Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/7402882.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      F/M, Multi
  Fandom:
      Shingeki_no_Kyojin_|_Attack_on_Titan
  Relationship:
      Erwin_Smith/Reader, Erwin_Smith/Original_Character(s), Erwin_Smith/
      Original_Female_Character(s)
  Character:
      Erwin_Smith, Levi_(Shingeki_no_Kyojin), Hange_Zoë, Mike_Zacharias, Mikasa
      Ackerman, Eren_Yeager, Armin_Arlert, Original_Character, Original_Female
      Character(s), Petra_Ral
  Additional Tags:
      Underage_Sex, Older_Man/Younger_Woman, Forced_Marriage, Slow_Build, Slow
      Romance, Slow_Burn
  Series:
      Part 1 of The_Art_Of_The_Unexpected_Series
  Stats:
      Published: 2016-07-06 Completed: 2017-04-02 Chapters: 35/35 Words: 224491
****** The Art of The Unexpected ******
by RMB27
Summary
     Elyse has always done what was expected to do under her father’s
     command. Her older brother, Levi, a quiet and aloof man, isn’t as
     obedient. That means, her father and him don’t get along, hence why
     Elyse, only sixteen, is going to be married to a man twice her age in
     order to keep her father’s company within the family. But, she
     decides to have one night of rebellion before she becomes the good
     married daughter, and that’s when her planned life alters,
     drastically.
Notes
     A:N// So, I’m still obsessed with Erwin Smith, so here’s a story to
     fill a void in my life LOL. The only thing that belongs to me is the
     original character.
***** It Begins *****
Elyse stared at the clock that hung on the pristine white wall in her father’s
pristine white office with her pristine manicured hands scraping against the
pristine white leather couch cushion. She inhaled and exhaled as she sat,
shoulders up and hand folded properly on her lap after scraping the pristine
leather.
 
Pristine. Everything is so pristine.
 
She hoped the scratching didn’t her nails. Or maybe she does.
 
Well, dear old daddy wouldn’t notice, hopefully.
 
Speaking of dear old daddy, the man was reading the papers in front of him like
it was his damn daily newspaper.
 
Not her marriage contract to the man who was his age.
 
“Elyse, once you marry Mr. Garnier, you will need to quit doing trolling up and
down the stage. Once you’re married, you will need to enter a more domestic
lifestyle. Your fluff years of dance are over.” Her father’s solemn voice
echoed against the white walls that, she was pretty sure, were closing in on
her.
 
She felt her heart break with the command. Dancing was what she was proud of,
what she was good at. She had been dancing since she was four. Levi had made
sure she was in a class she wanted, and it had taken hours to convince her
father until he begrudgingly agreed for her to have an “extracurricular”
activity.
 
“Yes, Father.” Elyse’s light voice replied, softly. She had acting classes,
too. At least they were working in her favor right now.
 
Her father didn’t respond as he scanned the pages of the contract that held her
life with complete nonchalance.
 
After a moment, he placed the papers down and folded his hands on his pristine
white office table. His narrowed grey eyes studied her own large, docile hazel
ones and he held large yet wrinkly hand up for her to take.
 
Elyse didn’t hesitate as she got up, mannerly, and took the hand offered to her
with her own soft hand.
 
He looked up at her and a small practiced smile graced his aging features. Her
father was undoubtedly a once handsome man, but years of hard work and life had
beaten his face, leaving him to look hard and stern. He had brilliant eyes,
still. Levi had inherited those eyes.
 
“You are making me very proud, Elyse. This will keep the family business in the
family. I wouldn’t have this done if that good-for-nothing—“
 
“Father, please. The situation is now fixed.” Elyse pleaded with her father,
urging him to continue without berating one of the most loved people in her
life.
 
“Your brother decided to choose an unwise path in life. You, my dear, have
saved our family once more.” Her father finished, proudly patting her hand in
his.
 
He frowned once he brought her hand up to his eyes to inspect something that
suddenly displeased him.
 
“Also, don’t forget to get a manicure, dear.”
===============================================================================
 
Elyse bowed her head in apology as she accidently bumped into someone as she
walked towards a café in downtown Manhattan.
 
She entered the aromatic café and inhaled the scent of coffee, with a warm
sigh. Just what she needed in this cold weather. Scanning the tables, her eyes
shone bright once she saw her brother waiting for her in their usual booth.
 
He was reading a newspaper in French and Elyse couldn’t help but roll her eyes.
Could he be any more pretentious?
 
Oh, yes, there’s his cashmere jacket and scarf properly folded on the chair
reserved for her.
 
She walked up to the table, and she moved his things, gingerly, to the bay
window on their right.
 
“You need to stop reading French newspapers in New York City, mon frère aîné.”
Elyse teased, as she settled down in her seat, removing the layers that warmed
her.
 
“Then, don’t encourage it by calling me older brother in French, Ely.” Levi
retorted, his eyes not leaving the newspaper.
 
A waitress came to their table to take her order, judging by the already hot
coffee cup in front her brother.
 
Elyse placed her order with a grateful smile and thanks. The waitress’s
appreciative glance of her brother didn’t go unnoticed.  
 
Elyse was even more amused once her order came around just as quickly, and the
waitress was still staring at her brother with a flush to her cheeks.
 
“Will that be all for the two of you?” The waitress asked, her eyes darting
back and forth between the two of them.
 
“That will be all for me. Thank you.” Elyse said, warmly, already pitying the
waitress. She kicked her brother’s shin, lightly, to get his attention.
 
He glanced up, a little miffed at being interrupted from his reading, “Yes,
Ely?”
 
Elyse motioned to the waitress with her cup of tea, “Our waitress was asking if
you need anything else.”
 
Levi turned his attention to the waitress, “No, that’ll be all. Thank you.” He
turned back to the newspaper in his hand and Elyse wanted to roll the newspaper
and hit his half-French head with it.
 
“I noticed that you have a slight accent and that he’s reading a French
newspaper. Are you guys from France?” The waitress asked, curiously, and Elyse
could tell she wanted to have more attention from her brother.
 
Poor girl.
 
“Yes, we were born there and had our childhood there, but our father—“
 
“Don’t you have other tables to wait upon?” Levi’s sharp voice interrupted his
sister’s storytelling. The waitress, who seemed very into Elyse’s tale, stood
up straight and flushed red. With a quick apology, she left to wait on other
tables.
 
Elyse, annoyed, turned to her brother, who had finally placed his newspaper
down to glare at his sister.
 
“You didn’t have to be so rude.” Elyse scolded, frowning.
 
“You shouldn’t be telling strangers our life story.” Levi snorted back, picking
up his cup of coffee.
 
Elyse rolled her eyes, and a small laugh chuckle escaped her lips in
affectionate amusement. Levi gave a small smile back.
 
“You better tip her well. Poor girl kept staring at you. That’s maybe why she
wanted to know our life story.” Elyse sighed, taking a sip of her own tea.
It was Levi’s turn to roll his eyes at his sister’s compassion.
 
With a sigh, he placed down his cup and folded his hands in front of him. Elyse
couldn’t help but think of how her father just did that moments earlier.
 
Ah, yes, here comes the memory of having to marry at the innocent age of
sixteen.
 
“Sometimes, I forget you’re only sixteen. You are precocious at that age, Ely.
It’s like talking to someone of my age. I mean, you’re in fucking Julliard for
God’s sake.” Levi stated, a sense of wistfulness in his voice that only she
could detect.
 
“Feeling old, brother?” Elyse teased, one eyebrow raised. She placed her elbow
on the table and her head on her hand and playfully tilted her head towards her
bother.
 
“More like useless. The older you get; Father decides to keep using you.” Levi
stated, his tone getting darker.
 
Elyse immediately cringed and frowned. She removed her elbow off the table and
folded her hands on her lap, playing nervously with her fingers.
 
“Levi…don’t say that. Father loves, he doesn’t use.” Elyse weakly defended.
 
Levi snorted, “The man is incapable of love. Especially when mother---“ Levi
immediately stopped himself, his hands gripping his cup.
 
“I’m sorry, Ely. I forgot myself.” He apologized, shaking his head in apology.
 
Elyse simply offered a small smile of understanding.
 
“He talked to me about how he set up a marriage with one of his business
partners. Of course, I told the old geezer that he’s out of his damn mind if he
thinks you’re going to agree with it. I mean, that should be the line, Elyse.”
Levi said, pressing one of his hands on his temples to massage them.
 
Elyse froze.
 
“Did you meet with him today?” Levi asked, not missing a beat from his rant.
His gaze finally turned towards her.
 
“…No, I was about to after this.” Elyse lied, easily, her eyes wide for effect.
As if she heard this news for the first time.
 
Levi nodded, approvingly. “Good, don’t go today. Don’t go ever, just go back to
your dorms. How about this, I have a friend who’s coming to visit from Germany.
Father and his father actually go way back and I went to Uni with him back in
Germany. We’ll have dinner at my place. I’ll see you then?”
 
Elyse still smiled her practiced smile and nodded, with fake enthusiasm.
 
===============================================================================
 
Her brother walked her back to her dorms at Julliard, and she gave a kiss on
his cheek as goodbye with a promise of seeing him later.
 
She entered her dorm room and noticed that her roommate was out, which gave her
a room to herself for once throughout the whole day.
 
Placing her stuff down, gently, and sitting down on her bed, Elyse finally let
go of the breath she had been holding the moment her father told her the news.
 
With that breath, tears rolled down her face and she found that she couldn’t
stop them from flowing.
 
Her brother didn’t know that she had already accepted, and she felt horrible
for lying to her brother. But, he couldn’t know, not until it’s close to
happening. She didn’t even know when it was happening, technically. She had
just signed the papers where her father told her to sign.
 
She was the good child. The good girl her father deserved after what she had
done to him.
 
Levi wouldn’t understand. He’d be angry at her. Telling her that she was
throwing her life away.
 
But, he knew why she did the things she did for their father. He was almost
close to saying it in the café. That’s why whenever Elyse made her decision
about accepting what her father wanted, Levi would know he was fighting a lost
cause.
 
This wasn’t any different.
 
Coming down from her sobbing, Elyse walked to the bathroom to clean her face
and to prepare herself for the dinner she was going to have with her brother
and his friend.
 
Maybe for the last time.
===============================================================================
 
She apologized as she bumped into another person in the train. Geez, what was
up with her and bumping into everyone today.
 
“It’s quite okay.” A baritone voice caught her off-guard as she was still
looking down, apologizing.
 
Elyse looked up and she found herself staring into gorgeous blue eyes. She
forgot that the train doors were closing.
 
“Look out!” The man she had bumped into with the gorgeous blue eyes yelled at
her as he grabbed her towards him inside the train.
 
The impact had her tumbling into his arms as his arm shot out to grab the pole
next to him. Elyse found that the pleasantly attractive man had a pleasantly
hard body.
 
She flushed and pushed herself away from him and apologized, shyly.
 
“Thank you. I’m so clumsy sometimes.” Elyse stated, with a small laugh. The man
smiled with his perfect white teeth and chuckled, a throaty one that had Elyse
fascinated.
 
“It happens to all of us.” The man assured her, his blue eyes sparkling. Elyse
studied the man with curiosity. He was very handsome. He had blonde hair neatly
parted and gelled into what she called The Businessman hair. Blue eyes that
reminded of the one time she visited the beach with her brother in California
when she was awestricken by how blue the water had been compared to the beaches
in the Tri-State area. He was wearing a navy blue business suit that just
complimented his eyes even more with a red tie to complete the ensemble. He was
very tall compared to the men she was used to seeing. I mean, her brother was
pretty short and she had remembered how miffed he had been when she hit her
growth spurt.
 
But, the man before her didn’t just hold her attention because he was tall and
handsome. There was plenty of men who were like that in New York City.
 
This man exuded something that had her smiling almost flirtatiously at him.
 
She couldn’t help but feel pleased when he returned the smile with one of his
own dimpled smiles that accentuated those sharp cheekbones of his.
 
“May I have the name of my savior?” Elyse found herself asking, was that her
voice? When did she get so confident? She could feel her inner self wanting to
run away screaming at how stupid she was being.
 
“Erwin. Erwin Smith.” The man replied, his voice still sounding so utterly
beautiful in her ears.
 
“Erwin,” Elyse loved how his name rolled off of her lips, “Interesting name.
You don’t hear it often here.”
 
Erwin chuckled, “Here? Excuse my forwardness, but your accent doesn’t seem so
New York either.”
 
Elyse smiled at his contagious teasing, “Your forwardness does indeed need to
be excused. I am actually from New York…for seven years now.”
 
Erwin had laughed at that, his laughter booming and clear. Elyse loved the rush
of power within her. She had made this gorgeous man laugh. Her, Elyse Rose.
 
“Well, then. Seven years does seem enough for me to put my foot in my mouth.”
 
“Foot in your mouth? You don’t hear that every day, either. Where are you from?
Mars?”
“You wound me, Miss…?”
 
“Smooth, trying to get my name with your weird lingo.”
 
“I try, Miss…?”
 
Elyse couldn’t help but laugh even more at this man’s confidence. Everything
about him was contagious. His humor, wit, and mannerisms were definitely one in
a million. She wasn’t wrong when she said that there was something different
about him.
 
She decided to entertain him more.
 
“It’s Elyse. My name is Elyse.”
 
“Elyse.”
 
The way he said her name, she knew she was doomed.
 
===============================================================================
 
They talked in the train for a very long time, and Elyse noticed a young
brother and sister entering the train amidst the interesting and entertaining
conversation she was having with Erwin.
 
“Oh my God!” Elyse suddenly gasped, interrupting Erwin in the middle of their
conversation.
 
“What is it?” Erwin asked, alarmed, placing a protective hand on her back while
looking around.
 
Elyse wanted to melt right then and there, but there were more important
matters.
 
“I need to get off on the next stop. I have plans with someone. Geez, he’s
going to kill me!” Elyse gasped, trying to find her phone in her purse.
 
She didn’t notice when Erwin’s hand left the small of her back, hesitantly.
 
“Oh, yes, I understand.” Erwin stated, softly.
 
Elyse looked up once she got her phone and smiled, “It was very nice meeting
you, Erwin. I do hope you enjoy New York, Mr. Foreign Name.”
 
Erwin smiled back, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes like before much to
Elyse’s slight disappointment, “And it was nice meeting you, too, Miss Elyse.”
 
Elyse clutched her phone. It would be easy to take his number and exchange hers
in return, but it wouldn’t be right.
 
It was nice to have attention from someone like him and it was flattering,
really. But, it could only last so long.
She’ll just say this was her bachelorette party in her own little way.
 
The train came to a stop, and Elyse got up and walked towards the closed doors.
 
When they opened, she didn’t bother to turn around.
 
===============================================================================
 
“I mean, I know Iwas late, but your friend must really not know New York City.”
Elyse said, amused, watching as her brother paced his living room in his
penthouse suite.
 
“He’s from Germany, Elyse. He only goes here when there’s meetings for him to
attend and even then, he has drivers to take him around.” Levi groused,
clutching his wine glass.
 
“You’re just feeling terrible because you know you should’ve at least picked
him up from the airport, you slacker.” Elyse said, more amused at her brother’s
attitude.
 
Levi turned to glare at his sister and was about to say something until his
door buzzed. He got up after muttering a, “Finally,” under his breath.
 
Elyse sighed at her brother and would’ve helped greet his guest, but she was
already settled on her favorite spot on the comfy couch with a secret wine
glass she managed to procure under her brother’s distracted mind.
 
She heard voices from down the hall and she sighed as she slowly sat up and
went back to thinking about hiding the wine glass that she was already missing.
She was slightly sad after leaving that beautiful man, Erwin, on the train.
 
Plus, she was getting married. Technically, she was an adult in some twisted
way. So, she deserved the red wine.
 
“…And this is the living room. My sister is actually here tonight. I wanted you
to meet her since you wouldn’t stop bothering me about her.” Levi’s voice got
closer.
 
Elyse couldn’t help but smile at that. She remembered Levi mentioning that
friend back in his travels that wouldn’t stop asking about her.
 
“Here she is.” Levi stated.
 
Elyse looked up with a welcoming smile, not even caring anymore about hiding
the wine glass in her hand.
 
She dropped the glass in hand once she saw her brother’s visitor.
 
“Elyse, this is my German friend---“
 
“Erwin.”
***** One Night of Rebellion *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// Chapter Two is here. Like I said, in a jiffy!
     Nothing belongs to me. Except Elyse.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Levi raised an eyebrow at his sister and immediately Elyse knew she was
screwed.
 
“I would question how you guys know each other already, but it seems that my
underage sister spilt wine all over my damn couch.” Levi hissed the last part,
walking towards his sister and grabbing the empty wine glass off the couch.
 
Overlooking the mess, Levi sighed and placed the empty glass on the table,
realizing that the other people in his house haven’t talked since.
 
“I’m going to go and grab a wet rag to clean up the mess, so since you guys
seem to know each other already, which I will question later on, have a
conversation.” Levi stated, leaving the room.
 
Elyse got up, quickly, realizing that she was all alone now with the man that
had been occupying her thoughts. She decided to make herself busy, grabbing the
dirty pillows and casting them aside.
 
She made a beeline for the empty glass, but she stopped once she saw Erwin’s
fingers already gripping the stem of it.
 
Forced to look up, Elyse gazed at the handsome man who was smiling at her,
amused.
 
“Underage, huh? I knew Levi had a sister, but he failed to mention her name and
how old she was. Not to mention, how stunning.” Erwin stated the last part in a
hushed whisper.
 
Elyse was taken aback by his forwardness, but she found herself wanting to
banter back with her own quick wit.
 
She decided best not to once her brother walked back in with his insufferable
cleaning supplies.
 
“Elyse, spray it down. Erwin, wipe it after the spraying.” Levi ordered his
guests, casually.
 
Elyse didn’t miss the smile sent her way as she obeyed her brother, trying to
hide the fact that her face was flushed.
 
“So, this is your precious sister, Levi?” Erwin asked, while doing his part of
the cleaning.
 
Levi merely grunted his, “yes”, as he grabbed the stained cushions after the
cleaning.
 
“Well, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her on the train earlier. She said she
had plans and left.” Erwin stated, his eyes holding a sense of amused secrecy.
 
Elyse stared at him before gracing him with a small smile.
 
“Turns out that we both have the same plans then, Mr. Foreign Name.” Elyse
teased, ignoring the butterflies in her stomach.
 
Levi didn’t seem to be bothered by his sister’s weird inside joke with his
friend as he simply sighed after placing the cushions aside.
 
“Yes, and both of you who are usually early for events happen to be both late
also for the first time in your lives.” Levi grumbled, still annoyed that his
furniture was ruined.
 
“Elyse, please be careful with red wine next time. How many glasses did you
have?” Levi asked, turning his attention back to his sister.
 
“One, I swear it.” Elyse promised, her hazel eyes begging her brother to
believe her.
 
Levi smiled, “Well, it’ll be two or three once we start dinner. Father isn’t
here to stop you.”
 
Elyse couldn’t help but smile her thanks back at her brother. No matter how
many times he seemed to not be paying attention, she’s pretty sure he noticed
how slightly down she had been. Or maybe, she just couldn’t hide her puffy eyes
well.
===============================================================================
 
 
Elyse couldn’t stop laughing at her brother’s aggressive attitude over Erwin’s
story when Levi and him were students in Germany.
 
“Fuck you, Erwin. You were the one who said to eat the shit on the table, and I
did. And, I was right. It was literal shit.” Levi stated, pointing his fork
accusingly at Erwin, who simply took another sip of his coffee.
 
Elyse stared on, her body feeling light and free. She got why people drank
alcohol when they were down. She felt that everything was funny and that her
brother’s usual taciturn attitude was pretty hilarious at this point.
 
Erwin looked at the clock behind the siblings and frowned, “It’s almost
midnight. Will you be sleeping here, Elyse?”
 
Elyse, alarmed, whipped around and noticed the time, her vision a little bit
dizzying. “Oh no! I have an early class tomorrow. I need to get back to my
dorm.”
 
She got up, immediately, and started to make her way to her jacket and scarf.
Levi, who’s head was currently resting in the crook of his arm on the table,
groaned at her sudden movement.
Elyse hastily put her jacket on and scarf and began to unsteadily make her way
to the dining room in order to say goodbye, taking a deep breath at a time.
 
A deep chuckle from behind her sounded and she jumped a little when she felt a
large hand grab her elbow to steady her. She turned around and noticed Erwin,
who was also in his coat, scarf, and leather gloves.
 
“Miss Elyse, you definitely need someone to take you home.” Erwin stated,
slightly amused and a little serious.
 
“Let Erwin drive you back to your dorm, Elyse. The bastard actually rented a
damn car in this city which also made him fucking late. Plus, he is definitely
sober.” Levi’s voice boomed from his dining room.
 
Elyse sighed at her brother’s drunken state, but she gave Erwin a small smile
and nodded, “That’s very nice of you, Erwin. Let me say goodbye to my brother
first.”
 
She walked towards her brother who groaned as he lifted his head up,
hesitantly. He gave her a small wave, and Elyse knocked his hand down in order
to give him a soft kiss on his cheek.
 
“Goodnight, brother. I’ll see you at Auntie’s house next week.” Elyse said,
softly, careful to not irritate her brother’s drunken headache.
 
Levi gave her a slight smile, rare when he’s sober, “Yes, I’ll see you next
week. I would say be good, but you always are, brat.”
 
Elyse laughed, lightly, giving her brother a light, playful punch on his
shoulder.
 
“I’ll see you in two days, Levi. Unless you’ll need me tomorrow to help you
with what is going to be a nasty hangover.” Erwin said from behind them.
 
Levi shot up a middle finger in response, “I’ll see you in two days, asshole.
Make sure my sister gets home safely.”
 
Erwin chuckled and gave his promise. Elyse couldn’t help but notice that he
stared at her while he was making the promise to her brother.
 
“Well, shall we?” Erwin asked her, offering a leather-covered hand towards her.
 
Elyse placed her petite hand in his and it fit perfectly, a spark running
throughout her body at the realization.
 
She didn’t dare look up at him. He was staring at her enough for the both of
them.
 
===============================================================================
 
“Your brother mentioned you were a dancer. I was quite impressed with what he
told me. Said you had started at the mere age of four.” Erwin said, his voice
catching her from her thoughts as she nervously sat in the car.
 
It had to be a nice car too. The one black car that her father always sent for
her whenever she would see him. It was the only luxury she enjoyed before she
stepped in that pristine office.
 
Elyse felt herself relax a little at the easy offering of conversation Erwin
offered.
 
“I did. I was inspired by the ballerinas I watched when our aunt took us the
opera in Paris. She was a ballet teacher there, and she took care of my brother
and I whenever she could. Once she saw that I was interested, she began to
teach me alongside the other ballerinas. It was…the best childhood.” Elyse
said, wistfully.
 
“When did your family leave France? I remember your brother mentioning it was a
weird change for the both of you.” Erwin asked, politely, his eyes never
leaving the road, something Elyse was thankful for.
 
“We left when my father decided that he wanted his main company to be here in
New York City. My brother was very against it, but back then, he didn’t have
much of a choice. Once he was applying for college, my brother went back to
Europe. He truly didn’t feel home here…” Elyse trailed off, guiltily,
“Sometimes, I feel bad. I feel like he’s here only because of me.”
 
Suddenly realizing who she was talking to, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
 
“E-excuse me, I didn’t mean to say that. I must be a bit tipsy.” Elyse tried to
cover up her slip-up with a nervous giggle.
 
Erwin didn’t say anything and she noticed that he didn’t even seem to be thrown
off by what she said.
 
“Is this where your school is?” Erwin asked, finally, parking the car in a
spot. Elyse looked up and realized that they were already next to her dorm. She
turned to him and smiled to thank him, but she noticed that he was unbuckling
his seatbelt also.
 
Before she could say anything else, he got out of the car to go to her side in
swift strides with his long legs. He opened the door before she could even
unbuckle her own seatbelt. Flashing her a smile, Erwin even offered his hand
once more so she could grab it in order to step around the snow.
 
“Weird foreign name and weird foreign matter, Erwin. You definitely don’t
belong here.” Elyse teased, lightly. Erwin chuckled, still helping her around
the snow. Once he was sure that she could walk on her own, Erwin let go of her
hand, but Elyse shivered once he placed it on the small of her back to walk her
towards her building.
Students were staring at them. Some of them were drunk and high, catcalling at
them or offering them a drink as they passed. Elyse, still not used to this
life, politely refused with a flush to her cheeks. Sometimes, students truly
did believe she was older than twenty-one. At the thought of that, she looked
up at the man next to her. He knew she was underage, but did he know she was
underage?
 
She walked into the elevator and expected to say goodbye to him there, but he
entered with her, still having his hand on that irritatingly polite part of her
back. It didn’t help that there was a couple making out next to them.
 
Once the elevator doors closed, Erwin turned to her and began to talk about how
ironic it was to meet her on the train that he was on to get his rented car in
order to drive to Levi’s penthouse suite. Elyse had laughed and nodded at the
right parts, but her mind couldn’t help but wander as she side-eyed the making
out couple. What if Erwin’s hand that was on her back go lower to cup her---
 
The elevator doors opened and Elyse was thankful that it was her floor. She got
off, immediately, hoping that Erwin’s hand wouldn’t be on her back anymore. It
wasn’t. He followed her, politely trailing behind her.
 
Okay. Once you enter your room, you will take a cold shower and swear to never
drink red wine ever again until you are the right age.
 
“Well, this is my room.” Elyse said, smiling at him. Erwin looked at her door,
curiously. Elyse had noticed a note from her roommate on the door, ‘Won’t be in
tonight, Elyse! With the boyfriend ;)’
 
For once in her life, Elyse felt jealous of her roommate and her sexual life.
The thought made Elyse blush.
 
Literally, never having red wine ever again. Scratch that right age promise.
 
“Wow, this takes me back to Uni.” Erwin stated, wistfully, his eyes shining in
amusement. His lips quirked up in a small smile.
 
Elyse licked her lips, swiftly, wondering how it would feel to kiss those lips
and---
 
Panicked, Elyse patted her pockets for her keys and when the sound of keys hit
the floor. She sighed at her clumsiness.
 
“Geez, being a dancer, you would think I would have at least grace when it
comes to common actions.” Elyse muttered, bending down to pick her keys up.
 
Erwin’s throaty laugh caught Elyse’s attention and she looked up in surprise at
how close the sound was.
 
She didn’t expect for her lips to brush against his.
 
He happened to bend down to help her with the keys and Elyse must’ve not notice
due to her panicked state of being flustered around this foreign man who
happened to be extremely attractive and extremely interesting and is he going
to move or—
 
Her mind must’ve stopped working because she began to press her lips even
harder against his.
 
And to her horror and surprise, he began to kiss her back. The keys were being
forgotten on the floor as Erwin’s hands grasped both sides of her face to bring
her closer to him.
 
Kissing Erwin was breathlessly intoxicating. His expensive cologne was
comforting and he tasted like mint and a taste of tobacco. The thrill of
realizing that he smoked through kissing him sent a thrill down her spine.
 
“GET A ROOM, YOU TWO.” A random yell broke through her mind and Elyse pulled
away in shock.
 
Two boys from down the hall winked at her and hollered at them, encouragingly,
before they disappeared in a room.
 
Elyse grabbed the keys on the floor and coughed, lightly. She didn’t look up as
she got up, scared to look at him. Her heart was pounding and the heat that was
bothering her didn’t lighten up.
 
Erwin must’ve realized that what they did wasn’t right. I mean, she’s young and
he’s older than her. He’s her brother’s friend.  She was getting married.
 
Oh god, married. The memory hit her like a train ramming into a wall. Tears
began to well up in her eyes, and maybe they fell because a leather-covered
hand hastily began to wipe her cheek.
 
“Oh, Elyse. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. Maybe I might be a bit
inebriated. Please don’t cry. I won’t kiss you—“
 
“No, no. It’s not that, Erwin. The kiss was wonderful. It’s…” Elyse trailed off
and closed her eyes.
 
The burden of having a marriage put on her was finally hitting a weak spot in
her armor. She had been reciting that what she agreed to was good for her
family. Her father was happy. Her brother will understand. Her aunt wouldn’t
have to worry about her. Everything was going to be okay. The company would be
in safe hands.
 
But, the mantra wasn’t working anymore. She was tired of being the sacrifice.
She wanted to be sixteen and to enjoy her life. Many people who have met her
had complimented her father and brother on her upbringing, mentioning how
mature she was for her age. But, they didn’t get it. She had to be mature.
Someone hadto. She owed it to her father, brother, and everyone who expected so
much from her.
 
She looked up at Erwin, handsomely breathtaking Erwin, who stared at her with
slight hesitancy in those deep blue eyes. His lips quivered, slightly, and
Elyse embraced that small vulnerability since he never seemed to show any
vulnerable weakness.
 
God, he was like a Greek statue. Greek because of all those heroic beauties
that she had studied about with their complexities. Statue because other than
the obvious chiseled aspects of him, she still couldn’t read him. Yes, he was
smart and funny. His wit matched hers, and he never made her feel like less of
anything. But, there was really something about him that attracted her to him.
She was like a moth to a flame, a flame she longed to learn and touch.
 
Her heart warned her, You’re going to get married, Elyse. Don’t do anything
stupid. Her mind scoffed, Exactly, you’re going to get married, Elyse. Enjoy
yourself before you can’t.
 
She had mentioned in her mind that he would be the epitome of her bachelorette
party.
 
Plus she was tipsy, so she gets to be a little rebellious. For once.  
 
“Erwin.” Elyse whispered, longing, staring right at his lips trailing back to
his eyes. Her body warmed when she realized he was staring at her with such
intensity.
 
“You want to come inside?”
 
She didn’t need to ask twice.
===============================================================================
 
He seemed huge in her small dorm room. She knew he was tall and athletically
built, but wow, he really made an impression in any room.
 
She thanked her roommate silently for cleaning up their dorm room before she
left, and she began to take her jacket and scarf off, nervously.
 
Was this going too far? Would her brother find out? Oh god, what would happen
if her father somehow found out?
 
Why should she care? This was for her. Her one day of just letting herself have
fun and to actually have the first time she wants. Not some old husband on her.
 
A million questions bombarded her mind, but the moment she turned to face
Erwin, silence replaced the chaos in her mind. He had taken off his outerwear
also, and she found herself staring straight at his broad chest that was
peeking out of his unbuttoned top buttons of his white dress shirt.
 
He walked towards her, in two strides, and placed his arms on both of her
elbows, gently. Elyse didn’t know what to do next.
“Elyse, are you sure—“ She cut him off by placing a finger on his lips and she
began to trace them, slowly. The sound of his small groan made her feel
powerful and wanted. Something she never felt in her life for quite some time.
 
“Don’t talk. Just—“ Elyse cut herself off and placed her lips on his, urgently.
He let her have power for a while. Her lips gingerly pressed on his,
experimenting. He was patient, and Elyse suddenly felt a bit shy. Granted, she
didn’t really know how to continue after kissing. Of course, she knew what sex
was. Her roommate made sure she knew with her obscene choices in movies and
boys, but Elyse never really had a sexual appetite until she met this man who
was kissing her right now.
 
Sensing her hesitancy, Erwin began to take control and she shivered when she
felt his hands begin to trail up and down her arms, leaving gooseflesh in his
wake. He gently grabbed the back of her head, weaving his hands in her dark
hair and pulling her closer with the other hand on the small of her back. His
tongue pried her lips apart gently and he playfully teased her mouth which made
her moan, softly.
 
The moan must have encouraged Erwin because he began to grow bolder. He left
her lips in order to place kisses on her jaw and then down her neck which made
her moan even louder.
 
His hands began to pull her shirt over her head and Elyse found her hands
unbuttoning his dress shirt, swiftly. Her mouth parted in happiness at the
sight of his broad chest and abs with dark blonde chest hair that trailed down…
 
She felt her face heat up at the realization about what they were about to do.
 
“I’ll be gentle.” A soft promise caught her by surprise. She looked up and
Erwin smiled encouragingly at her. She nodded, and he kissed her lips once
more. He began to gently direct her towards her bed and she sighed once he laid
her down and followed.
 
His kisses began to grow more urgent as he skillfully unclasped her bra. The
slight growl that sounded from his mouth as he looked down at her breasts made
her feel beautiful as he began to pepper them with kisses. One hand cupped her
left one gently as he alternated sucking her nipples, lightly. She felt
blissfully on fire as she arched her back, offering herself to him.
 
“Erwin. Yes, yes.” She gasped, one hand grasping the sheets behind her and
another in his gelled hair.
 
His lips began to trail down and he swiftly pulled her jeans down, impatiently.
His hands left her breasts and he trailed them down her legs and then her inner
thighs, close to meeting the place her body yearned him.
 
He began to replace his fingers with his lips, kissing every part of her legs
and once he was satisfied with exploring every inch of her body with his kisses
and hands. He pulled down her panties, and he groaned.
 
“You’re so wet, Elyse. So ready for me.” Erwin whispered, bending down to lick
her wetness.
 
One lick and Elyse was thrashing around, moaning and gasping. So, this was how
it felt like. At first, when her roommate mentioned it, Elyse was appalled. She
didn’t know that was a thing during sex, but God, she reminded herself to thank
her roommate for mentioning this to her.
 
Erwin was gentle, extremely, and Elyse began to whimper impatiently.
 
“Erwin, please. I’m about to—“ She cut off into a loud moan as he began to go
faster with his tongue, his finger joining to rub the nub that she was taught
that would make her lose control.
 
Make her lose control, indeed.
 
She felt her body tense and she felt as if she couldn’t take anymore, but then,
she saw stars and whiteness in her vision, gasping for air. She felt immense
pleasure and completely sated. That’s when she heard Erwin unbuckle his belt
and unzip his pants.
 
When she looked down, she saw how full he looked. Sure, her roommate mentioned
that size mattered, no matter what anyone told her.
 
And, hello, he was…more than pleasing.
 
But, being a virgin, Elyse suddenly felt scared, her eyes widening and her
teeth biting on her lip in nervousness.
 
“I promised you, didn’t I? I’ll be gentle, Elyse.” Erwin’s soft voice caught
her attention. She nodded, and she began to settle back on her bed, trying to
relax. 
 
“If it hurts too much, let me know, okay?” Erwin asked, settling his body
against hers once more.
 
Elyse nodded, biting her lip. That’s when she felt the fierce pain of her hymen
breaking. Tears began to leak out of her closed eyes and she grasped the sheets
beneath her, tightly.
 
“Does it hurt too much?” Erwin asked, concerned, but Elyse could hear the
tightness in his voice.
 
Elyse shook her head, “It’s okay. Just go slowly.”
 
Erwin obeyed, his thrusting slow and gentle and Elyse felt so full. The pain
began to subside and she felt her body beginning to enjoy the way he filled her
body. She began to gasp whenever he began to hit a certain spot in her body.
 
“Erwin, it’s starting to feel good. Oh, god.” Elyse moaned, wrapping her legs
around him and her arms around his neck. She buried her head in the crook of
his neck, moaning.
 
His thrusts began to get faster and harder. Before she knew it, she was another
gasping mess when she saw stars once more. 
 
“Oh, god. Elyse, Elyse.” Erwin groaned, and Elyse felt something spill inside
her soon after.
 
They were both breathing, heavily, and he rolled off her into a small free
space next to her. She found her eyes heavy with sleep and tipsiness, and
before she knew it, she was fast asleep, embracing the dreamless night ahead of
her.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// HEY HEY YOU YOU
     Pls review or comment.
***** Backyard Party Revelation *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// Thank you, @Ktrivia! I’m glad you’re enjoying this so far, and
     I hope you keep enjoying it. We all need a little more Erwin~ ;)
     The only thing I sadly own is Elyse.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Elyse had woken up to the sun shining on her face. With a small groan, she
patted the side of her bed to look for a pillow to cover her face.
 
Instead, she had patted something hard and that something had chuckled, softly.
 
Her eyes opened wide and recollection of last night hit her, immediately. She
got up, panicked, and noticed that her room had no sign of her roommate coming
in. She sighed in relief, but the cold air hitting her naked body was enough to
grab her blankets, hurriedly, to cover herself.
 
“Well, good morning to you, too.” Erwin’s voice from behind her sounded, amused
and throaty.
 
Elyse would’ve found it intoxicating to hear him talk, but reality and her
slight headache from last night’s red wine hit her, strongly.
 
Strong arms wrapped around her from behind, and she flinched. Erwin seemed to
notice and he let go of her, reluctantly.
 
“Elyse, is everything okay?” Erwin asked, hesitantly. His fingers trailing down
her back in a comforting motion.
 
She shifted away from him, standing up with her blanket around her.  She
hesitated to look up, but she did, and she already regretted what she was about
to say to this handsome stranger on her bed. He looked so scruffy and messy in
only a way that waking up could make him look and she relished within that
fact.
 
She felt horrible. She just used this man for her personal pleasure, and he had
treated her so nicely about it. She just wanted one night for herself, and she
managed to get it in her slight inebriated state. But, would he be okay to be
let down by her? God, this man was her brother’s friend, and based on last
night, they were really good friends. Could she avoid him after this? Well, he
was from Germany. Maybe, he didn’t have business here to stay. With a sick
twist of relief of that fact, Elyse took a deep breath.
 
“Erwin…as-as enjoyable last night was…um, I think it’s best if we part ways
now.” Elyse managed to get out, grabbing the sheets tighter.
 
There was no shock or surprise on Erwin’s face. Mainly, there wasn’t any
emotion on his face. Elyse shifted, uncomfortably, in the silence.
 
“You see, I was slightly drunk last night, and I don’t think you understand how
young I am.” Elyse continued, hoping that he’ll understand.
 
Erwin simply stared at her, giving her a look that meant he was listening
respectfully to what she was saying.
 
Elyse felt relieved when she saw him nod once in understanding, “I see.” He
said, softly. But, his face or voice didn’t betray any emotion. This mas was
really good at—
 
That’s when she realized that what this man exuded was mystery. He was so
infuriatingly and intoxicatingly mysterious.
 
It slightly annoyed and awed her at the same time. See, Elyse, it wouldn’t have
worked out with a man like him. You can’t even tell if he enjoyed the sex at
this point.
 
She kicked herself mentally for thinking about that at a time like this.
 
The shifting on her bed made her realize that Erwin was moving to get up, and
she noticed that he was naked also.
 
“Oh god, how rude of me to have the covers to myself,” Elyse groaned, “Here,
grab a pillow.”
 
Erwin waved her off, politely, and he began to gather his clothes, pulling his
briefs, another fact she enjoyed about him, up. His pants followed, his belt
buckled, and his dress shirt buttoned up. He sat down on her bed to put his
socks on, and Elyse didn’t what to do but just watch.
 
“I won’t tell your brother about this, Elyse. I would hate for myself to be
murdered in New York City.” Erwin stated, his gaze turned up to look at her.
 
Elyse offered a weak smile at his joke. He looked back down to finish the task
he was doing. Once he was fully dressed, including his outerwear, Erwin stood
up, swiftly.
 
Elyse looked up at him, biting her lip, nervously. He chuckled, his leather-
clad hand tugging at her bottom lip.
 
“That’s not a very good habit, Elyse.” He stated, his eyes still damning
unreadable.
 
Elyse just nodded, slowly. Erwin let go of her lip then, but to her surprise,
his fingers traced her cheek, softly.
 
“Just for my sanity’s sake, will you tell me how old you are?” Erwin asked,
softly. Elyse closed her eyes and mentally prepared herself for his reaction.
 
“Sixteen. I’m sixteen.” Elyse whispered, harshly. Erwin’s fingers froze on her
cheek and a bitter chuckle sounded from his lips.
 
“Ah, I see. Perhaps, you are right then. This shouldn’t be repeated.” Erwin
stated, not betraying anything in his voice. His eyes were closed though and
Elyse thought it because of the mental blow of what he had just found out.  
 
He let go of her face and he gave her a slight, stiff bow. Elyse smiled wryly
at that.
 
“Again with the weird manners, Mr. Foreign Name.” She teased, half-heartedly.
 
Erwin simply nodded, and he turned to take his leave. Slightly panicked, Elyse
grabbed his elbow to stop him. He turned around, slowly, and Elyse stared at
him, not knowing what made her stop him.
 
“I hope the next time we see each other; it’ll be under happier circumstances.”
Elyse offered, lamely. Erwin smiled at her then, one that she realized that
that smile was what hid secrets.
 
“I don’t think there will be a next time, my dear.” Erwin stated, softly. Her
heart froze at that, but she couldn’t say anything else because he was already
out the door.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
The driver was polite enough to not carry a simple conversation with her. She
wanted to be left alone due to her headache. She had considered to call her
brother and aunt to let them know that she wasn’t feeling good to have their
usual meet-up at her aunt’s house, but she thought against it. She needed
company especially since it’s been a week since her father told her about her
impending marriage.
 
She was supposed to meet Mr. Garnier tomorrow. She didn’t even know his first
name.
 
Sighing, she snuggled closer to the window as she stared outside. Her aunt
lived at least two hours away from the city which was why she didn’t have the
heart to cancel their usual date every month.
 
Besides, her aunt said she was excited to share some news with the both of
them.
 
“We’re here, ma’am.” The driver stated, pulling the car into a stop. Elyse
thanked the man, and when he opened the door, she almost gave her his hand to
help her out of the car, but she remembered that the driver wasn’t a certain
someone and got out on her own, her face flushed in embarrassment.
 
She thanked the driver by tipping him, and he gave her a small smile, “You
know, ma’am, you seem to be a down, and I hope that your day gets better.”
Elyse smiled at that and thanked him. She watched him drive off, out of
politeness, and she turned around to knock on her aunt’s door. She noticed her
brother’s rented car in the parkway and can’t help but roll his eyes.
 
And he said Erwin was out of line for renting a car in the city.
 
The memory of Erwin leaving her dorm room made her heart sigh in regret. She
wished she handled that better. By handling that, she wished she had been sober
to not kiss him.
 
The door opened, interrupting her thoughts, and she was greeted by her petite
aunt who began to kiss her cheeks, enthusiastically.
 
“Hello, hello, my dear,” her aunt greeted her in a strong French accent, “Your
brother is talking to your uncle in his den. How about you accompany me in the
greenhouse? They’re talking about such boring things anyway.”
 
Elyse, once again, wrapped in her aunt’s energetic enthusiasm, thanked the
heavens for not letting her cancel. She really needed this.
 
Tucking her arm in her aunt’s, Elyse embraced the nostalgia of the house,
welcomingly.
 
Once they entered the greenhouse, her aunt gave her a spray bottle to help her
spray the plants. This habit was developed in Paris when they lived with their
aunt, helping her around the house. Spraying plants was Elyse’s favorite
pastime.
 
“So tell me, ma petite, how is Julliard? How is dancing on that wonderful
stage?” Her aunt asked, patting her niece’s hand.
 
“It’s amazing as usual. But, I’m leaving soon.” Elyse stated, softly. Her aunt
made them stop, harshly, and she stared at her niece, shocked.
 
“Leaving? Why?” Her aunt asked, gripping her niece’s hand. Elyse sighed, “I
just decided that it’s not for me anymore. I…I’m thinking of going to a normal
university to study something else.”
 
Her aunt studied her, surprised and intense. Elyse hoped she didn’t see through
her lie. It would be a waste of her acting classes if her aunt didn’t believe
her.
 
“Is this really what you want?” Her aunt finally asked her, moving them once
again to walk slowly.
 
“Yes, tante.” Elyse confirmed, patting her aunt’s hand in a soothing manner.
 
“…Your father has nothing to do with this decision?” Her aunt continued to
relentlessly ask, studying Elyse.
 
“No, tante. Papa has nothing to do with this. It’s my decision.” Elyse
promised, hoping the lie sounded truthful.
 
Her aunt paused, but she nodded slowly after a while with a sigh.
 
“If that’s what you want, ma petite, I fully support you.” Her aunt finally
said, smiling softly at her. Elyse’s heart clenched, but she remained the good
actress that she was.
 
“Does your brother know yet?” Her aunt asked, curiously. Elyse shook her head,
“I don’t want to tell him just yet. He wouldn’t be as understanding. He’d blame
Papa immediately.”
 
Her aunt sighed and nodded in agreement, “You are correct in that. He’s already
mentioned to your uncle that your father had talked to him about a marriage
contract for you and one of his business partners.”
 
Elyse froze at that, but she forced herself to remember that her aunt needs to
not know about how she agreed to it.
 
“Yes, Levi told me about it. He told me not to go see father and I haven’t.”
Elyse lied through her teeth.
 
Her aunt stopped them in their tracks and she turned to Elyse, her grey eyes,
studying her.
 
“Elyse, I know that you are a very good girl and daughter, but promise me that
you will think of yourself at this time. Your father has completely lost it. I
understand that he’s thinking of his company, but I’m sure that your mother
would be whole-heartedly against this. I grew up with both your parents, and
although we aren’t truly related, I was very close to your mother. I promised
to look after you both, and it would kill me to know that you are unhappy, ma
petite.” Her aunt stated, seriously, caressing her niece’s cheek.
 
Blinking back tears, Elyse smiled at her aunt and kissed her cheek in comfort,
“Don’t worry, tante. Whatever I pick, I’ll be happy. I assure you.”
 
That lie tasted as bitter as the tear that managed to escape and dribble down
her lips.
 
===============================================================================
 
Her uncle and brother were enjoying their time in the den, discussing about
European politics. Elyse entered and greeted her uncle by pressing a kiss on
his wrinkled cheek. She greeted her brother in the same manner.
 
“You both need to stop discussing European politics in America.” Elyse teased,
taking a seat on the couch behind the coffee table. The two men occupied the
two chairs in front of the coffee table and fireplace, smoking like chimneys.
 
“Ah, my dear Elyse, European politics are way advanced than American politics.
Look at who is about to run this country. That wig-wearing buffoon and that
double-crossing witch are not fit to even be running if this was Europe.” Her
uncle argued, taking a puff of his pipe.
 
“Uncle! Do not say those words, you live here now.” Elyse scolded, grabbing a
pillow to herself so she could get comfy.
 
“What he says is the truth, Elyse. European politics are much better.” Levi
agreed, lighting up another cigarette.
 
Elyse rolled her eyes, “And that is why Brexit happened?”
 
The two men groaned at the question and Elyse simple smiled in triumph. Her
aunt walked in, carrying a tray of drinks.
 
Once her uncle saw her approaching, he put his pipe down and swatted the
cigarette from his nephew’s mouth, surprising the man.
 
Levi cursed as the cigarette burned the rug beneath them.
 
“Watch your mouth, Levi. I don’t care how old you are; you are still my mon
petit.” Her aunt scolded, placing down the trays. She took one whiff of the air
surrounding them and she whipped around to glare at her husband.
 
“Mon cher, what did I say about smoking now?” She gasped, waving the air in
front of her while placing a protective hand on her stomach.
 
Elyse’s eyes widened in surprise and she got up, excitedly, “No way! Are you…?”
 
Her aunt turned to smile at her niece and nodded, “Yes, I am.” Elyse hugged
her, tightly, and motioned for her uncle to join in, who groaned as he got up
from his comfortable place.
 
“Congratulations, you two! I’m so happy!” Elyse squealed, happily.
 
Levi, hesitant to join the herd because of the hole in the rug, got up, slowly.
 
That’s when their aunt noticed the hole and the celebration turned into a whole
other scolding.
Elyse couldn’t help but laugh behind the pillow she had on the couch as her
aunt berated the two men in front of her.
 
For a moment, she felt truly at home and safe.
 
===============================================================================
 
Three weeks later, spring weather began to enter the new year which meant that
the semester was ending soon, Elyse’s stomach began to grow upset at the sight
of Julliard’s paperwork of her leaving. Her roommate had been shocked, and she
began to beg Elyse to not leave her in the “crappy hellhole by herself”.
 
Elyse had smiled and promised her that they would remain friends, “Oh come on,
Freida. You’re being dramatic.”
 
Freida had sighed, eating a whole tub of ice cream at the news, and pointed a
dripping spoon at Elyse’s direction.
 
“I’m going to die here without you. I just broke up with the boyfriend with the
good hands, and I always had you to rely on with my sad outbursts.”
 
Elyse giggled, directing the dripping spoon back to the ice cream carton. She
opened her mouth to say something, but the taste of acid suddenly rushing up
her throat and she ran to the bathroom to retch.
 
Freida, running after her, pulled her hair away from her face as she threw up.
Freida began to soothe her by rubbing her back, and Elyse found herself crying
at the gesture.
 
After she was done, Freida helped her to the sink so she could wash her face.
While Elyse washed her face, Freida went back to the toilet to flush.
 
“Elyse…is there something you’re not telling me?” Freida’s voice asked,
hesitantly, from the stall. Elyse, who had just finished washing her face,
paused to look up at the mirror, confused.
 
“What do you mean?” Elyse asked her friend, confused, as she watched Freida
appear in the mirror from behind her.
 
Freida shrugged, “You’ve been throwing up since yesterday, but you don’t have a
fever or a cold. You also barely eat our favorite ice cream without gagging. I
mean, unless you are the Virgin Mary reincarnated, you definitely had sex weeks
ago if you have these symptoms of…”
 
Elyse couldn’t breathe as she turned to face Freida, terrified.
 
“Oh no…Freida…oh no, oh no, oh no.” Elyse began to stutter, tears beginning to
run down her face. Fredia, running towards her, grabbed both her arms.
 
“Hey, hey. Take deep breaths. Let’s figure this one step at a time. Do-Do you
want to tell me about it?” Freida asked, hesitantly.
 
“It-It was supposed to be a one-night thing; you know? J-Just a one-night
thing.” Elyse tried to explain, desperately.
 
Freida began to soothe her friend, gently, “Elyse, it’s okay. These things do
happen, you know that. Now, how about we sit down on your bed? After relaxing,
we’ll go get a test to make sure you are or not. One step at a time.”
 
Elyse shook her head, “I don’t have time for that. I-I have a meeting with my
family today at my aunt’s place. M-my father is going to introduce me to
someone there. Oh my God, this is so messed up, Freida. I don’t know what to
do.”
 
Freida didn’t know what else to do as she began to rub her friend’s back as she
led them back to sit on the bed.
 
What was she supposed to say to her precious friend who was experiencing
something that she never experienced in her lifetime?
 
===============================================================================
 
Freida had bought her the test. Elyse felt it burning in her purse once she got
out of the car to enter her aunt’s place. Thanking the driver, he smiled at
her, “You look better today.”
 
How wrong he was.
 
She had smiled at him, thanking him once more. She walked up to the door and
she knocked, lightly. Her aunt greeted her, glowing and beautiful, and Elyse
couldn’t help but agree that pregnancy did agree with women.
 
She placed a hand on her stomach underneath her jacket and she bit her lip,
nervously, remembering the test weighing down in her purse.
 
“Your brother is here and he brought a friend! Such a charming friend and very
handsome. He’s from Germany, but he absolutely has no accent. He said he was
born here and raised here until he was ten years old. Your brother and him
really love Europe—Elyse! Are you okay?” Her aunt asked, alarmed, as Elyse
dropped tripped slightly against a table leg.
 
Elyse didn’t fall, but she found herself hoping she did so she could knock
herself out and wake up from this horrible nightmare.
 
Her brother brought him here. The family meeting that her father had set up, so
they could meet the man she was supposed to marry.
 
“I-I’m fine.” Elyse assured her aunt, straightening herself up.
 
Her aunt stared at her, warily, but she continued to walk towards the backyard
to where she set up the food.
“Anyways, he mentioned how your father and his father are business partners,
also. His father is in charge of the Germany branch, so it makes sense that
he’s here since the owner of the French branch, Mr. Garnier, will also be
here.” Her aunt continued, and Elyse felt her world being torn apart.
 
“T-tante, I’m going to go to the bathroom. I forgot to use it before I came
here.” Elyse said, fiddling with the handles of her purse. Her aunt nodded and
took her jacket from her.
 
“We will be outside, ma petite.” Her aunt said, smiling.
 
Elyse rushed into the bathroom and closed the door behind her, swiftly. She got
the test out of her purse and began to read the instructions.
 
Okay, okay. So, I just…pee on the stick. Wait for a couple of minutes. And, you
won’t be pregnant, Elyse. Everything will be okay.
 
Elyse took a deep breath and followed everything to the letter. She flushed the
toilet, and she waited patiently as she stared at the stick on the sink.
 
“Elyse! Your father is here!” Her aunt’s voice called for her. Elyse silently
cursed her luck, so she tucked the test back into the box and hurriedly placed
it in her purse.
 
She washed her hands and checked her face for any sign of imperfections that
her father would pick at, content with what she saw. She stepped out of the
bathroom and pasted a small smile on her face as she walked outside in the
backyard.
 
She saw her uncle first, so she kissed him in greeting, “Hello, my dear. You
look absolutely stunning today. Did you do something different with your face
today?”
 
Elyse shook her head, politely, “You must be seeing things in your old age,
uncle.”
 
Her uncle chuckled until he pointed his glass behind her, “Ah! Your brother and
his friend are over there. It seems your father is still talking to your aunt
with that Frenchman.”
 
Elyse turned around and her breath caught in her throat as she found herself
staring at the deep blue eyes that once entranced her. This time, they
frightened her. The test in her purse screaming to be seen.
 
He was dressed just like any other businessman. Still handsome, still
mysterious. His face not showing any trace of emotion and Elyse found herself
annoyed once more, comforted at the thought of not continuing anything with
him.
 
She was suffering enough anyway. A man as undeniably interesting as he was not
worth the time and effort to deal with in her life. Especially if she was to be
married to another. But, damn, that one-night stand was what kept drawing her
to him.
 
She approached them, kissing her brother in greeting.
 
“Father seems to be in a good mood today.” Levi motioned to their father who
was still talking to their aunt and Elyse noticed that the French man was
certainly old. He was rather handsome in his French mannerisms and the way he
carried himself, but the age was still there.
 
“Maybe he’s father’s new lover.” Levi mused, teasingly. Elyse forced a smile.
 
How wrong you are, brother.
 
“Oh, I forgot. You remember Erwin, Elyse?” Levi asked, turning his attention
back to his blonde friend, who had been silently staring at his glass.
 
Elyse watched as he straightened himself in that impeccable manner of his and
he brought a hand towards her, offering it. Elyse found herself placing her
hand in his large one once more and she couldn’t help but think of that winter
night.
 
When he brought her hand to his lips, Elyse began to grow red. Of course, his
weird manners weren’t going to stop anytime soon.
 
“Miss Elyse, a pleasure.” Erwin greeted, his voice just as intoxicating as
before.
 
“Nice to see you, Erwin.” Elyse greeted, and her voice wasn’t as elegant as
his. Her mind still thinking of the damn test in her purse.
 
“Elyse!” Her father’s voice boomed and Elyse shot her brother a warning look as
she noticed his face darken.
 
“Be good.” Elyse warned, which Levi responded with a small grunt and a sip of
his whiskey.
 
Elyse walked towards her father, who smiled at her. She greeted him with a kiss
on his cheek.
 
“Hello, Papa.” Elyse greeted, warmly. Her father gave her a nod, approvingly,
and motioned to the man beside him.
 
“This is Mr. Laurent Garnier. He is the business partner I was telling you
about.” Her father introduced the man, and Elyse shook the offered leathery
hand of the old man.
 
“Mr. Garnier, a pleasure.” Elyse stated, smiling her weariness away.
 
“Miss Elyse, you are just as beautiful as your father mentioned. It makes an
old man like me utterly breathless.” Mr. Garnier replied with a crooked smile.
 
Elyse thought him kind, but she found herself burning at all the drama that was
already occurring around her.
 
She was about to excuse herself until she found herself tripping over backing
up against a chair behind her. Her purse fell from her shoulder, and the
contents began to spill out on the concrete floor.
 
Horrified, Elyse began to try and zero in on the box before anyone else could
see it, but as she gathered her things, she noticed that she couldn’t find it.
 
“Elyse.” A voice, stern and gasping, called for her.
 
Dreading everything and closing her eyes after a moment, Elyse looked up and
saw her father, holding the test that held her very fate. He was completely
shocked and surprised. Her aunt was equally shocked. Mr. Garnier, the poor man,
simply looked confused.
 
Levi and Erwin had walked towards them to help Elyse, but Levi’s curses were
already being muttered. Elyse knew that worrying about Erwin’s reaction was a
lost cause.
 
Her father hastily opened the box and once he read what was on the stick, he
closed his eyes, an angry line set on his mouth.
 
“Do you want to explain to me why a positive pregnancy test is in your bag?”
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// DUN DUN DUN.
***** Change Of Plans *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// I know I usually end my stories in cliffhangers, and many
     people are upset. To be honest, I haven’t had time with writing, and
     now that I do, I actually am really interested in completing this
     one. Plus, the stories from before, as amazing as they are, I’m
     disappointed with my ability then. I don’t think you guys would want
     half-thought out work. This one was thought out for a while, and I
     promised to keep this one as a learning one in order to work on my
     time management and writing. And maybe, I will get back to completing
     the ones I didn’t get to complete.
     Enjoy!
     The usual; I only own Elyse.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Time seemed to be at a standstill as Elyse got herself off the floor. She
noticed that she was beginning to shake, and that wasn’t okay with her father.
 
“Elyse. I asked you a question, and I want an answer. Why is there a positive
pregnancy test in your purse?” Her father asked, angrily. Her aunt, overcoming
her shock, placed a hand on Elyse’s father’s arm.
 
“Ansel, let’s let Elyse calm down for a moment.” Her aunt suggested, softly.
Her father shrugged her aunt’s hand off his arm. He walked towards Elyse and
grabbed her arm.
 
“Answer me now, you incompetent child.” He ordered, loudly. Levi’s shot out as
he shoved his father away from Elyse.
 
“Can you let her breathe for a moment, Father? She’s obviously shaken up right
now.” Levi defended, angrily.
 
“Don’t you dare defend her boy. This is your fault, isn’t it? Teaching to her
to just be as rebellious as you are. Such ungratefulness after everything I’ve
done for the both of you.” Her father yelled, pointing an accusing finger at
his son.
 
“Oh, please, Father. She’s always been good doing whatever you wanted. Don’t
let one thing get to your head.”
 
“One thing? Boy, she already agreed to marry Mr. Garnier, and all of a sudden,
she’s pregnant?”
 
Levi paused, and he turned to face the shaking Elyse, who glanced at him,
wearily.
 
“You already agreed, Elyse?” Levi whispered, aghast. Their father crossed his
arms, smugly, still holding the stupid pregnancy test in his hand.
 
“She did. Just like the good girl she’s supposed to be. Now, we need to start
the next step of getting rid of— “
 
“Enough. Please, stop this.” Her aunt stated, angrily. Elyse’s father was
actually suggesting to get rid of the life growing inside her precious niece.
It mortified her. People had never understood when Elyse would cry over dead
spiders, and now her father was suggesting to do something that she knew Elyse
was truly incapable of doing.
 
That seemed to anger him.
 
“Elyse, you’re sixteen for fuck’s sake. Do you really believe you can take care
of a child?” Her father demanded.
 
“Excuse me, sir, but you were going to marry her to Mr. Garnier over there. I
believe that you should be questioning yourself about whether she’s of age to
even do that.” Erwin’s voice interrupted the angry man.
 
Elyse widened her eyes as she completely remembered that Erwin was in the room.
She turned to look at him, and she flinched when she noticed that his stare
wasn’t as warm as earlier. He seemed truly peeved, and Elyse couldn’t pin the
reason why. He had many reasons to be peeved at this point.
 
“Mr. Smith, you must understand that this is a family decision.” Her father
argued, pointedly. Erwin pinned his glared at him, and Elyse was surprised at
her father’s slight twitch.
 
“You also must understand that you tried to marry your daughter off to a
business partner, so it has something to do with the business, which I’m also
in. Besides, if I could talk to you privately about this matter. There is
something else you might be interested in.” Erwin stated, his voice formal and
his posture straight.
 
Elyse tried desperately to meet Erwin’s eyes, to plead with him. He was signing
a death warrant if her father found out about who Erwin truly was in this
matter, but he simply kept staring at her father, who reluctantly nodded.
 
“Mr. Garnier, if you will join us, also. How about you Levi?” Erwin offered,
taking control over the situation. He held up a hand to her father once he
opened his mouth to reject his son being a part of it.
 
“Levi is still your son, sir, and Elyse’s brother. I’m sure he will want to
know about what’s happening.” Erwin explained, shooting a look at the furious
man.
 
Elyse noticed that her father soon deflated after, accepting defeat. The men
left the room, and Erwin was the last one to leave. Elyse grabbed his arm
before he left, “Erwin, please think about what you’re doing.”
 
Erwin softly took her hand off him and he glanced at her. Elyse found herself
taking a small step back in shocking fear. He wasn’t angry at anyone but her.
 
“It seems that I’m the only one thinking at this point. If someone had told me,
maybe a better plan would’ve been made.” Erwin stated back, his eyes not losing
the intensity.
 
“I…”
 
“If you simply used me to get rid of your old suitor, you should’ve said so,
Elyse. It seems that I’ve been also backed up in a corner, and with what I’ve
come up with, it seems you will also be backed up in the same corner.”
 
Before she could say anything else, Erwin left her standing there, her aunt and
uncle coming towards her.
 
He knew. He realized that she had used him, but not in the way he thought. She
had simply wanted to have a fleeting moment. She didn’t intent to pin him down.
This mess was just getting messier.
 
“Elyse, do you want to tell us what’s going on? What is Mr. Smith talking
about?” Her aunt asked, worried.
 
Elyse grasped her aunt’s hand and followed her uncle’s lead as he helped her
sit on the couch inside the house.
 
“…He’s the one that I-I…” Elyse didn’t have to finish her sentence because the
loud bellowing of her father cursing at Erwin was heard throughout the house.
 
Her aunt placed a hand on her mouth in surprise, and her uncle closed his eyes
and sighed as he massaged his temples.
 
“Oh, ma petite. Why didn’t you say something?” Her aunt asked.
 
“I truly just found out today. I didn’t expect everyone to find out with me.
Papa read it, and I-I-Oh auntie, what am I to do?” Elyse began to cry,
helplessly. Her aunt began to rub her back and Elyse laid her head on her
uncle’s shoulder. He kissed her forehead, softly.
 
“It will be okay, our sweet Elyse. Everything will be okay. If anything, you
can live here with us. Our baby and yours will be raised together in one roof,
how magical it will be.” Her uncle suggested, bringing the first smile on
Elyse’s face since the news.
 
The three of them sat there, listening to the heavy footsteps and bellowing
that the men exchanged. Muffled and loud, the conversation was lost to Elyse
and she gave up on trying to eavesdrop. She was beginning to get sick again at
the smell of the cigarette smoke outside wafting indoors.
 
She closed her eyes and before she knew it, she began to fall asleep, embracing
her aunt and uncle’s soothing presence.
 
===============================================================================
 
Levi wanted to throttle all the men in the room. His father for being the
annoying hard-ass brute that he was. Mr. Garnier for being a sick old man to
marry his sixteen-year old sister. Erwin for knocking his sister up.
 
“Mr. Smith, how could you do this to my family? Your father is one of my best
friends.” Ansel Ackerman groused, his hand massaging his temples.
 
Erwin bent his head down in apology, “I’m sorry, sir. If I had known that she
was already arranged to be married, I wouldn’t have acted so recklessly.”
 
Ansel sighed, turning his head back to Mr. Garnier, “Laurent, my old friend, I
must apologize for these turn of events.”
 
Mr. Garnier, the old bastard, shook his head, slowly, “You must understand,
Ansel. I cannot get married to her now. I expected what you promised me in our
contract.”
 
Levi gritted his teeth, angrily.
 
“You bastards need to stop talking about Elyse like she’s a damn item. She’s a
strong and upstanding girl with great talents at her young age. Most of all,
she’s your daughter. Her morals certainly did not come from either of us,
Father. The fact that this happened is mostly because you were going to place a
fucking marriage in her name.” Levi argued, standing up to accuse his father.
 
His father narrowed his eyes and got up, “Now, you watch it, you sniveling,
arrogant boy. Elyse was perfect whenever she was under my tutelage, but now
that she’s been with you since you came back here, she ends up pregnant. I
wonder why. Besides, your friend here is the one that impregnated her. It’s you
who is the one to blame.”
 
“Enough.” Erwin’s voice interrupted the two Ackermans. Erwin turned to Mr.
Garnier and he approached the man. With his hands properly placed behind his
back and his head tilted so slightly, Erwin commanded the room, effortlessly.
 
“Mr. Garnier, are you saying that you are opting out of this marriage?” Erwin
asked, directly.
 
Levi fought the urge to roll his eyes at his friend’s way of taking command.
This was how Erwin won debates in Uni. The University of Sina was one of the
toughest school to get into in all of Europe, but Erwin managed to finish his
schooling at the top of their class with Levi following behind him. The only
worthy man he could think of besides himself, Erwin was the only one who could
have Levi’s respect. Yet, the fact that his sister is now knocked up because of
the large behemoth of a man before him wasn’t sitting right with him at the
moment.
 
Sure, Erwin had his share of women as much as Levi did, but none seemed to
really catch Erwin’s attention. He remembered how the girls were from each
class that Erwin happened to have at that semester which made it seem that he
dated them for convenience and that they only studied together whenever Levi
walked into their dorm. Girls were heartbroken all the time after each
semester, and Levi had always been the literal cleanup crew after they broke
shit in the room. He had even asked if Erwin was still a virgin at that point,
but Erwin simply smiled and chuckled and left Levi standing there even more
annoyed at the man’s unusualness.
 
Elyse has always been special. Levi knew it the moment she would beg for books
rather than trinkets to play with. She carried herself with grace and poise
that any born artistic person would have. She could sing, dance, and act. It
had always been her passion. She was a true-born Parisian, but she truly wanted
to move away from Paris to pursue arts in America of all countries. Besides,
she had inherited the beauty that was transcended down from the Ackerman gene
pool. Tall, too, much to Levi’s annoyance.
 
It’s no surprise that Erwin was attracted to her since he always surrounded
himself with beauty, but seriously, the man usually didn’t surprise him at all.
This time, he truly did.
 
Laurent Garnier seemed to shrink in his seat with the commanding aura that
surrounded Erwin. But, he stood his ground, as if realizing he wasn’t inferior
towards this young man.
 
“I don’t see why I should feel that I have to keep my promise in the contract
if the girl did not.” Laurent argued, eyeing Erwin warily.
 
Erwin listened, intently, and nodded after a moment.
 
“That’s understandable and I agree with that. I believe that Mr. Garnier be let
go of his promise in the contract. The business must go on, Ansel.” Erwin
offered to the livid man.
 
“And what do I do now, hm? What shall my company do without a solid Ackerman
within the company? My good-for-nothing son here refuses to own it. My daughter
has no background in running a company. I’m getting old, Mr. Smith. I need to
make sure that my business will at least be within my legacy.” Ansel roared,
angrily.
 
Levi closed his eyes and sighed, loudly, “Father, the company is your legacy.
You have your friend Mr. Garnier here and Mr. Smith in Germany. You’re
overthinking this.”
 
Erwin turned to face Levi and pinned him down with a look that Levi knew that
it meant that Erwin was planning something.
 
A cold feeling shot through Levi’s body in warning.
 
If Erwin was shooting that look, then that meant he had a plan up his sleeve
which would either make it or break it.
 
“Mr. Ackerman, I might have a way that will get you to preserve your family
within your company. If you will hear me out.” Erwin offered, politely,
offering his hand as a sign of respect.
 
Ansel took Erwin’s hand, warily, but he nodded.
 
Levi closed his eyes and waited for the moment of revelation that Erwin was
about to share and hoped that it was a plan that would help Elyse in her time
of need.
 
===============================================================================
 
Elyse opened her eyes and she noticed that she was lying down on her aunt’s
favorite couch with the roaring fireplace warming her up. Her favorite wool
blanket that her aunt had made for them whenever they came over was over her.
She got up, slowly, and rubbed her eyes, wearily.
 
The evening chilly spring air was still comforting as it wafted through the
room from the open windows. She could hear her aunt and uncle’s chatter from
the backyard as the sound of clattering dishes sounded. Guilty, she realized
that they were cleaning up the food outside. About to go outside, she gasped
once she turned around to see her father, brother, Mr. Garnier, and Erwin walk
down the stairs.
 
They seemed to be…amicable. Her father and brother were shooting glares at each
other which seemed normal, but Mr. Garnier looked relieved and Erwin, well,
looked calm and nonchalant like usual.
 
Her father was the first one to see her and she felt her face pale when his
face lit up at the sight of her.
 
“Elyse, my dear. Did you just wake up from a nap?” He asked, motioning towards
the couch and the wool blanket on the couch.
 
She nodded, slowly, backing away slowly. Warning bells were ringing in her head
at her father’s sudden bright attitude. It was completely opposite of what she
heard earlier upstairs.
 
She caught a comforting look from her brother’s narrowed gaze, so she relaxed a
little.
 
“Yes, Papa. I did. I was going to go outside to help aunt and uncle clean-up.”
Elyse said, softly. Her father nodded at that and motioned for her to go.
 
“Go ahead, dear. The men and I will be here discussing final things.” Her
father stated, more like ordered, but at least he was still smiling.
 
Elyse couldn’t help but feel grateful especially when she realized that Erwin’s
gaze never left her.
 
Once outside, her aunt and uncle asked how she was feeling.
 
“They’re done talking. They’re downstairs right now, but Father agreed that I
should help you both out.” Elyse responded instead. Her aunt’s eyes widened and
her uncle made a beeline back inside.
 
“Elyse! Why didn’t you just stay there? They must’ve come to a conclusion of
some sort!” Her aunt whispered, surprised at her niece’s obliviousness.
 
Elyse shook her head, “I’m not sure I want to know yet.” She whispered.
 
“Elyse! Will you come back in here please?” Her father’s voice bellowed. Her
aunt sighed and took her niece’s hand and grabbed it, tightly.
 
“It seems you have no choice, ma petite.” Her aunt said, an encouraging smile
on her face. Elyse took a deep breath and nodded, never letting go of her
aunt’s hand as they walked inside.
 
===============================================================================
 
Entering the room was scary enough. The men were either standing or sitting in
the living room and it looked like it was straight out of a soap opera, Elyse
thought that to herself in slight amusement to cover her nerves.
 
Yet, she noticed that there was one missing man among them.
 
Mr. Garnier wasn’t there.
 
“Elyse, please sit down.” Her father said, motioning towards the couch from
where he was standing in front of the fireplace.
 
Elyse nodded and obeyed, sitting on the couch. She noticed that her brother sat
on the opposite side of her with her uncle on the other chair besides him.
Erwin was standing on the other side of the fireplace. Her aunt was already
sitting on the same couch as her, ready to hold her hand.
 
She tried to examine the faces in the firelight that brightened the dark living
room, but she couldn’t see the expression on their faces as she hoped.
 
“Elyse, I’ve decided that the marriage contract with Mr. Garnier and you will
be terminated.” Her father stated, evenly, grabbing the papers that she had
signed from his bag that was set next to the coat rack.
 
The sight of her signature warmed her as she realized that this was actually
happening. Her eyes began to glisten with grateful tears as she watched her
father toss the papers into the fire.
 
“Papa, thank you.” She whispered, gratefully, grasping her aunt’s hand. She
noticed that her aunt didn’t return the squeeze.
 
“Yet, there will still be a marriage to keep my company within our family.” Her
father continued, his stare darkening as he stared at his daughter, “It
especially works in your favor since you happen to be pregnant with his child.”
 
Elyse froze.
 
She forgot to breathe. Her heart began to beat, wildly, against her chest.
 
“You can’t possibly mean— “
 
“You will be married to Erwin. He is the son of the president of my company in
Germany. I can’t believe I didn’t see this opportunity until now. Maybe, your
mother…,” her father paused, as if waiting for her reaction.
 
Elyse closed her eyes and clenched her fists in anger.
 
“…is actually watching us from above, sending Erwin this way. It works out for
you too, my dear. Being pregnant and all.”
 
Elyse found herself numb by all the emotions hitting her at the momentous news.
 
She looked up at her aunt, her uncle, and her brother and they weren’t even
looking at her. They were looking everywhere but her. Ah, so they knew. They
knew and they thought this was the best solution.
 
A marriage between her and this mysterious man that she happened to have a one-
night stand with. A stranger, one that mistrusted her and one that was angry at
her.
 
A stranger that mystified her in ways that terrified and awed her at the same
time.
 
She was being tossed once more, being used as the good daughter once more. And
more than ever, she felt trapped.
 
Trapped with a duty. Trapped with a baby. Trapped with a man.
 
She finally looked up at the man that was to be her husband and the blue gaze
that looked back at her was enough for her to get up and walk away screaming.
 
He didn’t even have an expression on his face for her to read. He just stared
at her. Stared.
 
She truly was doomed.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// I’m not that mean to leave this in a cliffhanger, guys! ;)
***** Here Comes The Confusion *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// I don’t think you understand how excited I am for this story,
     so here’s another chapter.
     Once again, Elyse is mine. The rest isn’t. Maybe the Ackerman brood
     besides the brooding child himself, Levi.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
No one stopped Elyse from walking away and she was grateful for it. For once in
her life, she will be unbothered. She walked down the pathway that she was
pretty sure lead to the small pond that her uncle would take her and her
brother as kids. It was still pretty chilly, and she hit her head lightly at
forgetting a jacket.
 
But then again, she needed to get out of there.
 
She was literally switched to marrying a different man because she happened to
be pregnant with his child.
 
When will it ever end?
 
For once in her life, she questioned her obedience to her father. Sure, it
wasn’t normal to obey him this much, but her condition in life wasn’t normal.
 
God, she wasn’t even normal for going so far with this.
 
She saw the small bench next to the pond and was grateful that there wasn’t any
wetness on it as she approached it.
 
Spring was here and she could see that the ice on the pond was beginning to
melt, but damn it, the evening chill was still here.
 
She shivered and she jumped when she felt a heavy blanket thrown on her. Oh,
no! Someone was here, someone was going to kidnap her and---
 
“Relax, it’s me.” A familiar voice ordered, and she obeyed, letting out a
breath that she was holding in.
 
Levi hopped over the bench to sit next to her as he held a blanket of his own.
 
“The cold won’t be good for the both of you.” Levi said, matter-of-factly.
Elyse placed a hand on her stomach in silence as she realized his words.
 
“I’m not even sure if the test is accurate.” Elyse protested, softly. But, a
hand atop of her hand made her look up at her brother.
 
The sympathetic light in his eyes made her want to cry. “But, you’re positive,
right, Elyse?”
 
And Elyse knew he was right. Even before Freida mentioned anything, she knew.
The first time she vomited in the morning, she blamed it on nerves. Nerves that
happened to be because she had to quit Julliard soon and the impending nuptials
that she was going to be the bride at.
 
But, then she began to crave pickles. She absolutely hated pickles. It was
poison to her, but she wanted them so badly that she had begged Freida to go
with her in the middle of the night to grab a jar from the local drugstore.
 
Freida, weary-eyed and smoking a cigarette, agreed and had raised an eyebrow
when she watched Elyse come out the store with three jars of pickles. One
already opened.
 
The one time she had suspected yet thought nothing of it was when she threw up
her favorite ice cream all over Freida’s bed, who was horrified.
 
“When I said to eat ice cream on my bed, I didn’t mean it literally.” Frieda
had teased the apologetic Elyse.
 
Her brother was right. She had known, but she had been in too much of denial
ever since she signed her rights away to a mad twice her age.
 
And now, here she was, her rights going to a man she had just met.
 
“When did my life get so crazy?” Elyse asked, softly, leaning against her
brother’s shoulder.
 
“Well, the moment you decided to lie to us about not agreeing with a marriage
seems to be a good start. Or maybe when you actually agreed to be with a man
that father set up for you.” Levi said, sarcastically.
 
Elyse sighed, “Come on, Levi. You can’t be that mad at me.”
 
“Of course, I can. You lied to my face, Elyse. If you had told me the truth,
maybe you wouldn’t have turned to Erwin to…impregnate you.” Levi said, his
fingers twitching which meant he was in need of a cigarette.
 
Elyse sat up, quickly, horrified, “You think it too, then? That I planned to
have Erwin impregnate me to get out of it?”
 
Levi stared at her, his tone careful, “Elyse, how do you think it looks like?
You met Erwin four weeks ago. You signed a marriage contract four weeks ago.
Put two and two together.”
 
“It’s not like that. I didn’t even think that way.” Elyse pleaded, softly,
grabbing the blanket around her closer.
 
“What did you think then? Were you that drunk?” Levi inhaled, sharply, “Did he
force you?”
“No, no!” Elyse protested, sharply, “No, I just…I was slightly tipsy, but I
wanted it because…I wanted it because to feel control for once. I didn’t mean
for it to be like this.”
 
Levi listened and took a moment to close his eyes and process what his sister
had told him. He finally sighed, “Elyse, I understand, but I thought you’d know
where babies come from at this point.”
 
Elyse whipped her head, angrily, towards him, “That’s not funny.”
 
Levi glared at her, which silenced her, “I didn’t mean for it to be funny. I’m
quite serious. It didn’t occur for you to be safe? Erwin or someone else, it
was your first time and it was unprotected.”
 
Elyse looked down and began to fiddle with her hands on her lap, “Oh, I
understand.”
 
Levi sat forward, his arms resting on his knees as he looked out at the pond.
 
“If you understand, then you must understand that this is the best plan that
would make father shut his mouth and protect you and your child. Erwin was the
one who offered this plan, and even though I don’t whole-heartedly agree with
it, I trust him to take care of you.” Levi explained, his eyes far away in
thought.
 
“Why do I have to be married to him? Why can’t I just raise the child with him
and not marry him?” Elyse asked, softly, already knowing the answer to that.
 
“Because you’re only sixteen, Elyse. Sixteen. Which by the way, remind me to
fucking kick Erwin’s ass later. You won’t be dancing anymore due to your
condition and you don’t necessarily have any other education besides that.
Erwin can provide for you and you won’t have to be under father’s watchful
eye—“
 
“But I’ll be under his watchful eye.” Elyse interrupted him, abruptly.
 
Levi turned to look at her, one eyebrow raised in question.
 
“I know Erwin, Elyse. He’s simply doing this because he has a duty to the child
inside of you. He’s honorable and will do what is expected and morally correct.
If you ask him to give you space, he’ll give it to you without any question. If
you ask him for a replica of the Eiffel Tower, he’ll give it to you and then
some. He’s got an eye for beauty, I’ll give him that.” Levi stated, his
nonchalant demeanor unchanged.
 
Elyse looked up in surprise, “Really?”
 
Levi turned towards her and gave her a slight smirk, “Really.”
 
He got up and handed her his hand to help her up, “Besides, I’m pretty sure you
won’t ask for the Eiffel Tower. There are prettier things to ask for.”
 
Elyse smiled at her brother’s half-attempt at a joke. She stood up with his
help, and he tugged at his hand before he could let go.
 
“He didn’t know; you know?” She offered, quietly, her face a bit flushed at
what she was going to admit.
 
Levi raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to come clean.
 
“He didn’t know I was sixteen.” Elyse finally stated, her face bright red as
she looked at her brother.
 
Stunned, it took Levi a moment and a sharp laugh tumbled out of his thin lips
in amusement.
 
“Well then, I guess the man got his ass handed to him without my help.”
===============================================================================
 
 
They arrived back at the house and much to Elyse’s relief she noticed that her
father and Erwin were nowhere to be seen.
 
“Your father and Erwin are discussing final arrangements to the wedding.” Her
aunt said, tired of the day’s events. Her hand on the small bump of her belly.
 
Elyse grew angry at that, but she made sure her aunt wouldn’t see her
displeasure. She smiled at her, “Okay, auntie. Why don’t you go rest? It’s been
a long day.”
 
Her aunt chuckled at that and nodded. She kissed her niece and nephew goodnight
before making her way to her bedroom.
 
Once she watched her aunt disappear from her view, Elyse whipped around to face
her brother, “Where are they?” She hissed, annoyed.
 
Levi, a little taken aback at his sister’s anger, put his arms up in a, ‘I
surrender’, motion.
 
“The last thing I heard before I left to go get you was that Erwin suggested to
go up to uncle’s office.” Levi stated, warily, “Are these what pregnancy
hormones do?”
 
“No,” Elyse said through gritted teeth, “This is what being mistreated does to
me now.”
 
Without another word, Elyse walks up the stair and misses the look of pride on
Levi’s face before he left to go to the room prepared for him.
 
===============================================================================
 
Elyse took deep breaths before she knocked on the office door. Sure, she was a
little pissed, but that didn’t mean that she would look like she was throwing a
tantrum just like her father does. She’ll act like an adult, someone had to.
 
The door opened revealing Erwin’s tall form which made Elyse look up at him.
She forgot how tall he was up close, her anger suddenly forgotten as a chill
replaced her courage.
 
“Yes, Elyse?” Erwin asked, chillingly polite. His face betraying nothing,
simply being handsome as always.
 
“I heard that there was a discussion of a wedding without the bride.” Elyse
stated, softly, trying to gain back the courage she had just mustered moments
ago.
 
Erwin tilted his head and smiled in that annoying patronizing way, but at
least, he opened the door wider, letting her in.
 
“Of course, we were waiting until Levi would come home with you.” Erwin
offered, his hand motioning to the seat next to his.
 
She greeted her father who sat at the head of the table in the study, his hand
clutching a glass of red wine.
 
“Elyse, are you done taking your breather?” Her father asked, a little bit
sarcastic, but Elyse ignored it.
 
She smiled, politely, “Yes, Father.”
 
Her father merely grunted and Elyse knew that he was entering his drunk phase.
 
She looked at Erwin who just sat beside her, his form regal and straight. He
was looking at her father with a calculating look and Elyse suddenly regretted
entering the office.
 
“Now, on to the conditions of the wedding, Ansel.” Erwin began, his arms placed
on the arms of the chair, “I will be flying to Germany tomorrow, informing my
father of the wedding, which will certainly be pleasing to him. Once that is
done, I should be back here in a week or so. I’m sure that Elyse’s aunt and
Elyse will be wedding planning at the time for a quick wedding. We need to get
married before the press begins to speculate about Elyse’s pregnancy. I’m sure
Mr. Garnier will not be careful especially due to his past indecent incidents
with the press.”
 
Her father nodded, satisfied, taking sips of red wine.
 
Erwin continued, his hands now folded in front of him as he leaned forward,
“The wedding should be in three weeks’ time at least. It will be small,
understandably, making our business partners curious and left out, which will
work in our favor. They will be buttering up to you after that. During my time
in Germany, I will buy a house in Paris for Elyse and I to live in.”
 
That shocked Elyse, she felt her mouth drop slightly at that.
 
“I recently acquired a business venture there and I would like to make sure
that everything runs smoothly.”
 
Erwin seemed to be finished and Elyse felt her world spinning.
 
Paris. I’ll be going back to Paris. Is that where he wants to raise our child?
Oh god, our child.
 
Everything was beginning to be too much. Elyse wanted to vomit and for the
first time, she wished her morning sickness would hit her so she would have a
good excuse to leave the room.
 
“Does that sound fitting to you, Elyse?” Erwin’s voice interrupted her
thoughts. Elyse nodded, numbly, not knowing what else to do, scared at what he
might do next if she recklessly says anything.
 
Erwin turned to her father, who seemed to be in deep thought.
 
“You are a good man, Erwin Smith. I give you that. You have everything planned
and I don’t see any flaw within it. Just make sure my damn company stays within
my family.” Ansel stated, with a deep sigh.
 
Erwin gave him a reassuring smile, “Yes, sir. I swear on it.”
 
Elyse didn’t like how comforting and easy his smile was. Especially when his
hands were currently digging into the wooden arms of his chair.
 
 
===============================================================================
 
 
“Erwin, can we speak for a moment?” Elyse asked, once he shut the door that led
to the office.
 
Erwin gave a sharp nod and offered his arm to her, which Elyse tucked her own
arm in with ease. She was beginning to get used to this man’s weird manners.
 
He led her down the stairs, and he offered her jacket to her and she put it on,
gratefully. He put his own jacket on and he motioned towards the backyard.
 
“Shall we?”
 
Elyse nodded, once, and followed him outside.
She shivered at first, noticing how cold it truly got.
 
“Well, what is it you want to talk about?” Erwin asked, politely. His back
facing her, and she heard him shuffle for something in his pocket. “If you’ll
excuse the gap between us, I really need a smoke at this point and I don’t want
to endanger the baby.”
 
Elyse felt-a pleasant or horrifying-chill go throughout her body at the mention
of the baby.
 
“I understand.” Elyse said, softly. She tried to gather her thoughts as she
watched Erwin light up a cigarette and take a long drag from it.
 
“I…I just wanted you to know that I didn’t plan for you to impregnate me. I
simply wanted a night to myself due to my situation at the time. It wasn’t my
intention to—“
 
Erwin waved her off, cigarette in hand. “Don’t worry about it, Elyse. I was
taken aback at the time. I should apologize for my harsh words.”
 
Elyse couldn’t tell if he meant his words due to the nonchalance in his voice,
but she would take it as is: an apology and an acceptation.
 
“Erwin, is this really okay with you? I understand that you are a morally
upright person and that you believe that this is the right thing to do, but I
would hate to find out that you gave up someone or something for me.” Elyse
offered, hoping he would realize that she truly felt bad.
 
The image of him digging his hands into the wooden part of his chair didn’t sit
right with her.
 
Erwin chucked, catching her off-guard.
 
“To be frank, Elyse, I didn’t plan on getting married or having a child in one
setting. I’m a private man and an ambitious one at that. Plans of settling down
weren’t anything on my agenda. You are correct. I am doing this because it is
right and I don’t want my child to be without a father. My life is pretty
demanding, you see. If anything, the only thing that should be worrying is that
I’m not sure you will be happy with this marriage.”
 
Elyse paled, “What?”
 
