Chapter 16-Stories about true love have no ending

Levi POV

I feel guilty for some reason. I guess its because I haven't spoken to her in six weeks. I actually haven't seen her at all. I've been avoiding her. My heart aches for the sight of her but I can't see her. She has someone else to make her happy. Armin is the one to make her happy now. I wouldn't be able to stand the sight of them holding hands, looking at each other lovingly, and even less likely, them ki-. Ugh, I can't even think of them doing "that" without cringing. I need to think of something else. Oh that's right, I have shit load of paperwork to do. All of the higher ups thought the last expedition was such a huge success that we must continue for the rest of the wall immediately. My head hurts from thinking too much. I almost wish Hanji was here to read all of these annoying papers to me. I haven't been getting much sleep either. I would return home usually around two or three in the morning after drinking to my heart's content. I would sleep until five and then go to work until seven in the evening. The rest of the time is alone time, away from everyone to think, what am I going to do now? Of course, for my own health, I only drink on the weekends with Hanji. She would drag me home and then she would fall asleep on a piece of furniture. She would always tell me of how my housemate would wake her, make her help her clean, and then ask about me. Hanji wasn't one to spill secrets of how I was actually doing, so she lied to my best friend. I couldn't let Hanji tell Ms. Shadis how I was tormenting myself for giving _ my permission to date the smart blonde. My heart burns everyday, realizing she may begin to one day love the little brat. And I have to accept that. Hell, I might even become her maid of honor if they end up together. I'd kill myself before attending a wedding of hers with a groom other than me. But I can't do that either. Suicide wouldn't make her happy. She's already lost her brother, she may become damaged again if I disappear. After all, I'm the only person she has that's the closest thing to family. Family? Maybe that's how she thinks of me. She could be thinking of me as a brother, a sibling, anything but a potential lover. I bang my head against my desk as my frustrating thoughts keep getting deeper.

"Levi? Are you alright?" Hanji must have heard the thud coming from my throbbing head banging against my desk. She comes in without knocking and sits in the chair in front of me.

"I'm great, Hanji." My head still rested against the desk. I didn't want to look at her, I was too preoccupied with my thoughts circling in my head. I thought that maybe if they tried hard enough, my head could explode. I started shaking as I tried my theory out. Hanji quickly stood up and ran around to my side.

"Levi? Come on, stop that. You're scaring me, corporal. I mean, after all, you are humanity's strongest soldier. To see you all shaken up about some girl-"

I snap my head up, facing her, anger in my eyes, "She is not just some girl. She is the only person that has ever been my family. She is my childhood friend. She is-" Nothing. I can't say she's anything more than family, a friend, a comrade. It's all just unrequited love. My fire goes out and tears well up in my eyes. I would never dare cry in front of Hanji, seeing as she would probably black mail me with it later. I excuse myself from my own office. I leave with the order of completing my paperwork. She whines and apologizes but sits at my desk anyway. It was around two, so I decided to leave work for a late lunch and clear my head.

Hanji POV

I have no idea what's been going through that troll's mind lately. He just hides under some bridge, drinks when he doesn't have work the next day, and avoids his best friend 24/7. I've asked Armin about how it was going with Ms. Shadis and he said it was going fine but he seemed upset.I didn't push the matter, since Levi has probably threatened the poor guy. I mean he is pretty cute and extremely smart so he could have been seen as a threat long ago by Levi. I check on Armin and John in their offices every once in a while. Armin got his work done but he always seemed space out. John was the same way but about something less serious. He was more cheerful and it must have been cause he's made a new friend. Peter's younger brother would stop by after John finishes work and they would run off somewhere. They looked like they were having fun, hanging out, and just enjoying life. I was glad that John could finally smile again. I bet Ms. Shadis has noticed John's energetic behavior. She was happy and more loose. She even applied to go back to being a squad leader for the next set of recruits. I guess she doesn't plan on joining us in our future expeditions to conquer more of Wall Maria. All of the garrison squads returned to the recently conquered territory to build homes for families and paying customers. I heard Levi bought a small piece of land near the edge of the wall. Apparently, he used to live there with Ms. Shadis and her brother.

I hope everything works out with Levi, I always thought he was "pitching for the other side". In all truth, he did spend lots of time with Erwin and Eren. I was just curious as to when he would let me know. If I had never seen that look he makes around Ms. Shadis and he told me he loved her, I would've never believed him. The little guy needs to think about what he wants to do and how he can move on. I'll always be there for him and I know Eren, Erwin, and Pixis will too. I just hope he can snap out of this avoidance routine and talk to her.

