. I believe I can trust you to be a responsible adult and not be a perverted creep and I can let my... boyfriend enter whenever he wants. Without having to wake me up again at 7o'clock like this." She blushed knowing it was a kinda fast and bold move. "Besides we know each other since years and so I don't think I am too fast and-"
Levi cut her off with another kiss before he pulled her in for a hug and shut her up completely.
"Thank you Hanji."
"No problem Levi."
Soon after Levi gently pushed her backwards and switched their positions again to be on top of her.
"Actions are better than words... so let me prove to you really now how much I love you and continue where we left off a year ago."
Hanji didn't object his idea feeling warm all around her despite the cold weather as Levi pulled the blanket back a little over them and started to shower with his long locked away affection and love for her.
"Ughh... yes, yes.." Hanji groaned exhausted and still tired. With half lit eyes she blindly fished around on her bedside table only to figure out this was not hers but Levi's cellphone ringing up a storm.
"Levi get onto your phone and shut it up I want to sleep... be a good boyfriend and deal with it.. your sex exhausted girlfriend is tired."
Mumbling this Hanji went back to sleep, feeling how Levi shifted his body besides her and reached to grab his phone. Tired looking just like her. Both had managed after a while to reach the bedroom and continued making love there too. Good thing Hanji had a whole box ready and not just one.
Boyfriend and girlfriend.. these words still made Levi's heart skip a beat or two. Everything felt almost unreal how he had a naked beautiful Hanji Zoe next to him in bed and could touch her, cuddle with her and more as much as he wanted because he was her lover, her boyfriend. She was his and no one else.
Reading the phone display it said Kenny. Annoyed a little Levi picked up.
"Stop calling me at what- 3o'clock in the morning!? Are you insane!?"
Levi hissed quietly into the phone.
"Are ya finally an adult and lost ya virginity to your girlfriend Hanji? Kuchel wants to know too."
Levi rolled his eyes. He just wanted to go back cuddling Hanji to him and sleep. They maybe slept since half an hour only too.
"Yes, we are together and now let me sleep. Do not call me ever again at this hour."
Kenny couldn't respond anymore even as Levi hung up on him.
"Damn brat just hanging up on me."
Putting his cellphone away Kenny took out his wallet and pulled out a 100$ bank note he handed to a smirking Kuchel next to him.
"Told you my son, your nephew would be dating since today Hanji but you didn't believe me."
"I won't be betting against ya again, sister. The brat finally grew up and became a full adult and even snatched himself a damn interesting woman. Must be his best Christmas and Birthday ever."
Taking the money Kuchel smiled. Both sitting in the Ackerman resistance in the living room, both of them enjoying a glass of wine together.
"Yes, it must me. I am happy for him. Happy Birthday and Merrcy Christmas my son." Kuchel smiled as she let out a toast for her precious son.