Erwin sighed, throwing his cigarette on the ground and squashing it with his
foot.
 
“You’re sixteen, Elyse. Young, beautiful, and talented. I’m twenty-six.
Hardened slightly, ambitious, and uninterested in foolishness. Yes, we did
share that one night. But, I must say, you were correct to assume that I didn’t
know how exactly underage you were at the time. Also, I’m used to having…one-
time things. Rest assured, I don’t plan to be unfaithful when we are to be
married unless we discuss—“
 
“Hold on, you don’t truly want to be husband and wife?” Elyse asked, not
knowing how to feel about Erwin’s discussion with her.
 
Erwin stared at her, leaving her uncomfortable once more.
 
“Do you want to be husband and wife, Elyse? To a man you barely know?” Erwin
asked, and dare she guess, was that surprise in his usual monotone voice?
 
“Would I have a choice?” Elyse finally asked, voicing her fear.
 
Yes, she was scared to be his wife. Once they were married, she belonged to
him. He could do anything he wanted with her. The way he already had an agenda
in his mind about the wedding frightened her. It wasn’t normal. None of this
was normal.
 
A tug on her chin caught her by surprise and she found her head tilted up and
she was staring at Erwin’s hypnotizing blue eyes.
 
He seemed so…angry. Fear seized her. Did she say something wrong?
 
“With me, you will always have a choice, Elyse. I am not your father, nor am I
a cruel man. If you don’t want to be husband and wife in more ways than one, I
will understand and respect your decision.” Erwin whispered, sharply.
 
Elyse felt his calloused fingers brush against her chin, quickly. And before
she knew it, he let her go, leaving her outside.
 
He turned towards her and Elyse caught a glimpse of his serious face.
 
“Besides, I highly doubt you would truly want to be with a man like me, Elyse.
I’m sure that one day you will be coming to me to ask if it’ll be okay for you
to have an affair of the heart.” Erwin said, his voice betraying no emotion,
but she saw the side of his mouth quirk, slightly, “And I assure you, I will
let you have that beautiful moment because it would be a shame for your heart
to go to waste.”
 
With that said, Erwin left her out there, not knowing what to say.
 
Elyse placed a hand on her stomach after a moment and she whispered ever so
quietly, “My first prayer for you will be that you won’t be as complicated as
your father because Lord knows that I’m already tired of trying to figure him
out.”
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// I told you I was excited for this story. Here’s another update.
***** Wedding Bells *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// You guys keep leaving reviews and it gets me pumped.
     Okay, so a couple of French words from the past couple of chapters,
     I’m not French btw, so Google is my friend. If you notice wrong
     words, please let me know:
     Ma petite/ mon petite: My little girl/boy
     Tante: aunt
     Mon cher: my dear or love
     Also, in the first chapter, Elyse calls Levi something in French
     which means older brother. I think I made it clear, but I just wanted
     to make sure.
     ALSO, the chapters will get longer now that this chapter is pretty
     much establishing a something at the end. The future chapters will be
     more focused and detailed which means it will take a while to be
     posted compared to how everything was quick before. If you noticed, I
     tried to give as much background in the beginning chapters, so it
     would be the skeletal background for future references that I hope
     many of you will turn to and be like ,”OMG THAT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE.”
     Ah, I love that sense of fulfillment.
     Until next time!
     The usual; Elyse is a figment of my imagination even though I wish I
     was her cause Erwin. Everything else belongs to Isayama and his
     wonderful, complicated imagination.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Erwin was true to his word. He left for Germany the next day, leaving Elyse
with a list of wedding planners that were supposedly praised by his business
partners back in Europe. Her aunt had been so happy with his connections, and
Elyse felt like a lost little girl who was playing wedding.
 
Her father went back to the city earlier than his children due to going back to
the head company since the issue of his daughter was solved. Levi had
restrained from lunging at the man when he was starting to make snide remarks
about Elyse’s “shotgun” wedding.
 
Levi offered to take Elyse back to her dorm so she could start making
arrangements to move. Not being a hoarder, Elyse knew she could put her things
into two huge boxes with Freida’s help.
 
“I’ll be waiting in the parking lot then. You’ll stay at my penthouse to avoid
the press. I’m sure in the next few days, people will be talking.” Levi stated.
Elyse nodded in agreement.
 
When she arrived, Freida was wide-eyed at the sight of Elyse. “Oh my God, you
have to tell me everything.”
 
Elyse smiled, half-heartedly, “So, I’m pregnant like you expected and I’m going
to move in with my brother in his penthouse. I came back here to pack my stuff.
I…I wish I could tell you more, Freida, I really wish.”
 
She hesitated, her mind warring with her. You can’t tell Freida about the
wedding yet. She’ll have to find out about it in the news. Remember, Elyse, you
need to protect your family even though Freida has done more than enough for
you.
 
Freida nodded, solemnly, “Hey, it’s okay. Everyone has their secrets, Elyse. At
least it isn’t worse than that.”
 
Oh, Freida, you bet it is.
 
Elyse forced a laugh and began to grab a beaten box from under her bed with
Freida’s help and they began to pack her things. Freida offered to help her
with one box and they walked to the parking lot after getting out of the
elevator.
 
Elyse saw her brother against the car, smoking a cigarette, with the trunk of
the car slightly open. He happened to see them, and he walked around the car to
open the trunk even more.
 
Freida widened her eyes at the sight of the man, “That’s your brother? Hello
there.”
 
Elyse rolled her eyes and nudged her friend’s arm in fake warning. Levi took
the boxes from the girls. He turned to Freida and thanked her, quickly, “Thank
you for taking care of my sister with her time here.”
 
Freida, suddenly abashed, nodded, slowly, “M-my pleasure.”
 
Levi nodded and he guided Elyse to the car with Freida trailing behind them.
Once Elyse was inside, Freida bent down to poke her head in the window.
 
“Don’t be a stranger, ‘kay? I’ll be here if you want a babysitter.” Freida
offered the last part with a teasing smile. “You’re a good person, Elyse. I’m
happy that you’re going to be taken care of. Let me know everything when you
can.”
 
Elyse nodded, her eyes watering as she hugged her friend through the small
window, “Thank you for everything, Freida. I promise I’ll let you know as soon
as I can.”
 
Freida stepped away from the car and waved as Levi pulled away. Elyse watched
as her friend disappeared in the background, and her heart dropped when she
realized that she was already saying goodbye to a part of her life that she
wished she could go back to.
Goodbye, Julliard.
===============================================================================
 
­
The ride back to the penthouse was comfortably quiet, and Elyse was about to
fall asleep until Levi interrupted it with a question.
 
“Do you want to go see an OBGYN?” He asked, his voice sounding a bit
uncomfortable. Elyse snorted her amusement which was silenced by his glare.
 
“You make it sound like it’s a weird thing to ask a pregnant lady to go see
one.” Elyse stated, playfully pushing her brother’s shoulder.
 
“It is weird if it’s your sister, brat.” Levi replied, smoothly.
 
Elyse thought about it. She did need to see one specially to confirm. But, a
queasy feeling entered her mind as began to think about it.
 
Why do I feel weird?
 
Pushing the feeling away, Elyse nodded, “Yeah, I need to go see one. If
anything, I need to confirm my suspicions also. Maybe there won’t be a wedding
if I’m not.” The last part was a weak tease, but she felt more uncomfortable
rather than amused.
 
Levi found it amusing, he chuckled, “I can’t even imagine father’s face if he
found out you weren’t pregnant.”
 
Elyse laughed, weakly.
 
Before she could say anything, she watched as her brother got his phone from
the cupboard in his car and dial a number that belonged to a ‘Dr. Zoe.’
 
“Hey. I need a favor.” Her brother said into his phone. A flash of annoyance
and irritation crossed his face at the loud voice that screamed through the
phone.
 
“Listen, glasses. My sister might be pregnant and she needs to see a
professional to confirm it. The test says positive and she has all the
symptoms, but she wants to be sure.” He continued amidst the loud yelling.
 
After a moment, her brother had ended the call before the loud yelling ceased.
Elyse was appalled.
 
“That was rude, Levi!” She complained, grabbing his phone. He grabbed it back,
chucking it back to the cupboard in one swift move. He didn’t even need to look
away from the road.
 
“Don’t worry about it. I served back with them in Europe. They’re an old
friend, doctor of the staff.” Levi waved her apprehension off.
 
Elyse’s eyes widened in realization, “Oh! I forgot you served back in Europe.
They were a chief doctor? An OBGYN?”
 
“They specialized after their term. So, your appointment is tomorrow. Just show
up and they’ll do their thing in about ten minutes or so. They don’t waste
time, really, and they’re careful with their work at the same time. Won Doctor
of the Year two times in a row.”
 
Elyse nodded in awe, “Wow, they must be pretty amazing.”
 
Levi merely grunted, “They’re pretty annoying if that’s what you mean.
Practically screeching in my ear.”
 
Elyse laughed for the first time that day.
 
===============================================================================
 
The penthouse guest room was beautiful as always.
 
“You can make it yours if you want. Don’t worry about being a stranger here,
brat. You literally live here anyways. Just please don’t vomit on anything
except inside the toilet.” Levi groused, pointing at the bathroom beside her as
they walked in.
 
“Also, I’m going to grab some groceries after work tomorrow. If you have any
weird cravings, write them down.” Levi stated, placing the boxes in her room.
Once settled, he began to unpack them and he looked up, noticing that his
sister had a soft smile on her face.
 
“What?” Levi asked, hesitantly.
 
“You still work with inner city kids?” She asked, awed. She sat down on the
fluffy bed, nonchalantly.
 
Levi shrugged, “Someone has to. Besides, I’d rather work there than deal with
father dear.”
 
Elyse frowned at that, her eyes scolding, “Father is proud of you in his own
way.”
 
Levi sighed, “Elyse, really? Do you think our fights are hugs? Also, I still
can’t believe you’re sticking up for him after the way he literally switches
marriages on you.”
 
“He’s human, Levi. You and I know that he hasn’t been the same for a while.”
Elyse whispered, tugging on her fingers on her lap.
 
“Well, he fucking hates me, Elyse. You need to accept that already.” Levi
stated, tired all of a sudden. He began to place his sister items around the
room, willing to distract himself.
 
“I don’t think he would be paying for this penthouse if he did.” Elyse argued,
trying to have her brother find sense.
 
“Yeah, he’s a fucking saint, Elyse. He buys this and he gets you married, not
thinking of what his kids might want. Look, the only reason he bought this for
me is because he doesn’t want any of his damn partners to find out that his son
would rather be on the streets than wearing a fucking suit and saying words
like, ‘the stock market is up today, hurrah.’” Levi snapped towards her,
glaring.
 
Elyse bit her lip, but she kept quiet. After a moment of moving her stuff to
the right places, Levi packed the boxes and sighed as he put them away.
 
“Elyse, I’m sorry. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Okay? I see him, he
sees me. We’re…amicable. Let’s just keep it that way. Besides, I’m keeping my
promises.” Levi stated, tired and weary.
 
Elyse nodded, looking up at him with an understanding look.
 
Levi gave her a sharp nod, “Don’t forget. Appointment tomorrow. The driver’s
number should be programmed in the home phone.”
 
With that, he closed the door behind him. He took a deep breath and sighed. He
hated when Elyse was too compassionate. The poor girl was always looking for
the good in people, not even thinking about herself. 
“I hope that one day your compassion won’t be turned against you, Elyse. I
really do.”
===============================================================================
 
Elyse walked into the doctor’s office not knowing what to expect. It was an
interesting office to say the least. She walked in and noticed that there were
anatomy posters everywhere. Ones she were pretty sure that didn’t really focus
on the specialized area that Dr. Zoe was supposed to deal with.
 
“Alright, shorty’s little sister, you here?” A loud voice called. Elyse looked
up at was bewildered at the doctor’s appearance. They looked like a doctor,
eyeglasses and hair tied up in a ponytail. They had the scrubs and the coat,
but the quirky earring that resembled a pair of wings threw her off and the
wide smile they held seemed intimidating rather than comforting.
 
Also, the fact that they had just called her, ‘shorty’s little sister’, wasn’t
helping the situation.
 
“U-uh, here?” Elyse asked, raising her hand, slightly terrified when the doctor
whipped their face towards her.
 
“Woah! Your Levi’s little sister? Geez, he got the short end of the stick, am I
right? Here, here. Come in.” Dr. Zoe stated, not even taking a pause as she led
Elyse inside her office.
 
“You certainly are a ray of sunshine compared to your grouch of a brother. I
see the resemblance though. Dark hair, pale skin. French babies, indeed.” Dr.
Zoe stated.
 
“And German. My mama was German.” Elyse said, softly, finding herself being
drawn into this doctor’s exuberance.
 
“German! I’m from Germany! Your mother’s last name?”
 
“Jaeger. I don’t really know where she was from in Germany. I know she has a
brother, though. A doctor. He and his wife live in a village outside of
Aachen.”
 
Elyse found herself reminiscing. She barely remembered her uncle due to only
visiting Germany twice with her aunt as she wanted them to meet their only
blood-related uncle through her mother. He was a quiet man, but he had been
very nice to her and her brother. He always gave them candy when they came
over. He had visited them in France whenever he had business there, but after
an altercation with their father, she never saw him again. Her brother had been
angry at his father ever since.
 
“The only last link we have to her and he breaks it.” Levi hissed, angrily. She
had been six. Her brother had been sixteen.
Her age now. Her age except she was pregnant.
 
That floored her to reality. Dr. Zoe motioned for her to sit on the chair.
 
“Aachen?! Wow, such a small world. I was born there. Here, sweetie, sit on the
chair. I’m going to put some jelly on your belly. You are four weeks?”
 
Four weeks. Her life has changed so much in four weeks.
 
“Y-yes, I believe so.” Elyse muttered, softly. Dr. Zoe patted her leg in a
comforting manner. They smiled, “It will be quick, I promise. It’s going to be
a bit cold.”
 
The gel was cold and had slightly chilled Elyse, but she relaxed once Dr. Zoe
rubbed it all over her stomach. Elyse stared at her rather flat stomach and she
wondered how a baby could possibly be in there. The queasy feeling that she had
in the car returned and it made her wonder.
 
What if I don’t end up pregnant? Will Papa still make me marry Erwin? Will they
both be angry at me? Do I want to be pregnant?
 
The last question penetrated her heart. Did she want to be pregnant? The
thought of aborting the child didn’t cross her mind at all. She didn’t have the
heart to make such a huge decision. So, here she was, lost at what she’s
supposed to feel. Erwin had made the decision to keep it, so she followed,
slightly relieved that the other half of this person growing inside of her made
a decision that she could follow.
 
Would I be a good mother?
 
Elyse loved kids. Julliard had an after program for kids who wanted to learn
ballet and she taught it. She smiled at the memory of all the thank you cards
she had back in her room at the penthouse.
 
But, seeing kids for only a few hours was different than having one of your own
twenty-four hours a day.
 
“Okay, so let’s see,” Dr. Zoe hummed, moving the transducer probe on her
stomach, “Ah!”
 
Elyse froze, scared, “Y-yes?”
 
Dr. Zoe tapped a few keys on the machine and whipped around to face Elyse with
a bright smile on her face.
 
“There, do you see it?” Dr. Zoe asked, pointing to the machine.
 
Elyse peered at the machine, and she began to get up at the sight of a small
circle within the depth of the dark ultrasound.
 
“I-Is that the baby?” She whispered, gingerly pointing at the screen. Dr. Zoe
smiled and nodded, “Good job! That’s the baby. The little thing was hard to see
at first, but congratulations, sweetie. You’re officially pregnant.”
 
Those words seemed to be the key to opening the floodgates of her emotions. The
queasy feeling disappearing at once, making Elyse realize that she actually was
relieved.
 
She was relieved that she was pregnant. Does this make me crazy?
 
So tired of questions and her confusing emotions, Elyse placed a hand on her
sticky stomach and breathed, deeply.
 
“At least I know you’re real in this confusing world. That’s a start.” She
whispered, softly.
 
Dr. Zoe patted her leg which made Elyse look up, abashed. But the doctor
smiled, “At least you know, sweetie. You’re right. That’s a start.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Levi didn’t even blink when Elyse told him the news as he scanned the French
newspaper in front of him.
 
“Elyse, I’m pretty sure you already knew before the appointment.” Levi stated,
a bit amused at Elyse’s flustered expression.
 
She sat down in front of him, placing her stuff on the chair beside her. “It’s
real now, Levi. It’s actually happening.”
 
Levi looked at her above his newspaper and he set it down with a chuckle,
“Well, congratulations, kid. You officially have made me feel old.”
 
Elyse laughed, before she could reply her phone began to vibrate. She answered
it after one glance at her phone.
 
“Hey, Freida!” Elyse greeted, warmly.
 
“So, I know you were going to tell me when you could, but I think the press
already told me what’s going on.” Freida stated, out-of-breath. Elyse held back
from dropping her phone out of dread. Levi seemed to notice the look on her
face as he stared at her, his gaze narrowing.
 
“Um, Freida, hold on, I’m going to put you on speakerphone so my brother can
hear what you’re going to tell me.” Elyse said, hurriedly, placing her phone on
the table in between her and her brother.
“Okay, good?” Freida asked, on speakerphone. Levi greeted her, “Hello, Freida.
We hear you.”
 
“Okay, so, apparently, you are marrying a really hot German man that happens to
be one of European’s top richest bachelors named Erwin Smith? It’s all over the
gossip sites. People on our floor we’re knocking at the door, wanting to see if
it was true that you had left.”
 
Elyse fought back a groan, and Levi growled in annoyance, “Fucking Garnier
literally needs a damn muzzle. Erwin was right. Man doesn’t know how to shut up
with the press.”
 
“Yeah, uh, well, it doesn’t mention anything of the surprise, but I’m assuming
that this man is part of the surprise that happened. Geez, Ely, where’d you
meet this hunk? He’s sex on legs. Damn, I just realized you may have made the
surprise in this room. Kudos, Ely.”
 
Elyse flushed red as Levi rolled his eyes.
 
“Freida, stay on track.” Levi stated, a bit sharply.
 
“Oh, shit. Sorry, um, other than that, the rumor of you leaving is because you
eloped with him. Saying that he’s your sugar daddy of some sort since you’re
sixteen and he’s twenty-six. That’s Julliard’s version.”
 
“People are fucking annoying.” Levi cursed, noticing Elyse’s horrified
expression.
 
“Don’t worry about them, Elyse. These people are just jealous. A couple of
girls in the bathroom were annoying, but I told them straight, saying that they
were just jealous since they were understudy-worthy compared to your prima
donna status.”
 
Elyse smiled at that, imagining Freida shutting them down, “Thanks, Freida.”
 
“No worries, babe. But since I technically know, I expect a wedding invitation,
yeah?”
 
Elyse laughed even Levi slightly smiled at that, “Of course, Freida. Just be
discreet, okay? We don’t want anyone barging in.”
 
“Yeah, trust me, I’m leaving as soon as I’m clear of meetings with scouts. I’ll
be incognito at my parent’s beach house in the Hamptons. Visit me when you can,
‘kay?”
 
“Will do, Freida. Thanks for letting us know.”
 
After the exchange of goodbyes, Elyse sighed and sunk down low in the couch.
Levi shot her a sympathetic look, “Hey, chin up. No one knows the truth except
our family. That’s what should matter.”
 
Elyse smiled, and then her phone began to ring. Seeing the unknown number, she
answered, hesitantly.
 
“Hello?”
 
“Elyse, it’s me.” A deep voice greeted, and Elyse was hit by the smooth sound
of Erwin’s timbre.
 
“E-Erwin? How did you get my number?” Elyse asked, surprised. Levi’s eyebrows
shot up, but he didn’t seem to think anything of it as he picked his French
newspaper back up again.
 
“Your father gave it to me before I left for Germany.” Erwin explained,
nonchalantly.
 
“Oh, I see…How is Germany?” Elyse asked, a lost at what else to say.
 
“Same as the last time I left it. Father is pleased to hear about the marriage
and he’ll be coming back with me to America for the wedding. Speaking about the
wedding, how is the planning going so far?”
 
Elyse bit her lip, “I…I haven’t really gotten around it. I actually had a
doctor’s appointment with Levi’s friend, Dr. Zoe, about the baby.”
 
“Dr. Zoe? Hange? Wait, the baby. Is everything okay?” Erwin asked, relentlessly
demanding. Elyse suddenly felt overwhelmed once more by him.
 
“Yes, Dr. Zoe. You know them? Yes, the baby is okay. It was just a
confirmation.” Elyse stated the last part, quietly.
 
It was quiet on the other line for a moment. Elyse suddenly hated phone
conversations. She could feel the anxiety of wanting to know how Erwin felt
about the confirmation. How would he feel about it? Would it feel even more
real? Would he run away or be adamant about it even more?
 
“The baby is confirmed. That’s…That’s very good. How are you feeling about it?”
Erwin asked, and Elyse softened at the sound of concern in his voice.
 
“I…I’m okay. I mean, four weeks ago, I was dealing with marriage contracts, so
you know, the usual.” Elyse joked, weakly, hoping that Erwin wouldn’t hear her
nervousness.
 
Erwin’s chuckle relieved her, “That’s good to hear then. Yes, Dr. Zoe is a
great doctor. I had the pleasure of working with them before. And before I
forget, I called to warn you that the press has gotten word of our marriage.”
 
“Oh yeah, my roommate called me. She said that she found it through gossip
sites and Julliard. There’s nosy people coming to the dorm room, seeing if it’s
true.”
Erwin sighed, deeply, “I’m sorry, Elyse. I tried to get this through
immediately. Your father gave me a call saying that there are reporters outside
the company. He’s very angry at Mr. Garnier which is understandable. I’m taking
the red-eye back now with my father. I hate to ask you this, but we might not
be able to have a wedding after all.”
 
Elyse froze, “I’m sorry?”
 
“The wedding as in you walking down the aisle in a dress and having a ceremony
and a reception. The press will try to meddle in, so we’ll have a court
marriage instead. Your family and my father as witnesses. I know it’s not a
grand wedding, but we must do this in order to avoid controversy.”
 
“Won’t it just be even more controversial the moment the baby is born? A
shotgun court wedding will look terrible, Erwin.”
 
“…I will be fabricating the date we got married, Elyse. My father and I have
people in the court who can. That’s why we need to have the quietest marriage
as possible. Once I come back to America and after we are married, we will go
to the press, make up a story of how we were married months before. You leaving
Julliard was because you found out were pregnant, and hopefully, the press will
leave us alone after that. Well, leave us alone about the marriage. I can’t
promise that they’ll truly leave us alone—“
 
“Erwin. W-we can’t do anything else? I just—“
 
“This is the only way to save your reputation, Elyse. To save your father’s
company’s reputation.”
 
“Fabrication? So what? I got married when I was ­fifteen?”
 
“Don’t be dramatic, Elyse. The date will be fabricated at least two months
before we actually met. Still sixteen. Besides, you’re turning seventeen this
March. You’ll be fine.”
 
Elyse wanted to scream. So many lies and so many things to do. Also, Erwin
seemed to know information about her that she didn't even share with him. He
was literally snooping around about her. God, how messed up this was.
Levi was deep into his newspaper, making her believe that she and Erwin were
having a private conversation.
 
But when he looked up at her, Elyse froze. Levi gave her a look of
encouragement, confirming that he heard every word, and Elyse truly felt alone
in this whole ordeal.
===============================================================================
 
Erwin did arrive the morning of their court wedding. Elyse and Levi drove up to
their aunt’s house and greeted their aunt and uncle who were ready for the
court wedding. Her aunt smiled at Elyse. 
“Come, ma petite. I have a dress for you.”
Elyse let herself be led to her aunt and uncle’s room and she gasped when she
saw the dress waiting for her on their bed.
 
“Is that—“
 
“It was your mother’s wedding dress.” Her aunt confirmed, patting her own
swelling stomach. She was at least three and a half months, much to Elyse and
Levi’s surprise. Their aunt admitted to hiding the pregnancy for three months
before telling them.
 
Elyse walked towards the dress, and she teared at the sight of it. She
remembered when her aunt had showed her the dress when she was a child.
 
“This will be yours on your wedding day, ma petite. I swear it.” Her aunt had
promised.
 
Her wedding day was here, special or not, it didn’t matter. Her aunt had kept
her promise. Elyse turned to her and hugged her, tightly.
 
“Thank you so much, tante. I love you so much.” Elyse whispered, emotional.
 
Her aunt laughed, a little broken due to her tearing up.
 
“Enough tears, my dear. Let’s get you ready.”
 
===============================================================================
 
The court was empty, and Elyse had a chilling feeling that Erwin had something
to do with that.
 
“It’s safer this way.” Levi whispered, holding Elyse’s hand as he helped her
out the car.
 
Elyse didn’t dare argue back.
 
She entered the courtroom and she saw her father and another man that she
assumed was Erwin’s father, the uncanny resemblance was there.
 
The man smiled at her as she walked in, “Ah, you must be darling Elyse. You
look absolutely breathtaking, my dear. Just like your mother.”
 
Elyse smiled back, grateful. She decided she liked him right then and there. He
was so sweet-looking, the only difference between him and his indifferent son.
 
Her father pulled her aside, giving her a look up and down and Elyse patiently
waited for his criticism.
 
It didn’t come.
 
“The dress is becoming on you.” Her father whispered, softly. Elyse was sure
she imagined it, but she smiled, widely at him. She kissed him on his cheek,
softly. “Don’t ruin your makeup, dear.”
 
Ah, there it was. Elyse had flinched at that, but the first statement was still
warm within her heart.
 
Whatever this dress was, it was certainly magic for today. Her brother and
father haven’t fought yet, either.
 
“Where’s Erwin?” Levi asked, suddenly. Right then and there, the doors opened
and the judge and Erwin walked in, caught in a discussion. Erwin, cool and
level-headed, and the judge, nodding and scanning the papers in his hands,
stopped in the middle of the room.
 
Seeing Erwin always made her feel nervous. Elyse never knew what the man was up
to next especially now that instead of a wedding, they were here at a court.
But, God, the man knew how to dress and carry himself. He was impeccable in a
black tux. His chiseled jaw was defined by the dark beard that seemed to grow
since he didn’t have time to shave since the revelation of her being pregnant
happened. She had felt bad, but it disappeared because of the annoyance of him
always looking good anyways.
 
“Are we ready?” Erwin suddenly asked, looking up. He scanned the faces and when
he looked at her, he paused.
 
His stare was making her uncomfortable and it was that damn unreadable one too.
 
Her aunt was always good with makeup and hair. Especially since she had worked
with the ballet back in Paris.
 
Her aunt had swept all her hair to one side and curled Elyse’s long dark locks.
She really did amazing work on Elyse’s face with the slight contour and
highlight. Elyse always had long eyelashes and high cheekbones with a nice
upturned nose, so it was easy for her aunt to find the points of her face for
the makeup. The wedding dress that once belonged to her mother was an-off
shoulder satin dress that cinched her waist and flared down at the bottom. It
was a simple vintage dress, and Elyse always felt like it was a dress that came
from the Parisian opera house.
 
Erwin approached her, gently taking her hand. He raised it up to his lips,
never breaking eye contact with her. After placing a gentle kiss on it, he
smiled at her, comforting.
 
“You look beautiful, Elyse.”
 
“Thank you.” Elyse said, quietly, blushing at all the attention.
 
The doors opened once more and Freida came rushing in, “Oh fuck, am I late?”
All faces turned towards her, and Elyse couldn’t help but giggle.
 
Erwin shot Elyse a questioning look.
 
“Um, the roommate that had left the note.” Elyse explained, the only thing
he’ll probably get.
 
Freida widened her eyes at that and he mouth formed a small ‘o’.
 
“Oh, shit, Ely. It was that night.” Freida whispered, sharply. Elyse flushed,
thanking God she and Erwin were the only ones to hear it as Freida approached
them.
 
Erwin chuckled, “Ah, that roommate.” He let go of Elyse’s hand to take Freida’s
hand in greeting. He gave her a small kiss on the back which made Freida raise
her eyebrows.
 
“Erwin Smith.” He introduced himself.
 
“U-uh, Freida…at your service?”
 
Levi snorted at that and Elyse shot her brother a glare. The judge cleared his
throat.
 
Everyone turned to him.
 
“So, are we ready to sign papers now?” The judge asked, a little impatient, “We
can only keep the courthouse close for so long. The press will sniff it out,
also.”
 
“W-We’re just going to sign?” Elyse asked, shocked, turning to Erwin. Erwin let
go of Freida’s hand to approach the judge. She watched as he straightened his
cuffs, nonchalantly, but she could see that his back was slightly arched as if
he was ready to pounce on his prey and that prey happened to be the poor judge
in front of them.
 
“Recite the vows, if you please, Your Honor.” Erwin stated, more like demanded.
The judge shrunk under his gaze and Elyse couldn’t help but feel a bit thankful
for his commanding demeanor.
 
The judge cleared his throat, “Okay, let’s do this, shall we? If everyone can
take a seat, we’ll being. Now, will the groom and bride face each other. Yes,
like that, now, do you Erwin Smith take Elyse Rose Jaeger Ackerman as your
lawfully wedded wife?”
 
“I do.” Erwin stated, as if sealing a deal rather than a promise. God, can this
man be anymore serious and damn infuriatingly confusing. He had been smiling
and complimenting her, kissing her hand, and now, it looked like he could care
less. As if he wasn't vowing to be someone's husband. 
 
“Do you Elyse Rose Jaeger Ackerman take Erwin Smith as your lawfully wedded
husband?”
 
The question burned her. That night from four weeks ago led her here. She
looked at the people around them, their faces having various state of emotions.
 
Erwin’s face was just as unreadable as the future of the life that was going to
be before her right after she sealed her fate with two menacing words.
 
“I do.”
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// AND THE ADVENTURE WILL BEGIN. SO, there are many hints of hints
     of what may or may not happen in the future in this chapter. This
     story really has me excited.
***** Parisian Presses *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// Hello all! So, I just posted chapter six, but since I’m excited
     for this story, I will be working on chapter seven.
     Like I said, now that Erwin and Elyse are married, the story can now
     move forward with focusing on SO MANY THINGS. GUYS, GUYS, SO MANY
     THINGS. There’s a reason why this story is all about Drama and Family
     in my fanfiction.net tags.
     Elyse belongs to me; everyone else does not.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
True to what Erwin said, there was no celebration of any sort. Freida had been
upset at that, but Elyse comforted her.
 
“We’ll celebrate when you visit me in Paris, okay?” Elyse offered, hugging her
friend. Freida laughed, happily, at that.
 
“Also, stay incognito. Once Erwin and I go out to the press about this, it’ll
be hard for you.” Elyse stated, worried. Freida waved her hand, as if getting
rid of Elyse’s worry.
 
“I intend to enjoy my secret vacay at my parent’s in the Hamptons. You know who
my father is. He’d have the FBI at our door if the press tries to bother.”
Freida giggled, poking at Elyse’s surprised face, “Fabrication of a marriage is
not one of my biggest secrets, and you know that.”
 
Elyse flushed at Freida’s insinuation about Freida’s misdeeds. It’s shocking
how her friend’s bad influence didn’t rub off on her in all these years.
 
“I don’t know anything behind this whole thing between you and Mr. Hot German
over there, but I know that you will be a fucking great ass mother. You saved
me from that mega tantrum with the Van Buren kid, remember?” Freida asked,
amused. Elyse laughed, hard.
 
“You were about to throw that poor kid on the floor. What else was I supposed
to do?” Elyse asked, wiping the tears away from her laughing.
 
Freida softened at Elyse’s happy face, “Anyway, enjoy Paris and your sexy new
husband. Take good care of yourself, too. I’ll be in Paris soon.”
 
She hugged her goodbye, and Erwin had kissed her check goodbye and Freida had
pointed at him when his back turned, mouthing to Elyse, ‘Nice mouth.’
 
Elyse waved at her friend, smiling widely, as Freida left.
 
Her aunt and uncle kissed her and promised through their tears that they would
visit her back in Paris after their baby was born.
 
“I’m getting old, dear. I hope our daughter will come soon so I can see you.”
Her aunt whispered as she held Elyse tightly. Elyse drew back, slightly,
shocked, “A girl?”
 
Her aunt smiled through her tears, “Yes, ma petite. A girl, one I pray that is
just as good and beautiful as her darling future aunt Elyse.” Elyse began to
cry even more, hugging her aunt, tightly.
 
“I will miss you so much. But, I know you will be taken care of. He is an
unusual man, but he is trustworthy and a very, might I add, bel homme.” Her
aunt whispered in her ear. Elyse tried to smile at her aunt’s comforting words
especially at the teased part in the end, but she felt that her heart was
heavy.
 
How could she feel grateful when this man was taking her away from her family?
 
Fear and loneliness seized her mind at the thought of it. A sudden wave of
nausea hit her, and she placed two hands on her stomach, smiling. It was if her
unborn child was reminding her that she won’t be alone.
 
Her uncle, wiped his niece’s tears as he placed a comforting kiss on her
forehead, “You will be a good wife and mother, my dear Elyse. We will see you
soon.”
 
Elyse hugged him, inhaling the scent of his cologne and feeling the soft
weathered skin of his cheek on her head.
 
“I will see you both soon.” She whispered, watching as they walked towards
their car.
 
Her father was next. He motioned for her and he gave her a weary smile, “I will
have business in Paris soon, Elyse. I need to teach Garnier a lesson. Besides,
the other partners are clamoring in anger over this show of what they call
‘favoritism’. Sick old bastards. I shall visit you and your new husband in a
month or so.”
 
Elyse smiled at her father’s relentless grumpiness. She would miss it.
 
“Okay, papa. I will make sure our new home will be prepared for you.” Elyse
promised, kissing his cheek. Her father nodded, patting her cheek twice,
softly.
 
“Take care of yourself,” his eyes shifted to her stomach, which made her
uncomfortable and weird, “And my grandchild.”
 
The mention of grandchild was enough for her to flinch. She coughed to cover
it, “Papa, of course!” She giggled, forcibly.
 
He turned to walk towards Erwin, who had just finished talking to Levi, and
Elyse watched as her father slapped a hand on Erwin’s back and shake his hand,
saying his goodbyes.
 
Her brother walked towards her and Elyse found herself looping her arm in his,
slightly bending to place her head on his shoulder.
 
“That cannot be comfortable, Elyse.” Levi mused, slightly miffed at the
reminder of their height difference.
 
“I don’t care. I don’t know the next time I’ll be able to do this.” Elyse
sighed, sadly. Levi chuckled, “So dramatic. You make it seem like I won’t visit
one of my good friends and my sister as if I’m some cold brute. Have you gotten
me confused with father?”
 
Elyse rolled her eyes, but she raised her head to smile at her brother in
gratitude, “Thanks for being amicable today. It means a lot.” Levi snorted, “It
didn’t feel worth it today.”
 
The silence between the siblings made Elyse close her eyes, appreciating the
moment before it could disappear.
 
“He’ll be good to you. I know it’s been repeated many times, but I know him
better than anyone. He’ll be good.” Levi assured her, softly. Elyse smiled,
“Are you repeating yourself to convince yourself, brother?” It was meant to be
a tease as she lifted her head to smile at him, but the serious glint in his
eyes made her freeze.
 
“If you tell me he isn’t, Elyse, I will destroy him. I promise you. If he does
anything to hurt you, I will make him disappear.”
 
Elyse looked at Erwin and noticed that he was busy talking to his own father
and judge, deep in conversation about their marriage papers.
 
She watched as Erwin grabbed the papers as the judge handed him a copy, shaking
his hand. She watched as he folded them properly and put it in his suit jacket,
patting it for good measure.
 
Elyse turned to smile hesitantly at her brother, “Thank you, brother.”
 
Levi took a moment and then he sighed, “Oh, I had offered to send your stuff to
Paris for your new house, but Erwin said that it wouldn’t be necessary. Is that
okay with you, Elyse? I’m sure you had old trinkets that you cherished from
Julliard.”
 
Elyse felt a flare of indignation towards her new husband, but she thought
better of it.
 
It’s not like you bought the house in Paris, Elyse. It’s his house. It’s going
to be his rules. You…you are his now.
 
“He’s right, I won’t need it in Paris. Besides, it would feel wrong to start a
new life with my old life.” Elyse stated, softly. Her new stoic life with Erwin
didn’t deserve to have the old warmness of her life without him.
 
Levi nodded sharply, leading her back to Erwin and his father. Erwin’s father
approached Levi, and Elyse was pleasantly surprised to see her brother smile at
the man.
 
“Mr. Smith, you look well.” Levi greeted, warmly. Mr. Smith waved his
compliment off, “You flatter me, Levi. I look old. Especially with my only son
finally settling down. No complaints here though. Lovely lady carrying my
grandchild, I believe I can relax now. Shall I retire, Erwin? How about it?
Take over the company now. I believe that Ansel will be pleased at the change.”
 
Mr. Smith’s teasing made Elyse uneasy as Erwin and Levi exchanged a look of
understanding.
 
“Father, please. Ansel will be a little intimidated if his new son-in-law
decided to take over the German company the week after marrying and
impregnating his daughter.” Erwin replied, smoothly.
 
Elyse was starting to get tired of being referred to the daughter that happened
to be pregnant the same time she was married.
 
“I’m sorry, Elyse. Did that offend you? I didn’t mean to mean it that way. Your
father will be seeing it that way, so that’s why I said it so crudely.” Erwin’s
voice interrupted her annoyed thoughts.
 
Woah, was her face scrunched up? Her cheeks flushed, “Oh, no. It’s fine. I
understand.” She said, quickly.
 
Mr. Smith shot her an apologetic look and she smiled reassuringly in return.
Levi seemed to be satisfied with what just happened as he placed a hand on his
sister’s back to get her attention, “I’ll be taking my leave now. Call me once
you get off the plane, okay?” He told her, placing a small kiss on her cheek.
 
Elyse smiled, “Of course.” Her brother gave a firm handshake to Mr. Smith and
Erwin, placing a hard pat on Erwin’s back with a small smirk.
 
“Enjoy Paris, Erwin.” Levi said, his version of saying goodbye to his friend.
 
“Funny, I remember you mentioning to enjoy America four weeks ago.” Erwin
stated, amused. Elyse flushed and Levi glared at his friend. Too soon, Erwin.
Elyse thought, wanting to hide under a rock, this man had no sense of ‘feeling
the room’.
 
“I’m still kicking your ass for enjoying America a little too much.” Levi
grumbled, and Erwin laughed at that. Elyse began to grow horrified at how south
this was going.
 
“I will take care of her, Levi. I give you my word.” Erwin stated, his posture
resuming seriousness. Levi paused, and he smiled a little after a moment.
 
“Thank you, Erwin.” With that said, Levi walked away and exited the courtroom,
leaving the Smith family in the courtroom.
 
“The driver is outside. Shall we?” Mr. Smith asked, offering his arm to Elyse.
She smiled at that. Ah, so that’s where Erwin got his weird mannerisms. She
looked towards Erwin, who simply walked ahead of them to open the door.
 
Mr. Smith led her down the aisle and it kind of felt like he was leading her
down to Erwin, ironically. She didn’t mention it, but the small wry smile on
Erwin’s face as she passed him was hint enough that he was thinking the same
thing.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse didn’t realize that the Smiths had a private jet. Parked in a private
airport, the jet was already waiting for them, a red carpet laid out for them.
Security detail was all over the place, and Elyse’s jaw dropped slightly at
how…regal it seemed.
 
“So, are you royalty or…?” Elyse asked, softly, awed as she examined her
surroundings once she was helped out of the car by one of the bodyguards.
 
Erwin looked at her, incredulously. “Your father was the one who set this all
up, Elyse. I chipped in, of course, but the security has always been your
father’s.”
 
Elyse’s eyes widened as she turned around to face her new husband, allowing her
new father-in-law to walk up towards the jet first.
 
“My father?” She whispered, sharply. Erwin sighed, grabbing her arm gently to
direct her more inside the jet, motioning for one of the smiling flight
attendants to come forward.
 
“Yes, Elyse,” He repeated, as if talking patiently to a child which miffed her,
but before she could retort, the flight attendant took her by the arm, gently,
“Miss Rea here will lead you to a private room for you to change. I had my
assistant back in Paris ship you some clothes here. Once we land, the press
will be waiting at the airstrip and I set up a small press conference there
anyways. We’ll discuss it more after you change.”
 
Elyse, overwhelmed, found that she had no choice but to follow Miss Rea to the
private room set up for her. With a polite smile, Miss Rea stated that she’ll
be outside if Elyse would need help with anything.
 
“Don’t hesitate to ask for anything, Mrs. Smith.” The kind worker stated, and
Elyse cringed at that.
 
“P-Please call me Elyse.” Elyse begged, her smile nervous, “It’s a tad bit
weird to be called a Mrs. from someone who is older than me.”
 
Miss Rea had giggled at that, but she nodded and took her leave after that.
 
Elyse sighed and took in the room’s surroundings with an impressed gaze. There
was a master bed and a small bathroom. A closet was on the left side and
everything was clean and unused, except for the neatly laid out clothes on the
bed.
 
She examined the clothes in awe as she walked towards the bed. She caressed the
top and blushed when she noticed that it had a deep plunging neckline. The
pastel lavender top was embroidered with black lace and the base fabric was
chiffon. She was just glad it wasn’t see through. The black high-waisted pants
were a comfort and so were the simple black heels. There was even a thick black
choker to complete the look. It felt very Parisian, and Elyse couldn’t help but
smile at the realization that she’d be there in about 7 hours or so.
 
The deep plunging neckline wasn’t that much of a shock, but she wasn’t sure if
she’d be comfortable wearing it around Erwin especially when they were
technically naked wrapped around each other once upon a time and now, they were
strangers that happened to be naked in front of each other once upon a time.
 
The attire was utterly gorgeous and she made a note to herself to thank the
assistant who put this together. This person had quite the taste. After asking
Miss Rea to unzip her, Elyse stepped out of the gossamer fabric and shivered at
the cold air hitting her body. She put the new outfit on and looked in the
mirror, appraising her appearance.
 
She looked every bit of the heiress that the press was calling her. The
surprise heiress that we didn’t realize had an interesting life until
now.Elyse’s thoughts were beginning to be a little sarcastic and she blamed her
brother for that. She noticed that once she tries to get ahold of a situation,
it worked if her thoughts were sarcastic and confident.
 
Although, she failed to be sarcastic and confident in real life. Especially
with the handsome robot outside waiting for her.
 
She stepped out the room and made her way to the main cabin area. She happened
to meet Erwin’s father, who was walking towards the other room to rest. He
smiled at her, “Beautiful once again, dear. The press won’t know what hit
them.” Elyse laughed, her smile actually real.
 
She excused herself and kept walking towards the main cabin, and she found
Erwin sitting next to the window, reading a newspaper and smoking a cigar. Ugh,
he was so effortlessly gorgeous.
It’s a shame that his personality was weird and serious. He had taken off
tuxedo and replaced the suit with a vest and a navy suit that she noticed he
picked all the time. It did compliment his eyes.
 
He looked up, noticing her, and he looked her up and down. Elyse shifted,
uncomfortably.
 
No need for clothes when the robot has X-ray vision.
 
She mentally applauded herself for her witty comment. Erwin snuffed out his
cigar on the tray before him, motioning for one of the waiting flight
attendants to get it off the table.
 
“Thank you, Roy.” Erwin thanked the man who ended up getting rid of it. He set
his newspaper down on the table in front of him. He got up, walking towards
Elyse and he offered her his hand.
 
Elyse, already getting used to this, took it and let herself be led to where he
was sitting. He pulled out a chair across his and motioned for her to sit, and
she took it, gratefully. Erwin walked back to his chair and sat down. He sat,
properly, slightly relaxing a bit as he placed his arms on the table between
them, looking out the window.
 
Elyse, surprised, realized that they already had taken off.
 
“How did— “
 
“It’s a jet I designed for comfort. Take-off is barely noticeable.” Erwin
stated, nonchalantly, taking a sip of the whiskey set before him.
 
Elyse bit her lip, slightly shocked at how he had known what she was about to
ask. Erwin noticed this and chuckled, “It’s a usual question I get from people
who ride in this jet.”
 
Elyse nodded, still not knowing what to say, shifting on her chair, slowly,
trying to be comfortable.
 
“How are you feeling? Any cravings or nausea?” Erwin asked, changing the
subject.
 
Elyse breathed a sigh of relief, mentally, Finally, something normal to answer
to.
 
“No cravings besides pickles. Nausea only really happens in the morning which
is great, but I don’t know how long that will last.” Elyse said, trying to
remember anything different in the pregnancy.
 
Erwin nodded, thoughtfully. “I’ll call my assistant later. I’ll mention that
she’ll need to buy pickles next to contacting Levi about shipping some things
from the penthouse that you may want.”
 
Elyse snapped her gaze up at him in surprise, “Levi told me that you said it
wasn’t necessary for my things to be shipped in the new house.”
 
Erwin smiled, unreadable and incessantly polite, “I meant furniture-wise. I’m
not necessarily a hoarder, but when I was in your dorm that one night, I
noticed your walls filled with cute drawings and other trophies in shelves, so
I thought that it’d be rude for me not to have that sent over in our new home.”
 
Elyse didn’t know what to say, but her eyes began to tear in gratitude. She
smiled, shakenly, “T-thank you, Erwin.”
 
Erwin nodded. His eyebrows raised as his hands patted something in his pocket,
as if remembered something. He pulled out a small velvet box and placed it on
the table.
 
“Before I forget, here’s our rings.” He pushed it towards her, and Elyse took
it, gingerly. She opened it and gasped.
 
His ring was silver and the band was intricately designed to resemble a family
emblem of some sort. It wasn’t obnoxious like any other family emblem. It
consisted of light and dark wings, something that seemed familiar.
 
Her ring was what really got her to gasp. She had two, technically, one she
assumed was the supposed engagement ring and then the wedding ring. But the two
of them were both interlocked to make one gorgeous silver ring. The princess
cut diamond was in the middle while her wedding band encased the diamond by
being intricately weaved with the engagement band. It was truly beautiful.
 
“It’s gorgeous, Erwin. You designed this yourself?” Elyse asked, in wonder. She
had forgotten her uncomfortableness with the man due to the awe and respect she
had for her ring design.
 
Erwin’s laugh interrupted her thoughts, “I wish I could take the credit, but
sadly, I must give credit where credit Is due. I contacted a famous ring
designer and I had mentioned that your tastes seemed of a classic nature and
that you were a ballerina who was born in Paris. This is what he came up with.”
 
 Elyse nodded, her awe disappearing. Don’t get your hopes up of him being
interesting, Elyse. We’ve established that he must be a robot, remember?
 
She took her ring out and placed it on the proper finer, slowly. She stared at
it, not knowing how to feel at the foreign accessory gracing her ring finger.
 
It felt heavy. Just like her heart. No matter how pretty it was.
 
She turned her attention back to the other ring in the velvet box and looked
quizzically at the emblem on Erwin’s ring. It was eerily familiar. She
shrugged, mentally, and decided it wasn’t worth it to agonize over it.
 
She closed the box and pushed it back towards Erwin, who opened it up again to
get his own ring out. He merely took the ring and placed it quickly on his
finger as if it was as simple as putting a tie on.
 
He picked up the newspaper he neglected earlier, and as if their interaction
never happened, he began to read silently as if she wasn’t there.
 
“You can nap back in the main room if you’re tired, Elyse.” Erwin offered, his
eyes not leaving his newspaper.
 
Elyse, feeling more nervous about the upcoming press conference, turned to look
around the main cabin and she noticed some books on the minibar. She got up and
approached the minibar and picked the books up, silently.
 
They were law books, European law books to be more exact, and Elyse felt her
curiosity peaked. She had loved reading since she was a kid, and any book
wasn’t off-limits to her general interests.
 
“It is okay if I read these?” Elyse asked, softly, holding the books against
her skin due to the plunging neckline.
 
Erwin turned to look at her and his eyes didn’t betray any shock or surprise as
he looked at the books in her arms.
 
Instead, he smiled as if he expected it.
 
“Of course, there is a comfortable couch right over there next to the window if
you like.” Erwin stated, turning his attention back to his newspaper.
 
Elyse nodded and took his advice. And, as always, he was right. The moment she
settled on the couch, she felt like she was on a cloud. She opened one of the
books, and she lost herself in the notions of European law, forgetting that she
was about to face her worse reality in a couple of hours.
 
===============================================================================
 
 “Mrs. S---Miss Elyse.” A voice called for her through her drowsy state. Elyse
woke up, slowly, and she noticed Miss Rea’s kind face staring down at her.
Surprised, she sat up, quickly. A soft blanket fell from her shoulders and so
did the heavy law back that was atop of her, opened.
 
“Oh! How long was I asleep?” Elyse asked, groggily, wiping her eyes gingerly,
trying to not ruin her makeup as she removed gunk.
 
“We just landed, Miss Elyse. You were asleep for two hours I would say. You
were very into Mr. Erwin’s books I might add, but I guess sleep must’ve won.”
Miss Rea said, lightly, helping Elyse get up. Miss Rea folded the blanket and
Elyse picked up the book that had fallen.
“We landed?” Elyse moaned, softly. “Yes, dear.” Erwin’s father’s voice sounded
from behind her and Elyse jumped, slightly, whipping around embarrassed.
 
“Erwin is waiting at the cockpit. He told me to inform you as soon as Rea woke
you up. Here, dear, would you like to be escorted up there?” Her nice father-
in-law offered.
 
Elyse shook her head, politely, “It’s fine, Mr. Smith. I should be okay.”
 
“You may call me, ‘Vati’, if it pleases you, child. It means---“
 
“Papa in German.” Elyse finished, quietly. She put a hand on her mouth,
horrified, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
 
The man laughed and waved her worry away, “No need for an apology, dear. I’m
glad that you know your German. Your mother would’ve been very proud. Oh, and
your uncle too!”
 
Elyse noticed that this was the second time the man in front of her mentioned
her mother, and now her mother’s brother, the one uncle she missed. She was
about to ask him how he knew her mother and her side of the family, but the
sound of clamoring outside took her attention away.
 
“Go now, dear. I shall see you and Erwin tomorrow for brunch. Rest easy
tonight. Also, don’t worry about the vermin outside. They are too nosy for
their own good. Erwin will take care of it.” Her father-in-law promised,
winking at her. With a kiss on her cheek, he bid her goodbye as one of the
bodyguards opened the cabin door for him.
 
The loud noise of the press got louder once it opened, and the door closed with
a bang, silencing it by a fraction.
 
“Elyse.” Erwin called for her, and Elyse hurriedly made her way to the cockpit.
 
Erwin looked devastatingly handsome in a white button down and a navy vest with
a navy suit. He had a black tie with a silver belt clip adorning the ensemble.
Black dress shoes that were shiny and untouched, Erwin was the epitome of
perfection as he smoothed his blonde hair into place.
 
He turned towards her, and he looked her up and down with a calculated gaze.
Elyse suddenly felt as if her father was looking at her, critically.
 
She prepared herself for an insult, but instead, she watched as Erwin’s hand
appeared in front of her.
 
“May I?” He asked, seeking permission to touch her. Elyse nodded, finding that
her voice wasn’t working for some odd reason.
His longs fingers took ahold of a stray strand of hair that managed to get out
from behind her ear. He placed it back, and he retracted his hand, smoothly.
 
“There. Perfect.” He stated, satisfied. Elyse blinked, not knowing how to
respond to his compliment.
 
Erwin didn’t wait for her. He straightened his own jacket for the last time
before offering his arm to her. He smiled, encouragingly, and she tried to
smile back, softly.
 
“Here we go.” He stated, his eyes gleaming and Elyse couldn’t help but think
that this man certainly was crazy. He loved being in control, she realized. He
was going to be in control in a matter of minutes, and it was going to be about
their sham of a marriage.
 
Placing a hand on her stomach, the only thing that was keeping her going with
this sickening reality, she took a deep breath as the cabin door opened.
===============================================================================
 
There was so many lights, flashing, simply bright, and simply there. Elyse
gripped Erwin’s arm tighter, struggling to see where she was supposed to go.
Erwin took the lead and placed what may have looked like a protective arm
around her, but Elyse knew better. He was trying to help her not trip over due
to her fragile pregnant state.
 
“Elyse! Elyse, look over here.”
“You look lovely, Elyse. Smile for the camera!”
“Is it true that you were married two months ago?”
“How did you meet Erwin? How did you land him?”
 
The questions were relentless and Elyse was thankful that she managed to keep a
small smile on her face as the cameras flashed at her and reporters screamed at
her.
 
They arrived at the set up podium, easily, and Erwin helped her get up next to
him as he stood behind the microphone, smiling at the crowd, maintaining a
professional form.
 
“I would like to thank you all for being here today. I have called this press
conference today to clear some questions and rumors about my relationship with
the lovely Elyse Rose Jaeger Ackerman. Many of the press has accused her for
‘trapping’ me,” This earned a few laughs from the press, “by me acting as what
is called a ‘sugar daddy’ because she happens to be the daughter of a wealthy
business partner of mine. Well, I am here to tell you that this is far from the
truth.”
 
“I met Elyse after her father introduced me to her. I was taken with her,
immediately, and she with me. I approached her father to get his blessing, and
he immediately approved. We were married secretly, two months ago, to continue
tying loose ends of what we would have to leave behind. My wife,” That sounded
so foreign to her. He had said it so intimately and the press was eating it up
as far as Elyse was concerned, “was going to complete her training in Julliard,
but to our pleasant surprise, we have recently found out that she is pregnant.”
 
The press began to clamor at that, and Erwin let them for a while. He turned to
Elyse, and she caught the act with a fake loving smile of her own. Acting
training or not, you are a good actor, Mr. Robot.
 
Erwin turned to face the press once more, a hand held up. The bodyguards were
alert, ready to hold back any of the press.
 
“Elyse, my love, will you please stand up? Would you like to say a couple of
words?” Erwin asked her, his gaze would look affectionate to anyone else, but
Elyse was already used to his double meaning looks at this point. He held a
hand towards her and she took a quick moment to assess the impromptu situation
she was in.
 
He was encouraging her to talk so they would look more human. Elyse was taught
this acting class. It was if she was a politician’s wife, her job was to make
her husband look normal as if he was more than a leadership figure.
 
So, she had no choice but to take the challenge.
 
She took his offered hand, lovingly, and pressed a kiss on his cheek as he drew
her closer. She made sure that the eye contact she was giving him would look
romantic on the covers of those annoying gossip magazines.
 
He led her towards the podium, and she kissed him on the cheek for another good
measure.
 
“Thank you, love. Yes, I would just like to say that it’s ironic, really. I was
a simple girl before this, and I wasn’t even aware that my husband here was one
of Europe’s most wanted bachelors, so I would like to apologize to the women
out there.” The press laughed at that, and Elyse reminded herself to thank her
brother for his sarcastic self.
 
“What my husband said was correct except, well, for that fact that ‘tying loose
ends’ sounds like such a scary phrase. It sounds like I had to murder some
people to get to you, dear, when in reality, I just wanted to get to Paris to
get on with our married life.” Elyse giggled, the press starting to be
enchanted by the cheeky heiress in front of them.
 
“Seems like it worked, being pregnant has forced me to cut my Julliard career
off because I believe it’s dangerous for a pregnant ballerina to fall, wouldn’t
you think? And really, we’re just simple people who fell in love and want to
get on with our lives especially now that we have a baby on the way. Thank you
for the warm welcome back home, though. It’s been so long since I saw my
beloved Paris.”
 
A reporter decided to shout a question then, “Does that mean you will be in
Paris for a long time, Elyse?”
 
“Your outfit is undeniably Parisian. Who designed it?” Another reporter chimed
in.
 
“Will you be attending Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week two weeks from now?”
 
The questions began to bombard her about her stay in Paris, and she felt
bewildered. Were they not interested in the unexpected marriage anymore?
 
She decided to test the waters by offering a joke, “Does me attending the
fashion shows have anything to do with my marriage and pregnancy?”
 
“Marriages of young women to older men happen all the time in Paris.” A
reporter shouted back, earning back loud laughs.
 
Elyse smiled and she glanced a look at Erwin. And she couldn’t help but feel
pride swell up in heart as he returned her glance with a proud smile of his
own.
===============================================================================
 
“You did well.” Erwin offered, as they settled in the black town car. The
reporters were pressed against the car, shouting at them, but Elyse simple
smiled and waved as the car began to move.
 
“You planned that, didn’t you?” Elyse asked, tiredly, slouching a little in her
seat next to him.
 
Erwin simply smiled, offering nothing else. Oh well, Elyse was happy he didn’t
say anything else. Feeling drowsy from all the attention and time zone change.
 
She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
===============================================================================
 
She was awakened by a slight nudge to her head, and Elyse opened her eyes and
realized she had dozed off on Erwin’s shoulder. She raised her head, quickly,
flustered, and straightened her clothes and hair out.
 
And, oh god, was that dried up drool at the corner of her mouth?
 
Her suspicions were confirmed when she watched him wipe her drool off his
shoulder, amused. She was horrified.
 
“Sorry.” She mumbled, sheepishly. Erwin just chuckled and got out the car as
soon as the driver opened the door for them. Erwin helped her out, and Elyse
looked up.
 
Her mouth dropped in awe. In front of her was a gorgeous manor that was covered
with ivy and flowers. The windows were historically old, but wide and open in a
welcoming way. The wooden doors were brown and also weaved with breathtaking
ivy. The only difference from a normal manor and this one was the open porch
that seemed to be a new addition, but it didn’t stick out like a sore thumb. It
complimented the historic aesthetically pleasing manor, and Elyse couldn’t wait
to go in. She turned around and noticed the wide paved way that led to the
manor, so she was grateful that it was private.
 
But then she realized, she heard…
 
She ran to the side of the manor, and she let out a happy squeal. Right next to
the manor was the ocean, the waves hitting the rocks next to them was such a
joyous sound to her ears.
 
She turned to Erwin, who was talking to the driver and handing him a tip as he
placed their luggage down. Once the driver drove away, Erwin turned towards her
and he looked at her bewildered.
 
He walked towards her, worried, “Elyse, is something the matter?”
 
It was then that Elyse realized she was crying. She wiped her cheeks, quickly,
shaking her head with a smile.
 
“No, no, it’s just…. This is beautiful, Erwin. I can’t believe this is real.”
Elyse sighed, happily. Erwin smiled, his hands behind his back.
 
“I’m glad you like it. Shall we go inside?” Erwin asked, motioning towards the
house. Elyse noticed that there was a group of people waiting for them outside.
She also noticed that the luggage had magically disappeared from behind them.
 
She followed Erwin, wordlessly, and as they approached the group of people, she
was surprised to see how young they all were.
 
“Elyse, this is Petra, my all-around assistant.” Erwin introduced her to a
petite, pretty blonde woman who smiled warmly at her.
 
The girl wore a simple white blouse and a black pencil skirt with black tights
and black heels which symbolized her status as an assistant. She had short
blonde hair and wide hazel eyes. Elyse liked the warmness she emitted.
 
“Hello, I’m Elyse. You were the one who chose these clothes for me, right?
They’re gorgeous.” Elyse thanked, remembering her mental reminder.
 
Petra had blushed at that, bowing her head sheepishly, “Oh, yes, of course! Mr.
Smith had showed me a picture of you and I knew that this would look beautiful
on you.”
 
Elyse had blushed shyly at that, not even trying to glance at Erwin after that.
How did he get a picture of me? I swear, Father really handed a file of me to
him.
 
“This is Nifa, she will be your helper if you need anything and to also help
you with the pregnancy and settling down here.” Erwin continued, motioning to
the petite girl next to Petra.
 
Elyse smiled at the shy girl. She had dark short hair and bangs and had a tiny
figure. She wore glasses, but she wore a white shirt with a green jumper suit
over it paired with white sneakers.
 
“Hello, Nifa. Pleasure to meet you. I already appreciate you for agreeing to
help me.” Elyse stated, her smile comforting.
 
The shy girl giggled and smiled, nervously, as she pushed her glasses up her
nose. “The pleasure is all mine, Miss Elyse.”
 
“This is Eld and Gunther, they’re actually here because they wanted to greet
Levi’s little sister. They were under your brother’s leadership back when they
were in the Army.” Erwin stated, motioning to the two men that were behind the
ladies.
 
“Hello there! We were excited to hear that Levi’s little sister would be here.
We had begged the Commander here to let us stop by and exchange our greetings
with you.” Eld, the tall blonde one stated, happily.
 
“Ah, yes! You are exactly how Levi explained. Such a small world. I wish I
could’ve seen Levi’s face when he found out that his Commander and his sister
were into each other.” Gunther guffawed, patting Erwin’s stiff back.
 
Elyse noticed that they called Erwin, ‘Commander’, and she had turned to him
with a questioning gaze even though she smiled at the men’s polite excitement.
 
Erwin sighed and waved the men off, “Okay, okay. You said your greetings. I
believe that Elyse will want to rest now. I’ll see you both tomorrow morning.”
 
That last part sounded like a warning, and Elyse felt bad when the two men
exchanged sheepish grins with her.
 
“Our apologies, Elyse. We hope to see you soon.” Eld stated, taking her hand
and placing a small kiss on the back of it. Elyse laughed, “No need to
apologize, Eld. I do hope to see you both soon.”
 
Gunther mirrored his own apology and kissed her hand, “You are certainly a
beauty. Nothing but the best for our Commander here. Congratulations once again
on your pregnancy.”
 
Elyse smiled, softly, at that. “Thank you, Gunther.”
The men waved as they walked down the paved road, and Elyse waved back,
gracefully.
 
“Elyse, follow me.” Erwin ordered, and Elyse watched as Petra and Nifa made
themselves scarce as they continued to go on about their business.
 
It was then that Elyse realized it was nearing evening time.
 
“Goodnight, you two.” Elyse said, calling out to them. Both of them, surprised,
smiled widely at her and bowed slightly before leaving.
 
A red carpet and bodyguards? Commander? And now, these girls are bowing towards
me? Is Erwin royalty or not?
 
Elyse mused at that, sarcastically. Her brother was really rubbing off on her.
 
The manor was two floors, and she was grateful for that. Her pregnancy would be
terrible if she had to climb more than three sets of steps every day. She
followed as Erwin introduced her to the living room, the two kitchens, and the
two bathrooms in the lower level. They walked up the stairs, and she was
overwhelmed by the additional rooms such as the spa room, the media room, the
workout room, and the liquorroom. There were other rooms like four guest
bedrooms and three other bathrooms. Her favorite room, the library, was
gorgeous and huge. She then realized they entered the main part of the house
which was the middle upper level and Erwin showed her his office.
 
It was breathtaking.
 
It was covered with wooden bookshelves all over, ladders that towered on the
bookshelves made it all the more beautiful. His study was cluttered with
paperwork and books. The fireplace was lit and in front of it were two large
leather chairs on a plush red rug.
 
It wasn’t her father’s office. It wasn’t pristine.
 
That comforted her.
 
He then motioned to the other door and stated that the door led to his room.
 
“Yourroom?” Elyse asked, confused and nervous. She was reminded that they were
married now. That meant sharing a room.
 
He promised her that she wouldn’t be forced to do anything she didn’t want to
do in this marriage, and she had hoped he would keep that.
 
Erwin seemed to read her thoughts as he smiled down at her. He placed a large
hand on the small of her back, and Elyse shook the feeling of nostalgia away.
He motioned to the door next to his office and he opened the door, “This is
your room.”
 
Elyse looked around the majestic room with wide hazel eyes. It was painted a
pastel lavender and the bay windows were draped with laced curtains. She had
her own sitting room with bookshelves and a fireplace. A walk-in closet filled
with clothes that ‘Petra had also picked’, according to Erwin, was hers to own.
The king bed was fluffy and warm, a lace coverlet draping over the bed making
her feel like it was truly meant for a ballerina.
 
“God, Erwin. This is too much. You did all of this in a day?” Elyse asked,
awed.
 
Erwin shrugged at that, “I did mention that I knew Dr. Zoe, right? You have met
them back in America. They’re the one who sent their assistant, Molbit, here to
attend to all of this.”
 
Elyse widened her eyes at that and she softened, “You have many friends. You
and my brother truly are loved.”
 
Erwin didn’t say anything to that. Instead, he motioned to the door connected
to her room.
 
“Here, this is what caused last minute construction to be a hassle.” Erwin
sighed, teasingly as he opened the secret door.
 
Elyse walked inside and once the light illuminated the room, she gasped. The
room was a nursey, a gigantic nursery that was filled with a crib, a diaper
changing station, and toy boxes.
 
It was overwhelming.
 
“Oh, wow. You are so ready for this.” Elyse let that slip out, not even caring
if her voice was shaky or not.
 
Erwin’s strong arm wrapped around her waist, and she looked up, surprised. He
stared down at her, intensely, “Don’t ever doubt that you won’t be a good
mother, Elyse. You may be young physically, yet age doesn’t matter when it
comes to loving someone.” He placed a hand on her stomach, and it felt warm and
steady.
 
By the way he was looking at her, Elyse wasn’t sure if he was talking about the
baby anymore.
 
She laughed, trying to hide her nerves, “I guess. Thank you for this, Erwin.
Really. This is amazing.” She stepped out of his hold to scan the rest of the
room, trying to distract herself from his weird personality.
 
She noticed another door that led to the nursey, “Where does this lead to?”
 
Erwin walked up to it and opened it, with a smile. “My office. Just in case you
need a break during the night when the baby is born. I’m mostly here compared
to my room.”
Elyse warmed at the gesture. She smiled at him, widely, and it seemed that it
was too much for him so he looked away and coughed. She smiled even wider as
she noticed a slight redness at in the slight pointed end of his ears.
 
At least we know that your father won’t be absent, mon bebe. And that’s enough
for now.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// REVIEW PLS.
     Mon bebe-my baby in French.
     So. Many. Detail. In. This. Chapter. I just get so excited that
     sometimes I skip details and misspellings that I cringe when I re-
     read my chapters. This was 7k+ words, guys. I cannot. But, it was so
     worth it. Like I said, these chapters are going to get long, so hang
     in there.
***** Tragedy and A New Hope *****
Chapter Summary
     A:N// Elyse is my child. Everyone else is Isayama’s children.
     Enjoy another long chapter and scream at me in the end :).
Chapter Notes
     A:N// Elyse is my child. Everyone else is Isayama’s children.
     Enjoy another long chapter and scream at me in the end :).
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Elyse found herself mostly alone in the first three months of her pregnancy.
Erwin was away a lot with business here and there. Elyse assumed it was because
of the business venture he had mentioned to her father when he was arranging
their marriage. She didn’t mind that at all. She liked being home alone, and it
was fun exploring the manor.
 
Her brother had shipped the sentimental trinkets she held dear and she
decorated her room with the thank-you cards from her students back in Julliard
and the trophies she won since the age of four. She had touched them,
wistfully, realizing that she wouldn’t be able to dance for a while.
 
She stared at the mirror sometimes, watching her stomach to see the process of
the swelling. There was a medium bump and it was uncanny how it was just there
now. She found herself loving the maternity clothes that Petra had picked in
her closet and she considered just hiring her as a personal stylist. But then
again, technically, Erwin did.
 
Nifa was such a dear help to her. She began to open up to Elyse whenever they
walked around Paris as Elyse relived her childhood with her. Gunther and Eld
had visited once or twice for dinner when Erwin had come home early for the
day.
 
Elyse noticed that they had stopped calling Erwin, ‘Commander’, and that Erwin
wouldn’t look her way whenever they came over which she was grateful for, and
he talked to them with a relaxed yet stern look on his face. Sometimes, Elyse
forgot that Erwin was only twenty-six years old with the way he carried
himself.
 
Levi called regularly, and Elyse would tell him to come visit and talk about
all the old landmarks that they had visited when they were kids.
 
“You know I wish I could, but there’s a huge project I would like to finish up
here before transferring to Germany.” Levi told her once.
 
“Germany?” Elyse asked, surprised, a little excited.
 
“Yes, I’m going to start looking for him.” Levi stated, nonchalantly. Elyse had
dropped her tea at that and Nifa hurriedly left to clean up the mess as Elyse
apologized profusely.
 
“Uncle? You’re truly going to search for him?” Elyse asked, hopeful.
 
“Since the old man berated him, I’m making sure that uncle knows that we’re old
enough to reconnect with him without the old bastard interfering.” Levi stated,
angrily, his anger still there at his father for severing his connection with
their mother’s brother.
 
“Please tell me if you do find him and his wife. I would like to see him as
soon as possible.” Elyse pleaded.
 
“Focus on taking care of yourself, Elyse. But, yes, I’ll tell you if I’m
successful.” Levi sighed.
 
That was the most interesting conversation they had. So, her brother was busy
preparing for that now since he just finished his big project. She knew he was
going to leave America soon. He missed Europe too much. Especially now that he
had the free time to search for their uncle.  
 
Freida ended up enjoying her time in the Hamptons and had apologized to Elyse
for not visiting as soon as she could.
 
“Besides, you look even more gorgeous pregnant and standing next to you will
make me feel horrible about myself.” Freida whined, her teasing laugh still
there.
 
Elyse rolled her eyes, but she smiled at her old roommate’s humor.
 
“Enjoy your spring body as I waddle like a penguin in Paris.” Elyse shot back.
 
“Oh! Is that sassiness I hear? Has Paris finally given my girl a backbone?”
Freida teased.
 
“It’s the baby. Literally making me use my backbone.” Elyse complained. Freida
couldn’t stop laughing at that point.
 
They ended their conversations with Freida promising to visit as soon as the
baby was born and Elyse told her that it would be okay for her to take her
time.
 
“Oh, I see. You go enjoy that beautiful manor with that husband of yours. Tell
me, how many rooms did you christen your marriage in?”
 
Elyse hung up at that point while Freida laughed.
 
Erwin’s father had breakfast with them every now and then, and Elyse found
herself at ease in his company. He would joke around and talk about business
here and there, but he always never failed to dote on her every growing belly.
 
He had flown back to Germany once he settled the business here with her father
about Mr. Garnier. They had reprimanded the man by suspending him, so there was
that.
 
Erwin was more of a housekeeper in their estate. He would check in on her every
now and then, but she barely saw him during the day and evening. He left early
for work, before she would even wake up, and she would hear his office door
close late at night when she was already getting ready for bed. She actually
saw more of their bodyguards than him.
 
The library was good company, but three months after exploring the manor and
reading in the library, Elyse was starting to get restless. Nifa had the day
off, so Elyse thought it would be a good day to go out.
 
She got ready and decided to walk out in Paris to enjoy it for the day. Donning
a white baby doll dress and jean jacket, Elyse put her sunglasses on and was
putting her sandals on until a hand grabbed her by the elbow.
 
“Miss Elyse, are you planning to go out?” A bodyguard, she remembered that his
name was Dieter, asked her, coming out of nowhere. Elyse jumped back a little,
startled.
 
“Y-yes, I am. Did my husband tell you to accompany me when I go out?” She
asked, warily, realizing that Erwin didn’t let any detail go unnoticed when it
comes to their privacy.
 
Dieter nodded and he opened the door for her as she walked towards the black
town car that waited for her. The bodyguard opened the door and she went
inside, gathering the material of her dress so the door wouldn’t slam on it.
Dieter made sure she was in safely before he got into the passenger seat next
to the driver.
 
“Where to, Miss Elyse?” The driver asked, politely.
 
“Palais Garnier, if you please.” Elyse asked, meekly, not using to giving
orders to people. The driver nodded, pulling out of the long winding road that
led out of the estate.
 
When they arrived, the bodyguard helped her out of the car, gingerly. Elyse
didn’t expect the paparazzi following after her.
 
“Miss Elyse! Over here!”
“You look gorgeous with that baby bump. How far along are you?”
“Why are you at the Palais Garnier? Is something special happening?”
“How is being back in Paris?”
 
Her bodyguard was blocking her, and Elyse now realized why Erwin was adamant of
the security detail as she held on to the back of her bodyguard’s suit.
 
Before she knew it, a paparazzo managed to duck in the shield and ambush her
with his camera. She almost fell, but thankfully, her bodyguard stepped in and
caught her.
 
“That’s enough.” Dieter, grunted, helping Elyse walk back to the car. Elyse was
grateful that he made the call because as soon as the door closed, citizens and
tourists were surrounding the car. The driver skillfully evaded the people and
she took a deep breath as they drove off.
 
“Thank you so much, Dieter. I didn’t realize that it would be that crazy.”
Elyse said, a bit dismayed that she would have to go back home.
Dieter cleared his throat, “If I may be so bold to suggest another place that
is popular for famous people to go to in order to relax, there is a little
farmer’s market down the estate if you want to check that out.”
 
Elyse’s face brightened at that and she smiled, widely, “You may be so bold,
Dieter. Driver, let Dieter show you the way.”
 
===============================================================================
 
It was almost dark when Elyse arrived home. She had such a great time. Dieter
was right, the farmer’s market had been far from society, so no one recognized
who she was there and she got to enjoy and buy fruits and vegetables.
Especially the pickles she craved.
 
She thanked Dieter who nodded his head as he returned back to his post. Walking
inside the house, she noticed that the lights were on and she realized that
Erwin must be back home. She was surprised. He was early.
 
“Elyse.” His voice commanded her attention, and she shivered at the usual
effect his voice had on her. It made her terrified and comforted at the same
time.
 
She turned around and she noticed that was sitting in the living room, his gaze
looking out the bay window facing the ocean side of their manor.
 
“Hey, I didn’t know you’d be home early. I would have made sure to— “
 
“Why didn’t you call me about your paparazzi incident?” Erwin asked,
interrupting her.
 
Elyse widened her eyes in mild surprise at his sudden interruption.
 
“I-I didn’t realize I wasn’t allowed to go out?” She asked, confused.
 
Erwin sighed, getting up from the chair and he turned to face her. Once again,
Elyse was floored at his presence, always intimidating and beckoning. He walked
towards her and she mentally prepared herself for his intense stares and witty
conversation.
 
He surprised her even more as he placed a hand on her back and the other on her
stomach, inspecting her. He gazed intensely at her bump, and for the first time
since she reached the three-month mark, Elyse wished her stomach bump would
disappear.
 
“Tell me how I had to watch you almost falling on the ground on television back
at the office. Remind me to give Dieter a raise by the way.” Erwin continued,
his gaze never faltering and his hands steady and warm on her body.
 
Elyse sighed, wearily, getting tired of his protectiveness already, “Erwin, I
didn’t realize it would be such a big deal. Dieter was there, like you saw.”
 
Erwin silenced her with a look. He retracted his hands as he grabbed his phone
from his pocket. He began to dial a number and as he waited for someone to
answer, he looked pointedly at her, “I’m taking a day off and I’m taking you to
Hange tomorrow.”
 
Appalled, she tried to protest, but he left quickly to go upstairs and she
heard the familiar click of his office door, closing.
 
Suddenly very tired, Elyse decided to retire early. Too tried to even argue
with Erwin anymore, she was very grateful that she barely saw the man because
that mean she’d be tired everyday of her life.
 
===============================================================================
 
Erwin was the one knock at her door to wake her up, and Elyse got ready,
begrudgingly. Was there even light outside? This man and his ungodly morning
hours.
 
She met him at the door, and he offered her his hand and she took it, slightly
grateful for it. She was starting to waddle a little due to the pregnancy and
she had only noticed yesterday during her time in the farmer’s market that her
feet were beginning to swell.
 
He helped her get inside the car, and once he was satisfied that she was
comfortable, he got into the driver’s seat and began to drive.
 
The ride to the city was a little quiet, and Elyse enjoyed the classical music
that sounded in the car. He nudged her awake when they got there, and Elyse
looked outside, curiously, noticing that Dr. Zoe’s office in Paris seemed a bit
out of place in the city especially that the office was tiny compared to the
one back in New York.
 
They walked inside, and Elyse was pleasantly surprised to see that there was no
waiting room and just Dr. Zoe’s office with a table and ultrasound prepared.
 
“Well, hello there! Commander handsome and the cheery Ackerman here to save me
from my boredom.” The doctor greeted them, enthusiastically. Elyse’s eyes
widened when she watched Dr. Zoe fly into Erwin’s chest, hugging the large man
tightly. She didn’t know how to react when Erwin hugged her back.
 
“Nice to see you too, Hange.” Erwin greeted, smiling politely as he patted the
doctor’s head. Elyse wasn’t sure what surprised her anymore with this man.
 
Dr. Zoe let go of Erwin and she motioned for Elyse to sit on the examination
chair that was prepared for her.
 
“You are positively glowing now that you are showing, little Ely.” Dr. Zoe
complimented the young woman as she sat on the chair, getting ready for the gel
to be put on her stomach.
 
“Funny, my friend said that when I sent her a picture of myself.” Elyse mused,
thinking back on how Freida complained about how Elyse would never be ugly.
 
“It’s a known medical fact, dearie.”
 
Elyse smiled, tiredly, already drained from the doctor’s relentless energy.
 
Erwin sat on the chair next to Dr. Zoe’s and he picked up a medical journal on
her table, casually, and began to read it. They must be really good
friends.Elyse couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Levi and Dr. Zoe did seem
like weird companions for a man like Erwin.
 
Dr. Zoe continued on with her examination, asking Elyse the right medical
questions and Elyse answered the best she could. It was now time for the
ultrasound and Elyse bit her lip in nervousness. The gel was chilly once more,
but Elyse welcomed the feeling as the transducer probe was placed on her
stomach.
 
“It should be easy to find the baby now. There! You can see the baby’s form
now.” Dr. Zoe gushed, pointing to the screen.
 
Erwin looks up from reading and he gets up to join Elyse as they both stare at
the image in awe.
 
“Still so little.” Elyse mused, tracing her fingers along the screen. Erwin,
close, hummed in agreement, and he placed a hand on her back as a comforting
gesture and she warmed at the feeling, thankful that he wasn’t going to fuss
about the almost accident from yesterday.
 
“Well, there’s the last little detail about the gender. Do you want to know?”
Dr. Zoe asked them, smiling.
 
Erwin turns to look at Elyse who is staring at her stomach, trying to let all
the information about the baby sink in. Did she want to know? It still didn’t
feel real sometimes, and if she was being honest, she still wanted to be in her
little state of denial about it.
 
So, she shook her head, weary, “Let’s keep it a mystery for now.”
 
Erwin takes it with stride and nods in agreement.
 
Dr. Zoe nods, “Okay, well, everything is well. The baby is healthy and so are
you Elyse.”
 
The doctor winks at Elyse and Elyse smiles back, letting a protective hand fall
on her stomach, reveling in her uncomforting thoughts.
 
The Smiths begin to take their leave and they were about to leave until Dr. Zoe
called out to them.
 
“By the way, thanks for flying me in on that amazing jet of yours. Slept like a
baby.”
 
Elyse turns to Erwin, shocked. He had flown Dr. Zoe in just for a simple check-
up on their baby. She watched as Erwin didn’t even glance at her as he smiled
at his friend, “Anytime, Hange.”
 
When they entered the car, Elyse turns to confront Erwin, looking at his
profile, “We could’ve seen a doctor who was available here. There was no need
to bother Dr. Zoe out of her busy schedule.”
 
“I don’t trust anyone but Hange. I’m sure your brother would also agree with
me. They served together, you know. They were the squad leaders of their own
army squad.”
 
“It doesn’t matter, Erwin,” Elyse was tired of him trying to change the subject
when he wanted to, “There’s no need to bother anyone about this.”
 
The rest of the ride grew silent and Elyse watched as Erwin tightened his hands
around the steering wheel.
 
After a while, they arrived at their manor with Erwin making a sharp stop in
front. He shuts off the car and he turns to face her, his serious gaze
intimidating.
 
“I want nothing but the best for my child. I will do everything in my power to
keep it that way, Elyse.” With that said, he left no room for arguments as he
helped her out the car and into the house, swiftly.
 
“I’ll be in my office if you need me. I gave Nifa the day off again.” Erwin
informs her, helping her up the stair.
 
She nods in acknowledgement, and Erwin turns to take his leave as he walks
towards his office.
 
She turns to enter her own room with a deep sigh. Once she relaxes on her bed
after peeling off her layers of clothing, his gaze in her memory from the
moment before had scared her, but his words softened her, but the intensity of
it all made her uncomfortable. He was certainly being a bit much.
 
She grabbed her phone off her nightstand and checked to see if she missed
anything.
 
She got up, quickly, realizing she missed ten phone calls from her aunt. Her
heart began to beat faster, worried and tense. She called her back, and the
moment her aunt picked up.
 
Elyse felt her heart drop.
“E-Elyse, oh my darling girl, It’s about your uncle.” Her aunt sobbed through
the phone.
 
“What happened, tante? Please take deep breaths— “
 
“Your uncle. He’s dead. His heart has failed.”
 
That’s when the Parisian thunder sounded and Elyse found it matching the sound
of her breaking heart.
===============================================================================
 
Erwin was more than helpful when he heard the news from Elyse’s trembling lips.
He had stood up from his office chair and he embraced her, tightly, soothing
her. Elyse lost herself in his strong arms and she began to sob, quietly.
 
He had promised to do what he could as he let her go, and Elyse thanked him.
Her aunt informed her that the funeral was to take place in Paris because he
had wished to be put to rest in the cemetery their two stillborn children were
buried. 
 
Elyse’s heart couldn’t take the sadness in her aunt’s voice as she broke into
another cry at that.
 
Elyse contacted her father and he confirmed that he will be flying in after a
meeting in New York.
 
“I’m sorry for your loss, papa.” Elyse said, quietly.
 
“It is life, dear. Make sure your aunt is comforted once she arrives.” Her
father said, betraying no emotion. Elyse closed her eyes at that.
 
“Of course, papa. See you soon.”
 
The next person she had tried to contact was her brother, but after she had
gotten off the phone with her aunt, she received a text from him.
 
I know. I want to be left alone.
 
Elyse tried to give her brother space, knowing how much this was affecting him.
She couldn’t leave him alone, but he was true to his word. His phone was shut
off.
 
The next day, her aunt arrived at the estate and Elyse found that her stomach
had grew in her six-month stage. Her happiness was replaced with sadness and
the realization that the child wouldn’t get to know her father. One that had
been so good to her.
 
Erwin also greeted her aunt. He shared his condolences and he was the one who
personally made sure that she was settled in one of their guest rooms before
they talked about the funeral arrangements.
Erwin suggested to Elyse to get some refreshments for them. Her aunt smiled at
Elyse, encouraging her to follow her husband’s suggestion.
 
“I would like some tea, ma petite.” Her aunt requested, politely, and Elyse
went to get it ready.
 
She had come back moments later with a tray of refreshments and noticed that
the funeral arrangement talk seemed to be over. Her aunt had thanked her for
the tea and they all sat around, Elyse and her aunt reminiscing while Erwin
politely listened and asked the appropriate questions.
 
It wasn’t long before her aunt announced that she was tired. Elyse immediately
got up to escort her aunt and Erwin said he would be in his office after he
took the tray of unclean dishes into the kitchen. He kissed her aunt’s cheek
and she patted his cheek, affectionately, wishing him goodnight and thanking
him.
 
After Elyse made sure her aunt was settled in, she turned her attention to
Erwin’s office before she entered her room. She hesitated, but she needed to
make sure that Erwin knew how grateful she was to him for being so kind about
her aunt and the whole situation. She took a deep breath and walked towards his
office and knocked, politely.
 
The door opened revealing the pretty petite assistant of her husband, Petra.
Petra smiled at Elyse in greeting.
 
“Hello, Petra.” Elyse greeted, pleasantly surprised, “Did you just arrive? Did
you eat? Oh god, were you here the whole time?”
 
Elyse began to freak out and think of how horrible a host she was until Petra
calmed her down, “No, no. I did just arrive. Mr. Smith let me in because I had
called him when he happened to be in the kitchen. It’s okay, Miss Elyse. You’re
fine.”
 
Elyse breathed a sigh of relief and she remembered why she was here since Petra
mentioned the man who made everything seem possible. She walked in after being
ushered in by Petra and she noticed the large stack of paperwork on his desk
and she couldn’t even see him at all.
 
He came into view once he stood up and he had papers in his hand, his
penetrating stare almost burning a hole in the paperwork.
 
“Elyse? Is there a problem?” He asked, still staring at the paperwork in hand.
 
“No, I-I just didn’t get to say thank you for accommodating my aunt. It truly
means so much to me, Erwin.” Elyse thanked, placing a hand on her stomach. It
started becoming a habit when she became nervous.
 
Erwin nodded, nonchalantly, still not even looking at her, “Of course, Elyse.
It is your family after all. I know how much your family means to you and
Erwin. Especially how much your uncle meant.” That’s when he smiled at her
direction and Elyse smiled back, completely floored at how handsome he was. He
looked away after that, turning serious once more.
 
Erwin turned back to Petra, who was silently smiling at them, waiting for her
boss’s direction.
 
“Make sure this goes to the billing department tomorrow morning. Also, I want
Eld on this project. Gunther will help me on the other one. Elyse, if you’ll
excuse me, I have so much work to do and I would hate to continue being rude to
you.” Erwin said, turning to her apologetically.
 
Elyse nodded, an understanding look on her face. She turned to leave until
Erwin grabbed her elbow, pulling her softly towards him. He wrapped an arm
around her waist to do what he usually has been doing, placing a hand on her
stomach. This time, he was stroking it with his calloused thumb through the
thin fabric of her blouse.
 
Elyse blushed, but Erwin wasn’t even looking at her face as he stared at her
stomach, with a small smile on his face.
 
“Before I forget,” He chose to look up at her, his face resuming his stoic
nonchalance, “Your father will be at my company tomorrow, so I’ll be arriving
with him here after work. The guest room should be prepared, thanks to Petra.
Also, please don’t stress about the food. Nifa should be having help prepare
tomorrow.”
 
He let her go then, placing one small kiss on the back of her hand. That
gesture should’ve taken her by surprise and have her getting all flustered, but
she was busy being angry.
 