Armin POV

Life sucks. I got rejected after years of building up my love for my squad leader. I even became her equal. I grew up, got taller, and I even shave(sometimes)! I planned out the perfect day for her. I enjoyed the date even though Eren kept giving me inappropriate advice. I made her laugh and smile sincerely. I got to spend the whole day with her. I was so happy. But now, I don't know what to think anymore. Maybe I only loved her as a mother. I didn't feel pity when she hugged and comforted me, even though ten seconds before that she rejected me as a love interest. I felt warmth and pure love. I knew she loved me but more of like a family member. She accidentally called me son once and I didn't think much of it. I cried that night, conveying the news to my two best friends. They comforted me until we had to go to work, treating me to breakfast before leaving my side. Hanji has been talking to me less. I was her assistant a while back and helped her research for titans. We used to talk all the time but lately she's been preoccupied with Levi and his paperwork. One time she asked me how it was with Miss Shadis. I thought it over and I guess my current situation with her isn't too bad. We still talk and hang out. She still smiles at me, her beautiful smile. I told Hanji that we were fine. I figured everyone knew that we never made it past the first date. Levi is probably making his move since I failed to make her happy. I didn't hurt her so Levi shouldn't be planning to kill me, right?

The six weeks went by fast and after a while my thoughts of Ms. Shadis lessened and I realized that my love was differed what I thought it was. Hanji seemed to be dressing up more on the weekends. She would drag Levi out of his office and probably take him to her house. I was kind of mad that Levi was with Hanji. I mean, he is supposed to be with his childhood friend. Anyway, today was no different. Today was the last day for us to work before relaxing over the weekend. Hanji left early and Levi went out to lunch two hours ago. I don't know when he returned but I all I knew was that he almost broke my door. He opened it with such force, I questioned if I did lock it. Nevertheless, I stood and saluted my superior. He told me to sit and he took a seat in front of me.

"Regarding your," he paused, calmly letting a breath out. His hands were tightly fisted as he continued, "relationship with Ms. Shadis. I wish to confirm her future happiness." I tried to speak but he shushed me before I could speak. I guess he really has been avoiding her. He doesn't know that our relationship hasn't continued since the first date. I wonder how he avoided her at home for six weeks. I look at him astonished that he still wishes for her happiness. I let him finish his speech. He looked mad. I hoped that he wouldn't take it out on me. He sighed before standing and saluting me. I stood and saluted him. I agreed to his terms to keep her happy but I had to tell him that we were no longer romantically connected.

"Um, Levi?" He turns around, he reached the door rather fast. He probably doesn't want to see my face since he believes Ms. Shadis is currently infatuated with me and not him. Or at least that's what he thinks. "Sir, I respect your terms for me to continue her happiness but I cannot carry them out in the manner you desire."

"And why the hell is that?" He walks toward me, I almost feared that he had the ability to walk straight through my desk. "Haven't you two been," he mutters a curse before finishing his question, "dating for the past six weeks?" I look at him and laugh. I almost regretted it after he grabbed my collar but I couldn't help but smile sadly at him.

"No, sir, we aren't dating."

He questions my words as they leave my mouth. "Did you break it off?" If I said yes, which of course isn't true, I would've been killed. I would've never hurt, much less break up, with Ms. Shadis but it wasn't her wish to stay with me.

"No, I didn't break it off."

"Then explain what happened to me or so help me you will be bashed into this desk!"

I could tell he was frustrated. He was probably on the verge of losing sanity. He has been able to avoid the one person he can call family and the one person he has truly loved. He felt as if he didn't have the right to talk to her or even approach her. I dropped my smile and explained the situation concerning me and Ms. Shadis and what happened on the first date. I felt as if he tuned out during the first part when I spoke about the date. I guess Eren told him what happened since he was there until we escaped the bakery. I told him of how she rejected me kindly and sent me home. After I finished, I looked at Levi.

"Go after her."

Your POV

That asshole, I can't flipping believe him. I haven't seen him at all! What the hell! I return home early every day to try to catch him. I would always spot a stupid, worthless note on the table. Usually it would say, "Be back later" or "Out with Shitty glasses." Said person would be sleeping on a random piece of furniture the next morning and Levi was always nowhere to be found. A few days after thinking over my feelings for Levi, I was planning to confess. Forget that! He makes me so frustrated! How can I confess if I don't ever see him again? I don't let my personal problems affect my work and try to finish early to search the entire HQ for Levi. I would talk to Armin or John at lunch and sustain my friendships with everyone. Hanji would usually disappear as well right after I finish work. I feel like tearing my hair out. I am almost 26. I would've liked to settle down by now. I have this yearning for a family or at the very least a partner. I am strong enough to handle life on my own, but cleaning a whole house is a bitch. Which reminds me, I've always wanted a pet. Hopefully I'm not allergic to them. Back to the main problem, when will I see Levi again? Will I forgive him for leaving me alone again?