Beyond pissed.
 
“Why do you insist on treating me like a child? Petra and Nifa do wonderful
jobs, but you need to give them breaks also. I can prepare a guest room and I
can cook meals. I don’t— “
 
“Elyse.” He interrupted her, his gaze foreboding and carried a warning, “You
need to relax at this stressful time. Your aunt needs you more than you
attending to trivial matter that can be taken care by with staff that I hired.”
 
Elyse, starting to get a bit angrier, pointed her chin at him, challenging. She
was so weary of being restless and bored of her life. She wasn’t allowed to do
anything because Erwin treated her like she was some fragile little girl that
needed to be tended to every waking moment.
 
Enough was enough.
 
“My aunt will also want to be distracted. Let us cook. Let us clean. Let us go
out. Let us do something. Let me breathe.” Elyse said, loudly, clearly
exasperated and done. She didn’t even expect to get that loud, but she was
tired of it being kept in.
 
Poor Petra, who had enjoyed watching the lovely couple in front of her be
cordial, froze, awkwardly, her eyes widening as soon as Elyse’s voice rose.
 
Erwin’s gaze darkened, his lips curled in distaste, and Elyse felt like she had
finally hit a chink in his smooth armor, “I’ll have a driver take you around
then. See the sights inside the car.”
 
Elyse angrily opened her mouth to retort back, but Erwin glared at her even
more and her mouth snapped shut. She let out a small exasperated growl and
threw her hands up in the air, giving up.
 
Before she could take a breather and calm herself, she cursed at him.
 
“Fuck you, Erwin.”
 
She whipped his office door open and walked out, quickly, before she could hear
his response. She was angry, and even if she was shocked at what she did, she
felt a sick feeling of victory once she retired to her room.
 
He was always being perfect, and Elyse tried to do the same, but it seemed that
she wasn’t okay with it. Her lips curled into a small smile before she drifted
off to sleep, finally able to relax since she finally spoke her mind.
 
That’s right. Fuck you, Erwin.
===============================================================================
 
A couple days after, the funeral was going to be on the day after and Elyse had
been busying herself with preparing for it, even her aunt welcomed the
distraction. Elyse felt liberated after she told Erwin off. Her father did come
home with Erwin the next day after Erwin and Elyse’s tense argument.
 
As expected, her father enjoyed the liquor room in their estate and she was
grateful that Erwin joined him in there most days. She wanted to avoid him
anyway.
 
The day of the viewing and the funeral, Elyse sat down next to her sobbing aunt
as they arrived at the venue for the open casket viewing. Erwin sat next to
her, talking with the guests and making sure that everything was going
smoothly. Her father was doing the same except he was doing it with a flask of
vodka in hand.
 
Elyse knew her father may be a brute most of the time, but she knew he must be
struggling after losing a good friend like her uncle. Her uncle was one of few
who could deal with him; they had served together in the German Army once upon
a time. Her father was the one who introduced her uncle to her aunt, too, if
what she was told was true.
 
She refused to view the body. She didn’t want to remember her smiling and
laughing uncle who argued about European politics with her as a decaying body.
He had been so full of life and so encouraging of her love for the arts.
 
She still hadn’t cried yet, and it bothered her. She found herself more
distracted with comforting her aunt and wondering where her brother is.
 
He still hadn’t respond to her, and she was starting to grow worried.
 
The viewing ceremony ended and she helped her aunt get into the car as they
made their way to the cemetery for the burial. They both sat quietly and Elyse
began to think more about where her brother could be.
 
“He said he would be at the ceremony for the burial, Ely. He’ll be there.” Her
aunt stated, sadly, she sighed, “He really loved your uncle, my poor mon
petite.”
 
She began to tear slightly and nodded, silently. It’s still not fair though.
Levi gets to be excused for missing uncle’s viewing, but I had to sit there,
suffering.
 
Elyse paused and began to mentally kick herself, Stop being bitter, Elyse. You
know you have to be here. You have to be strong for Auntie.
 
She held her aunt’s hand and squeezed, reassuringly.
 
Everyone arrived and gathered at the site. The ceremony of closing the casket
happened as her uncle’s old German comrades set the casket down, unfolding the
German flag to place it carefully down on the casket. Everyone began to pass,
placing white roses on the casket. Elyse was one of the last ones and she
brushed her fingers along the German flag, remembering how he would tell her
stories about his service. Her brother had joined the German army because of
his influence.  She closed her eyes, realizing that it would be very had for
her brother to be here.
 
As they began to lower the casket in the ground, Elyse suddenly felt a presence
behind her and she recognizes her brother’s form as he walks towards the
lowering casket. He was fiddling with the white rose before he threw it in. The
trumpets began to sound and in one fluid motion, Levi stood his ground, firmly,
and saluted.
 
Elyse heard something shift behind her and she saw that her father followed
suit. Erwin followed, soon after, confirming Elyse’s suspicions of him serving
in the German Army. Eld and Gunther followed their once squad leader, saluting
with him. That’s when Elyse noticed that every man who had served with her
uncle saluting as the gravediggers began to shovel dirt in the ground as the
trumpets played.
 
That’s when she began to cry.
 
===============================================================================
 
After the burial, she hands her aunt to her father who leads her to the car.
Elyse turns back around to where her brother was. He was leaning forward, his
hand on his uncle’s headstone.
 
“Hey.” Elyse greeted, softly, standing beside him.
 
“Hey, Ely.” Levi replied, his voice void of any emotion.
 
It’s a peaceful quiet for a moment and Levi finally gets up and he turns to his
sister, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of her stomach.
 
“It’s been that long?” He mused, placing a curious hand on her stomach.
 
“A couple of months, don’t be so dramatic.” Elyse teased, linking her arm
through his so they could start walking back to the cars.
 
“How’s married life with Erwin?” Levi asked, staring at Erwin who was busy
saying goodbye to the guests.
 
“In a word? Unexpected.” Elyse sighed, frowning at the memory of Erwin’s glare
darkening.
 
“Ironic when you’re expecting.” Levi stated, still staring at her stomach in
awe.
 
Elyse laughed at that, finally feeling happy since her restless life in Paris
dragged her down.
 
The reception was held back at the Erwin and her manor. Since she was avoiding
Erwin and wanting to prove him wrong, she had gone back against his orders and
had helped an anxious Nifa prepare for the reception. She never felt so
powerful.
 
===============================================================================
 
The reception went just as well as the viewing and the burial did, but what
surprised Elyse as she returned to the living room from the kitchen was seeing
her aunt and her father with luggage, ready to leave.
 
“You’re returning to America already?” Elyse asked, suddenly feeling sad. Her
aunt smiled at her and pulled her aside, “No, ma petite. I actually will be
living in Paris.”
 
Elyse smiled widely at that, comforted at the thought.
 
“I have a small house that will only be a few minutes away. Your father will
help me settle there and then he will go to the airport to travel back to New
York.” Her aunt continued, squeezing Elyse’s hand in comfort.
 
“When did you buy a house here?” Elyse asked, excited.
 
Her aunt motioned to Erwin who was conversing with Levi and their father, “Your
wonderful husband set it all up. He bought it for the baby and me. He also paid
for all the funeral expenses.”
 
Elyse froze. Her heart fluttered as she turned to look at Erwin, who happened
to glance her direction at the same time. She looked down, abashed.  God, I’m
an asshole.
 
Her aunt smiled at her, playing with a strand of Elyse’s hair, “I won’t lie. I
worried about your new life with a stranger, but he is such a wonderful man,
Elyse. I have no doubt about it now.”
 
Elyse nodded, silently, kissing her aunt’s cheek goodbye. She walked back to
the men to kiss her father goodbye.
 
“Call me when you land, papa.” Elyse offered, lamely, as she watched her aunt
say goodbye to Erwin, patting his cheek affectionately as Erwin smiled down at
her.
 
Her father merely grunted in response as he picked up the luggage. He gave a
sharp nod at Levi and Levi returned it.
 
Her aunt kissed Levi’s cheek and he smiled at her, rubbing her belly, “I’ll
visit you soon, tante.” He promised.
 
They all watched as the car disappeared and left down the winding road. Elyse
stayed a bit longer, her heart still hurting having to say goodbye to other
family members after saying her true goodbyes to her uncle.
 
Erwin and Levi had already headed back inside, talking over their drinks, until
Elyse came back inside, still nervous about what her aunt said about Erwin.
 
Levi looked up at her and she is taken aback by how suddenly weary he looked.
 
“Erwin, Elyse, I need to speak to the both of you.” Levi stated, his voice
serious. Elyse casted a worried look at her brother, “Sure, here. Let’s sit in
the living room.”
 
Erwin agrees with a nod and he gives her a quick glance. She looks away, still
feeling annoyed and guilty all the same. She swears she hears him sigh in
slight annoyance, but she ignores it.
 
It would be weird if Levi didn’t see the interaction, but Elyse assumed he did,
yet he didn’t say anything about it as expected. He sits on one of the chairs
and Erwin sat on the chair next to his while Elyse sat on the couch across from
the seats.
 
Levi took a long gulp from his drink and he set the empty glass on the table in
the middle.
 
“So, Erwin, remember I told you how I had an uncle back in Germany who was the
last link to my mother? How my father and he got into a fight, and my sister
and I never saw our uncle or his wife ever again?”
 
Erwin kept glancing at her direction, but he Elyse didn’t return his glance.
So, Erwin hesitated, but nodded, slowly, taking a sip of his own drink.
 
“I recently told Elyse that I was going back to Germany to search for him, and
I did. It took a while. I found out that my uncle and his wife moved a lot due
to him being a traveling doctor, helping neighboring small, rural towns. I
finally was able to track down the last town that they were in and knocked on
an old woman’s house, asking her about him.”
 
Elyse listened, carefully, her fingers anxious on her lap, fiddling with the
lace of her black dress.
 
“The old woman was bewildered and then she threw her arms around me, thanking
me in German. She said that I was a Godsend and led me inside her tiny house.
The first thing I noticed was a small crib with a crying baby. I approached it
since the old lady pulled me towards the crib.”
 
Levi looked at Elyse, straight at her and her heart began to beat, quickly.
 
“The baby…The baby looks exactly like a Jaeger. I remember mother having brown
hair and green eyes and so did uncle. This baby has those same exact features,
and that’s when I realized that something terrible must’ve happened. I asked
the lady to explain what had happened, and she began to tell her story of how
the baby’s mother died during childbirth. She said that uncle was the one who
delivered his own child, but when he lost his wife because of it, he became
reclusive. The village began to worry about him especially the baby since all
they would hear were the cries of the child throughout the whole night. One
day, the old lady had been worried and tried to bring some food into the house.
She knocked, but all she could hear was silence. It wasn’t until she heard the
baby’s cries that she asked for help to knock down the door.”
 
Elyse began to dread the next part of the story, her eyes finding Erwin’s,
willing to set her stubbornness aside to shoot him a concerned look. Erwin,
noticing the change in their relationship for the moment, shot her a reassuring
one.
 
“The men of the village were able to knock the door down and they stepped in.
To their horror, they realized that no one had been in the house for a while
except for the baby. So, the old lady did her best to feed the tiny thing, and
it did work, but she was still concerned about uncle. She swore that he had
disappeared overnight and there was a search party for him.”
 
Levi paused to take another sip from his drink.
 
“She went to pick up the baby and she placed it in my arms. That’s when I
noticed that it was a boy, a newborn baby boy. She asked me how I knew the
doctor and I told her that he was my uncle. She began to cry then, saying that
God must’ve sent me since I was this baby’s cousin. She begged me to take him
away from the village, saying that the elders of the village were considering
to kill him because of the cries he screams at night. She said she had no
strength to take care of babies anymore.”
 
“…What did you do?” Elyse asked, finally, after a moment of silence. She
watched as her brother stared at her, carefully, leaning forward.
 
“I…I took him. I brought him back to my rented house in Germany and…I had hired
a nanny to watch over him as I also hired a private doctor to check on the
child while I bought…supplies? God, I don’t even know what I bought.” Levi
groused, placing a hand on his face.
 
“This is the thing. Elyse, Erwin, I know this will be a lot to ask, but right
now, I’m concerned for uncle and I believe that I have to keep looking. But,
the baby can’t be with me. I’m not fit to be a…parent. And God knows that the
baby needs one right now. And I’m not about to send one of our family members
to the foster system.”
 
Elyse paused, her eyes widening and her heart beating, quicker, “Are-Are you
asking us to…?”
 
Levi nodded, solemnly, side-eyeing Erwin, who’s face was unreadable at the
moment.
 
“I’m asking if you could take care of the baby. It’s not a weird request, I
mean, you guys are expecting one of your own. You can do this as…practice.”
Levi offered the last part, lamely, throwing back his drink in one smooth gulp.
 
Elyse had to remind herself to breathe. A baby boy? My cousin? Oh god. Would I
be able to do this?
 
She couldn’t help but think of how Erwin and her were still in a weird place
right now, and she thought about how they weren’t even truly husband and wife,
more like a picture perfect type of family that happened to be brought together
because of one mistake---and oh my God, all she could think about that poor
baby boy, crying in the village through the night, hungry and alone.
 
“Did you bring him to Paris?” Elyse asked, suddenly, realizing that her brother
had brought the baby back with him everywhere.
 
Levi nodded, “Once Auntie contacted me about Uncle, I hired a nanny to travel
with me. Like I said, so much shit was happening and I had no clue how to go
about it.”
 
The doorbell to the manor rang and Elyse and Erwin looked at the door,
surprised.
 
“Speak of the devil.” Levi muttered, standing up and walking to the door. He
opened the door, revealing a middle-aged woman who seemed to be holding a small
bundle.
 
“Hello, Mr. Ackerman. I am here, just like you asked.” The woman stated, her
French accent pretty pronounced.
 
Levi thanked her, “Here, tell the driver to take you back to the hotel. You
brought his stuff? Good. Thank you again.”
 
He closed the door, a nursery bag on his shoulder, and a bundle in his arms. It
was uncanny how shocking the appearance looked on Levi. Even Elyse felt her
heart soften at the view.
 
But, then, she remembered the baby in her brother’s arms, so she stood up and
carefully approached the baby. Levi tilted the bundle so Elyse could see.
 
What she saw took her breath away. He should be a couple of weeks old, still
tiny and skinny. It was expected since her brother said that he had been
starving for a while. He had a tuff of dark hair and slightly tanned skin. His
eyes opened then, staring at her. Green as emeralds, a mirror image of a family
portrait she used to stare at when she was a little girl.
 
She had once prayed for eyes like that.
 
“His name?” Elyse asked, finally asking the question that would make this baby
a realistic human being in this estate.
 
“The lady said his name was Eren. Eren Jaeger.”
 
Before she knew it, she took the baby from her brother’s arms and the baby
cuddled in her arms, cooing and yawning.
 
That’s when her heart knew.
 
A large hand was placed on her shoulder and she looked up, her eyes staring
back at encouraging baby blues.
 
He nodded at her, his face having a slight smile of amusement as if he knew
what she was going to tell her brother. Elyse, forgetting their tension and
their fight, smiled, relieved and grateful.
 
She turned to her brother, and she could see her brother’s eyes lit up in at
the sight in front of him. She blushed, seeing what he could see. Erwin,
standing behind her, with a protective hand on her shoulder as she held a baby
in her arms while she was pregnant with one.
 
A picture of a perfect family.
 
Levi didn’t even have to ask. Elyse smiled at her brother, and then at the baby
in her arms.
 
“We’ll do it. We’ll take care of Eren.”
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// DID YOU SEE THAT TWIST OR NAH? PLEASE SCREAM WITH ME IN THE
     COMMENTS BELOW.
***** Lines Crossed and Uncrossed *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// I own Elyse. I wish I owned Erwin and the others, but I do not.
     Timeline: Elyse is three months pregnant and has just adopted couple
     weeks old baby Eren.
      Her aunt is six and a half months pregnant and has lost her husband
     to a heart attack.
      Levi is going back to Germany to search for his uncle.
      Freida is enjoying the Hamptons.
      Elyse and Levi’s father is in New York, building a business empire.
      Erwin is a secretive son of a handsome Adonis, so there’s that.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Elyse found herself busy with setting up the nursery with another crib. She was
thankful that Nifa was around as she helped with Eren. Erwin had spared no
expense when it came to baby supplies.
 
 Once Elyse confirmed that they would be taking care of Eren, Levi had sagged a
bit in relief, and she realized that his weariness must’ve been caused by the
baby.
 
She smiled, amused, and he shot her a glare in return. He had said goodbye
then, thanking Erwin for letting him borrow their driver. He kissed Elyse’s
cheek and placed a heavy hand on Eren’s head, giving him a gentle pat.
 
Erwin walked him out, their voices low in conversation. Elyse watched them
while involuntarily rocking Eren as he began to grow a bit fussy.
 
She watched as Levi whispered something to Erwin and he nodded, shooting a look
at Elyse, and not for the first time, she wished she knew what they were
talking about. Erwin clapped a hand on Levi’s back and Levi glared at the
smiling Erwin as he coughed, sharply, at the motion.
 
“I’ll be updating you as soon as I can.” Levi promised, putting his jacket on
and giving Elyse a small wave.
 
Elyse bit her lip, the bundle suddenly feeling very heavy in her arms as she
watched her brother leave.
 
Erwin turned to her then, his gaze studying her. Elyse sighed then, looking
down at Eren, who stared at her, his small body fussing even more as he raised
his tiny arms and shuddered.
 
“Truce?” Erwin’s voice interrupted her thoughts, and she looked up in surprise,
noticing that he was merely inches away from her. He placed his large hand,
gently, on Eren’s body and she noticed that Eren was barely bigger than it.
 
Eren took one of Erwin’s fingers, and Elyse’s heart tightened as she watched
him grasp it, tightly, his tiny hands growing slightly pale with the pressure.
 
Elyse looked up then and her guilt came rushing back as she studied his face.
Erwin wasn’t looking at her at all. For once, that serious contemplative gaze
he always had on his face was gone, replaced with the simple awe he had as
Eren’s hand tightly grasped his finger.
 
“Truce.” Elyse whispered, softly, slightly apologetic.
 
And when Erwin looked up at her, he smiled, and for once, Elyse thought it
sincere.
 
That had been a week ago, the crib that was supposed to be for their baby was
taken by Eren, but the baby stuff had finally arrived and Elyse was more than
ecstatic to ready the nursery for another baby.
 
She was tired of doing nothing and her pregnancy was starting to get her
cranky. Her aunt was going to come over today and Elyse was more than ready to
break the news about what happened.
 
But, her aunt had walked in, demanding to see Eren, out-of-breath and
desperate. Elyse, dumbfounded, cursed her brother, silently, remembering that
he must’ve went to their aunt for advice about Eren.
 
Elyse led her aunt upstairs into the nursery and her aunt rushed to the crib
used by the sleeping Eren.
 
“He looks like a Jaeger. Your uncle and mother have the same nose and cheeks.”
Her aunt mused, trailing her finger on Eren’s smooth cheek and he stretched
then, a small smile on his face.
 
Elyse found herself falling in love more with the tiny boy. Eren had been a
hassle at first. Levi was right about his stories. Eren was a crier, and it
kept Elyse up all night most of the time. Erwin didn’t fuss about her anymore,
much to her relief. He simply joined her when he could, helping Elyse when he
could with simple errands like warming a bottle and placing the dirty bottles
in the sterilizer.
 
The fact that he was still a huge help made Elyse extremely grateful for
Erwin’s sense of duty. The man may be undeniably frustrating to deal with, but
he was great with Eren.
 
She had struggled with diaper duty. Oh, god, diaper duty. Erwin, the
calculating bastard, somehow avoided Eren’s dirty diapers, leaving Elyse to
deal with them.
 
Nifa had offered to help Elyse more than once, but Elyse refused, politely. She
was going to be a mother and she needed to learn how to---
 
I’m already a mother.
 
The thought imploded in her mind, leaving her in awe as she watched her aunt
coo at Eren.
 
She was a mother to Eren, and she still hadn’t been ready to accept her baby in
her stomach. Panic and anxiety seized her and her hands flew to her stomach,
willing to calm herself down.
 
Elyse, stop being a baby. You have one to take care of and another to wait for.
You can’t afford to be weak-willed right now. You knew you were going to be a
mother. You are one now. Accept it.
 
She repeated that mantra until she felt her heart calm down, her breathing
helping her.
 
“Elyse, is everything okay?” Her aunt asked, tearing her gaze away from the
baby to look at her visibly pale niece.
 
“I-I’m fine. I haven’t been sleeping well lately. That’s all.” Elyse explained,
finally calm enough to respond.
 
Her aunt nodded, and she placed Eren back in the crib.
 
“I can’t believe the things that are happening. Your uncle passing away, and
now your mother’s nephew, your own cousin, is here under your roof, the poor
child.” Her aunt whispered, clutching her stomach.
 
Elyse sighed, she still couldn’t believe it either.
 
Elyse was so lost in thought that she didn’t realize that her aunt had paled
and was clutching her stomach, tightly.
 
“E-Elyse.” Her aunt called, weakly. Elyse looked up and her eyes widened in
horror when she saw her aunt barely standing as blood pooled below her.
 
“Oh my god, oh my god. NIFA! DIETER! ANYONE, SOMEBODY HELP.” Elyse screamed,
reaching out for her aunt and trying to move her to sit on a chair.
 
As she heard the pounding footsteps coming up the stairs, Elyse placed a hand
over her aunt’s and prayed, no, pleaded, that no tragedy would hit her family
once more.
 
===============================================================================
 
They wouldn’t let her be with her aunt. The hospital staff pleaded for her to
wait in the waiting room and Elyse had no choice but to comply when they
carried her out.
 
She walked to the waiting room in a daze where Nifa and Dieter were waiting for
her. Dieter went to her side immediately, grabbing her arm gently and placing
an arm around her waist to lead her. She relied on the hold and she felt
herself falling, but for the second time, Dieter caught her and Nifa let out a
gasp at the sight of Elyse’s distress.
“Miss Elyse. I called Petra to inform Mr. Smith about what happened, and she
sent a nanny back to the estate where the rest of the bodyguards are.” Nifa
informed her gently.
 
Elyse just nodded, slowly, not really paying attention. The whole ride here
with the paramedics scared her.
 
Losing blood…baby not being able to make it…
 
It was too much, but her aunt had begged them to save the baby. God, she’s only
seven months. The baby will be premature and I don’t know what I’ll do if she
loses this one…
 
Elyse remembered how it was with the other two stillborn and how her aunt and
uncle grieved.  They were good people. They didn’t deserve this pain. Elyse
placed a hand on her stomach, stroking it smoothly, actually happy to feel the
firmness of her bump.
 
That’s when the tears began to fall.
 
How foolish I was to think I wasn’t happy about you, ma moitie. How utterly
foolish.
 
A doctor came towards her then and he looked exasperated and alert.
 
“Mrs. Smith?” He asked, breathless. At first, Elyse didn’t look up, out of it
and not used to hearing that form of her name. Nifa stood up, pulling her up,
“Yes, this is Mrs. Smith.”
 
Elyse, shocked, finally back to her senses, she followed Nifa’s lead and walked
up to the doctor, hurriedly.
 
“Yes, yes, is she okay? Is the baby okay?” Elyse asked, breathlessly, her eyes
pleading with the doctor. The doctor looked a bit taken aback, noticing how
young the woman was in front of him, but he shook his head, clearing his mind.
 
“If you come with me, your aunt is calling for you.” The doctor replied,
carefully.
 
Elyse shot a look at Nifa and she nodded, so Elyse followed the doctor back
into the emergency room. The chaos inside was enough for Elyse to panic. It
smelled clean, but a dirty clean as if the sterilized smell was covering
something sickening.
 
The doctor led her down the hall and into a…surgical room. Her aunt laid there,
looking sick and pale. Elyse didn’t notice how old her aunt had become because
of the strong, formidable woman who raised her stayed in her mind this whole
entire time.
 
The image of her weakening maternal figure moved Elyse to tears as she rushed
to her side.
 
“Tante, tante, I’m here.” Elyse whispered, her tears blurring her vision. Her
aunt, through half-lidded eyes, reached for her hand and Elyse was more than
happy to reach for her own frail one.
 
“Ma petite, did you see her?” Her aunt asked, softly, pointing behind her.
Elyse turned and saw a small incubator with a tiny body inside and she gasped.
 
“She made it, tante. Oh my goodness, she made it.” Elyse sighed, happily,
turning back to her aunt.
 
Her aunt sighed, relieved, “Yes, she did.” Elyse smiled, softly, placing her
other hand on her aunt’s forehead, brushing away stray hairs.
 
Her aunt sighed, but this time, it was in slight pain and Elyse realized that
the surgical team around her was staring at Elyse, guarded and pitying.
 
Don’t tell me.
 
“Elyse, ma petite, look at me,” her aunt called her, through gritted teeth, and
Elyse obeyed, “I need you to promise me two things.”
 
Elyse held her breath, not willing to hear it, “How about you rest, auntie? You
can tell me once you gain your— “
 
“Elyse.” Her aunt interrupted her, sharply. Her grip on Elyse’s hand getting
tighter, as if desperate.
 
“…Yes, tante?” Elyse asked, her tears flowing at this point, but she will
listen. She will do what she could.
 
“Promise me that you will hold no funeral for me. The moment your uncle died, I
have no wish to have a prolonged ceremony to wish me goodbye. Cremate my body
and spread my ashes atop of my husband and children’s graves.” Her aunt
whispered, heatedly, her half-lidded gaze intensely on her.
 
“W-What? You’re not going to die, tante. Don’t be ridiculous. Please, save
your— “
 
“Take care of her. Take care of my daughter like how I cared for you, ma
petite. Remember I had a prayer for her to be like you? This is it. My prayer
is going to be answered. She will be your daughter, ma petite.”
 
What answered prayer is as sick as this?Elyse couldn’t take it anymore.
“Please, don’t do this. Don’t go. Don’t leave me too.” Elyse begged, her sobs
getting louder.
 
“Oh, ma petite. Life must go on. Life will always go on. Remind your father and
brother of my love. Even your husband. And you, ma petite, I will send you my
love everyday through Mikasa.”
 
“…Is that her name?” Elyse asked, crying harder, “My mother’s name.”
 
Her aunt smiled, widely, through the pain and the tears that were trailing down
her pale cheeks, “Yes, your mother’s name. Will you promise me these two
things, ma petite?”
 
Elyse couldn’t speak anymore. Her sobs choking her, so all she could do was nod
and squeeze her aunt’s hand tighter.
 
“I can now rest in peace. I can now see your uncle and my children. I can see
your mother.” Her aunt whispered the last part, and Elyse had to strain to hear
it.
 
Elyse watched as her aunt closed her eyes, a smile on her lips and she couldn’t
believe it.
 
The relaxed hand in Elyse’s death grip told her everything.
 
And just like that, Elyse felt her heart die just as her aunt’s heart monitor
flat-lined.
===============================================================================
 
She was ushered out of the surgical room and she didn’t fight them this time.
Instead, she walked, aimlessly, towards the waiting room.
 
“Elyse!” A familiar voice called out to her and she looked up. She saw Dieter
and Nifa, but she saw Erwin, distressed, pacing the floor. His hair was a mess
and he didn’t even have his suit jacket on while his dress shirt was wrinkled
and his tie hanging pathetically of his neck.
 
“Elyse, Is everything okay?” Erwin asked, walking towards her, grabbing her
arms, searching her blank face.
 
She stared at him, her eyes unreadable and she watched as he waited, patiently
and impatiently.
 
“She’s gone.” Elyse croaked, her heart breaking at those two words. Erwin
didn’t ask for anything else. He pulled her towards him, encircling his arms
around her while placing his chin atop of her head. He stroked her hair and
placed a quick kiss on her forehead before whispering words of comfort in her
hair.
 
Elyse didn’t have the strength to embrace him back. But then he whispered two
words that brought her back to life as she hugged him back, burying her face in
his chest, sobbing.
 
“I’m here.”
===============================================================================
 
Erwin had sent Nifa back to the estate and had Dieter go outside to watch for
press as he held Elyse in the waiting room, waiting for her cries to subside.
 
It did subside after a while and Elyse was too weak to pull away from his
embrace as he stroked her back, comfortingly.
 
The sound of a baby’s cry seemed to snap Elyse out of it as she gasped, pulling
away from Erwin.
 
“Mikasa.” She said, worried. Erwin looked at her confused, his hands still
grasping her elbows.
 
“That’s your mother’s name.” He stated, warily, not knowing where she was going
with it. Elyse shook her head, whipping around, walking towards the front desk.
 
“Elyse, wait.” Erwin called to her, but she didn’t stop.
 
“I need to know where the baby Mikasa Ackerman is. I’m her…mother now.” Elyse
felt the word, ‘mother’, foreign to her, but needed to see the baby, make sure
she’s okay, desperate to know if she’s okay.
 
The receptionist nodded, solemnly, having received the news from one of the
hospital staff about what happened to the birth mother.
 
“She’s in the NICU. Visitors are required to be escorted by a doctor, so let me
do that for you.” The receptionist offered picking the phone up to call for a
doctor.
 
A hand on Elyse’s shoulder made her turn around and she saw Erwin, looking a
bit shocked.
 
“The baby survived?” He asked, in awe. Elyse nodded, slowly, realizing that she
had yet to tell Erwin about how they were going to add another child into their
estate.
 
Another child and I still have yet to give birth to my first one.
 
Erwin pulled out his phone and Elyse watched as he dialed a number and after a
moment, he placed the phone on his ear, waiting, “Petra. I need a favor. Can
you set up another crib in the estate? Also, buy more supplies. No…Elyse didn’t
give birth yet. I’ll let you know about the situation later on. Okay, thanks.”
 
Elyse stared at Erwin, blankly, not knowing how to process what her husband
just did. Erwin smiled, comfortingly at her. She looked away, still in pain at
what’s happening.
 
“He’s a good man.” Elyse could hear the words her aunt said and the memory of
that hurt her even more.
 
“They said she’s in the NICU. That’s where I once was…I was born sickly. Oh my
god, Erwin, we need to go there now.” Elyse said, realizing that the
receptionist was trying to get their attention.
 
“The doctor to escort you should be there.” The receptionist confirmed, smiling
at them sympathetically. Elyse nodded her thanks and she walked there with
Erwin, trying to calm her heart.
 
They arrived and the doctor greeted them, informing them that they would need
to sterilize their arms and that they would have to wear hospital clothing.
Elyse felt her heart dropping at all the necessary requirements to even see the
baby.
 
She followed the orders and she opened the changing curtain, prepared, and she
saw that Erwin was ready, too, his stare never leaving her as she followed the
doctor to where they had the incubators.
 
The doctor stopped them as he approached one specific incubator, “This is her.
She seems to be doing fine. We had a bit of a scare when she came out. She
wasn’t breathing so we had to pump air down her throat. We’re going to keep a
careful eye on her.”
 
Elyse walked towards the incubator and the doctor showed her where she could
put her arms through so she could hold the baby.
 
One look at the baby and Elyse began to cry, softly. She was so tiny and
sickly. But, my god, she was beautiful. They had cleaned her up and Elyse
noticed that through the pink skin, she could see the Ackerman beauty.
 
True, her aunt had been distantly related to her father, but her aunt had some
Asian descent that didn’t make her much of an Ackerman as expected, but Mikasa
had a hint of it in how her pre-formed eye shape and the slight flatness of her
nose.
 
Elyse knew it was silly to see those features at such an early stage, but she
could sense it and it made her happy that Mikasa was already looking like her
mother.
 
She weighed like nothing in Elyse’s hands. She barely fit in Elyse’s hand. If
she wanted to, Elyse could simply hold her in one hand.
 
Elyse felt her breaking heart hold itself together as she stared lovingly at
the baby girl in her hands.
 
“I’m here. I will always be here.” Elyse whispered, softly. A promise she
intended to keep, remembering how her aunt whispered it to her at night before
she would sleep.
 
That’s right, Mikasa. I will always be here.
===============================================================================
 
Her brother and her father were upset with her. Elyse thought it
understandable, but she was doing what her aunt had made her promise. So, when
Levi called to voice his anger at her, Elyse let it happen. When her father
cursed at her, Elyse let it happen.
 
She informed both of them of Mikasa and they had quiet at that.
 
Levi softened with her at that point, promising her that he’ll take a break
from searching for their uncle when he could so he could see the new baby.
 
He especially went quiet when he heard the baby’s name.
 
“You have two children before your own, Elyse. Do you understand that the press
will be asking questions?” Her father sighed, through the phone.
 
“I don’t care, papa. They’re mine now. And no one can tell me otherwise.” Elyse
stated, hanging up before she could hear his protests. She was tired. She
already heard him yell at her when the press found out about Eren, but this
time, she wasn’t going to even bother.
 
She promised herself, after she spread her aunt’s ashes on the graves of her
uncle and her dead nieces or nephews.
 
“I promised to not take my life for granted anymore. Both of you have been
showing me that every day of my life even when I failed to be the perfect
little girl that everyone believed I was.” Elyse cried, softly, tracing her
finger over her uncle’s name on his headstone, “Father thought I had to be
perfect. Sometimes, Levi thought it too.  Yet, both of you, you both thought I
could fail and you didn’t judge me when I did. And now-now…you’re both gone.”
 
“But, I promise both of you, I will raise her to not be perfect, but to be
herself. Just like how you both taught me.”
===============================================================================
 
Ever since then, she took a stand when it came to her newborn children and
dealing with the press wasn’t any different. They had caught the news about
Mikasa because of the hospital and the press had been sneakily climbing trees,
taking pictures inside of the nursery. That’s when they caught sight of Eren.
That was a day of Elyse struggling to get to the car so she could see Mikasa
back in the NICU.
 
She asked Erwin if he could set up a press conference and he smiled at her
then, already arranging it.
 
So, today, she was ready to stand before the press as her four-month pregnancy
belly strained within her tight black dress. She wanted to look every bit of a
mother who didn’t want to deal with the press.
 
She approached the podium, ready to take the stage and say what she had to say.
They called out to her, and she made sure her face was unreadable. A trick
she’s been learning ever since she was married to Erwin, the master of the
unreadable.
 
“I’ve come to talk to the press about the two newborns that have been living in
the estate I share with my husband. Tragedy has struck my family, lately. My
uncle and aunt have passed away, and my uncle, back in Germany, has been
missing. They all left their children, and I refuse to let them live in a
foster home or out on the streets when they have me. That’s right, I am a
mother before even giving birth to my own child.” Elyse had added that for good
measure, trying to lighten it up. The press laughed at that and she smiled, but
it wasn’t friendly, it was filled with warning, “That is the story and my
family is still grieving. My husband and I have been polite when it comes to
press, but this time, we ask, no, demand, that you leave our family alone in
this time of grief. When the time comes for my husband and I to be out in
public once more, we will happily oblige to pose and speak with you. But, right
now, enough is enough. If you have any more questions, please direct them to my
husband who will answer or not answer them.”
 
She finished her speech and with Erwin’s help, she got off the stage. She sat
down next to the stage, and she thanked Petra for the offered water bottle.
 
Erwin took the stage, looking handsome and Elyse found herself appreciating how
his shoulder seemed to get a bit broader each day.
 
Elyse found herself appreciating Erwin’s help everyday with Eren at the estate
and Mikasa back at the hospital. He had moved Mikasa to a closer hospital with
Dr. Zoe overseeing the hospital staff that tended to her. Nifa was always at
the estate now, taking over one of the guest bedrooms. Dieter was also assigned
as Elyse’s personal bodyguard, so he had his own room in their estate. Erwin
took a couple days of work to have everything set up for Mikasa’s homecoming
and Elyse told him that he didn’t have to do that.
 
“I want to be here when my daughter comes back, Elyse.”
 
Her heart had fluttered at that, and she blushed when she realized that she
wanted to kiss him right then and there in gratitude.
 
Oh, that was another thing her pregnancy was doing to her, she was starting to
get flustered and flushed whenever Erwin would brush up against her
accidentally or when his large hands would help guide her around.
 
She didn’t even care if her husband was a mere stranger. It just made her
hotter.
 
She shook her head, telling herself to stop thinking dirty thoughts.
 
It didn’t help that after he was done with the press that he put an arm around
her waist, protectively, leading her to the car.
===============================================================================
 
Once they entered the car, Elyse was already flushed. Erwin didn’t seem to
notice as he looked at her, proudly.
 
“You did well, Elyse.” He praised, grabbing a glass before pouring himself a
glass of whiskey.
“Thank you.” Elyse said, quietly, hoping that he would stop talking or she
would jump in his lap in a matter of seconds.
 
Please say something mean. Please say something weird. Please say something
rude.
 
She wished that he would hurry up with some weird, hateful mannerism, but it
didn’t come. He was smiling and drinking his whiskey as if everything was okay.
And yes, this man was okay.
 
“Oh, Hange told me that Mikasa should be able to come home a week from now.
Isn’t that great? I also contacted another old friend of mine, his name is
Niles—Elyse, are you okay?” Erwin suddenly asked, realizing that Elyse was
staring off into space.
 
Elyse nodded, quickly, blushing. Erwin didn’t seem to be happy with that, so he
leaned in closer, his arm resting behind her. She felt surrounded.
 
“Is it the baby?” Erwin asked, concerned. Elyse shook her head, “No, I’m just
tired, that’s all.” She offered, weakly.
 
Erwin nodded, but he placed his other hand on her forehead, “You’re red,
though. Are you burning up?”
 
God, his lips were so close. She literally could tilt her head up and she would
be able to brush his lips just so and then it could lead to getting rid of this
heat that was building up inside of her—
 
That’s when she felt a kick within her stomach.
 
She yelped, and Erwin pulled away, shocked, having felt the kick too. They both
stared at her stomach, completely in awe.
 
She faced Erwin, who gingerly placed a hand on her stomach. The baby kicked
once more and he began to smile.
 
“Well, hello there.” Erwin greeted, amused and his blue eyes were twinkling.
Elyse smiled, too, his happiness contagious. She placed a hand over his and she
giggled as the baby kicked once more.
 
The entire ride to the hospital was them laughing at how their baby was
certainly impatient to get out and join their crazy, unexpected world.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
Dr. Zoe greeted them and Elyse was thankful when the doctor immediately led
them to where Mikasa was. Erwin was already doting over his daughter, marveling
at how big she was getting.
 
Dr. Zoe pulled Elyse aside and they asked about how Elyse was doing which made
Elyse smile in gratitude.
 
“I actually want to talk about…how my…sexual—” Elyse was cut off by the excited
doctor who laughed.
 
“Oh, sweetie, that’s normal. All you have to do is jump your husband’s bones.
Oh, wait, I forgot that you guys aren’t normal.” Dr. Zoe mused, making Elyse
blush.
 
“Well, there are toys…” The doctor suggested.
 
The bright red face of Elyse and the loud laughter of Hange confused Erwin to
no end and Elyse wanted to sink back in her seat as they went back home.
 
===============================================================================
 
Elyse took a long bath, washing the day away. Her mind went back to Erwin’s
close-up face as he casted a concerned look at her back in the car. Her fingers
were starting to wander, and she gasped when she touched herself.
 
Was she always this sensitive?
 
Dr. Zoe had teased Elyse about the situation, but she did suggest that Elyse do
something about her situation. Elyse used that an excuse for her to keep going.
It wasn’t long before she reached completion, moaning. After a moment, she rose
from the tub, feeling a bit dirty but satiated.
 
After wiping herself down, Elyse was happy that she didn’t end up kissing
Erwin, thinking of the mess it would’ve caused between them if there were lines
crossed.
 
After getting dressed to go to bed, she entered the nursery to check up on
Eren. She found herself staring at Erwin’s naked backside, his back muscles
bare and his shoulders broad. She tried to remember if she saw this during that
one night they shared together four months ago, but she just remembered the
hazy feeling of being tipsy and how clumsy she had been.
 
She was sure she was turning red.
 
She saw that Erwin was holding paperwork, so she assumed that he had been in
his office before checking up on Eren. She began to approach Eren’s crib, but
that’s when Erwin turned around and she noticed that Eren wasn’t in his crib,
but he was in Erwin’s other arm, snuggled and asleep.
 
And the feeling of arousal rose within her at the sight of her muscular half-
naked husband with work and their son in his arms.
 
She gulped, crossing her arms, realizing how thin her night shift was.
 
Erwin looked up then, noticing that Elyse had come in. He smiled in greeting,
unfazed at seeing her.
 
“Don’t worry about tonight. You need to rest tonight.” Erwin stated, quietly,
putting the paperwork down on a table nearby, focusing his attention on the
baby.
 
“O-okay.” Elyse found herself pathetically saying, not trusting herself to say
anything. Erwin approached her, and Elyse was suddenly very thankful for Eren
being in his arms.
 
Too bad he placed a hand on her stomach, making her blush.
 
“Goodnight.” He wished to her stomach and then to her as he looked up, smiling.
He turned back around, pacing the room so he could cradle Eren.
 
Elyse took that as a sign to go back to her room. Once she closed the door, she
slid to the floor, covering her flushed face.
 
I am so screwed.
 
===============================================================================
 
They brought Mikasa home the week after, as Dr. Zoe promised. Erwin was
extremely careful with her, and Elyse was amused at how gingerly he held her,
barking orders to the security detail, making them run around like headless
chickens.
 
Once they entered the nursery, Erwin and Elyse made sure that Mikasa was
settled before prepping the bottles for the milk. Elyse watched as Erwin’s
rolled his sleeves up, revealing strong forearms she would imagine at night.
 
“Elyse, are you sure you’re okay?” Erwin asked, curiously. Elyse nodded, “I’m
sure. It’s just that the pregnancy is starting to take a toll on me.”
 
Erwin nodded, thoughtfully, “Don’t stress yourself, Elyse. You can rest in your
room if you want. I can take over here.”
 
Elyse shook her head, adamant, “You’ve been doing everything since you took
days off of work. You should be resting.”
 
Erwin chuckled at that, “This is actually more relaxing than being at the
office.”
 
Elyse raised an eyebrow at that, “Really? Taking care of newborns is less
stressful than the office?”
 
“In its own way, it’s a slower process compared to the fast pace of the office.
It’s better hearing babies cry than old men yelling in your ear.” Erwin
shrugged, measuring the baby formula.
 
Elyse laughed at that, her arm brushing against his, “What is it you do
anyways?” She asked, realizing that she didn’t really know what he did. Erwin
paused then, and Elyse looked up, curiously.
 
He stared down at her, a guilty look on his face.
 
“What’s wrong?” Elyse asked, suddenly concerned. Erwin placed the bottle he was
working on to gently grab Elyse’s arms.
 
“I’m so sorry, Elyse. I didn’t even tell you what I did for a living. Here you
were, being such a good mother, unquestioning, and I was being so rude for not
letting you know my job.” Erwin apologized, sharply. Elyse blinked.
 
She began to laugh, amused, “Oh my god, you are so dramatic. Don’t worry about
it, Erwin. I didn’t ask, so it’s not your fault.”
 
Erwin shook his head, stubbornly, “I’ve been trying to make things easier for
you, but all I’ve been doing is making you question who you married.”
 
Elyse, touched, placed a hand on his cheek, smoothing out the frown on the
corner of his mouth, “Erwin, it’s fine. These four months have been…hard, but
you have been really great about it all, really.”
 
Erwin sighed, but he leaned into her touch, relieved. Elyse couldn’t hold back
anymore and she brought her lips closer to his. Erwin’s eyes opened, surprised,
but she didn’t let him pull back and she kissed him, hard.
 
The kiss started to become more heated as Erwin, although hesitant, began to
kiss her back. He took control like he did back then and Elyse moaned. The
sound encouraged Erwin and he kissed her, deeply, wrapping his arms around,
pulling her closer to him.
 
He pulled away, biting her lower lip, and Elyse began to pant, pressing her
body closer, as much as she could, even with the baby bump.
 
His hands began to descend lower, grabbing the material of her dress so he can
pull it up, revealing her dancer legs to him. He began to kiss her jaw, tracing
his tongue down the column of her neck and he groaned as she shifted ever so
slightly above his growing arousal.
 
She could feel Erwin’s hand impatiently twitching as he was about to---
 
That’s when the baby decided to kick.
 
Erwin jumped back, dropping the material of her dress, and letting go of her
altogether as if she was a leper.
 
He ran a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath. Elyse was breathing
deeply too, a shaking hand placed on her lips.
 
She immediately felt regret, not any sense of relief for getting rid of the
sexual feeling she had for him. God, what was she thinking? They were getting
along so well, and now, everything was ruined just because she couldn’t keep it
in her pants.
 
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. It’s this pregnancy. It’s making me feel so hot and
bothered, and I asked Dr. Zoe what to do about it, but nothing’s working so I--
-“
 
“Elyse.” Erwin’s voice cut through her desperate plea for forgiveness.
 
Elyse shut her mouth, looking at him, earnestly. Erwin sighed, taking a step
towards her, his fingers fixing her hair.
 
“That was a mistake, and it’s good that our baby interrupted us. That’s all it
is, Elyse.” Erwin assured her. Elyse bit her lip and nodded, placing a hand on
her stomach.
 
“You’re right.” Elyse agreed, her heart still beating fast.
 
“If it makes you feel any better, it’s been…awhile for me too.” Erwin offered,
a small smile on his face. Elyse chuckled at that, a bit nervous still.
 
It was a bit tense and awkward for a moment until Erwin sighed, “I’m sorry,
Elyse. I shouldn’t have lost control like that.”
 
Elyse was tired of apologies. That’s all they’ve been doing since they met.
 
 “Hey, what is it that you do?” She asked, randomly, throwing Erwin off as he
stared at her, bewildered.
 
“I…I’m an actuary for CEOs of companies all over the world. I’m in charge of
coming up with the numbers and facts that would either help or crash
companies.” Erwin replied, warily.
 
Elyse hummed in acknowledgement, “That’s pretty interesting.” She began to turn
her attention back to the bottles, and she could still feel Erwin’s stare on
her.
 
“Elyse…” Erwin began, but Elyse held up a hand, stopping him.
 
“I’m tired of tiptoeing around you, Erwin.” Elyse finally said, with a sigh,
“I’m tired of acting like we’re okay when we’re not. We’re not a normal married
couple and we still act like that’s not a weird thing.”
 
Erwin seemed to relax at that, “You’re right. I’m tired of it too, but what do
you want to do about it?”
 
Elyse thought about it. What did she want to do about it? Being romantic was
out of the question. Aside from his handsomeness and his mysterious demeanor,
Elyse couldn’t see herself with a man who kept secrets all the damn time even
if he was nice and bought her things and sheltered her. She didn’t feel like
they even connected with simple conversations and that was a big thing to her.
She always wanted a man who could read her and she could read him.
 
Erwin was unreadable, and she was glad that he had a hard time reading her.
 
“Let’s…stop pretending when we’re alone. Let’s talk about solutions for
our…sexual problems. We can plan you meeting up with women that you’re
interested in or we can talk about me---“
 
“Elyse,” Erwin stopped her, appalled and confused, “that’s highly inappropriate
for me to bring up to you.”
 
Elyse rolled her eyes, placing a hand on Erwin’s shoulder, “Listen, this is
what I’m talking about. It’s not highly inappropriate because I don’t even
think it is. We’re not married married, Erwin. We’ve established this. It’s
normal to look for other outlets when it comes to our unusual marriage.”
 
“So, what you’re suggesting is…?”
 
“Having a normal relationship. Being friends. God, we literally weren’t even
friends before any of this happened. How about we start now?” Elyse suggested,
realizing where their problem was. It was as if a lightbulb popped in her mind.
 
Erwin, poor Erwin, looked so confused. “Friends?”
 
Her heart felt so much lighter at the mention of it, “Yes, Erwin, Friends.
We’re co-parents now. We need to have some type of normal relationship and
friendship is the solution because we certainly aren’t romantic.”
 
Erwin let that process within in his mind and Elyse watched as he slowly,
reluctantly put a hand up for her to shake.
 
Elyse grabbed it, smiling widely, and shook.
 
She didn’t miss it when Erwin tightened his hold, but Elyse ignored it just
like she ignored the feeling of her heart beating wildly.
 
“Friends.”
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// Everything is so complicated and sad.
     Timeline now:
     Elyse is four months pregnant and mother of two newborn babies.
     Levi is still in Germany.
     Dr. Zoe is in France, being the Smith on-call doctor.
     Nifa and Dieter are live-in helpers.
     Petra is the assistant who picks Elyse’s marvelous clothes.
     Elyse and Levi’s father is in New York.
     Aunt and Uncle: Deceased.
     Erwin is an enigma. A sexy one.
     Please review!
***** The Progress of Not Progressing *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// As promised, here’s a chapter that makes slight progress and
     then no progress and then huge progress but at a loss of what to do
     with that progress.
     I own the complicated character, Elyse, but I don’t own the other
     complicated characters.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Three months went by and the weather was starting to introduce the fall in
beautiful Paris, Elyse groaned as she bent down to place Eren back in his crib,
her back complaining of the pain.
 
Erwin chuckled from behind her as he fed Mikasa, “I told you to wait for me.”
He said, his tone teasing. Three months ago, Erwin’s voice wouldn’t be teasing
her, and Elyse wouldn’t be rolling her eyes at him. But, ever since they
established a friendship, Erwin and her were on the best terms.
 
He was open with her, well, a bit more open. He would talk about his work and
how old men would amuse him, which would make Elyse laugh especially now that
she was getting bigger and miserable.
 
Elyse would talk about her childhood in Paris openly with him, and he would
share some facts about his childhood in America. She had been taken aback by
it, but she didn’t question him more, letting him open up in his own pace.
 
She had made the mistake of asking about his stint in the German Army. His face
had darkened at that and he excused himself, sharply, before holing himself in
his office.
 
She had felt guilty then, knocking on his office door and offering him a drink.
Erwin smiled at her then and she knew all was forgiven and forgotten.
 
“Eren is finally asleep, which means if we don’t place him down in the crib
quickly. He’ll end up waking up and wailing.” Elyse pointed out, plopping
herself down on the rocking chair besides Erwin.
 
Erwin just hummed in agreement as he stared at Mikasa, healthy and even more
beautiful, as her grey eyes were staring to close.
 
“Oh, no, not yet, ma petite,” Erwin whispered, sitting Mikasa up to help her
burp, Elyse had warmed at the use of the French that Erwin used, “Let’s make
sure you burp first before you sleep.”
 
Mikasa cooed at her father, and Erwin patted her back, his smile widening when
he heard the small burping sound. He set her in her crib and began to rock it,
slowly. He straightened up when he was satisfied with her sleeping position.
 
Erwin sat back on the chair he was in and looked at his watch then to Elyse,
“When is Freida landing?” He asked.
 
Elyse looked at the clock in the nursery and thought about it for a moment,
“She should be arriving in an hour or so. Are you sending Dieter?”
Erwin nodded, getting up, “I’ll be joining him, I want to properly greet the
godmother of our child.” Elyse snorted at that.
 
“Please don’t remind me of my mistakes.” Elyse moaned, remembering how it was
Freida who appointed herself as the godmother.
 
Erwin chuckled, and walked up towards her, bending down to place a hand on her
stomach, stroking it gently. Elyse used to be uncomfortable about it, but three
months of their friendship slowly blossoming, Elyse just sighed and picked up
the book she had placed on the table next to her chair, waiting for Erwin stop
creepily gazing at her stomach like he usually did.
 
“I’ll be taking my leave.” Erwin announced, getting up after a moment. Elyse,
not looking up from her book, hummed in acknowledgement. She lazily held out
her hand, involuntarily. Erwin’s small laugh made her look up, and she blushed
withdrawing her hand, quickly.
 
“I-I’m used to you just grabbing my hand randomly and kissing it in goodbye.
It’s-It’s not my fault that you’re weird.” Elyse defended herself, trying to
hide her face behind her book.
 
Erwin’s hand obstructed her view as he grabbed it from her, gently. Elyse gave
a small annoyed hiss and Erwin laughed as she straightened up to try and grab
it back from his gasp.
 
The feel of his lips on her soft cheek made her freeze and it was done in a
matter of seconds as he dropped the book on her lap and gave her a small bow as
a goodbye, “I’ll be back.”
 
With that said, he left the nursery, leaving Elyse a flustered mess.
 
“God, your father is so weird.” Elyse groused to the children around her.
 
===============================================================================
 
Freida barreled through the estate, excited and awed, running into Elyse’s open
arms.
 
“Shit, this place is fucking huge and gorgeous. What do you do, Erwin? Sell
human organs in the black market?” Freida asked, her voice loud and the
familiarity of her speech seemed to throw the security off since Erwin and
Elyse never speak like that.
 
Elyse shot Freida an exasperated look, but Erwin had smiled, seeming to be more
amused than offended.
 
“No, I have a boring job compared to that.” Erwin replied, helping Freida with
her coat. Elyse shot her husband a surprised look and Erwin shrugged, still
showing his amusement.
 
Well, he is close friends with Dr. Zoe. Freida is similar to them.
 
“How do you pull off being pregnant and those clothes?” Freida squealed,
twirling Elyse around, slowly.
Elyse giggled, already enjoying her friend’s company, “It’s Erwin’s assistant,
Petra, she’s the one who literally styles me day in and day out.”
 
“If you’ll excuse me ladies, I’ll be in my office, but I’ll be down for
dinner.” Erwin announced, catching Freida and Elyse’s attention.
 
“Off with you then, Lord of Mysterious Wealth. I will be accompanying your
darling wife to the little aliens that you both so graciously brought into---“
 
“Okay, Erwin. I’ll call you down for dinner.” Elyse sighed, clasping a hand
over Freida’s mouth who laughed in response.
 
Erwin approached Freida, following suit with his weird mannerisms as he placed
a kiss on her hand, which amused Freida more. Elyse placed a hand out just to
get it over with and she shot a quick warning look at Erwin when he looked at
her, teasingly.
 
It was ten times worse when Erwin ignored her offered hand as he bent down to
kiss her cheek, chastely. She knew that he was already laughing under his
breath when he pulled away as he saw the slight annoyance on her face.
 
He’s teasing me again, the arrogant bastard. Ever since that one incident that
I happened to be needy, and now he won’t leave me alone, ugh.
 
When the sound of the office door being shut sounded, Elyse whipped around to
face Freida, who had a smug look on her face.
 
“So, that was weiiiird---“
 
“Don’t.”
 
===============================================================================
 
“Oh, they are so teeny weeny.” Freida cooed as held Mikasa and Elyse held Eren.
Elyse smiled and rolled her eyes at her friend’s description.
 
“Yes, they’re tiny.” Elyse agreed, making faces at the gurgling Eren.
 
“Damn, Elyse. You really are a saint.” Freida sighed, placing the sleepy Mikasa
down as she dropped herself in a rocking chair, weary from her trip.
 
“Yes, because getting pregnant before marriage is such a saintly thing to do.”
Elyse laughed at her friend, sitting on the rocking chair next to her, rocking
Eren to sleep.
 
“God, and you have a beautiful house in a beautiful country with a beautiful
husband and beautiful children. Did I mention how beautiful your life is?”
Freida pointed out, picking up a bottle of milk that Elyse motioned for and
giving it to her.
“My life isn’t beautiful. It’s messy, extremely messy. Stuck in a house while
there is a beautiful country to explore because the press won’t leave us alone.
My husband is just starting to become a friend, and he’s also insufferable at
times. And I didn’t essentially want to have these beautiful children the way I
got them.” Elyse finished that last part, quietly.
 
Freida took ahold of Elyse’s hand, squeezing quietly in apology, “You know I
didn’t mean it that way, Ely.”
 
Elyse smiled at her, “I know you didn’t. You see what others see, and I see the
reality of it all.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Dinner was a fun affair. Freida shared stories of her travels. She had
graduated Julliard, and she moved on to Broadway’s show of Phantom of the
Opera. Elyse’s heart had squeezed at the memory of their dream together, but
she was extremely overjoyed that at least one of them is living their dream.
 
Freida was on break now and she was exploring as much as she can while she
could, making her resting stop in Paris to visit Elyse.
 
Erwin and Freida were in deep discussion of her new job and Elyse excused
herself to wash the dishes. While she was doing the dishes, Elyse found her
vision blurring and her hands began to shake.
 
Stop being such a baby, Elyse. You can’t do anything about your situation
anymore. Dancing is no more. You’re a wife and a mother now.
 
She hastily cleared her throat and wiped her eyes when she heard Freida’s voice
get closer.
 
“Hey, I’m here to help you clean!” Freida announced, wrapping her arms around
her waist and protruding stomach.
 
Elyse shook her head, smiling softly. “Go to sleep, Freida. Your luggage should
be in the guest room we prepared for you.”
 
Freida sighed, but she obeyed, letting go of her friend.
 
“I truly mean it when you’re a saint, Elyse, and I know that maybe this isn’t
how you planned your life to be, but damn, you still have it good.” Freida
stated, nudging Elyse.
 
Elyse snorted, in disbelief, “I already told you that it may seem— “
 
“Elyse, I know you’re upset— “
 
Elyse dropped the dirty dishes and turned to face her friend, the jealousy she
held back full on her face and the sorrow she hid from the world.
“Upset? Freida, you know more than anyone how I longed to be onstage forever.
It was taken from me overnight and back then, I hid my hatred for my situation
and then everything happened. Getting married, everyone dying, and children
coming, it happened. Now…now that everything has calmed down, and as much as
I’ve missed your presence, it…sucks to realize that I don’t have my dream,
okay?” Elyse began to cry then and Freida immediately wrapped her arms around
her.
 
Freida didn’t say anything as Elyse cried, softly.
 
“And you know what the worst part is? I feel horrible for feeling horrible.
You’re right, I do have a great life. I’m taken care for and I have children
that I absolutely adore, even Erwin is bearable now. God, I’m such a fucking
brat.” Elyse groaned at the last part.
 
Freida laughed, holding her friend tighter, “Oh, Ely, you’re not a brat. You’re
a saint. A normal human saint that deserves the whole world.”
 
Elyse shook her head against her friend’s shoulder, “I’m not a saint, Freida.
I’m human.”
 
Elyse felt Freida cringe, apologetic, “You’re right, Ely. You’re human.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Freida helped her then, the tension disappearing as soon as they let go of each
other. Elyse listened with ease when Freida carefully told her about her
travels, and Elyse was relieved to not feel such burning jealousy. It was still
there, but the happiness overruled it.
 
Freida bid her goodnight and Elyse went to retreat back to her room until she
noticed the nursery door slightly ajar.
 
“…Nifa? Erwin?” She called, walking towards the door. When nobody answered,
panic seized her. She hurriedly opened the door and looked inside. Her heart
softened at the spectacle before her. Erwin had fallen asleep with Mikasa on
his chest, his hands on her back as the rocking chair lulled them to sleep.
 
She carefully tried to pick up Mikasa from Erwin’s hands, but his hold got
tighter, making Mikasa fuss a little bit. Elyse tried to wake Erwin from
sleeping, but he began to groan in his sleep, making Mikasa start to wake up
and a loud wail carried throughout the room.
 
Erwin’s hold on her lessened, and Elyse hastily pulled Mikasa from his grasp,
terrified. Erwin was still groaning until it turned into yelling. His arms were
starting to twitch and his body was starting to have spasms here and there.
Hastily putting Mikasa back in her crib, managing to calm her down, Elyse tried
to gently nudge Erwin after, noticing immediately that he was having a
nightmare.
 
“Erwin, Erwin.” Elyse said, desperately, “Please wake up. It’s just a bad
dream.”
 
It was then that Erwin’s hand shot out and grabbed her neck, strangling her.
Elyse found herself not being able to breathe and found that he was still
sleeping, still believing his nightmare.
 
She was about to faint, the air almost leaving her. It was then that Dieter
entered the room, his eyes widening at the sight of his boss in the throes of a
bad dream, but he immediately took action.
 
“Sir, sir. You need to wake up. You’re choking your wife. Elyse can’t breathe.”
Dieter whispered, heatedly, in Erwin’s ear, placing a hand on Erwin’s
chokehold.
 
Erwin seemed to wake up at that, his eyes opening and his face dropping once he
saw a pale Elyse, who looked every bit as terrified as he did.
 
“Fucking shit. Shit, shit, shit. Elyse, Elyse, are you okay?” Erwin cursed,
scrambling to get up. Elyse took a deep desperate breath, and she placed a hand
around her bruised neck, gasping.
 
“Shit, Elyse. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” Erwin apologized, profusely, coming
to her side. Elyse flinched, edging away from him, which horrified Erwin more.
 
Dieter, looking at the situation, approached his boss first, “Sir, what day is
it?” He asked, making sure that he was okay.
 
“It’s a Monday.” Erwin answered, softly, staring at Elyse, worried.
 
“What are your children’s names?”
 
“Eren and Mikasa.”
 
“Where are you now?”
 
“In Paris, in my house.”
 
Dieter, satisfied, nodded, moving towards Elyse.
 
“Miss Elyse, we need to look at your neck. You have some bruising. Can you
breathe properly?” Dieter asked, concerned. Elyse nodded, helplessly, still
holding her neck.
 
“Dieter, it’s fine, thank you very much for your help. Please go to sleep. I
would like to talk to my husband alone.” Elyse pleaded, noticing that Erwin was
beginning to pace around the room like a madman, unbelieving of what just
happened, muttering to himself, and it scared her.
 
She needed to get Erwin out of the nursery and into his office, so they could
discuss what happened. Dieter hesitated, but he obeyed, nodding before taking
his leave.
 
Once the door shut, Erwin walked towards Elyse, his face desperate.
 
“Elyse, forgive me. I..I suffer from nightmares and I didn’t realize what I was
doing. Please, say something.” Erwin begged, trying to keep an appropriate
distance between them.
 
Elyse stood up, slowly, letting go of her neck. She walked towards him, warily,
and Erwin flinched when she put a hand on his arm, gently, “Let’s go to your
office and talk about it.”
 
Erwin nodded, mutely. Once they entered the office, Elyse motioned for him to
sit down. She remembered that he had a small bar there and asked if he wanted
to drink.
 
Erwin shook his head, still staring at her. Elyse sat in front of him, her
hands on her large stomach, trying to calm herself down.
 
“Erwin, that wasn’t a normal nightmare.” Elyse began, slowly, “Would you care
to explain what just happened?”
 
Erwin sighed, running a hand through his hair, and he looked up at her,
hesitantly.
 
“…I served in the military back in Germany. I entered immediately during my
college years because I felt a little…lost. That’s neither here or there, but
it was a tough time then. I was questioning authority then, realizing that how
untrustworthy authority had been with informing the citizens about everything.
So, I built a name for myself. I became a Commander, but not the Commander
you’re thinking of, I was Commander of a special unit that dealt
with...secrets.” Erwin explained, his gaze starting to intensify.
 
Elyse shuddered, thinking of all the horrible things that Erwin had to do. She
heard about what happened to men of war, they came home, scarred, mentally and
physically.
 
“Erwin…do you suffer from PTSD?” Elyse asked, quietly, her compassion crying
out to the man before her. He looked so horrified and what he did, and she
understood now why he did. Her uncle had a small form of PTSD, and her aunt had
thanked God that it wasn’t as horrible as the others. Her father suffered from
it, that’s why he relied on drinking. Her brother…
 
That’s when it suddenly made sense to her. How all these weird companions knew
each other.
 
“My brother…Levi…he was with you in that unit.” Elyse stated, realization
dawning on her.
 
Erwin nodded, hesitantly, “He was one of my squad leaders. Eld and Gunter were
under his command.”
 
Elyse closed her eyes, remembering how her brother’s shouting in his sleep kept
her awake at night, and she had sobbed when she tried to help him as he
struggled in her hold. She hadn’t known what to do then, and now she felt just
as lost. Her brother refused to acknowledge that he had a problem, would Erwin
do the same?
 
“I know it’s a problem. I didn’t expect to fall asleep with Mikasa in my arms,
and fuck, that was dangerous.” Erwin cursed, angrily, clenching his fists.
 
That’s why he stayed in his office more than his bedroom. To her horror, Elyse
realized that Erwin tried to stay up as late as he could in order to run away
from his problems.
 
“Erwin…you need to go get help. We have kids in the house, and you saw what you
just did to me. We can look for someone— “
 
“Elyse, you don’t think I’ve tried?” Erwin asked, his voice hollow, and Elyse
felt her heart break into pieces at his insinuation.
 
“…You can’t keep hiding this problem, Erwin.” Elyse begged, trying to talk some
sense into him.
 
“There’s nothing else I can do.” Erwin stated, sighing, as he got up. “Come,
let’s put some ointment on your neck and put you to bed.”
 
Elyse followed, quietly. She watched as he gently placed the ointment on her
bruised neck. She was thankful that it was fall season and that wearing a scarf
wouldn’t put her out of place. Freida was going to leave tomorrow morning and
Erwin had already volunteered to take her to the hotel she was going to be
staying in with her cast mates for their press tour.
 
Once Erwin was done taking care of her, he helped Elyse up and she followed
him, silently, as he led her to her room. He hesitated, but he took her hand
and placed a small kiss on it, wishing her a goodnight.
 
“Ewrin.” Elyse called to him, stopping him. He turned around and Elyse stood on
her tippy toes to kiss him on his cheek. When she pulled away, she saw relief
flood on his face as he stared down at her.
 
She smiled at him, “I’m going to find a way to help you.” She promised,
fervently. She owed that much to him. He had done everything for her and here
he was suffering with a problem Elyse didn’t know how to fix.
 
Erwin didn’t say anything, his face starting to become unreadable. After a
moment, he finally opened his mouth and said, “Goodnight, Elyse. Once again,
I’m terribly sorry.”
 
Elyse shook her head, still smiling comfortingly, “Goodnight, Erwin.”
 
She watched him walk back into his office, and she realized the thin scars on
the back of his forearms, and for once in her life, she realized that the
formidable man she had thought she married had a greater story beyond what she
knew.
 
Freida hugged her goodbye, tightly. “I’ll be back soon.” She promised,
whispering into her hair. Freida didn’t seem to know what had happened last
night and had been her usual sunshine-self when it came to teasing Erwin and
doting on Elyse.
 
Freida kissed the babies, snuggling them before leaving, promising to be the
godmother that will give them alcohol when they’re teenagers, making Elyse
shoot a glare at her while Erwin watched, his mind somewhere else.
 
As Freida got ready to leave, Elyse pulled Erwin from the door to speak to him,
“Are you sure you’re okay to drive?”
 
For some odd reason, Erwin gave her a dark look of warning and it made Elyse
shut up, as she froze, her hand letting go of him.
 
“I’m fine, Elyse.” Erwin stated, his voice smooth and commanding as always.
Before she could argue with him, Erwin offered Freida his arm and walked her to
towards the car and drove off, leaving Elyse startled and frustrated at him.
===============================================================================
 
Two months passed, the friendship that had been forming between Erwin and Elyse
came to a standstill as they began to drift apart since the incident. Erwin
didn’t seek her out to talk to her, and Elyse busied herself with the babies
and so did he. Yet, they never were in the nursery at the same time.
 
She also noticed that the man was actively avoiding her. Dieter now stood in
front of Erwin’s office, intimidating Elyse as she saw her serious bodyguard
assigned to such a simple job.
 
She had been sympathetic at first, realizing that Erwin needed time to himself,
but their baby was coming soon and the man needed to become the dutiful person
she knew.
 
That’s why she was waiting for him to come home one night.
 
She heard the front door open and the sound of his slow, heavy footsteps coming
towards the living room, where she was sitting, reading a book as she waited
patiently for him.
 
Erwin saw her as she looked up at him, but his face didn’t betray any emotion.
 
And for some odd reason, Elyse found herself comforted at that even though his
unreadable face had annoyed her since their wedding day.
 
“You should be resting.” Erwin stated, nonchalantly, moving to go up the stairs
towards his office as he took off his suit jacket and gave it to Dieter who had
been waiting for him.
 
Elyse refused to let him leave just yet, “I need to talk to you.” She demanded,
noticing that Dieter looked a bit taken back at her sudden attitude. Erwin, now
she was getting annoyed, looked at her as if he was dealing with a little kid.
 
“Elyse, can this wait until tomorrow?” Erwin sighed, pausing at the stairs to
rub his eyes as he turned towards her.
 
Elyse felt a small stab of guilt, noticing how tired he must be, but she was
adamant. She was tired of having a ghost in her house, especially when they had
been making progress with being cordial.
 
“No. It can’t wait. You’ve been avoiding me, and I want to know why.” Elyse
said, exasperated, getting straight to the point because she knew Erwin would
find a way to escape the situation.
 
He had been escaping and mending situations since the day he met her, and God,
she wouldn’t let him try to leave this one.
 
“Elyse, I haven’t been avoiding you. I’ve been working. I’ve been taking care
of the babies when I can, I don’t know what else you want from me.” Erwin
responded, sharply, still acting like he was scolding a little girl.
 
Elyse clenched her fists, her anger and agitation coming to a point of no
return.
 
“You act like we haven’t been making progress as friends until that incident
that night.” Elyse hissed back, her arms crossing.
 
Erwin walked down the stairs now, leaving Dieter waiting up there, stiffly.
Erwin shot him a look, and Dieter gave a slight bow of his head before climbing
upstairs to go ahead.
 
Erwin turned his attention back to Elyse, his back straight, and his arms
crossed, “Enough, Elyse. You’re showing your age.”
 
Elyse let out a bitter laugh, “Well, that’s a low blow, Erwin.” Her hatred for
him starting to brew once more. She had hated him when he ignored her, but now
she was starting to regret even doing something about it. Silence between her
and he would be better.
 
Erwin shrugged, “It’s true, Elyse. Like I said, I’ve been busy. Why? Have you
not been taken care of properly? Do you want new clothes? A new room?”
 
Elyse fought the urge to punch the man in front of her, he was pushing buttons
she didn’t realize she had up until now.
“I wanted to know what’s wrong, so we could fix this problem. Didn’t we promise
each other to be cordial? To try and be friends? Or did that disappear once I
found out a dirty little secret.” Elyse mentioned the last part as a low blow
and it did the effect.
 
Erwin approached her, his broad frame towering over her petite one, but she
refused to move or blink. She refused to let him be in charge.
 
“Don’t you dare, Elyse. You don’t know what you’re saying.” Erwin warned, his
glare burning at her.
 
Elyse felt a part of her shudder, but before she could say something back, she
widened her eyes in realization.
 
A pool of water puddled around her. She grabbed Erwin’s arm, who was taken
aback by it, but Elyse didn’t have time to be smug about that.
 
“Erwin, my water just broke.”
 
Forgetting everything else, Erwin put one of his arm under her legs and she
instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck as he picked her up bridal
style.
 
“DIETER. Get the car. Elyse is in labor! Nifa, stay with the babies! Also, call
Petra to contact Levi and Ansel, so she can let them know what’s going on.”
Erwin’s commanding tone echoed throughout the manor.
 
Before Elyse knew it, they were in the car, with her in her chair huffing and
puffing, and Erwin hovering above her, concerned.
 
===============================================================================
 
She was taught that labor was going to hurt, but she didn’t know it was going
to be a bitch.
 
They had wheeled her in a private room that Erwin had secretly set up weeks
before her due date, and she didn’t have the time to be surprised as the
hospital staff helped her in the bed. Erwin was outside, speaking with Dr. Zoe.
Dieter was outside, also, standing at her door.
 
The contractions were beginning to be unbearable and Elyse grit her teeth from
the pain. God, where was that epidural?
 
Dr. Zoe and Erwin came inside once she was settled, and Erwin offered his hand
and Elyse, forgetting her anger, grabbed it.
 
“Fuck you, Erwin. This fucking sucks. God, I can’t breathe.” Elyse cursed, not
caring how uncouth she sounded because she was bearing so much pain.
 
I’m in pain and I’ll squeeze his hand until he feels my pain.
 
Elyse smirked at that, at least she had a revenge plan.
 
Erwin remained silent, the ever quiet, unreadable punching bag as Elyse began
to bang both their hands on the bed as she groaned in pain.
 
Dr. Zoe examined her and they clucked their tongue, “It’s too late for the
epidural, you’re already dilated. Let’s get you into the delivery room.” The
doctor motioned for the hospital staff to start pushing the bed, and Elyse
grabbed Erwin’s hand even tighter as they entered the delivery room.
 
She watched as Erwin didn’t even flinch and she frowned, throwing her head
back, giving up.
 
So much for revenge.
 
The delivery room scared her, the chaos and the sterilized smell of hospital
equipment made her queasy.
 
“Alright, you’re going to have to push soon, Elyse.” Dr. Zoe informed her,
amidst the chaos. Elyse nodded, reluctantly. God, she was terrified. Could she
do this?
 
A hand began to soothe her, rubbing her back as she sat up, Elyse looked up
then and noticed that Erwin was about to place a kiss on her forehead until
their lips came into contact, softly.
 
It was a simple brush that shocked them both, but after a moment, Elyse smiled
at him, thanking him for trying. She couldn’t stay angry at him right now. This
was going to be a crazy moment for both of them even though nothing should faze
them anymore.
 
Erwin noticed the change of her attitude and he smiled back at her, placing a
kiss properly on her forehead.
 
“Just a few more pushes, Elyse. You can do it.” Erwin encouraged, softly, as
Dr. Zoe and the hospital staff did their work. Elyse nodded, breathing deeply.
 
After a moment, Dr. Zoe screamed, “I can see the head! Keep pushing, Elyse.
Come on.”
 
Elyse felt weak and too tired, “I can’t do it anymore. I’m too tired.” Erwin
grabbed her hand, tightly, as her hold began to relax. She could make out his
worried look as she shot it at Dr. Zoe, who was biting her lip, anxiously.
 
“Elyse, come on. The baby is almost here. You’re about to hold another baby,
don’t you want to see your baby?” Dr. Zoe encouraged, directing the hospital
staff on what to do next with her eyes. The hospital staff grew grim, but they
knew what to do.
 
Erwin gave everyone a sharp glare, stopping them. He took control as he helped
Elyse sit up, “Hey, hey. Elyse, just one more push. Can you do one more push?”
He asked, softly. Elyse moaned, but she nodded, pushing with all her might.
 
Dr. Zoe breathed a sigh of relief and Elyse felt something slip outside of her
body, feeling sort of empty.
 
“It’s a boy!” Dr. Zoe announced, happily, and Erwin’s face lit up at the
mention of his child.
 
“Do you hear that, Elyse? It’s a boy.” Erwin said, turning to Elyse, and she
smiled weakly back.
 
“Another boy? Oh boy.” Elyse whispered, teasingly. Erwin chuckled at that,
grabbing her hand and kissing it hard.
 
But, their happiness was short-lived when Dr. Zoe began to bark orders, “Hurry,
get the oxygen tank. Yes, give me that. No, no, get it ready.” Elyse sat up,
alert, but she winced at the pain.
 
“Wait, what’s going on?” She asked, alarmed, even if Erwin tried to push her
down gently. Dr. Zoe didn’t answer as she turned around with her staff to focus
on the baby. Elyse turned to Erwin, pleading, “Please find out what’s going
on.”
 
Erwin shook his head, grabbing her arms, urgently, “Lie down, Elyse. You need
to rest. Hange is doing their best to see what’s going on, okay? Rest, Elyse.
Please.”
 
Elyse had no choice but to listen as she found herself back on her back,
gripping the sheets beneath her, tightly, sending a prayer up there, tears
leaking out from her eyes.
 
A piercing cry screamed throughout the room, and Elyse felt her body relax as
Dr. Zoe and the hospital staff began to shout orders at each other, the tension
lessening.
 
Erwin seemed to relax too as he slumped down in his seat next to Elyse.
 
Tragedy hasn’t struck on their family once more.
 
===============================================================================
 
Elyse watched as they cleaned her baby, washing him as he fussed. She felt her
heart beat fast when they brought the bundle towards her, waiting for her to
hold out her arms.
 
She did, immediately, and they placed him in her arms. Erwin joined her as he
sat on the bed, his arm around her.
 
He was perfect. Elyse breathed in awe at how exceptionally perfect her baby boy
was. He had tuffs of blonde hair, just like his father, and his skin was pale
like hers. He had his fists on the sides of his little face, and Elyse sighed
at how adorable it looked.
 
She looked at Erwin, smiling widely, and he was too busy staring at his son, at
a loss for words. Erwin gingerly placed a finger for his son to hold, and their
son latched on to it, yawning while doing so.
 
“He’s so tiny.” Erwin mused, “Why are all our children so tiny?” Elyse laughed
at that, warming at how he acknowledged Eren and Mikasa as their children.
 
That reminded her.
 
“We didn’t pick out a name.” Elyse said, slightly horrified. How did they
forget to pick a name? Well, it was understandable with everything that has
been happening around them and their on and off again friendship, that simple
name picking process was forgotten.
 
Erwin looked at her then, his lips twitching into a small smile, “If you don’t
mind, I would want to name him after my grandfather, Armin. It also means
protective in German.”
 
“Armin,” Elyse tested the name on her lips and she smiled at how perfect it
seemed, “It means protective in German, huh? Makes sense since your daddy has
been unbearably protective throughout the pregnancy.”
 
It was meant to be a tease, but Elyse saw the flash of an emotion on Erwin’s
face before it was replaced with a smirk, “He made it, so I don’t see you
complaining.” He defended, chuckling a bit.
 
“Well, that makes three.” Elyse sighed, happily, finally realizing that they
now have three babies in their care. Erwin groaned at that, “Fucking diapers.”
 
That’s when Elyse half-laughed and half-scolded her husband by pushing him off
the bed.
 
They were allowed to leave the hospital after a week of Elyse complaining. She
wanted her other kids, too, but the hospital was adamant for her recovery. It
also had been weird for her to breastfeed for the first time.
 
Elyse had been more amused as Erwin turned to look the other way whenever she
breastfed and she had felt confident to tease him about it, “It’s not like you
haven’t seen my boobs before.”
 
Erwin, appalled, sighed in annoyance, “Elyse. Enough.”
 
It was if Armin being born managed to repair their friendship, making them
forget about his PTSD nightmare that almost sent Elyse to the hospital and how
they had been tense since then.
 
Once they got home, and Armin was placed into the third crib, joining his
brother and sister in the nursery, Elyse felt a sense of completion. Her family
was finally complete. She turned to tease Erwin about it, but she noticed that
the man had disappeared into his office.
 
Leaving kisses on her babies’ foreheads, she left Nifa in charge so she could
talk to Erwin in his office. She entered, quietly, seeing that Erwin was
reading something on his table.
 
“Hey, you just missed Eren and Armin bonding by them spitting up their milk.
Mikasa is behaved as usual, your pretty little princess.” Elyse teased.
 
Erwin merely hummed, and Elyse frowned, “Hey, I’m talking to you.”
 
Erwin looked up, and Elyse flinched at the nonchalant expression on his face,
“Sorry, I’m a bit busy.”
 
A flash of anger took ahold of Elyse as she walked up to him, “No, we’re not
doing this again.” Erwin looked up, his face starting to look a bit pissed,
“Doing what, Elyse?”
 
“Doing this. You shutting me out and being callous, we were fine in the
hospital, I don’t understand why you’re being rude now.” Elyse argued, crossing
her arms.
 
Erwin sighed, and he got up, making his way in front of the desk so he could
lean on it by slightly putting his weight on it.
 
“Elyse, why do you refuse to realize that this friendship thing isn’t working
between us?”
 
Elyse froze at that, confused, “You never mentioned it wasn’t working.” She
replied back, steeling herself.
 
Erwin rolled his eyes, and Elyse was ready to hit him.
 
“Oh, come on. Don’t play dumb, Elyse. Romance wasn’t good for us, and now
friendship isn’t either. It was better when I simply took care of you and the
babies when I could, and you being able to do your own thing by going out and
spending time in the library. It’s better that way and you know it. No one
feels put out.”
 
“…Erwin, come on. Enough of your cryptic talk. What are you even saying? Your
PTSD attack was a friendship tactic? Am I missing something?” Elyse asked,
hating the feeling of confusion when it came to him.
 
“The PTSD attack was me being careless. I thought it would be okay for me to
rest with Mikasa in my arms because our friendship was starting to blossom and
I trusted myself enough to talk to you about things, so I thought I was fine
now. But, I wasn’t. It doesn’t matter if we’re friendly or not, I almost choked
you to death and endangered our daughter in the process. Why do you think I
stay away?” Erwin explained, finally giving in to Elyse’s relentless begging.
 
Elyse didn’t know what to say.
 
“Don’t get me wrong. I will be here for the kids and you. But, only in the way
that I trust myself with, which is constant care from afar.” Erwin promised,
his face resuming a happy expression, a reassuring one.
 
“Erwin…”
 
“Don’t feel bad for me, Elyse. You and I both know that this is the safer
option. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” Erwin excused
himself, standing up and returning to his seat.
 
Elyse had no choice but to leave. When the door shut behind her as she entered
the nursery, she sighed, deeply, staring at the sleeping babies.
 
Poor Erwin. She didn’t realize he was struggling with it so much, and it made
sense now. His sense of duty surely was making him re-think being friends with
her and getting more familiar with the kids.
 
And, for once, Elyse was at a loss of what to do next about the enigma, Erwin
Smith.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// Speak with me down below. We shall be frustrated together.
***** Friends Once More *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// Same old Elyse. Same old characters that don’t belong to me.
     Your reviews are always so encouraging and nice. Thank you so much!
     xx
See the end of the chapter for more notes
It had been a year since then. She was going to reach her 18th year by next
week while the babies were about to reach their first year. The babies were
starting to crawl and sort-of walk here and there before falling and giggling.
It was too much especially for poor Nifa and Dieter.
 
But, she was grateful for their help especially with how Erwin and her have
been since last year.
 
Shaking her head, Elyse began to focus on happier upcoming things. Her 18th
birthday was going to be a momentous occasion since she was going to see her
brother and father for the first time in a year. Levi had been trying to search
for their uncle to no avail, so he decided to take a break by buying a small
house in Paris despite Elyse’s offer for him to live with them.
 
“No offense, Elyse, but three screaming babies don’t sound too appealing right
now.” Levi said over the phone much to Elyse’s disappointment, but she
understood. Sometimes, she found herself wanting to scream when they wouldn’t
stop crying.
 
Her father, still miffed at her for ignoring his protests of adopting more
children, decided to visit since it happened to kill two birds with one stone.
He had a meeting with Erwin and his father, so Ansel Ackerman always put
business first. But, Elyse could also hear the interest in his voice when he
spoke of seeing his grandchild even though she stressed that it was
grandchildren, but it was a step for him, so she was going to be wary about him
and her kids.
 
Freida was supposed to visit, but due to scheduling conflicts, she promised she
would make it for the Eren’s first year party. Elyse understood, she remembered
how she had taken a break from Julliard to join a show and that had been
hectic.
 
She sighed, wistfully, thinking about it, but a tug on her skirt made her look
down from her book and she smiled, widely, as Mikasa held her arms up towards
her.
 
“Okay, ma petite. Up you go.” Elyse cooed, picking up her daughter with a
laugh. Mikasa giggled, laying her head in the crook of her mother’s neck,
sucking on her thumb. Elyse tsked, and pulled Mikasa’s thumb out of her mouth.
 
Mikasa pouted, but she complied as she proceeded to put sticky fingers in her
mother’s hair, playing with it. Elyse sighed, but she let her daughter explore,
settling back in the couch on the living room as Mikasa babbled and cooed.
 
Elyse could hear Eren and Armin’s high-pitched gurgles as Nifa tended to them,
with the help of Dr. Zoe, well, Hange, and Dieter.
 
She smiled, happily. It was days like this that she was grateful for. Yes, she
might not be a ballerina in Paris, living her dream, but she was still in Paris
with her children and a beautiful estate.
With the babies, it seemed that the estate was alluring people to come in and
play with her great children. Dr. Zoe, Eld, Gunther, and Petra were constantly
there and Elyse never felt alone.
 
Especially now that Erwin was gone most of the time.
 
It had bothered her at first. She had tried to take steps in beginning their
friendship, but Erwin was adamant about what he said. He returned to being
aloof and taking care of things from a distance. Sure, the kids knew who ‘papa’
was and they climbed all over him once he got home, excitedly. Erwin would
spend time with them in his own way and when he could, but there was one thing
that changed.
 
He was ignoring her, avoiding her, and shunning her.
 
Angrily, Elyse had tried to confront him about it, but he had posted Dieter at
his office, and Dieter told Elyse that no one was to bother him unless it was
an emergency. Elyse was ready to rip Erwin’s face.
 
They barely talked anymore. He would go down for dinner, and he would feed the
kids, simply telling her that he had a new business venture and that he’d be
spending more time away from the estate, as if he wasn’t already doing that. He
would only discuss about the children, and Elyse had stopped trying to talk to
him about anything else, pissed at what he did of avoiding her and stopping her
from barging into his office.
 
God, she hated him, and yet…
 
Sometimes, she missed him. He had been such a presence in her life ever since
that winter night, unbearable or bearable, but him no being a presence now
bothered her. Sure, he was still good with the kids and her, taking care of
them, but it made her feel uncomfortable to share a life with someone who
wouldn’t talk to her.
 
But, the weird man refused to let her help him, so she had no choice but to
comply.
 
Mikasa moved in her arms, snapping Elyse from her thoughts and she pointed to
the backyard, meaning, in her baby language, that she wanted to go out. Elyse
laughed, but an idea popped in her head.
 
“Dieter, Nifa! Can you get the babies ready for a trip outside?” Elyse called,
getting up and carrying the squealing Mikasa. Elyse walked inside the nursery,
and she groaned once she saw Eren fussing in poor Dieter’s arms.
 
She placed Mikasa down in the playpen and she picked up the crying Eren, who
stopped once his mother picked him up.
 
“How about we go outside? Would that make you happy, mon petite?” Elyse asked,
in her baby voice, her excitement affecting the suddenly happy baby boy.
 
Dieter stared at her, warily, “Miss Elyse, I don’t think that’s a very good
idea. The press will---“
 
Elyse waved his worry away, focusing on changing the babies while directing him
to grab a baby bag.
 
“The press won’t do anything especially with you near. Besides, I want to show
them Paris not the backyard.” Elyse stated, nuzzling Armin’s drooling face as
he grabbed his mother’s face.
 
Elyse giggled, but she sighed inwardly as she looked at her biological baby.
Armin was starting to look exactly like his father which rubbed the salt in the
wound more. She remembered how floored she had been when her son opened his
eyes for the first time. It was the moment after the tense discussion Erwin had
with her about not having any sort of relationship with each other, which had
her torn because her compassionate side was calling out to help him, but her
angry, stubborn side made her want to rip his face off for being so
frustrating.
 
Blue eyes that mirrored Erwin’s looked back at her, and Elyse bit her lip,
fighting the tears that were beginning to fall on her cheeks.
 
Elyse closed her eyes at the memory, but she smiled as soon as Armin babbled,
“Ma.” It had been his first word and it had been the happiest day of her life
and she almost dropped the bottle she had been warming up for Eren.
 
She thanked Dieter for getting everything ready in the black SUV. They went
downstairs, and they put everything they needed in the SUV and they left.
 
===============================================================================
 
It had been a mistake. Elyse pressed a hand to her forehead as the press
relentlessly tried to go through their security detail as they tried to take
pictures of her children. Dieter shot her a look, and Elyse had no choice but
to nod reluctantly. Dieter gathered two of the children, and Nifa gathered the
supplies. Elyse chose to hold Mikasa because she was the one that was wailing
the loudest at the confusion and chaos that was going around her.
 
Guilt teared Elyse apart, promising herself that she would have to wait for her
children to get older in order to bring them out.
 
Once they all entered the car, Elyse sighed, “I’m sorry, Dieter, you were
right.”
 
Dieter didn’t say anything for a moment, and then he said, “It’s not easy being
doing everything on your own.”
 
That’s when Elyse began to feel her eyes water, and she shook her head once
Nifa shot a horrified Dieter a dirty look.
 
“He’s right. It’s hard. I feel like a single parent.” Elyse whispered, softly,
caressing Mikasa’s head as she slept.
 
The ride back home was quiet.
 
===============================================================================
 
When they got home, Dieter and Nifa helped Elyse bring the babies in. Once they
settled them on the ground, the children began to squeal and Elyse looked up as
she saw Erwin, angrily pacing the floor.
 
Erwin looked up then and motioned for them as they waddled to him. Elyse felt
guilt once again shot down her spine as he began to gently inspect them, seeing
if they were hurt in any way. Dieter and Nifa entered then after closing the
car doors, and they paled once Erwin’s glare met their gazes.
 
“I would like to talk to my wife alone. Bring the kids upstairs.” Erwin
ordered, sharply, once he was satisfied with his kids’ inspection.
 
Elyes froze, as she watched Dieter and Nifa obey, immediately. The sound of the
nursery door closing made Erwin stand, slowly, his back straight and his glare
not leaving Elyse’s form.
 
“You want to explain what you were thinking. They’re barely one, Elyse. Have
you not learned from your run-ins with the paparazzi? God, Elyse, do you
understand what could’ve happened?” Erwin demanded, his jaw clenched as he
studied her.
 
Elyse looked down, guiltily, “I realized I was wrong, Erwin. Please, can we not
drag this out---“
 
“It’s not only your life that you’re responsible for. You have three other
lives to think of. I have half a mind to punish you right now.”
 
Rage blinded Elyse then. She was weary of feeling useless as she stayed in the
estate, alone with wailing children sometimes. How dare he. How dare he make it
seem like she was the only one responsible for their children.
 
“…Punish me? Are you fucking serious, Erwin? I’m their mother. I’m the one who
takes care of them, day in and day out. You have no right to say what I did was
wrong. You’rethe one who’s barely here. And, of course, I feel fucking
horrible, but fuck you, I’m human, Erwin. Human. Not everyone can be a damn
dutiful robot like you.” Elyse hissed, angrily, pushing a finger into his
chest.
 
Erwin didn’t blink nor did he move. He stood there, still glaring at her.
 
“I’m sorry, I was under the impression that you were a saint. You being so
innocent and young. Perfect little Elyse, tell me when did you start deciding
to curse at the man who practically takes care of you and our children.” Erwin
shot back, his eyes narrowing.
 
Elyse closed her eyes, clenching her fists, and she opened her eyes, shooting a
poisonous look at him.
 
“Leave me alone, Erwin. You may be our children’s father, but you are nothing
to me. Just like you wanted.” Elyse stated, unflinching and unmoving under his
domineering gaze.
 
With that said, Elyse fled up the stairs and opened the door to the nursey,
meeting the sympathetic gaze of Nifa and an apologetic one from Dieter.
 
“Leave me alone with them, please.” Elyse ordered, softly. Nifa and Dieter
nodded, hesitantly, and left, closing the door behind them.
 
She approached their cribs, watching as they fed quietly. So innocent, so
oblivious to what was going on with their parents. That’s when Elyse began to
think about the future, how they were going to question what was going on with
their parents, being confused of what love is because they can’t see it between
her and Erwin, not a single trace.
 
“I’m sorry.” Elyse whispered, tracing Eren’s cheek as he began to sleepily
drink his bottle, “I’m sorry.”
 
That’s when all the frustration and loneliness came out as Elyse softly sobbed.
 
===============================================================================
 
She didn’t see Erwin after that. And before she knew it, she realized that
Erwin had left that same night they fought and hadn’t come back home yet. She
didn’t feel any emotion at that, all she felt was stress at the thought of her
brother and father coming home to an Erwin-less home.
 
That would surely upset her father. He would probably think about his business
failing rather than worry about his daughter’s well-being.
 
Her 18th birthday was tomorrow, and she wanted to at least have a happy
occasion. Her 17th birthday had been spent cleaning up diapers and feeding
crying children while Erwin was at work, ignoring her, and Dieter and Nifa were
off doing errands.
 
But, Elyse found herself worrying about nothing as he watched Levi, her father,
and Erwin come out the car the week after. Elyse ran to her brother, his arms
wide open, and she laughed when he grunted at the force.
 
“It’s not like I died, Ely.” Levi said, his voice muffled by her hair, but
Elyse didn’t let go for another moment.
 
Elyse turned to greet her father by kissing his cheek and he actually smiled a
little at her. “You look well for a mother who has three children.” He said,
and was that a bit of teasing in his voice?
Elyse smiled at the compliment, realizing that she did slightly miss her
father, and that’s when she knew she was lonely.
 
She hesitantly turned to look at Erwin, but he already had passed them, dealing
with Dieter at the front door, talking to him about something.
 
Elyse sighed, inwardly, in relief.
 
Neither Ackerman men seemed to notice the tension between the couple as they
walked inside the house.
 
“So, where are they?” Levi asked after a moment. Elyse smiled at that and
called for Nifa. Nifa appeared, carrying Mikasa and Armin, while Eren wobbled
next to her, holding onto her pants.
 
Levi’s eyes softened at the sight of them. He bent down to deal with Eren
first, who stared at him curiously. Levi held his hands out and Eren,
courageously, went up to him and he fell into Levi’s waiting arms, looking at
him.
 
Elyse felt a warm feeling as Levi picked him up and squeezed Eren’s nose,
playfully, and Eren giggled at that. Her father simply stared at the spectacle,
unimpressed, yet Elyse noticed that he stared at the babies, with a slight turn
of his mouth, but he began to talk to Erwin and Erwin nodded, motioning to go
upstairs up to his office.
 
The men excused themselves and Levi stayed to play with the kids, who were now
climbing all over him, curiously.
 
“That’s your uncle, little ones.” Elyse introduced, sweetly. Amused at how
curious her kids could be, Elyse pried them off of their uncle before they
started biting, due to their curiosity. Eren also had the habit of doing it.
 
Levi watched as Elyse placed them in their play pen in the living room and he
watched as Armin grabbed a long dark lock, refusing to let go of his mother’s
hand.
 
“He really does look like Erwin.” Levi stated, scrutinizing the little boy as
Armin finally let go of her. He stared at Eren, wordlessly, and Elyse knew he
was thinking about their mother, so she changed the subject.
 
“Mikasa is beginning to look like tante.” Elyse mused, softly, watching as
Mikasa picked up a toy to play with. Levi nodded, turning his attention to the
little girl.
 
It was quiet for a moment, but Levi turned to Elyse and she raised an eyebrow
in questioning, “What is it?” She asked.
 
“Erwin…he told me that you know about…” Levi trailed off as if trying to find
the right words. Elyse paled, her heart beginning to beat faster.
 
About how he almost choked me to death and how I told him that he was nothing
to me.
 
Elyse waited, the dread almost eating her alive as Levi tried to find the right
words.
 
“Elyse, he admitted what he’d done to you because he respects me enough to tell
me when he’s in the wrong especially when it comes to my sister. He also
mentioned how he’s now keeping his distance from you and the kids.” Levi
stated, carefully.
 
Elyse sighed, irritably, at the last part. “Stupid, right?” Levi raised an
eyebrow at her, but he sighed after a moment, “Look, Elyse, I believe that
Erwin is doing what is best with the situation right now.”
 
Elyse, bitter and angry from all the loneliness and helplessness she felt the
whole year surged within her being, and she grabbed her brother’s arm, leading
him in a secluded part of the living room so she could voice her anger without
being angry in front of the gurgling babies.
 
“I begged him to ask for help, and he told me he did all he could. Fine, I get
that, but that doesn’t excuse you for not being there for your partner, because
it takes two to make a baby, when you promised to try and start being friends
with each other because God knows that the romantic prospect of the
relationship flew past when you marry a stranger.”
 
Levi simply listened, trying to grasp that the angry words were coming from his
sister.
 
“Don’t get me started on how if he really did all he could, then why marry
someone and have a family with them just to shut them out.”
 
Levi stopped Elyse there, pinning her with a glare that immediately made her
close her mouth.
 
“Elyse.” The way her brother said her name made her freeze. She had pissed him
off.
 
“I know that you’re angry. I know that you’re lonely. But, you need to
understand that PTSD is a real thing.” Levi stated the last part with a
strained note.
 
“Of course, I knew that. I’m not oblivious to it, and I knew you had it once
you moved to the city after Germany. You didn’t have to tell me, your
nightmares did.” Elyse stated, sharply, tired of being treated like she was a
little girl.
 
Levi nodded, sharply, and he relaxed, giving up, “That’s not all you have to
understand, Elyse…Erwin and I, we served in the Army, but we served in
a…special unit. One that might kill me since I revealed it to you.”
 
Elyse paused then. Staring at her brother, shocked and terrified, Elyse tried
to make sense of what he was insinuating. A special unit that takes their
secrecy seriously.
 
“What are you saying…” Elyse finally managed to say, still hesitant.
 
Levi looked at her, his narrowed gaze tense and serious, “The day that Erwin
mentioned his plan of marrying you to save you from father’s wrath, I had been
hesitant. I knew of his struggle, but I respected his moral ideals into making
sure that you were going to be taken care of and that his child would be
legitimately his. You never mentioned any attacks, so I was thankful and
pleasantly surprised with how Erwin was handling everything. Before he had an
attack, he mentioned how he was becoming more relaxed in your presence and the
children’s, so he thought it would be safe for him to be around you and them,
which triggered what happened to you and what almost happened to Mikasa.”
 
“Levi, you’re saying things that I already know.” Elyse stated, her anger and
bitterness returning at the memory of the night Erwin decided to shut himself
out of their growing family without thinking of how it would affect them.
 
Levi shook his head, grabbing her arm, “I’m not finished, Elyse. Once he told
me that, of course, I yelled at him, told him he was an idiot for letting
himself go. But, after a moment, I remembered how much he struggled after he
got home from it all. We all did. But, Erwin…the man had it bad, Ely. He needed
more than a normal PTSD therapy, and I don’t blame him. Do you think Erwin
wanted to marry you and have children just so he could treat you this way? He
may have had his dutiful reasons with marrying you, but he really loves the
kids. Erwin just wanted to be human with a family of his own, but it almost got
him to kill you and Mikasa. Do you understand that, Elyse?”
 
Elyse had begun shaking at that point, wrapping her arms around her as she
imagined the horrors that surrounded Erwin when he came back. Her brother had
mentioned how bad it had been for himself and Elyse witnessed it firsthand, but
he said that Erwin was worse, and that made Elyse want to cry and run to Erwin
to apologize for what she did…for what she said to him.
 
“I understand.” Elyse stated, quietly. Levi softened then, letting her arm go.
 
“If Erwin could, he would. You should at least know that about the man, Ely.”
With that said, Levi shot a sympathetic look at Elyse, and all Elyse could do
was mentally kick herself.
 
===============================================================================
 
 
Dinner was a quiet affair. The usual even without guests when Erwin would come
home and Elyse would feed the kids, the sounds of silverware meeting porcelain
and babies gurgling would be the only sounds heard.
 
Her father, Levi, and Erwin were having a quiet discussion while Elyse fed the
babies, distracting herself with them. When her father and Levi retired to
their rooms, with Nifa being on vacation and Dieter on duty, Elyse placed the
babies back in their cribs, thanking God that they fell asleep quickly. Elyse
heard Erwin’s office door that led to the nursery creak open, quietly.
 
She looked up and she saw Erwin, looking slightly disheveled with his tie loose
on his neck and his top button on his dress shirt unbuttoned, pausing at the
sight of her.
 
They stared at each other for a moment before he looked away first, clearing
his throat, softly.
 
“I apologize. I didn’t know you were in here.” Erwin said, smoothly, as if they
never had that argument.
 
Elyse approached him, slowly, and Erwin watched her, carefully. He still held
on to the door knob and Elyse noticed that his knuckles were showing white from
him clutching it, tightly.
 
“I should be the one apologizing.” Elyse said, softly, as she bit her lip,
nervously. Erwin seemed a bit taken aback, but understanding dawned on his
features.
 
“Levi said something, didn’t he? He should know better than to slip up like
that.” Erwin sighed, wearily, and Elyse noticed that his hold on the door knob
loosened and ran a hand through his blonde hair.
 
“He said something to put me in my place. I shouldn’t have the said the things
I did.” Elyse apologized, trying to defend her brother’s actions.
 
Erwin glared at her, as if he was reprimanding her, “Elyse, you have no reason
to apologize. If that’s how you feel, then so be it.”
 
God, why was he still being frustrating?
 
Stamping down her frustration, Elyse stared at him, completely sympathetic,
“No, you don’t understand…I’ve been feeling bitter and lonely because…well, I
don’t really have anyone here besides the babies and the help, which is great,
but it’s still lonely. I used to be surrounded by the people I care about, but
now, I’m not. The babies are great, but taking care of them is a hassle in its
own. Dieter and Nifa are nice, but they don’t get too personal for
understandable reasons. I had you, but…you disappeared and I got hurt.”
 
That last part was hard for her to admit and Erwin stared at her as if she
suddenly had two heads. Where is a rock, so she could crawl into it and hide?
 
“So, that’s why I said those things. And, I hope you will forgive me.” Elyse
finished, trying to prompt him to speak to her.
 
“…Elyse. I didn’t realize…” Erwin trailed off and he groaned, cursing to
himself, quietly, “Shit, I’m a fucking idiot.”
 
Elyse didn’t know what to say to that. She was uncomfortable and nervous and
she didn’t know what to do as she stood there while the man she had barely
spoken to for a year now stood there, having an existential crisis.
 
Erwin finally stood up, straight, and he walked towards her in one swift stride
and she stiffened when he grabbed both her arms.
 
“You’re saying that you…missed me? Truly?” He asked it, as if demanding a
criminal of an answer.
 
Elyse blushed at that, but she nodded, slowly. “We were becoming friends, and
it was nice.” She offered, lamely.
 
Erwin smiled at that, and Elyse was struck with how much she missed his smiling
face.  After a moment, a frown darkened his face and he stepped away with a
sigh, warning Elyse.
 
Erwin looked at her then at the babies, hesitantly. He offered her an arm,
motioning for her to follow him.
 
“Let’s discuss this in the office.” Erwin stated, quietly, opening the door for
her while placing a hand on the small of her back, leading her inside his
office.
 
Once he closed the door, he motioned for Elyse to sit in one of the chairs in
front of the fireplace.
 
“Do you want anything to drink?” Erwin asked as he walked towards the mini-bar
he had next to his desk.
 
Something that will make me relaxed in your company would be nice.
 
“No, I’m fine.” Elyse replied, softly. She heard Erwin pour his usual drink,
Jameson. She had noticed that was his favorite when he got home for dinner, and
she made a note of that and told Nifa to always have it prepared in the house.
 
That was when she was still trying to be friends with him, and he didn’t even
tell her if he noticed or not, still pointedly avoiding her.
 
Erwin returned, sitting on the chair next to hers that was also facing the
fireplace. He took a long gulp from it before putting it down on his arm rest
as he swirled the contents in it around.
 
It was quiet, and Elyse waited for Erwin to talk before she would start losing
it, mentally.
“I’ll go back.” Erwin finally stated, his voice low and lost in thought. Elyse
turned to stare at him, but he was busy staring at the fireplace, his
concentrated blue eyes too lost in thought.
 
“…I’m sorry?” Elyse asked, confused. Erwin took another sip, “I’ll go back to
therapy.”
 
Elyse blinked.
 
“It might not work, but it’s a start.” Erwin said again, standing up,
immediately restless as he still held on to his drink and putting a hand in one
of the pockets of his dress pants.
 
Of course, he looks like a damn movie star. Oh, Elyse, pay attention, will you.
 
“Therapy? For the…attacks?” Elyse asked, trying to make sense of it all.
 
Erwin nodded, “Yes, the last time I went must’ve been at least seven years ago.
But, I think it’s necessary once more.” Elyse was too startled to respond,
scared that Erwin might bolt once more if she voiced any sort of opinion.
 
He turned around and placed his drink on the coffee table and walked towards
her, bending down to look up at her. He, gently, grabbed her hands and he held
her hesitant gaze.
 
“I’m truly sorry about what I said, too. I…I have missed your company and the
children, and I took it out on you because…Elyse, you can hear this a thousand
times and deny it, but you are…a saint. Now, don’t protest, just listen. You
gave up everything to marry a stranger and have taken two children in your care
while giving an excruciatingly painful birth to our son. You had a dream and
you had a life before this, and you gave it up because…you are compassionate
and kind. You have such a beautiful soul.”
 
Elyse was floored, flustered and her eyes darted around the office, trying to
avoid his gaze. A gentle tug of her chin made her look at him, and he smiled at
her, dazzling and gorgeous as always.
 
“I will try to give you what you want. A friend. It will be hard, but---“
 
“It won’t be hard because I’ll be here. I want to be friends, Erwin.” Elyse
interrupted, finally finding her voice as soon as she heard the doubt in his
voice.
 
They have gone so far, and Elyse wasn’t about to have him retract on her now.
She started feeling slightly powerful, as if she was appointed to be Erwin’s
emotional guardian at this point.
 
Erwin chuckled, and Elyse’s heart ached. She had missed that sound. She had
missed the ability to make him smile and laugh with her stories or words.
 
The clock struck midnight and the sound of church bells echoed in his office,
and Elyse froze, worried that the babies might wake at the sound. Also, she was
confused. She never heard the sound of church bells in their manor before.
 
Erwin noticed and laughed, “Don’t worry. This office is soundproof. I usually
take phone calls on speakerphone. Also, I tend to curse loudly.”
 
It was Elyse’s turn to laugh and it felt good to let go.
 
The slight pressure on her hands made her look down and she saw Erwin placing a
kiss on her hands, and she blushed as he looked up at her, smiling.
 
“By the way, Happy Birthday, Elyse.” Erwin greeted.
 
Elyse rolled her eyes, finally feeling at ease, “You’re not smooth at all.”
 
Erwin shrugged and chuckled, and Elyse knew that they were finally on the way
to being friends once more.
 
===============================================================================
 
Her brother insisted on punching her arm 18 times to keep up their birthday
tradition, and Elyse whined.
 
Elyse didn’t want a big celebration much to her father’s disappointment. He
wanted to use it as a business boost, so Elyse compromised. The backyard at the
manor held a beautiful rose garden with antique patio furniture. She would take
the kids out there whenever she thought it would be good to have fresh air. The
sound of the water crashing on the crocks sounded, and it used to calm Elyse
when she watched the kids. So, her father invited some of the business partners
including the Mr. Garnier who she was supposed to marry to their house for a
garden party in the evening. And, they were preparing for it.
 
Elyse sat down to take a break and Levi had begun the punches.
 
“You’re the one who started the tradition, Elyse. I don’t understand why you
should be exempted from it.” Levi argued, placing the last punch on her upper
arm.
 
“I started it because it was an excuse to annoy you.” Elyse argued back,
rubbing her upper arm, “Besides, I’m a mother now. You can’t just punch my arms
anymore. I need them to carry my precious children.”
 
Levi pointed at Erwin with a pointed look, “That’s why you have that large man
to help you.” Elyse looked towards the direction he was pointing at, and she
softened at the sight. Erwin was holding Mikasa as he watched Eren and Armin
waddle around everywhere.
 
Elyse bit her lip in worry when she saw Armin fall, but once he got up, she
sighed in relief.
 
“Look at you, being all motherly.” Levi teased. “It seems like yesterday when
you came up to me, crying about how you shit your pants.”
 
“You’re so lucky I love you.” Elyse mumbled, bright red at the mention of an
unfortunate incident in her life.
 
Levi shrugged, chuckling. He looked to where she had been looking before and he
cleared his throat, “So, I take it that you and Erwin talked.”
 
Elyse smiled, slightly, at her brother. “Yeah, we did. He told me he’s planning
to go back to therapy.”
 
Levi nodded at that, a smile playing on his lips, “Well, well, what did I tell
you about him being a good man?”
 
Elyse rolled her eyes, “The man is good, but he’s dense and unreadable. I had
to admit to him that I had missed him before he realized that he wasn’t doing
anyone any favors with his avoidance.”
 
Levi hummed in agreement.
 
“Levi, Elyse. It’s time.” Erwin called as he motioned for Nifa to pick up Eren
and Armin. Elyse could see the cars approaching the winding road, slowly, and
she sighed, shooting her brother an amused look.
 
Levi shot one back, and Elyse realized that she didn’t know what being lonely
was anymore.
 
===============================================================================
 
The birthday celebration, Elyse pleasantly thought, wasn’t as bad as she
thought it would be. The evening cool fall air was enjoyable and the ambiance
and the setting was gorgeous. Her father and Levi weren’t fighting, and Elyse
noticed that her father and her brother were talking to business partners
together. She was taken aback by that, but she didn’t dare question it.
 
Maybe it was a birthday miracle.
 
Wives of the business partners were young. Not herage, but they were young
compared to their own decaying husbands. Some were nice, which Elyse felt they
had to be, and some were straight-up nasty, thinking that Elyse wasn’t a big
deal.
 
Yes, because your husbands don’t work under my father, my brother, and husband.
 
The babies were a joy for everyone who met them. The ladies cooed and played
while the men slapped Erwin’s back, drunkenly congratulating him for joining
parenthood.
 
Elyse realized that this would technically be the first public appearance of
her babies, but Erwin had calmed her, saying that it was a small group compared
to what they were usually used to. He was right, as always. The babies were
more curious than scared as they basked in the attention, and it also made them
tire easily.
 
Elyse thanked Nifa and Dieter as they moved them to the nursery.
 
“Miss Elyse! Happy birthday!” A pleasant voice greeted her. Elyse looked to
where the voice was and she broke out into a huge smile at seeing the source of
the voice.
 
“Petra! Wow, it’s been forever!” Elyse greeted, hugging the petite blonde
tightly.
 
Petra giggled at that and sighed, “Being your husband’s assistant means that I
have to be in charge of all the business ventures. He bought a lot in the last
year, and I don’t even know why. He’s selling most of them, keeping one, which
is a bit odd.”
 
Elyse raised an eyebrow at that, too, “Just one business venture? Which one is
it?”
 
Petra opened her mouth to respond, but a sight behind Elyse must’ve surprised
her as she gasped, softly. Elyse turned around and she saw her brother staring
at Petra, also taken aback.
 
“Levi?” Petra asked, as if she couldn’t believe he was there. Levi got up and
approached them, slowly.
 
“Hello, Petra. It’s been awhile.” Levi greeted, acknowledging her with a nod of
his head.
 
Elyse could feel some awkwardness in the air and she wished that she could
disappear in that moment because it was pretty quiet and they were just staring
at each other.
 
“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to---“
 
“Elyse.” Erwin called her name, and Elyse looked up, gratefully. He motioned
for her to come over as he stood with a group of men.
 
“Seems that my husband needs me, so…” Elyse trailed off, leaving quickly,
trying to be discreet. She walked over to Erwin, who smiled at her and placed
an arm around her waist. He gave her a look before turning back to the group of
men.
 
Ah, he wants me to play the wife. Got it.
Elyse placed the pretty smile she practiced back in Julliard during her acting
classes, and by the appreciative looks of the men, it means it had worked.
 
“Good evening, gentlemen.” Elyse greeted, turning on a hostess charm, “I hope
you’re enjoying yourselves tonight.”
 
“Ah, Miss Elyse. Your estate is charming.” One of the men complimented. “Almost
as charming as the birthday girl herself.”
 
A practiced giggle slipped through her lips as she swatted his arm, playfully,
“Oh, please, you flatter me too much, Mr.…?”
 
“Mr. Pixis. Mr. Dot Pixis. I worked with your father andyour husband back in
Germany. It’s a small world out here.”
 
Elyse found herself completely charmed by the man even though he seemed a bit
drunk.
 
Erwin chuckled at that, his arm still around her waist, playing the doting
husband, “You just happen to work with everyone, Pixis.”
 
The men began to laugh at that, and Elyse smiled, politely. She scanned their
faces and she noticed that one of them was staring at her a bit too much. She
wondered who he was, and if someone answered her thoughts, the man opened his
mouth.
 
“So, Elyse, tell us, how did you manage to land our stoic Erwin here?” He
asked, and Elyse knew it was meant to be teasing but she could sense the
seriousness in his voice. The men didn’t seem to notice as they eagerly laughed
and encouraged her to answer.
 
“Well, we first met at a party that my father held at our house back in New
York City. He was visiting my brother back then and he had been trailing me
throughout the whole party without talking to me. I just had it and turned to
him and demanded him to talk to me if he was insistent on following me the
whole night. The rest was history.” Elyse lied through her teeth.
 
She added the Erwin stalking her part for her amusement and a warning pinch
from Erwin made her smile even wider at him.
 
That’s right, Erwin. You creepy man.
 
“Well, that seems to be Erwin’s way of picking up women.” The man said, his
teasing tone still holding that serious note.
 
Elyse laughed with the rest of the men, but Elyse noticed that Erwin was too
busy staring at the man who spoke.
 
“Niles, how is your wife?” Erwin suddenly asked, smiling his secret smile.
Elyse noticed that the man, Niles, blanched at that, but he smiled back.
 
“She’s fine. She’s carrying our second child. That’s why she couldn’t make it
tonight.” Niles stated, and Elyse was starting to know the tension between the
two men.
 
She decided to cut in.
 
“If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen. I must attend to the other guests. Such a
pleasure to speak with you.” Elyse said, pleasantly. She stole a quick glance
at Erwin, his nonchalant face actually looked threatening as he stared at the
man before him.
 
“Honey,” Elyse called for him, her voice holding the slightest hint of warning,
“would you like to join me in greeting our guests?”
 
Erwin seemed to wake up at that and he looked down, his arm tightening around
her waist, smiling a trained smile.
 
“Of course, dear. If you’ll excuse us.” Erwin excused them, and he brought them
aside to join other people.
 
Before they could, Elyse looked up at him, worried, “Are you okay, Erwin?”
 
Erwin nodded, sharply, “Yeah, it’s just that even if it’s a party, you must be
on guard all the time. Men like them are dangerous game players. I just happen
to be really good at the game.”
 
Elyse laughed at that, softly. He was starting to open up to her, and with his
weird lingo, she found herself at ease.
 
Ironically, playing pretend with Erwin was starting to feel normal once more.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// YAY PROGRESS. YAY BETTER ENDING THAN BEFORE. BUT, WHO KNOWS
     WHAT WILL HAPPEN.
     Also, on a more serious note, I’m keeping France in my prayers. And,
     as you can tell by this story, I am in love with France even if I
     still haven’t gotten to visit this lovely country. Pray for France
     xx.
***** Families and Birthdays *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// The usual. Elyse belongs to me. Everyone else belongs to the
     Titans
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Eren was turning one and so was Mikasa a couple weeks after. Planning a
birthday for each of them in the upcoming week was starting to become
stressful. Levi had offered to help, but ever since her 18th birthday, her
brother has been busy with Erwin.
 
Their father revealed that he was going to give Levi some responsibility and
that had shocked the Ackerman siblings to no end. The fact that their father
was playing with the babies before he left was also terrifyingly shocking.
 
But the softening of her father was the least shock. Her brother actually
complying to her father’s wishes, and she had almost teased her brother until
he shot her a warning look, so she simply smiled and kept quiet.
 
Well, now that the men in her family were a little bit busier, Elyse had
struggled with the party planning especially when it came to the guest lists.
Erwin had told her that the business ventures that he bought and then sold got
him many connections and that it would kill two birds with one stone with
inviting them. Elyse was surprised and a bit disappointed about it, but Erwin
gave her a pointed look and sat her down.
 
“Elyse, I know that you’ve been away from the spotlight for a while, and I made
sure that you were because of the pregnancy and the children. But, I can’t keep
the spotlight away forever. With inviting these business partners, the
spotlight will not only be on me, but it’ll be on you.” Erwin explained, trying
to make her understand.
 
Realization dawned on her. And she groaned.
 
“Exactly,” Erwin sighed, “It’s been a year away from the press and the constant
hounding from friends and acquaintances. With our lives, we can’t stay in
hiding forever.”
 
Fear seized Elyse, “What about the children? Can’t we just hide them for a
while? I don’t want another incident with the press.” Elyse said, grabbing
Erwin’s arm.
 
Erwin patted her hand, comfortingly, “With you finally out and about, the press
will be busy with that. Besides, Dieter and Nifa will be here with them when we
have to go out.”
 
“Going out? You mean…”
 
“Business parties, events, and dinners. The people I do business with don’t
like knowing about my wife and not seeing her. It’s a plus to look like a
family man to them. It’s irritating, but what can you do?” Erwin apologized,
half-heartedly trying to make a joke.
 
Elyse smiled back, but her eyes twinkled in amusement, “So, I’m joining the
game?” She asked, teasingly.
 
Erwin smiled at that, “Everyone needs a good partner.”
 
So, here she was, in a banquet hall, supposedly planning a birthday party for
Eren, her first one-year old child. She was stubbornly holding on to the fact
that her baby would at least have balloons and a kid-themed party. Erwin had
laughed at that, but he told her it should be fine.
 
With that idea, Elyse told him to tell the guests to bring their children and
he complied.
 
Finishing the final touches to the venue, Elyse was finally satisfied before
she walked outside to wait for the car. Dieter was at her side, asking if
everything was okay. Elyse smiled and was about to tell him about her day until
a cameraman and a reporter ran up to her, asking her questions.
 
“Elyse, Elyse! What brings you here today?” The reporter asked, urgently, and
that’s when the press began to swarm around her.
 
“Elyse! Look over here!”
“Elyse, how are the children?”
“You look gorgeous, what’s your secret?”
 
“Miss Elyse, come here.” Dieter stated, putting an arm around her, but she
smiled at him and shook her head. He looked surprised, but he obeyed.
 
Elyse took a deep breath and she turned to press, smiling, “Hello, everyone.
It’s nice to see all of you, but I really need to go now.” That’s when Dieter
knew that was his cue as he began to usher her out.
 
The press still clamored as she made her way through, but Elyse waved and
smiled, playing the perfect little heiress that the press had claimed her to
be.
 
Once she got in the car, she took a deep breath, running a hand through her
hair.
 
So much for living a quiet life.
 
===============================================================================
 
Elyse got home to happy children as they crawled and stomped their chubby feet
towards her. Elyse laughed, greeting them with kisses. “You are going to have a
great birthday, Eren. Don’t worry, Armin, your birthday is coming soon. Yes, it
is. Yes, it is.” Elyse cooed, as her children babbled, happily.
 
Nifa waited patiently for her mistress to finish up greeting her kids before
she informed Elyse, “Mr. Smith called. He said to meet him at his office for
dinner. Apparently, your father is asking for you to be there.”
 
Elyse nodded, sighing, she thought she would be able to rest for a bit with the
children, but when father calls, father calls. Putting her hair down, she
carried Armin and let Eren and Mikasa climb up the stair by holding NIfa’s
hands. As Armin placed his head on his mother’s shoulder, Elyse smiled, softly,
kissing his forehead.
 
She hated when she had to leave her children sometimes, but she did crave going
out most of the time. She was an adventurer since she was a kid on the streets
of Paris with her teenage brother, as he showed her everything, until she was a
student in New York City.
 
When she was satisfied with her kids playing, she blew them a kiss, and they
waved their hands with their excited babbling.
 
Petra had outdone herself once more. Elyse looked at herself in the mirror,
appreciating how she looked in the one-shoulder mahogany body-con midi dress.
Elyse realized that the last time she did her makeup, professionally, was at
her birthday party, and now, she had been enjoying putting her makeup since
then, realizing that she had the time now. So, with simple mascara and
eyeliner, a hint of blush and bronzer, and a natural lip color, Elyse felt
proud of herself as she stared at her reflection.
 
She had put her hair off to one side, pinning up the side that would cover her
shoulder if she didn’t put it up. Pairing of the dress, Elyse grabbed black
strappy heels that made her happy that she could wear heels again and a simple
clutch.
 
She gave herself one more look in the mirror, smoothing out the dress once
more. She lost the pregnancy weight, slowly, due to her being extremely active
with the kids and running errands around the estate, but that meant she lost
the toned muscles she had as a dancer, but that could be easily fixed,
reminding herself to get back into her training regime as much as she could.
 
Her father had always been very critical of her and her brother’s appearance
since they were young, embracing the European fashion and reminding them that
the only time they could look relaxed is when no one was around them.
 
That’s when she thought of how her brother still wore a cravat to this day,
amused.
 
She walked downstairs and Dieter nodded, giving her a slight smile, and Nifa
gasped in awe, “You look gorgeous, Miss Elyse.” Nifa gushed.
 
Dieter nodded, silently, agreeing with the small woman. Elyse blushed, and
thanked them. She kissed Nifa’s cheek as a goodbye, who still flushed at that
affection, but Elyse was adamant about being friendly with her staff besides
they were in Paris. It’s not normal to not greet or leave without a kiss on the
cheek.
 
Elyse thanked Dieter as he helped her in the car. Once the door closed, Elyse
checked her phone to see if anyone contacted her and she realized that she had
a notification sent to her from Petra.
 
It was a news article and she looked at it, slightly surprised. The headline
read: ELYSE JAEGER-ACKERMAN FINALLY SHINING IN PUBLIC.
 
It went on to talk about how she was friendly and how the press had been
excited to the see the heiress and couldn’t wait to see more of her.
 
Immediately overwhelmed, Elyse realized that her quiet life wasn’t going to be
so quiet anymore.
 
===============================================================================
 
She was correct to assume that because once she reached Erwin’s building, a
small group of press was waiting for her. She had assumed at first that they
were waiting for someone else, but the moment she saw a distressed Petra
waiting for her inside, through the glass doors, Elyse braced herself as Dieter
rushed to open her door and protect her at the same time.
 
The press began their usual yelling, trying to catch her attention, and Elyse
did her best to keep her practiced smile on her face as she walked through with
the help of Dieter. Once the glass doors closed behind her, the security detail
that usually followed Erwin guarded the doors.
 
Elyse walked up to Petra, giving her a comforting hug as Petra visibly relaxed,
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Miss Elyse. I think one of the workers here tipped the press
that you’ll be coming tonight.”
 
Elyse shook her head, “It’s fine, Petra. Might as well try to get used to it.”
 
Petra still sighed, but she let go of Elyse as she noticed her dress, and she
smiled, proudly.
 
“You look beautiful, Miss Elyse.” Petra complimented her, applauding herself
for a job well done and Elyse laughed at that. “Come, let’s go upstairs.
They’re waiting for you.” Petra said, leading Elyse to the elevator with Dieter
trailing behind them.
 
The elevator led them to the top floor and the elevator attendant, a young boy,
seemed to be floored by her and she tried to smile reassuringly at him, which
made him more flustered. The doors opened, revealing a large waiting room with
a gorgeous secretary waiting for them at the receptionist table.
 
Petra walked up to the table, speaking in French to her, and Elyse felt
nostalgic with the language, appreciating the sounds.
 
“Isabelle, this is Miss Elyse, Mr. Smith’s wife.” Petra introduced, motioning
towards Elyse. The gorgeous secretary got up, and she made her way to Elyse,
giving the usual two kisses on each cheek in greeting. Elyse found herself
appreciative of the gesture, realizing that she truly missed her French roots.
 
“Miss Elyse, a pleasure. I am your husband’s secretary and I also help Petra
with other errands.” Isabelle introduced herself, warmly. Elyse nodded her
head, “Thank you for all your hard work, Isabelle. I do hope my husband isn’t
hard on you.”
 
The slight darkening look at Elyse’s words on Isabella’s face had made Elyse
suddenly uncomfortable and she almost blushed at the look, realizing that it
was very similar to the looks that Erwin and her had exchanged when they first
met.
 
“Oh, your husband isn’t very hard on me at all. If anything, he’s very easy.”
Isabella laughed, the look disappearing, but the small playful smile was still
there.
 
That’s when a lightbulb popped in Elyse’s head.
 
Oh.
 
She couldn’t think more of it since Petra excused them and was now leading
Elyse to the wooden doors that led to Erwin’s office. Petra knocked on the
doors, loudly, and Erwin’s voice called out, “Come in.”
 
Petra opened the doors and Elyse gasped at how huge Erwin’s office was. The
open windows and warm fireplace were what her eyes were drawn to, but Erwin’s
office desk seemed tiny compared to the size of the office. Her father and
brother were sitting in the small resting area that was in front of Erwin’s
office desk. It had leather couches and a coffee table in between. A small
mini-bar was at the side of the resting area. If Elyse didn’t know any better,
it was the exact replica of Erwin’s office back at their estate except this
place was huge and had the gorgeous view of Paris outside his windows.
 
Erwin was standing next to the mini-bar, pouring a drink, when he looked up and
saw her. He paused, and Elyse shyly stared back, finally feeling a little
uncomfortable with all the attention since she left home. Was it too much? Her
father and brother were deep in conversation, acknowledging her with a nod
before returning to their talk.
 
Erwin finally made the first move as he smiled at her, politely. He walked
towards her, drink in hand, and he bent down grab her hand and kiss it. “You
look beautiful, Elyse.”
 
Elyse thanked him, bashfully, but she was stopped by his chuckle, “Like a
pumpkin.” He whispered, quietly, just so she could hear.
 
A flash of annoyance crossed her face as she pushed him away, playfully. She
breathed a sigh of relief when he had teased her. She felt more comfortable
when he was playful rather than serious with her.
 
Her father and brother decided to stop what they were talking to turn and
acknowledge their favorite girl. “Elyse, come here. I want to discuss something
with you and your brother.” Her father stated, motioning for her.
 
Elyse shot Erwin a cross-eyed look and Erwin chuckled as he pushed her towards
her family. Elyse obeyed as she moved to sit next to her father. She greeted
him with a kiss on the cheek and he smiled at her, giving her a once-over look.
 
“Beautiful, my dear. Motherhood really does agree with you, you’re positively
glowing.” Her father stated, pleasantly. Elyse laughed at that, mentally
rolling her eyes, “You must be already drunk, papa.” The darkened look made
Elyse stop her teasing as she realized that she was talking to her father, not
Levi or Erwin, and she coughed slightly, bowing her head in apology.
 
She heard Levi stifle a laugh and through veiled hair, she shot him a glare
while he purposely looked away, drinking his drink.
 
“Anyways, I need to discuss the plan of the company in the near future.” Her
father continued, taking everything by stride, “I was just talking to your
brother how I plan for him to take over in New York while your husband
continues to take over here.”
 
That really shocked Elyse.
 
She turned to her brother, and she noticed that he looked at her, ready for her
questions.
 
“Father and I have made a compromise. I’ve decided to take over for an interim
until someone more qualified shows up.” Levi explained, and Elyse noticed that
her father looked disgruntled at that, but he let his son continue, “If I do
like leading the company, then I’ll take over just like father wanted.”
 
Elyse was even more confused, “When…?” She trailed off, not sure if she should
question the tension that had happened with her brother and her father before.
 
Her father sighed, turning to his daughter, and he took her hand, “I’m…I’m
getting old, my dear. I’ve decided to swallow my pride just this once with your
brother because it does belong to him and you and your children.”
 
Elyse softened at that, “Papa, I didn’t realize that you were that scared.” Her
father shrugged, patting her hand, “I want what’s best for my family, no matter
what. We may have our differences, but I’m adamant about our company. Besides,
with Erwin leading our Paris sales since you both moved here---“
“Wait, what?” Elyse asked, surprised, turning to her husband, who simply stared
at her, nonchalantly.
 
Her father looked at her confused and Elyse noticed that he also shot Erwin a
look of confusion, “Your husband took over Mr. Garnier’s job at least a year
ago, Elyse. Did you not tell her, Erwin?”
 
Elyse simply stared at her husband, a little miffed at the news. Erwin sighed,
and he looked at her father rather than at her, “With three kids and me being
at work all the time, it slipped my mind.”
 
Her father nodded in understanding, but Elyse was far away from understanding.
 
That sneaky bastard. You had every opportunity to let me know.
 
She turned away from her husband, and she lost herself in her thoughts as her
father talked once more.
 
Why didn’t he tell me? We did have that year of not talking, but that still
doesn’t give him an excuse. Is he trying to undermine my authority with my
father’s company? No, don’t think that, Elyse. But, why is he so damn
infuriating? It’s not as if it was hard to tell me.
 
She let out a sigh at her complicated thoughts, and her brother calling her
name made her back to paying attention.
 
“Shall we go to dinner now?” Levi asked, standing up and offering his arm to
her. She gratefully accepted it and as they all left, she pointedly ignored
Erwin’s stare before they left the office.
 
Dinner was pleasant. Elyse was right about her father already being a little
out of it, but now, he was really out of it. He was waving his glass around,
laughing with Erwin, and slapping Levi’s back.
 
Elyse was very glad that she was seated next to her brother and Erwin. A pinch
to her waist made her look up from playing with her food and she involuntarily
looked up at Erwin, but she realized that it wasn’t him because he was still
busy talking to her father.
 
A chuckle from her other side made her blush, and she pushed her brother in
annoyance as he began to laugh.
 
“I can’t believe you thought it was Erwin. Are you guys into that or something?
I mean, I’m not judging or anything…” Levi whispered to her, playfully.
 
“Shut up.” Elyse hissed back, still bright red.
 
“Is everything all right?” Erwin asked them, his attention turning to them and
Elyse hastily nodded while Levi shrugged in amusement.
 
“Elyse, are you feeling well? You seem flushed.” Erwin said, turning his
attention to her, placing a hand on Elyse’s forehead, and Elyse grabbed his
hand, and it looked gentle, but she squeezed his hand, tightly, before dropping
it, smiling innocently at him.
 
“I’m fine, Erwin.”
 
She knew that Erwin didn’t miss the warning tone in her voice and he bent down
to whisper in her ear when he noticed that Levi went back to distracting Ansel.
 
“Explain.” Erwin stated, quietly. Elyse rolled her eyes, facing him, not even
realizing that their faces were inches away.
 
“Why did you lie to me? You’re a CEO, Erwin, not an actuary. A CEO of my
father’s Parisian company is a big deal unless you really think that I’m not
allowed to know that.” Elyse whispered back, noticing that she was starting to
get more upset with every word.
 
Erwin sighed, “Elyse, I’m sorry, but we were at…odds back then. I didn’t think
it was smart to tell you just like that. I didn’t want you to think that I also
married you to get ahead in the business game. And, over time, it did really
slip my mind to tell you.”
 
Elyse tried to understand, but she still felt betrayed a bit, but she forced
herself to nod and she returned to facing her food, eating. Erwin’s stare
throughout the whole dinner proved that he didn’t believe that she understood
one bit.
===============================================================================
 
She wished her brother and her father goodnight and they promised to visit soon
to see the children. Her father promised more because he was leaving the next
afternoon. But, then again, he was extremely drunk, so Elyse wouldn’t be
surprised if he didn’t show up, but she mentally made a note to prepare the
estate for her father.
 
Erwin helped her in the car and once he got in, the ride back home was starting
to get a bit awkward. With a hand signal, Erwin motioned for Dieter to put up
the tarp in the car so Elyse and him could speak privately.
 
“Elyse, please tell me what’s bothering you, so we can fix this.” Erwin finally
said, looking at her. Elyse was still looking out the window, but she complied
as she faced him.
 
“Don’t you realize that it sucks living with a husband who keeps things from
you? I want to trust you at least, Erwin, but I don’t.” Elyse replied, her
frown deepening.
 
Erwin nodded, “I apologize, Elyse. I don’t mean to hide things from you. I’m
used to being alone and dealing with things alone.” He explained it so nicely,
Elyse couldn’t find it in her heart to remain stubborn at him.
 
“It’s fine, Erwin. Just…don’t hide, okay? I’m here and you can talk to me
especially when it involves our family.” Elyse said, not even realizing that
she said, ‘our.’
 
Erwin smiled at that, “Our family?” He asked, playfully. Elyse paused and she
rolled her eyes at him, “Yes, our family. You joined the emotionally and
physically-stunted Ackerman family the day you decided to hand yourself to my
father.”
 
The sound of their laughter lifted up the tension the way back home.
===============================================================================
 
Once they got home, they were greeted by a stressed Nifa and three wailing
children. Feeling bad for Nifa, Elyse relieved Nifa by picking up the child who
was crying the most which tended to be Eren, and in this case, Eren.
 
“Aw, mon petite, why are you crying, hm?” Elyse cooed, as she helped Erwin pick
up Armin and Mikasa. Once Mikasa was in her father’s arm, she began to suck her
thumb and laid her head on her father’s shoulder. Armin also calmed down as he
placed his tiny hands on his father’s face, babbling about his day. Eren kept
crying, and Elyse started to worry.
 
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Elyse murmured, wishing for the hundredth time that her
babies could talk to her. Eren simply wailed, and she began to pace the floor,
trying to calm her son down.
 
“Do you want me to take him?” Erwin asked, starting his trek up the stairs to
put Mikasa and Armin down, but Elyse shook her head and waved him off, “It’s
fine, I got him.”
 
Erwin nodded, and disappeared up the stairs.
 
Eren started to calm down, but his tiny hands were tugging at her hair as if
trying to get her attention. And Elyse began to tickle him and he laughed at
that, still sniffling.
 
“There’s that smile, there’s that smile.” Elyse giggled, still tickling him,
“You’re going to turn one tomorrow, darling. Are you excited?”
 
Eren laughed, and he let out a squeal once he found himself lifted up high and
Elyse was also surprised when she saw Erwin’s hands pick Eren up from her.
 
“Pa!” Eren gurgled, loudly, and Erwin’s eyes widened at that. An impossible
gleaming smile found its way on Erwin’s face and he turned to Elyse, happily.
 
Elyse nodded, unaffected, but she was smiling, “He’s been saying that word
since a couple months ago.”
Erwin was taken aback by that and his smile slightly dimmed at the reminder of
how absent he had been compared to now, but Elyse placed a hand on his
shoulder, comfortingly.
 
“Hey, it’s okay now. You’re here, and you finally heard it.” Elyse said, poking
a finger at his dimple in his cheek as he somewhat smiled at her.
 
Eren seemed to want to comfort his father, too, as he tried to mimic his
mother’s actions by slapping his father’s face with his chubby hands.
 
Erwin laughed at that, turning his attention to Eren, “Oh, you little
Mäuschen.” Elyse tilted her head at the term, her face playful.
 
“Eren’s too big to be a mouse.” Elyse stated, sniff-kissing her son’s head.
Erwin rolled his eyes, “Oh, yes, I shall call him bärchen.”
 
The sound of Elyse’s laughter reached Nifa’s ears, as she tended to the
children upstairs, and she shared a smile with Dieter, who nodded in return.
 
It seems that all was well in the Smith household.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse rose early to prepare breakfast for her kids since she told Nifa that she
wanted to start getting used to cooking. Nifa had taught her a couple things in
the kitchen, and Elyse sent a prayer of thanks to her aunt for thinking her a
couple of dishes to make back in America.
 
Tonight was going to be Eren’s celebration, and Elyse’s phone had been ringing
constantly. She had felt bad, but she asked for Nifa’s help to answer the
calls, and Nifa happily accepted, waving Elyse’s worry away.
 
“This is why I’m here, Miss Elyse. I’m here to help.” Nifa argued, politely,
taking away her phone. Elyse sighed, but she accepted.
 
The smell of omelets filled her nostrils, and Elyse was grateful that it didn’t
smell burnt or weird. Satisfied, Elyse busied herself with pouring her kids
orange juice until she smelt something burning.
 
Scared, she closed the refrigerator and that’s when she threw a rag at Erwin,
who sat at the dining table, smoking a cigar.
 
“Put that out, right now.” Elyse hissed, in warning, “You have kids in this
house. If you have to smoke, do it outside.”
 
Erwin sighed, taking the cigar out of his mouth to make a sweeping motion, “I
don’t see kids here, Elyse.”
 
Elyse rolled her eyes, crossing her arms, “I’m about to wake them, so they can
eat. I’m trying to slowly get them off the bottle, so they can start eating
like little normal human beings, and it’s not going to help if they smell
tobacco.”
 
Erwin raised an eyebrow at her, picking up his discarded newspaper on the
table, “Little normal human beings? They’re not creatures, Elyse. Also, don’t
you think it’s a bit early to throw them off with real food?”
 
Elyse twitched, and she pointed to the balcony outside, “Outside. Now.”
 
Erwin raised an eyebrow, amused, but he put out his cigar, snuffing it out on
the ash tray next to him. Elyse sighed, and she walked up to him and grabbed
the ashtray to empty the contents in the trash.
 
“Oh, before I forget, about the party tonight, I’m going to add more security.
Someone tipped off the press again. I need to start making my employees sign a
contract.” Erwin announced, the sound of the newspaper flipping was comforting
to Elyse. She had grown up with newspapers, and the technology right now was
starting to get rid of them, much to her dismay.
 
“Sounds reasonable. Do you need us to get their earlier then?” Elyse asked,
still setting up the breakfast on the dining table.
 
Erwin hummed in thought, “Possibly. I’ll contact them when they get there to
see the gravity of the situation. Also, the dress that Petra picked out for you
tonight is in my room. Remind me to bring it out for you. The babies should
have their outfits picked out by now, too. Unless you picked it out for them.
Levi actually had a custom suit made for Eren if you would like to see it
later.”
 
Elyse’s eyes brightened at that, amused, “Levi got Eren a custom-made suit? Are
you serious?”
 
Erwin nodded, pondering about it, missing the amusement in Elyse’s voice, “I
would’ve got one made, too, but your brother was stubborn about it, saying that
it would be his gift to Eren.”
 
Elyse laughed, “Yes, a custom-made suit that he’ll grow out of sounds like a
great birthday gift.”
 
Her brother and Erwin really didn’t know the idea of practicality when it came
to suits. It seems that they had that in common.
 
Erwin looked at her, quizzically, but Elyse waved his confusion away, “Get the
kids. Breakfast is ready.”
 
===============================================================================
 
Breakfast was a messy affair. Eren had grabbed the omelet and started throwing
it everywhere while Mikasa refused to eat it, wailing for her bottle instead.
Armin was their only hope, he had eaten bits and pieces, but once Mikasa wanted
her bottle, he suddenly wanted his bottle too.
 
Elyse shot Erwin an exasperated look and he stifled a chuckle as he cleaned
Eren’s mess.  He opened his mouth to say something, but when Elyse shot him a
glare, he thought better of it as he shut his mouth and smiled instead.
 
After the mess was cleaned up and the babies were taken back to the nursery by
Nifa, Elyse sighed, sitting down on one of the dining chairs, slumping in it.
 
“Such a waste of good omelets.” Elyse whined, placing an arm on the table so
she could rest her head.
 
Erwin sat at the head of the table, looking clean and handsome, while Elyse was
sure she had omelet gunk on her face and her hair was in a disarray. He had a
plate of one of the omelets with orange juice on the side. His silverware was
also set up, neatly.
 
The arrogant bastard even placed a napkin on his lap, sending a smile her way
as he bit into the omelet.
 
“Eat it up, smug man. The party is tonight, so have fun dealing with old grown-
up businessmen babies.” Elyse stated, glumly.
 
Erwin raised an eyebrow at her, picked up a piece of an omelet with his fork
and offered it to her, “Would you like some?”
 
Elyse pushed it away, glaring at him, and she got up, with a sigh.
 
“Also, work on your vocabulary before tonight, Elyse. I would hate for you to
embarrass yourself in front of the old grown-up businessmen babies.” Erwin
called out to her retreating back.
 
Elyse could hear his gruff laughter when she shot up the middle finger at him.
 
===============================================================================
 
Dressing the babies was easy and Elyse sighed in relief at that. Nifa shooed
her away, stating that it was Elyse’s turn to get ready. Elyse ran to Erwin’s
office and barged in, not even thinking to knock since the pressure of getting
ready was starting to get on her nerves.
 
“Erwin, I need to get---Oh my god!” Elyse screamed, shielding her eyes.
 
Shit. Shit. Shit.
 
Erwin was standing there, half-naked, and black dress pants slung low on his
hips, showing a bulge that had Elyse blushing.
 
“There’s a thing called knocking, Elyse.” Erwin’s voice said, obviously
enjoying her embarrassment.
 
“Well, I’m in a hurry, and I need the dress that Petra picked out for me,
please.” Elyse said, hurriedly, trying to get out of the awkward situation that
she was in. She heard a zip and then slight movement. Hands pried her arms away
that shielded her face, and she found her flushed face staring at Erwin’s
amused face.
 
He had shaved, and Elyse was so used to seeing him with scruff that she flushed
even more at how handsome he looked. His hair was in that usual businessman
style, and his blue eyes shone, unreadable yet enchanting.
 
She suddenly felt like she was in the train that they met once more.
 
“Help me with my tie.” Erwin said, placing her hands on his neck where his
dress shirt was still unbuttoned and his tie was hanging off his collar.
 
That snapped Elyse from her awe, and she was once reminded that this man was
insufferable, sometimes.
 
“I would, but I need to get ready myself, and since I take more time to get
ready, I would like to know where my dress is.” Elyse stated, impatiently. It
was when Erwin’s laugh interrupted her, and she noticed that she was already
hastily fixing his tie.
 
Insufferable man.
 
“You know that I’m too nice, you…” Elyse trailed off, cursing in her head
rather than aloud. Erwin found that even more amusing.
 
“Asshole, Elyse. Say it with me.” Erwin replied, his eyes twinkling. He choked
a little as Elyse tightened his tie. She smiled, sickeningly sweet, at him.
 
“How about that dress, sweetie?”
 
Erwin finally gave her the dress and she placed a hand on her mouth, awed.
 
“Seriously, Erwin. You need to pay Petra more for this. I don’t know where I
would be without her fashion expertise.” Elyse stated, gingerly touching the
dress, feeling the soft fabric within her fingertips.
 
Erwin shrugged at that, “She told me that she’s inspired by you. So, I guess
you have yourself to thank, and I can pay my assistant how I think fit, thank
you very much.”
 
Elyse waved him away, and she excused herself to her room to get ready.
The dress was a little transparent, the embroidered silver design covering her
most intimate parts, but she loved the halter cut of the dress. It had been her
favorite, the most flattering cut she had worn back in Julliard. The dress
cinched at her waist and the transparent part disappeared when it came to the
bottom part of the dress as it flowed down in a high-low fashion like a wave of
silver. It draped below her knees and complimented her long legs, which Elyse
considered her best feature.  
 
Once she put it on, Elyse figured out what she wanted to with her hair as she
braided it into a messy braid, “A good thing came out of watching Frozen a
billion times.” She muttered to herself, happy with her hair.
 
When it came to her makeup, she kept it simple yet she highlighted the most
important parts of her face, giving her a glow.
 
Satisfied, Elyse paired the dress with the silver heels that Petra had got for
her to celebrate Elyse’s pregnancy being over.
 
She walked out of the room, sighing as she realized that the dress might be
ruined if she wasn’t careful with Eren tonight and his eating habits, but she
smiled excitedly for her son.
 
“You’re right. I might need to pay Petra more.” Erwin’s voice caught her
attention, and Elyse realized that she was matching with the grey dress shirt
that he was wearing. He looked dashing, and she smiled at his compliment.
 
Erwin approached her, placing a small kiss on the back of her hand, “The babies
are in the car. Shall we?”
 
Elyse nodded, and she linked her arm with his and walked down the stairs. Nifa
really looked like she wanted to squeal as she jumped up and down at the sight
of them, but it was the person standing next to Nifa that took Elyse by
surprise.
 
“Freida?!” Elyse asked, surprised, letting go of Erwin’s arm to run to her
grinning friend. “You made it!”
 
Freida laughed, “I promised, didn’t I?” She looked at Elyse, up and down,
whistling low, “Damn, don’t you look fuckable?”
 
Elyse laughed, hugging her friend, tightly. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
 
“I’m so happy I made it. By the way, I can say without a doubt that Erwin and
you will certainly make the papers. You guys look really good. Like let me join
that orgy, will you?” Freida teased.
 
The sound of Elyse smacking Freida’s bare arm sounded as Freida laughed in
response, winking at Erwin, who simply looked lost from it all.
 
===============================================================================
 
Eren bounced on Freida’s lap as he happily tried to stand on her lap when
Freida cooed at him.
 
“You’re so heavy now, Eren. What are they feeding you?” Freida asked.
 
Erwin laughed at that and Elyse punched his arm in warning. Freida looked at
both of them, raising an eyebrow, but she moved on, playing with the other two.
 
“This one is literally a carbon copy of you, Erwin. You sure you don’t have a
clone machine and shoved it up in---“
 
“Freida, I will hit you once more if you finish that sentence.” Elyse warned
with a sigh as she leaned over Mikasa’s carriage to wipe her face. She softened
at the sight of her pretty daughter. Mikasa always had thick black hair, so
Elyse tied her daughter’s short hair into a small bun and she was glad that she
could finally see her daughter’s face through all that hair.
 
Grey eyes and pale skin, Mikasa was truly an Ackerman beauty.
 
The car pulled into a stop and Elyse’s eyes widened at the sight of the press.
Erwin sighed, motioning for Dieter to help him. Dieter nodded, and he got out
the car as Elyse handed him Mikasa. Freida was in charge of picking up Armin,
and Erwin already had Eren tucked safely in his arms. The babies’ faces were
covered as their guardians shielded their faces with their arms, slightly
burying the babies’ faces in the crook.
 
Dieter went first and Freida followed, closely. Erwin offered his arm to Elyse
as she got out the car. The press clamored at that.
 
“Erwin, Elyse, look over here!”
“Both of you look great! Smile over here!”
“Is that Eren you’re carrying?”
 
Elyse simply took Erwin’s arm and waved at the press, smiling and nodding, but
she looked down before she was blinded by the cameras and she looked at Eren,
who was protected by his father’s large hand atop his head.
 
They entered the venue, and the security guarded the doors. Freida turned to
Elyse once they were all safe inside the banquet hall, and she laughed, “How
long has this been happening?! When did the press care so much about your live?
Didn’t they know you were an heiress before?”
 
Elyse sighed, tiredly, and she plucked the terrified Mikasa up from Freida’s
arms and she faced Elyse as she squished her cheek next to Mikasa’s cheek,
“Yeah, but then I married a man, ten years my senior, and had three kids. Press
likes to eat that up.”
 
Freida poked both their faces, amused, “I’d like to eat your husband’s tight
body and then your children’s cheeks if that’s all right with you.”
 
Elyse laughed at that, and once she was satisfied with Mikasa’s giggling, she
gave her back to Freida to turn around and get ready for the party.
 
The banquet hall was starting to fill in and true to his word, Erwin had
informed his business partners to bring their children. The children enjoyed
Eren, Armin, and Mikasa, much to Elyse’s enjoyment.
 
Erwin had called for her, and she shot Freida an apologetic look, but Freida
wiggled her eyebrows as she pointed at Levi, who was sitting by himself, and
mouthed, “I’ll be right over there.”
 
Elyse rolled her eyes at that.
 
“Mike, this is my wife, Elyse. Elyse, Mike was my VP back in Germany. This is
Mike and this is his wife, Nanaba.” Erwin introduced them, and Elyse smiled,
pleasantly.
 
“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Elyse greeted, kissing their cheeks.
They both seemed to be taken aback by that and she grew flustered, reminding
herself that Erwin had worked in Germany and America, not in France.
 
Nanaba, the woman who was pretty with her green eyes and short blonde hair that
complimented her face, smiled after a moment, kissing Elyse’s cheeks in
greeting, also.
 
“It’s such a pleasure to meet you! We were surprised to hear that Erwin had
married secretly and was expecting a child soon after, but it isErwin. He was
never one to celebrate anything.” Nanaba teased Erwin, who scoffed in return.
 
“I’ve told you several times, Nana. It was a quiet event with family.” Erwin
sighed, shooting Mike an exasperated look. Mike shrugged, still quiet.
 
“I mean, you could have at least introduced her to us back in America. We were
in America at the time, you know?” Nanaba insinuated, whispering it to Elyse.
 
Elyse giggled. She really liked Nanaba. She caught Mike’s stare at her, and she
smiled shyly. He returned it with a nod and a small smile.
 
“You must come to dinner then. Our estate is always open. It gets tiring
dealing with children, and I’d love to have company to entertain.” Elyse
offered, politely and excitedly. She would finally have company over.
 
Nanaba nodded, excitedly. “Erwin offered Mike a position here and we’re
thinking of moving here. It’s beautiful here and we would love to have a change
of pace.”
 
Elyse grabbed her hands, “Oh, you must! The children will love it and so would
I.”
 
They chattered on for a couple of moments excitedly and Elyse excused herself
to go to the bathroom. She passed her brother, who seemed amused and deep in
his conversation with Freida. She placed a hand on his shoulder and he squeezed
it in greeting. Elyse shot Freida a look, and Freida simply smiled back. Her
head tilted and placed in her hand as her elbow was carefully placed on the
table so she could lean in more to talk to Levi.
 
Elyse snorted, quietly, at that, but she moved on to the bathroom, finally
taking a moment to herself.
 
Once she got out, she started to walk back into the venue until a hand on her
arm pulled her aside to a secluded area.
 
Surprised, she looked up and stared.
 
She didn’t expect to see the person who was standing in front of her at all.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// Cliffhanger because I’m mean. Voice your frustrations down
     below.
***** Of Exes and Love *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// Cliffhanger no more. Continue onward, reader.
     Elyse is mine. Everyone else is either dead or alive in the AOT/SNK
     verse and belong to Isayama, but in here they’re alive yet they still
     belong to Isayama, so there’s that.
     I've awarded you guys with a short chapter which was originally going
     to be longer, but I didn't want to leave it at such a cliffhanger
     especially since I'm going on vacation soon, so here you go! Thank
     you SO MUCH for the favs and the comments and the follows. It means
     so much, you don't even know!
See the end of the chapter for more notes
“Hey, Ely.” The man who pulled her aside said, smiling at her. Elyse’s heart
began to pound and she almost could hear the blood rushing to her head.
 
He still had that that messy blonde hair that would fall over his green eyes,
and she wasn’t used to seeing him in such a formal setting. He had always been
lean and tall, and it was no surprise that his good looks were still there and
his easy-going smile still made her melt. Just a little.
 
“Braun? Is that you?” Elyse asked, surprised, and she placed a hand on her
mouth to hide the fact that she had been gaping.
 
The playfulness in his green eyes showed that it had been too late for her to
try and cover it up.
 
“The one and only.” He teased, opening his arms, and before she knew it, Elyse
was enveloped in a hug. She couldn’t help but feel the familiar rush of
nostalgia hit her, and she hesitantly hugged him back, feeling warm.
 
Once they pulled apart, Elyse finally smiled back at him, easing herself with
him once more.
 
“How long has it been? All I know was that you were in Julliard and then all of
a sudden, you got married and have three kids of your own. My mother was the
one who told me once I got home from an Army tour.” Braun’s voice sounded
playful, but Elyse could sense a hint of bitterness and seriousness in his
voice.
 
A sting of guilt hit Elyse once she saw the hurt in his eyes, but when she
opened her mouth to say something, a sharp voice interrupted them.
 
“Braun Lexington, I didn’t know you would be attending my grandson’s birthday
party.”
 
Elyse turned around and she noticed her father coming up to them, and she felt
panic seize her being.
 
“Papa, I thought you had left for New York already.” Elyse said, a little
surprised, but her eyes darted back and forth from Braun to her father.
 
Her father nodded, his arms behind his back with his stare penetrating the man
before him, “I was, but your brother and husband,” Elyse didn’t miss it when
her father emphasized a certain word, “convinced me to stay. Besides, I’ve
grown rather fond of being a grandfather.”
 
Elyse, truly, was at a loss for words, so she found herself smiling instead,
nodding too, and she didn’t even know what she was nodding at.
 
“Is your mother here? Is that why you’re here, Mr. Lexington?” Her father
asked, pounding the questions in one setting and Elyse wanted to shrink in the
background with all the awkwardness right now.
 
Braun smiled, cryptically, at her father and Elyse knew it was going to get
ugly soon, “No, sir. I came home a week ago, and my mother informed me about
the party but she couldn’t go, so I decided to take her invitation and go
myself. I thought it would be nice to catch up with Levi and Elyse since I
haven’t seen them in a while. But, then again, it seems I haven’t been missed
much here.” Braun’s last statement had hit a sore spot with Elyse, and she
started to grow a little irritated.
 
But, her father, ever the steamroller, spoke for her, “Well, I wish well to
your mother. She’s rather missed here.” The last statement came as a warning as
her father’s tense stare turn into a glare.
 
Braun didn’t miss a beat as he chuckled, “Ever the same with you, Mr.
Ackerman.”
 
Her father narrowed his eyes, and he turned to Elyse, and she faced him, still
biting her lip.
 
“Papa---“
 
“Elyse, your husband was looking for you. It’s almost time for Eren’s cake.”
Her father informed her, motioning for her to follow him back into the banquet
hall.
 
Elyse took the offered arm, and before she could turn to tell Braun goodbye,
her father was already walking for them, leaving Braun behind.
===============================================================================
 
 
Her father led her back to the main table where Erwin and the babies were. Levi
had joined them, and Freida was helping Erwin with Armin as he began to fuss.
Petra and Hange were there, talking to Levi, although it mainly seemed that
Hange was the one holding up the conversation as Levi snorted and Petra
politely listened, avoiding looking at each other.
 
Elyse couldn’t help but think of how messed up their little family was,
sarcastically yet fondly.
 
They came to a stop in front of the table, and her father let her arm go, but
before he could leave, Elyse stopped him, gently. Her eyes searching his stoic
ones.
 
“Papa…I didn’t know he would be here.” Elyse finally said, finding the safest
explanation. Her father took a moment before nodding and sighing. He patted her
hand, softly, and offered her a small smile although there was a hint of a
warning behind it.
 
“Stay away from him, Elyse. I meant it back then, and, now, I mean it more than
ever.” Her father stated, searching her eyes. Before she could respond, her
father turned to pick up Mikasa, and she started calling him, “pé,” while
patting his face, happily.
 
Elyse’s heart clenched at the sight of her father, laughing, kissing his
granddaughter’s cheek in return.
 
Her children have softened her father and she was happy for it. If she wasn’t
able to, then at least they could.
 
His words were like a hit of déjà vu, and she still couldn’t believe that Braun
was here. Braun…he hasn’t changed. Still handsome, still charming, and still
mysterious, it was what got her into trouble all those years ago. For some odd
reason, it was a pattern for her.
 
As if reading her thoughts, Erwin smiled at her, and she forced a smile back.
 
“You were gone for a while. Bathroom troubles?” Erwin whispered in her ear, as
she sat down at the main table, deciding to rest.
 
Elyse swatted his arm, and when she relaxed back in her chair and looked up,
she froze. Only for a moment.
 
Eren’s cake was coming out and Erwin, holding Eren, helped Elyse stand up and
he wrapped an arm around her as everyone began to sing, “Happy Birthday” to
Eren. Elyse forced herself to ignore what made her pause, and she played the
part of the pretty wife and mother as she smiled at the camera and helped Eren
blow out his candles.
 
Yet, when she looked back up, Braun was still there, staring back at her, that
smile on his lips.
 
And she shivered. She knew that smile.
 
It was a smile of a challenger.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse smiled in Eren’s soft hair as she watched everyone sleep in front of her.
Erwin had called for a limo, inviting their closest friends to sleep in their
estate. So, they all piled in, and now, Freida, Petra, and Hange were sleeping
atop of each other’s laps and shoulders. Levi was dozed off with Mikasa in his
arms. Her father had Armin in his arms and Erwin’s father, who joined them
later on due to Erwin’s private jet being delayed, were talking to each other
in quiet tones, and it was honestly a sound that was starting to make Elyse
feel sleepy.
 
“What are you smiling at?” Erwin asked, sitting next to her as he checked his
e-mails on his phone. Elyse turned to him and she noticed that he looked
relaxed too compared to his usual stoic attitude.
Elyse motioned to their friends and family with her chin, smiling, “I’m
just…happy. It’s nice to have them here with us.”
 
Erwin chuckled, putting his phone away, and he placed an arm around her
shoulders and Elyse let her head rest on his shoulder, her nose still in Eren’s
hair as she inhaled the scent of “baby.”
 
Elyse was starting to feel comfortable with Erwin and they had gotten closer
since he started his therapy sessions and helped her out more with everything.
Their friendship was blossoming and Elyse loved their conversations and their
banter. Erwin was starting to be a little more human to her, and she had teased
him the first time she rested her head on his shoulder one time after they put
the babies to sleep.
 
“Oh, look, it’s not metal.” She had teased. Erwin scoffed, and he messed up her
hair in response.
 
They even started talking about Isabelle, his secretary, and Erwin had flushed
at that, ignoring her teasing and her curiosity.
 
Elyse smiled at the memory, and Erwin turned to look at her, curiously, but she
shook her head, as if waving him off.
 
“As nice as their visits are, we still have two more birthdays to plan.” Erwin
said, after a moment, placing a hand on Eren’s head, affectionately, noticing
that his son’s head was slightly falling off his mother’s chest. Elyse
whispered her thanks, and she sat up adjusting Eren before relaxing once more
on Erwin’s shoulder.
 
“There’s a venue that has a Frozentheme for Mikasa.” Elyse teased, looking up
to see Erwin’s face.
 
Erwin groaned, softly, placing a hand on his face, “I swear, I’m going to burn
that movie if I have to hear that song again.”
 
The moment Elyse began to sing, “Let It Go”, softly, was when Erwin removed his
arm around her and pushed her away, carefully picking up the sleeping Eren from
her arms so he could protect him from the “evil” song.
 
Elyse’s laugh almost woke the whole limo up.
===============================================================================
 
 
The next morning, Elyse and Nifa prepared breakfast for the guests, and the
first ones to wake up were Erwin and Levi. Levi greeted his sister with a kiss
on the cheek and Erwin followed suit by patting Elyse on the head. She had
rolled her eyes at that as Ewin winked at her, cheekily.
 
She mouthed, “Let it go,” and that’s all it took for Erwin to throw a dish
towel at her. Levi watched the exchange, amused, until he looked at his phone
is surprise when it started vibrating.
 
“Hello?” He answered, and his eyes widened at the sound of the other voice on
the other line. He smiled a little, warmly, “Braun, it’s been a long time.”
 
The sound of that name almost made Elyse drop a dish she was washing.
 
Erwin seemed to notice, but, much to her relief, he didn’t question her as he
continued to help Nifa prepare the dining table.
 
Levi continued on with his phone conversation, and Elyse did her best to tune
it out as she busied herself.
 
Once her brother got off the phone, he turned to Elyse, shaking his head with a
smile, “You won’t believe who was on the phone with me.”
 
Playing dumb, Elyse asked, “Who?”
 
“Braun Lexington. Remember him? Back in the city, he went to Julliard with you.
Before that, you and him used to play together back in France. His mother was a
good friend of our mother’s back in the day.” Levi said, not realizing that
Elyse was becoming increasingly agitated and anxious.
 
“Braun? He was my dancing partner for one of my seminars. He’s a cool guy, and
he’s not bad to look at either. He has this ass that is so squeezable.” Freida
said, walking in and turning to Petra once she said that last statement. Petra
and her had hit it off last night, and Petra was laughing at Freida’s ass
statement when Elyse shot Freida an exasperated look.
 
“You remember him, right, Elyse? The one who would purposely leave a white rose
in your locker after a show.” Freida stated, greeting Erwin and Levi. Petra did
the same, but Levi and her simply stared at each other, awkwardly, before
paying back attention to Freida.
 
Elyse nodded, thankful that her back was turned to them as she prepared a dish,
“Yeah, I remember.”
 
“Braun was really into her, but Elyse, my perfect prima donna, didn’t give him
the time of day.” Freida continued. Elyse closed her eyes at that and bit her
lip. A hand shot out to help her as she almost dropped the dish she was
preparing.
 
“Oh shit, are you okay, Elyse?” Freida asked. Elyse looked up and she saw Hange
looking at her worried.
 
“Thanks, Hange.” Elyse thanked, grabbing the dish from her and she placed it on
the dining table, ignoring the worried glances.
 
Deciding to play it off, Elyse laughed, “So, about last night, I might have
drunk a little...much.”
 
Everyone seemed to buy it as Freida laughed and talked about how her influence
was finally rubbing off on her. Levi rolled his eyes, but he continued to check
his phone. Hange seemed to join Freida in her laughter while Petra shook her
head, smiling.
 
Elyse didn’t have to look up to know that Erwin was still staring at her. His
expression: Not buying it.
 
===============================================================================
 
After breakfast, Petra went to work and so did Hange. Levi offered to take
Freida to the airport and Elyse shot another warning look at Freida, who
flipped her hair in return.  Her father and Erwin’s father also wished their
goodbyes, thanking Erwin for the use of the private jet so they could go back
to the City.
 
They all promised to be back for Mikasa’s birthday in the next two weeks.
 
Elyse cleaned up the kitchen and the dining table as Erwin got ready for his
job upstairs, while kissing the children goodbye.
 
Elyse didn’t realize that Erwin was already downstairs until a hand grabbed her
arm as she was about to go upstairs to tend to the kids.
 
“Oh, hey.” Elyse said, smiling at him, but Erwin wasn’t smiling. He was
studying her, carefully.
 
“Are you okay?” He asked, worried, and Elyse was reminded of how grateful she
was for their friendship.
 
“Just tired.” Elyse said, half-lying. Erwin stared at her for a moment, but he
nodded, letting her arm go, but he picked her hand up to place a kiss on it.
 
“I…might be back a little late.” Erwin said, after putting her hand down. Elyse
laughed at that, ready to tease him, her eyes twinkling and she could almost
forget about her predicament.
 
“Miss Isabelle is calling?” Elyse asked, her tone light and playful. Erwin
flushed, and Elyse laughed even louder. Erwin refusing to look at her was even
more adorable, and she felt slightly bad so she placed a hand on his shoulder,
making him look up at her.
 
“Do you want me to save dinner for you?” She asked, tilting her head and
batting her eyelashes, as if overdramatizing her act as the good housewife.
 
Erwin rolled his eyes, and a mysterious look crossed his face before it reached
a nonchalant gaze, “No, it’s fine. I will already have my fill.”
 
Elyse widened her eyes at that and her face turned red at the insinuation that
he made. It was Erwin’s turn to laugh and she shoved him, laughing with him.
 
And, Elyse forgot about what made her uncomfortable in that moment.
 
===============================================================================
 
Erwin did come home late as promised, but Elyse was still up in the living
room, planning Mikasa’s birthday party. She sipped her red wine, and she was
leaning on the table until she felt hands start massaging her shoulders.
 
She sighed in relief, and she turned to look up and she smiled when she saw
Erwin’s face.
 
“Hey, welcome home.” Elyse greeted, warmly, and she took another sip of her red
wine. Erwin raised an eyebrow at that, and he grabbed the glass away from her.
Elyse groaned in annoyance.
 
“You’re not of age, Elyse. And I don’t want to remind you what happened the
last time you drank red wine.” Erwin stated, amused.
 
Elyse rolled her eyes at that, “Well, it takes two to tango, Mister.” She
mumbled, but she knew he heard it because he chuckled as he finished her red
wine.
 
He plopped down on the chair in front of the couch she was sitting on and she
took in his appearance, amused.
 
“Well, don’t you look thoroughly…satisfied. Did you have your fill of darling
Isabelle?” Elyse asked, pointing out his messy appearance.
 
She felt annoyed at how he was still looking handsome when his tie was
literally hanging off his neck and his hair was all over the place.
 
Erwin simply smiled, leaning forward to look at Elyse’s work on the table, as
he placed the empty wine glass there too.
 
“How’s the party planning?” He asked, changing the subject. Elyse groaned at
the reminder, placing a hand on her forehead in disarray.
 
“I’m having trouble seating certain people. It’s the same people, but I got
complaints from Mrs. Ward over Mrs. Georges because they had, get this,
matching dresses.” Elyse stated, glumly.
 
“The horror.” Erwin replied, faking a sad look.
Elyse threw a pen at him. He caught it with ease.
 
A comfortable quiet moment passed between them as Elyse started to mark down
the tables on the seating chart she made. Erwin pulled out his phone, scrolling
through e-mails and texts.
 
Elyse was almost done finishing up the seating chart until she stopped at one
name. Erwin noticed this, and he looked down at the name she paused on.
 
“Braun Lexington, huh?” Erwin asked, softly. Elyse nodded, but she didn’t say
anything more. Erwin didn’t press, but he did point to a table in
recommendation.
 
“How about here? Next to the Eagles. They know how to keep up a conversation.”
Erwin suggested, nonchalantly.
 
Elyse bit her lip, but she nodded in agreement and marked it. With a satisfied
sigh, Elyse relaxed back on the couch and she pointed at Erwin. He looked at
her, amused, “Yes, Elyse?”
 
“Give me red wine.” She demanded, easily. Erwin scoffed, “Once you turn twenty-
one.”
 
“Technically, since marriage makes us a whole person, our age difference is
enough to make me older than twenty-one and you can have sex with secretaries
that are slightly older than me. It’s a win-win.”
 
Elyse laughed as she had to run up the stairs when Erwin got up to attack her.
 
===============================================================================
 
Mikasa’s party was Frozen-themed and Elyse didn’t know what amused her more,
her daughter all dolled up in a poufy dress that Levi custom-made for her or
her husband shooting death glares at her when she would sing “Let It Go” every
ten seconds in his ear.
 
The best part was that Erwin was holding Mikasa, so he couldn’t do anything
about it.
 
Elyse smiled, politely, when a business partner made another inappropriate
compliment towards her. Petra saved her as she linked arms with her and pulled
Elyse away.
 
“I don’t blame him though. You do look amazing.” Petra stated, giggling as
Elyse pinched her.
 
“It’s all thanks to you, so don’t be so humble.” Elyse thanked her, wrapping
her arm around Petra in a slight hug as they walked around the party.
 
Elyse was wearing a white drape dress that hugged her curves loosely, but not
to loosely that Elyse lost her shape. Her hair was in a high ponytail and her
cheekbones came out to play with the makeup she used on her face. Her heels
were nude gladiator heels and it was her favorite part of her outfit.
 
Ewin joked that she could be Olaf the snowman in this Frozen-themed party since
she was wearing white and was pale to no end and Elyse flipped him off when he
laughed in return.
 
Erwin was also wearing a white tuxedo and so were her two little guys, which
made her want to squish their faces all the time.
 
Eren made it a habit to walk everywhere, so Levi volunteered himself to be on
the watch for him. Freida jokingly stated that she’d be on Levi-duty and had
done so since then.
 
Mikasa was looking every bit of a glowing princess as she charmed in her light
blue tulle dress.
 
Elyse was satisfied with the turnout of the party, but her satisfaction soon
died out when she felt a tap on her shoulder and she turned to face the man
that has been haunting her ever since he appeared in her life.
 
“Ely.” Braun greeted, smiling at her.
 
She took a deep breath, inwardly, and she smiled back in greeting, “Hey,
Braun.”
 
“You look beautiful.” Braun complimented, taking her hand to pull her in a hug.
She flinched at that, but he didn’t seem to notice as he embraced her. Her
heart was starting to pound again, and she was grateful when their hug was
over.
 
As if someone read her mind and decided to make her life even more
uncomfortable at that moment, a slow song decided to play for the dance floor.
 
Braun offered her his hand as he slightly bowed and asked, “May I have this
dance?”
 
Elyse bit her lip, and her mind was screaming, “no,” and yet, her heart…
 
“Yes.” Elyse finally agreed, and she took his offered hand, feeling the
familiar warmth emitting from it.
 
===============================================================================
 
They approached the dance floor and they began to dance. Elyse kept her
distance, but the hand on her back was certainly distracting.
 
“So, I was going to ask you questions, but your father, being your father,
interrupted.” Braun began, amused, his head bent so he could whisper in her
ear, “When were you going to tell me you were married?”
 
Elyse grew agitated at that, pulling away a bit sharply, “You act like we
talked regularly.” Her gaze narrowing.
 
Braun sighed, his green eyes boring into her hazel ones. “I had no choice about
that, you know that, Ely.”
 
“Like you had no choice about leaving for Australia.” Elyse shot back, her
bitterness showing.
 
He thinks he can win. I won’t let him. I already deal with a challenging man,
and I’m not about to have this one try to one up me.
 
“Ely,” Braun pleaded, “I have no choice about my life. You and I both know
that. I follow what my mother wants and you follow your father’s wants.”
 
Elyse felt her heart yearn, but she stopped it, by shaking her head, “Things
have changed, Braun.”
 
“Yeah, I know.” The bitterness in his voice was there underneath the serious
layer he tried to hide it with, “Can you imagine my surprise when I come home
to contact you, yet my mother stops me to say that you’re married and pregnant
with his child.”
 
The possessiveness made Elyse shiver, and she didn’t know whether it pleased
her or bothered her.
 
“Do you love him?” He asked, whispering in her ear. Elyse froze, and she tried
to hide it, but it was too late because Braun smiled at her.
 
“Or did daddy dearest force you to marry him?” He asked again, placing a thumb
on her cheek.
 
Elyse didn’t get the chance to reply because a firm arm wrapped around her
waist and she looked up, breaking away from her trance. Her relief was palpable
when she realized it was Erwin, who was smiling down at her.
 
“There you are, sweetheart. Mikasa was looking for you. Oh! I’m so sorry, where
are my manners? I’m Erwin Smith, Elyse’s husband, and you are?” Erwin greeted,
smoothly, offering a hand while still holding Elyse’s waist.
 
Braun, not surprised, smiled, politely, “Braun Lexington. I grew up with Elyse
back in France. Levi was the one who tutored me. Our mothers were friends.”
 
Erwin nodded, that nonchalant smile looked threatening from Elyse’s point of
view, and she suddenly felt very safe with him.
 
“Well, that’s a surprise. I’ve never heard of you. Elyse, dear, when were you
going to introduce me to your dear friend?” Erwin asked, giving her an opening.
Elyse bit back a giggle at what Erwin just set up for her, but she managed to
remain normal.
 
“We haven’t talked for a very long time. Silly me, I meet new people every day
and my memory of old friends seem to be a bit fuzzy from time to time, mon
cheri.” Elyse apologized, and she felt proud when Erwin pinched her waist,
their secret language when it came to communicating.
 
She looked at Erwin and he smiled at her, encouragingly.
 
“Well, if you’ll excuse us, Mr. Lexington. My daughter is clamoring for her
mother and we can’t deny our birthday girl on her special day.” Erwin excused
them, and Elyse found herself whisked away.
 
Once they were at a safe distance, Elyse sighed, relieved. She turned to Erwin
and he looked at her, concerned, “You didn’t look…comfortable.”
 
“I wasn’t. Thank you, Erwin. Really.” Elyse said, gratefully. Erwin gave her a
side hug before letting her go to tend to Mikasa and Elyse followed, happily.
 
“Mama!” Mikasa said, happily, throwing her arms up for her mother. Elyse
smiled, widely, and picked her daughter up. Erwin motioned for the cake, and
the usual “Happy Birthday” song was sung.
 
And, this time. Elyse didn’t bother to look up at Braun’s challenging smile.
===============================================================================
 Her father and Erwin’s father were busy with the children before they retired
for the evening. Everyone of their friends insisted on going out after the
Frozen-themed birthday to get drunk, saying that they tallied the shots with
every time they heard the damn theme song.
 
Erwin and Elyse declined their invitation.
 
Once the kids and their fathers were settled, Elyse knocked on Erwin’s office
door. He gave the permission to come in, and he smiled when he saw her.
 
“What can I do for you, Elyse?” He asked, pushing his papers away to get up and
walk towards her, motioning for her to take a seat on the couch in front of the
fireplace.
 
She took one corner while he took the other, facing each other. He sat with his
arms on each corner armrest of the couch, facing her, while Elyse sat, her
whole body in a small ball as she held her legs close to her chest, her face
lying on the couch, facing him.
 
“He was my first boyfriend.” Elyse said. That seemed to throw Erwin off, but
realization dawned on him and he began to speak, “Elyse, you don’t have to---“
 
Elyse shook her head, “No, I do have to. I have to talk about it because I
never talked about it with anyone. My father and brother don’t know neither
does Freida.”
 