I went home early, I felt like going to a bar later. I don't see a note on the table so I assume he's still at the HQ. I leave my own note after making myself dinner for 42nd time since his disappearance. It said, "Will Be Back Later, Asshole." I couldn't help myself on the last part. It felt like it would get back at him if he ever did read it. I headed to the nearest bar and sat at one of the counters. I looked around, recognizing one or two faces. John and his new best friend were here. I don't believe either of them are old enough for drinking but since John is a soldier, he doesn't have to be. They are probably here just for the hell of it. Enjoying their young lives while they can. I wave at them and they hold up their drinks to me before beginning a drinking competition. I giggle at them, hoping they know how to limit themselves. The bartender turns his attention to me and I order a few rounds of baileys and beer. I've always hated beer but I wanted to drink and be able to walk home. I get a nice buzz before paying and leaving John and his friend to their fun. I head home and peek inside Levi's room. He was usually out on the weekends but tonight his light was on. It was around eleven and I was curious as to why he was back early. He looked up at me from his bed and smiled. I was furious. He actually thought everything was okay! I gave him a glare before loudly stomping to my room and barricading my door with my dresser. I heard him slam into door and apologize. He apologized to me many times. He said that he was avoiding me because he thought he had a reason to. He said he realized that there was a misunderstanding and that he wanted to make it up to me. I yelled at him to go to bed. After a while he did, whispering good night from behind the door. The next day was the most unusual day of my life. The man I admired was now my servant.

Levi POV

I spent all night thinking of how I could get her to forgive me. I tried to think of anything but eventually led to this, becoming her servant. I tried to think of other ways like buying flowers but then I remembered she isn't like any other woman. So here I kneel at her bedroom door. I bow my head and greet with a polite good morning. I say milady and I just hoped I wouldn't have to explain what I am doing for her. Soon enough, she got the message and ordered me to clean the entire house after making her a special breakfast. That was easy but the day has only begun. She never let me leave her side once we left the house. We didn't have work so I was wondering what else she had planned for today. We walked around town and she asked for a boat to carry us to Wall Maria. We both traveled to the reconquered territory of Wall Maria and walked around. It felt weird strolling through an empty land. No people were back since most didn't trust the new walls to be secure but mostly because they couldn't until the houses were rebuilt. The house I bought near the Wall was actually still intact. It may need some fixing up but I'm sure it'll be a great retirement home. I look at my best friend and ask her if there was anywhere special she would like to go to. There were no shops around so we could only eat the food we brought from one of the bakeries back in Wall Rose. She asked me to take her to the river where we played at when we were just kids. Back in our thieving years, we made many memories in that river. Keith would teach us how to fish and swim and then we would all bathe and relax since we weren't being chased by the authority. _ would usually splash water at me, Keith would join in and we would all just laugh at our own silliness. I don't think I would ever be able to forget where that river is, it actually ends right near the house we used to live. I didn't live in it for long but I could only hope that Keith and his dear sister were happy in it.

I lead her to the river and sit down at the bank. I smile as memories flash through my mind of this river. She sits next to me and sighs contently. She was still very young so she must've forget where the river was. It has been years since I've been able to come to Wall Maria and just remember the past and how happy all three of us were. I look up at the sky, thinking that Keith was actually smiling down at us. I look at the beautiful woman sitting next to me. Her hair framing her beautiful face. Her eyes smiling as her mouth curves upwards. She begins to laugh and I feel grateful for being able to just hear it. I asked her what was so funny and she told me of the memories she could remember. Most of them were us fooling around and just enjoying life and being content with surviving in this harsh world. I lay back onto the grass and continue to listen to her sweet voice reminisce on and on about the past. She lays next to me after a while, the cloudy sky blocking our delicate eyes from the sun overhead. She plays her favorite game with on days like these. We would guess what each cloud looked like and come up with the most ridiculous answers. I shift onto my side and gaze at her.

"_ . I'm sorry I've been avoiding you for the past few weeks. The reason why was because I thought you were, um, dating Armin. I thought he could make you happy and that you wouldn't need me anymore. I felt depressed that that thought actually occurred to me. I would go out to the bars with Hanji there as moral support. I would rarely be at home and I would bury myself in work. I regret leaving your side and letting you be with another man but today Armin told me that you two never continued your relationship after the first date. I'm also sorry for spying on you on your date with him," she looks at me shocked. "I apologize and I only did it because I thought I couldn't trust Armin. I realize that I was wrong and that he is a gentleman. I just always thought that no man would ever be good enough for you. Not even myself but today I would like to change that." She glances at me confused. I get up and walk upriver and tell her to follow. She gets up as well and strolls next to me.