Erwin still seemed reluctant, “Are you sure, Elyse? There are people closer to
you than I am.”
 
Elyse smiled at the irony, “That’s exactly why telling you is perfect. You’re
not that close enough to me to give me “advice” and you don’t even know Braun.”
 
Erwin stared at her for a moment, thoughtful, but he nodded, finally willing to
listen.
 
Elyse took a deep breath and she began once more, “He was my first boyfriend.
We had been close since we were kids, but when I moved to New York with my
father and brother, I had to say goodbye to my best friend. We promised to go
to Julliard together, and it wasn’t long before he kept that promise with me,
flying to New York City to attend Julliard. I was always a shy person, and I
haven’t talked to him in forever, so I didn’t really give him the time of day
and he stared from a distance. It was until I found the first white rose of
many in my locker after a successful showcase or project. I approached him
then, shy and happy, and he confirmed it, while also confessing that he liked
me. Well, we decided to date, and it wasn’t long before someone told my father
and he was upset.”
 
“My brother was still in Germany at the time, and he couldn’t defend me, so my
father forbade me to date Braun, stated that he wasn’t good enough for me and
that dating a “dancer” would lead to nowhere. Of course, I was taken by Braun.
He was handsome, sweet, and charming. We kept dating in secret, and I had
fallen in love with him. I was ready to run away with him and forget being the
good daughter of Ansel Ackerman to follow him anywhere.”
 
“But, Braun was offered a spot in Australia with a dance company. It was a huge
deal and a huge opportunity, and…I made him take it. I was starting to feel
guilty about disobeying my father and hiding things from my brother, so I told
him to go, thinking it was the easiest way to let him go. He listened, and I
still haven’t decided whether I’m angry or sad that he listened to me. Maybe,
I’m still a bit bitter, but it was the best choice then. So, now, we’re here.
We haven’t talked since he left, and I guess…my heart hurts, Erwin. It hurts
and it sucks. He has this way with me every single time, and sometimes, I want
it and sometimes, I don’t. I don’t know what to do.”
 
Erwin listened, his intense stare turned into a comforting one as he motioned
for her to come to his side and she obeyed, letting him wrap his arm around her
shoulders and she leaned against his shoulder, embracing his warmth.
 
“Love is a complicated thing, Elyse. Why do you think I’ve been single for so
long? In my twenty-eight years of living, I’ve learned that love is something
that courageous and strong people strive for, and I’m even more impressed when
they come out of love’s destructiveness, surviving. You’re a strong and
courageous person, Elyse. You let yourself fall, and you survived. Look at me.”
Elyse did, and Erwin smiled at her, “I meant it when I said that I would let
you follow your heart because it would be a waste for someone like you to waste
your heart. And if your heart decides to love this man, then so be it. Life is
too short to waste on regrets and hurt.”
 
Elyse’s eyes began to tear, and Erwin chuckled, pressing a kiss on her
forehead.
 
“You’re a big sap, you know that?” Elyse teased, sniffling.
 
The smile she felt on her head confirmed that Erwin heard, and she, for the
first time in her life, she was truly happy that she had someone like him in
her life.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// They frustrate me and make me happy at the same time.
***** Event Season *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// Elyse belongs to me. Everyone else doesn’t and that sucks, but
     life goes on.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
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
herlife 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 toomuch.
 
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.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// AHA. I feel the frustrated reviews coming.
***** Kids and Kittens *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// I felt frustrated with Erwin and Elyse in the last chapter, so
     I’m writing chapter 15 now.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
A year passed and another event season was over, and Elyse felt relief once
Erwin informed her that she could rest with the children now. Erwin was amused
once Elyse hugged him, thanking him as if he ended event season.
 
“I wouldn’t relax now if I were you, Elyse.” Erwin stated, amused. “We still
have children that are learning how to get on tables.” Elyse sighed at the
mention of their new two and a half-year-olds climbing all over the furniture.
 
“I’d take that than having to sit and hear, ‘Oh, darling, you’ll damage your
skin if you frown like that.’” Elyse stated, letting go of Erwin.
 
Erwin laughed at that, and he noticed that Elyse wasn’t wearing her ring. “You
went to go see Braun today?” He asked, nonchalantly, and Elyse blushed.
 
Erwin and Elyse talked about it after that night. He listened, whiskey in hand,
and he smiled when she was all flustered and bothered about her situation. He
suggested his plan. He would make sure that a bodyguard, someone other than
Dieter since the press knows about Dieter, would be around, and that she would
really have to dress down. That also meant to take off her ring when outside.
Elyse felt a little weirded out, taking her ring out the first time.
 
The weight she felt on her finger was slightly missed since she always had it
on.
 
Erwin was really helpful with her blossoming relationship with Braun, but they
both never met. Elyse didn’t mention to Braun about how her and Erwin’s
marriage was different compared to normal marriages because she didn’t feel
like it was the right time to tell him.
 
Even Erwin had pointed that out to her and that it had been a year since Braun
and her were secretly “dating”, but Elyse was adamant about not telling Braun.
 
“I don’t trust him that much yet. Besides, I have the children to think about.”
Elyse pointed out one night as she talked to him in his office.
 
Their friendship was one thing that Elyse leaned on, and she noticed that ever
since that one night she saw Isabelle in here, Erwin always opened his office
to her, never surprised by her anymore.
 
Erwin nodded at that, and she knew that he wanted to say more, but he never
did. And to be quite frank, it annoyed her. Yes, their friendship had him more
open, but she barely knew anything about him. She’s pretty sure at this point
that Erwin knew more of her than she did of him because of his file on her from
her father.
 
But, being with Braun, it made her miss dancing. Braun talked about his stint
with the dance company, and Elyse was enchanted by it.
 
This is why you came to talk to Erwin’s office. Just tell him, Elyse. It’s not
as if you have anything else to do since event season is over anyways.
 
Elyse repeated to herself when she found herself at Erwin’s office door that
night. Erwin opened his door and let her inside and she sat on her usual spot
on the couch and he did the same on the opposite side of the couch.
 
He picked up a cigar, and he began to smoke it, waiting patiently for Elyse to
start talking. When Elyse opened her mouth, Erwin held up a hand as if he
thought of something, randomly.
 
“Before I forget, Levi and your father should be coming here by the end of the
week. My father also expressed interest in coming here.” Erwin stated,
informing her.
 
Elyse nodded, surprised, “Yeah, my brother called me, but I was surprised. I
thought event season was over, and my brother had to go before I could ask him
about what’s going on.”
 
Erwin smiled at that, smoking his cigar, and Elyse narrowed her eyes at him,
suspecting him.
 
“Are you going to tell me or am I going to have to grab that cigar out of your
mouth?” Elyse asked, threatening Erwin, knowing fully well that he was capable
of holding out news on her when he wanted to.
 
A year into their friendship and sometimes, he still loved being cryptic.
 
“I’m more scared of your reaction rather than my cigar being taken away from
me.” Erwin stated, still being annoyingly cryptic.
 
“Erwin…” Elyse warned him, ready to snatch the cigar. Erwin waved her off,
easily pushing her back to her side.
 
“Fine, you persistent fraulen.” Erwin sighed, giving in, “It’s my 30th
birthday.”
 
Elyse paused. Everything hitting her at once.
 
“Oh. My. God. We never celebrated your birthday. Oh no, I’m horrible. This is
horrible, why didn’t you tell me about your birthday? Erwin, we did everyone’s
birthday except yours. How can you forget to tell me that it’s your birthday
for almost three years?” Elyse began to freak out, getting up, pacing the
floor.
 
Erwin just sighed and settled back in the couch, still smoking his cigar.
 
“Erwin. Why didn’t you tell me?” Elyse demanded, getting really upset. Erwin
grabbed her hands, gently, but she pulled away, crossing them, and Erwin raised
an eyebrow at her.
 
He took the cigar out of his mouth and put it on the ash tray, “Elyse…It’s
really not a big deal. That’s why I didn’t want this huge celebration, but our
family insisted on it especially Hange. They told everyone and now, here we
are.”
 
Still upset, Elyse stared at him, frowning, “Erwin, we celebrated everyone’s
birthday except yours.”
 
Erwin nodded, smiling at her, amused, “You said that, Elyse, and I know and
don’t mind it. I don’t like celebrations.”
 
Elyse shook her head, stubbornly, and she began to tear up, visibly upset now,
to the point of biting her lip.
 
Erwin sighed, pulling Elyse to him by her elbow, “Elyse, It’s fine. This is why
I didn’t want to tell you. You have a compassionate side, and I don’t want you
to feel bad for me. I’m really fine.”
 
Elyse, now settled by his side, as he tried to soothe her, wiped her face,
angrily.
 
“I can’t believe I didn’t realize that we didn’t celebrate your birthday for
the three years that we were here. I’m horrible.” Elyse grumbled, settling
against Erwin.
 
Erwin chuckled, “I mean, we have three kids and you have Braun for a year now,
I’m pretty sure you’re not at fault here. I strategically filled your head with
events and other things to make you busy.”
 
Elyse still sighed, “That’s no excuse. I can’t believe I didn’t know, and I’m
really sorry for being a terrible wife.”
 
Erwin laughed at that, flicking her forehead, “Enough, Elyse. You know now, and
I give you half of my permission to do what you want with it.”
 
Elyse got up then, raising an eyebrow at him, “Half your permission?”
 
Erwin nodded, “Because I’m pretty sure Hange is doing what they want, too.”
 
That lifted Elyse’s mood as she giggled, punching Erwin’s arm as he smiled back
at her.
 
“See? There’s that smile. Now, stop pouting. And tell me what you were going to
tell me earlier.” Erwin said, wiping Elyse’s cheek to get rid of the gunk that
formed there when she cried a bit.
 
Elyse suddenly felt nervous, and she remembered that she was going to ask Erwin
about something that would really mean a lot to her. He wouldn’t deny her, and
she knew that, but it still felt wrong for her to ask.
 
Erwin seemed to notice her hesitancy, and he sighed, “Elyse, I told you
something that I didn’t want to. It’s your turn now.”
 
“That was different. You had to tell me because we’re going to have company
over.” Elyse argued back, pulling away from Erwin’s hold.
 
Erwin gave her a sarcastic look and Elyse smiled, feeling slightly at ease.
 
“Okay, fine. I…I want to dance again, so I was thinking of changing one of the
rooms downstairs into a dance studio, but that means renovation costs, and I
know I have no right to---“
 
“I’ll call the company I used for the house renovations here tomorrow. I’ll ask
how quickly they can get it done, and I’m sure it’ll be quick because they did
your room and the nursery in two days.” Erwin interrupted her, pulling his
phone from his suit pocket.
 
Elyse stared at him, taken a back, “Erwin…are you sure? I just wanted to run it
by you, and you don’t have to make the call now. You can think about it.”
 
Laughing, Erwin turned to her, “Elyse, it’s a dance studio. You’re not asking
for the Eiffel Tower.”
 
Elyse felt the déjà vu once he mentioned the Eiffel Tower.
 
My brother mentioned if I asked that you would give me the Eiffel Tower.
 
Elyse’s heart warmed up as she watched Erwin call in favors, and when he hung
up, she threw her arms around him, and thanked him.
 
Elyse threw herself into planning Erwin’s birthday party even when she was on
her dates with Braun at their fountain. Braun didn’t question her, and he even
helped her out with some of the shopping. A year of dating Braun, and she felt
like nothing changed. He was still the same guy she had dated years ago, and it
was comfortable.
 
She rarely mentioned Erwin and the kids around Braun, and he didn’t question
her about them. It truly did feel like she was 16 again. But, this time, she
didn’t shy away from talking about Erwin and the kids, and Braun listened,
interested.
 
“He seems like a nice man.” Braun stated, sipping on his iced coffee, and Elyse
smiled, nodding.
 
“He’s a good husband and father. And I can’t believe I didn’t remember that he
had a birthday.” Elyse sighed, penciling in another detail for the party.
 
“Well, you have three kids, and I’m sure that event season didn’t really help
with remembering.” Braun said, shrugging.
 
“That’s what he said, but that’s no excuse.” Elyse argued back. Braun smiled,
kissing her cheek, “You’ll be fine.”
 
Elyse smiled at that, and she shyly asked, “Do you want to go to it? You can
meet him, and— “
 
“Meet the man who managed to marry and impregnate my girl? I’m not sure if
that’s a good idea, Elyse.” Braun said, laughing.
 
Elyse flushed, but she nodded, not saying anything else.
 
Because the moment Braun’s lips are on hers, she forgets where she even is.
===============================================================================
 
Everyone arrived for Erwin’s 30th birthday, and Elyse was surprised when she
didn’t see Isabelle. She had questioned Erwin about it, but he looked at her as
if she was slightly out of it.
 
“She’s my secretary, Elyse. I’m not inviting professional co-workers unless I
know them out of work.” Erwin said, simply, as if it was already a known fact.
 
“But, you do know each otherpersonally.” Elyse stated, smiling, but Erwin
didn’t respond as he was taken aside by her father.
 
The party was a success. Erwin stated that he wanted nothing big, and Elyse
pouted at that because she wanted to make up for the missed birthdays. Erwin
was adamant, so Elyse had it in their backyard, and Erwin was very appreciative
of it that he offered to run the errands for his own birthday.
 
Elyse couldn’t stop him if she tried.
 
They were surrounded by friends and family, and she watched as her brother and
her father played with the kids. Freida and Petra were too busy knocking down
shots with Hange. Eld and Gunther were the ones grilling in the backyard, the
weather was perfect for it. Elyse invited a few more of Erwin’s co-workers,
ones that he wrote on a piece of paper for her. She was pleasantly surprised to
see the elevator attendant among the faces.
 
He smiled at her, shyly, and she had kissed him on both cheeks in greeting,
making him blush.
 
“Mama, look!” Eren called for her, and she walked to where he stood with her
brother and she bent down to see what her son was pointing at.
 
He pointed in the distance, and Mikasa and her father were far-off and she
could see Mikasa clinging on to something while her father tried to get her
away from what she was holding.
 
Worried, Elyse walked to where they were, and she saw that Mikasa was holding
on to a white kitten, who was injured. Her father was desperately trying to
tell Mikasa to leave it alone because of possible diseases.
 
“It’s okay, papa. I got it from here.” Elyse said, trying to calm him down.
 
“That thing could have fleas, Elyse. Make sure she leaves it alone.” Her father
sighed, walking back to the group.
 
Mikasa was whimpering, trying to calm the kitten in her arms.
 
“Mika, you have to let go of the kitten, honey. You might get sick from it.”
Elyse explained, gently, opening her arms for her daughter.
 
Mikasa shook her head, stubbornly, “Kitten hurt, mama.” Elyse smiled at her
daughter’s sweetness, so she decided to see what her daughter was seeing.
 
“Here, give the kitten to mama. Let me see what’s wrong.” Elyse said, gently.
Mikasa, always trusting of her parents, obeyed, and Elyse examined the kitten.
 
The poor thing was injured. The kitten’s leg twisted, wrongly, and she could
see the bones protruding out.
 
“What’s going on here?” Elyse heard Erwin ask as he approached them. Mikasa
held out her arms for her father, and he picked her up with ease, still looking
down at Elyse.
 
Elyse looked up and she saw Erwin’s eyes dawn in understanding, “Ah, I see. Did
you find this kitten, Mikasa?”
 
Mikasa nodded, “It was hurt, papa.” Erwin nodded, gravely, “You want to save
the kitten?”
 
“Yes, papa.” Mikasa said, stubbornly and begging. Elyse knew that Erwin was
already a goner.
 
Smiling, Elyse watched as Erwin, hesitantly, called for Hange.
 
She laughed when Hange was surprised at the request, but the doctor did a
thorough check-up and once Hange proclaimed that the kitten was clean, just
hungry and injured, Elyse knew what the next verdict was, staring up at Erwin’s
hesitant face.
“Guess we have a pet now.” Erwin said, sighing. Elyse tried to stifle her
laughter, but Erwin caught her with a glare.
 
“Guess we give you everything now, huh, ma petite?” Elyse whispered to Mikasa,
who giggled as her mother tickled her. The groan from Erwin just made Elyse
smile even wider and Mikasa giggle louder.
 
===============================================================================
 
The kitten healed, nicely, and it was just as mischievous as the children.
Erwin was ever more upset when the kitten taught the kids how to climb up on
couches and chairs.
 
“You make it seem like they didn’t know how to do that before.” Elyse said,
amused. Erwin sighed, looking at papers as they both sat down in the living
room, watching their kids and the kitten play.
 
“They didn’t know how to do it, expertly.” Erwin pointed out, glaring at the
kitten.
 
Elyse laughed, “Oh, please. You’re just finding excuses to hate on him.” Him
being the kitten. Mikasa named the kitten, “maus”, and Elyse had laughed at
that, non-stop. Erwin sighed at that, but she pointed out that it was his fault
for trying to teach their kids German without a proper teacher.
 
“It’s in the basics, Elyse. It’s like how you teach our kids French.” Erwin
argued, as he tried to teach his kids basic words in German.
 
“Yes, but at least I know what I’m saying, Erwin. You only have words from here
and there. I also only know a few words.” Elyse pointed out.
 
She was then promptly shut down when Erwin turned to look her in the eye,
smiling, and he spoke in German.
 
Elyse, shocked, glared at him, “You didn’t tell me you knew German fluently.”
 
Erwin shrugged and smiled, innocently, at her, “You didn’t ask.”
 
But, she still argued about teaching her kids German without a proper teacher,
and he argued that they should learn French with a proper teacher also, hitting
Elyse’s pride point.
 
So, they were now here with a kitten named Maus after the German word, “mouse.”
Oh, the irony.
 
Elyse got up after a while, and she turned to Erwin, who looked at her,
questioningly. She smiled, pointing to the new room that was just made in their
house.
 
“I’m going to dance now.” She stated, already feeling the excitement in her
veins. Erwin smiled and nodded, “Enjoy.”
 
Mikasa heard the word, “dance”, and she ran to her mother, begging to dance
also, and Elyse complied, taking her daughter to the dance studio.
 
She told Mikasa to watch first, and Mikasa obeyed, watching her mother in awe.
Elyse smiled at that. It had been a thing between mother and daughter since the
dance studio was made. The kids had watched their mother, but Mikasa was the
one who faithfully stayed and watched her mother until she tried to copy her
right after.
 
The music began to play and Elyse lost herself in the music, remembering her
training and remembering her lesson. It had come easily to her. When Erwin was
at work and the kids were down for their nap, Elyse had Freida watch her and
asked to critique her.
 
Once Elyse had been done dancing for Freida, she looked at her, expectantly.
 
Freida stared at her for a moment until she raised an eyebrow and said, “Elyse,
if you’re looking for a critique, the only thing I’ll say is that you are so
fucking infuriating even more because you are literally perfect.”
 
Elyse rolled her eyes at her friend, but Freida persisted, “All jokes aside,
Elyse. It’s as if you haven’t left the dance scene. I expected the usual
mishaps, but there literally wasn’t any. You dance better than some of the
dancers in my company. Seriously, how were you pregnant and gone from the dance
scene for three years, yet you still dance like you never stopped. It’s
unbelievable, really.”
 
Elyse paused at her friend’s words, and she began to tear, making Freida freeze
up and run to her friend, hugging her.
 
That’s when Elyse began to sob, and Freida laughed, “Don’t be so dramatic,
Elyse. You’re dancing now.”
 
I’m dancing now.
 
Once the music stopped, Elyse did her final pose, and she opened her eyes to
her daughter walking up to her, clapping. Her heart warmed at the sight and she
threw Mikasa up in the air, laughing.
 
You’re right, Freida. I’m dancing now, and I’m dancing with my daughter.
 
===============================================================================
 
“I’ve decided to build a small house next to the estate.” Erwin told her one
night, and Elyse looked up at him in surprise.
 
She was washing dishes and Erwin was next to her, drying the dishes.
 
“Whatever for?” Elyse asked, a bit surprised.
 
“Well, our kids are big enough to have their own bedroom, and we have guests
always over.” Erwin explained, “And I want to give Nifa her own little house,
and Dieter too. They’ve been with us for three years now, and they deserve more
than just two guest bedrooms.” Erwin explained, and Elyse actually like the
thought of that.
 
“That’s sweet. You should do that.” Elyse said, agreeing to it.
 
Erwin nodded, deep in thought, and he opened his mouth to say something, but he
thought better of it and shook his head.
 
“Erwin…” Elyse prodded, in warning. Erwin sighed, “Your father and my father
pulled me aside on my birthday to talk to me about something they’ve noticed.”
 
Elyse winced at that, “Oh no, what did they notice?”
 
Erwin took a moment before answering, carefully watching her face, “They
noticed that we don’t sleep in the same bedroom.”
 
Elyse dropped the dish she washing, and she whipped to face him, “Did…Did
anyone else notice?”
 
Erwin shook his head, much to her relief, “They only noticed because they saw
me come out of my room, next to the office, because they decided to wake up
early morning for business calls and I go out for my morning workout. Remember
how we tell everyone that it’s just a closet? Well, our fathers were clearly
surprised and upset when they saw me come out of our so-called closet.”
 
Elyse sighed, “Why would they be upset? They know that our marriage
isn’t…normal.”
 
After washing their hands and drying them, Elyse sat at the dining table,
waiting for Erwin to respond as he sat down in front of her, “Well…they really
thought that we really were married, as in the whole in love and making love
married.”
 
Flustered, Elyse didn’t how to respond to that, as she was hit with all the
thoughts of Braun in her mind, “Oh.”
 
Erwin chuckled, “Elyse, don’t worry. I smoothed it out, kind of. They argued
with me about how someone might see us sleeping in separate rooms and how it
would especially affect our children when they grow up and realize this. I told
them when it came to the time that happens, we’ll figure it out.”
“I bet that didn’t get them to be quiet.” Elyse whispered, remembering that her
father was not one to back down from his opinion. That’s where her brother got
it…and her if she was being completely honest.
 
“No, not really, so I…came up with a compromise.” Erwin said, looking at Elyse,
and she noticed that he managed to grab a glass of whiskey without her looking.
 
“Oh no, tell me.” Elyse said, readying herself.
 
“When people come over, we have to sleep in the same room. Our fathers want
either room locked, and they want to see us coming out of the same damn room as
if we’re their prisoners.” Erwin stated, a little bit miffed.
 
Elyse simply blinked, not miffed, “Oh.”
 
Erwin looked at her then, surprised, “Oh? Am I the only one who sees that
that’s weird or…?”
 
Elyse shrugged, laughing a bit, “It could be a lot worse, Erwin. They could, oh
I don’t know, make us get married once more and renew our vows, so the press
could eat that up. Or, they could actually threaten us by replacing you with
another head of the company and you’ll have to work under that person. Or, they
could threaten to, get this, move in with us.”
 
Erwin flipped her off, and Elyse giggled, placing a hand on his arm,
reassuringly, “It’s no big deal. We sleep in the same room, and---“
 
“What if I hurt you again? What if you wake up with me choking you?” Erwin
asked, interrupting her, and Elyse could see the shame in his eyes. It had been
years since that happened, and it had frightened Elyse. It was the reason they
hadn’t been talking for at least a year.
 
Elyse tightened her hold on his arm, “What did you tell me about your last
therapy sessions?”
 
Erwin closed his eyes, and he tried to pry Elyse’s fingers off his arm, but she
remained, stubbornly.
 
“He said that I should start trusting myself now, that I should be with my
family and friends, not excluding them.” Erwin said, repeating what he told her
at least a week ago.
 
Elyse smiled at that, “See? It’ll be okay. I’ll be right next to you, and if I
have to stay up the first night to watch you, then so be it. I can always
finish reading a book.”
 
Erwin looked at her, seriously, “I don’t want to hurt you.” Elyse paused, and
she kissed his cheek, softly.
 
“You won’t.”
 
===============================================================================
 
They had company over the next day, which consisted of Levi and their two
fathers, everyone already flew to their designated areas after Erwin’s
birthday. As if they wanted to make sure that Erwin would stay true to his
word, their fathers bid them goodnight and watched as Erwin and Elyse enter
what originally was Erwin’s room.
 
When they closed the door, Elyse rolled her eyes, “It was like being watched by
police guards.” She groused, amused. She noticed that Erwin went straight to
the bathroom, so she changed quickly and waited for Erwin to be done. While she
waited, she looked around his room in amazement.
 
It was spacious, sparse, and painted a dark navy, but what she noticed was the
awards. She knew he was in the Army and that he was in a special unit, but she
didn’t know he was decorated. From all the awards, she realized that Erwin
wanted to be in the Army since he was a kid. He graduated from a specialized
military school in America.
 
Woah, West Point. That’s in New York.
 
He, then, went back to Germany to help his home country out and spent several
years in the Army before he graduated with his Master’s in Business.
 
She was already up at this point, caressing his medals gently.
 
“I’m sorry, I would’ve cleaned up, but I didn’t have the time to.” Erwin
apologized from behind, and Elyse turned around, ready to tease him, but she
paused when she realized that Erwin was technically naked except for his boxers
covering…
 
She turned red, but Erwin didn’t seem to notice as he pointed to the bathroom
after wiping his face with a towel.
 
“You can use the bathroom now.” Erwin said. Elyse almost ran into the bathroom.
She did her usual nightly routine, and she patted her face with cold water to
cover up the redness.
 
That’s what I forgot about. He practically sleeps naked. Okay, it’s not like
he’s going to do something, Elyse. Get your mind out of that dirty thinking.
 
She had Braun to think about, and she realized that she almost forgot about him
during the chaos of her mind once she saw Erwin.
 
Calming herself once more, Elyse returned to the bedroom and she saw Erwin,
sitting up, with a robe on, looking at papers. Except that he had glasses on.
 
“When did you get glasses?” Elyse asked, surprised. Erwin looked at her,
confused, “I’ve always had glasses, Elyse. They’re only for reading. I kind of
fucked up my sight cause of trying to read in the dark when I was in the Army.”
 
Elyse nodded, still a bit surprised, but she sat on the bed and pulled the
covers aside so she could bury herself in it. She only had a light night shift
on, and she was starting to regret it, but it was summer and it was hot. She
had every right to wear what she wanted to sleep even if it meant that she
would be next to Erwin’s hardened body.
 
The last time that happened was when they conceived Armin.
 
Blushing at that, Elyse tried to bury her head in the pillow, which drew
Erwin’s attention to her.
 
“Is the light bothering you? Should I go to the office?” Erwin asked,
concerned, trying to see her face.
 
Elyse shook her head, and Erwin was still curious, and he leaned down,
concerned, “Are you uncomfortable?”
 
“No, I’m just hot.” Elyse didn’t lie. She technically was hot.
 
Erwin made a move to get up, but Elyse stopped him by brushing her hand against
his thigh, and she yelped, making herself almost fall out of bed.
 
The sound of Erwin’s laughter reached Elyse’s ear as he went to her side,
quickly, helping her up.
 
“Elyse, look at me.” Erwin said, and Elyse obeyed, not even caring if her face
was bright read anymore.
 
“Nothing’s going to happen. Just relax.” Erwin reassured her, his smile more
amused than reassuring.
 
Elyse rolled her eyes, “I know that. I’m taken, remember?” She proceeded to get
in the bed once more, and she felt Erwin return too. After a moment, Erwin
turned off the light and she felt him shift next to her.
 
“Nothing is going to happen, I promise.” Erwin promised. “Unless you want it
too.” He teased. Elyse swore she could feel his breath on her ear, but she
pinched him in response, and the sound of his laughter lulled her to sleep
 
===============================================================================
 
She almost jumped out of bed. She had promised to stay awake for Erwin, so she
could check on him, but she fell asleep. She looked around, scared at what may
have happened to Erwin, but she relaxed once she saw that he was fast asleep,
peaceful.
She stared at him, and she smiled at how vulnerable he looked. He woke up then,
and he looked utterly confused, but once he saw her, she noticed that he
visibly relaxed.
 
“I thought something happened to you.” Erwin said, roughly. Elyse rolled her
eyes at that, “Yes, because we are not at home, and we are in the middle of an
unknown campsite where predators are hiding.”
 
Erwin groaned, “Elyse, it’s too early to be joking around.” Elyse scoffed at
that.
 
“You work out in the morning earlier than this.” Elyse pointed out.
 
“Yeah, but I don’t have to deal with you this early in the morning.” Erwin
argued.
 
His argument was stifled once Elyse threw her pillow at him.
===============================================================================
 
She met with Braun later on in the day, and they began to stroll in an unknown
park, holding hands, while her bodyguard trailed her, carefully. He had been
doing a great job, even Braun didn’t know they were being watched.
 
“How was the birthday?” Braun asked, politely. Elyse smiled, “It went great. We
got a new kitten because of it. Mikasa named it Maus.”
 
“Maus?” Braun asked, amused, “The German word for ‘mouse’?”
 
Elyse sighed and nodded, “Erwin insisted on teaching our kids German, but---“
 
“Oh, I see.” Braun interrupted her, and Elyse froze, realizing that she was
talking about her family with him.
 
“I’m sorry, Braun.” She apologized, squeezing his hand.
 
Braun smiled at her and he kissed her, and Elyse forgot about what she was
sorry about.
===============================================================================
 
Mikasa was dancing on her feet while Eren and Armin watched with the kitten.
Elyse and Mikasa giggled while Eren and Armin began to complain for a turn.
Elyse agreed, and she gave them each turns, and their laughter was addicting to
hear. Her heart uplifted at the sound, and it made her fall in love with them
more.
 
“So, there you all are.” Erwin’s voice caught their attention, and the children
ran to their father, pulling on his pants, welcoming him home.
 
Elyse smiled at him, greeting him. Erwin walked up to her, carrying as many
kids as he could. Eren was settled on his shoulders and Mikasa and Armin were
in his arms, laughing.
 
“How was work?” Elyse asked. Erwin sighed, “Same old men, same old sh—things.”
 
Elyse threw him a pointed glance, and he smiled in apology.
 
“Papa, watch Mama dance!” Armin exclaimed. Mikasa nodded, excited too. Eren
simply pulled on his father’s hair.
 
Elyse blushed at that, “Your father had a busy day, I don’t think---“
 
“I would love to watch your mother dance.” Erwin stated, smiling at Elyse, who
glared at him in return.
 
Setting the kids down, Erwin sat with them, as they all gathered on his lap.
Elyse simply stood there, wishing to disappear. She noticed that the kitten was
there, so she tried to distract them with that, but it was a lost cause.
 
“Dance, Elyse.” Erwin said, a simple command, and Elyse wanted to throw the
kitten at his face, but she had no choice but to comply especially with her
children begging for it too.
 
She readied herself, and once the music played, she lost herself once more,
remembering the feeling of freedom in her body when she danced. The music in
her soul and mind, completing the symphony her body adored.
 
Once it was over, she steadied her final pose and bowed.
 
When she opened her eyes, she noticed that the kids were clapping, happily, but
it was Erwin’s reacting that was priceless.
 
He was staring at her like she was the only girl in the world.
 
It made her feel uncomfortable, but his stare was so intense. It reminded her
of their first meeting, and it also reminded her of that night in her Julliard
dorm room.
 
He got up, and he approached her. She forgot how to move, and it was too late
when she remembered because Erwin grabbed her hands, and he leaned in.
 
“Elyse.” He said her name as if it was the most beautiful thing in the world,
and she didn’t know how to respond.
 
“Yes?” She managed to squeak out. Nice one, Elyse.
 
“You…have the most beautiful gift. Truly, the most beautiful. I am honored to
have witnessed what I just saw.” Erwin finished, kissing her hand.
 
Elyse flushed at that, “A-Are you sure? I mean, I’m out of touch. I haven’t
been practicing as much as I liked, and I---“
 
“Tomorrow. What are you doing tomorrow?” Erwin suddenly asked, shushing her.
 
Elyse blinked, “I..I don’t think I have anything planned.”
 
Erwin nodded at that, paying attention to their kids once more as he picked
them up.
 
“We’re going to go out tomorrow once I get home. Be ready.” Erwin stated, and
Elyse had no choice but to agree as he walked out with their children.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse didn’t even know what she was getting ready for. She chose a simple
summer dress and accessorized with a choker and gladiator sandals. Her hair was
down in waves from the bun she had placed it in from last night.
 
She texted Erwin, but he didn’t respond, so she patiently waited by playing
with the kids in the living room.
 
Erwin came home, but she noticed that he was dressed noticeably relaxed
compared to his office attire. He had a simple white dress shirt that was
unbuttoned at the top, and he had jeans on with casual shoes on instead of the
dress shoes he usually wore.
 
He also had sunglasses on, and he gave Elyse a pair, too.
 
Kissing the kids quickly and thanking Nifa, they both got to the car, and Elyse
turned to question Erwin, but he placed a finger to his lips and with a sigh,
Elyse knew she would have to wait.
 
===============================================================================
 
They arrived to the destination, and Elyse only knew that because Erwin
signaled the driver to stop. He turned to Elyse and he said in a very serious
voice, “You need to keep your head down. The press followed me after work, and
they definitely saw you with me, coming out of the house.”
 
Elyse sighed, but she obeyed, trusting Erwin was sometimes a hassle, but he was
always trustworthy. He helped her out the car, and Elyse realized that the
press was there, and they were screaming at them. She winced, she didn’t miss
that sound.
 
They were entering a building, but Elyse couldn’t look up to see what they were
entering. After a moment, it got dark and quiet. Elyse started to freak out a
bit.
“Erwin…?” Elyse asked, frightened, and she tightened her grip on his hand, and
Erwin squeezed back, reassuringly.
 
“Don’t worry. I’m still here.” Erwin replied, comfortingly. After a moment of
more walking, Elyse found themselves stopping and she was tempted to look up.
 
“Okay, you can look up now.” Erwin said, his voice not betraying any sense of
emotion.
 
Elyse did.
 
And her heart fell, and so did her mouth. She was standing on a stage, facing
hundreds of seats and the architecture of the building was so achingly
familiar, she thought she was in one of her many dreams.
 
“Erwin…don’t tell me…this is…” Elyse couldn’t find the words to express
anything, and she found wetness on her cheeks as she shakily placed a hand on
her mouth.
 
She just couldn’t believe it.
 
Erwin was behind her, and he lightened up the area even more, revealing what
she knew what had to be true.
 
“That’s not all, Elyse.” Erwin said, turning her towards him, and Elyse looked
at him, questioningly.
 
“I bought it. This is the business venture I kept. I wanted it to be my wedding
gift to you since you had to leave it behind back in New York City. Sorry, it
took three years, because it really needed renovating and redecorating, but
it’s finished now. It also happened to be finished the day I saw you dance, so
you could call it a christening of some sort.” Erwin laughed, and Elyse just
found herself staring at him in disbelief in awe.
 
“You bought it…for me?” Elyse asked, not knowing how to feel.
 
Erwin nodded, turning her once more and motioned throughout the whole building.
 
“This is all yours.”
 
And with those words, Elyse knew it wasn’t a dream.
 
The reality was that Erwin just bought her the opera house that her mother once
performed on.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// Awwwww, isn’t Erwin the sweetest? SURPRISE. HERE’S ANOTHER
     CHAPTER.
***** Arguments and Vulnerability *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Here's my long chapter before vacay. Enjoy!
     The usual disclaimer here.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Elyse couldn't breathe. Her wedding present? This magnificent theatre that she
had memorized since she was a little girl. Her aunt told her stories of how her
mother would be the prima donna of the opera house and how many admirers
flocked to the opera house for her.
She remembered the stories of how her aunt was the ballerina dancer and how her
mother was the opera singer that dominated the shows every afternoon and
evening.
"This is also where your father fell in love with your mother, ma petite. This
is where he picked her up when she tripped on the way to her dressing room. And
that's when your father knew she was the one." Her aunt would tell her,
whispering it into her hair as she lulled her to sleep with her stories.
Her brother also told her how he was brought to the opera house by his father
so they could hear and watch her mother sing, and Elyse had been extremely
jealous at that. But, her brother soothed her when she had clung to him,
crying.
The whole reason why Elyse pursued the dream of the arts was because of this
old building that had been closed down the moment her family left France. She
had planned to come back here after Julliard, and she would beg her father to
invest in it and try to pull on his heart strings to do so, but that was before
he had almost forced her to marry Mr. Garnier and then she got pregnant and
here she was with her...
Elyse looked at Erwin, her tears starting to fall, "I can't believe you did
this for me."
Erwin smiled at her, "You gave up everything back in New York City. I'm not
going to let you give up on your dream."
Elyse ran to hug him, and he laughed when she tripped into the embrace rather
than smoothly hug him.
"Shut up." Elyse said, her voice strained from crying.
She pulled away after a moment, wiping her cheeks, quickly. She began to walk
on the stage, and her face lit up and the little details she saw and
remembered. The renovation didn't change anything, but instead, the renovation
polished the building to become new-looking yet embracing the rustic beauty of
the building.
Giggling, Elyes began to dance across the stage, jumping and spinning, as if
she was floating on air. She came to a stop in front of Erwin, who was just
staring at her, grinning.
And that's when she grabbed his hand, "Dance with me."
And he did.
===============================================================================
He sucked, understandably. Elyse teased him, and he shrugged, his eyes still
cryptically amused. Once they were done dancing, Elyse and Erwin sat on the
edge of the stage, their legs dangling as they looked at the empty theatre.
"So, what's the plan?" Elyse asked, still in awe of what just happened. Erwin
shrugged, "It's yours. I simply bought it."
Elyse looked around, excitedly, "I get to hire people and such? It's really
mine?" She asked, excitedly.
Erwin chuckled, "Yes, Elyse. You get to do what you want. You have more
experience and expertise in this than I do. Your brother also offered to help
out if you're stuck."
Elyse shook her head, sighing and smiling, "Of course, he was on it too, huh."
"Everyone was in on it. Freida, Petra, Hange, Eld, Gunther, Isabelle, your
father, and my father. The kids, too. I trusted them more since they don't
really know how to talk yet." Erwin said, teasingly at the end.
"Isabelle?" Elyse asked, catching the random name amongst the others. Then, it
suddenly piqued her curiosity, and she looked at him, warily.
"So, the time when I caught you two wasn't because of…?" Elyse asked, trying to
get an answer out of him for once about his kind secretary, who happened to be
gorgeous also.
Erwin simply smiled at her, his cryptic eyes showing nothing, and Elyse
groaned, warningly. The infuriating man put up his hands in defense.
"Anyways, we need to get back home now and you can start planning and hiring
for this place. There are a couple of papers on my desk with applications if
you want to look at it. Levi also added some to the works, and Freida is
already dying to join the company you choose so she can be here in Paris with
all of us." Erwin said, completely changing the subject as he stood up,
offering her his hand.
Elyse begrudgingly accepted his help, and she stood up, staring at him. Erwin
cocked his head, slightly, questioning her. Instead of answering him, Elyse
wrapped her arms around him, gently.
"I really can't thank you enough for this, Erwin." Elyse whispered, tiptoeing
so she can place her chin on his shoulder. Erwin had also bent down to hold
her, and she could feel his smile on her bare shoulder.
"Having you as a friend and a mother to my children is enough." He replied,
smoothly.
Elyse did her best to ignore the raised flesh that appeared when she heard his
whisper.
===============================================================================
When they got home, Erwin showed her the applications as promised and they both
went through the paperwork. The kids were already asleep, so they had ordered
dinner, and they ate in his office. Settling on the couch, they ate and laughed
as they agreed and disagreed with what should be done about the theatre.
"I think we should make it a ballet school while having performances every
weekend." Elyse stated, noting that the opera theatre also had another building
for where the theatre companies used to practice and relax.
Erwin nodded, nodding his thanks as Elyse shoved yet another piece of chicken
in his mouth. He glared at her when she laughed at the first time she decided
that she wanted him to stop talking, so she just popped one in his mouth when
he was mid-talking. But, he ended up being grateful, which annoyed Elyse.
The man was literally okay with anything she did, and he adjusted himself for
whatever she threw at him.
It bothered her how perfect he was, yet he was still so stoic and unreadable
that it scared her at times.
She watched as Erwin pointed out certain things on the paperwork, and she
realized that he really did help out with everything since three years ago, but
he was already planning to help out with the future plans.
The future terrified her.
She didn't really start thinking about the future until she realized that her
children were going to start pre-school soon, so she enlisted Petra and Hange's
help with that, and she even asked Erwin if Isabelle could help, too.
She didn't even know why she asked Isabelle for help, but Isabelle did help,
giving Elyse a whole list of schools she managed to gather from top-businessmen
and their families.
Erwin had told her to throw away the list. And Elyse was horrified.
"We're going to have them tutored, Elyse. They're not ready to be out in public
eye, and as their father, I trust the estate to be the safest place from them
right now."
Elyse was already shut down before she could argue back as Erwin gave her a
cold look, a protective one, and she found no energy to complain.
He was really pushy and adamant when he wanted to be.
"Elyse? Are you listening?" Erwin's voice broke through her thoughts, and Elyse
blinked, and she coughed, "Oh, I'm sorry. I was just thinking about something."
Erwin sighed, but he continued on and Elyse listened, half-heartedly, knowing
fully well that Erwin had everything under control anyways.
===============================================================================
She mentioned it to Braun. She didn't mean for it to be a complaint, and she
just wanted some insight on what she should be feeling.
"He's a bit controlling, but I think he means well." Braun said, after
listening to what Elyse said.
"I know, I know. He gets so intense sometimes. If I ever tried to talk over
him, he looks at me as if I've grown two heads." Elyse said, sighing.
Braun chuckled, "I mean, if I were their father, I'd agree with tutoring, but I
would compromise with you. You want the kids to enjoy outside life, and that's
normal, but it's also normal for a parent to be protective like your husband.
It's more than just communication, it's all about compromises, too."
Elyse smiled at Braun, kissing his cheek. "You're amazing; you know that?"
Braun smiled, and he began to kiss her, slowly, and Elyse began to lose herself
until he broke it off and whispered in her ear, "How about I show you how
amazing you are?"
Elyse blushed and grew flustered. She knew what he was alluding to, and he had
been dropping hints for over a month now, but he never forced her.
It just didn't feel…right. Sure, Erwin was already helping her out with this,
and he had Isabella. But, all she could think about was how weird it was. She
was a wife and a mother, and even though she let Erwin do what he wanted, she
just didn't feel like it was right for her to do what she wanted. Having Braun
in her life was already enough for her.
Elyse smiled, shyly at Braun, and shook her head.
She saw the dark look of frustration in his eyes, but it disappeared in a
millisecond as he nodded as if it was never there, as if she imagined it.
===============================================================================
"Mama! Can you sing me to sleep?" Armin asked, running up to Elyse as she
cleared the living room of her kids' toys.
Elyse smiled at her little blonde boy, and she nodded, "Okay, mon petite. Just
let me finish cleaning up here."
Armin nodded, and he ran upstairs, having Nifa trail after him, tiredly. Elyse
smiled, understandingly.
The children had beds now in the nursery. The cribs were taken away due to the
ever-growing three kids that were starting to run around and scream everywhere.
Erwin had replaced the cribs with beds, and sometimes, Elyse would just catch
them sharing one bed, their limbs all over the place as they slept.
Erwin was amused at that, and Elyse sighed but she smiled. They really were
joint at the hip.
Elyse loved it when they asked her to sing or tell them a story before they
went to sleep, and it warmed her heart when Erwin would join them and he would
add more stories of his own, and Elyse found herself knowing more of Erwin and
his Army life.
Their children looked at Erwin like a superhero. The stories were what
encouraged them to call him their, "super Papa," and Erwin would chuckle at
that, his eyes shining yet still so dark when Elyse heard him speak.
She knew he still struggled, and that's what bothered her the most. The therapy
sessions were working, and when they had company over and had to share the same
room, he had been at peace and she still had her throat intact, but she could
tell that Erwin was still a bit cautious with the kids.
She walked up the stairs, and she entered their room, laughing when she saw
them immediately get into their beds, looking at her expectantly.
She began to sing as she sat in the rocking chair that they still kept in the
nursery. When they began to close their eyes, Erwin entered in, slowly and
quietly, as Elyse motioned for him to come in.
Once the parents were satisfied that the kids were asleep, Erwin motioned for
Elyse to join him in his office. He closed the door behind them, and Elyse
settled by sitting on his desk, picking up the paperwork. Her eyes froze on
what she saw.
"You…You already signed off on the professionals?" Elyse asked, a bit annoyed
and shocked.
He promised that I would be the one running it.
Erwin nodded, not even noticing that Elyse was put off by it. "I met most of
them with Freida and your brother. I had flown Freida here for two days for it,
actually, and-"
"I thought you said it was mine to run." Elyse interrupted him, feeling angry
and hurt.
Elyse, you have no right to be upset. Okay, he said it was a gift and he
promised that you would run it, but he bought it. What did you expect?
The confusing emotions she felt were enough for her to begin to clench her
fists.
"Elyse?" Erwin asked, concerned, coming to her side, grabbing her chin so she
could face him.
She swatted his hand away and stood up, staring at him angrily, "You promised
me that it would be mine to run, but of course, like always, you just do what
you want."
Erwin frowned and crossed his arms, "Elyse…I just thought this would give you a
head start-"
"Of course, you did. You always think that I'd be happy about it, but did you
ask me? I didn't notice my name in the mix of hiring the professional
teachers." Elyse argued, her voice getting slightly louder.
Erwin's gaze narrowed, and Elyse could tell that he was starting to get a
little annoyed too.
Good, at least you have some emotion that I can read on your face.
"What do you want from me, Elyse?" Erwin finally asked, his voice challenging
her, "I gave you a theatre and I did what I thought best, and I didn't think
you would have time to do it since you have Braun to think of."
"Oh, don't you dare attack me with that. You're the one persisted that I should
follow my heart, besides did I ever complain about Isabelle-"
"I am not attacking you about Braun, I'm simply pointing out facts, Elyse.
Don't you try to make it seem like I'm complaining when I'm not."
Elyse wanted to tear her hair out. Of course, he would ignore her statement
about Isabelle like always.
"Braun said that you should compromise with me, not steamroll all over me."
Elyse pointed out, weakly, trying to get her two cents in.
That seemed to break something within Erwin. His chuckle turned dark and his
stare turned cold, making Elyse shiver, inwardly.
"Oh? So, you told your little boyfriend that you weren't happy about how I was
running things instead of me? And then, the man told you that I'mthe one who
should compromise. You listen here, Elyse. I let you have everything you
wanted, and this is the thanks I get? If your boyfriend is so perfect, why
isn't he the one taking care of you? You know why? It's because you have me."
Erwin was angry. Oh, he was livid. Elyse could see it in his very being, and
this was the most emotion she ever got from him. She was stuck, and she had no
idea what to do about it. She just wanted to have her own way for once, and it
had backfired, terribly.
"Braun takes care of me in his own way. He can't be with me the way he wants
because of you. He respects our lives with our children." Elyse pointed out,
trying to find stable ground to argue on.
Erwin stared at her, and she grew scared when she noticed that his smile was
more predatory then cryptic. She missed the cryptic one more than ever right
now.
"Do you want me to stop playing your husband then? Let's go back to me taking
care of the family from a distance?" Erwin asked, challenging her, his eyes
hardened.
Elyse broke down, and Erwin stood there, his hardened emotions disappearing at
once.
He really went that far.
He reached out for her, hesitantly, and Elyse pulled away, sharply and angrily.
"What is wrong with you? All I wanted to was to point out that you need to stop
being so domineering, and yet you still threaten me by returning me to
loneliness in this family? We have kids, Erwin, or were you so caught up in
winning your argument against me that you didn't realize that? You don't want
to be friends anymore just because I wanted to control something for once in
this twisted marriage, then fine. I give up, Erwin. Youwin." Elyse cried,
softly, backing away from him as she wiped her cheeks.
"Elyse…" Erwin began, running a frustrated hand through his hair, but he didn't
continue. Elyse laughed, hollow, and she turned to leave, the sound of his
closing door replicated the sound of her heart locking up against him.
===============================================================================
She sat outside on the porch, listening to the waves hit the rocks against
their estate, and she snuggled more deeply in her blanket as she listlessly
stared off into a distance.
She couldn't sleep, her head filled with despairing thoughts.
She heard footsteps from behind her and she closed her eyes at the familiar
sound.
"Elyse." He called for her, but she refused to budge.
He doesn't want to listen to me, then I don't have to listen to him.
The sound of the footsteps got closer and Elyse snuggled closer to the corner
of the patio couch when she saw Erwin's frame settle on the other side,
replicating how they usually sat in his office in front of the fireplace, but
she made sure nothing of herself touched him.
She was too angry to even look at him.
"Elyse, I'm sorry." Erwin stated, his voice clear and apologetic, but Elyse
refused to budge, still staring at the murky waves in the dark night. The stars
shone brightly and Elyse comforted herself with the scenery in front of her.
When she didn't respond, Erwin sighed, but he continued, "You were right. I
promised that the theatre would be yours to run, but I just went ahead and
thought was best. I didn't mean to break my promise, but I did."
Elyse felt herself softening at the sound of his sincerity, and she peeked a
look at him, and he was staring at her, earnestly.
That's when she sighed, relaxing her legs so her feet touched his thighs. Erwin
relaxed at that, grabbing a foot so he could massage it.
"I also want to apologize about what I said about Braun. I know he meant well,
but the sense of male pride reared its ugly head with me. He was right. We need
to compromise. Is there anything you want to compromise on?" Erwin apologized
and prodded, and Elyse dropped the blanket, so she could look at him fully.
"I'm sorry, too." Elyse said, softly, and Erwin raised an eyebrow at that.
"What for?" He asked, still massaging her foot, gently.
"For taunting you. For what I said about Isabelle." Elyse said, suppressing a
sigh of relief as Erwin kept massaging her feet. Dancing was taking a toll on
them and she was more than grateful for this massage.
Erwin laughed, softly, "You're not in the wrong for that. If anything, that's
my fault. I should've just squashed your insinuations the first time."
"My insinuations?" Elyse asked, curiously.
"Isabelle…we're not what you think we are." Erwin said, chuckling, and Elyse
froze, pulling back her legs and leaning forward.
"You're not…making love with her?" Elyse asked, bewildered and still a prude,
flustered. Erwin rolled his eyes at her choice of words.
"No, we're not fucking each other." Erwin said, smiling at Elyse's warning
look, "We never were. The only times she was with me was when I asked for her
expertise with the opera house. Her father and mother are both involved in
architecture and the arts, and she's studying design, also."
"But the time where she was disheveled." Elyse pointed out, remembering how
Isabelle looked out of sorts that evening.
"She had a mishap when she tried helping a construction worker and she had to
rush to the office to help me out with my wardrobe because Petra wasn't able to
for personal reasons." Erwin explained, amused, "I could see why you thought it
though."
Elyse truly felt stupid. She punched his arm, and Erwin kept laughing.
"Why didn't you just say you weren't…you know?!" Elyse argued, exasperated.
"Fucking?" Elyse threw him another warning look, but he continued, "I don't
know. It was fun, and maybe I wanted to make you jealous."
Elyse rolled her eyes at that, "Ha ha, Erwin. Seriously."
Erwin, teasingly, smiled, "To be honest, it was just fun to be mysterious about
it. And I didn't see no harm with keeping you amused. You seemed to be eating
it up, and I just let it happen."
"You're seriously annoying, Erwin." Elyse sighed, kicking him in the thigh
after he placed her foot down.
Erwin smiled, and a moment of silence passed over them. But, Elyse was still
curious.
"Why didn't you just…do it? If not Isabelle, why not find someone else to…you
know." Elyse asked, curiously. "You let me have Braun, n-not like we did
anything, but y-you know what I mean."
Erwin contemplated her question, and thankfully, he ignored her last statement.
"I thought about it. Isabelle isn't shy to show her interest in me, and we are
sometimes, flirtatious, but it never extended anywhere and it stopped once it
was revealed that I was married. Other women were candidates for fucking—Elyse,
it's called fucking, get over it-but I keep my promises, Elyse." Erwin stated,
honestly.
"Promises?" Elyse asked, confused.
"Did you forget already? I promised you, before we got married, that I intended
to stay a faithful husband until we got to talking about the issue. I don't see
the need for it, so I wasn't bothered to talk about it. I have business and a
family to worry about."
Elyse widened her eyes, the memory of him telling her that burning in her mind.
She groaned, "I'm so selfish. I didn't even ask if you wanted to-"
Erwin cut her off by shaking his head, "You're not selfish, Elyse. I encouraged
you to follow your heart, and I'm glad that you are. Like I said, it would be a
waste for someone like you to not follow what you want. Why do you think I'm so
supportive of every decision you make? Granted, I'm controlling of how it
happens, but I promise to not be controlling anymore. See? I keep my promises,
Elyse. You should know that by now."
Elyse smiled, widely, "You're…seriously the greatest, weirdest husband in this
wrong marriage, Erwin."
Erwin cocked his head to the side and placed a hand on his chest, playfully, as
if touched by her words.
"And you are the best, annoying wife in this twisted marriage, Elyse."
Elyse giggled and threw her arms around him, hugging him and laughing, her
heart full now that their relationship was mended.
===============================================================================
"What about that pretty intern on the third floor with the nice legs? She looks
at you all the time." Elyse persisted as they casually sat on the couch in his
office a week after they had their huge fight. She had her legs draped over his
lap while Erwin read the paperwork atop of them, his eyeglasses on and his eyes
focused. Elyse was busy eating the dinner she didn't get to eat since feeding
three children was a job in itself.
Nifa and Dieter were pleasantly surprised when Erwin and Elyse presented them
their small homes next to the estate. They protested it, saying that it should
go to the guests, but Elyse was not budging and Erwin already handed them their
keys and began to show them around.
Since Nifa was in her small house, Elyse made sure to give a break to the woman
since Nifa would usually be around and she wouldn't let Elyse lift a finger,
but now that Nifa was away most of the time, Elyse took advantage of it.
She had groused to Erwin that night about giving Nifa a pay raise after she
successfully and finally managed to get all three kids dinner and asleep.
The tired parents both retired to working on the ballet school and theatre
together in his office, and Elyse once again broached the subject of finding
him someone suitable to…make love to.
"Elyse, leave it alone. I will find someone suitable when I want to." Erwin
said, not even looking at her as he crossed something else off on the paperwork
on her legs.
Elyse giggled at the tickle, and Erwin sighed, picking up the paperwork off her
legs and he shoved her legs aside, which made Elyse roll her eyes.
Her eyes lit up as she remembered something, "How about the girl who works on
the fifth floor with the long hair and the nice toned butt?"
Erwin sighed, "Elyse, are you choosing girls for me or for you because I don't
even recognize these small details about the women in my building?"
"Hey! I'm just appreciating beauty!" Elyse said, flustered at the insinuation.
Erwin scoffed, but he kept quiet.
Elyse opened her mouth once more, but she was caught by surprise when she found
Erwin's hand on her mouth and that his face was mere inches away from her.
She could see the unreadable twinkle in those blue eyes, and she was shocked
with…the flirtatious smile he had on his face.
"How about you, Elyse?" He asked, his words dripping with sweetness and
smoothness, "You know, we could just fuck and go on about our lives when we
want to. Besides, it'll work out and we don't have to have any feelings tangled
in it. We're already married and we have kids, so why not? How about it, love?"
The way he said "love" should be illegal.
Elyse didn't know what to say, and she was desperate to run away from his stare
and his voice and-
That's when Erwin pulled away from her and she noticed that he was shaking from
laughter.
Elyse grew red, angry and embarrassed, "That's notfunny."
"Well, it did shut you up." Erwin pointed out, poking at her red face. Elyse
crossed her arms and she glared at him as he returned to paying attention to
the paperwork. "Anyways, you really need to do Braun already, you're
practically ready to be fucked."
"I. Hate. You." Elyse stated, really red at this point, grabbing a pillow and
hitting him with it.
===============================================================================
Elyse was thankful when Freida showed up to the auditions that she set up for
the theatre.
"Wow, don't you look like the professional ballerina?" Freida complimented her
friend as she entered the theatre.
Elyse smiled, thanking her friend.
"So, the production team is already hired, and so are the managers for every
section of the theatre—costume, lights, etc. What I'm looking for is
professional dancers who are willing to teach and perform. I know that Erwin,
Levi, and you chose some already, but these are the ones that I want to stay,
you know? Besides, this production will be advertisement for the new school,
and I need it to go well." Elyse explained, as they both sat down. Her brother
stretched, yawning, as he placed an arm around Elyse's chair.
"Hello, Freida." Levi greeted her, nonchalantly. Freida smiled, tucking a hair
behind her ear, and gave him a small nod, "Hi there, hot stuff."
Elyse cringed and she swatted Freida's arm in warning while Levi simply
smirked, staring at the papers in front of him.
"Okay, so the first person is…"Elyse began, and just like that, auditions
began.
===============================================================================
Elyse didn't cover her surprise when she saw the next name on the list. Levi
even smiled, impressed.
"Well, Mr. Lexington, I guess you'll be auditioning for us today." Freida
stated, welcoming. Elyse felt floored. She risked a glance at her brother and
she stared at his profile, praying that he will never find out about her secret
relationship with Braun.
Her brother was adamant about her being his good sister, and if he found out
that she was having an affair, she could see her poor brother blaming himself
for not raising her correctly and it broke her heart to see that.
She resumed her professional grace and she welcomed him, too, ignoring the
knowing smile on his face when she told him to begin.
She watched him, breathlessly. Of course, he was good. He had been the dance
partner she wanted since Julliard. He was the other half of her dance
sometimes, and he complimented everything when they were dancing together.
Once it was done, Freida and Levi expressed that he should be taken immediately
and they looked at Elyse for the final decision. Elyse took a deep breath, and
she nodded, welcoming him to the company.
She didn't miss the mischief in his gracious smile when he bowed in thanks.
===============================================================================
"You should've told me that you were going to audition. At least give me a
heads up." Elyse told him later on in their secret spot.
Braun shrugged at that, "Where's the fun in that?"
Elyse sighed, but she complied, smiling at him, "You danced wonderfully. You
haven't changed at all."
Braun smiled in thanks, kissing her forehead. He brought his lips closer to her
own, and she kissed him back.
When they pulled away, Elyse started giggling and Braun looked at her,
quizzically.
"What is it?" He asked, confused. Elyse shook her head, "Oh, it's nothing. I
just thought of how Erwin said something about auditions earlier."
Braun winced at that, but he smiled, encouraging for her to continue, "What did
he say?"
"He said he wouldn't be surprised if you auditioned. And it turns out he was
right." Elyse said, shrugging but she was still amused as she stared at the
area ahead of them.
"…You're really fond of him, huh?" Braun asked, quietly. Elyse blushed at that,
but she nodded, not denying it.
"He's good to me, and he's the one who bought me the theatre. I'm so grateful
for him." Elyse said, not bothering to hide her affection for the blonde man.
Even if it was in front of her boyfriend.
Braun seemed to pause at that, and she looked at him when she noticed that they
stopped walking.
"Elyse…where do you see this going?" Braun asked, suddenly, and Elyse looked at
him, confused.
"What do you mean?" Elyse asked, urging him to continue. Braun sighed, running
a hand through his hair, exasperated.
"I..I didn't want to bring it up, but lately, I've only heard about your
husband and your kids since we started dating, and don't get me wrong, it's
normal, but I'm not here to be your therapist for when you and your husband
fight or when you want to gush about your children. I knew what I would get
into when we got back together, but I also had hoped…"
"Hoped what?" Elyse asked, softly, her heart pounding.
"I hoped that…you would get a divorce." Braun finished, staring at her.
Elyse felt her heart plummet.
"D-Divorce? Braun, what?" Elyse asked, suddenly caught off-guard.
Divorce? From Erwin? But, my family and my kids. My father and brother.
Everyone.
Of course, it made sense. Braun said he loved her, and he was willing to be in
a secret relationship with her, but it didn't hit her that they wouldn't have a
future together. She lived in a denial bubble, and Braun let her, so did Erwin,
but now it was too real to deny.
Braun was asking her to pick because he couldn't stand waiting on her anymore.
It had been a year and a couple months of them together, and the time together
had been wonderful only because Elyse thought she was 16 again in where she had
no responsibilities and all she had was dance. That's why Braun was her escape
from her chaotic world, and now her was breaking into her bubble and giving her
an ultimatum.
"Ely…you need to realize that this can't go on anymore if you're not planning
on leaving your husband. You obviously care about him and you both have kids to
worry about. Damn, you even have a pet. I know…I know I carried on with the
whole denial thing, but it kind of sucks hearing the girl you love and want
talk about her other life like it's nothing. Plus, you still feel guilty when I
touch you."
"I don't feel guilty…"
Braun snorted at that, "Oh, please, Elyse. You pull away from our kisses when
it starts to become something more. You don't think I've noticed?"
Elyse began to play with her hands, looking down at her feet, and she could
feel the tears gathering in her eyes.
"It's not that I don't want you, Braun, really." Elyse pleaded, hoping he would
understand. Braun lifted her chin up and the understanding smile he had on his
face was heartbreaking.
"I know, Elyse, I know." Braun reassured her. They both stood there, unmoving.
"So what now?" Elyse asked, scared to hear the answer. Braun let go of her
hesitantly, and she found her heart breaking when he backed away from her.
"I don't know, Elyse. I really want to tell you to leave him, but you have your
kids to worry about, and I'm not about to take away their mother. I know you
care about your husband, also. That much is very clear. But, I…I can't pretend
not to be bothered by it anymore. So…maybe let's take a break, okay? Let's just
see what happens." Braun offered, lamely at the end.
Elyse nodded, numbly, "Okay."
"I'll…I'll see you at the theatre. I guess." Braun offered, trying to smile but
Elyse could barely smile back herself.
===============================================================================
She went back to the estate, numb and tired.
Kids. Erwin. Bed.
She tried to think of her agenda as she wandered aimlessly inside, but she was
caught off-guard by Erwin, who was drinking in the liquor room with her father.
"Elyse!" Her father greeted her, smiling, seemingly out of it.
Oh boy.
"Hello, papa." Elyse greeted, mustering up a warm smile and she hugged him,
smelling the stench of bourbon and whiskey on him.
She turned to Erwin, and she noticed that he was slightly out of it, too.
Well, well, well.
She found herself amused when she saw Erwin, pleading with her with his eyes,
and she could practically read, "Do something about your father please before I
die."
Nodding her head at Erwin, she turned to her father, "Papa, why don't we help
you go upstairs and you can go to sleep. Do you have a meeting to attend to? Is
that why you're here?"
Her father didn't answer, instead he grabbed Elyse's face and began to wail,
"You are such a good girl, Elyse. Such a good daughter to a horrible father
like me."
She didn't even know where that came from, but she could feel the bitterness
panging in her heart, reminding her that Braun had left her and if her father
had just let her be with him, then maybe she would be with Braun now. She
wouldn't have rebelled, and then her life would be what she always planned it
to be. Braun and her could've taken the world by storm with their dancing, and
she'd be living in Paris, just like she was now, and maybe…
But she thought of her kids. Her precious kids. And then, Erwin. She wouldn't
have got to know him if it were any other circumstance. He would've just been
known as her brother's friend, and they wouldn't have known each other the way
they did now.
Which life would she pick if she was given a choice?
She couldn't think more of it because her father just threw up on the floor.
===============================================================================
With Erwin's help, Elyse managed to heave her father up the stairs and on to
the guest bed that was always prepared for him since Nifa and Dieter had their
own houses.
She closed the door, and she turned to Erwin, who still looked dazed. She
smiled, half-heartedly.
"Are you tipsy?" She asked, softly. Erwin shook his head, but the far-off gaze
was still there.
Elyse sighed, "Well, since father's here, we have to sleep in the same room, so
come on." She grabbed Erwin's hand and she didn't miss it when he squeezed it
tightly, as if scared she was going to let go.
Once they entered his room, Elyse sat him down and she bent down to meet his
gaze, "Erwin, I'm going to undress you now so you can go to sleep, okay?"
Erwin nodded, slowly, and he sighed as he massaged his temples, "I'm sorry,
Elyse. I didn't know I was going to be this lightweight. I had refrained from
drinking because of the children, but I guess that backfired."
Elyse laughed, "There's no need for an apology, Erwin. I know how much my
father can drink."
She began to help him out of his clothes without blushing because, to be
honest, she was still a little out of it because of the Braun situation. Erwin
seemed to notice this, too, and he stopped her from unbuttoning his shirt any
further.
"What's wrong, Elyse? Did something happen?" Erwin asked, concerned.
Elyse bit her lip, noticing that the concern in Erwin's voice was prompting her
to cry, and she shook her head.
But, Erwin wouldn't have any of it. He grabbed her hands away from his shirt
and held them, "Talk to me, Elyse."
Instead of talking, Elyse began to sob, incoherently, and Erwin wrapped his
arms around her, helping her sit on his lap so he could hold her closely.
She felt safe and warm, and it calmed her even though he smelled like cigars
and whiskey. It was a welcoming smell mixed with his usual expensive cologne.
It was Erwin, her friend and partner.
Once she calmed down, Erwin tilted her chin up, so she could look at him.
"He…broke it off. Said that we needed to figure out if we have a future or
not." Elyse finally said, managing to not break into another sob.
Erwin regarded her for a moment before nodding, understanding.
For a moment, he held her and Elyse let him. With a sigh, Elyse got up and she
moved to help Erwin undress, and he tried to stop her, but she slapped his hand
away.
"Let me distract myself with your annoyingly perfect body, will you?" Elyse
managed to tease, but she noticed that Erwin's gaze darkened instead of
lightened. Yet, he didn't stop her.
Elyse managed to help him take his pants off and then his shirt. But, she
noticed that she touched a rough part of his body and tried to press on it
until Erwin stopped her, by grabbing her hand.
She managed to see what she touched though and she gasped when she saw his
back.
It had scars and burn. Multiple lines going in random directions, angry and
harsh.
Oh, Erwin. You and I both have scars. Mine, emotionally. Yours, physically.
"Erwin…" Elyse muttered, her heart breaking with the understanding of what she
just saw. She fought his hard grip and she managed to since he was tipsy, and
she started to caress his scars, her sobs breaking at each new pattern that she
would trace.
"Elyse, enough." Erwin said, his voice strained, and Elyse looked up at his
face and she knew that the darkening of his face meant.
He looked at her, his gaze boring into her, and she knew that he was
vulnerable.
But, so was she.
She was tired, so tired, and she just wanted to lose herself for just one
moment. She was tired of being denied and being rejected. She was tired of not
getting what she wanted. She was tired of every damn upsetting thing in her
life at that moment.
She brought her face closer to him, and she placed her hands on his bare chest,
noticing that it was rising up and down as he breathed deeply, his eyes wary of
her, but his gaze never losing its intensity.
"Did you mean it, Erwin?" She asked, her lips ghosting on his, ready to lose
herself with him.
"Mean what?" Erwin asked, his voice soft and tender compared to the gaze he was
showering her with.
"That we could have no attachments right after. That we could be vulnerable and
lose ourselves to each other. That we can pretend for just a moment then return
back to normal." Elyse reminded him, her lips already brushing against his.
"Elyse." Erwin warned her with her name, but she couldn't deny the way he said
her name was so intoxicating in her vulnerable state.
"That we could fuck." Elyse finally stated, ignoring his warning, and with
that, she crushed her lips against his.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// I’m off to vacation after writing this lengthy chapter. I
     promised no cliffhanger, but then again, where’s the fun in that? xx
***** Stuck Agreements *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ I'm back!
     I own nothing. Except the ever-confusing Elyse.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
Kissing Erwin had always been a rollercoaster for Elyse. He claimed her with
his hands and his caresses that one night, and sometimes, if she was being
honest with herself, she would compare how Erwin was that night to how Braun
was with her for almost a year. Braun was gentle and soft, and she loved being
in his arms. With Erwin, it was demanding yet controlled, and it kept her at
the edge of her seat.
This time, it was the edge of his lap.
She was the one who started their kiss, and she had melted when Erwin's growl
sounded after a moment of his hesitancy. His hands were immediately on her back
or was it her butt—wait, they were in her hair now. He held her so closely to
him, his experienced mouth on hers, taking over her hard kiss, and she found
herself willing for him to teach her, to control her.
She moaned in their kiss, and it encouraged Erwin, as he left her lips to place
teasing kisses in the crook of her neck and they were tracing a delicious
pattern down the column of her neck.
Yes, make me forget. Make me forget about all the regret in my life.
She craved the headiness of how he had the ability to make her forget about
everything. Braun may have made her forget the moments, but Erwin truly blinded
her when they had conceived their now three-year old baby boy.
But, that's when she saw Braun's face in her mind, and she gasped.
No.
Determined to push Braun away from her mind, she grabbed Erwin's face,
caressing those beautiful sharp features on his face, and she bit her lip when
she saw his blue-eyed gaze, half-lidded, filled with raw desire.
Yes.
She claimed his lips once more, and he let her take control, but his hands were
already starting to make work of her long legs that wrapped around him, and he
groaned, deliciously in her mouth, when she involuntarily grinded against him.
Her hands traveled from his face to his bare chest, her fingers appreciating
the muscle that she felt beneath. She smiled, and Erwin bit her bottom lip in
warning, and Elyse truly grinded against his strong thighs that time.
Her hands were about to complete their travel once she would reach his pants,
but, in a flash, she was suddenly pushed away by Erwin's hands grabbing her own
as he broke their kiss.
She opened her eyes, shocked from being ripped away from all the pleasantry she
was feeling. A heaving chest is what greeted Elyse, as she noticed that Erwin
was breathing deeply, but somehow, his face was controlled, the desirous gaze
now gone and replaced with a stoic chagrin.
A whine interrupted from her throat, but Erwin pushed her off his lap, gently,
and Elyse is forced to sit on the bed as he stands up and begins to pace the
floor, slowly. The hands that were just on her were placed on his mouth and
another behind his back as he lost himself in his pacing of their shared room
for the night.
Elyse was starting to feel the flustered feeling of embarrassment of what just
happened and the regret was starting to bubble from beneath her broken soul
that also reminded her that Braun was gone.
She immediately feels stupid, then angry, then frustrated, and simply numb.
She noticed that Erwin finally came to a stop and he held her widened gaze with
his own controlled one.
It was if they weren't intimate the moment before.
He bent down in front of her, studying her, and suddenly, Elyse felt she was
naked, emotionally, rather than physically like she wanted to be at that very
moment.
He sighed, deeply, and he closed his eyes for just a moment as if to regain his
bearings and then he opened them, pinning her with a gaze that suddenly made
her remember what just happened.
The numbness took control over her then, tired of feeling ashamed or
embarrassed or any emotion, really.
"That wasn't smart, Elyse. I'm not sober. And you're obviously heartbroken."
Erwin began.
Elyse shrugged, rolling her eyes, feeling nothing at his scolding. "So? That's
how we got here in the first place. Except I was the one who was drunk." Elyse
retorted, emotionless.
Erwin's stare turned wary and a bit confused, and Elyse felt slight
satisfaction at confusing this all-knowing man in front of her.
I don't care, Erwin. Just let me not care for once in my damn life.
"Elyse, you're not okay right now and I need you to think about what you're
doing right now."
That was her breaking point. Elyse stood up, angrily, and pushed Erwin away
from her, but the solid man was still there, not even budging.
"I'm tired of thinking, okay? Everything about my life has been based on
thinking. Everything is better unexpected, right? No, because, somehow, my life
is still fucked up and I can't have anything that I want. God, I just…I just
want a life that I want, but I don't. And now, I don't want to think about
consequences of what will happen in the future. All I want right now is to fuck
and forget and I can't even have that." Elyse ranted, her tone bitter and her
laugh void of any emotion.
Erwin, much to his favor, didn't say anything for a moment as Elyse breathed,
in and out, trying to calm herself down.
He looked up at her and then he stood up, slowly. He approached her and Elyse
stood there, standing her ground. He held up a hand to her face, gently, and
his thumb touched her bottom lip, tenderly, and Elyse realized that her bottom
lip was swollen from earlier. The rest of his hand cupped her cheek, and Elyse
welcomed the warmth, hesitantly.
He looked up at her and then he stood up, slowly. He approached her and Elyse
stood there, standing her ground. He held up a hand to her face, gently, and
his thumb touched her bottom lip, tenderly, and Elyse realized that her bottom
lip was swollen from earlier. The rest of his hand cupped her cheek, and Elyse
welcomed the warmth, hesitantly.
"So, you're saying that, you, the most compassionate and emotional person I
know, can have meaningless sex right here and now? That the moment you wake up
tomorrow morning and realize what happened, that you would just go on your
merry way?" Erwin asked, softly, studying her.
Elyse closed her eyes, the words hitting her broken heart harder that she
thought it would. He was right. Of course, he was right. That's how it had been
with Braun. After every kiss, after every moment that he made her forget, she
felt even more guilty each and every time when she saw her father or Levi. She
felt horrible when she played with her kids and that they didn't even know
about Braun.
All they knew was that Erwin was their father.
Erwin, for all the messed up things that took the cake, knew about it and he
even approved it, but even Elyse still felt horrible because he didn't have
anyone for himself and there she was, gallivanting with Braun.
And if she was being honest with herself, she felt relieved when Braun broke it
off with her because of the guilt.
Just like back when she was sixteen-years old, saying goodbye to him.
Elyse opened her eyes and noticed that Erwin's hardened face had softened and
his lips were upturned in a reassuring smile, "See? You know you're not that
person, Elyse."
Elyse looked down, even with Erwin's hand still on her face, gently caressing
her cheek, and she knew that Erwin could now feel the tears that were falling
down even if he couldn't see them.
She grabbed the hand and squeezed, now looking at her hand gripping at his
large one, trying to control the dam of emotions she had been containing within
herself.
"Why can't I be? I'm so exhausted of being this type of person. I've never once
thought of myself and that's not normal. Everyone has a right to be selfish
once in their life, but the moment I try to be, it's not right. Nothing is
right for me. I'm so tired of being…weak." Elyse admitted, the tears now
overflowing as she let all her heartbreak show.
She was angry that she couldn't be with Braun. She was relieved that she didn't
have that burned anymore. She was sad that she couldn't have what she wanted.
She was...
"Elyse." Erwin's voice interrupted her thoughts, and she was forced to look up
as he got out of her grip and placed his hand back to her face so he could
force her to look up at him.
"Listen to me very carefully. You are not weak. You think being selfish is a
strong trait? It's a person's downfall. Trust me, I know from experience. You
put others before yourself, and that is the most courageous trait I've come to
appreciate about you. I've never lied to you before, so believe my words,
Elyse." Erwin stated, strongly.
Elyse simply nodded, and she didn't even know at what. She just wanted her
tears to stop, so she stepped away from him, and Erwin dropped his hand,
politely waiting for her.
They took a moment of silence as they stood there.
A thought crossed over in her mind and Elyse raised an eyebrow at him and Erwin
waited.
"You did lie about Isabelle." Elyse pointed out, breaking the tension.
Erwin chuckled, and Elyse welcomed the deep sound.
"I didn't lie. I never replied to your insinuations." Erwin argued back.
Elyse walked up to him, hesitantly, pushing his shoulder, a bit annoyed. Erwin
laughed and brushed her wet cheeks, carefully.
The tense moment between them was shifting to a calm atmosphere, but Elyse
sighed and bit her lip, realizing that she forgot to talk about one thing that
got them here in the first place.
"I'm…I'm sorry for trying to take advantage of you." She apologized.
Erwin smiled at her, playfully, "I'm not. That was one hell of a kiss."
And just like that, everything seemed to return to normal.
===============================================================================
They slept on the same bed after, but Elyse noticed that Erwin put more space
than usual between them and she didn't blame him.
If you almost had sex with someone that sleeps next to you for the night, then
you need to put that space.
She noticed that he was gone the moment she woke up, and she had woken up to a
note crinkled beneath her cheek.
Had to leave for work with your father early. Dropping him off at the airport,
so I'll have dinner at the office with him. –Erwin
Elyse felt the heavy guilt of what happened and what almost happened last night
hit her and she cursed Erwin for being such a…such a…good husband and father
and a very irritating man.
Dragging her sorry behind from the bed, she got up to get ready for the day,
placing his note on one of the bedside tables.
She had to be at the theatre today to start looking for a lead ballerina for
the upcoming production that they were planning out of the company that she had
hired. Freida and Levi were going to be there early too, so she was excited to
have them with her as she makes a major decision.
Once she was ready, she went to check up on the children and she noticed that
they were already up and jumping on their beds, as Nifa tried to beg them to
settle down. The kids saw her immediately, and they ran up to her, trying to
climb up her legs as they chattered incessantly about…how monkeys fly?
Elyse smiled and laughed as she bent down to their level to kiss them and
playfully bite their cheeks. Eren was already trying to climb up her shoulders
and Armin was pulling at her arm while Mikasa softly placed her hands on her
cheeks so she can greet her a happy morning.
Embracing the chaos, Elyse nodded at Nifa, which was their signal for Nifa to
get breakfast ready.
Once Nifa left to get that done, Elyse got up, heaving Eren up in her arms and
Armin, too. Mikasa was just happy to hold her mother's dress as she giggled
when Elyse began to complain.
"How your father can carry you both is beyond me." Elyse moaned as Eren clapped
his hands on her cheek, excitedly.
"Papa is strong." Armin said, seriously, and Elyse could just squish his face
for being so cute.
Elyse nodded, "Yes, he is, baby. Okay, let's all go downstairs and have
breakfast, okay?"
The sound of her children's glee would never get old.
===============================================================================
She arrived at the theatre earlier than everyone else. And she checked the time
for the first time that day since she was in a rush to get ready and make sure
the kids ate, and she laughed at how she didn't realize that she was an hour
early. Dieter told her that he would be around, securing the building, and she
had rolled her eyes at that but she thanked him for doing his job.
She inhaled deeply, still not over the smell of the rustic building. Her hands
grazed each top of the wooden embellished handles of the chairs that were next
to the aisle. Approaching the stage, she climbed up the stairs and began to
walk across the stage, slowly. She realized that she had her pointe shoes in
her bag and the small speaker that she had for the auditions. Her phone was
also on her…
A smile broke on her face as she began to get ready for an impromptu dance
number.
She hadn't had the chance to dance on the stage, professionally, and she was
about to take the chance, too.
She turned on one of her favorites, "Song of The Caged Bird," by the violinist,
Lindsey Stirling. It was a song that had been close to her dancing career back
in Julliard when she found out about it. It was the song that epitomized her
life at the time.
And this time, it related more to her life than ever.
She relaxed and did her stretches with her pointe shoes as she listened to the
music. Once she felt that she was warmed up, she began to dance and that's when
she lost herself in her favorite art.
It all made sense when she danced. Her chaotic, unexpected life was in the back
of her mind as she embraced the only thing that hasn't let her down yet.
When the music ended, Elyse took a deep breath and bowed just as she would
whenever she ended a performance.
The sound of echoing applause sounded and she looked out at where the seats
were, shocked and confused.
That's when she made out the figure of her brother in the middle of the
orchestra seating.
"You still dance beautifully, Elyse." Levi said, as Elyse jumped down the stage
to run and embrace him, giggling.
Elyse relaxed in her hug with her brother. She realized that throughout her
their sudden busy schedules that she hadn't had the time to truly sit and talk
with her brother, and she missed him. He was her best friend and her mentor in
everything she did.
Unbeknownst to the world even their father, her brother was actually
exceptional in the arts of singing and dancing. Their aunt was the one who also
knew, but now that she's resting in peace, Elyse is the one who guarded her
brother's memory of his artful talent.
Levi didn't want anyone to know. Their mother was the one thing that inspired
him to go after his talent, but after what had happened all those years ago,
Elyse can't remember the last time he danced or sang.
"You're the one who taught me." Elyse replied, her heart sinking at the
memories that hit her.
The siblings sat in the second row of the orchestra seating waiting for
everyone to arrive. Elyse, with her head on her brother's shoulder, listened as
her brother talked about their father and how he was doing.
Curiosity pricked at her ever since the announcement that Levi would take over
her father's company in New York.
"Do you want to explain the miracle of you and papa or am I never going to find
out?" Elyse asked once he finished talking.
Levi didn't speak for a moment, and Elyse patiently waited. She knew that it
always had been tough with her father and brother. They barely got along since
she was born, and she knew that for a fact because the first memory she ever
had was her brother and father arguing over…her.
Elyse grew up, trying to fix whatever happened between her brother and father,
and much to her disappointment, they only got along whenever she was there.
It had been a shock when her father finally announced that her brother was
going to take over, but it was such an agonizing process of them finally
begrudgingly agreeing on one major thing. Elyse wouldn't be surprised if they
were still at each other's throats.
"Father…has changed somewhat. He's more open to new ideas and he's been more
open to the fact that I'm never going to be like him. We agreed on the interim
part of me taking over, but I believe he's trying to change that into forever
at this point." Levi finally said, explaining his side.
"Changed?" Elyse asked, thinking back to where it all started and until now,
"In what way?"
Levi scoffed, "You really don't see it, Ely? Father is openly playing with your
kids. He let Mikasa place a flower crown on his head the last time we were at
your estate. Sometimes, I think he's really lost it."
Elyse laughed, softly, at the memory of her daughter placing a crown on her
father's head.
"I guess." Elyse finally said.
Elyse could feel Levi shake his head, "You don't see it because you always try
to see the good in people even if they do you wrong. Like, I don't know, trying
to marry you off to an old fart."
"Father has been through more than most in his lifetime. I owe him everything."
Elyse said, not even bothering to laugh at her brother's joke.
Levi stayed silent, but she knew her brother well enough to know that he
couldn't argue with what she said, but that didn't mean he'd be readily
agreeing with her anytime soon.
"Remember when you would play the violin or the piano and I'd just dance across
the stage with auntie watching?" Elyse asked, willing to change the subject to
happier topics.
Her brother hummed, pleasantly, at the memory, "The good old days."
"Now, you're a wife and a mother, owning the very theatre that has been a part
of our family." Levi continued, sighing.
"And you're finally in father's good graces and about to take over his
company." Elyse pointed out, smiling once her brother groaned.
"Paris really does change people." Her brother groused.
Elyse linked an arm with her brother's and buried her head in his shoulder to
muffle her laughter.
===============================================================================
"Yeah, no. You suck. Next!"
Elyse winced as Freida, yet again, dismissed another ballerina, who looked a
bit miffed at Freida's lack of tact. Elyse smiled apologetically at the
ballerina, but the damage was done.
"Freida, tread carefully." Elyse whispered once again, and Freida simply smiled
and shrugged.
Elyse sighed, and she shuffled the papers with a groan, "That was the last one!
Plus, I thought she did an amazing job." Elyse argued, shooting glares at both
the judges.
She thought having Freida and Levi as judges would make the job easier, but she
seemed to forget that her brother was an annoying perfectionist with
technicality and Freida was always one for something that "spoke to her". It
was like having two of the worst people to compromise with.
"Oh, please, Elyse. That ballerina didn't know how to properly pirouette,
gracefully." Freida stated, brushing off Elyse's complaint.
Levi grunted in agreement, "Besides, it's obvious who should take the lead role
in the production."
Elyse looked at them, mystified, "Do we have a secret ballerina or something
that I don't know about because, like I said, that was all of them."
Levi and Freida shared a look that Elyse knew was one of secrecy and it dawned
on her immediately.
"Oh, no, no, no. Thatis not happening." Elyse immediately said, standing up to
end the conversation as she moved to the stage to start cleaning up the papers
and speakers all over.
"Ely, come on. What better ballerina than you? You know that you want someone
who is passionate about the part and dance, and you're basically that person."
Freida's voice drifted to the stage and Elyse scoffed in response.
"She's right, Elyse. Enough of the humble attitude, the majority rules that
youwill be the lead with Braun." Her brother agreed.
That made her freeze.
"Levi…that's not…" Elyse found herself trailing off, as she stood up and stared
at her brother, dazed.
"That's not?" Levi prompted, trying to read her expression from far off. Elyse
was glad that there was space because he would've seen the devastation clear on
her face.
"That's not nice. It's good to stay humble." Elyse said, cleverly hiding what
she was about to stay.
"Seriously, Elyse being humble is her very being." Freida sighed, changing the
subject completely as Levi scoffed at them.
Elyse cleaned the stage even though her mind was in a disarray.
===============================================================================
Levi treated her out to dinner and Dieter was great at protecting them from the
press. Once seated, Levi grunted, annoyed.
"I forgot that you and Erwin were always constantly being followed by the
press." Levi said, shaking his head, while grabbing the offered menu from their
formal waiter.
Elyse sighed and quickly apologized for her brother's behavior and thanked
their waiter for the menus before turning to her brother, "Yes, for some odd
reason, it's a thing."
It was Levi's turn to be surprised. "You don't know why the press is following
you and Erwin?"
Elyse shrugged, "I got it the first time. 16-year-old heiress marries 26-year-
old businessman and has a kid on the way, but, wait, two more kids, is a
headline, but it's been 3 years. Maybe—"
"Erwin was more than businessman, Elyse. You do know that, right? Or is the man
that annoyingly quiet to this day?" Levi stated, sighing.
Elyse raised an eyebrow at her brother, "I mean, I get that he was in the Army
and that he was in a special unit from what you told me."
Levi closed his eyes, shaking his head, "Elyse…Erwin was somebody all over
Europe before he was in the Army. He was a director and a model."
Elyse didn't know how to react. All other conflicting thoughts about Braun and
the theatre all gone from her mind.
"Wait, what?" Elyse asked, dumbly.
"He was well-known when he was younger, but all of a sudden, he decided to go
to New York to pursue a military education. He's an American-German citizen.
Please tell me you know that, at least."
Elyse shook her head, slowly, still trying to process what her brother was
telling her.
Levi looked like he was about to bang somebody's head on the table, maybe his
own head.
"That damn man needs to stop walking around like a fucking ghost in your house.
I told him to talk to you about the press and how your lives would change
especially your children's, but the man is insistent in doing things his own
way. Probably thought it was best for you to stay in the dark, but that's still
unfair." Levi hissed, as the waiter, who was very much wary of Levi at this
point, placed their drinks on the table.
"Would you like to order, sir, ma'am?" The waiter asked, politely. Elyse was in
too much of a shocked and confused state that she didn't realize the waiter's
question.
Levi ordered for them, hastily, and he watched Elyse, warily, as she stared at
their table with wide eyes.
"He was a director and a model? How did I not know this?" Elyse asked,
bewildered.
"He had a stage name of some sort. Besides, he only did small indie films in
Europe and he modeled in the background—"
"Oh my God, he directed that movie. The movie that I have watched over 50
times. The movie that inspired me to go to Julliard." Elyse interrupted her
brother, her thoughts coming to an abrupt halt.
Levi sighed, and he began, hesitantly, "Yeah, that's how I even recognized him
in the beginning when we were in the Army together. That's how I introduced you
too. I told him that 'my sister is obsessed with your movie and she's in
Julliard because of it.'"
"I seriously am married to the man who directed the movie that motivated me to
follow my dream and yet the moment he appears in my life, that dream is gone
and we have kids and…the irony of all of this is…am I breathing or…?"
"Elyse, stop being dramatic. You and I both know that Erwin is a man of few
words and he doesn't like to share details about himself." Levi said, giving
their waiter a sharp nod when the food arrived.
Elyse didn't respond, but she thanked the waiter. When the waiter left, Elyse
looked at her brother, who looked back expectedly.
"But, he knows more of me than I know of him. How is that fair?" Elyse asked,
seriously, losing her appetite very quickly.
It scared her even more when her brother didn't say anything back.
===============================================================================
Elyse was dropped off by her brother and she thanked him, softly, before she
could close the door, Levi stopped her.
"Ely…Don't be so hasty when you confront Erwin. That man may have things he
hasn't told you that aren't really that big of a deal, but he hides the
majority of his life for good reason. Just try and respect that." Her brother
said.
Elyse nodded, but she stood her ground, "He'll have to respect that he's with a
woman who deserves to know a bit more than the world does."
Levi sighed, but he nodded and wished her a goodnight.
Dieter and her usual driver were in a car behind them and she wished them a
goodnight before entering her house.
She saw Erwin reading in the living room in front of the fireplace. Eyeglasses
perched on his nose while his dress shirt was a mess, he looked every bit
comfortable as he scanned the papers in front of him.
Maus, the precious cat, was sleeping right next to Erwin, much to Elyse's
annoyance. The cat was not helping her angry situation at the moment.
"The kids are asleep. It's a good thing your brother told me that you were at
dinner with him. I was about to send a search party out for you." Erwin stated,
jokingly, as she walked in. Maus woke up, and he meowed, happily, as he hopped
down to brush himself against Elyse's legs.
She simply stared at him, the revelation of him still surprising her.
"Why didn't you tell me that you were a director or a model? The press has been
hounding us for years now, Erwin." Elyse asked, forgetting to try and be
graceful about it.
She was in too much of a shock to try and think about how to confront him about
it.
Erwin blinked, once, and then he sighed, taking off his glasses.
"So, your brother told you?" Erwin asked, casually, getting up to place his
papers on the coffee table.
Elyse walked up to him, sitting herself down on the other chair next to the
couch, "I had mentioned that I was at a lost at why the press was still
following us, and my brother stated that you had a past before the Army, which
by the way, I also found out by your trophies and such. Oh, and also, from my
brother. My brother knows more about you than me."
Erwin sighed, sitting back down, leaning forward so he can pay attention to
her, "Elyse, I decided it was best for you to just let you live your life,
casually, rather than be worried about the press and other things. We have
children that you prioritize as much as I do. You don't need to worry about a
husband who can take care of himself."
"That's still not fair, Erwin. You already know more about me than I do you. I
want to at least know the simple things like…how about this? I ask you a couple
of general questions and you have to answer them." Elyse said, clapping her
hands as an idea popped in her head.
She had been annoyed at Erwin for the most part, but it bothered her that she
absolutely knew nothing about Erwin, not even his favorite food or music.
"Elyse—"
"Favorite color?" Elyse asked, interrupting him.
"Elyse, enough." Erwin stated, sighing, his eyes holding a seriousness in them
that silenced her.
"It's a simple question, Erwin. I'm not going to suddenly harass you with
painting the walls your favorite color." Elyse argued back, the annoyance
returning to her.
"I like my life private, Elyse. You should know that by now. I'm sorry that
bothers you, but that's just who I am. I try to make up for it by doing as much
as I can for you." Erwin said, getting up and Elyse knew that was his way of
saying that their conversation is over and that he will be retiring.
"I've been respecting that, Erwin, but I'm serious, telling me your favorite
color isn't going to be the end of the world. Just give me that, at least."
Elyse said, getting up too, tired and overwhelmed by Erwin's puzzling
personality.
Erwin turned his back towards her, and he began to climb up the stair, much to
Elyse's dismay.
She sighed and looked down, cleaning up the coffee table.
"Blue."
Elyse looked up, surprised, and she found Erwin starting at her, a small smile
on his lips. With that said, Erwin went back up the stairs, leaving Elyse with
a small smile of her own as she shook her head.
Maus, who was quietly cleaning himself as he observed them, jumped on the
coffee table and Elyse began to scratch along his back and under his chin, "At
least you're not a mystery, Maus."
===============================================================================
Practice was going to start today in the theatre. Elyse braced herself for
seeing Braun today since it would be the first day to see him since they had
broken up.
It didn't help that they were going to be dancing together from now on.
She knew that Freida had informed him through a phone call, but she had left
the room so she wouldn't even hear how that went down.
Braun came into the theatre and she had looked down at first, not wanting to
meet his eyes. She was surprised and sad that he didn't even bother to look at
her as he went to greet other fellow cast and crew. Freida, thankfully,
distracted her long enough when Freida managed to find out that there was food
in the back for later.
Her brother was going to come today and Elyse was going to talk to him about
directing it, but Levi had mentioned that he already had someone up for the
job, much to Elyse's surprise.
She waited, along with the other cast and crew, for her brother to come in to
announce the new director.
She was thankful when her brother came in, but she held back a long-suffering
groan when she noticed the commanding presence of the man behind him.
Of course, he's the one that is going to be directing. Levi did drop that bomb
of him being a director yesterday. Oh my God, they were totally in on it
together. I'm going to punch them, I swear. Punch their little—
"Ely." Her brother greeted her as he came closer. Elyse smiled, still
appreciating the fact that her brother was here, but she shot the smiling man
behind them a warning look.
"So, are you sure there's no connection between now and telling me that my
husband was a director?" Elyse whispered in her brother's ear, and Levi scoffed
in response.
"You know he's good, Ely. He directed your favorite movie, did he not?" Levi
asked, amused.
Elyse sighed, but once she let go of her brother, she pasted an affectionate
smile on her face, knowing fully well that everyone was watching in awe of the
couple in front of them. She wasn't worried about it leaking to the press. Levi
was the one who made sure that everyone had signed the paperwork of privacy
with some serious consequences if they dared to leak anything about the
theatre.
She wasn't the only one who was surprised.
"No fucking way. Erwin, you're going to direct this? When were you a director?"
Freida's voice asked, loudly, as she ran to embrace the tall man.
Erwin chuckled and he hugged the woman back, warmly. Elyse noticed though that
he only used one arm to hug her, as if he was hiding something behind him.
"I used to dabble here and there." Erwin answered back. And it took all of
Elyse's willpower to not throw the coffeemaker that she happened to be standing
next to at him.
"You're being modest, Erwin." Levi sighed, waving his hand at Erwin.
Freida let go of Erwin and she bounced back to Elyse, smiling, "Did you know
that he would be the director?"
"No, I didn't. What a surprise, sweetie." Elyse said, trying to act like she
was more surprised rather than annoyed at the secrecy.
She walked up to him to greet him with a kiss on the cheek, and she could feel
everyone'seyes on them. She could also hear all of them whispering, some were
surprising and some were eye-rolling worthy.
"He's the one that directed that one movie about the ballerina and how she rose
to the top."
"No way, I didn't know that she was married to him."
"Maybe this is going to be a movie, too."
"Holy shit, he's so…yummy. Freida wasn't lying."
"They look so good together. How is this even possible?"
Erwin brought his arm out, the one he was hiding behind him, and Elyse gasped
in surprise. A pleasant one compared to the annoyed ones that she had been
expressing moments earlier.
In his hand, there was a beautiful floral arrangement of white roses that Elyse
had always brought into their estate more than once for the living room.
The collective sighs of the women and men around her made Elyse blush, but
Erwin simply bent down to whisper in her ear as she gingerly held on to the
bouquet.
"He's looking."
Elyse was a bit confused at that, but as if on cue, through her peripheral
vision, she saw Braun, staring at them, his eyes wide and she didn't know what
emotion was on his face, but she felt a cold feeling of satisfaction when she
noticed that his jaw was clenched.
Elyse, don't think like that. He broke it off because…because you're married to
someone who isn't him and that you have kids with someone that isn't him.
But, Elyse, for some odd reason, still felt happy at the stricken face of Braun
as he stared at them.
She realized that a sick, twisted part of her wanted to get back at him for
raising her hopes once more. She had been sixteen and he had left her, and she
had accepted it, but he had come back, offering her hope, and she knew some of
it was also her fault. But, he didn't have any right to strum on that hope as
much as he did.
If he hadn't tried to woo me off my feet when he knew that I was taken and had
a family, then I wouldn't be so heartbroken. That's right, Braun. I'm not
sitting around, sulking. I have a family and life that you thought you could
take me away from.
She looked up at Erwin, who was still playing the affectionate husband, his arm
wrapped around her waist, possessively, and his other arm, motioning towards
the cast and crew as he greeted them.
He looked down at her, the mischief in his eyes gleaming, and she was suddenly
thankful about her husband's concealed personality.
Because, now, at least she knew that even if she was wrong or in the wrong, he
was always going to be on her side.
===============================================================================
The ballerinas were having trouble hiding the excitement and glee at the fact
that Erwin Smith was going to be directing their production. They even thanked
Levi, in front of Elyse, for choosing him.
Elyse, playfully, shooed the ballerinas away, and the ballerinas knew they had
a kind prima donna, so they playfully winked at her as they ran to Erwin, who
had called for them.
Elyse studied the way Erwin directed and she was pleasantly surprised at how
well he was doing. The cast and crew respected the man because of his past
work, but they appreciated him even more since Erwin already knew their names,
personally.
"Now, if I can have Braun and Elyse here." Erwin suddenly called, and Elyse
steeled herself as she obeyed.
Braun seemed to be fine and he nodded his head as Erwin talked to him and
directed him on the stage. Levi was also next to Erwin, helping him with the
ballet aspect of it all.
"Elyse, come here." Erwin said, motioning for her, and Elyse readied herself,
but instead of being in Braun's arms, she noticed that she in Erwin's.
"You will pick up Elyse here, Braun. The whole point of this dance number is
that she is trying to run away from you, but you're trying your very best to
keep her with you because you love her. You are desperate for her. That emotion
should be in the dance, okay?" Erwin said, demonstrating the movements.
Elyse could feel Erwin's hands roving around her, and she grew flustered.
She knew what Erwin was trying to do since he made it pretty clear that he was
on Elyse's side.
She could see Erwin's thoughts right then and there: You hurt someone precious
to me. I will hurt you back.
She could see Braun clenching his jaw as he listened to Erwin and watched Erwin
demonstrate.
Levi was raising an eyebrow, but he didn't seem to question it since Erwin knew
what he was doing.
Freida, on the other hand, was having a field day as she whispered with the
other ballerinas after winking at Elyse.
"I got it." Braun finally said, as everyone watched Erwin being a little more
than touchy with Elyse.
Erwin stopped and turned his attention back to Braun, "Do you?"
Elyse could hear the insinuation in that question and she closed her eyes,
hoping she could disappear from this stage at that very moment.
Braun walked up to them, and Erwin let go of Elyse, backing up so Braun could
take over the dance number. But Braun's eyes didn't leave Erwin's as he said,
"I do."
Before she knew it, she was swept up into the dance number as her brother
played the music.
She also didn't miss it when Erwin smiled at her with a wink.
===============================================================================
"I would thank you, but you're the reason why Braun was a little rough with the
dance." Elyse mumbled, massaging her feet, trying her best not wake the
sleeping Mikasa on her shoulder.
Erwin and her got back to the house, and their kids were finally settling down
on their parent's laps and shoulders as their parents sat on their three
conjoined beds. The kids had wreaked havoc once more with Nifa, and Elyse
scolded them, with Erwin staring at them, reprimanding.
They apologized to Nifa, and Nifa had retired to her small house. The kids
began to excitedly tell their parents about their day, but in the middle of it,
they had fallen asleep on them, leaving Erwin and Elyse sitting next to each
other, caressing their kids' heads.
"The man deserved it. He broke it off with you, leading to you and I almost
having a fourth child." Erwin said, solemnly.
Elyse laughed at that, "Oh, the horror."
Erwin was caressing Eren's head as he pulled Armin's thumb out of Armin's mouth
when he sighed, "I'm sorry that I'm directing your production, Elyse. I know I
promised to stay out of it, but Levi threatened me with telling your father
that I was being a bad husband to you."
Elyse couldn't help but giggle at that, her whole body shaking as she tried her
best not to explode into laughter.
Once she was settled, she shook her head. "Don't worry about it. I've accepted
that you will continue to keep surprising me even if it annoys me."
Erwin smiled at her, and Elyse placed her head on his shoulder. He kissed her
forehead, softly.
"You accept that I'm a private person?" He asked, amused.
"No, I begrudgingly am going to put up with it. I'll find a way to find out
more about you." Elyse yawned, loudly, closing her eyes.
All she remembered next was closing her eyes and falling fast asleep to Erwin's
chuckle.
===============================================================================
Practice wasn't as bad anymore since Erwin was directing. Elyse had appreciated
his mischief when it came to Braun, but she noticed that her husband was
getting a sick twist of happiness whenever he messed with the man.
Elyse rolled her eyes at Erwin, but he winked at her in response all the time.
"Don't be too hard, Erwin." Elyse warned, softly.
"I'm not. I'm simply teaching him a lesson." Erwin said, shrugging as he placed
his hands on her waist, making it look like they were kissing until Braun
walked in on them.
It had been happening a lot and Elyse didn't know whether she was amused or
not, but sometimes, she truly missed Braun when he smiled at her or when they
had laughed at a mishap they did during practice.
Once again, Braun was slowly easing himself in her mind again. She told Erwin
this, and Erwin had sighed, "Guess I'll be nice then, so he can ease back into
your life if you want."
She had teased Erwin when she realized he was upset that he wouldn't be able to
be mischievous anymore. Yet, she noticed that Erwin was holding back something
from her when she had teased him.
Braun was getting more…friendly again. Elyse found herself craving it once
more, but she was still hesitant.
But, that all disappeared when Braun had held on to Elyse a little bit longer
than usual. Erwin stopped them, and he walked on the stage, commanding
everyone's presence.
"You are doing it wrong, Braun." Erwin stated, and Elyse froze at the tone of
Erwin's voice.
"He's fine, Erwin." Levi stated, a bit surprised at the sudden disruption. But,
Erwin didn't budge.
He grabbed Elyse's hand and she noticed that his gaze was filled with…
He shook his head, letting her go, and Braun, surprised, found himself holding
a stumbling Elyse as Erwin walked off the stage.
"Okay, 20-minute break." Erwin announced, and before she knew it, he
disappeared into the office behind the stage.
Elyse, hesitantly, knocked on Erwin's office door. When she heard a muffled
"come in", she walked inside and closed the door behind her.
She paused when she saw that Erwin was smoking a cigar and drinking whiskey.
"Is there something wrong?" Elyse asked, concerned. Erwin shook his head, and
he continued to smoke and drink.
"Is there something you need, Elyse?" Erwin asked, still staring off into a
distance.
"…Erwin, come on. Now is not the time to be secretive with me. Does it have to
do with the company or the theatre?" Elyse asked, walking up to him.
"Elyse, go back outside and don't come any closer. I'm fine. Just let me be."
Erwin stated, nonchalantly, and Elyse shivered at the slight warning in his
voice.
Feeling a bit annoyed, Elyse took another bold step.
"I said I'll respect that you're a private person, but I want you to respect
that I do have a right to know why you suddenly stopped practice for a long
break in my theatre." Elyse argued, standing her ground.
"You really want to know, Elyse? Do you really?" Erwin asked, his voice laced
with warning. And Elyse felt a bit afraid. He stood up then, snuffing his cigar
out on the silver ash tray and setting his drink down on the table.
He approached her and Elyse watched him, warily.
"Yes, tell me." Elyse prompted, bravely.
Erwin's hands were suddenly on her body, pulling her close to him as he bent
down to kiss her, greedily. Elyse didn't know how to respond as she found
herself carried to his desk. She heard everything clatter to the ground, and
she gasped when his hand was buried in her hair, and that his other hand was
caressing her breasts and legs with the thin barrier of clothing on her.
He let go of her then, and Elyse was still, too stunned to move as she watched
Erwin breathe in and out.
"I haven't stopped thinking of fucking you since that night he broke your
heart. And seeing him with you on that stage, easily getting to touch you
and…Maybe it's because I haven't had someone in a while, but God, I haven't
stopped…desiring you since—"
Erwin cut himself off, backing away from her as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Since?" Elyse managed to ask, her throat dry.
"Since you were on my lap, so vulnerable and beautiful. Like I said, it must be
because I'm going through…a drought of some sort because of our agreement."
Erwin explained, lamely.
"I'm sorry, Elyse. I shouldn't have done that, but I'm a bit out of it, if you
can see." Erwin apologized, cursing as he sat back down.
Elyse got off the table and she turned to face him, trying to analyze the
situation.
"Erwin, hey, it's okay. I get it. This is my fault anyways. I'm the one who got
you all sexually frustrated." Elyse said, her own tone apologetic.
"Yes, but I'm the one who just almost forced you to have sex with me." Erwin
gritted out, angrily.
Elyse blushed at that, "Actually, I was responding because…it's also been
awhile." Erwin scoffed at that, but he shook his head.
"It's no excuse, Elyse. I shouldn't have done that." Erwin said, solemnly.
It was a tense moment between them and Elyse bit her lip, trying to wrap her
head around the situation.
When she opened her mouth to speak, a knock on the door interrupted them.
"Erwin, Elyse. We're going to start again soon." Freida called.
And before Elyse could stop Erwin, he stood up, brushing himself off and
exiting the office, careful not to touch her.
===============================================================================
The ride back home was quiet and Elyse found herself walking into the house,
trying to think of what to say to him. Erwin mumbled a goodnight to her, and
he, once again, disappeared before she could stop him.
She checked on the children, and she breathed a sigh of relief to see them okay
especially with Maus sleeping on Mikasa's bed.
She entered her room, and she sat on the bed, trying to process what just
happened. She knew what Erwin was feeling was all her fault. She had initiated
all that sexual tension, and now Erwin was frustrated which was biologically
proven is a scientific thing that every man needs.
An idea popped into her head as she sat up on the bed, and she threw off the
covers as she exited her room to barge into Erwin's office.
Erwin looked up from his paperwork, shocked, but he softened when he saw Elyse.
"Elyse—"
"You can pick anyone you want to sleep with. You can sleep with anyone, as much
as you like. It's not fair for me to only be the one to have an affair of the
heart, but in your case, affair of the penis-"
"Oh my God, Elyse. Stop. It's fine."
"No, it's not. This is me giving you permission. Please consider this, Erwin."
Elyse begged, coming up to his table.
Erwin stared at her, but he sighed and nodded, "You're right, I really do need
to release this tension. Are you sure it's okay?"
Elyse nodded, enthusiastically. "Yes, it's fine. I feel so bad for grinding—"
Erwin placed a hand on her mouth, "Elyse, you speaking like this isn't
helping…Also, you're in a very see-through night shift, so if you can leave."
Elyse didn't need to be told twice.
===============================================================================
Theatre practice was going smoothly since they fixed that little problem, and
Elyse noticed that Erwin was being super sweet with a ballerina.
Is this how he is with me to other people?
That question pondered in her mind and she wondered if Erwin…let his stress go
with her. But then, the next practice, he was sweet to a different once, which
completely threw her off.
Which one is he doing?
It went on for months, and Elyse still couldn't pinpoint which girl Erwin was
doing the do with. Braun had been friendly with her and she with him, but the
moment he would try and ask her out somewhere, Elyse would come up with an
excuse, focusing on how Erwin sweet-talked a different ballerina each night.
Two weeks before the performance, Elyse found herself even more distracted and
Erwin stopped the practice early, letting everyone go home.
Erwin said that he had to stop by the office, so Elyse nodded her agreement,
but before she could wait in the waiting room, Erwin stopped her.
"Elyse, could I see you in the office?" Erwin asked, politely. Elyse flushed,
but she nodded.
Once they entered the office, she turned to him, expectantly. Erwin looked at
her, concerned, "Are you okay?"
Elyse blinked, "I'm fine."
"Are you sure? You've been distracted for a while, but this time, it's really
noticeable. It's two weeks before opening day, so I just want to make sure that
you're okay to perform." Erwin continued, warily.
"I'm fine. I should be-"
A knock on the door interrupted them, and Erwin opened the door, revealing a
pretty woman that Elyse never saw before.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you would have company." The woman apologized
to Erwin. Erwin smiled, "It's fine, Elizabeth. Is there something wrong?"
The woman, Elizabeth, produced some papers from her bag, "The office needs you
to sign something quickly. Your father is actually in today, so he took over
running the office since you've been directing."
Erwin nodded, and once he was done signing, he kissed Elizabeth on the cheek,
"Thank you, Elizabeth. I'll see you later."
Elizabeth smiled, and she smiled at Elyse who simply stood there, trying to
fight the bitterness that was threatening to overflow at that moment.
Once the door closed, Erwin turned his attention back to her. "You were saying-
"
"Is she the one that you're having sex with?" Elyse suddenly asked, a part of
her craving the information.
Erwin raised an eyebrow, taken a back, "Excuse me?"
Elyse let out a groan, "I've been wondering for months ever since our agreement
who you were going to…make love to, and all of a sudden, this unknown woman
pops up out of nowhere and-"
"Elyse, I haven't fucked anyone yet. I've been trying to practice self-control
before deciding on…Why do you care anyways? You've been wondering for months? I
thought that we came to an agreement." Erwin suddenly asked, his curiosity
written all over his face.
Elyse blushed. Why did she care? It had bothered her not knowing who was doing
it with Erwin, but it had bothered her even more when she saw who he was
possibly doing it. Ever since that night she agreed, Elyse realized that she
couldn't stop thinking about how Erwin was so close to…having sex with her and
she couldn't keep that scene out of her head, with her on this table and him
burying—
"I just…I just…You know what? Is the break over yet cause-"
Erwin stopped her from talking as he walked up to her, forcing her to hit the
office table behind her, and his smile was more that curious, it was predatory.
"Do you want to fuck me, Elyse? Is that it?" Erwin asked, smoothly. Elyse
flushed even more, turning her head to the side, trying to stare at the door
than at him.
"N-No. I was just curious, that's all." Elyse said, hoping she sounded
believable.
"Okay, and if I said I was thinking of fucking Elizabeth, how does that make
you feel?" Erwin asked, still pushing.
Elyse felt a shot of anger run through her at the mention.
"I would say good for you." Elyse said, lying through her teeth.
She could feel the heat emitting from him, and she wanted to run away. That's
when she was forced to look at him when his hand grabbed her chin.
That's when she saw the emotion of raw lust in his eyes, and she was stunned
into silence at the intensity of it all.
Especially the heat that was running throughout her body.
"Would you really?" Erwin asked, his voice dripping with intoxication and Elyse
noticed that his eyes were not even staring at her eyes anymore but on her
lips.
"What happened to me being too compassionate to fuck around?" Elyse tried to
shoot back, trying to salvage the situation.
"How about we make rules then?" Erwin asked, and Elyse paused.
"Rules?" She managed to ask, and Erwin chuckled, "Yes, rules. Like I said, I've
been desiring you since that night and it hasn't stopped. I'm willing to drop
the agreement of doing anyone else but you because, of course, it would make
sense. You are my wife and all, and it's normal to fuck your wife, is it not?"
Elyse just nodded, not trusting her voice at this point.
"Considering the fact that you are compassionate, would you be willing to just
have rules so you can enjoy what I can give you, Elyse?"
God, this man was really good.
"Tell me the rules then." Elyse managed to say, yet instead of a strong voice,
she squeaked it instead.
Erwin smiled, seductively, and Elyse was ready to just throw out the rules so
she could just enjoy what he promised her.
"Rule number one, we don't let feelings in this agreement. Rule number two, we
simply enjoy our bodies intertwining and just go on about our lives as in no
cuddling and no sweet for nothings at the end of it. Rule number three, we
don't kiss." Erwin stated, his voice steady and strong.
Elyse had to think about it. Her mind trying to wrap around the situation. It
would help him, and it would help her. She wouldn't have to worry about the
press breathing down their throats about affairs since they have each other to
release their wants and needs. For some twisted reason, it made sense to Elyse.
Besides, Erwin was really good at it.
Before she knew it, Elyse nodded, and that's all it took for Erwin to bite her
bottom lip and his hands started to get rid of her clothes.
"You said no kissing." Elyse let out a groan as she felt his calloused hands
brush against her bare skin.
"I didn't kiss, Elyse. I bit." Erwin moaned in the crook of her neck as he bit
her there to make a point.
Elyse moaned, grinding against him, feeling euphoria as she noticed that she
was naked on his desk already. Erwin was already teasing her, letting a finger
circle around her nipple while letting his other hand and fingers circle her
clit, gently, making her roll her eyes back in pleasure for once and not
annoyance.
"Fuck, Elyse." Erwin groaned, as her hands were pushing away his belt and
pants, letting his restrained manhood free.
Her hands were quickly trying to grasp him, but Erwin didn't let her as he
growled into her neck and planted hard kisses down her body, making sure he
paid extra attention to a sensitive part of her body which were her breasts.
He circled his tongue around her nipple and bit it gently, which made Elyse
arch her back, offering more of herself to him. He did the same with the other,
and Elyse was ready to orgasm at this point since his hands were starting to
rub even harder around her clit.
"Erwin, I…I'm about to…"
"Go ahead, Elyse, let go." Erwin encouraged, placing kisses down her stomach.
She obeyed, and she found herself bucking against his fingers, and she opened
her eyes only to see Erwin looking up at her with desire.
She couldn't see him anymore as his tongue trailed down to replace his fingers
on her sensitive nub. When he began to lick, Elyse grabbed his head and braced
her legs on the table, moaning. A warning bite on her clit made her place a
hand over her mouth as she screamed.
"Stay quiet, Elyse." Erwin ordered, standing up as he pulled down his underwear
to get ready. Elyse, sober, wasn't ready to see what was prepared for her, and
she had gasped when she saw Erwin stroke himself for her.
She looked up at him, and he smiled, reassuringly. "I'll be gentle, don't
worry."
She shook her head, and she bit her lip, nervously, "Can you…teach me how to…?"
Erwin's look darkened at her innocent request and he growled, "Elyse, you need
to stop looking so fucking…delicious."
That statement in itself excited Elyse. She never saw this side of Erwin even
when she had lost her virginity to him years ago.
It excited her because she was sure that she would only know about how he
acted, sexually.
He helped her off the desk, and he gently helped her kneel down.
"Grab it, gently, Elyse. Then, stroke it—fuck..yes, like that. Good." Erwin
encouraged, grabbing the desk in front of him as Elyse obeyed his instructions.
Feeling a bit more curious, Elyse remembered what Freida had said a long time
ago about "lollipops and dicks", so she did what was taught.
Erwin was taken aback by it, and he groaned, loudly, at her ministrations.
Elyse was tentative, making sure her teeth wasn't sinking into his manhood as
she bobbed up and down, feeling encouraged when she heard Erwin's moans.
She was stopped by Erwin as he pushed her back, gently but sharply. He helped
her up, setting her down on the desk while moving the stuff out of the way,
giving Elyse déjà vu.
"I'm going to be gentle—"
"Don't." Elyse said, sharply, and she pulled him against her, directing him
inside of her, and Erwin's breath hitched, and Elyse bit her lip, and she was
pretty sure she drew blood.
It hurt. It hurt so much, but it felt deliciously good to have something inside
of her.
If she was being honest with herself, she had touched herself when she craved
touch and was feeling to guilty about Braun to even have intercourse with him.
The windows in his office, wide and open, made it even better. Sure, there was
no obvious buildings close to them to have others see them, but it excited
Elyse nonetheless.
As if reading her mind, Erwin picked her up from his desk and brought her
against the windows, pressing her against them, and Elyse moaned, embracing the
coolness of the window.
"Tell me when you're ready for me to move." Erwin said, through gritted teeth.
"Move, please move." Elyse pleaded, and that seemed to turn Erwin more because
he obeyed, and Elyse felt the pain disappear as she clawed on to his back.
The friction felt delicious between them, and the moans that she was extracting
from this mysterious and powerful man made her feel like she was in control
even though he was the one that was in control. She came with such a strong
orgasm that she felt herself tighten and that encouraged Erwin to move faster
and harder.
"Elyse, please tell me you're on some birth contraceptive or else I'm going to
have to pull out and you're going to be all—"
Feeling even more risqué since they've started this, Elyse bit his neck, urging
a groan from him, "Make me dirty, Erwin."
Erwin pulled her away from the window and he threw her on the couch, stroking
himself as his sperm went all over her body, and Elyse sighed, tiredly, after
it was over.
They were both breathing deeply, completely satisfied, and after a moment,
Erwin began to move away from the couch.
He had still been wearing his dress shirt, unbuttoned, so he took it off and
offered it to her, and Elyse took it as she sat up.
"Clean yourself up. I have an extra business attire in my private bathroom."
Erwin said, his voice controlled as if they hadn't been fucking a moment ago.
Elyse nodded, and she watched as he walked away to the bathroom.
And one thought struck her mind in her chaotic thoughts: I agreed to be fuck
buddies with my own husband. Huh.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Back from vacay, and things just got more complicated. I am
     sorry, yet not sorry.
     10k words to reward my faithful readers with and a sexy, sexy scene.
***** Relapses and Stories *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// Hello readers! I would like to thank you for your continued
     support for this fic, and I was pleasantly surprised to have some of
     you wait for me patiently during my vacation LOL. You guys are
     amazing, and to be honest, I thought no one would read this at all.
     This was purely for my pleasure, but I’m happy that you guys can join
     me in my crazy obsession with these characters that truly belong to
     Isayama, and not me.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Or maybe not.
It had been two weeks since Erwin and her had that incident, and Erwin never
mentioned anything about it ever again. Elyse had returned to her prude nature
after she had cleaned herself up, and she had not spoken a word of it since. It
was as if they needed to get that out of their system, and they had moved on
with their lives.
Or maybe, that was what Erwin had felt. Elyse was feeling a bit differently
about it as she noticed that her husband was built in a certain way whenever he
stretched and his dress shirt tightened in all the right places or when he
would get up and walk away from the dining table with that really tight butt of
his.
It was if Erwin awakened this sexual creature inside of her and Elyse was
desperate to turn it off and move on with her life, and yet…
He had been right. The rules had helped Elyse not feel too bad about it, and
she had bit her lip when she realized that she had enjoyed their…fucking.
Such a crude word.
"Mama!" Armin's voice shouted for her, and Elyse shook her head to get rid of
her dirty thoughts as she turned slightly red when her son came walking towards
her.
He was getting bigger, and Elyse was starting to realize that her kids weren't
going to remain as tiny as she wished they could.
She was outside in the backyard with the kids, planting a tiny garden for
Mikasa. It was going to be Mikasa's birthday soon since Eren's fourth birthday
already passed, and Mikasa, her precious baby girl, had shyly asked her if she
could have "pretty flowers" in the backyard.
Elyse had kissed her daughter's cherub cheeks over and over again at the
innocent request.
A fond memory of her aunt and herself planting a garden back in the house that
Elyse grew up in had flashed in her mind as she watched Mikasa, carefully,
water the ground, and Elyse had to hold back tears at the sight.
I hope I'm making you proud, Auntie. I hope I'm raising her well.
A soft breeze had past and Elyse took it as a sign that her aunt was looking
down at her, proud and happy.
Armin wrapped his arms around her neck and Elyse embraced her little boy as he
kissed her cheek.
"What was that for, mon petite?" Elyse asked, smiling, as she poked his cheeks
with the tip of her nose.
"Papa said that when we kiss you, good things happen." Armin said, happily, and
Elyse paused at that.
"Papa said that?" Elyse asked, softly, and Armin nodded, quickly.
"Armin, look!" Eren called for his brother, and before she knew it, Armin
bounced off from his mother's embrace to join his brother, leaving Elyse to her
chaotic thoughts once more.
So, he tells our kids that, but he hasn't touched me since. Makes sense, you
infuriating man.
"Mama, I need help." Mikasa called for her, and Elyse joined her, welcoming the
bright distraction as she helped her daughter.
===============================================================================
 
The premiere night was going to be in a few hours, and Elyse still didn't have
any contact with Erwin about what's going to happen with the press.
He had sent her the clothing and the accessories that Petra picked out for her,
and once again, Elyse was amazed at the woman's tendency to capture who she is
as a person in fashion.
I need to convince Petra to collaborate with me in clothes.
Elyse saw herself in magazines sometimes, and France has praised her for her
classy yet daring style and had called her, "Paris's Fashion Sweetheart." It
was a flattering title really, and Elyse had gushed about it to Petra as she
thanked her for her fashion sense, and Petra, ever so humble, told her that it
was all about Elyse's character that inspired her.
A fashion line can distract me from this whole Erwin thing, too. Stupid man and
his creepy cryptic self.
As if he read her mind, Erwin knocked on the side of her open doorway as she
examined herself in the mirror, smoothing down the chiffon fabric she's adored
since she was a little girl. Her dress was made out of fairytales as if
embracing the production that they were highlighting that night. The chiffon
deep-plunge top that matched with the tulle skirt had made Elyse text Petra a,"
Ha Ha, Very Funny." She looked like a literal ballerina off-duty, and Elyse
loved the irony of it.
"You look beautiful." Erwin greeted her, and Elyse forced a smile on her face,
trying very hard to not grow flustered in his presence.
It was if they had some quiet agreement to not mention what just happened two
weeks ago as Erwin walked up to her and helped her with putting her necklace
on.
Elyse realized that this was the most contact they had with each other due to
his busy schedule with work and the production while she dealt with the kids
and practice in the theatre. Erwin would leave home early and come super late,
so Elyse was, maybe, a little grateful that he had those times to work with
since they could avoid talking about it.
And yet, she really hated her body for reacting to him all the damn time.
After helping her with her necklace, Erwin placed his hands on her shoulders
and he leaned forward to rest on one of them as he looked in the mirror with
her.
"So, the breakdown for the press today is this. We walk in together as usual,
and we announce that I'm the surprise director and that you'll be taking the
leading role. It will cause an uproar, but it's to be expected with all the
secrecy. Then, we get inside and ready ourselves for the show, and you'll be
breathtaking." Erwin said, encouragingly.
Elyse nodded, not trusting her voice as sudden nerves got to her.
"Relax, Elyse." Erwin said, and Elyse noticed that his lips were getting closer
to her neck as his whisper brought shivers down her spine.
"Do you want me to help you relax?" He asked, his smile getting a bit wider as
he noticed that Elyse was starting to breathe a bit more heavily.
She didn't know what to say, and before she knew it, Erwin was already planting
soft kisses on her neck and it started to make Elyse weak in the knees.
"Papa! You're home!" Eren's cry seemed to snap Elyse awake, but she already
noticed that Erwin released her and he turned to their son, his composure
controlled and welcoming.
"I am. Only for a little bit though. Your mother and I have to go out in a
couple of minutes." Erwin said, picking up the running Eren as their son ran
towards him, excitedly.
Eren pouted at that, "But…I want you to stay and help me build my Leggo wall."
Elyse felt her heart soften at Eren's slightly sad expression. The kids were
missing their father these past couple of weeks, and she knew that Erwin could
do nothing about it. He had a company to run and the production that she was
putting on would run for at least a year if it went well.
"I'll be here tomorrow. I took off just so we can build that wall. How does
that sound?" Erwin asked, smiling as his son's expression lit up.
"You promise?" Eren asked, placing his hands on his father's face.
"I promise." Erwin promised, placing a kiss on his son's forehead, "Now, go
play with your brother and sister. And make sure you take care of them, you are
the oldest, remember that, Eren."
To her surprise, Eren, very seriously, nodded and-did he just give his father a
mini salute?
Erwin placed Eren down, and Eren ran up to Elyse, and she bent down much to his
earnest motion for her to kneel.
"You look very pretty, Maman." Eren whispered as he cupped his hands to
adorably whisper that into her ear.
"Thank you, baby. I love you." Elyse said, kissing her son's cupped hands. Eren
beamed up at her, and he turned to run out of her room, happily.
"He's sunshine personified." Elyse sighed, wistfully and happily. Erwin laughed
at that as he turned towards the mirror to straighten his appearance out.
"He's going to grow up to be a leader, that's for sure." Erwin said, proudly.
He turned to her and Elyse remembered the almost moment they had a couple of
minutes ago, and she blushed. Erwin smiled at her, but she noticed that it was
one of those secretive smiles, ones that teased her.
He offered her his arm, and she hesitantly looped her own in it.
As they walked down the stairs and out the house, Elyse noticed that Erwin
wasn't going to be speaking on that subject any time soon.
But, as he helped her inside the car, he bent down and whispered, "I'll help
you relax later."
That left Elyse a flustered mess on the way there.
===============================================================================
 
The press greeted them just as enthusiastically as she remembered how that
event season once did.
They screamed questions at her and screamed for her attention, and she was glad
that she had prepared herself for the onslaught of reporters and cameras.
The press was informed two weeks ago about the theatre that was owned by the
Smiths, her and Erwin, respectively, but they had been left in the dark as to
know the reason why.
Elyse had read so many articles speculating about what could possibly be
happening in the theatre and she was thoroughly impressed that they were close
to hitting the mark with her dance background, and just like that, her dance
life was out in the open.
Julliard has also contacted her about if it was okay for them to be interviewed
about her, and she had given her permission, willingly.
Now, tonight was the night for her to go back to her roots, and it helped that
she had so much support about it. As the press conference was beginning, Elyse
found the nerves coming back to her again and she felt Erwin's hand find hers.
He squeezed her hand as helped her up the stage, and Elyse smiled at his
comfort.
As he helped her in her chair, Erwin went up to the podium to begin speaking to
the press.
"I'm glad that all of you have made it today. It's a very important day for not
only myself and those who are involved in this theatre, but it's one that my
wife has been holding close to her heart. My wife has decided to make a
production in this theatre to encourage kids from all over the world to follow
their passion. Her passion has always been dance, and I know that she'll speak
on more of it when she's up here. I'm here to announce that I'll be the one
directing the production, and that it'll be a great one due to all the hard
work and dedication from everyone that is involved. Thank you, and if I can
have my beautiful wife up here." Erwin finished, and Elyse got up and walked
over to where he was.
He kissed her on the cheek before whispering to her, "You'll be fine."
Elyse nodded, and she took a deep breath before facing the press, "Thank you,
love. I would also like to thank you all for being here. It means a great deal
that the press is interested in a project that I've been interested in since I
was a young girl. I've been dancing the moment I learned to walk and I had
thought that it would be where I would end up later in life. But, then, life
happens and you fall in love and have children, and you don't know if you'll
ever get to live that dream ever again. But, thanks to my wonderful husband and
to the people who have encouraged me along the way and have helped me at home,
I'm proud to say that I'll be dancing again. As the lead ballerina, I will be
performing to show the world that you can follow your dream even if you are
stuck at one point in your life and you just don't see it happening. This is
not only to encourage the younger generations, but the older ones as well. I
thought being a wife and a mother would be a roadblock, but in the end, it was
a motivator. My kids are what got me here today, and my husband's endless
support is what pushed me to be here. Thank you, that is all."
And just like that, Erwin's prediction was right. The press went into an
uproar.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse looked out at the crowd, nervously, as the theatre began to turn into a
full house.
"You're going to do wonderful, Ely." A familiar voice said from behind her.
Elyse turned around, surprised, and she hesitantly nodded her thanks when she
realized it was Braun who offered his encouragement.
"Thanks." Elyse said, a bit cold, but she flinched, realizing that she was
being an open book.
Braun had bristled from that as Elyse noticed that his hands shook a bit, but
he still smiled at her, warmly.
"Ely…I know that it's been a bit awkward between us, but I just want you to
know that I'm honored to be your partner in this production." Braun said, and
she could hear the hope in his voice.
Elyse sighed, inwardly, realizing that she was beginning to warm up at the hope
in his voice. They had been getting friendly with each other, but ever since
Elyse and Erwin had that thing two weeks ago, Elyse had been too distracted to
pay attention to Braun and his attempt to be normal with her.
She was still hurt by it all. Her heart never repaired because of it, and now
she even blamed Braun for her turning to Erwin to find some numbing potion for
her heart and that had led to sexual complications with someone she held dear.
Why is my life such a mess right now?
"I'm honored to be your partner, too." Elyse said, politely, trying to be warm
about it. It felt robotic, but she didn't know how to be normal around him. If
anything, she felt shy and angry, which was not a good combination.
"There you both are." Erwin's voice interrupted their tense silence, and Elyse
really wanted to run away at that point as she saw Erwin approaching them, "You
need to go to your starting points now."
Elyse nodded, and she was glad to have managed to pass by the two men that
complicated her life every single day of her life.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse bowed over and over again as people cheered, loudly. Her father and
brother had walked up on stage, bestowing her with a huge white rose
arrangement and she smiled when she saw her father's eyes glow.
Maybe Levi is right. He has changed.
Her brother was hugging her, tightly, "I'm so proud of you, Ely."
Elyse had teared up at that, the words never failing to make her feel like
she's flying.
Once the curtains went down, Elyse went back to her dressing room to make
herself decent for the stage door.
A knock on the door sounded and Elyse opened the door, greeted by a barrel of
hugs from Freida, Petra, and Hange. They all screamed in her ear, and Elyse
laughed in response, thanking them for their support.
They brought her flowers and chocolate and Elyse couldn't help but laugh when
Petra mentioned that they knew it was against protocol to get a ballerina
chocolate but "fuck it".
"Did you guys enjoy it?" Elyse asked, shyly. She always looked forward to what
people said, but sometimes, it was harder asking friends.
"Are you kidding me? I've never been to a ballet production before, but trust
me, I'm going to find a membership of some sort for this theatre." Hange said,
throwing an arm around Elyse.
"There's no such thing as of right now. But, I'm pretty damn sure there will be
after tonight. Did you hear them calling for an encore, Elyse? Almost brought
the theatre down." Freida exclaimed, grabbing the chocolate and eating it.
Elyse glowed at the happy reviews from her friends. "It's all thanks to Erwin,
really. This wouldn't have happened if he wasn't involved."
Freida snorted, "Anything Erwin-involved somehow becomes a hit. I'm pretty sure
both of you will be busy for the next couple of months. Maybe it's time to take
those kids here during practices."
Elyse shuddered at the thought. Not only would the kids be...enthusiastically
curious, but so would the press. If the press heard about the kids being out in
public, they would have a field day.
As if reading her thoughts, Petra patted Elyse's hand, comfortingly, "It'll be
okay, Elyse. Eren just turned four, and so will Mikasa and Armin. They're well-
behaved when need be, and they need to get out of that estate once in awhile."
Elyse opened her mouth to protest, but Freida shoved a piece of chocolate in
her mouth to shut her up.
"The usual farmer's market at God knows where doesn't count. The kids need to
experience Paris, Ely. Not secret places." Freida pointed out.
Chewing on the chocolate, thoughtfully and hesitantly, Elyse signed and nodded.
"You're right, but I'm just worried, that's all." Elyse said, biting her lip.
"You're a mother. That's normal." A voice interrupted the girls' talk and Elyse
looked up, surprised.
"We were just talking about you, you handsome hunk of meat." Freida said,
unashamed, smiling cheekily.
Petra flicked Freida's forehead, scolding, but Freida just giggled, laying her
head on Petra's shoulder, lazily.
Elyse sighed at Freida's usual playfulness and smiled apologetically at Erwin,
who just shook his head, smiling back.
Hange looked back and forth between them curiously, and they tilted their head,
"Well, I guess that's our cue for us to leave."
Elyse frowned, slightly, "Don't leave yet! I've missed you guys."
Hange had shot a look with Freida and Petra, and it confused Elyse more.
"We've missed you too, babe, but we're going to go to the after party. You and
Erwin need to go home and tend to my cute godchildren." Freida said, getting
up.
"Godchildren? When did we-" Erwin's confused question was interrupted by Freida
patting Erwin's cheek.
"Kiss my godchildren for me!" Freid said before exiting with the amused Petra
and laughing Hange.
The dressing door closed, leaving the successful couple alone. Elyse tried to
calm her beating heart as Erwin turned to her, smiling. She can't read him, and
she don't know if she'll ever be able to.
"So, let's go home, then?" Elyse asked, getting up and gathering her things,
hastily. She was trying to avoid his gaze, but Erwin's stare was on her as if
she was the only damn thing in the room.
"Elyse." Erwin called for her, and she jumped up and whipped herself around
knocking her legs against the vanity in surprise.
"Y-Yeah?" Elyse asked, a little out of it, knowing fully well that she just
looked like a deer caught in headlights.
Erwin looked like he was holding back a laugh as he simply stood there, his
gaze still unreadable.
"I told you to relax, did I not?" Erwin asked, playfully. He walked up to her
and Elyse slowly grabbed the edge of the vanity, swallowing slowly.
He was so intimidating and infuriating and it made Elyse want to run and scream
out of the room. Why couldn't they have just stayed friends? The whole
abnormality of their relationship was making her nervous because they still
haven't talked about it. What was she supposed to do now with him? Laugh and
make some joke about how Braun didn't scare her this much?
Elyse was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't realize that Erwin was
in front of her, waiting for her to come to her senses and she did when she
also realized that he was leaning forward to her level, studying her.
"Hey." He greeted, softly, once he noticed that she was surprised at how close
he was.
"What are you doing?" Elyse asked, her frustration soft but still there. It was
supposed to be a rational question for what he was doing now, but both of them
knew that it was a question that related to their situation in general.
Instead of tackling the question of the situation, Erwin simply laughed and
grabbed her chin, gently, "I'm helping you relax."
Elyse scoffed at that, getting tired of this game that Erwin was playing. She
knew that Erwin was a man of strategy and that he was good at manipulation ever
since the whole "teach Braun a lesson" debacle.
But Erwin still held her chin and he leaned forward even more, completely
entrapping her body against the vanity, "Elyse, the first thing about relaxing
is that you have to be in control of the situation. Do you want to be in
control?"
Elyse froze. She knew that the question was supposed to be a lesson in itself,
but the way he looked at her...she felt like she was back in his office that
evening they had…
"I want to be in control." Elyse found herself whispering to him. She was so
tired of waiting for someone to give her a sign on what to do. Erwin was
offering her something that she's been craving for since she realized her life
wasn't hers to control, and by the knowing smile on his face, he knew that.
Damn...butthole.
"Elyse, you'll always be in control when you're with me, I promise." The
seductive purr in his voice as he whispered against her cheek made her grab the
vanity behind her tighter.
"Then, why haven't we talked about what happened?" Elyse asked, gaining a
little courage as Erwin planted kisses on her cheek and down the column of her
neck.
"You didn't say anything after. I respected that." Erwin murmured against her
neck. Elyse sighed, annoyed and pleased, as Erwin continued his tender
ministrations.
"You know me well enough by now that I was bothered by your silence." Elyse
argued back, trying to remain collected as Erwin playfully nipped at her
collarbone.
"I shouldn't always be the one in control, Elyse. You have just as much power
as I do with our...agreement." Erwin pointed out, his hands now grabbing her
waist, gently.
Elyse grabbed his face then, forcing him to look at her. "You're saying that I
can be in control of this agreement we have." Elyse said, breathlessly. She
stared in that intoxicating blue-eyed gaze and Erwin smiled.
"Yes, Elyse. You do."
That's what sealed the deal for Elyse. She got up to sit on her vanity and she
wrapped her legs around his waist, digging her fingers in his hair to bring him
closer to her body. Erwin complied, laughing as Elyse whined at the loss of
contact when Erwin brought his head up so he could bring his hands up to pull
the bottom part of her costume down.
A loud cough at the door interrupted them and Erwin paused while Elyse
scrambled to sit up, properly, to see who walked in on them.
Her heart, whatever was left of it at that moment, threatened to beat out of
her chest when she saw who it was.
Erwin, forever the one who will never visibly be taken by surprise like her,
turned around to see what Elyse widened her eyes at, and when he saw who it
was, Elyse didn't miss the twitch of his finger against her legs.
Braun was standing at the doorway, looking shocked and half-saddened at Elyse
as if forgetting that Erwin was there.
"Yes, Braun, what is it?" Erwin asked, the only one who could be rational in
this situation.
That snapped Braun out of his reverie and he grew flustered, and Elyse noticed
the bouquet in his hand.
"I came to congratulate Elyse. I didn't realize that you guys would, uh, be
doing this." Braun motioned to them, and Elyse wanted to laugh at how
disastrous this situation turned out to be.
She wasn't as bad looking as the disheveled Erwin though.
Erwin smiled at Braun and Elyse could tell from Braun's frown that the smile
looked...patronizing.
"I'm sorry, you know how it is when married couples get excited." Erwin said,
laughingly, and Elyse knew that he was taking a stab at Braun.
Erwin never truly forgave Braun for hurting her.
She fixed herself, hastily, and she got down from the vanity, slowly. She could
feel Erwin looking her way, but she ignored him, trying to calm her heart.
She looked at Braun, who stared at her as if she had two heads and she
hesitantly walked up to him, "Sorry, we got out of control in here." Elyse
apologized, sheepishly, trying to reign in her emotions.
Braun just shrugged, and Elyse could see the slight slump in his shoulders.
"It's as your husband said. Married couples have a right to have fun."
Elyse flinched at the slight sarcasm, and she found her arms filled with the
scent of the bouquet that Braun had held.
"Here, these are for you. I remembered that these were your favorites." Braun
said, as Elyse held it gingerly.
"You remembered." Elyse said, in awe. Her favorite floral bouquet had been
white roses and baby's breath with a mix of white tulips and lilies. She had
called it The White Trifecta when Braun first gave them to her after she
explained her favorite bouquet.
"Of course, I did." Braun said, softly. Elyse looked at Braun, her heart
beating faster and she cursed herself for being weak about him.
He broke your heart twice, Elyse.
"Elyse, we should get ready to go home." Erwin's commanding voice wafted in her
thoughts and she welcomed it, gratefully.
"Thank you, really." Elyse said to Braun, and Braun wasn't looking at her at
this point. His jaw clenched as he stared at the man behind her.
Elyse felt Erwin's hand on her shoulder.
"Enjoy the after party Braun. You deserved it." Erwin said, politely.
Braun nodded and smiled, a chilling one. One that reminded Elyse of his
challenging one when he found her two even seasons ago.
"I will. All the awards should go to you, director. You truly won it all."
Braun said, and he left after placing a small kiss on Elyse's cheek and a sharp
nod at Erwin's direction.
Once the door closed, Elyse took a deep breath as Erwin gave her a reassuring
squeeze on her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Erwin asked, concerned, as she turned to face him.
Elyse nodded, "I'm okay. Let's go home."
Without another word, Erwin obeyed for once.
===============================================================================
 