I had no idea that she would come to Wall Maria so I decided to use the environment to my advantage. I thought she would use me as her servant all day long doing work, cleaning, cooking but I now realize she only wanted to spend time with me. She wanted me in her life. She was mad at me last night because she missed me. I needed to fix all of this and I would need her help. We reach our old house and I stop her on the front porch.

"Is this the land you bought, Levi?" I wanted to surprise her with that piece of information but she already knew.

"Yes it is. Also, I have something important to ask of you." I walk down the creaky steps of the porch and turn around to face my only company. "Would you like to live here as well?"

"Of course! Are you nuts?" She smiled brightly at me as the sun shined behind her face.

"There are a few conditions you must accept in order to live here." She gives me this 'Are you serious' look. "First, you must help me restore this house and make it look presentable for future guests." She nods quickly, easily accepting an easy task. "Second, you must get a new job. I will not let you go back to the military HQ in Wall Rose because the traveling would be frustrating." She thinks it over but nods anyway. "And lastly," I pause before walking back onto the porch and face her. I stroke a piece of her hair and move it behind her ear. I kneel for the second time that day. I look up at her as I pull a small navy blue box from my inner coat. She covers her mouth and gasps. I gently open the box to reveal a simple silver band, engraved on inner side, 'To my true love, my one and only~Levi'. I smile as she continued to hold her breath. "Miss _ _ Shadis, will you do me the honor and great privilege of becoming my partner in life, my equal, my love?"

Your POV

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! OH MY GOSH! Is he serious? Is this really happening? I need to slap my myself. Okay, it is definitely not a dream. I couldn't speak, I tried but my voice was just a whisper.

"Yes." I swear he barely heard it but he gave me his joyful look and I knew he heard my answer. I couldn't stop crying after that. I finally get to be with the man I have loved for so long. He stood up and I hugged him. I cried into his ear and told him everything that was on my mind. "I love you, Levi! I've only ever loved you. I am so happy!" My sentence came out hiccuped and choked. He laughed quietly and hugged me tighter.

"I love you as well, _." He pulled away first and gently placed the engagement ring onto my ring finger. I smiled at him and jumped forward. Our lips crashed together in a messy first kiss. He smiled into the kiss and held my head softly. I leaned into his touch and broke away. It was barely evening so we decided to return home in Wall Rose and come back another time to fix up our true home. We hopped onto the last boat heading back into Wall Rose and I wrapped my arm around his. We soon returned to our current home and walked inside. I said good night but Levi didn't let me go. His head was down and I swear I could've sworn I saw a blush.

"What's wrong, Levi?"

"Nothing, I was just wondering if you would consider", he paused as if what he was going to ask was going to be life changing. "I was wondering if you would want to sleep in my room, with me?" He looked up at me. He had no ulterior motive, he just wanted to lie in his bed next to me. I smiled at him and accepted his request. We went to sleep wrapped in each other and dreaming of our future together.

When the work week came around, Levi decided to announce to everyone what happened. It only took five months to plan the wedding. Everyone helped out while Hanji and the other higher-ups took care of the rest. During those five months, Levi took me out to dinners and other places for simple dates. It was like he was trying to make up for the time we lost when we were separated many years ago. Levi planned to retire right after the wedding and I wanted to continue my work as a recruit trainer. Levi and I had a gorgeous wedding and recited our loving vows for each other. The night rolled around and we retreated to our home in Wall Maria. We scrubbed the entire house clean a few months ago and continued to do so every day. The house was returned to its former glory in a short amount of time and a small garden was sustained in the backyard. Levi picked me up bridal style after he opened the door. He carried me to our room and dropped me onto the bed. I laughed as he crawled to the other side of the bed. He plopped down and snuck his hands around me. I couldn't stop smiling as he told me he loved me for the umpteenth time that day.

I was grateful for being able to meet Levi when I was only a baby. I was grateful for the times when we were together with my brother, for finding this house, and that we got reunited after twelve years. I have dated other men in my late teens but none could make me forget about my one true love. None got my first kiss and barely got a third date. I was always thinking about Levi and how he was doing. I always longed for the day we could be together again. I even thought that if he was married when we got reunited, I would congratulate him. I would be happy for him and live a lonely life or until I could actually find someone better than him. I never could have imagined this. Being able to marry my best friend is the weirdest feeling. Marrying my childhood friend was something I could've made up in some dream. I was ecstatic that this is my reality. I now know that true love will conquer all.