When they got home, Elyse walked into her room like a ghost wandering the
middle of nowhere.
She was so confused about Braun. She had numbed herself with whatever feelings
she held for him especially now that Erwin and her are physically enjoying the
high that they've agreed on, yet...Braun catching them didn't feel satisfying.
It felt dirty and wrong.
She felt like she was cheating on him.
A knock on her door sounded and she looked up surprised.
"Come in." Elyse called.
Erwin walked in, dressed in his usual pajama attire. His velvet robe and his
black boxers were the man's go-tos and Elyse had teased him about how he must
have multiple pieces of the same thing.
"Hey." He greeted her, walking towards her.
"Hey." She greeted softly back.
"I'm here as a friend, not for the other thing." Erwin announced, his hands up
as if he was being arrested.
Elyse laughed at that, rolling her eyes at him.
"I appreciate that." Elyse said, sighing.
Erwin sat down next to her on the bed and he watched her as she played with her
hands and Elyse herself was focused on her fingers.
That's when Erwin's hand stopped her, and Elyse paused when she noticed that he
fingered her engagement and wedding ring.
"You really love him, don't you?" Erwin asked her, fingering her ring. Elyse
closed her eyes, her heart slowly calming down and the tears began to fall on
her cheeks.
"I don't want to." Elyse whispered, her voice breaking, and Erwin's arms were
already around her as she laid her head in the crook of his neck.
"Oh, Elyse, our hearts are a complicated thing. We don't choose who we love."
Erwin said, soothing her.
"He broke my heart twice. He doesn't deserve any more chances." Elyse argued,
sighing as she cried even more.
Erwin didn't say anything else as her cries began to make her body shake, so he
picked her up, cradling her. Elyse didn't realize that he was pulling her
covers off her bed, so he can set her down and tuck her in. Once she realized
that he had helped her in bed, she turned to face him as kneeled on her
bedside.
"This is where you're supposed to give me advice since you're my husband in
this twisted marriage we have and somehow fix everything for me." Elyse
whispered, sarcastically.
Erwin smiled, wryly, his hand brushing away the stray hairs away from her face,
"Go to sleep, Elyse. You need rest especially with the way the kids are
starting to jump on your bed to wake you up."
Elyse smiled at that, and she grabbed Erwin's hand, fingering his own wedding
band, and she realized that she never asked him about that emblem engraved in
it.
"What does this mean?" Elyse asked, curiously, pointing at the emblem. Erwin's
cool gaze didn't betray anything as he sighed and the dim lit room didn't let
her see anything but the ring's cool silver shining from the lamp on her
bedside table.
"Elyse, sleep." Erwin said, leaving no room for argument, but Elyse's eyes,
still watery looked up at him, and he paused in the middle of him trying to get
up. He went back to her eye level and sighed.
"Come on, I was supposed to have the best day of my life, remember?" Elyse
teased, her smile sad and that seemed to make Erwin sigh even more.
"Elyse…" Erwin trailed off as Elyse's fingers trailed along his cheek.
"Please." Elyse pleaded, trying to get him to tell her, "Distract me."
"Can't I just distract you with the other way?" Erwin asked, teasingly, but
Elyse was adamant.
"Erwin." Elyse whispered, softly but the warning was still there, and Erwin had
no choice but to comply just a bit.
"It's a long story, Elyse." Erwin tried to excuse himself out of it, but Elyse
surprised him as she sat straight up and scooted to the left side of her bed.
She patted the side of the bed that was empty and Erwin eyed her, warily,
"Then, sleep here tonight."
Erwin barked a laugh at that, "Oh yes, because we sleep next to each other now
since the day you sat on my lap and I realized how delicious you are."
Elyse coughed at that, slightly embarrassed, but she was still insistent,
"We'll talk about that agreement later. Right now, you are going to talk to me
about that emblem that's engraved on your wedding ring."
Erwin grunted, but he sat on the side she was patting, and he looked at her,
not saying anything.
Elyse rolled her eyes, making hand motions for him to continue, and Erwin
groaned.
"Can I just sit here and wait for you to go to sleep?" Erwin asked, more like
pleaded at this point.
Elyse bit her lip, and her eyes began to water, making Erwin put an arm around
her, forcing her to lie down as he laid down with her.
"Enough, Elyse. I'll tellyou, so stop the pouting. Seriously, you just turned
twenty-one last week." Erwin pointed out as he sighed.
Elyse pushed his arm, annoyed, but Erwin chuckled, "Oh, I'm sorry we can't be
old like you." Elyse groused.
A moment of silence passed and Elyse patiently waited and she knew she wouldn't
have to wait long when Erwin put his hand in the air, both of them studying his
ring.
"It represent the majority of my life. I…I was in the military since I was a
teenager. It was a life I wanted because my father and his father before him
did it. Of course, I had success and fame with the movies and the campaigns
that held my face, but I felt nothing for it. I felt that I was doing nothing
for anyone by just being a pretty face and directing movies that would motivate
others but it only did so much. That's when I realized that the answer was
staring me in the face when my father came back home from his final tour. I
told my father my decision and he had been against it at first. He told me that
I was all he had left of my mother, but he knew he couldn't stop me, saying
that I had my mother's stubbornness." Erwin paused there, and Elyse took a
moment to interrupt him.
"What happened to her? To your mother?" Elyse asked, softly, she looked up at
him and Erwin was staring at the ceiling, his expression unreadable.
"I never knew her. She died giving birth to me." Erwin said, simply, but it his
Elyse like someone just trampled over her heart.
"Oh, Erwin." Elyse whispered, softly.
"It's okay, Elyse. I heard plenty of stories of her growing up, and I make sure
that I…I honor her memory by being the best person I can be." Erwin stated, a
small smile on his face.
That made Elyse smiled a bit, "I think she's pretty proud of you right now."
Erwin chuckled, "I hope so."
He stared at the ceiling and then he sighed, continuing, "So, I entered West
Point in New York. My mother gave birth to me in New York, you know."
"Of course, I don't know, Erwin. I know nothing about you." Elyse argued,
sighing.
"Sh, do you want to be distracted or not?" Erwin teased, placing his hand over
her mouth and she bit him, lightly, making him let go.
"Anyways, I went to West Point and—"
"Erwin, I already know this." Elyse interrupted him, sitting up, biting her lip
and looking guilty.
She waited for Erwin to get up and glare at her or maybe yell at her, but he
was still lying down, starting at the ceiling, but she could make out a small
smile on his face.
"I know. Your brother told me he told you." Erwin said, nonchalantly. Elyse's
eyes widened in realization as she scowled and tried to push him off her bed,
angrily.
Erwin, not even budging, laughed as he pushed Elyse back down, "Now, do you
want me to start from the part you did not hear yet?"
"Yeah, If you're not going to be a butt about it." Elyse mumbled.
"It's asshole, Elyse." Erwin sighed, but he continued, "After West Point, like
Levi told you, both of you like to gossip by the way—Elyse, stop trying to push
me—I went to Germany to continue to serve a country I wanted to serve. I may
have had some of my childhood in America, but Germany was where I had my career
and my life. So, I entered there, and I excelled in many areas, and it was my
goal to go to the top so I can keep on serving. It was then that I was
discovered by a private organization that dealt with…a more specialized
section. They brought me in, and that's where I met your brother, Hange, Petra,
Eld, Gunther, Nifa, and Dieter."
Elyse waited for him to continue, but she noticed that he was beginning to
close his eyes.
"That's it? That doesn't explain the emblem, Erwin." Elyse said, pushing his
arm lightly.
"The emblem belonged to that specialized unit that I gave almost half my life
to." Erwin said, his eyes still closed, "Will you sleep now, Elyse?"
"But, why your wedding ring? I mean, I get that it's a special part of your
life, but us getting married wasn't really just as special if you can remember
correctly." Elyse pointed out, ignoring his plea for her to sleep.
Erwin opened his eyes then and he looked down at her, smiling, "Well, I thought
it was ironic. Like I spent half my life with this section might as well have
it engraved on my wedding ring because you know, marriage."
Elyse's jaw dropped. "You're horrible." She said, but she couldn't let out a
laugh. "Well, if I'm being honest, it's because this special unit is a big deal
to me. I just thought it would make me realize that this marriage will be a
duty that I need to keep close to my heart."
Elyse smiled at that, "You're a really good man, Erwin."
Erwin smiled back, "And you're really good at being so damn persistent--."
The sound of a pillow smacking atop of Erwin's face echoed throughout the room.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// I was going to continue with the chapter, but I think this is a
     good place to stop for now.
     LOL SO I KNOW THIS IS A REALLY SLOW FIC, BUT I JUST REALLY ENJOY
     TELLING THEIR STORY.
***** The Unease *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Elyse is my beautiful mess, and everyone else is Isayama's mess.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
Elyse woke up to the sudden impact of a small body falling atop of her. She sat
up, terrified and confused, and that's when her blurry vision revealed the
sight of unruly dark brown hair with light green eyes peering at her.
That mischievous smile was also familiar to her.
"Well, good morning to you too." Elyse moaned, laughing softly after as she
pinched her son's cheeks. She smiled wider as she noticed that Armin and Mikasa
were at the doorway, shyly looking in. She could see that Armin had tried to
stop his brother, but he had obviously failed now that Eren was jumping on her
bed.
A noticeable shift next to her alarmed Elyse and she turned to face the side of
the bed that she had forgotten was occupied by Erwin. Eren jumped on his father
as soon as Erwin sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"Talk about a wake-up call." Erwin chuckled, picking up Eren and setting him on
the part of the bed that wasn't occupied by any of Elyse's or his limbs.
Elyse smiled, softly, and she turned to the two kids who were still hovering at
the doorway, and before she could motion for them to join them on the bed,
Erwin got up and made his way to them, picking them both up as they squealed in
happiness.
Elyse gasped when Erwin brought both of the other two on the bed and they also
jumped on Elyse as Eren had did, which slightly made Elyse out of breath.
"Don't kill your mother now." Erwin chuckled, pulling Eren and Armin out as
Mikasa wrapped her arms around Elyse.
The laughs of the children were music to Elyse's ears and she reveled in the
morning light and the happiness that was surrounding her. It had been a rough
year with Braun and her, then him breaking up with her, and then Erwin and her
being even more complicated atop of all the theatre and family shenanigans.
But, as Elyse watched Erwin playfully tickle Eren and Armin down as they
pretended he was some giant with Mikasa in her arms, she was grateful that she
still had this.
===============================================================================
"Absolutely not."
Elyse sighed as she crossed her arms, glaring at her stubborn husband who was
still looking at his paperwork rather than at her.
The kids' laughter wafted into his office from his waiting room and Elyse took
one glance at the door leading to the waiting room and she smiled when she
heard the slight laugh of Petra and Isabelle.
She had brought the kids to their father's office building because she had been
thinking about what Freida had said last night about the kids joining the
theatre practices. The morning of, when Elyse watched her children play on her
bed with Erwin had made her miss the moments she had with them, so she brought
the excited four-year-olds with her to petition the idea to Erwin after five
months of planning it. When the kids stared in awe as they gazed outside the
window, Armin pointing at things and telling Eren and Mikasa about his cute
little guesses, Elyse was determined to get Erwin's permission for her kids to
start having a life.
Even when they entered the office building, the employees were wide-eyed and
pointing. Dieter had tried his hardest to reign the kids in, but they were too
curious and happy as they waved and talked to people especially Eren, who had
decided to make friends with every single person there, much to everyone's
amusement.
When they got to Erwin's office, Petra and Isabelle greeted them, their
surprised stares were placed on Elyse, who shrugged and placed a finger on her
lips as if telling them to keep it a secret.
Erwin had come out of his office then, calling for one of his assistants to
help him with something, and it gave Elyse great pleasure when she saw Mikasa
running up to her father, happily, which almost made Erwin drop whatever
leather-bound folder he was carrying.
He greeted his kids, controlled and happy, but once he looked up at her, Elyse
could tell that she was going to have a stern talking to especially when the
only two words her greeted her with were: "Office, now."
"Erwin, it's time for our kids to go out in public. You and I both know that we
can't keep the press at bay anymore. We have a theatre, and you have your past
life. I'm also an heiress and daughter of a woman who sang for Paris more than
once. The kids will always be in the limelight." Elyse argued, trying to make
him come to his senses.
Erwin looked up at her then, and his hardened gaze made Elyse shift a little.
He placed his elbows on his table and his chin atop of his hands as he stared
at her, "Elyse, I refuse to have my four-year-old children out there with all
the dangers of the press and-"
"Oh my God, Erwin, you're making it seem like our kids are entering a
battleground-yes, pun intended, Mr. Big Bad Commander-and that's not healthy
because our kids can't just stay holed up in the estate and in the local areas
around there. What are you going to do? Keep them there until they're
teenagers?" Elyse asked, growing exasperated.
Erwin sighed, getting up, walking up to the mini-bar next to his desk, "The
press ground is a battlefield. Do you think I want to send my kids out there,
Elyse?"
"Okay, first of all, our kids. Second of all, I refuse to let the press stop my
family from having a life. Lastly, you need to put down that bottle right now
because I am speaking to you." Elyse said, grabbing the bottle and placing it
down as Erwin sighed.
Erwin stared at her for a moment before taking a sip of his alcohol and he also
looked towards his office door as he heard another bout of laughter. Elyse
noticed Erwin's gaze softened and he gripped his glass of whiskey, tightly.
"Fine. They can go out. Only when I'm there or you let me know in advance."
Erwin said, placing the glass down.
Elyse rolled her eyes at that, but she smiled, slightly in victory, walking up
to Erwin.
"Thank you for seeing things my way." Elyse said, placing a quick kiss on his
cheek. She turned to go get her kids, but she was stopped by a sudden tug on
her hand and she found herself in front of Erwin.
"Now, for my way." Erwin whispered, and before she knew it, Erwin's hands were
in her hair as he began to kiss her jawline and bit a sensitive part that made
her legs wobble for just a moment.
Their agreement in sexual favors was one of the bright side of things in their
busy lives. Ever since Elyse embraced her numb heart and ignored her feelings
for Braun, she felt alive whenever she was atop of this powerful, handsome man
and had forgotten what it was like to be emotional when all she could do was
appreciate the physical.
They've kept at the agreement for five months now. The rules were working, and
Elyse could tell that Erwin was more than welcoming when she would come to his
bed, shy yet ready. If she was being completely honest, Elyse was the one who
initiated it more. Erwin only initiated it when he was stressed from everything
or she just happened to be in his bed that night because of their other
agreement with their fathers of sharing a room.
Agreement after agreement, Erwin and Elyse finally found a stable one that they
can lean on each other with.
Even if it was only just sex.
Elyse moaned in complaint as Erwin pulled away from her.
Erwin chuckled at that, and Elyse found herself carried towards his desk as he
flipped her over so she could grasp the edge of his desk.
"Erwin...anyone could just come in." Elyse groaned as she felt his hands dig
into her hips. He was already pulling up her dress and she involuntarily ground
her behind against the hardness that she was biting her lip for.
"The door's locked, and just make sure you keep quiet." Erwin said, one of his
hands traveling down her leg and then to the waistband of her panties to pull
them down.
Elyse obeyed, placing a hand on her mouth as she felt the familiar feeling of
Erwin's hardened member at her entrance.
His hands traveled all the way up, and Elyse felt his fingers ghost against the
column her neck as he kissed the back of her neck as he entered her.
Elyse let out a moan, the creature that Erwin had awakened a couple of months
ago, mewling in satisfaction as he worked her body, expertly.
"Elyse, I said to keep quiet." Erwin's warning tone sent shivers down Elyse's
back, and she arched her back as he delved in deeper.
She placed a hand on the fingers brushing against her neck, and she turned to
slightly face him, her gaze half-lidded and daring.
"Make me." She whispered, courageously. The control she had over him when he
was like this made Elyse feel unstoppable. Her mind willing to play the game
that Erwin had set up with this mutual and beneficial agreement. He had
guaranteed her control, and here she was, testing it and tasting it.
The darkened desire in Erwin's gaze encouraged Elyse, too. The once stoic,
unreadable man was putty in her hands and Elyse found that she loved the
manipulation of this game.
Maybe that's why Erwin's so good at manipulation. He probably loves it too.
The thought seemed to excite Elyse as Erwin began to move faster, making her
cry out even more.
And when she reached completion, Elyse found herself in euphoria, forgetting
her broken heart and confused mind when she saw Braun's face in her mind once
again.
===============================================================================
"So, what are you stressed about? You rarely become like this nowadays." Elyse
pointed out, helping Erwin tie his tie.
Erwin sighed, "The kids being out in public." Elyse raised an eyebrow at him, a
giggle escaping her lips.
"I only brought it up a few moments ago before you snapped and bent me over."
Elyse said, sighing as she brushed down her skirt.
It was Erwin's turn to raise an eyebrow at her, "Bent you over? Am I talking to
Freida or Elyse?" Erwin asked, brushing a hair away from Elyse's face.
Elyse bit her lip, slightly embarrassed, "Erwin, the kids will be fine. We have
Dieter, and we can add other bodyguards if you're really that worried."
Erwin nodded, but he sighed as he motioned for Elyse to follow him as they got
ready to go outside to the waiting area where their kids were with his
assistants.
"It's not only that, Elyse. I…I don't want anythingto happen to them. I know
that they're growing up and it's impossible to keep them in the house, but what
if they're not ready? I'm a father who just wants what's best, and I'm afraid
I'll never know what's best." Erwin said, and Elyse saw the worry in his eyes
and it touched her heart.
"Erwin...I was only sixteen when I got pregnant, and I was just as lost as what
to do about everything that's hit us. But, you were there and you took
everything by stride. You may be unbearablyinfuriating," Elyse teased and Erwin
pinched her waist in reply.
"You are a greatfather. And it's normal to feel anxious. I'm always anxious
about them." Elyse said, linking her arm with his.
Erwin smiled down at her, and he sighed while Elyse flinched at the sound of
something falling down outside in the waiting area.
"At least we know that they can handle themselves." Erwin muttered, and that's
when they opened the door to face the chaos.
The doors opened and they were greeted with Isabelle playing with their kids
and Elyse noticed that Petra wasn't there. She looked around, and she saw that
there was a man talking to Petra next to the elevators.
She tried to get a closer look and from the looks of it, Petra, rigid, seemed
to be having a serious conversation with the man. The familiar man looked at
Petra, an amused smile on his face.
Erwin, his arm still linked with hers, seemed to realize what Elyse was paying
attention to and she noticed a slight tremor of his arm against hers.
In that moment, the man looked up from looking down at Petra and his smile grew
wider as he passed the protesting Petra to walk up to Erwin and Elyse.
Erwin abruptly dropped Elyse's arm and he walked towards the man, meeting him
halfway. From the looks of it, the men greeted each other, politely and
formally, and Erwin placed a hand on the man's arm, bending his head low to
talk to the man. Elyse noticed that the man was starting to lose the amusement
on his face as his face was growing bored at whatever Erwin was saying.
That was until the man looked up and noticed Elyse standing there, observing
them.
Once again, the man passed Erwin as if he was nothing and went up to Elyse, who
blinked yet was taken aback by this man's behavior.
The man up close looked even more familiar, but Elyse was having trouble trying
to place him in her memory.
"Miss Elyse, it's been awhile. How rude of me not to greet you first, but your
husband insisted on boring me with his business talk first." The man said,
smiling and bowing his head slightly in apology.
Ah, so Erwin's not the only one with the weird mannerisms.
Besides the weird mannerisms, Elyse was still having trouble trying to place
this guy in her memories. He did look familiar, but she couldn't…
"Nile Dok. We met during event season briefly. Erwin and you were making your
rounds with the business clientele." Mr. Dok re-introduced himself, smiling at
her politely.
Elyse nodded, and she flushed in sheepishness. "I'm sorry, Mr. Dok. I didn't
mean to be so forgetful. How rude of me."
Mr. Dok waved her worry away, and he didn't seem to be angry that she had
forgotten.
"Please, it's no worry. I assure you that it was brief moment. No need to be
ashamed." He reassured her.
Elyse nodded, not knowing what else to say until Eren, breaking away from
whatever he and his siblings were doing with Isabelle at the receptionist
table, to run towards his mother.
Armin and Mikasa clung to Isabelle, who also looked warily at Mr. Dok, much to
Elyse's curiosity.
Mr. Dok looked down at Eren, who was looking up at the man, curiously. The
smile that was on Mr. Dok's face didn't sit easily with Elyse.
"This must be one of your boys, Erwin." Niles said, loudly. He obviously meant
it for Erwin to hear, and Elyse noticed that her husband was talking to Petra,
his back facing her, but the expression on Petra's face was uneasy.
Erwin finally turned around to face Niles and Elyse after Niles' outburst, and
Elyse tried to catch his attention with a questioning look, but he didn't even
look her way. He was busy staring at Niles with a professional politeness that
Elyse noticed he used when he was in business talks with other men and women.
"Niles, let's go inside my office, shall we?" You wouldn't come here if you
have nothing important to discuss, so let's on it." Erwin said, approaching the
man, placing a hand on Niles' shoulder.
Niles turned to face Erwin and he nodded in agreement, but he sighed
nonetheless.
"Straight to business as usual, Erwin." Niles stated, amused.
Niles turned back around to Elyse, that uneasy smile still on his face.
"If you'll excuse me, Miss Elyse." Mr. Dok said, bowing his head in slight
apology.
Elyse nodded, stepping aside with Eren still holding onto her dress, as Mr. Dok
entered Erwin's office.
Erwin went to go follow the man, but he paused in front of Elyse, welcoming
Eren with his hands on his shoulders as Eren ran to him. Erwin patted Eren's
head as he looked up at his father, curiously.
"I have some business to attend to it seems. Take the kids out to explore. We
can go out to the restaurant next to the theatre for dinner. I'll meet you guys
there." Erwin stated, smiling softy at Eren, who smiled back.
Elyse, still a bit lost and confused, nodded, but she placed a hand on his arm,
still alarmed at the uneasiness and tension in the room.
"Is everything okay, Erwin? Who is he exactly?" Elyse asked, noticing that
Petra and Isabelle were now quietly talking to each other as Mikasa and Armin
played quietly on the floor next to their legs.
Erwin chuckled easily, and Elyse relaxed a bit with that.
"He's just an unexpected visitor, that's all. You know how we have everything
planned here in this office." Erwin assured her. Elyse nodded, but she couldn't
help but still feel a bit uneasy with that face of Niles Dok in her mind.
Erwin was already looking for his other children, and he motioned for them.
"Mikasa, Armin. Come here." Erwin called, and they looked up, beaming, and ran
to their father, obediently.
"Your mother is going to take you around Paris today. Exciting, I know, but
that means that it will be crazier than your usual spots that you visit. I want
you all to behave for your mother and Dieter," Erwin paused for a moment,
thinking, then he faced Elyse, "Do you want Isabelle to also join you?"
"Erwin, Isabelle is working, and we've bothered her enough." Elyse said,
slightly abashed with having her husband ordering people around even if they
did work for him.
Isabelle joined them, laughing, "Please, taking care of these angels is better
than sitting in a desk all day."
Erwin gave his wife a pointed look, "See? Now, I'll see you all for dinner
later." He said, bending down to face his children.
The kids nodded, planting kisses on their father's cheek, as he held out his
arms for them.
Erwin stood up, and Elyse, still, had a worried look on her face, but he smiled
down at her, placing a quick kiss on her cheek, "Be careful with the press."
With that said, Erwin leaves to enter his office.
===============================================================================
Elyse was grateful in the end that Isabelle came with them. The kids were
certainly a handful, but the press was even more of a handful.
She grabbed on to her kids' hands, and to their credit, they didn't freak out
when a cameraman came running up to them, taking pictures. They simply looked
at them, wide-eyed and curious. Elyse noticed that Dieter was struggling not to
laugh when Eren asked the most innocent question to the cameraman: "Why are you
taking pictures of us?"
Elyse had sighed at that, and she smiled politely at the press as they took
their pictures and asked their questions.
"Elyse, where are you going today?" One of them asked, and Elyse was too polite
to not answer the innocent question.
"I just wanted to show my children the Paris that I grew up in." Elyse
answered, charmingly as she smiled her dimpled smile and hoped that the press
would back off after that.
Instead, the effect was the opposite and the kids were asked questions and
their precious four-year-old answers were enough for Elyse to relax even Dieter
was wary but he seemed more relaxed now that the press were being more…polite
rather than brash because of the kids.
Not so bad. Can't wait to rub this in Erwin's face.
They went to every place where Elyse grew up, and the joy and fascination on
her kids' faces made Elyse glow with happiness. The press did give them their
space especially when Elyse and the kids would go in a café or a museum that
she wanted to show her kids especially Armin, who was the most excited as he
dragged the tired Eren and quiet Mikasa around. Elyse followed, slowly,
welcoming the change of pace as the museum had been emptied out for them,
thanks to Dieter, who would check in with Petra once in a while, and she would
work her magic as Erwin's assistant.
"You're a really good mother, Elyse." Isabelle said, walking next to her, also
relaxing.
Elyse blushed at that, "Thank you, Isabelle. I try to be."
Isabelle laughed, patting Elyse's arm, "You don't need to try. You already are.
Erwin talks about how good you are at the office, and I used to think that he
was exaggerating because who could balance a career, a household, and a family?
But, seeing this today, it's truly inspiring."
Elyse was sure she was red at this point.
Isabelle softened as she heard the kids giggle among themselves, "He really
loves them, too."
Elyse smiled in agreement, "He's a good father."
"That's the weird part. No one in the building had an inkling about Erwin
Smith, the gorgeous European bachelor and son of the German branch's CEO, was
going to be a husband and a father. You should see how the women in the
building would fawn over the man. Even me, if I'm being completely honest,"
Isabelle teased, and Elyse smiled in amusement, remembering how she would
insinuate about Isabelle to Erwin.
Wow. That seems so long ago.
"Then, all of a sudden, here he comes, taking over the Parisian office, married
to the head of the company's daughter and is expecting one kid on the way. But,
the knowledge of you two adopting two newborns before yours was even born was
the shocker. The office building wouldn't stop talking about it for weeks."
Isabelle finished, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Erwin is a rather complex man." Elyse sighed, honestly, "I don't know what
goes on in his head most of the time."
Isabelle giggled, "You're very lucky, Elyse. He's always making sure you and
the kids are a priority. He's always asking if you called or if the kids are
alright whenever Petra checks up on the household at your estate. One time, he
told me to call Nifa to make sure that the kids were not going to bother you
one morning because you needed rest."
Elyse sighed at that, even though her heart warmed up at the obvious care that
Erwin had for her, even though it was unbearable at points.
"Maman! Look! There's the painting you taught us about." Armin said, calling
out to her.
With a smile, Elyse walked to where her son was pointing, ready to spend more
time with her kids as they were taught about the city that made her.
===============================================================================
The theatre was in session when Elyse visited with the kids. Practice was being
held with the company and Elyse was given the day off and so was Erwin due to
their busy schedules, but Elyse thought it best if she could put in a bit more
practice and show the kids what she did when she wasn't with them.
The ballet company welcomed her with open arms, but Freida ran to the children,
embracing them and already rubbing her head against their cheeks as they whined
in protest.
The company was also in awe at seeing the kids for the first time. Mikasa was
behind Eren, and Armin was too scared to approach them, so he ran to his mother
and she picked up in ease.
Eren was chattering about, happily, introducing himself.
"Are you Miss Elyse's son?" One of the ballerinas asked, softly.
Eren nodded, proudly, "I'm Eren and I'm four-years-old."
The company was clearly taken by him, and Mikasa shyly introduced herself too
with Freida's help as she pushed her towards the other company.
Elyse smiled encouragingly at Armin as he looked up from burying his head in
the crook of her neck, and he bounded out of her arms to walk to where the rest
of his siblings were.
"So, I finally see the kids that you always talk about." Braun's voice said
from behind her.
Freezing for a moment, Elyse turned around and faced Braun, her face polite and
distant.
"Yeah, I brought them here because they'll be joining us in practices." Elyse
said, softly.
Braun nodded, a faraway look on his face as he watched Eren hold Armin's hand
as he talked animatedly with the cast and crew.
"They're beautiful, and they seem great." Braun said, offering a half-smile. "I
understand why you put them first."
Elyse nodded, her heart now hammering against her chest.
"So, where's the husband?" Braun asked, and Elyse noticed that it was a bit
forced, but she decided to ignore it.
She didn't owe him any sympathy anymore.
"He's going to join us for dinner later on." Elyse said, keeping her voice
light.
Braun nodded, but Elyse noticed that his hands were tightening into a fist.
A moment of silence passed them as they watched the ongoing company cooing over
the kids with Isabelle and Dieter were watching them like haws.
"He's more…into you from what I imagined." Braun said, finally, acknowledging
what he had seen that night in her dressing room.
Here we go.
Elyse knew that Braun would mention it if they were ever going to talk again,
and she had prepared herself for it. She never brought it up to Erwin, and
Erwin had never once talked about Braun unless she would bring it up.
Elyse bristled at that, "He's my husband. What else did you expect?"
Braun sighed, "Oh, I don't know. I've read all the press and watched all the
videos. It seemed that he married you because you were an heiress to a company
and that you happened to be pregnant with his kid. I thought…I thought you were
some trophy wife and that-"
"That I would divorce him? Come on, Braun. You and I both know that I would
never do that. Especially with the kids? What kind of monster do you think I
am?" Elyse asked, her heart breaking at the insinuation coming from the man she
had once loved.
The man who had once known every part of who she was.
"You're not a monster, Elyse, That's not what I'm pointing at. Of course, I
knew you would stay with the man because of the kids, but seeing you with him,
on your…dressing table, it occurred to me that something else is happening
between you two and I just don't understand it." Braun sighed, his fists
tightening even more.
Elyse didn't say anything. She just watched him, her heart breaking, wanting to
tell him about what truly had happened between Erwin and her when she was just
sixteen, but she remained quiet. She was also angry at Braun, angry at the fact
that he left her, again, but then, what else was his other option?
They were both stuck.
Stuck in love and stuck in their situations, but Elyse could never tell him
that. Especially when all she could hear were her children's laughter as the
ballerinas twirled around with them.
"He's one of my best friends." Elyse pointed out, ready to just leave this
conversation so she could cry somewhere.
"And so was I." Braun said, wistfully.
"Braun…what do you want? You broke it off, remember? We both agreed that— "
"Because it was the right thing to do, but that doesn't mean that I've stopped
loving you, Ely. I…I have never stopped, and it just kills me to see you with
him. Those kids should've been ours, not— "
"Mr. Lexington. It's good to see you." The sound of Erwin's voice interrupted
the whispering couple, and Elyse froze when an arm snaked around her waist,
warmly.
Braun straightened out a bit as he saw Erwin, come from behind Elyse, "Hello,
Mr. Smith. It's good to see you too. Enjoying your day off from the theatre?"
Erwin chuckled, but Elyse noticed that it had a different air to it, especially
the look on Erwin's face was someone that seemed a bit peeved at everything.
"Not so much. I had to deal with some unexpected business, and some man is
trying to steal my wife's affections when he obviously broke her heart not only
years ago, but also a couple of months ago." Erwin said the last part with a
warning tone, and Elyse noticed that she stopped breathing.
Erwin was definitely not in the mood to be messed with, and she had only seen
that mood once in her life and that was when he had not spoken to her for that
one year.
Braun also seemed to pale visibly at Erwin's accusations, and he turned to
Elyse, shocked, "You…told him about us?"
Elyse bit her lip and nodded, "Like I said, he's one of my best friends." She
could hear Erwin take a sharp breath at that, and she felt his hand rub her
waist, affectionately.
"So, wait, you approved of it when she told you?" Braun asked, still shocked.
Erwin sighed and nodded, "I did. She said she loved you, and I won't deny her
the love of her life. But, you completely broke her heart when she wouldn't
give you the one thing she couldn't, and for that, I must say, I'm not one of
your biggest fans, Mr. Lexington."
Braun was still too stunned to say anything as he looked back and forth between
Erwin and Elyse.
"I'm not seeing things then. There's something weird about your relationship?"
Braun asked, turning to Elyse.
Erwin answered for her, placing a comforting kiss on her forehead, "We both
keep our kids our priority, and that's all that matters to us. You tried to
take her away from that, and that's why Elyse made the decision that she did. I
had no say in the matter, and I'm happy that picked our kids rather than the
man who randomly decides when he wants her or not."
Braun, snapping from his shock, turned visibly angry at Erwin's words, "It's
not that I chose to not marry her. Her father didn't like me, and we had no
choice but to separate."
"Did you fight for her?" Erwin asked, his voice cold and Elyse knew that
whatever mood Erwin was in at this point wasn't one she's seen yet.
Braun narrowed his eyes at that, "I couldn't. Have you ever talked to her
father about— "
"I talked to her father for hours until he agreed for Elyse to marry me. I made
sure that her whole family was in agreement before I married her. I made sure
Elyse agreed to get married before I married her." Erwin interrupted Braun's
explanation, and Elyse knew that Erwin hated excuses above all.
One time, she had made an excuse about not washing the dishes, and he had made
a point about it for the next two weeks.
"You don't understand, Mr. Big Shot. I was eighteen and I had nothing to offer.
That's why her father didn't like me." Braun said, once again.
Erwin laughed at that, and he shook his head, but he said nothing as Braun
stared at him, his face angry.
"If you'll excuse us, Mr. Lexington, I've had a rather long day and I would
like to end this day by spending time with my family at dinner." Erwin
announced, ending the conversation there before Braun could say anything else.
Elyse found herself being escorted to her kids, but before they were out of
Braun's earshot, Erwin turned to him, his smile cold and stoic.
"Oh, and Mr. Lexington, I would've offered her father the huge inheritance that
you had received when your father sold his business shares from our company if
I had been you, but then again, you were right. You have nothing to offer
Elyse."
With that said, Erwin continued to walk with the stunned Elyse towards their
kids, leaving the livid Braun behind.
===============================================================================
The restaurant welcomed them, warmly, and Elyse noticed that it was emptied out
just for them once more.
She shot Erwin and exasperated look, but he smiled and continued to talk to
Isabelle and Dieter at the table.
Elyse sighed, softly, but she turned to her kids as they talked about their
day, happily. The food was delicious and Elyse could only eat so much since her
heart felt a bit cold at the moment.
Erwin had defended her, admirably, and she found herself thankful to be friends
with a man like him, but her heart was hurting again because of Braun and she
hated it.
She absolutely hated it.
She felt a nudge at her leg, and she looked up, surprised. Across the table,
Erwin gave her a pointed look, and she shot him a glare.
"I'm full." Elyse argued, pushing the plate away a bit.
"You took three bites, Elyse." Erwin sighed, pushing the plate towards her.
Erwin cut another piece of his chicken, and he turned to Mikasa who was waiting
for it as she opened her mouth and ate the offered piece.
Elyse softened as her daughter beamed up at her father, who smiled back down at
her.
"We both keep our kids a priority."
The statement that Erwin said rang in her heart, and she smiled just a bit at
how her heart reacted at that.
At least I know what I did was right. Braun wanted something that I would never
dare give up. I would never give up my kids for anyone.
When they got to the house, Elyse was surprised to see her father and father-
in-law waiting for them in the living room. The kids were ecstatic as they ran
to their grandfathers, laughing and screaming.
The men took their grandkids and hugged them, presenting them with gifts.
Elyse sighed at that, shooting a pointed look at Erwin and Erwin nodded in
agreement.
Too many gifts for their kids meant that they were going to keep expecting
them.
"Vati, Papa, enough with the gifts." Elyse groaned, grabbing the gifts from
their hands before the kids got them.
Eren had whined. Armin sighed. Mikasa simply bit her lip.
Erwin had pointed out that Mikasa was starting to follow Elyse's bad habit of
lip biting when upset or simply just emotional.
"We don't get to see them every day." Elyse's father pointed out, but Elyse was
adamant and so was Erwin.
"Exactly, so after you give them gifts for a week that you are here. The kids
start to expect it from us." Erwin said, shooting a reprimanding look at Eren.
Eren immediately quieted down, walking up to Elyse who patted his head, softly.
"Besides, why didn't you call us to tell us you were here? Did you wait long?"
Elyse asked, nodding at Dieter her thanks as he retired to go to his small
house.
They had dropped off Isabelle moments ago and Elyse had noticed that Isabelle
and Dieter were shooting each other looks during the ride.
She couldn't wait to talk to Erwin about that.
"We just arrived moments ago. Your brother is actually sleeping in one of the
guest rooms. Said that he can do whatever he wants in this house." Her father
sighed, but Elyse rolled her eyes as Erwin laughed at that.
It was true. Levi can do whatever he wanted, considering that it was his best
friend's and sister's house.
"Did something happen in the city?" Elyse asked, worried, coming to her
father's side to greet him after greeting her father-in-law.
"No, not at all. It's more like something happened in Germany." Her father
announced, shooting a look at Erwin's father.
An unease settled in Elyse's stomach.
"What happened?" Elyse asked, worried.
Her father sighed, looking every bit uncomfortable, so he looked at Erwin's
father.
"Father?" Erwin asked, trying to make sense of the situation.
"It's about your uncle, Elyse. We found him." Erwin's father announced.
Elyse's heart stopped beating, and she immediately looked at Eren, who was busy
playing with the toys that Erwin had dropped in the corner earlier.
Her uncle, Eren's true father, has finally been found.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ To be honest, I really wanted to continue from here, but I
     haven't posted a chapter in so long (meaning I don't want to keep you
     guys waiting), so here it is!
     Once again, my utmost thanks for your support and your comments. I
     love talking to you guys and I love that you support this story.
***** Unexpected Revelations *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Hi guys! I'm sorry that it's been quite a while since I updated,
     so I tried to make this chapter as long as possible since I have
     another vacation this weekend. Enjoy as much as I enjoy that Elyse is
     my only original character in this mess of things.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Elyse couldn't believe what she was hearing. It had been five years since Eren
was introduced into her life. The moment she had held him, she was sure that
she wanted to be his mother, yet she was unsure of how long she would be.
Now, the time came, and she didn't know what to do about it.
A side of her was relieved that her uncle was found, but the other side of her
was distraught because one of her children was going to be taken away from her.
She looked at Erwin, trying to remain calm, but his face was damn blank as if
he was just informed a normal everyday thing.
"Where is he? What happened to him for the past five years?" Elyse asked,
trying to remain calm.
Her father sighed, "He was found dead, Elyse."
The ground from underneath her seemed to disappear as the news hit her.
"Dead?" Elyse whispered, her gaze going immediately to Eren, who was still
distracted with his siblings.
"The police found his body abandoned in a basement. We don't know the details
yet because they want to meet with the next of kin and ask some questions
before the planned funeral." Her father continued, and Elyse could see the
guilt in his eyes as he spoke.
The fight that cut off all communication with her uncle was because of him.
"He was murdered?" Elyse asked, distraught as she heard Eren's laugher in the
background.
"That's what they're saying." Her father said, softly.
Elyse didn't know what to say as she stared at her father, completely lost and
hardly breathing.
"Elyse, why don't you go upstairs and put the kids to bed?" Erwin's voice broke
through the tense moment in the room.
Elyse, not trusting her own voice, nodded, and she made a move to stand up, but
she faltered slightly, and she found herself being held up by Erwin, who in one
stride was at her side.
"Elyse…" Erwin trailed off, waiting for her to respond to him.
"I'm fine." Elyse said, robotically, and she motioned for the kids, "Eren,
Armin, Mikasa, it's time for bed."
The kids sighed, but they obeyed as they got up and started to clean up the
toys that their grandfathers got them. While they were doing that, Elyse took
the opportunity to kiss her fathers goodnight.
"I'm very sorry, Elyse." Her father whispered in her ear as she bent down to
kiss his cheek. Elyse offered a weak smile, but she knew that her expression
was one of heartbreak.
The kids ran up to their grandfathers and as they talked, Erwin pulled Elyse
aside, a strong hand on her back to guide her towards the bottom of the
staircase.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Erwin asked her carefully. Elyse just nodded, her
gaze still on Eren as she grabbed Erwin's hand for comfort.
She could feel Erwin's stare on her, but she just couldn't break away from
looking at her son.
He lost his real father, and he doesn't even know it.
A tight squeeze from Erwin's hand made her face him, and he looked at her,
carefully. After a moment, he smiled at her, reassuringly.
"I'll just discuss a couple of things with our fathers about what's going to
happen now, and I'll tell you all about it later." Erwin stated, letting go of
her hand and placed a small kiss on her forehead.
Elyse, still not willing to talk since she can't even get her emotions in
place, nodded, and she watched as the kids bounded to where they were.
Erwin bent down to kiss them goodnight and Elyse still couldn't keep her gaze
off of Eren, her heart breaking every time she saw that smile on his face.
"Goodnight, liebts." Erwin wished them as they bounded up the stairs with Elyse
following after them.
But, Erwin tugged at her hand and she looked back at him, expectantly, but he
didn't say anything. Instead, he had a worried look on his face as he stared at
her. Then, he let go of her and turned around to walk back into the living
room. And Elyse shuddered as she watched her husband's strong back face her.
===============================================================================
Elyse waited for him in their shared room for the night. Technically, it was
his room, but since he barely slept in there when he was in his office, Elyse
considered it "the room they had to share if they had guests over."
She found herself out on the balcony with a throw wrapped around her shoulders
as she overlooked the water hitting the rocks and felt the cool breeze whip
around her here and there.
She needed to feel something.
The emotions that had wreaked havoc in her mind when she had first heard the
news were starting to subside, but Elyse didn't like the feeling that was
bubbling beneath it all. It was wrong to feel this way after you hear that a
loved one passed.
The sound of the door opening caught Elyse's attention and she turned around
only to see that her husband was looking at her, a little annoyed.
"It's cold outside, Elyse. Please come back inside." Erwin demanded, his voice
sounded tired but firm.
Elyse nodded and walked back inside, closing the balcony doors. She watched as
Erwin poured himself a drink from the mini-bar in his room and he sighed as he
sat down in one of the leather chairs.
He motioned for her to take a seat on the opposite one from his chair and she
obeyed.
He was deep in thought before he regarded her as he drank from his glass.
"Where do you want me to begin?" He finally asked her, prompting her to answer
him.
"What's going to happen?" Elyse finally asked, her own voice sounded foreign to
her.
"The investigation came up with somebody was chasing after your uncle. Your
father said that the police found a note on your uncle's body. It was in his
handwriting and he stated that…if anything were to happen to him to let his
family know that he was going to join his wife and that he knows that his son
is being taken care of." Erwin paused, making sure that Elyse was caught up
with what he was saying.
Elyse teared up at that, "He knew? He knew that we had Eren?" She asked,
softly.
Erwin nodded, "it appears that way. But, that's not all. They also found a will
down in that basement that belonged to him. It stated that everything he had
left would to be given to his son, but it also stated that some of it would go
to you and your brother."
That's when Elyse began to cry. Her heart not being able to bear another death.
She had barely known her uncle, only knowing that he had been a kind man that
cared very much for her and her brother.
"I can't believe that I lost another family member. I can't believe that…Eren
lost his father. Erwin, oh my God." Elyse sobbed, and Erwin got up and made his
way towards her. He sat on the armrest of her chair and he began to soothe her.
"I'm so sorry for your loss, Elyse." Erwin comforted her, and Elyse laid her
head on his hip as he rubbed her shoulder.
"So, what now?" Elyse asked, quietly, after her sobs subsided and the quiet
moment passed.
"We'll have to go to Germany. Your father wants us and your brother to join him
as he figures what to do with the investigation and the funeral." Erwin said,
"We'll have to leave the kids here."
Elyse sat up straight at that, confused and troubled, "Wait, why?"
Erwin raised an eyebrow at her and he got up to get his drink off the table and
he walked towards the roaring fireplace.
"The kids have private tutoring in three days, Elyse. Did you forget?" Erwin
said, his back turned towards her as they drank, quietly.
Elyse gasped, suddenly remembering that she had talked to Nana, Mike's wife,
about it. Nana had recently given birth to a baby girl and she was a pre-school
teacher in a prestigious school in Paris. Elyse had relied heavily on Nana when
it came to applying her kids for that school, but then again, Erwin being their
father was already a given that the kids would be able to get in.
Mike, Nana's husband and Erwin's good friend, had dropped by a couple of times
as Elyse offered Nana Mikasa's baby stuff that Mikasa had grown out of.
Elyse was amused when the man rarely talked, and she found herself even more
amused as she watched Erwin and him interact. Her brother had visited at one
point, and Mike and him were the most amusing to watch as Levi insulted Mike
while Mike simply stared at Levi as if he was a small kid.
"Nana said that the kids would need help with that, Erwin. After the weeks of
private tutoring, they'll enter the school and then they'll be— "
"I don't like this either, Elyse, but we can't do anything about it right now.
This is all unexpected, but the kids should be okay. Nifa is here, and I can
ask if Nana and Mike can stay in the estate for a while as we fix whatever is
going on in Germany." Erwin interrupted her, finishing his glass of alcohol.
Elyse knew that it made sense, but she also didn't want to leave her kids
alone. It scared her. She never left them for such a long time, and under these
circumstances, she didn't know if it was the right thing to do.
"You told me that it's time for the kids to go outside, and its time for you to
leave them for just a bit, Elyse. We're not only doing this for your uncle, but
we're doing this for his son, ourson." Erwin said, turning to face Elyse.
Elyse took a moment to stare back at him and she found herself saying, "Okay,
let's go to Germany."
===============================================================================
Her father and brother greeted them as they helped with the luggage. Levi and
her father had already said goodbye to the kids, and the kids were confused
when Erwin informed them that his father would be taking care of them.
They were even more upset when they realized that their parents were also
leaving.
Saying goodbye to the kids was proving to be difficult since the kids were
distraught when Erwin was explaining that they wouldn't be in the estate for a
couple of days because they had to be somewhere else.
"Why can't we go with you?" Mikasa asked her father, her eyes watering as Erwin
placed a kiss on her forehead.
"You guys have to get ready for school, remember?" Erwin pointed out, smiling
as his daughter shook her head, stubbornly.
"Mikasa, your father is right. You have school, and you can't miss that." Elyse
said, poking at Armin and Eren's cheeks as they were too busy pouting to focus
on their father.
"Why can't we have the teacher come with us like we have Nifa with us
everywhere?" Eren asked, whining. Elyse actually shot her eyebrows up at the
suggestion, looking at Erwin.
Erwin shot her a, "No, Elyse. Stop clinging on to the kids," gaze, before he
turned to Eren, "Because this time, you can't bring a whole building with you,
Eren."
"But, we won't be attending school until after, Papa." Armin protested, running
up to his father, using his big blue eyes to use against him.
Armin is Erwin's son. Bringing out the pouting to put his father into his
place. Hm, maybe, I can use that to my advantage when he gets older.
That thought amused Elyse, and she actually laughed aloud, forgetting that her
kids were busy trying to convince their parents to take them with them.
Erwin shot her an exasperated look, but she shrugged.
Elyse realized that it was time to let the kids go for a bit. Thinking of how
they would grow up gave Elyse the assurance that she'll always come back home
to them even though it sucked leaving them.
"You guys can't come because it's alone time for your father and I," Elyse
said, using the first lie that popped in her head, and she blushed when she
realized what she just said.
Erwin raised an eyebrow at that and she shot him a glare when an amusing smile
crossed his face.
"A-And, like we said, it's only a couple of days, okay? You guys should be
excited for school! You'll be making new friends and learning new things."
Elyse said, trying hard to convince them.
The kids sighed and nodded, and Elyse breathed a sigh of relief under her
breath.
Erwin got up, and he helped Elyse get up, too. "It's time for your mother and I
to go. Behave for your grandfather, okay? Remember that we love you and that we
will be back."
The kids nodded once again, and Elyse leaned down to kiss them each on the
cheeks, and she hugged them, tightly.
One Erwin also embraced his kids, he helped Elyse outside and into the car.
He didn't mention anything as Elyse waved out the window, as she stared at her
kids, her heart beating fast as she watched them disappear in the distance.
===============================================================================
Elyse was thankful that Erwin and her brother and father were too busy
discussing business matters since that meant she could fall asleep in the
private jet for at least half an hour until they landed in Germany.
She had trouble sleeping the night before, and she had been shocked when Erwin
had fallen asleep as he fell asleep in the leather chair in front of the
fireplace with a book on his chest.
She realized that Erwin was not indestructible like she had thought.
She was awoken by her brother when they landed, and she hauled herself up in a
sluggish stupor as she made her way to the car and then to the hotel they were
staying. The press was there, but she remained grateful for the invention of
sunglasses and baseball hats.
When they were all checked in, her father and brother excused themselves to see
their rooms while Erwin and Elyse went to the suite that they would be sharing.
Once they entered the room, Elyse made a beeline for the bed, groaning in
satisfaction when she felt her body hit the soft mattress.
Erwin sighed as he tipped the bellboy and dragged their luggage inside. He
kicked her leg with his shoe as he passed by her.
"You could help with the luggage." Erwin said, but Elyse knew by the slight
amusement in his voice that she was clear from scolding.
Elyse gave him a muffled reply as her face was still appreciating the pillow
that was on the bed.
She felt a sudden shift in the bed and she turned her face to face the intruder
on the bed, annoyed.
"You're taking up all the space." Elyse whined at Erwin, who was busy closing
his eyes and placing an arm over his face.
Erwin didn't respond, and Elyse pushed him, but she failed due to him being
stronger than her as he pulled her into his arms.
"Stop moving, and go to sleep, Elyse." Erwin demanded, his eyes still closed.
"Don't we have to go somewhere? Like, I don't know, the funeral home or the
station— "
"We don't need to go until two more hours, so I suggest that you get some rest
now before all hell breaks loose." Erwin interrupted her, placing a hand on her
mouth so she could stop talking.
Elyse giggled in his hand, and Erwin let her go as she pulled his arm away so
she could close her eyes and sleep.
===============================================================================
"Erwin, Elyse, get your lazy asses out of bed." Levi's voice called to them
from outside their suite.
Elyse groaned at the sound, and she snuggled more into the pillow she held on
to.
"I would also go in and kick your asses out of bed, but I'd rather not walk in
seeing you both naked." Levi continued, and he hissed in pain as Elyse heard
her father smack the back of her brother's head.
Erwin chuckled at that as he slowly got up from his place on the bed.
"Elyse, wake up." Erwin said, pushing her legs off him and Elyse sighed, but
she obeyed.
As she got up to wash her face in the bathroom, Erwin went to the door and
opened it for Levi and his father-in-law.
"Sorry about that. We didn't get much rest last night." Erwin apologized to his
father-in-law.
Elyse could hear her father's reassuring laugh, "Don't worry, son. I'll just be
expecting another grandchild soon."
Elyse chocked on the water that she had been gargling when she heard that, and
Levi's laughter echoed throughout the suite.
Flaming red, Elyse got out of the bathroom, and she noticed that Erwin had an
amused expression on his face as Levi was still doubled over with laughter
while her father nodded at her with a smile.
"Let's go." Elyse groused, already walking towards the door, but she made sure
to kick her brother's shin as she passed him.
They arrived at the station first, the one with the police officers that had
discovered her uncle's body and Elyse shuddered as she entered the office.
They spoke German, and Erwin took over with the conversing. Levi and her father
were listening, since they were fluent in the language. Elyse only could
understand a couple of words here and there.
She had stopped listening when she heard the words, "murder", and "missing for
years."
Her heart began to break once more as she thought of Eren back in Paris, still
oblivious and innocent about what he had just lost.
The officers interviewed them, and Elyse found herself grateful when they
assured Erwin that they would do everything in their power to find the culprit.
It wasn't long before they all got up to leave for the funeral home.
Elyse looked forward to the car ride, so they could discuss what the police had
said, and she could have some peace of mind about what's going on.
"He was running from someone, that's for sure." Levi stated, once they got into
the car. "It probably has something to do with…"
Levi trailed off, as if realizing that he shouldn't be saying the things he was
saying. Elyse didn't miss it when Erwin shot Levi a look.
Her father voiced her annoyed opinion, "What is it? What are you both hiding?"
Levi sighed, and Erwin held up a hand, and Levi glared at the man, but he kept
his mouth shut.
"It's nothing." Her brother stated, curtly. Her father was about to say
something, but he was interrupted by a phone call and he sighed.
When her father answered the phone, Elyse looked at her brother, who didn't
look at her as he busied himself with his own phone. When she tried to look
Erwin, he had already picked up a newspaper, not even meeting her eyes.
Before she could question them, her father was starting to yell in his phone.
"That's insane. My family and I can't make it to a party two days after my
brother-in-law's funeral." Her father hissed in the phone.
Elyse began to worry when her father began to massage his temples.
"You're expecting me to-Enough. Fine. My son-in-law will go in place for me.
Not another word." With that said, Ansel Ackerman hung up his phone and threw
it on the floor, angrily.
Levi and Erwin looked up from what they were doing, and they waited for her
father to calm down. Elyse waited, patiently, also.
"It seems that there is a major party with the business clientele for Germany,
but it's two days after the funeral. They said that it's a serious insult if no
one related to the head of the company will show up, so I offered to send
Erwin, except that they find that unacceptable due to Elyse being my daughter
and that she won't escort her husband to the party." Her father groused, and he
grabbed a glass off the mini-bar in the car and poured himself a drink.
Elyse bit her lip as she looked at her brother and then at Erwin. Erwin nodded,
understanding the gravity of the situation.
"It's fine, Ansel. I should be fine by myself. They can act all offended if
they want, but I can make a speech that will have them feeling guilty for even
trying to take you away from mourning." Erwin stated, nonchalantly. Elyse
rolled her eyes at that, but she had a small smile on her lips, secretly
thankful for Erwin's…charm with people.
But, Elyse didn't feel comfortable leaving Erwin alone with the businessmen.
She remembered how Nile Dok was at talking business with her husband and the
terrible mood Erwin was right after. Even if the men in her family won't tell
her what's going on, she knew that something was up with the business.
"It's not that. I agree with what they are saying. I don't like what's going on
with Greisha's murder and I don't want my children to be out and about after
his funeral in Germany— "
"Papa, I think I can accompany Erwin at the upcoming party. It won't look good
with the press, and I'm sure that our bodyguards are well-equipped to protect
us." Elyse interrupted her father, placing a comforting hand on his arm.
Her father gazed at her, disapproving of her suggestion.
"Elyse, did you not hear what I said? I don't like you to be out and about with
all this investigation going on." Her father stated, sighing.
Elyse nodded, "I know, but like I said, our personal security detail has been
doing well in protecting us. Germany may be a different setting, but I trust
them enough to know that I will be safe. Besides, all we need to do is show up
and play nice and then we leave."
Levi shot her a look, but Elyse ignored it. She also ignored the fact that
there was a frown on Erwin's face.
Men and their stupid pride. I'm trying to save the business, you morons.
It angered Elyse that they still treated her like she was some little girl who
needed to be taken care of. She may not have the skills that they have as Army
men and direct businessmen, but she was sure she could hold herself well among
the elite.
She had been playing trophy wife and mother for quite some time now.
Her father studied her, and by the looks of it, he was about to reject her
idea.
"Fine." Her father said, and that took Elyse aback a little.
"Father—" Levi hissed, but he was interrupted when their father held up a hand.
"Your sister has a made a decision, and I'll respect it. She's not sixteen
anymore." Her father said, drinking from his glass.
Elyse heart skipped at the last statement. Her father was trying to be a
supportive parent, even though it was a little too late. Maybe, he was trying
to apologize for what he almost made her do all those years ago.
It has to be the death of our uncle. Maybe that's why he's being
more…supportive.
Elyse softened at the thought, and she squeezed her father's arm, comfortingly.
She smiled when her father patted his hand atop of hers.
===============================================================================
The funeral took place in a small plot that was bought by the Jaeger Family
years ago. Elyse scanned the headstones, her heart breaking when she saw her
mother's parent's graves. It had been years since she had last been here with
her brother.
As if realizing that too, her brother held out his hand to hers and she grabbed
it, smiling softly.
Elyse watched as they lowered the casket in the ground, and she listened as
they prayed and sang. When it was all over, Elyse walked up to the headstone
and she bent down, her fingers grazing atop of her uncle's name.
It's been a routine for her now. And it sucked.
"Hello, Uncle Greisha. It's been awhile, huh? I wish…I wish I could've seen you
before this happened. But, of course, family matters always get in the way…At
least you're buried next to your wife, right? I…I wish you could've also told
me that you knew about Eren being with us. Because, maybe, just maybe, Eren
could've heard your voice. God, Uncle, I just…why couldn't you just have called
and just say, 'hey Elyse, I just want to let you know that you're doing a great
job as a mom and want to thank you for taking care of Eren.'" Elyse eyes began
to tear as she covered her mouth, "It's hard sometimes before, when I watched
Eren grow up, knowing that you were out there. I thought that, 'I'm going to
lose Eren soon because Uncle Greisha is going to come one day.' And now that's
not going to happen…"
Elyse hesitated to continue, but she persisted, finally letting go of the
emotions she had felt when she first heard about her uncle's death.
"I feel grief that you're gone, Uncle, but, now that I'm here, opening up, I'm
glad that Eren will still be with us. I'm relieved that I still have my son,
and I don't know if that makes me a terrible person, uncle, but know this, I
love Eren with all my heart and I didn't want to have him the way I did, but
I'm still happy he's here with me, with us. And, uncle, I hope that I'm making
you happy with how I'm raising him." Elyse finished, her tears falling down her
cheeks.
A hand on her shoulder made her turn around, and she looked up.
Erwin looked down at her, smiling, and she smiled back, reaching to place her
hand atop of his.
===============================================================================
Elyse said goodbye to the last funeral goer with a smile, and she sighed as she
watched her father and Erwin talked among the other people in German. Elyse
didn't feel like joining them since she was still unsure about her German, and
she wasn't ready to face the onslaught of grievers that knew her uncle well
since it would remind her of all the family drama that she had growing up.
She had already missed her uncle growing up.
She turned and she noticed that her brother was in front of a headstone that
looked eerily familiar, and her heart stopped when she noticed that it was the
same grave that she had been actively avoiding since they got here.
With a hesitant step, she approached her brother, and she kept a safe distance
from her and the headstone.
Her brother didn't seem to notice that she was there since he had his eyes
closed and he was muttering something under his breath.
It hit Elyse that her brother was sending a prayer, and it hurt her that she
realized that he only prayed when it came to her.
Elyse watched her brother for a moment, actively trying to not look at the
headstone as he rose.
"Elyse, I know you're there." Levi stated, nonchalantly.
"I know that." Elyse replied, softly.
A moment passed between the two siblings as Elyse faced her brother's back. It
was an eerie déjà vu, one that Elyse remembered she had been staring at when
she had only been 9 years old.
"At least another soul joined her up there." Levi said, after a moment of
silence.
"At least." Elyse muttered, softly, looking down at her shuffling feet.
"Are you not going to say anything to her?" Levi asked her, not even bothering
to turn and face her.
"What is there to say?" Elyse asked, a trace of sadness in her voice.
Levi scoffed and turned to glare at her, "Oh, I don't know, Elyse. How about
the fact that you are a mother and wife? How about that you own a theatre, a
very special theatre, and that you're the lead ballerina in the most praised
production in France?"
Elyse bit her lip and she looked down once again at her feet.
"She knows that." Elyse simply said, still not looking up at her brother. "It's
not like she can…hear me."
Elyse could hear her brother sigh, but he didn't push her. Instead, he walked
up to her and she looked up, surprised.
He flicked her forehead. Hard.
Elyse hissed in pain and she glared at her brother, who simply looked at her
with a frown.
"You might have grown up in other aspects, but this one…it's time to stop being
a little girl, Elyse." Levi scolded her.
A shot of bitterness, shame, and anger coursed through Elyse's entire being as
she stared at her brother.
"I've grown up, Levi. And you're the one who needs to realize that you're the
one who needs to grow up and realize that talking to a slab of stone doesn't
change the fact that she's gone." Elyse hissed, angrily.
With that said, Elyse whipped around and walked to where her father and Erwin
were standing, not bothering to glance at her brother.
===============================================================================
"Hi, darling. How is everything? Oh? You learned how to peel an orange? I'm so
proud, baby. Don't push your brother, Eren. Yes, papa is here. Do you want to
talk to him?" Elyse asked on the phone, smiling as heard the chorus of kids on
the other line.
Erwin, who had been tying his tie as Elyse sat down on their bed to talk to
their kids, smiled in the mirror as Elyse shot him an amused look.
Elyse got up and handed Erwin the phone. He took it from her and he began to
talk as Elyse took over the mirror to fix her make-up. She smiled when Erwin
laughed at whatever was said through the phone.
She knew that he missed the kids. He had been getting anxious with calling them
since they didn't have the time to call them since they had landed. He was the
one who persisted to check on them as Elyse was stressing about what her father
was coaching her to do in tonight's party.
Her brother and her haven't talked since the showdown in the graveyard and
Elyse wasn't about to be the first person to break the icy barrier.
Her brother, for once, had hurt her, and she was tired of being scolded by him
especially when it came to that matter. She still felt guilty about the fight,
but she was adamant and too stubborn to be the first one to talk about it.
Maybe he's right. I do need to grow up…No! Elyse, you get to be angry for once.
Okay? It's your brother's turn to be the one to actually fix something.
Holding her head up high, she didn't realize that Erwin had already said his
goodbyes on the phone and he was putting on his jacket to complete his tuxedo
ensemble.
Elyse dusted off her red gown and made sure that red lipstick wasn't on her
teeth before she turned to face him. Erwin smiled at her, and she offered a
smile back.
"It seems that I brought Paris back with me." Erwin teased, offering her his
arm. Elyse groaned at the cheesiness of his line.
"Don't, Erwin. The cheesiness should start later on when we get to the
ballroom." Elyse scolded, playfully.
Erwin chuckled, but he pressed a kiss on her hand and Elyse laughed when he
spun her around and out their hotel suite's door.
===============================================================================
The ballroom was gorgeous. It was filled with important business clientele just
as her father had promised, and by the looks of everyone when Erwin and her
arrived and had been announced, the guests seemed relieved that the most
important guests of the party were here just as promised.
Elyse didn't know what to think as they descended down the stairs.
"Smile. Breathe in, breathe out." Erwin whispered in her ear, drawing her
closer to him and Elyse accepted his offered strength.
She wasn't in any mood to party, and she was sure that if she had been alone in
this, she would be suffocated with the glitz and the glamour of it all. Once
again, she thanked the fact that her twisted marriage was a bonus point for
her.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Erwin and her were greeted by the
German hosts of the party, a very sharp-looking older couple that eerily
reminded Elyse of the sharp beauty that the Germans were graced with.
It intimidated her.
A strong grip on her waist reminded her that she wasn't alone and she leaned
into Erwin's touch, thankfully.
Erwin spoke fluently in German, and Elyse could make out certain phrases like,
"We are honored to be here," and, "It is a gorgeous party."
The hosts graciously looked at her, and they talked to Erwin for a moment and
then they left as Elyse gave them a slight curtsy.
She flushed when she realized what she had done. Erwin laughed in her ear, "You
want to explain why you just curtsied?"
Elyse turned pink in embarrassment and she pinched Erwin's arm in warning.
Erwin guided her through the party, talking with powerful men and women here
and there and making sure that Elyse understood what they talked about as soon
as they left.
"Do you want a drink?" Erwin asked, after saying goodbye to yet another
businessman. Elyse nodded, tiredly.
"Yes, please." Elyse said, exasperated. Erwin smiled and excused himself to get
them drinks.
Elyse watched the couples dance on the ballroom and she mused on asking Erwin
to dance with her, even though he had been horrible that one time back in the
theatre.
"Ah, Miss Elyse, I didn't expect to see you here." A familiar voice said from
behind her.
Elyse turned around a bit surprised, and she was greeted by Mr. Dok.
She smiled at him, welcoming and warmly. He had been a bit…weird at Erwin's
office, but she didn't want to judge him so quickly. Erwin had said that he was
a business partner of some sort, so maybe Mr. Dok wasn't a bad guy.
"I didn't expect to be here either, but duty calls." Elyse said, playfully. Mr.
Dok chuckled at that, and Elyse patted herself on the back, inwardly, for being
a nice person.
"Ah, I see. Is Erwin here? I expected to see him with you." Mr. Dok asked,
looking around.
"He's here. He just went to go get us drinks. We're a bit parched since all
we've been doing since we got here was talk." Elyse sighed, thinking about how
much talking she had been doing.
Mr. Dok seemed to think on that, and he held out a hand towards her and she
looked at him, surprised and confused.
"How about we dance then? Until Erwin gets back. It is a ballroom after all,
and besides, I hear that you're a fantastic dancer." Mr. Dok asked, politely.
Elyse blushed at that last statement, but she accepted his offer, grateful to
be doing anything else than standing and talking about business in her broken
German.
They approached the dance floor, and Elyse eased into what she was comfortable
with. Mr. Dok led nicely, and Elyse noticed that he was very smooth on the
dance floor.
"You're not a bad dancer, Mr. Dok." Elyse complimented him.
"That's because you have Erwin as a dance partner." Mr. Dok replied, laughing.
Elyse laughed in return, "You know about Erwin's dancing?"
"Oh, yes, when we were in the Army together, he danced like he had two left
feet. The poor women never knew about it because he refused to dance with
them." Mr. Dok said.
"You knew my husband in the Army, Mr. Dok?" Elyse asked, curiously.
Mr. Dok nodded, "He was a Commander, and I was also one, too. He chose more
dangerous missions than me while I chose to play on the safe side.
Nevertheless, we didn't agree on many things back then."
Elyse raised an eyebrow at that. "I see. But then again, my husband is a rather
complex man."
Mr. Dok seemed to be highly amused at that as he let out a boisterous laugh,
which caught a lot of attention.
"He truly is." Mr. Dok mused.
"You said that he danced with two left feet and that women didn't know since he
never danced, but how do you know that he danced horribly?" Elyse asked,
realizing his earlier comments.
"Ah," Mr. Dok mused, smiling, "That's because he only danced with one woman."
Elyse paused at that and she felt curiosity pick at her. "One woman? Was she
special?"
Mr. Dok paused for a moment. "He never talked about his stint in the Army with
you, did he?"
Elyse shook her head, "No, not really. I've only gathered bits and pieces here
and there because I want to respect his space. My brother was with him, too,
and I've seen how my brother was when he returned home."
Mr. Dok nodded, thoughtfully at that, "Oh, yes. Your brother was there." And by
the tone of it, Elyse knew that Mr. Dok wasn't fond of her brother.
But, speaking about her brother, a sting of guilt hit her once more, but she
ignored it, focusing on the dance.
"Well, Erwin was always a ladies' man. Very respectable and not bad to look at
especially with his high rank. Yet, Erwin was a private man, and we had been
surprised when he had brought a girl to a party this one time." Mr. Dok said,
amused.
Elyse began to grow excited. Was she finally going to hear more about her
mysterious husband?
"He danced with her all night and he looked pretty cozy with her." Mr. Dok
said.
Elyse wondered for a moment, trying to place her finger on a specific question
she wanted to ask, but there was too much that she found that the dance was
over before she could say anything.
"I believe that Erwin should have your drinks by now. Shall we?" Mr. Dok asked,
breaking into her thoughts.
Elyse nodded, and she let herself to be led out of the dance floor towards her
husband.
Elyse spotted Erwin and she was about to call out to him, but she noticed that
he was talking to someone. Mr. Dok even seemed to know who he was talking to as
he smiled.
When they got closer, Elyse noticed it was a woman and a very beautiful one at
that. The two were caught up in conversation and Mr. Dok had to clear his
throat in order to get their attention.
Erwin turned around, and Elyse caught a flash of anger on his face before it
settled to his normal stoic face.
"There you are, darling." Erwin said, flashing her a smile, and Elyse noticed
that he held on to two glasses of champagne.
Elyse smiled back, letting go of Mr. Dok's arm to approach her husband. She
grabbed the offered glass and kissed him on the cheek in thanks. Erwin was
still smiling as he motioned towards the woman he had been talking to.
"Elyse, this is Marie. Marie, this is my wife, Elyse." Erwin introduced the two
and Elyse approached the woman and kissed her on both cheeks in greeting.
"Ah, so it is true. You have married a Parisian beauty." The woman said in a
very thick German accent, amused.
Elyse laughed, merrily, as she blushed at the woman's statement. The woman was
indeed German from head to toe. She had big waves of blonde hair that cascaded
down her back and bright blue eyes that shone warmly. She was tall and Elyse
was reminded of those tall, willowy models back in New York City. On top of
that, the sharp beauty that contrasted with the big blue eyes was captivating.
"You flatter me, Miss Marie." Elyse said, softly, still abashed by the loud
compliment.
"My fiancé speaks the truth, Miss Elyse." Mr. Dok's voice said from behind, and
Elyse was surprised as Marie grew flustered at the statement.
Mr. Dok joined Marie and wrapped an arm around her waist as he bent down to
kiss her cheek.
He smiled at Erwin, "Congratulate me, dear friend. I've asked our lovely friend
here to marry me."
Elyse smiled, widely at the couple. "Congratulations!" Elyse turned to Erwin
and she was taken aback when she noticed that her husband's gaze held something
dark and she almost gasped when she felt his fingers press against her waist,
tightly.
"Congratulations." Erwin offered, and it would seem normal and happy to anyone
else, but Elyse knew Erwin long enough that there was something off about his
offered congratulations.
Before she knew it, Erwin looked at her, smiling, "Elyse, let's go to the
balcony. I think I saw some other business clientele that we have yet to speak
to."
Elyse nodded, not knowing what else to say since she was taken aback by all of
her husband's actions.
Erwin turned to face the couple, smiling, "If you'll excuse us."
Before Elyse could even say goodbye herself, Erwin was already guiding her
through the dance floor and towards the balcony.
And by the look on his face, Elyse thought better to keep silent.
===============================================================================
They finished talking to the people on the balcony and Elyse noticed that Erwin
was on his fourth glass of Jameson. He didn't lose his charm as he talked to
the laughing businessmen, and Elyse respectfully laughed with them.
"Erwin, is everything okay?" Elyse finally asked, hesitant but she was worried.
Erwin downed his fourth glass and looked down at her and smiled.
"Let's dance." Erwin finally said, leading her to the dance floor and Elyse
didn't have any choice but to follow helplessly.
As the song began, Elyse was grateful that it was a slow one since Erwin was
a…troubled dancer. This number would just be them swaying from side to side.
Erwin, seeming to read her thoughts, chuckled, "Saved you there, didn't it?"
Elyse smiled, easing into his embrace, "Pretty much."
She studied him, but much to her annoyance, she couldn't get a read on him.
She's been married to this man for five years and a couple of months, and he
still was unreadable.
"I'm fine, Elyse. I'm just tired of all this business talk. I thought I could
get away from it, but here we are." Erwin sighed, placing his forehead on hers.
Elyse didn't blink twice at the random affection since she knew he needed it at
this point. Erwin was always working, and it hadn't occurred to her that he
needed a break since he was so good at it, but seeing him like this, it made
her realize that the man did need a break.
"I'm sorry, Erwin. I should've just told my father that— "
"That we can't attend a party that's in our company's honor? Yes, Elyse, that
would go really well. If anything, I was expecting to go to this alone." Erwin
said, amused. Elyse smiled at his weak attempt to be playful.
"And miss all the fun?" Elyse asked, sarcastically. That earned her a chuckle
from Erwin and Elyse laughed along.
"Is that why you're acting all weird before? Does Mr. Dok remind you of work or
something?" Elyse asked, pointing out that he had been acting weird since
seeing Mr. Dok.
"You could say that." Erwin groused. Elyse laughed and she noticed that the
song had ended with a sigh.
"Come, let's keep drinking." Erwin said, pulling her towards the bar and Elyse
giggled, letting him.
===============================================================================
"Okay, but who dropped Eren's diaper next to Levi's suitcase?" Erwin pointed
out, downing his tenth glass of Jameson.
Elyse giggled, drunkenly.
"Oh, please. You're the one who almost dropped Eren." Elyse stated, poking his
nose.
Erwin slapped her hand away, and he laughed when Elyse let out an annoyed
noise. Erwin got up, and he offered a hand to Elyse as she giggled when she
almost tripped over her dress.
"Let's get you to bed, sweetie." Erwin teased, and Elyse rolled her eyes, but
she let him help her get on the elevator.
Before they knew it, Elyse felt herself being stopped and she looked up,
confused. She widened her eyes when she saw Marie, who was looking at Erwin
with an earnest expression on her face but Elyse noticed that Marie's
expression changed when she saw that Elyse was holding on to his arm.
"Marie." Erwin stated, a bit surprised.
"Erwin, can I talk to you for a moment?" Marie asked, and she tried very hard
to not look at Elyse which confused Elyse more.
"Can we talk another time? I need to escort my wife to our room." Erwin said,
pointing out that Elyse could barely hold herself up.
"Erwin…" That way that Marie said his name made Elyse, very, very drunk Elyse,
feel a bit miffed and possessive.
"Marie, I really do need help to get to bed. Also, it's our only time away from
the kids so you could see why I'm very anxious to jump him." Elyse pointed out,
and she offered an innocent smile.
She could feel Erwin's amused gaze on her, but she ignored him and found
herself rejoicing in Marie's taken aback expression.
"Oh, I see. Then, I guess we'll talk some other time." Marie said, and she
excused herself.
"What was that about?" Elyse asked, curiously, and Erwin shushed her, picking
her up bridal style since she was beginning to drop on the ground.
"Nothing, Elyse. Let's just say that you have once again saved me." Erwin said,
smiling at her.
Elyse smiled back, drunkenly flicking his nose, "Yes, I am your savior. You
must worship me."
The elevator doors closed to a laughing Erwin and a whining Elyse.
===============================================================================
Erwin dropped her down on the bed and Elyse groaned at the sensation of feeling
the soft bed beneath her.
She sat up when she noticed that Erwin was taking blankets and a pillow to the
couch outside their bedroom.
"Where are you going?" Elyse asked, confused.
"I'm going to sleep outside on the couch." Erwin stated, with a sigh.
"Why?" Elyse asked, getting even more confused.
"Because you're drunk and I'm pretty sure that you're devious when you're
drunk." Erwin said, giving her a pointed look.
"I'm not devious when I'm drunk." Elyse protested, pulling her dress up as she
took it off, not realizing that Erwin was looking away from her as her naked
body was revealed.
"You keep telling yourself that. Armin was definitelyconceived when you were
sober." Erwin said, already leaving to go outside.
Elyse laughed loudly at that, and she got up, not realizing that she was naked
in her drunken state.
Erwin, being respectable, was looking away from her, and Elyse pouted as she
wrapped her arms around him.
"But, I promise I won't take advantage of you. Besides, you're too tall and
muscular for that couch, moron." Elyse said, giggling.
Erwin sighed and he gently peeled Elyse's arms off him.
"…Elyse, I'm trying my very best to be in control right now. I've had a rough
day, and you know how I already get with rough days. Besides, you're fucking
naked right now." Erwin hissed, as Elyse pressed her body against his clothed
one.
Elyse, already feeling like a tease and enjoying the high that the alcohol was
giving her, bit his ear, playfully, which earned a sharp moan from Erwin's
gritted teeth.
"We've been fucking every now and then. What's the difference now?" Elyse
asked, her lips finding his stubbled jawline.
"You're drunk. That's the difference." Erwin pointed out, and his hands were
hovering above her body, careful to not touch her.
"Fine." Elyse sighed, letting go of Erwin, and Erwin relaxed when she went back
on the bed.
When he began to leave, Elyse, drunk and mischievous, spread her long legs and
coughed, slightly.
Erwin, being also slightly out of it due to tipsiness and his gorgeous wife
trying to be the death of him, turned to face her and his face darkened at the
sight of her on the bed.
"I'll be here when you cave." Elyse whispered, laughingly.
With a growl, Erwin whipped himself back around and Elyse could hear the
blanket and pillows hit the lamps on his way to the couch.
===============================================================================
Elyse woke up with a groan.
Her head was pounding.
She tried to recall the events of last night, and with a slow recollection, she
simply remembered drinking and then trying to…seduce Erwin.
With a sigh, Elyse hit her forehead to punish herself.
"Erwin, are you out there?" Elyse asked, loudly, wincing as the pain in her
forehead pounded even more as she moved.
"I'm right here." Erwin's voice said from…below her?
Before she knew it, a surge of pleasure hit her body and she bucked her hips
against lips that caressed her folds.
"E-Erwin?" Elyse panted, arching her back as she felt more pleasure through her
hangover.
"Payback's a bitch, Elyse." Erwin laughed and after a moment, Elyse found
herself being completely undone.
===============================================================================
"You know you didn't have to be such a…meanie about it." Elyse groused as she
packed her stuff in the bathroom.
"Meanie? Elyse, why do you still talk as if you're in high school. It's healthy
to curse here and there, you know." Erwin's voice wafted in the bathroom as he
packed their stuff from their room.
Elyse was still a bit flushed from Erwin's action this morning, and it had
helped her hangover, but still.
He had fucked her without abandon after that, making sure that she would regret
ever teasing him when was inebriated.
She had trouble walking even now.
Elyse rolled her eyes at Erwin's point of cursing, and she mimicked his words,
annoyed.
She felt her phone vibrate in her jean's pocket, and she pulled it out,
checking on who's calling.
Her heart stopped when she noticed Braun's name lit up on her phone and she
completely forgot all about Erwin and their tryst this morning.
Taking a deep breath, Elyse answered, hesitantly.
"Hello?" Elyse greeted, softly.
"Elyse, it's me, Braun." Braun's voice sounded from the other side, and Elyse's
heart clenched at the sound of his voice.
Stupid heart.
"Yes, I know. Why are you calling me? Does it have to do with the theatre?"
Elyse asked, worried about the theatre and that she had received a text from
Freida that everything was going fine.
"No, the theatre is fine. I'm calling you to warn you about your husband."
Braun said.
Elyse raised her eyebrows at that, confused and annoyed at Braun's insinuation
that Erwin was a bad man.
If anything, Braun was the bad man. He's the one who broke her heart two times
at this point.
"Braun, enough. I don't want to hear it." Elyse said, exasperated.
"No, you need to listen to me, Elyse. You need to hear this." Braun said,
pleading.
"What? What do you want me to hear so badly?" Elyse asked, massaging her
temples.
"He's been married before, Elyse. To a woman named Marie. That's not all, she
was pregnant with his child before he left her for the Army."
Elyse dropped her phone as she felt her world crash down around her.
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Hello guys! Here's a lovely cliffhanger and I'll be away for
     vacation this weekend, and don't worry, I'll be working on the next
     chapter while there. Discuss your theories down below with each
     other. Make friends with this angst.
***** The Turning Point *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Hello, I am back from the unforeseen circumstances and this is
     another chapter that I hope you all will enjoy! Once again, I own the
     confusing character of Elyse, and Isayama owns the other confusing
     ones.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 Elyse acted normal as they got aboard the plane, meaning she was pleasant with
Erwin and her father and that she didn't speak to her brother, still mad at
him, but she was also desperate to talk to him about what Braun had told her.
Elyse remembered the phone conversation and she was sure that she had forgotten
to breathe.
"Braun, what the fuck are you saying?" Elyse asked, sharply. She didn't care if
she cursed since what she heard was shocking to the point that Elyse wouldn't
be surprised if Braun accused Erwin of being a dinosaur. Also, she has a
fucking hangover, and she was in no mood to be messed with.
"Did you just curse?" Braun asked, taken aback. Elyse hissed in annoyance.
"Braun, what the fuck are you saying? You're saying that my husband was married
before and that he has a kid with her? Wouldn't you think that my father would
actually research this— "
"Elyse, listen. I just-"
"No, Braun, you listen. I just lost my uncle, and I'm not in the mental state
of mind to hear anymore bullshit." Elyse interrupted him, angrily. Her pounding
headache was not helping her as she massaged her temples.
"Elyse, look, I'm sorry, I just thought— "
"You thought that I wanted to hear this now? I don't, Braun, okay? You have no
right to just call me out of the blue and hit me with news someone who happens
to be in the next room." Elyse hissed, her head starting to spin out of
control.
Braun sighed and Elyse also took that moment to take deep breaths.
Before Braun could talk once more, Elyse was the first one to say something.
"I'm going to be in Paris tonight. We'll meet tomorrow at a café somewhere.
Okay, Braun?" Elyse final said, her mind spinning with so many questions.
She could feel Braun's hesitation on the phone, but after he confirmed it.
Elyse didn't bother to say bye after she hung up.
Before she knew it, she was on the bathroom floor, breathing deeply, trying to
grasp what was just revealed to her.
Was Braun saying the right thing? If so, who told him? Was Erwin really
married? Was he a father to another kid? Marie? Was it the same Marie she had
just met last night? Mr. Dok's new fiancé?
The questions were making her hungover head pound even more and Elyse had to
pull herself together as soon as she heard Erwin call out for her.
She had splashed water on her face and she stared at herself in the mirror,
trying to calm herself down and make sure that her face wasn't as spooked as
soon as she saw Erwin.
Now, here she was. In the private jet, waiting to land and see her kids, trying
to ignore the fact that maybe a stranger was sitting right across from her.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse was still out of it when her father, brother, and Erwin were picked up
from the air strip. She was once again thankful that she had no clue what
business they were trying to conclude and embraced the cool side of the window
in where her head laid on.
The hangover she had was quickly disappearing and she was terrified that maybe
her headache was accredited to what Braun had told her.
All thoughts of it flew out of her mind as soon as she saw her children running
towards them, their little arms flailing about as they screamed.
Elyse bent down and they overpowered her as they tackled her to the ground. She
laughed as Eren began to kiss her cheeks and Armin and Mikasa were busy trying
to push Eren off so they could have a turn in hugging their mother.
But, a cough from behind them caught Armin and Mikasa's attention and they
abandoned their failed mission as they ran to their father instead.
Elyse got up, carrying Eren and she gave a half-hearted smile as she watched
Armin and Mikasa be carried by their father as he nuzzled their cheeks and
kissed their heads.
Her heart began to break as she started to envision Erwin's probable other
child out there, not getting love from their father.
Elyse, stop. Whatever Braun is trying to accuse Erwin off can't be true. Erwin
would've told you. He would've.
But, even Elyse couldn't get that nagging voice from the back of her mind.
But, what if it's true?
===============================================================================
 
Elyse never hated sharing a room with Erwin, but tonight she did. She had been
spaced out the entire time when her family was talking in the jet, so she was
taken aback when her father said that he would be staying with them for the
night. Her brother, the tension between them getting high, rejected Erwin's
offer for him to stay the night and it surprised everyone except Elyse, who
only bit her lip as she watched her brother leave.
She had wanted to talk to him, but that meant apologizing and she was still
angry. Especially now that the world was really trying to mess with her.
Now, here she was, sitting on the shared bed with Erwin as he read his book and
she pretended she was on her phone, trying to hide that she was acting weird
about anything.
"So, do you want to talk about it?" Erwin asked her, his eyes never leaving the
book in his hand, as his eyeglasses drooped slightly down his nose.
Elyse, surprised and scared, almost dropped her phone. That got Erwin's
attention and he turned to look at her, confused.
"T-Talk about what?" Elyse asked, trying to figure out how he heard her and
Braun's conversation.
She had been discreet in the bathroom, hadn't she? She remembered that Erwin
packing their things in the other room. Oh no, maybe the door had been open or-
"You and Levi have not been speaking since the funeral. I thought that maybe
you would like to talk about it." Erwin said, slowly, as if scared that he was
going to frighten her more.
Elyse sighed, in relief, and that made Erwin raise an eyebrow at her.
She scrambled to make it look like she had sighed in sadness, not relief, and
by the look in Erwin's eyes, he was not convinced. Maybe he was, but then
again, Elyse was too paranoid to even make a clear-cut decision in discerning
emotions. Especially her own.
"We-We fought." Elyse hesitantly admitted. "It was a family thing. My brother
and I just don't see eye-to-eye sometimes."
Erwin nodded, contemplating on what she had just said.
"You and your brother do have similar qualities of stubbornness." Erwin
chuckled, and Elyse noticed that he was trying to get her to relax from
whatever had gotten her tied up in a knot and that made her start feeling a bit
guilty from hiding what Braun had told her.
She found herself thinking if she should just ask Erwin about what Braun had
said, but then, she thought about maybe Braun had been wrong about whatever he
was accusing Erwin of.
Her head was starting to get a headache once more from all the back and forth
hesitation and chaos in her mind.
"Hey, it's going to be okay. Your brother and you will get past this. Why don't
you just try talking about it again?" Erwin suggested, putting his book down in
order to place a hand atop of hers.
Elyse nodded, but she still felt the sting of guilt as Erwin smiled at her. She
really was close to telling him, but she couldn't.
She needed to find out if it was true first.
But, first things first, she needed to distract herself before she was going to
explode, so she did the first thing that came into her mind.
She dived under the covers, and she could make out the confused expression on
Erwin's face before it was replaced with one of surprised pleasure as Elyse
began her ministrations.
And as Elyse looked up, she could feel the guilt getting a bit stronger.
Forgive me, Erwin.
And that was the last thought before she surrendered to the numbing pleasure
that washed over her as Erwin took control of her that night.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse made sure that Dieter wasn't going to see her leave the Estate. Her kids
were busy eating breakfast, and she had pulled Nifa aside.
"Nifa, I need you to do me a huge favor, okay?" Elyse begged, quietly, as she
pulled her friend and helper to the kitchen.
Nifa, wide-eyed, nodded, hesitantly.
"I need you to distract Dieter. I have to go out somewhere, but he can't follow
me. Knowing Erwin, he probably gets details from Dieter and this time. There's
a surprise that I'm trying to hide from Erwin and I need Dieter to not be with
me." Elyse lied, pleasantly, and she even tried to smile at Nifa, who bought it
instantly, as she jumped up and down, excitedly.
"Okay, I'll do it." Nifa offered, her hushed whisper of excitement stung Elyse
as she was reminded that she had just lied to Nifa.
Elyse watched as Nifa distracted Dieter, and Elyse managed to slip out of the
Estate, unnoticed by the rest of the bodyguards. She had contacted a private
cab, and she made sure that their personal driver didn't notice.
As the private cab drove off, Elyse didn't bother to turn around, scared to see
if she had been noticed.
A notification sounding from her phone had Elyse jump a little, but when she
checked it, she signed in relief since it was Nifa who texted her, saying that
no one had noticed her slip out.
Elyse thanked her, and Nifa replied by saying that she had excused Elyse by
saying that Elyse wasn't feeling well so she retired in her room.
Elyse breathed another sigh of relief, and she gritted her teeth, hoping that
whatever Braun had to tell her was worth all the lies she had just done.
===============================================================================
 
The café that Braun had set up was one that hit her in the heart. Braun and her
had met here when they had been secretly dating, and it wasn't helping that
Braun had picked a table that they had frequented.
She sat down, and she waited. She looked outside the window, admiring the
fountain and the kids that splashed in the water.
"Did you wait long?" Braun asked from behind her, and Elyse turned to look at
him, ready to lash out on him for being insensitive about the café and the
table, but she stopped.
It was like getting hit by a bus, but a really big one.
She couldn't believe the person standing next to Braun, and she didn't what to
say as she watched the person take the seat across from her and watched as
Braun motioned for another chair so he could sit.
Once everyone was settled, Elyse just stared at the surprising visitor in front
of her and she didn't know what to do.
"Miss Elyse, how are you since our dance in Germany?" The visitor asked her,
politely, breaking the tense silence that had formed around them.
Elyse opened her mouth, but she decided to shut her mouth in order to get her
mind back on track with Braun's unexpected surprise.
She was thankful when a waiter came to the table, asking if they would like to
order.
Elyse put the menu in front of her face, pretending to scan the list of items
as she watched the other two men follow her example.
They looked calm, as if this meeting was a simple hangout get together that
wasn't about to be an awkward showdown between exes and a random Mr. Nile Dok.
When they placed their orders, Elyse hesitantly handed her menu back to the
waiter, and she turned to face them, slowly.
"Elyse, I'm sure you already met Mr. Nile Dok. He visited our Army force when
he was a Commander back in the day. I trained under him for a while. But, I've
recently learned that he also knew your…husband, too." Braun began, trying to
be professional about this messed up meeting.
Elyse simply nodded, still staring at Mr. Dok as if he wasn't real.
Mr. Dok smiled and he turned to Braun, shaking his head.
"Mr. Lexington, let's let Miss Elyse breathe first. I'm sure she wasn't
expecting my presence today." He stated, motioning for Elyse to take a drink of
her water in front of her.
Elyse, thankful for the reminder, grabbed the glass and began to drink it,
heavily.
Once she was done, she placed the glass back down, panting slightly.
"What is going on, Braun? I came here to see why you were stating crazy things
about my husband, yet I'm sitting across from one of his business partners."
Elyse finally said, softly, that Braun had to strain to hear.
"Elyse…what I said is true. Your husband was married before, and he left her,
pregnant, to join the Army's special unit in Germany." Braun persisted, his
eyes darting back and forth between Nile and her.
Elyse faced Nile and stared at him, hard, "And I'm to assume that you're
Braun's source?"
Nile just stared at her, his pleasant countenance still there, as he sat up
straight and properly.
"You assume correctly, Miss Elyse." He confirmed, his hands still properly
folded in front of him.
Elyse was sure that the world was spinning. The ground beneath her seemed
unsteady, and she tried her best to focus on the faces before her. Her head was
spinning, and Elyse didn't know how to feel about all the built-up tension and
stress that was tightening her chest.
She was sure she also forgot to breathe.
"Explain. Now." Elyse managed to spit out, her voice soft compared to the
loudness and chaos in her mind.
Braun looked at her, concerned, and he shot Nile a look, who shot him back a
reassuring glance. Elyse watched as Nile reached for one of her pale hands as
she shook, slightly.
The pity and reassurance on his face was unbearable to her, so Elyse looked
down, focusing on her shaking hand and his steady one.
"Like I said when we were dancing, Miss Elyse, Erwin has always been a private
man, an aloof one. We went to the same military school together, and we were
stationed together in a private section. He was always brilliant, and I was
more than happy to be his partner. He showed great leadership, brilliant
strategies, and smooth charisma. It wasn't long before he was promoted quickly
and I got to follow him. After we were promoted to be Commanders, Erwin and I
were told to also show up in parties to schmooze the usual contributors that
fund us. Women would fawn over him, but Erwin, being a bit odd, would never
seem to show interest in them. It was until the more parties we had to go, I
realized that Erwin would go to a certain bar to take the edge off. It wasn't
long after that I saw a woman appear next to Erwin's side. She was beautiful
and just as charismatic as he was. They were the golden couple. I was then
introduced to her. Marie was enthusiastic while Erwin was the aloof one, but
they seemed very happy," Nile began. He stopped when the waiter brought them
their dishes.
Elyse was too busy listening very closely when the waiter placed her dish
before her.
"It wasn't long before Erwin was offered the Commander position for a private
unit that specialized in Germany. It would take him away from Marie, and I was
shocked when Erwin said he was going to join the unit. When Erwin had left, I
had stopped to visit Marie to check up on her and how she was holding up. I was
surprised to be greeted by a saddened Marie. But, I was even more shocked when
I saw that she had a small bump peeking out of her dress. It was then that I
realized Erwin had left his wife, pregnant and alone. Upset by how my friend
was not turning to be this ideal man that I looked up to, I scolded him as soon
as I saw him report to our Head Chief. He didn't betray any emotion as he
stared at me and talked to me as if I was some child that didn't get the fact
that the Army was more important than a pregnant wife back at home. I was
appalled and disgusted by Erwin's behavior, so I didn't talk to him after that.
That's when I realized that he had been correct in a twisted way, so I went
back to Marie to assure her that Erwin knew about her and that he would come
back home for her." Nile stopped there, and something flashed in his eyes
before he picked up his utensils to begin eating.
And that seemed to signal the end of the story for him, but it wasn't for
Elyse.
Elyse saw it. She saw the hesitancy that shone so brightly in his eyes in that
one moment.
He was hiding something, and Elyse wasn't about to let him go without the
information he was withholding.
"You're hiding something." Elyse stated, accusingly, tired of all the lies and
truths that she had been told.
"Elyse…" Braun trailed off, taken aback by her sudden sharp attitude. Elyse
turned to glare at him.
Nile looked at her, and he sighed, giving in.
"I went back to comfort Marie and to assure her about Erwin's loyalty and duty
until I saw that her bump was now gone. Confused, I remembered that she wasn't
that far along to give birth and I immediately thought the worse. I asked her
if she had miscarried, and Marie stared at me as if I had grown two heads. She
had shaken her head, and she told me that she had chosen to get an abortion,
stating that Erwin would forever be placing duty over his own family. Shocked,
I asked her if that was what she really wanted. She stared at me then, and my
heart had broken for her when she whispered no. Erwin never returned home to
Marie after that. He had divorced her overseas, and Marie had signed the papers
with no hesitation. Marie had told me that she regretted loving that man and
falling for his charms. And that's it, that's the story." Nile finished, sadly.
Elyse didn't know what to say. Her heart was beating fast as she looked down at
her hands, trying to breathe in and out.
"So, you're saying that my husband was married before and that he was supposed
to be a father, but he chose to be an asshole and even divorced her after she
made a heartbreaking choice?" Elyse asked, trying to wrap her mind around it.
"Yes, Miss Elyse." Nile confirmed, slowly.
"Tell me, Mr. Dok. Since you claim to know my husband so well, do you think
that my husband made his then-wife abort their child? She didn't want the
abortion, but it seemed that you were suggesting that… "
"Yes, Miss Elyse. I'm afraid so." Nile confirmed once more, this time a bit
hesitant as Elyse began to slightly tremble.
Elyse didn't say anything as she stared at the table, trying to pin the facts
in her chaotic thoughts. Nile got up, coughing slightly.
"I should be going now." Mr. Dok excused himself, and Elyse stopped him before
tugging on his suit jacket.
"…The Marie that you talked about…Is she your fiancé now?" Elyse asked, the
question burning in her mind as she remembered Germany.
"Yes, Miss Elyse. She is my fiancé now." Nile confirmed, patting the hand that
was tightened around the fabric of his jacket, comfortingly.
Elyse let go in shock, and Mr. Dok bent down, his face had compassion and
understanding and Elyse wanted to run away from such a gaze, feeling
embarrassed and angered at it.
She didn't need anyone's pity.
"I'm sorry that you had to hear this from me, but your friend here was really
adamant on wanting you to hear about Erwin's past. If you'll excuse me, Miss
Elyse, I do hope that you will feel better soon about this." Mr. Dok offered,
weakly.
With that said, the man bowed his head towards Braun and took his leave.
It was quiet for a moment between Braun and Elyse. The high tension between
them was almost unbearable.
"Elyse—" Braun was cut off as Elyse stood up, swiftly. He stopped talking when
Elyse's eyes turned towards him, wide and blown-out pupils.
"I…I need to go home. I need to process this." Elyse muttered, and she began to
try and grab for her purse until it fell down from the chair.
Braun got up to help her, but Elyse slapped his hands away. She got up,
gathering her purse, and she began to move to walk away from them until Braun
grabbed her arm, stopping her.
"Elyse, please wait." Braun begged, but Elyse wretched her arm away from him,
turning to face him.
"Tell me, Braun. Why did you do this, hm? Why did you want to tell me so badly
about my husband's hidden past when you know very well that hewas the one who
had encouraged us to be together in the first place? I have kids with the man,
Braun. What was the whole point of this? You let me go, so why couldn't you let
me go in peace?" Elyse asked, her questions fast and mingling together, that
Braun had to strain to hear.
Braun grabbed the sides of her face and he kissed her, deeply, and Elyse,
angered by his sudden move, pushed him away.
"How dare you." Elyse hissed, wiping her lips. Braun just stared helplessly at
her, realizing that he didn't have any affect with her anymore.
"Elyse…I just needed you to know who you were married to. A man like
that…doesn't deserve you." Braun finished, lamely.
Elyse laughed, hollowly. Her heart feeling numb from it all.
"Do you want to know something, Braun? I'm tired of everyone dictating on what
theythink I deserve. I'm married and we have children, and you couldn't accept
that especially the fact that I literally can't do anything about that. You
know why? Because I've always done the right thing. I've learned that me trying
to be bad just leads to worse things, but God, this thing you just hadto let me
know when my life is perfectly fine?! This?!" Elyse knew she was beginning to
screech and she could see the people around them whispering, and that's when
she saw the cellphones coming out and she began to realize that she wasn't a
normal person in a café.
Braun had sprung into action and he began to escort her out of the café as soon
as people began to chatter and follow after them, their cellphones and cameras
being shoved towards Elyse's face.
When they reached a safe place, Elyse began to scramble for her phone, calling
for a private cab. As soon as that was done, she began to walk away from Braun,
who was breathing deeply after pushing people away from her.
"Elyse!" Braun called after her, and Elyse stopped in her tracks to turn
around.
Her glare still there, but the tiredness on her face was showing from all the
information that she had just learned.
"What now, Braun?" Elyse asked, more than willing to just run away from him at
this point.
"I never meant to get you angry. I just…I missed you and seeing you with him…it
hurt, okay? It really hurt. I realized I'm the one who ended things, but it
still sucked. Besides, you deserved to know what I found out. You deserved to
know who you were married to." Braun explained, exasperated.
Elyse narrowed her eyes, and she crossed her arms, "And how did you come across
this information, hm? Did you just randomly started talking to Mr. Dok about
the Army and then Erwin came up?"
Braun had the decency to look ashamed as he looked everywhere but her, "I...was
snooping around and I have a friend who's still in the Army and he did—"
Elyse held up a hand, her chaotic thoughts running rampage as she listened to
Braun's excuse of what he did.
Anger and rage filled her very being and it was towards the man in front of
her. She had been fine with her life even if she was still heartbroken after
him, yet now…
All she wanted to do was rip him apart for ruining all she had left of what she
thought was perfect.
Her father had controlled her in the beginning which made her be in this
certain situation. Her brother wasn't talking to her, her own best friend.
Everyone around her was either dead or had their own lives like Freida and the
ballet company. Now, the one thing she had relied on was this family that she
and Erwin and the kids had made up.
And, now it was being ripped away from her with the revelation of Erwin's past
life.
"I don't ever want to see you again, Braun. Do you understand me? Ever." Elyse
hissed, angrily, and she was thankful that the private cab was there to take
her home in that instant.
She didn't bother to hear his reply or even look in his direction. She opened
the door, hastily, and she entered the car, quickly.
She didn't even bother to look back.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse didn't return home, immediately. Instead, she went to the theatre to
oversee the production that had been set up while she had been gone in Germany.
She had been greeted by a frantic Freida about Braun quitting just five minutes
ago.
Elyse had just nodded at that, telling Freida to replace the male lead with
their second best without blinking.
She was too busy thinking about what awaited her back home.
The idea of her perfect family had been shattered when Erwin was revealed to be
a horrible man who didn't have the sense of duty towards family that she
thought he had.
He could've changed, Elyse. Maybe, that's why he's dutiful towards you and the
children. He could simply be regretting everything that has ever happened.
She tried to save him in her mind, but she couldn't help but think of all the
times that Erwin had been cryptic about his past life and how she was more open
with him than he ever was with her. If anything, the man treated her like a
business partner…with benefits, but even then, there was nothing of what a
normal husband and wife would bewith each other.
God, Erwin even let her have an affair if they were being honest about it.
When it comes down to it, I don't trust him. I don't…even if he gives me
gorgeous clothes and a great Estate. He can attend to me all he wants…I don't
know Erwin Smith.
That's what scared her the most. He was a stranger, one that talked in riddles
with vagueness. He treated her respectfully, but was it respect when she had
opened up to him about everything and he only opened up to her when it just
happened to show? His PTSD wouldn't have been revealed voluntarily by him if
Elyse hadn't experienced it, personally.
Elyse knew that for a fact. Erwin never shared anything with her, and she
remembered when he would simply wave off her concerns, saying that he would
take care of things, and she had trusted him, blindly.
She let him do whatever he wanted, blindly, and here she was, standing in the
very theatre he bought for her.
Feeling overwhelmed, she excused herself and Freida began to look at her,
curiously, before a smile took over.
"Don't tell me…Are you pregnant?" Freida whispered in her friend's ear.
Elyse felt like vomiting as she smiled back at her friend, hiding the fact that
the insinuation was a dagger to her heart.
Elyse shook her head, waving her friend off. She said goodbye to the cast and
crew, and she walked outside, taking a deep breath.
"Miss Elyse." A familiar voice sounded behind her, and Elyse turned around,
shocked.
"D-Dieter?" Elyse gasped, suddenly realizing that she had been gone for way too
long. She reached for her phone in her purse and she cursed silently when she
realized she had silenced it to clear her mind.
She had 2 missed calls from Nifa.
She had 10 missed calls from Erwin.
Fuck.
Elyse looked up, and she saw Dieter's disappointed face and she bit her lip,
bowing her head, ashamed.
"I'm sorry, Dieter. I…" She trailed off, feeling even more guilty at what may
have faced Dieter back at home with Erwin arriving and realizing that Elyse was
gone and Dieter wasn't with her.
A small sigh and a pat on her shoulder made Elyse look up, and she softened
when she saw Dieter offering her a half-smile.
"Let's just get you home now, Miss Elyse. Mr. Smith…isn't happy." Dieter said
that last part softly and slowly.
Elyse sighed, but she nodded. She gave Dieter a slight nod of thanks when he
opened the door for her.
What she didn't see was Dieter's concerned look at her when he shut the door.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse arrived at the Estate, dreading to step into it for the first time in her
life. She had loved living her life here, and she had loved every bit of its
rustic beauty. But, now, all she wanted to do was run away from it.
She sighed. She's going to have to face it somehow, but she didn't know whether
she should confront Erwin about it or just leave it and try to figure what to
do with the information.
Maybe she could give Erwin the benefit of the doubt and just forget that it
ever happened?
Braun definitely wanted her to leave him, but Elyse knew better than to leave
the father of her children. Besides, it was all in the past and—
Elyse walked inside the house and she was greeted by a dimly lit living room
that was only lightened up by the fire roaring in the fireplace. She hadn't
realized that she was already walking towards the house and Dieter had probably
excused himself earlier on.
Was the living room ever dark? Elyse narrowed her eyes and she made out the
outline of Erwin sitting in front of the fireplace and she could hear his voice
drifting towards her. He was on the phone, and by the sound of it, it sounded
serious.
Elyse managed to find the switch to the chandelier light and flipped it,
illuminating the dark living room.
Erwin's face turned to look at her, and Elyse was floored by staring at him.
With the information still hitting her, Elyse knew that it would be a shock to
face Erwin once more, but it wasn't because of that anymore.
Erwin's face was livid. Elyse never saw his face like that before, and she
could feel the terror rise within her when Erwin didn't break eye contact with
her as he hung up the phone.
He got up from his seat and he approached her, slowly. Elyse stood her ground
as she felt her legs tremble.
"Do you want to tell me where you've been?" Erwin asked, his voice low and
slow.
"I was out. I was getting something that needed to be a surprise." Elyse lied,
trying to remember what she had told Nifa.
"Oh? That bullshit you told Nifa isn't going to fly past me. Especially, since
I got interesting phone calls from our agents." Erwin hissed, angrily, his blue
eyes darkening and piercing her own wide-eyed hazel gaze.
"Agents? What are you talking about?" Elyse asked, exasperated and confused.
Agents? As in—
She cut off her own thoughts as she realized what had happened earlier in the
café. Phones, people, and being chased from the café hit Elyse in realization.
"Erwin…I can explain." Elyse pleaded, softly. Erwin's hardened gaze reminded
her of that night that he had almost choked her to death, and she was starting
to think that he was going to have another episode if she didn't try to calm
him down.
"Please, do." Erwin said, his tone not matching his polite statement.
"Braun had wanted closure and I agreed to meet with him about it." Elyse
explained, kind of seeing the truth in it, technically.
Erwin stared at her, and he began to laugh.
And, it wasn't the usual pleasurable one that always came from his throat.
He laughed, darkly, and he approached her, swiftly, that Elyse didn't have time
to react.
He was in front of her now, and he bent slightly down to get on her level, "Are
you lying to me, Elyse?"
Elyse stared up at him, nodding, helplessly. She hoped that she was believable.
Erwin's gaze was unbearable to bear especially with all the guilt that was
building within her.
He stepped away from her, and Elyse breathed a sigh of relief until she found
herself locked in Erwin's powerful arms and that his lips were on hers. Elyse
widened her eyes in shock, and she gasped which gave Erwin the opportunity to
insert dominance in the kiss.
Erwin had just broken one of their rules, but for once, Elyse didn't care for
rules. Everything was happening too fast around her, and she was willing to
lose herself in his embrace for just a moment just so she could maybe sleep
tonight.
Elyse responded, and Erwin growled in her mouth as he pulled her closer, and
Elyse found it hard to breathe in a delicious way as her body molded against
his, perfectly.
It wasn't until Erwin pushed her away, and Elyse stumbled a bit, taken aback.
"Tell me, Elyse, was Braun's kiss just like that?" Erwin asked, darkly.
Elyse froze. The memory of Braun grabbing her face and kissing her hard was
playing in her mind as she watched Erwin place his phone in her hands, showing
her exactly what was playing in her mind.
"Closure, my ass." Erwin stated, grabbing the phone back, turning his back
towards her to grab a drink from the liquor room that was across the living
room.
"Erwin, wait." Elyse called out to him, softly, but she just watched his
retreating back. After a moment, she decided to follow him, trying to see if
she could explain what was going to be on the Internet and in every news outlet
in the world any moment now.
She found him sitting at the bar, his dress shirt in a disarray and his hair,
down and messy, also. He was drinking straight-up vodka, and Elyse winced when
she saw him take three shots in a row.
"Erwin, can you please let me explain?" Elyse asked, pleadingly.
"Explain what, Elyse? How you just ruined everything? How all the tabloids will
be talking about how we are headed to divorce? God, our children will be going
to school tomorrow and the press will be hounding them once more. Shit, Elyse!"
Erwin grunted, hurling his glass towards the back of the room.
The sound of the shattering glass made Elyse wince, and she noticed that her
eyes were beginning to water.
God, everything was starting to be a mess.
"Erwin…I didn't want him to kiss me. He was begging me to listen to him, but I
refused. And, he did that." Elyse argued, trying to fix things.
Erwin chuckled, hollowly, "That doesn't matter, Elyse. You refused to bring a
bodyguard with you, so that's just immediately sketchy from the get-go. You let
yourself be in a public place with only him. So, in other words, we're fucked."
Elyse didn't know what to say, so she just looked down at her shuffling feet.
"I knew you were too naïve to be trusted with. When will you learn that Braun
isn't worth throwing your life over? When I said to give your heart to someone
else, I didn't mean to some dipshit who can't even handle being discreet. God,
Elyse, you're not sixteen anymore. Grow the fuck up and realize that you have a
fucking family that is under the spotlight. Isn't that what you did when you
married me?" Erwin pointed out, bitterly.
Elyse looked up, shocked, as she stared at Erwin's slouched back. Anger and
bitterness was starting to course through her, and she was hurt beyond words
with what Erwin just said.
"Are you fucking kidding with me, Erwin? I said I was sorry, did I not? It's
not like we can't do damage control—"
"There you go again with that naïve head of yours. We fucking can't do damage
control. I already received calls from stock holders that backed out because
they think that we're divorcing. Do you get it, Elyse? Your father's company is
starting to go down because you don't know how to be fuckingresponsible." Erwin
shouted, angrily, turning towards her.
"Oh, don't you fucking dare. You want to talk about responsibility? How about
fucking returning to your damn wife after finding out that she's fucking
pregnant?" Elyse yelled at him, not realizing what she had just said.
Erwin seemed to be taken aback by that, but then, a dark look crossed his face
as he stood up and approached her, swiftly, grabbing her arms.
Elyse flinched, but she stared at his face, stubbornly holding on to her pride
as she met his darkened gaze with her angered one.
"What do you mean, Elyse?" Erwin asked, his breath smelling sour from all the
alcohol he just consumed.
"You know what I mean, Erwin." Elyse replied, her voice soft but adamant.
Erwin didn't say anything. Instead he let her go, and he stared at her, as if
trying to read her.
That's when Erwin began to laugh, clutching on to his head, and Elyse stared at
him, trying to remain calm.
Erwin finally stopped laughing and he sighed as he looked back at her. Without
saying anything, he walked past her. But, Elyse wasn't about to let him go so
easily.
"So, is it true?" Elyse asked, softly, the anger within her not subsiding.
Erwin paused at the doorway, and he didn't bother to turn back towards her to
answer.
"Yes."
Erwin left as soon as he answered, so he didn't see or hear Elyse fall to the
floor, sobbing.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse didn't sleep that night. Instead, she stayed outside on the balcony
without a blanket, embracing the cold.
Her heart was numb especially now that she knew her life was over.
Her marriage was officially a sham in her mind and heart. Her brother was gone.
Her theatre would be flooded with the press, so she would also have to avoid
that. Her kids, her poor kids, were going to be suffering throughout this whole
ordeal. Her friends, too.
Everything is so fucked up.
Elyse's thoughts were scattered, and all she had been doing was sobbing on and
off as she stared at the waves crashing against the rocks, listening to its
lulling melody.
Erwin, the one she had trusted through everything, had gone back to a stranger,
one that hated her and her him.
His words hit her and she didn't care if he was inebriated. She did stupid
things when she had been drunk, but at least, hers turned out to be a miracle
of life. Erwin's turned out to be a shattering of whatever the fuck their
relationship had been.
She couldn't blame him about how angry he was. He had every reason to be mad at
her slip-up, but he didn't have to insult her throughout the whole thing.
Closing her eyes, Elyse found herself waking up to the sun shining on her. She
got up, groggily, dragging her feet towards her bathroom.
After showering and getting dressed, Elyse walked downstairs and she had hoped
to be greeted by excited children and a smiling Nifa and Dieter, but all she
saw was an empty living room and heard a quiet one at that.
Disappointed, Elyse walked to the kitchen and she was surprised that she didn't
see Nifa. Thinking none of it, Elyse cooked her own breakfast and she began to
eat and drink her coffee with her usual routine.
After cleaning up her dishes, Elyse bounded up the stairs to her room to grab
her phone so she could see why her kids were missing, but she paused when she
saw that Erwin's office and bedroom door were wide open.
Should she approach it?
Thinking better of it, Elyse returned to her room to retrieve her phone. Once
she did, she regretted it.
All she saw was texts from Hanji, Petra, and Freida, asking what the hell had
happened between her and Erwin and why was she kissing Braun.
She also had missed calls from her father. And, she bet that his ten voicemails
were him being very angry.
Throwing her phone back on her bed with a groan, Elyse began to massage her
temples, trying to calm the pounding headache that was starting to hit her.
The sound of the front door opening and Elyse walked outside of her bedroom and
down the stairs. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise when she saw Mike and Nanaba
walking inside, hesitantly.
Nana looked at her, sadly, while Mike, the usual quiet and observant one,
glared at her.
"Hey, guys." Elyse greeted, softly. She was surprised when Nana ran up to hug
her.
"How are you holding up?" Nana asked, softly, and Elyse knew that the look in
her eyes were of pity and that's when Elyse knew that they were also informed
with what had happened.
"I'm okay. I was just wondering where the kids were." Elyse said, awkwardly
pulling away from Nana's hug.
The hesitant look that crossed Nana's face as she shot her husband a look made
Elyse react as soon as Mike shot his wife a warning look.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Elyse asked, alarmed, thinking immediately of her
kids.
"Did Erwin not tell you?" Nana asked, quietly.
"No, he didn't." Elyse stated, desperate to find any clue on where her children
might be.
"Nana, let's go. We don't have to explain anything to her. Let Erwin do it when
he gets back home." Mike said, trying to get his wife's attention.
That stung Elyse, but she knew that Mike was upset at her for cheating on Erwin
with Braun, but then again, Mike didn't know what the real relationship between
Erwin and her had been.
"Please, just…I need to know if my children are okay…" Elyse trailed off,
trying to meet Nana's eyes.
Nana bit her lip, and with one last look at her husband, she faced Elyse,
clasping her hands.
"They're going to be staying with us for a while, Elyse. Erwin asked if they
could until the whole press thing died down. Especially now that-Elyse, wait!"
Elyse ran out the door, and she hailed down Dieter and the driver as they were
talking in their corner. Surprised, they raced to where she was heading and
they were even more surprised when she started to bark orders as she entered
the car.
"Miss Elyse, are you okay?" Dieter finally asked after a moment of silence on
the road.
"No, I'm not." Elyse said back.
Nothing else was said.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse ignored all the press as they clamored around her as she struggled to get
in the building. Dieter was doing his best to shove them out of her way. Once
she entered the building, she noticed that they were all wide-eyed and
whispering with each other.
The words that were being said were enough for Elyse to try and hide her face
as Dieter walked by her side, glaring at the people.
"She's actually going to show her face here?"
"You didn't see? The boss's wife was caught kissing another guy."
"I bet she's here to sign the divorce papers."
Elyse entered the elevator with Dieter, and she took a deep breath as the
elevator doors closed.
"I'm sorry about what's going on. I'm sure that this is all a
misunderstanding." A voice said from the side of the elevator.
Elyse lifted her head up, and she was surprised when she saw that it was the
elevator attendant that had always smiled shyly at her that had spoken.
"Thank you." Elyse said, softly, and she smiled at the boy, who blushed in
return.
When the elevator doors opened, revealing the waiting room before Erwin's
office, Elyse thanked the attendant and walked out of the elevator, remembering
why she was here.
What she didn't expect was the glare from Isabelle as soon as the secretary saw
her.
"May I help you?" Isabelle asked her, coldly.
Elyse was taken aback, but she managed to stand her ground, "I'm here to see
Erwin."
Isabelle narrowed her eyes at her, "He's busy right now. I can take a message
for you."
Elyse was exasperated by Isabelle's behavior, but she also wasn't going to be
turned away especially since she had to go through all of that chaos
downstairs.
"Isabelle, please. I need to speak to him." Elyse persisted, tiredly.
Isabelle regarded her for a moment, her demeanor still cold, but she sighed and
nodded. Isabelle picked up the phone at her desk and dialed a number.
"Hey, your…wife is here. I tried to tell her that you're busy, but she's
persistent." Isabelle said to the phone, and Elyse flushed at how Isabelle
talked as if she wasn't there.
As if Elyse wasn't standing there and hearing every word.
"Okay, I'll let her in." Isabelle said finally. She hung up the phone and she
pressed the button that unlocked the doors to Erwin's office.
Elyse gave her a hesitant nod of gratitude, but before Elyse could reach the
doors, Isabelle's voice stopped her.
"You know, I thought you were different even if you were younger. Seeing you
with him and the kids, it had made sense, but then again, looks can really be
deceiving." Isabelle hissed, angrily.
Shame and sadness washed over Elyse, but before she could respond, Dieter's
voice behind her replied for her.
"I would watch my mouth if I were you, Miss Isabelle. You don't know shit."
Dieter replied, smoothly.
Elyse, surprised, turned to face Dieter, and he smiled at her, encouragingly,
motioning towards the opened office doors.
Shooting him a look of thanks, Elyse entered Erwin's office, ready to face the
scariness of her situation.
===============================================================================
 
She didn't expect Erwin to just be standing in front of the windows, drinking
whiskey. Elyse expected him to be throwing himself with work, maybe scheduling
a press conference, but the broad-shouldered man stood tall and dark amidst it
all.
"How can I help you, Miss Elyse?" Erwin asked from where he was standing.
Elyse shuddered in the formality and professionalism in his voice, but she
persevered with why she was here.
"Why did you send the kids away without telling me?" Elyse asked, strongly, her
voice getting angrier since the reminder that her kids were away from her made
her realize that Erwin, no matter how mad and disappointed he was with her, had
no right to send them away without her knowing.
"They need to be safe. I'm not about to shove my kids in this unforeseen drama
that the press will undoubtedly pursue." Erwin replied, nonchalantly.
"You could have told me." Elyse persisted, angrily. Erwin turned to her then,
placing the empty glass on his office table, and the expression on his face was
one that shocked Elyse.
It was like looking at a stranger, one who was annoyed and professional at the
same time. He was looking at her like she was a mere unpleasant business
partner that he didn't want to deal with.
"I'm sorry, I thought since you did your own thing, I would be able to, you
know, make sure my kids are safe." Erwin said, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice.
"That's not fair and you know it." Elyse said, her voice starting to slightly
waver at how mean Erwin was being towards her, still.
"You really want to talk about fair? How about the fact that I've been dealing
with upset business clientele about how if I can't please my wife, the heiress
of the owner of the business, then maybe I'm going to be kicked out soon by her
father. Or how about the fact that the kids are terrified by the press because
they're shouting at them about how their parents are going to be separated
soon." Erwin said, staring at her, every word piercing her heart.
"Erwin, I'm sorry, okay? I really am. I didn't know that it would be—"
"Of course, you didn't. You never know because I'm the one always taking care
of it. This time, no one can take care of you anymore."
Erwin's words were shaking her to her very core, and she knew that it sounded
like he was saying…
"What are you saying?" Elyse asked, softly, hoping that he wasn't doing what
she thought he was doing.
The office doors opened revealing middle-aged men who were dressed in
specialized Army uniforms, one that reminded Elyse of her brother after
watching him leave those years ago from their home back in France.
They seemed to be unwanted also after seeing Isabelle's annoyed face before the
doors closed. Elyse turned to Erwin, who stared at them with hooded eyes, but
the paleness of his tightened fists gave Elyse an inkling that he didn't want
to deal with them either.
Among the faces, Elyse could make out one familiar one: Mr. Nile Dok. He caught
her gaze and he smiled at her, politely, before turning to face Erwin.
"Erwin. It's time for you to make your choice." Mr. Dok said, starting the
talking after a moment of tense silence.
Before Erwin could answer, Elyse and him were interrupted by his office doors
opening. Isabelle rushed in with Dieter following, and before Elyse knew it,
Isabelle shoved her phone in Elyse's face.
"You need to see this."
Confused and terrified at the expression on Isabelle and Dieter's faces, Elyse
looked at what Isabelle was showing her and she widened her eyes as she saw the
headline.
ANSEL ACKERMAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER HEART ATTACK
Erwin must've seen the headline too because he got on his phone, already
calling her father's people, demanding to know why they had to be informed
through the news.
Elyse couldn't focus on what Erwin was saying because she was ready to just
faint right then and there. The pressure of everything and the fact that her
life was already falling apart was enough for her to want to disappear.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Erwin hung up the phone, angrily.
Elyse turned to him, and she stared at his unreadable face as he looked up at
her.
"Your father is awake, and he's asking for you. You can take the private jet."
Erwin finally stated, his voice void of any emotion.
"And what about you?" Elyse asked, remembering that this office was surrounded
by Army men and a secretary and a bodyguard.
"As you can see, I'm busy here." Erwin stated, motioning towards the group of
men that were politely standing side-by-side in some formation of some sort.
Elyse didn't know what to say, but it was if a revelation hit her as soon as
she looked up and saw Nile's face as he looked grimly at her.
"Erwin thought the Army was more important than coming back home to a pregnant
wife…Erwin never returned to Marie after that…"
The conversation that she had with Mr. Dok seemed to be ringing over and over
in her mind as she stared at the shiny medals on the men's' uniforms.
Everything was chaotic, but for some odd reason, Elyse was piecing her chaotic
thoughts together, and it was starting to make sense to her in her own twisted
way.
But, before she reached a revelation, she shut herself down, refusing to accept
the heartbreaking end that concluded in her mind.
Elyse didn't say anything else as she numbly left the room without even saying
goodbye to anyone there.
She was tired. She needed—no,wanted—to get away. She wasn't allowed to see her
kids. She wasn't allowed to go to the theatre. She wasn't allowed to be human.
"Dieter, where is my father?" Elyse asked, softly, as she entered the elevators
with her personal bodyguard.
Dieter, already looking saddened when he stared at Elyse, looked down at his
phone.
"Mr. Smith said that he's in your family home in Germany." Dieter told her,
softly.
Ha, he tells my bodyguard and not me.
Elyse didn't even let that bother her. Whatever Erwin and her had been was
gone. Elyse had seen it in his eyes, the way he talked to her, and the actions
that had her reeling on who this person was in front of her.
And, now, she had to focus on going home to the family that she had started off
with. The one family that she had on and off trouble with due to her father
controlling her life and the fact that her and her brother were not talking.
Does Levi even know what happened?
Elyse began to wonder, but could she even be able to talk to him? She could
already see the disappointment and upset in her brother's eyes as she
envisioned how it would be talking to him about everything that had gone down
when he was away.
That's when another thought hit her about what Erwin had said about how their
kids had been terrified when the press shouted at them about how their parents
will separate. Her heart broke as she imagined Eren yelling at them, Armin
crying, and Mikasa whimpering. It was all too much.
And, this was all her fault.
Elyse closed her eyes as she walked with her head down out of the building and
into the car, ignoring the clamor and the screams.
She didn't start to cry until she entered the car.
===============================================================================
 
They landed, quickly, and Elyse breathed a sigh of relief when she remembered
that her family home in Germany was in a secluded area compared to the German
hotel they had been staying for her uncle's funeral, but still…
She hadn't been in her German home since her mother…passed away.
But, her father was suffering, and Elyse knew that it wasn't the time to start
pitying herself out of all people.
She thanked the driver as they arrived at the Estate, and Elyse's heart swelled
up with the memories that began to hit her as she arrived at the courtyard,
inhaling the clean air that she had enjoyed as a little girl.
Granted, she had been her children's age when she had lived here, but she
remembered memories that had made her happy.
Her father teaching her how to play the piano. Her mother teaching her how to
cook. Her mother teaching her how to garden over there. Her brother teaching
her how to sing. Her brother giving her the scar that was on her knee by
accident as he tripped her over there.
The memories were there, and Elyse didn't know how to exactly feel about it
all. Indeed, it was a refresher from everything that had been happening, but it
hurt her to remember how carefree she had been.
When she entered the house, she noticed that absolutely nothing had changed.
She caressed the curvatures of the wooden furniture, and she sighed.
"So, when were you ever going to tell me about Braun or did father having a
heart attack from your irresponsibility give you a damn wake-up call?"
And, Elyse turned around to face reality of it all, a harsh reminder that
memories were only just...memories.
 
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Hey, guys! I know that it's been awhile, and I just want to
     thank you all for your patience and love for this fic once more. You
     guys are awesome, and hopefully, this whole chaotic chapter will make
     up for the lack of update.
     This chapter was so sad to write, and I actually teared in a couple
     of parts LOL. SO, don't sob, please. (jk it's kinda meant to be sad
     and frustrating so don't be ashamed in crying just a little bit.)
***** Forgiveness and Family *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Wow. So, I'm speechless at what I've just found out, and if you
     guys know what I'm talking about since it has to do with AOT/SNK,
     please don't spoil anyone in your comments. But, other than that,
     it's ironic how I've had a depressing chapter before I found out
     about what happened in the newest update of AOT/SNK's manga. Anyways,
     I'm going to use my sadness to write this chapter.
     Elyse belongs to me. Everyone else belongs to this insane genius
     named Isayama.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
Elyse breathed in the cool air as she sat on the patio that overlooked the
mountains in her family home in Germany.
She hesitantly looked at her brother, who was sitting from across of her, but
he was too busy looking at the newspaper that was on his lap.
He confronted her the moment she got inside the house, and the memories that
she had been embracing as soon as she walked in had crashed as she saw the dark
look on her brother's face.
It hurt more when she realized that this was how they were going to talk ever
since they had fought, and it was the last thing she needed.
She looked up when someone surprised her by placing a cup of tea in front of
her and her brother, and she raised an eyebrow when she noticed that it was
hired help from the look of the man's sharp suit that usually belonged to
butlers.
She thanked the man, and she watched him leave and bow. Turning to her brother,
she decided to ask the question in her mind, "When did we— "
"Do you think that father can all of a sudden walk after— "
Elyse bristled at the sarcastic tone in her brother's voice, and she picked up
her cup of tea, one she had thought her brother had ordered to have some peace
with her, to hide the frown on her face.
"Okay, I get it." Elyse interrupted her brother before he could finish his
heartbreaking sentence.
It was a tense moment between them as silence engulfed them once more.
"Is he okay?" Elyse finally asked, willing to not be stubborn over the fact
that their father was currently suffering.
"He's awake. That's a good sign according to the doctors." Levi replied, taking
the olive branch that she was mentally offering.
"Was it really because of…?" Elyse trailed off, knowing that her brother could
fill in the blanks. Levi finally placed the newspaper he was reading down, and
he looked up at his sister, his eyes narrowed and void of any emotion that
Elyse felt like she was staring at a stranger once more.
"If you call, pushing another reporter who ignorantly called you, 'a stupid
whore,' in front of him and then collapsing right after the cause of a heart
attack." Levi stated, coldly.
Elyse closed her eyes as she absorbed the hit. Her eyes began to tear up, and
she opened her eyes to blink away her tears. She looked at everywhere but her
brother, the shame rising in her.
"What's going on with you, Elyse?" Levi suddenly asked, softly, after a brief
moment.
Elyse didn't say anything as she bit her lip, and she turned to face the view
of the mountains with the setting sun painting a pretty picture.
A better picture than the one in her life.
"You know when you pretend so much that you start believing that once, for once
in your life, you can be happy." Elyse asked, rhetorically.
Levi didn't answer. Instead, he watched her carefully and he hummed in
agreement.
Silence took over both of them once more. Elyse embraced it, trying to gather
her thoughts and the emotions that were rising as she felt the barrier she had
tried to set up before she landed within her break.
She missed her brother, and more than ever, she needed him. But, would he
forgive her? More than that, would he understand her?
"You know father didn't let me get married once." Her brother said, breaking
the silence. It also didn't help that he had decided to drop that piece of news
while she was drinking her tea.
Elyse spat the tea out, and she slowly turned to her brother, shocked.
"I'm sorry?" She asked, trying to see if she heard her brother correctly.
Levi shrugged and motioned for the hired help as he placed a request for
coffee.
"I was supposed to get married, but father didn't let me. He had wanted me to
finish Uni, so I can take over the business when he was ready to step down. I
got angry because I was tired of him breathing down my neck. I planned to
elope, but then he stopped me right before I got to the church. I didn't even
get to explain to the girl I left there." Her brother said, nonchalantly.
Elyse blinked, trying to process what her brother told her. Questions plagued
her mind, and she knew that her brother was slightly amused at the expression
on her face.
She opted in scowling at him for being amused in this situation.
"Wait, what? Married? To who? When did this even happen? Where was I? What
even…" Elyse trailed off, feeling the upcoming pounding headache building up as
she massaged her temples.
"You were already in Julliard. I had just come home for a break from the Army,
and Erwin actually commanded it. He saw something that I didn't, and he went
behind my back to have me kicked out for a while. Piece of shit, but he was
right. I needed a break. And, he also gave a break to someone that I…" Levi
trailed off, and Elyse noticed the faraway look in his eyes, as if he was
seeing something in his mind for the first time in years.
"Erw—He gave a break to someone in the Army, too?" Elyse asked, confused
slightly, also the pang in her heart as she tried not to think of how selfless
Erwin was.
She still didn't deserve or even want to say his name. Their fight still
burning in her memory.
"Petra. He gave a break to Petra, too." Levi stated, and Elyse could hear the
softness in his voice as he said her name.
Confused, Elyse was trying to piece all the information her brother gave her.
That's when it hit her, the feeling of shock hitting her harder than the hot
tea that spilled from her hand and on her dress.
"You and Petra?" Elyse asked, softly. The awkward exchanges between them
flashed in Elyse's mind as she tried to make sense of what her brother was
telling her.
"You and her…You were going to marry her?" Elyse asked, letting it sink in as
her brother stared at the coffee in his hands.
"Yes, I was. Like I said, father stopped me before it could happen." Levi
stated, still staring at the tea cup in front of him, holding it in that odd
way of his.
Elyse remembered the story her aunt had shared about why her brother had held
his cup in that fashion.
He had broken one of their mother's favorite's when he was a child by accident.
"Have you talked to Petra after that?" Elyse asked, trying to focus on the
subject at hand.
Levi turned to his side to face the mountain view and the darkening sky, "Not
really."
"Why not?" Elyse asked, a little angry at her brother's rudeness of the
situation, thinking of Petra all alone in that church.
"At first, I was ashamed. Ashamed that I was stopped by father and that I let
him stop me. It wasn't long before I was simply just ashamed at…myself." Levi
sighed that last part.
Elyse raised an eyebrow at her brother, noticing the uncomfortable tone in her
brother's voice.
"At yourself?" Elyse asked, curiously.
Levi nodded, taking a long sip from his cup, "I... had realized that I was
grateful that father had stopped me because…I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to
be married, I was just doing it to piss father off."
Elyse gaped, her lips trembling slightly, "Father knew, didn't he? He knew that
you were just using Petra even when you didn't know it."
Levi stiffened at that, but he nodded after a moment.
"I hated him for such a long time, Elyse. For everything he made me do, what he
would make you do just so he could save his stupid company, but the man saved
me from that onemistake that could've broke the one person I cared for, all
because of my stupidity." Levi said, quietly.
Elyse processed what her brother told her, and her eyes began to water as she
thought of her father in his bed, probably hooked on to a machine.
She wasn't ready to go in and see that.
"Why are you telling me this?" Elyse asked, catching her breath as she felt her
heart break when she looked up and saw the expression on her brother's face.
"Because…he's dying, Elyse. Father's dying, and I…I fucking—" Levi placed his
hands on his face as he bent down, interrupting himself as he took deep,
shaking breaths.
Elyse didn't know what to do, but her body did. She got up, motioning for the
butler to leave them be, and she wrapped her arms around her brother's shaking
form as he cried, silently.
As she closed her eyes, Elyse realized that it was her time to be her brother's
comforter.
===============================================================================
"Erwin knew, didn't he? He knew about what you and Braun had before, and he
encouraged you to go after him." Levi said, walking arm-and-arm with his
sister.
After Levi had his small breakdown, the siblings took one look at each other.
Elyse's face, soft and warm, while Levi's face was distraught and tired was all
it took for the tension between them to be lifted.
Their father had taught them family above all, and even in his own twisted way,
the siblings knew that the concept of it was still true.
Elyse sighed, not ready to talk about it since her and her brother had made up,
but she knew that it wasn't something to be avoided.
"Yes, he did. He told me to follow my heart and that he would help me." Elyse
whispered back, clutching tightly onto her brother's arm.
Levi patted her hand, comfortingly.
"What happened?" Levi asked, encouragingly.
That's when Elyse explained everything to him. How it all started again with
Braun, how he broke it off with her, and then how Braun had wanted to be with
her again.
She thought it best, as of that moment, to keep what she had found out about
Erwin to herself until after this whole thing with their father would be in the
clear.
Her brother had enough to worry about and she wasn't about to add to his
burdens.
Levi whistled low as Elyse finished her story.
"I can see why Erwin's upset though, Elyse. You should've said something to him
about meeting up with Braun. I don't understand why you were so reckless." Levi
scolded her, and by the careful tone in his voice, Elyse knew he was trying his
best to not offend her, but he still wanted to make it a point.
Elyse, ignoring the flash of anger that her pride and stubbornness allowed,
nodded, slowly, swallowing the bitterness of the reminder.
"I learned my lesson, Levi. I'm here, scared to go see what I've done to our
father. Erw—He's angry at me. The kids…I can't see them until this whole press
thing is over." Elyse could hear her voice breaking at the last part.
It took everything in her power to ignore the fact that her kids would be
crying for her, and she for them, but this was her doing. She had to suffer the
consequences.
Levi sighed and rubbed her back as she bit her lip.
"I heard that Braun quit the same day you had snuck out." Levi stated, trying
to distract Elyse from the thought of the kids.
Elyse nodded, anger and bitterness settling within her being, and she embraced
it like an old friend, "How could I be so stupid?"
Levi frowned, "Don't tell me you're putting the sole blame on Braun, Elyse. You
need to take responsibility for your actions, too."
Elyse felt the shame again rise in her, and she reluctantly let go of the
angriness that was starting to build within her.
"I know." Elyse finally said, accepting her shame with a slump of her
shoulders.
The siblings walked for a while, and it wasn't when they were close to the
house that Elyse realized her brother was staring at her face, and he would
look away when she would look at him.
She finally stopped him when they reached the house, a bit miffed.
"Is there something on my face?" Elyse asked, wiping her face while trying to
figure out what her brother was staring at.
"No, I was just thinking." Levi said, shrugging as he let go of her arm to take
a seat in the living room.
"About?" Elyse prodded, as she sat down across from him, leaning into the
softness of the chair.
"Why you would go to Braun when you have Erwin." Levi stated, nonchalantly.
Elyse processed his words for a moment until she turned completely red at what
her brother was insinuating.
Technically, she did turn to Erwin after Braun had broken her heart, and it had
been absolutely physical rather than emotional. Yet, she wasn't going to admit
to her brother about their…sex life.
But, she did want to explain that she did lean on Erwin when it came to the
kids and when she needed a friend at the end of the day.
It was definitely different with the relationship she had with Braun, and she
had missed that type of relationship. But, Erwin was so…frustratingly
mysterious that Elyse didn't see herself opening up to him the way she had with
Braun.
"I did turn to Erwin after Braun had broken it off with me," Elyse began, and
she knew that her brother was taken aback with the information she just dropped
on him, "And, it was more…you know, rather than how I had an emotional
connection with Braun."
Levi made a disgruntled noise, showing that he understood what Elyse was trying
to say as she flushed once more.
Elyse waited, still flushed and uncomfortable with what she just shared with
her brother, for him to respond to her, but he still looked like he was
contemplating.
The siblings were interrupted, much to Elyse's relief, when Dieter walked in,
swiftly.
"Sir, Miss Elyse, I think you need to see this." Dieter announced, and Levi
gave him a sharp nod as Dieter waited for permission to continue his actions.
Elyse watched as Dieter picked up the remote that controlled the television in
the living room, and he turned it on.
Elyse's heart jumped once she saw the man that her brother and her were just
talking about appear before her.
Judging by the appearance of it all, Erwin had just called a press conference,
and for once, Elyse had no idea what it's going to be about.
She was literally just sent away hours ago from his office, so she could fly to
Germany and be with her father.
Has it really only been a couple of hours since? Elyse studied Erwin's face,
and she could see the stress lines on his face more prominent than ever, and he
wasn't just stoic; he was actually frowning.
Elyse closed her eyes for a moment, and she tried to calm her beating heart at
the thought of what Erwin was going to even say at this time.
A strong grip on her hand made her open her eyes, and she faced her brother,
who gave her another squeeze. She smiled, half-heartedly, back. She looked at
Dieter, and he gave her a sharp nod, directing his attention back to the T.V.
Elyse followed suit, taking a deep breath.
Erwin was talking to Mike on the side, and that's when Elyse realized that Mike
was Erwin's personal bodyguard, as she watched Mike take the same position that
Dieter would have done if Elyse was up on that podium.
That's what I meant by Erwin being so damn, infuriatingly mysterious. I don't
even know his own personal bodyguard.
That would also explain the hate that Mike had shown moments ago when Elyse was
wondering where her children was.
Erwin stopped talking to Mike, and Mike nodded as he gave a sharp nod towards
the press. The press, who had been clamoring and taking pictures, began to
quiet down, but Elyse's hear was just getting started in beating, strongly.
"I've called this press conference today to acknowledge what has been happening
with my family these past two days. You've seen pictures, and you want answers.
You've heard about my father-in-law, and you want answers. And now, there's
rumors about me leaving for the Army that I had served for prior to my marriage
to Elyse." Erwin began.
Elyse felt her world plummet around her at Erwin's last statement, remembering
when she was in his office, their argument interrupted by the old men dressed
in Army uniforms.
"I'm here to tell you that my wife was being forced against her will with that
man. If you see how she reacted in the after photos," Erwin pointed out as
someone projected the pictures that have been circling all over, and the
reminder of the photos made Elyse grit her teeth, "You can see that my wife was
obviously pressed into the situation without her consent. Mr. Braun Lexington,
the man who thinks he can do whatever he wants when it comes to someone else's
wife, will tell you himself once I get ahold of him."
The threat in Erwin's voice wasn't hard to miss, and Elyse suddenly felt pity
for Braun, but she was even more surprised that her heart didn't jump at the
thought of Braun being in trouble.
Shaking her head, Elyse focused on paying attention to what Erwin was saying.
"Elyse isn't with me today because of Ansel's condition. My father-in-law has
suffered from a heart attack, but I hear that he has woken up, asking for his
daughter. With his condition now, his eldest son and my friend, Levi, has given
me the go to take over the company as my wife and he will be taking care of
things overseas in Germany."
Elyse glanced at her brother the moment he was mentioned, and she narrowed her
eyes as Levi didn't betray any sense of surprise or shock at the news.
Ah, so you guys get to make family business decisions while I sit here,
stupidly.
The bitterness that Elyse was feeling, she knew that she didn't deserve to be
so angry about being left out, but she really would've liked it if any of them
could've given her a clue of what's going on.
Elyse bit her lip as she stared at Erwin's face, that annoyingly handsome face
amidst all the chaos, and she knew that it was more than being bitter.
If Erwin and her weren't at the place where they were now, she was sure that
Erwin would've told her, but the anger and resentment in his eyes when he told
her to leave for Germany was the painful reminder her and Erwin wouldn't be
talking anytime soon.
"As of the rumors that I will be returning to my Commander position in the
Army, there is no confirmation on those things, and I would like to keep that
to myself until everything is confirmed."
Elyse breathed a sigh of relief, and she ignored the quizzical look her brother
shot her. She wasn't going to admit to her brother, the Army-loving man, that
she was glad that Erwin wasn't leaving anytime soon.
"Right now, I'm asking if the press could respect my family as we are being
personally scrutinized by people who look up to us and rely on us, business-
wise. I especially would like to point out that Elyse and I have children who
are being affected by this, and we are distraught over the fact that we have to
be parted with them because of all this chaos. Enough is enough, I have
answered all your questions when I don't have to. So, please, give us the
respect you did back then for a while especially in this dire time. Thank you."
Erwin finished, shuffling the papers he had on the podium.
The press began to clamor as soon as Erwin gave a slight wave towards them, and
Mike, who still surprised Elyse, made sure that the press wasn't following
Erwin as he exited the scene.
The sudden darkness of the television set snapped Elyse awake, snapping her
away from her thoughts and heavy heart.
"You okay?" Levi asked, turning to his sister.
Elyse offered her brother a weak smile, "I'm fine."
The lie was easy enough, but trying to act like it was harder.
===============================================================================
Elyse hesitated as she watched her brother disappear into what had been their
parent's room since they were children, but now, it was her father's hospital
bed.
She didn't want to think of the other horrendous word that the doctors were
referring to it as. She had held back her brother as they made the mistake of
calling it a deathbed in front of them.
Elyse knew that her father had woken up, calling for her, but she knew that she
was also the cause of what was going on.
She had been on the edge of falling off her controlled façade, but the moment
she would walk into that room, she knew that the reality of her situation was
enough to break through into this dream-like trance she had been.
Elyse bit her lip, and she began to pace around, trying to breathe as she felt
the suffocation from her guilt and shame.
It wasn't long before her brother came out of the room that she didn't dare try
to see what was inside, but the slight sound of a monitor beeping gave Elyse
chills.
Her brother looked up at her, and Elyse swallowed, knowing fully well what he
was going to say to her.
He didn't ask her, and he didn't have to.
Taking one deep breath, Elyse approached her father's bedroom door and Levi
held the door for her. He looked at her, carefully, and Elyse returned the
look, trying to reign her emotions in.
"He's asking for you, Elyse. He's been since the moment he woke up." Levi
whispered to her. Elyse just stared at him, refusing to look inside before she
was fully inside the room.
When she was about to leave to go inside, Levi tugged her arm and she looked at
him, expectantly, "…It's not the same, okay?"
"I know." Elyse whispered back, and that's when she took another breath and
walked past her brother and into the room that held her frail father.
===============================================================================
Elyse tried to tell herself to breathe in and out in order to calm herself as
she entered her father's room, but seeing her father, her usual brash and
healthy father, frail and hooked up to beeping machines, made her almost
unsteady as she walked towards him.
Don't be obvious, Elyse. Be comforting. Be the good daughter that you were
raised to be.
Squaring her shoulders and shoving the discomfort she was feeling down in the
depths of her very being, Elyse approached her father's bedside, gingerly.
"Hi, Papa." Elyse whispered to her father, as she got a closer look of his
face.
Her depths of her very being must not be that bottomless because the discomfort
and the sadness of the whole situation that she had tried to shove down came
back as she watched her father's skinny, pale face. His eyes fluttered open,
slowly, at the sound of her voice.
"Elyse, is that you?" Her father asked, strained and whispered, a voice she
wasn't used to that came from her father's mouth.
"Yes, Papa. It's me." Elyse said, soothingly, her shaking hand grabbed his cold
one.
Elyse fought the urge to whimper as she felt her father try to grasp her hand,
but he groaned at the effort and opted to have her soothe him hand.
Elyse watched as her father struggled to breathe, and she bit her lip with her
eyes watering at the mere sight of him. A knock on the door took Elyse's
attention away for just a moment, and she was grateful for it.
"Come in." She called out, and she smiled slightly when a nurse bowed her head,
and she walked towards the bed with a tray of medicine and food.
"Hello, Miss Elyse. I'm your father's nurse, and its time for him to eat and
take his medicine." The nurse greeted her, grabbing the remote that adjusts the
hospital bed that they had moved into this room.
Her father's slight cough and withered glare made Elyse shoot him a warning
look back, realizing that her father wasn't going to be doing this willingly.
"Nurse, is it okay if I help him do it instead?" Elyse asked the nurse,
sweetly, earning a small flinch from her father. Elyse shot him a quick smile,
triumphantly, after the nurse nodded, seeming relieved that Elyse offered to do
this.
The nurse excused herself, and once the door shut, Elyse stood up and scooped
up some food while crushing the medicine inside. She brought the spoon up to
her father's mouth, and he frowned, glaring at her.
"Papa, you need to eat and you need your medicine in order for you to get
better." Elyse prompted, sighing as she motioned to the spoon.
Her father gave a weak scoff, "It doesn't matter if I eat or not. I'm dying
either way."
Elyse dropped the spoon of food back into the bowl and she slowly made tight
fists with her hands as she stared at the tray as if the was the most
interesting thing in the world.
"Don't say that." Elyse whispered, her heart breaking at her father's words.
That seemed to soften her father as he gingerly touched her hand.
"Your brother can lie to me all he wants. I know when someone is dying. We all
know, Elyse." Her father said, softly.
The last sentence made Elyse tense up, and she picked up the spoon that she had
abandoned in her shock.
"Eat, Papa." Elyse stated, boldly yet softly, ignoring another angered look on
her father's face.
The angered look seemed to wither away as he looked up at her, and he sighed as
he opened his mouth to let his daughter feed him his meal.
Even if it was pointless.
===============================================================================
Elyse was sitting down next to his bedside, quietly, waiting for her father to
finish eating his last bite. When her father did, she handed him a glass of
water, and he accepted it, slowly.
Elyse flinched at the sight of her father being so wearily slow, but she
offered him a small smile to hide the sadness she was feeling.
Her father relaxed back to sitting up as Elyse placed down the empty glass back
on the tray. Elyse got up and picked up the tray to set it aside on the bedside
table. After she was done doing that, she walked back to where her father was.
She noticed that her father's stare didn't leave her face, and when she came
back, he grasped her elbow, gently, as she sat down.
"Was it because I was a bad father, Elyse? Was that why you did what you did?"
Her father asked, suddenly, his gaze endearingly sharp yet Elyse could see the
sadness that he was attempting to hide as he confronted her about what
happened.
Elyse felt her eyes start to water. So, this is how it was going to start. The
conversation she was dreading to explain to her father about everything that
the press had told him, and something that she wasn't prepared to talk about.
"Papa…let's talk about this later, okay? You need to rest." Elyse attempted to
tell her father, but the narrowed gaze on his face made her flinch.
"I don't have time for later, Elyse." Her father said, pointedly.
"Don't say that. That's not fair." Elyse whispered, tired of fighting with her
father when he's sickly and the fact that she was uncomfortable with the whole
situation before her.
"It wasn't fair when you decided that your family isn't as important as your
affair with that damn Lexington, who I told you to stay away from." Her father
hissed, and Elyse could tell that it wasn't from anger, but due to the fast
beeping from the monitor, her father was starting to be in pain.
Elyse took a deep breath, trying to relax and calm her own anger and
stubbornness, so she could talk to her father about what really happened.
"He forced me to kiss him, Papa. Did you not hear what Erwin said in the press
conference?" Elyse asked, suddenly wondering if her father caught up with what
was happening.
Her father gave another weak scoff, "I know what your husband said, Elyse, but
you and I both know that the man is good at speaking. Another perk of him being
my son-in-law and a business partner. But, you, Elyse, I want to hear what
happened from you."
Elyse closed her eyes, sighing, knowing that her father had caught her even if
she didn't really try to hide it.
"He did force me." Elyse insisted, weakly.
Her father sighed, "Oh, and did he force you to have an affair with him, too?"
He asked.
That took Elyse by surprise, the shock on her face was readable, and she knew
that it didn't surprise her father that she didn't know he knew.
The whole "she knew; he knew" needs to stop. Elyse thought as she massaged her
temples.
"Your brother told me. I had my suspicions when you would say that you were
going out, and your husband would let you, but he would send you with some
other bodyguard other than your usual one, which was weird enough. Both of you
sharing secretive smiles…Your brother and I aren't stupid, Elyse. Especially
since you and Erwin's marriage is not one of conventional sorts. But, still. I
thought you were smarter than that, Elyse." Her father managed to say, slowly,
and Elyse looked down at the hands on her lap, ashamed.
"So, I'll ask you again. Is it my fault, Elyse? Was I not a good father?" Her
father asked, again.
Elyse didn't look up as she answered, "No, Papa. You are not at fault. You are
a good father. You've always been a good father." Elyse answered, softly.
The sound of her father's bitter laugh caught her by surprise and she looked
up, confused. Her father's gaze wasn't on hers anymore. Instead, she noticed he
was fiddling with something on his hand.
The shame hit her harder when she realized it was his wedding band.
"When your mother died…I was distraught, of course. I loved the woman more than
anything in the world. She was the strongest and beautiful woman I had ever
known. So, when the ups and downs with her health were happening, I never once
doubted that your mother wouldn't live. But, she died. And, the world around me
died, also. I went through many stages of grief, and…"
Her father trailed off, as he looked up at her. His gaze was unreadable for
once, and Elyse didn't know where her father was going with what he's saying.
All she knew was that him talking about her mother was a first since they never
once talked about her, alone.
She didn't understand what her father was trying to get at. Maybe it was the
medicine?
"I never once passed a certain stage of grief, and that stage was anger. I was
angry at what had happened, so I placed that anger on someone I blamed the
moment the love of my life got sick." Her father paused, and Elyse let his
words sink in.
The realization of her father's word were enough to make Elyse sick. She felt
cold with the sickening revelation, and she felt no surprise or shock. Instead,
she felt her body relax and numb as if she knew that this was a long-time
coming thing, and she knew that this moment would come eventually.
She didn't realize it would be when her father was on his deathbed. How ironic,
the parallels of her parent's demise being because of her.
Her father; heart attack because of her mistake.
"I told her to have an abortion when we found out that she would die after you
were born, but she refused. She was adamant about giving birth to you." Her
father continued.
Her mother; the moment she was born.
Elyse didn't say anything. She didn't know what to say. Of course, she knew.
She knew the moment she walked in her parent's bedroom, looking at all the
machines with her seven year-old wide eyes, realizing that the monitors weren't
beeping anymore.
She remembered her teenage brother, standing next to their mother's bedside,
looking down with despair written on his face. She remembered her father,
sitting on the opposite side of the bed, his face buried in the bed.
She had bumped into a monitor by accident, and that had caught her brother and
father's attention as their faces turned towards her. Elyse had remembered her
brother's face getting soft, but her father's face was the one that was
contorted in so much hate and anger.
He got up then, and he walked towards her, quickly, despite her brother's
demands for his father to stop.
Her father's hand had tightened on her arm, his nails digging into her skin,
the mark still there after so many years.
He dragged her towards her mother's bedside, and he made her look at her
mother's dead body, so pale yet serene, but it was an image that haunted Elyse
for years.
"Do you see this, Elyse? This is what you've done to her." Her father had
hissed, despite her pleading cries.
That's when her brother came and pulled their father away from her, cursing at
his father.
"Don't you fucking dare, Father. Enough. Mamman would've never wanted this done
to her." Levi yelled at his father, managing to push him away so he could grab
Elyse into a soothing hug.
Her brother had picked her up, and Elyse buried her crying face in his
shoulder.
Yet, she had looked up, and she stared into the face of her father, one that
was filled with distaste and anger towards her.
The steady grip of her father's hand on hers made Elyse open her eyes. Her
cheeks felt wet, and she hesitantly placed her other hand on her face,
confused.
That's when she realized she had been crying.
The realization hit her, and that's when she let go of the dam that she had
been keeping inside of her ever since she was that little girl.
She remembered the next day, the day after her mother was declared dead. She
was scared to see her father, but the funeral arrangements were being made, so
it was mandatory for her to meet with her father.
She was sitting outside of his office, dressed in black and clutching on to the
teddy bear her mother had got her for her fifth birthday. She remembered the
shouting and the yelling that was shot back and forth between her father and
brother's muffled voices.
Her aunt had found her there, following the sounds of the fighting.
When the door opened, Elyse remembered her brother's angered face turning
shocked then sympathetic as he grabbed her hand.
"Elyse, stay." Her father's voice commanded, and Elyse stopped her brother in
his tracks as he tried to get her to move, but she pulled her hand away from
her brother's grasp.
She had turned towards her father, the kind face gone, replaced with sorrow and
anger. She turned to see if her brother would follow, but he stood firm, his
narrowed gaze warning her not to go.
But, Elyse obeyed her father.
She had run towards him, grabbing his hand.
Elyse remembered that memory clear as day because that was the day she had
promised to be a good daughter. One that wouldn't disappoint her father because
she had taken away something from him.
"Elyse…darling, please look at me." Her father's weary voice broke through her
despairing and miserable memories.
Elyse obeyed once again, looking up and staring at her father, tears coming
down her cheeks.
She saw the heartbreak in his eyes as he stared at her, and she felt his
fingers curl around her own.
"You weren't a horrible father, Papa. Believe me." Elyse finally whispered.
Her father closed his eyes as she shot him with a bullet, and he sighed, a long
weary one.
"Elyse, I wasn't. I know I wasn't. I blamed you for the longest time, not
realizing that I was just a damn coward who didn't want to face the reality of
it all." Her father stated, and he wheezed at the end of his sentence.
Elyse jumped up, grabbing his empty glass and the pitcher that was on the
bedside table and she poured him another one. She helped her father drink the
water, and after that was done, she helped him settle into his bed once more.
"Even, now, you are still a good daughter." Her father said after a moment,
patting her arm, gently.
"You had every right to do the things you did, Elyse. I hope you know that.
That's why I asked you if I was a good father. A good father would have let his
daughter follow her heart, but I did not even let you do that. I was blinded by
my anger and my hatred that I didn't realize—"Her father began to cough and
Elyse soothed his back, the tears coming back as she felt her father's thin
body shake.
"Papa, you are a good father. You let me do ballet, and you love my children.
You have given the company to Levi when you and him are always at odds. Yes,
you may have— "
"Blamed you for your mother's death since you were seven? Yes, I deserve Father
of The Year." Her father said, interrupting her.
Elyse gave him small wry smile at that, and her father casted her an apologetic
look.
"As I was saying, you may have been horrible in the past, but you have always
been good with keeping us healthy and alive." Elyse finished, placing a small
kiss on the fingers that he wrapped around her own.
Her father didn't say anything as he stared at her. He smiled a small weak
smile after a moment, and Elyse was struck with how soft it was compared to all
these years.
It was the same praising smile he had given her when she learned to play his
favorite classical piece on the piano when she had been only six years old.
"And like I said, you still are the good daughter when I don't deserve it." Her
father sighed, patting their intertwined hands.
A moment passed between them, and as if she had been holding her breath for
fifteen years, she finally felt a relieved peace wash over her as she let it
all out in one deep exhale.
The amazing feeling of calm was over the moment her father started coughing,
reminding Elyse the dire situation that her father was in, even if they were
finally okay.
===============================================================================
Her brother didn't question about their time alone, and Elyse was grateful for
it. Her brother gave her a small smile and she returned an even bigger one as
she hugged him.
He didn't even ask about it when she had cried over and over again saying,
"Finally, finally."
Elyse sat down on the patio that overlooked the mountains, sighing. It's been
two weeks since she had arrived in Germany, and she heard absolutely nothing
from anybody back home. She was worried and terrified, but she knew that if she
tried to contact her children without watching out for the press, then there
would be trouble.
She fiddled with her phone, trying to figure out if she should—
"Yeah, Freida, she's here. Hold on." Her brother's voice sounded behind her,
and Elyse jumped at the interruption.
Her brother raised an eyebrow at her, amused, and he handed his phone to her,
giving her "take the damn phone" look.
Shocked and annoyed at her brother's intrusion of her privacy, Elyse whipped
around to glare at her brother, and she had no choice but to accept the phone.
"Hello?" Elyse said, softly.
The scream on the other line made Elyse wince and she took the phone away from
her ear for just a moment to let Freida scream to her heart's content.
When Elyse couldn't hear Freida's screams anymore, she felt safe to put the
phone pressed back to her ear.
"Nice to hear from you, Freida." Elyse sighed.
"You have so much shit to explain. Like, for example, you weren't fucking
Erwin, but Braun? What the fuck, Elyse. Have you seen your husband? I mean,
compared to Braun, your husband is a fucking Adonis, yet Braun?! Also, the
theatre is worried about you, and we haven't heard from you. I assumed it's
because you were busy in Germany with what's going on with your family—my
sincerest hope that your father is doing fine—but Braun,Elyse, Braun?!" Freida
screeched through the phone, and Elyse winced again.
"Freida, I know, okay? It was stupid, and it's over. How's the theatre?" Elyse
asked, trying to ask one question at a time, knowing fully well when Freida is
like this that it's better to take it one question at a time.
"The theatre is fine. We've only been practicing due to what's been going on,
but Erwin scheduled the new production to start in a week." Freida said that
last part a little hesitant.
Hearing Erwin's name after two weeks of silence, Elyse ignored the feeling of
resentment, and she persevered with asking the question that burned her mind
the moment Freida mentioned it.
"Who's going to be the leads?" Elyse asked, quietly.
"The lead male will be Braun's understudy, Schuyler, and…I hope this is okay
with you. I'm going to be the lead female." Freida hesitated, but that
immediately brightened Elyse's mood.
"Freida, that's amazing. Good, I need you to be the lead." Elyse stated,
excitedly. Freida seemed to sigh in relief and Elyse giggled, missing her
friend.
As if reading her thoughts, Freida sighed, "I miss you, Ely. I know it's only
been two weeks, but it's weird being in your theatre without you."
"I miss you too, Freida." Elyse sighed, leaning into her chair.
"…It's been quiet here lately, you know? No Estate parties, no conversations,
and no more of your family." Freida offered, trying to continue the
conversation.
"I know. It's kind of surreal with what has been happening…how's everyone?"
Elyse asked, trying to keep herself at bay with the questions that were
bursting in her mind.
"Well, ever since the press craziness, Petra has been missing due to being
Erwin's assistant and all. Last time I talked to her, she was pretty stressed.
Hange…rejoined the Army. Apparently, something big is happening with their
unit, and they couldn't say anything about what was going on. Isabelle is
actually helping out with the theatre, saying that she owed it to you. Whatever
that means." Freida said.
Elyse smiled at the end, knowing fully well what Isabelle meant. Elyse's heart
started to beat a bit faster with the next question she had in mind.
"How…How are the kids?" Elyse asked, her heart beating faster with every second
that Freida was quiet over the phone.
"I actually visited them a week ago. Apparently, they had been in Nana's house
for the time being, but Erwin decided to take them back to your Estate. Guess
him begging the press to leave you guys alone worked—Elyse? Are you crying?"
Elyse couldn't help it. She didn't have any clue what's going on with her kids,
and hearing about them from someone else was too hurtful.
"I just miss them, that's all." Elyse managed to say, and she felt her
brother's hand on her should as he comforted her.
"Oh, Ely, they miss you, too. They thought you were going to come home with me,
and they saw that you weren't there. Mikasa was already clinging on to Erwin,
crying for you. Eren demanded answers while Armin held him back from throwing a
tantrum. It's chaos, really." Freida said, trying to soothe Elyse.
That didn't help Elyse. All she could think about was Mikasa holding on to
Erwin, sobbing, with Eren, screaming, and Armin, pleading. It was the worst
scenario in her head.
The last question didn't help Elyse's emotions at all.
"How's…Erwin?" Elyse asked, carefully.
Freida seemed to pause at that, but she sighed to cover up her hesitancy.
"He's busy most of the time, from what I've seen. I think the other reason why
Mikasa was clinging on to him so much was because she was afraid that he'd
disappear, too…Oh shit, Ely, I didn't mean it that way..."
"No, no, it's okay. Keep going." Elyse knew that she couldn't hide the tremor
in her voice which made Freida hesitate even more to continue.
"When I visited, he looked…tired. As if he hasn't been sleeping since the press
conference. He was the same Erwin, charming and handsome, but somehow, he
seemed off. I can't blame him though. Which brings me to my question that has
been nagging me ever since I found out. Care to explain about Braun?"
Elyse sighed, "You know what Erwin and I had wasn't a real marriage, so when
Braun walked back into my life, I had something that was real. And, then, Braun
broke it off with me, so I was heartbroken for a while. Out of nowhere, he
calls me saying that he wants to talk to me about something. And then, you know
what happened."
Elyse kept out the part of Erwin's hidden past that she had found out
because…she still had to face Erwin about that.
Freida made an annoyed noise, "Oh, Ely, this is all messed up. I'm not sure
what to say anymore. I think you actually made me speechless for once."
Elyse laughed, "I guess I have."
===============================================================================
Elyse walked into her father's room, following the usual procedure that she
adapted to when the nurse was away.
Her father smiled at her, and she smiled brightly back at him.
"I heard that you got a call from your…interesting friend, Freida." Her father
greeted her, putting down the newspaper that he held.
Elyse sighed and rolled her eyes, "Did Levi tell you everything that has been
happening with me again?"
Her father shot her a scolding look, "Your brother and I are worried about your
well-being, of course."
Elyse smiled, but she didn't say anything as she approached her father's
bedside with his usual tray of food and water.
She settled down on the chair next to his bedside, watching him carefully.
Her father ate, quietly, while Elyse grabbed the newspaper off his lap and she
began to peruse through it. She noticed one headline that pertained to the Army
yet again, but her attention was caught elsewhere when her father placed the
tray on the bedside table.
"Why haven't you called Erwin?" Her father asked her.
Elyse dropped the newspaper on her lap, a bit taken aback.
"I'm sorry?" She asked, softly.
"Elyse, why haven't you talked to your husband yet? Surely, you called him to
ask about your children at least?" Her father asked her, pointedly.
"Papa…it's complicated right now." Elyse said, placing the newspaper back on
the bedside table.
"…You know when Erwin told me that he impregnated you, I was enraged. Of
course, I had that…plan for you, and this man in front of me was essentially
telling me that the plan was ruined. I asked him what he was planning to do
now. He looked me, straight in the eye, and said, 'Well, I'm going to marry
her, Mr. Ackerman.'"
"I mean, that's Erwin for you. He puts duty above all." Elyse whispered, the
harsh memory of Erwin's dark past engulfed her mind.
"I had asked him why. I pointed out that you were young—yes, hypocritical I
know since I was going to marry you to a grandfather—and that his life will be
put off-track. He smiled and told me that he said he had a feeling that the way
you guys met and the fact that you happen to be pregnant is a sign that he's
willing to accept."
Elyse's heart skipped a beat at that, but she shook her head as if trying to
get her mind back on track.
"Papa, I don't get what you're trying to say."
Her father sighed, "Elyse, you know what I'm trying to say. You've been denying
it the moment you got here with your actions and the way you sigh and sulk."
Elyse flushed at that, but she tried to remain calm and apathetic.
"Papa— "
"You miss him, Elyse. It's normal to miss your husband." Her father pointed
out, tired of his daughter trying to hide.
Elyse closed her eyes at that, and she bit her lip at the fact her father had
pinned down.
"It's not like that with me and Erwin, Papa. You know that." Elyse pointed
back, trying to hide once more behind witty words and acting like she didn't
care.
The phone next to her father's hand began to ring, and her father smiled wryly
at it as he picked it up to see who it was. He answered it after a moment, "Ah,
just the person I wanted to talk to. How is everything?"
Elyse couldn't hear the other person on the line, but she knew her father had
been taking phone calls now that he was feeling better. She decided to busy
herself with clearing her father's tray as she got up and picked it up.
She left the room, giving her father a look that said she was excusing herself
and he nodded.
She went into the kitchen to place the dirty dishes in the sink, thanking the
help as they took over. She noticed that her brother was busy watching
something on the T.V., but she noticed that he was falling asleep while
watching. She thought it best not to bother him.
She returned to her father's room, and her father motioned for her to come
inside as he handed her the phone. Confused, Elyse involuntarily grabbed it and
the headpiece on her ear.
"Hello…?" Elyse greeted, hesitantly.
"Elyse, it's me." The sound of his voice was enough for Elyse to stumble
against her father's bed a bit. Her father grabbed her arm, weakly, and Elyse
immediately felt bad that her father was using his weak strength to help her.
She pushed herself up, shooting an apologetic look at her father, who just
nodded back in understanding.
"E-Erwin?" Elyse asked, sitting down on the chair she had abandoned moments
earlier.
"Yes, it's me. How is everything over there?" Erwin asked, getting straight to
the point. Elyse tried to hear anything in his voice that would hint at what
he's feeling, but of course, the King of Apathy was just as unreadable as ever.
"Everything's okay. Levi and Papa are okay." Elyse answered, and she
immediately wanted to hit herself for sounding like a little girl.
But, what else was she supposed to say? Erwin was on the phone after three
weeks of not talking to each other, and their last conversation was a fight.
"That's good to hear." Erwin replied, his tone casual and smooth. Elyse,
suddenly scared that Erwin was going to end their conversation, thought of her
kids.
"How are the kids? Are they okay?" Elyse asked, softly.
"They're fine. They've been busy with school." Erwin replied, casually, and
Elyse could hear the shuffling of papers in the background.
Elyse took a deep breath at that, remembering that her kids already started
school. Her heart began to break at the thought of her kids, smiling and
chattering about school. Oh, how she wished she was there with them.
Just like that, the anger and resentment of being separated from her kids
returned. And, it must've showed on her face because her father was already
reaching for the phone.
"You had no right, Erwin. You know that." Elyse whispered, darkly.
That seemed to make Erwin pause from his paperwork.
"Excuse me?" Erwin asked, and Elyse felt the cold chill of satisfaction when
she heard the small anger in Erwin's tone.
"You didn't even ask me about the kids. God, you didn't even tell me. I woke up
to them gone without any explanation from you. How could you?!" Elyse asked,
her voice growing hysterical.
Erwin was quiet on the other line, but she could hear his breathing getting
deeper and longer as if he was trying to control himself.
"You listen here, Elyse. You didn't ask to go out and meet Braun, neither did
you explain to me of what you were trying to do. Even now, I don't understand
why you met with him. You owe me so many things, Elyse, but do you see me
asking you for anything?" Erwin asked, his voice low and dangerous.
"That's a fucking low blow, you fucking—"Elyse felt the phone taken away from
her as her brother appeared from behind her.
"Hey, Erwin. It's Levi, I'm going to hang up now. You guys are stressing out my
dad. Bye." Levi hung up, and he handed the phone to his shocked father, who
stared at his daughter, appalled.
Elyse, realizing what just happened, grew red in embarrassment. Her father just
heard her curse like a sailor for the first time.
"Papa…I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to hear that." Elyse explained, lamely.
Her father shook his head, sighing.
Her father didn't say anything, but he gave her a pointed look.
"You said that you and Erwin don't have a normal marriage, and of course,
that's understandable, considering the circumstances of how it happened. Yet,
you guys fight like a normal married couple." Her father stated, motioning for
Levi to leave the room.
Levi nodded, smirking at Elyse and Elyse could hear his thoughts at that moment
as she glared at him.
He was practically gloating that she was the one in trouble this time and not
him.
Once her brother left, Elyse sighed.
Before she could say anything, her father chuckled at her troubled expression.
He waved her off, expressing how tired he was, and Elyse was thankful for being
dismissed.
She didn't know if her heart can handle talking about her damn husband anymore.
===============================================================================
Elyse felt her heart being full for the next two weeks, surrounded by laughter
as her father and brother had conversations every day. It was as if their
father wanted to make up for their missing family time, and it had made Elyse,
even her own brother, very happy and relaxed.
They hadn't been like this since the last time they had lived here as a family
with their mother.
It was noticeable though. The fact that her father was getting visibly weaker
and sicker was something that was unspoken between the siblings. The doctor
would shake his head after every check-up and Elyse worried for her brother as
he would scowl at the hospital staff in anger and annoyance.
"They're doing whatever they can, Levi. Cut them some slack." Elyse pleaded
with her brother.
Levi simply nodded, but she didn't miss the way of how he clenched on to the
glass of alcohol tighter.
Elyse knew that the end was near when her father called on her brother and her,
individually. The doctor had come out to personally tell them that, and Elyse
swallowed, hoping that it would lubricate her suddenly dried up throat.
"Why is he…?" Elyse trailed off, the realization hitting her as soon as her
brother gulped another glass of whiskey in one shot.
"No, no. Is it already time?" Elyse asked, her voice trembling. The doctor
nodded, solemnly.
"There's nothing else we can do, Miss Elyse." The doctor informed her.
"Just leave." Levi said, darkly. The doctor shot Elyse a look, and she returned
an apologetic one. He nodded, understandingly, and he left, leaving the
siblings by themselves.
"Go first, Elyse. I need to…ready myself." Her brother said from his corner.
Elyse felt her heart clench at her brother's slight tremble in his voice.
Elyse nodded, and she kissed his cheek, softly, before leaving.
She entered the room, slowly and quietly. She nodded as the nurse passed her,
who smiled at her, reassuringly.
Elyse swallowed once more as she stared at her father's pale, thin form. He was
sitting up, propped up by pillows and the set-up bed, and he was hooked up on
to too many machines. Elyse smiled at her father, who smiled at her.
Stay strong, Elyse.
She approached his bedside, grasping his hand.
"Hey." She greeted, softly, brushing a small kiss on his forehead.
She tried not to shudder on how papery it felt.
"Elyse, I want you to listen to me." Her father said through a weak voice.
"Yes, Papa." Elyse obeyed, bending down to meet his eyes.
"I'm very proud of who you've become. Your mother once said that you would take
over the world since you took me the moment you were placed in my arms. I had
regretted ever telling your mother to abort you, and your mother never failed
to point that out to me whenever I felt myself doubting the decision she made.
God, I am a stupid, weak man. Sometimes, I wished your mother took my place
with raising you both. She would've been great and…Elyse, I hope you know that
you were always loved. I may have been wayward with the actions and plans I had
picked for you, but I'm happy that you are the way that you are." Her father
began, whispering these things into her ear.
Elyse's eyes began to water, and she sniffled, softly.
"Also, I know that you will be taken care of now. You have given me beautiful
grandchildren, and you have made a name for yourself, just as your mother did.
And…Erwin…I know that you don't see it, and I understand why you don't…That
man…he adores you, Elyse. And, if I dare speculate, he loves you."
"Oh, Papa," Elyse sighed, "Please, don't waste your energy with speculations
like that."
Her father chuckled, "You remind me of your mother so much, darling. She would
tell me to stop getting my head stuck in the clouds, but she was always
stubborn. I can hear her in your stubbornness."
Elyse softened at that. "That's the first time you ever compared me to her."
Her father chuckled again. "That's because it hurt too much to ever see the
similarities."
That's when Elyse couldn't hold it in anymore. She began to cry and cry,
kissing her father's forehead, begging him to get better.
And as she felt her father's hand on her head, stroking her dark hair, she
swore she heard him say, "I love you, my darling Elyse."
===============================================================================
Elyse woke up on the couch in the living room. She was covered by her brother's
jacket, and she noticed that the fireplace was lit. She could make out her
brother's figure sitting in front of the fire, his hand clutching on to a glass
of whiskey.
"Levi?" Elyse asked, softly.
Her brother didn't bother to turn around as he answered her, "Go back to sleep,
Elyse. We have a long day tomorrow."
Elyse didn't bother to obey as she got up, suddenly alert.
"What do you mean?" She asked, warily, even though her heart was already
beating, expecting the news.
"You know exactly what I mean, Elyse." Her brother answered, quietly.
Elyse felt like she had been hit by a truck, the realization sinking it, hard
and painful.
But, she knew the moment that she would ask her next question, her heart would
be already too broken to go back to sleep.
"When's the funeral?" She asked, softly.
She didn't even have to hear her brother's answer as she felt her world crash
around her once more.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ This was a really hard chapter to write. So many emotions,
     especially with all the annoying manga updates going around. LIKE
     HELLO BLEACH? Anyways, so sorry that this took a while, but I took
     breaks because it was just really hard to write lol. Hope you will
     enjoy! And once again, thank you for your support. I am on
     Tumblr.com. Erwinswaifu.tumblr.com
***** Thin Line Between Love and Hate *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Hi guys, I hope you weren't freaking out about the lack of
     update. I know it's been quite a while, but I do have an adult life
     to tend to, SADLY. But, here we go!
     Elyse is the only adult I own, all the others belong to Isayama.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
The preparations for her father's funeral was underway. Elyse breathed in the
fresh mountain air as she sat back up. She looked at the scenery in front of
her and sighed, her heart feeling heavy. She looked back at the stationary that
she had been writing on.
The funeral invitations were starting to pile up.
Why are there such thing as funeral invitations anyways?
Elyse bent her fingers as she stretched them out from all the work she had been
doing. She looked inside the house and she noticed that her brother was still
in the living room, absently watching the news report on their father's death
while drinking his fifth drink of whiskey.
She contemplated whether she should stop him or not, but the way her brother's
fingers were clutching tightly on the glass made her not go to him.
He needed to be alone.
Elyse remembered how her brother had buried his face in their father's
deathbed, next to their father's pale face and closed eyes.
It broke her heart, watching as her brother's body twitched as he cried
silently.
She knew that was her cue to leave. Her brother would never forgive himself or
her if she saw him cry.
So, she left, pretending not to see.
"Miss Elyse, would you like me to drop these invitations off now?" The butler
asked, interrupting her thoughts.
Elyse gave him a weak smile of approval, "Thank you," she whispered.
The butler nodded, offering her a sympathetic smile, and placed the invitations
in a bag before taking his leave.
Elyse stretched as he got up, trying to see what's up next for the funeral. She
relied on the list in her head because she couldn't rely on risking any
emotions getting in the way as she made sure that her father would be sent
away, properly.
Her father…gone…
Elyse shook her head, refusing to acknowledge that her father was gone.
Not just yet.
As if someone heard her thoughts, her phone began to ring and she pulled it out
of her pocket, surprised.
The fact that it was Braun calling replaced the surprise with anger as she
tightened her other hand, trying to calm herself down. She declined the call,
and she took deep breaths trying to calm herself down after seeing his name.
He had not stopped calling her since the news of her father's death broke
around the world, and Elyse kept ignoring his calls since he started. It didn't
help that every single time he called, the wallpaper on her phone would light
up.
Her kids' smiles were making it hard for her to stay away from them.
She tried to get back on track with the mental list in her head, and that's
when she remembered something that made all the color in her face drain.
She had to call Erwin.
===============================================================================
But, that didn't necessarily mean that she had to call him now. Elyse avoided
that responsibility as much as she avoided Braun's phone calls. She skipped
that part of calling Erwin in her mentality, and she focused on other things
like keeping count of the RSVPs and making sure that the family home was clean
enough for the wake.
Elyse was in the middle of thanking the help as they prepared for the wake when
her brother came downstairs, looking disheveled and scruffy.
"Hey." Elyse greeted him, softly. Her brother merely nodded in acknowledgement
as he wearily walked towards her.
"When's the wake again?" Her brother asked, and Elyse nodded at the butler as
he asked her a question when he passed by.
"Tomorrow at 3." Elyse stated, turning to her brother. Levi nodded again, and
Elyse noticed that he wasn't looking anywhere but at her.
She raised an eyebrow as he crossed his arms and grabbed her phone from her
hand.
She gaped when he dialed a number and shoved the dialing phone back in her hand
and on to her ear. She looked at her brother, confused, and that's when she
would have almost dropped the phone at the sound of the other voice through the
phone.
"Yes, Elyse?" The voice asked through the phone.
If Elyse's glares were capable of producing fire, her brother would be burnt
from head to toe.
"Uh, hi?" Elyse pathetically greeted, her hand immediately going to her
forehead to massage her forehead.
"And the reason for your call is?" The voice asked, slightly annoyed as if they
didn't want to be bothered.
Or more like, he didn't want to bother with his own damn wife.
"The wake is tomorrow at 3. Then, the funeral will be at 6." Elyse said,
regaining her callousness towards her asshole of a husband.
"I'll see if I can make it." Was the reply she got.
And it wasn't one that she was going to accept.
"Are you fucking serious? You'll see if you can make it? The man gave you an
entire business empire to control with his son, and he even gave you me. And
you can't be sure if you can make it to his damn funeral?" Elyse hissed in the
phone, ignoring her brother's careful gaze.
"Elyse, calm down." Her brother whispered, placing a hand on her arm as if to
grab the phone away from her.
But, Elyse glared at her brother as she pushed his hand away. "You're the one
who did this." She mouthed at her brother before turning away.
"Like you said, Elyse, your father entrusted me with a business empire that has
me working every waking hour. I can't promise to be there when— "
"Send the kids here then. They deserve to say goodbye to their grandfather."
Elyse interrupted him, not willing to listen to him talk to her like a little
girl.
The scoff that responded to her made Elyse's blood boil a little.
"Yes, let me send the kids to a press-infested event, Elyse. The press hasn't
kept quiet ever since your little malfunction, and I can't guarantee the kids'
safety."
"I can take care of them. Dieter can take care of them." Elyse argued,
heatedly.
"Elyse, I don't trust it if I'm not there." Erwin argued back, his tone
adamantly hard.
Elyse was sure she was tearing up at this point, fully frustrated and annoyed.
She missed her kids, and Erwin can shove the stick up his ass even more if he
wanted to, but she wasn't going to go down without a fight.
"Are you saying that I can't take care of them?" Elyse whispered, softly,
trying to maintain control of her voice.
The sigh that she received made her bite her lip, hard.
"Elyse, stop being naïve. Tell me, do you remember when you decided to go to
Palais Garnier and then you almost, I don't know, got trampled over, risking
your pregnancy? Or when you took the kids outside and almost got them blinded
by—"
"Oh my God, Erwin, can you stop pointing out the past mistakes? The kids are
safe, aren't they?" Elyse pointed out, trying to argue her points by
aggressively attacking him back.
It went quiet on the other line and Elyse realized that she was panting at this
point, using all her breath to just shout at the infuriating man on the other
line.
"You are the last person that should be telling me about past mistakes, Elyse."
Erwin finally stated on the other line.
Elyse felt like she was just punched in the gut. And, she knew that it was
visible on her face because her brother looked at her, concerned.
Before she could say anything, Elyse heard a voice in the background, and as if
on cue, her eyes began to water as she recognized the chatter immediately.
"Eren, how did you get in here?" Elyse heard Erwin ask from a distance and she
could tell that he had placed his phone down on a surface in wherever he was.
"Can you play with us, Papa?" Elyse began to cry softly as she heard her son's
voice for the first time in a while.
"Okay," and Elyse swore she could hear the smile on his face and she wanted so
badly to punch his handsome face from the jealousy that rose within her, "I'll
play with you guys in a bit. Let me finish up here."
Elyse closed her eyes and she wiped her cheeks, angrily, as she heard Erwin
come back.
"Elyse, I have to-"
"Please." Elyse didn't even recognize her own voice, but she was desperate. She
was desperate to see her kids and to be with them, and screw being angry with
Erwin because all she wanted was to be happy after all this turmoil.
And, it must have shown in her voice because she could hear the pause in
Erwin's hardened voice.
She knew that he was thinking about it. Being analytical and strategic, she
knew he was thinking about if the kids would be really safe and if he could
trust her to ensure their safety.
She hated it, but she knew he had every right to be the damn asshole he was
being.
They could fight all they want, but she knew that the kids would always be his
top priority in their fucked up, twisted idea of a family that they had tried
to make but failed miserably at.
"Fine. The kids will be there only for the wake and the funeral." Erwin finally
stated, in a compromising tone.
Elyse let out a sigh of relief and gratefulness, "Thank you, Erwin, I promise—"
"I'll be accompanying them. You're right, I should be there for it all and pay
my respects. Besides, I'll be more comfortable knowing that the kids are right
beside me." Erwin continued, cutting her off.
Elyse felt her heart drop at the news. She honestly didn't know how to react to
that. The last time she had seen and talked to him, he was angry at her, and
now, here she was, angry at him. The kids were going to be around them…
Elyse closed her eyes. She missed her children, and they deserved to say
goodbye to their grandfather.
So, she and Erwin will have to play nice.
"Okay." Elyse agreed, softly, "I'll have Dieter pick you guys up."
Elyse hung up, and she stared at the phone in her hand as if it was a foreign
object.
"So?" Her brother asked, softly.
"The kids are coming, and so is Erwin, my loving husband. So, there's that."
Elyse informed her brother, flatly, blankly looking at him.
Levi closed his eyes for a millisecond before opening them again to gaze
apologetically at her.
"I'm sorry, Elyse. I didn't mean for it to be—"
"Antagonizing? Hurtful? Despicable? I mean, who would know when all we have
been doing is fighting?" Elyse asked, laughing sarcastically.
Levi stared at her, his gaze turning a bit guilty.
"I thought it would be the first step." Levi offered, lamely. Elyse laughed,
hollowly.
"Well, congratulations, it's the first step of ruining this funeral." Elyse
stated, dropping her phone on the table loudly as she turned to walk towards
the direction of where Dieter had been standing guard.
Elyse heard Levi shuffle along after her, and she bit her lip, trying very hard
not to lash out at her brother.
Once Dieter came into view, Elyse forced a small smile as he gave her a slight
nod of acknowledgement.
"Dieter, Mr. Smith will be arriving with the children in a couple of hours. Can
you go and pick them up with the driver?" Elyse asked, politely.
The brightening of Dieter's face hurt Elyse as she saw the hopeful look in his
eyes.
"I take it that you and Mr. Smith have made amends." Dieter announced, happily.
Elyse felt her smile get a little more forced, and she just coughed after a
bit, hoping that Dieter wouldn't notice.
But, the regret in his slackened face made Elyse realize that she wasn't a good
actress anymore.
"I'm sorry, Miss Elyse, I—"
"Go and pick them up, Dieter." Levi stated from behind her, and Elyse just
patted Dieter's arm as he hesitantly turned to obey Levi's curt order.
As soon as Dieter left, Elyse turned to go back into the living room,
determined to prepare herself for her family's arrival.
Elyse was stopped by her brother's hand on her arm.
"Elyse…I'm sorry. I just thought that it would be…I thought it would be fixed
by now." Levi offered, lamely.
Elyse smiled wryly at that, gently taking her brother's hand off her arm before
she faced him.
"Nothing has been easy for me, Levi." Elyse whispered, and before he could say
anything else, Elyse walked away, ready to face the busy day ahead of her.
===============================================================================
Elyse welcomed the guests as politely as she could. They grabbed her hands and
expressed their condolences. They grabbed her face and kissed her cheeks,
whispering their condolences. They patted her back, saying their condolences
and asked if she was pregnant for the fiftieth time.
It didn't help when that the question reminded her of her family that was on
their way.
What she didn't expect was the fact that an old lady had come up to her and
asked about what Erwin was planning to do about the man that had forcibly
kissed her.
"If my husband were alive, he would have beaten that man." The old lady, who
claimed to be an old friend of her father's, stated, smiling.
Elyse giggled for good measure, trying very hard not to show the fact that she
was grimacing inwardly.
"So, tell me, dear, what did your husband do to that despicable man?" The old
lady asked, amused.
"Well, for starters, I made sure that man knows that I'm not someone that he
should be messing with." A voice said from behind Elyse.
Elyse froze, knowing fully well whose voice that was.
It was weird hearing an amusing tone rather than a hardened one.
Elyse turned around, and she looked at the face of her husband. She was sure
that she was gaping at the sight of him, not because it was she hadn't seen him
in a while. It was the fact that he looked so…different.
It had been almost a month and a half since the last time they had seen each
other, but Elyse was pretty sure that this appearance of his shouldn't have
happened that fast.
For starters, he had some scruff now, and it made him look older than he really
was. Granted, he was turning thirty-two soon, but now he just looked forty.
Admittedly, Elyse thought with an annoyed sigh, he looked good, but still. His
face seemed slimmer and it made it seem that he wasn't taking care of himself
when it came to feeding himself. Elyse saw that his usual navy suit seemed to
slightly hang off him. The dark circles under his eyes also indicated that he
wasn't getting enough sleep, and that made Elyse take another double take at
him.
Of course, to every other woman, who were already staring at him, whispering to
each other as they batted their eyelashes and giggled, Erwin Smith was still as
handsome, but to Elyse, it looked like the damn man was hit by a truck compared
to his usual appearance she was used to when they had…happier times.
Erwin's gaze was unreadable as he looked at her, with a trained smile.
At least that hasn't changed.Elyse thought that to herself, bitterly, but she
closed her slightly opened mouth, immediately, playing the polite hostess once
more.
"Hi…you." Elyse greeted, trying to be warm and fuzzy, but the fact that he was
here meant that the kids were here and she was anxious to see them.
Her eyes began to dart around, but she noticed that she couldn't see them
anywhere or Dieter. It was also too late when Erwin already had his arm around
her waist. The shock and electricity that jolted throughout her body at the
reminder of his touch made Elyse want to run away, but she stood firm as they
both smiled at the old lady in front of them.
"Hi, sweetie." Erwin greeted, softly, as he tightened his arm around her waist
so she could look up at him. Elyse noticed that it was just a bit tight to be
affectionate, but she persevered.
She looked up and offered the sincerest smile she could muster, but she knew it
wasn't working because Erwin pinched her, hard.
She yelped, but she covered the yelp with a laugh as she looked at the old lady
in front of them.
The old lady seemed to be taken by them, believing their little bit.
"You are a very special young man, Mr. Smith. You remind me of my own husband
when he was very defensive…"
Elyse felt her attention trail off as she tapped her foot, slowly, trying very
hard to pull slightly away from Erwin's hold, but Erwin, the smart bastard,
kept the act up. He smiled and nodded in Elyse's peripheral vision and all she
wanted to do was see if her kids were here like he promised.
"Miss Elyse?" The old lady's voice broke through her thoughts and Elyse
stiffened at the realization that she had just dozed off.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did you ask a question?" Elyse asked, sheepishly. The old lady
simply smiled, one that made Elyse think of a sly fox.
"Oh, I see. You haven't seen your husband for a while. You must be very anxious
to be…left alone with him." The old lady laughed, patting her heart for good
measure.
Elyse tried very hard not to wince at that suggestion.
Elyse forced a laugh as she humored the old woman, "You got me!" Elyse said,
trying very hard not to seem even more tense.
The old lady shook her head and laughed, "Well then, if you'll excuse me…" She
patted their arms and Elyse kissed her cheek as she left.
Elyse smiled and waved before she whipped around to face Erwin, the smile still
plastered on their face, knowing fully well that the guests were looking at
them, whispering and guessing.
"Where are the kids?" Elyse asked, tiptoeing to whisper in Erwin's ear, making
it seem that she was whispering sweet for nothings in her husband's ear.
Erwin placed his hands on her arms, steadying her, but Elyse could feel his
grip getting tight as he bent his head down to whisper in her ear.
"They're still sleeping from the plane ride here. Dieter placed them in your
room." Erwin replied.
Elyse felt her face brighten at that, and she felt extremely relieved that
Erwin kept her promise. She began to warm up at the thought of it, thinking
that she should thank Erwin.
"One of should keep their promises, am I right, Elyse?" Erwin asked, his gaze
hardened as he looked her straight in the eye.
Elyse froze, and she loosened her grip on his arm sleeves.
"Oh, don't you dare, Erwin. We are at my father's funeral right now." Elyse
hissed back, keeping that smile on her face.
She hoped it look menacing to him.
"Exactly. I promised your father that I would take care of you, and I haven't
broken it once, Elyse. What did you promise your father?" Erwin asked, smiling
a similar menacing one at her.
Elyse suddenly grew weary at their banter, and she stood back up straight,
letting go of holding him. Erwin watched as she turned to face the other
guests, her smile still on her face.
"I'll go check on the kids." Erwin said, finally, bending down to whisper in
her ear even with her back turned towards him.
"You go do that." Elyse stated, coldly. Erwin chuckled, wryly, and to keep up
with their charade, Elyse wanted to curse him when he placed a chilling kiss on
her pale cheek before he left.
Elyse didn't bother to turn around and watch Erwin disappear into the crowd and
up the stairs to where their kids were.
She paid attention to the next guest that came to greet her after they talked
to her brother.
It was all she could do in order to distract herself from the mess that Erwin
and he were just starting once more.
===============================================================================
Elyse grabbed her brother's flask without question and downed it without any
explanation. Her brother watched her, eyebrow and hand raised. After she was
done with it, she placed it back in her brother's raised hand.
"So, I'm guessing you are having a horrible time during our father's wake."
Levi stated, amused, pouring more alcohol in his flask.
"If I hear another story of how I was such a good little girl the last time
they saw me; I will scream my head off." Elyse groused as she took a seat next
to her brother on the patio.
Everyone was inside, talking about how great a service it was. Now, they were
all getting ready to leave for the burial. Elyse was too tired to even argue
the fact that everyone should be leaving now.
It didn't help that now that Erwin had arrived, he took over like he always
did. He took over the damn event and he did it, beautifully. He delivered a
speech, beautifully. He handled all the condolences, beautifully. He held her
hand and made sure he looked every bit of a supporting husband, beautifully. He
made sure that the kids were sleeping and okay, beautifully.
It was enough for Elyse to want to jump on a table and announce that Erwin
Smith was really an asshole to her and only her and that he had some sordid
past that would make everyone re-think about what they really knew about Erwin
Smith.
And yet, all she had to do was see how Erwin hugged her relatives and friends
of her father to bite her lip and make her get through this agonizing time.
Once she saw her brother outside, alone and drinking, she truly looked up and
thanked her father for giving her a great brother.
"It seems like Erwin is doing pretty well once more." Elyse finally said,
acknowledging her frustration with the fact that her husband was being perfect.
Levi hummed in agreement, "That's Erwin for you."
Elyse scoffed, grabbing the flask from her brother's hand again, not even
acknowledging her brother's glare.
"That man is so fucking…infuriating." Elyse hissed, angrily giving back her
brother the flask.
Levi raised an eyebrow at her, "Isn't he supposed to be the perfect husband for
you right now?"
Elyse shrugged, and she could practically see her brother roll his eyes even if
she wasn't looking at him.
"Elyse, he's doing his job as a husband and as the son-in-law of the man who
just died. You're the one that's being a little bit unreasonable." Levi
suggested, refilling his flask once more since Elyse already finished it off.
Elyse grunted in agreement, but she sighed as she turned to look inside the
house. She noticed that everyone was taking their leave, with Erwin at the lead
of the line of showing them the way to their cars.
A hand on her arm made her turn around to face her brother, and she noticed the
slight sympathy in his eyes.
"He's doing what he's supposed to be doing, Elyse." Levi said, offering her the
flask.
This time, Elyse pushed it away, looking down at her hands on her lap.
"Of course he is and that's what bothers me." Elyse whispered.
This time, her brother didn't say anything.
===============================================================================
Elyse sighed as she thanked the help once more as they cleared everything. The
burial was going to be in an hour and a half and Elyse was already starting to
realize that they were going to be late.
Erwin was still helping all the old people get in their cars as they talked his
ear off and he would patiently smile and listen to them, nod when need be.
But, she didn't let it bother her this time. She smiled to herself as she
readied herself to go up the stairs to wake up the kids, but she was stopped by
a strong hand around her arm.
She turned around in surprise, and her face slightly paled when she realized it
was Mike that had stopped her.
Mike, Erwin's bodyguard and husband of Nana.
Mike, the one who hated her the moment the news of Braun kissing her broke out.
She couldn't read his gaze, and she quietly mused in amusement at how Erwin and
her had similar gazes. Yet, this time, she was too scared to comment on it.
"Yes, Mi—Mr. Zacharias?" Elyse stuttered, trying to find the right greeting
towards the once warm man whose cold hand was on her arm.
"Mr. Smith needs to speak with you for a moment, so if you could stay here and
not bother the children." Mike said, his tone curt and direct.
Elyse felt a flare of annoyance and a small sigh of sadness at the callousness
of the man she had once considered a friend. But, she nodded, not willing to
argue anymore due to the craziness that has been happening ever since her
father…died.
So, she sat in the living room, watching as Erwin smiled and chatted briefly
while helping guests into their own cars as if he was a fucking perfect son-in-
law.
Elyse tore her gaze away, staring at her hands on her lap. Even when her own
family was in need, Erwin somehow had a way of inserting himself into the
picture.
She sighed, deeply, her thoughts turning to her children and a part of her just
wanted to be defiant and run up the stairs to be with them, but knowing fully
well that the kids need their naps or they'll be hell to pay, Elyse sucked it
up and sat still.
A figure moving towards her caught her attention, and she looked up,
expectantly. She was greeted by Ewin's gaze, and she also noticed that her
brother seemed to take over Erwin's escorting job.
"I see that you found a replacement." Elyse said, smiling at her own joke as
she watched her brother stiffly talk to guests.
"He's doing what he's supposed to do, Elyse. Unlike some people." Erwin
replied, stiffly, turning to walk towards the mini-bar to get a drink.
Elyse rolled her eyes. She should've known Erwin would somehow turn her joke
into a jab towards her.
"Oh? And what am I supposed to be doing, other than grieving and being a good
host?" Elyse asked, her tone turning into a taunt despite the glare that she
knew she was receiving from Erwin, even though his back was turned towards her.
And as she predicted, Erwin turned to face her, and his face was scrutinized
into a scolding glare, which seemed to anger her even more.
"It's not what you are supposed to be doing. It's what you were supposed to be
doing. Such as being a good wife and mother, not gallivanting with some
pathetic boy who can't even seem to choose whether he wants to be with you or
not in the public eye." Erwin stated, coolly.
Oh, that struck a nerve.
"You let me, you pompous jerk."
"I let you? I don't recall you telling me that you were going to meet with him
last time, and then for you, to come back and accuse me of things you have no
business—"
"No business? I have every right to know who I'm married to." Elyse hissed,
standing up angrily.
Erwin laughed at that, hollowly, his penetrable cool gaze making Elyse shiver
slightly.
"Me and you both, Elyse." He replied, smoothly.
And, for once, Elyse felt a stab of guilt as she recalled why they were like
this in the first place.
Before she could respond, a sound of pattering feet was getting closer and she
turned around, her heart starting to beat fast.
The sight of her three kids, smiling and giggling for her, made her heart melt
as she bent down and gathered them in her arms. She began to kiss foreheads and
cheeks, scrambling to hold them tightly against her.
And that's when everything around her disappeared, and she forgot about
everything that had tragically happened. All she could focus was on the fact
that she was finally reunited with her beloved children, and no one, not even
Erwin, could take that feeling away from her.
"Mama! I missed you!" Armin stated, placing his hands on her wet cheeks, and
that's when Elyse realized she had started crying.
It seemed to be weird to Mikasa because she tilted her pretty head,
quizzically, "Why are you crying, Mama?"
"It's because grandpa isn't here anymore, Mika." Eren whispered to his sister,
tugging at his sister's long hair.
And just like that, Elyse was amazed at how big her kids were getting. It was
only months ago that they were starting to talk and read slightly, but now…
Elyse ran a hand through Mikasa's silky hair, realizing how long it had gotten
since the last time she saw her daughter and her heart dropped a little at
that.
"Is that it, Mama?" Mikasa asked, grabbing her hand and placing a tiny kiss on
it, comfortingly.
Elyse nodded, slowly, ignoring the fact that Erwin sat down next to her,
another glass of alcohol in his hand.
"And I also missed you all so much." Elyse said, her voice breaking slightly.
Eren seemed to puff out his chest in a dramatic fashion, "Well, we're here now,
Mama! And we're going to make you happy now!" Eren stated, loudly.
A cough and a scolding gaze from Erwin made Eren smile sheepishly at his
father.
"Don't be so loud, Eren." Erwin admonished, placing a hand on Eren's head. Eren
nodded, his face slightly red.
"Well, well, look at this." A voice said, amused, and they all looked up and
the kids brightened up, instantly, as they saw who it was.
"Uncle Levi!" They chorused, running to the man as he welcomed them by kneeling
down to their level to embrace them individually.
Elyse watched them, smiling, as she relished in the view of her children and
her brother interacting. How long had it been since saw this? Had it really
been almost two months since she had been back in Paris with her kids?
That's when a sting to her heart happened as she remembered that her children
had also used to clamor around her father.
Who she was about to bury six feet under the ground next to her mother.
As if Erwin read her thoughts, Erwin cleared his throat, standing up and
placing his empty glass on the table. Everyone in the room turned to him, and
that's when Elyse noticed the slight sadness in Erwin's face as he announced
the heartbreaking truth of why they were gathered there in the first place.
"Let's get ready to go to the cemetery, shall we?"
===============================================================================
Elyse smiled as Mikasa rested her head on her lap. Eren and Armin were
animatedly talking to their uncle, and Elyse noticed that Erwin was too busy
looking at paperwork on his lap. So, that meant he was too busy to fight with
her, and Elyse was more than happy to have him distracted.
For the first time in months, Elyse felt at peace. And, she was going to enjoy
it even though it would only last a car ride.
They arrived at the burial site, and Elyse made sure the kids got out first,
safely, due to the press already being there. When she caught sight of them,
Erwin was already giving orders to Dieter and Mike through the phone since they
were in the car in front of them.
She even noticed how the kids huddled closer to Erwin as soon as they heard the
shouts outside the car. Elyse's heart went out to them, and she knew that Erwin
and her would always prioritize their lives before theirs as soon as Erwin's
gaze met hers.
The press began to take pictures, and Elyse felt a flash of annoyance as soon
as she saw a flash go off when the kids were out there being protected by
Dieter and Mike. As Erwin got out, Elyse was the last person in the car. She
opened the car door, and she looked up only to see Erwin holding out his hand
towards her, a practiced smile on his face.
But, for once, she could read what he was thinking. She could see what he was
planning.
In order to remained united in front of the world and their kids, they were
going to act once more even though it was going to be hard.
Yet, Elyse knew that it mostly would matter to her father, who they were about
to go pay their respects to.
So, placing a practiced smile of her own, Elyse placed her hand, the one heavy
with the ring he gave her, in his own burdened one, and she took her first step
out the car and towards the blinding light.
===============================================================================
As soon as she got out the car, Elyse felt Erwin's arm wrap around her waist,
making sure she was steadied before walking. Elyse grabbed his hand, tightly,
and Erwin squeezed back in reassurance as they faced the cameras.
"Elyse, look over here!"
"Is it true that you guys are separating?"
"Elyse!"
The calls and the questions made Elyse's stomach turn, and she was starting to
get a bit dizzy with all the flashes and the anxiety that was beginning to
build up within her.
A steady hold on her waist and a light pressure of Erwin's lips on her forehead
calmed her, and she leaned into the wanted affection as he kept walking.
She missed this. Throughout everything, she had missed his solid presence when
she needed him, but as soon as they left the press and he separated from her,
walking towards the kids to see if they're okay, she felt cold.
She remembered how much they mistrusted each other, how much secrecy that was
between them, and how much they couldn't stand each other.
And, just like that, she was cold.
Elyse bowed her head as the preacher prayed and ended his sermon. She knew it
was almost time for her brother to speak before they lowered the casket into
the ground.
She glanced at her brother as soon as everyone opened their eyes, and she
watched as he patted his left breast pocket in assurance. As if he knew she was
looking at him with concern, Levi looked in her direction, his narrowed gaze
cool and unreadable, before walking up to where the preacher once was.
Erwin, who was standing next to her, didn't even bother to glance at her as he
stared at Levi, his own unreadable gaze somehow comforting.
As her brother took the podium, Elyse took a deep breath and exhaled as
everyone sat down, readying herself for the tears that were sure to roll down
her cheeks.
"Today, you will all say goodbye to a man who has changed your lives. And, he
probably changed it for the good in his most terrible ways. Lord knows that the
man had the most irritating ways of being stubborn and obnoxious about helping
people since he somehow made it about himself at the end of the day," Her
brother began his speech, and Elyse felt her mouth open in shock at
the…bluntness of his goodbye to their father.
"But, what you may not know him for is that…he did every irritating little
thing because he wanted what was best for you. You see, I didn't know that. I
hated my father with every fiber of my being growing up because the man
wouldn't let me do whatever I wanted, so I did things that I didn't even want
to do just to anger him even more. It was typical rebellion, but it was twice
as more than typical because, you know, it's me."
Elyse smiled, slightly, shaking her head, joining the rest of them who laughed.
"But, my father…he would say he gave up on me or he would bring my sister in
our fights and she would have to be a mediator, thanks Elyse, but he never did.
He would secretly put money in my bank account when I thought I was truly going
to have my last meal. He would help me when I was too prideful to ask or just
too stubborn to realize that I did need his help…He was always there even when
we clashed with very important things. He wasn't perfect. But, I'm not either.
And, for some odd reason, that's what sucks the most. Because I won't hear him
argue with me or correct me, and I'll miss that the most."
Elyse could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, and she began to try and
blink them away.
"He won't…He won't try to be the most annoying father known to man anymore, and
he won't…be here for me anymore and, God, I just started appreciating him too…"
Elyse knew that her face was a wreck at this point, and even the handkerchief
she held on tightly was soaked. She didn't realize that Erwin's hand was on her
shoulder until he pulled her in and she found herself crying into his suit.
"I know that he'll be happy though. He's finally with the one person that loved
him the most, and that's what I know comforts my sister and me the most. Thank
you all for being here, and join my family and I as we say goodbye to the most
imperfect man that had the greatest impact in our lives." Levi stated, ending
his speech with a small stiff bow before returning to where Elyse was.
She stood up, immediately, hugging her brother, tightly, burying her face in
his shoulder.
And everyone looked on as the siblings held on to each other, letting them
mourn in their time of need.
===============================================================================
Elyse watched them shovel the dirt atop of her father's black casket, and she
turned to face the guests as they left, pasting a small smile on her face and
ignoring the fact that dirt was being placed atop of her father's casket.
As the last guest left, Elyse was surprised to find her brother pulling her
away.
"Elyse, I'm going to send you back with Erwin and the children back to Paris."
Levi stated, finally coming to an abrupt stop in the cemetery.
Elyse widened her eyes in surprise, "Wait, what? I don't think that's a good
idea…"
"The press should be keeping a distance for now. Erwin just told me that the
public isn't happy that the press was here today. They're crying out for your
privacy. Besides, it will be good for the public to also see that you and Erwin
are doing…okay. Don't give me that look, you know what I mean." Levi
admonished, pinching her cheek as she had grimaced at what he said about her
and Erwin.
"Listen, I don't think that this is a good idea because I still need to
finalize the paperwork about everything with you. Papa's will and all that
shouldn't be only done by you, and you know that." Elyse pointed out the flaw
in her brother's plan.
Levi sighed, but he nodded, slowly. It was too late though. Elyse saw the
annoyed hesitation in his eyes.
"What is this all about? Why do you want me to go back to Paris so soon?" Elyse
asked, suspiciously.
Levi looked at her, his gaze slightly amused yet sad at the same time, "I
thought…it would be good if you and Erwin could fix things. It's pretty weird
to see Mr. Commander all…riled up because of my little sister, who literally
can't hurt a bug."
Elyse paused for a moment before breaking out into a laugh, "Riled up? Erwin is
so annoyingly passive aggressive; I don't think you know the definition of
riled up. And, hey, I killed that ant two days ago, mind you." Elyse huffed,
pointedly.
Levi rolled his eyes, but he looked at her warily, "I guess…but that's not all.
I'm going to have a bit earlier than planned."
Elyse raised an eyebrow at him, "What do you mean?"
"I know that we have to figure out father's will and papers, but you might have
to do it alone because…duty calls." Levi finished that last part, warily,
watching her sister carefully.
Elyse felt like she had been hit by a truck. He couldn't be possibly talking
about…
"The specialized unit that I was a part of is calling me back to work on
something. I'm sure you've heard about Hange returning also—"
"Are you sure you can do it?" Elyse asked, interrupting her brother. Floods of
memories coming back to her as she remembered how her brother was when he came
back. Fear and shock was ruling her mind as she recalled every bit of her
brother's PTSD moments.
Levi placed his hands on either side of her arms, rubbing them reassuringly, "I
will be. Besides, I don't think it's as serious as it was before. We probably
are just recruiting and training new people. It won't be as bad."
"How do you know that?" Elyse asked, softly, her gaze now downcast as she
shuffled her feet.
She felt like she was ten again, saying goodbye to her brother as he tried to
reassure her that he would be fine and that he would return to her alive.
"I know because I have great people beside me. And, I can keep in contact this
time." Levi promised.
Elyse's eyes were beginning to water, but she nodded.
"When are you leaving?" Elyse asked, scared to hear the answer he was going to
give her.
"Next week, and you'll be leaving the week after, right?" Levi asked,
confirming the plan.
Elyse nodded, and she hugged her brother, tightly, burying her face in his
shoulder once more.
And, this time, her brother didn't say anything as he rubbed her back.
She truly felt like she was ten once again.
===============================================================================
Elyse couldn't sleep that night. She was having trouble due to everything that
had just happened. Her father buried, her brother leaving, and she would have
to talk to Erwin about everything soon.
It was all too much, and Elyse was almost close to picking up an empty glass
and pouring alcohol…Okay, maybe she already was drinking her fourth glass but
that didn't mean anything.
It wasn't as if Erwin was around anyways.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you everyone was asleep."
Speak of the devil and he will appear. Elyse thought to herself, bitterly, as
she took another swing of her glass.
She turned to her side as she acknowledged her husband for the night.
"It's fine." Elyse said, curtly, trying to control her voice since she knew it
would be a bit wavering cause, you know, alcohol.
Stupid alcohol.
Erwin seemed to also be surprised that she was drinking as he raised an eyebrow
at her, pointing at the empty glass that she was carelessly holding.
"Yes, I know. I've had a rough day, okay? Let me be reckless." Elyse hissed,
pouring alcohol into her empty glass and downing it again.
Erwin didn't say anything as he watched her, but the moment the glass was about
to slip from her hand, he got to where she was quickly and stopped the glass
from breaking as he grabbed it.
He also steadied Elyse as she swayed slightly.
"I'm fine." Elyse insisted, trying to push Erwin's arm away from her waist.
But, Erwin wouldn't budge.
"I think it's time for you to go bed." Erwin said, quietly. Elyse peered up at
him, and she scoffed at the soft look on Erwin's face.
She must be really drunk if she thought Erwin was actually being soft towards
her.
"What?" Erwin asked, confused. Elyse smiled and drunkenly patted his face.
"You don't have to pretend to be nice to me. I fucked up, and you want to keep
reminding me that I did. So, go ahead and keep being passive aggressive and
leave me be." Elyse sighed, finally pushing away Erwin's arm.
Erwin stared at her, and Elyse suddenly felt a bit flushed since she realized
what she just said. But, she didn't budge. Instead, she tried to steady herself
as she grabbed on to the railing of the patio.
But, she was stopped as the ground suddenly disappeared from beneath her and
she realized that Erwin was carrying her inside and up the stairs.
"I suggest that you keep quiet since everyone is sleeping, Elyse. Stop moving.
You won't be able to get free." Erwin hissed, quietly. Elyse still struggled,
ignoring the fact that Erwin had managed to bring her back inside the guest
room that Erwin was using.
Once she was placed down, Elyse growled at him.
"Stop that. You're not a dog, Elyse." Erwin sighed, scolding her with a look.
Elyse growled even louder just to irritate him even more.
Before she knew it, Erwin placed a glass full of water in her hands.
"Drink this and sober up." Erwin ordered, and Elyse couldn't help but obey due
to her inebriated state.
She noticed that as she was obeying, Erwin returned to papers that were placed
on the bed. Elyse turned to face him, placing the empty glass down on the
bedside table. She blinked and tried to focus on Erwin's face and she couldn't
help but notice the haggard lines on Erwin's face. That's when she felt the
guilt within her encourage the anger and resentment that she stubbornly held on
to.
"Why do you look like shit?" Elyse blurted out. Erwin didn't even blink or
twitch at her question.
"I've been dealing with a lot of things, Elyse. That's why I look like shit."
Erwin replied, easily.
"Oh? You're not going to talk about how you head to deal with the press because
of my fuck up? You're not going to talk about how you have to deal with the
company by yourself because of my fuck up? You're not going to blame me for
global warming for my fuck up?" Elyse asked, sarcastically, and she giggled as
she spread herself out on the bed, wiling to annoy Erwin more.
"Don't be ridiculous. Global warming isn't your fault." Erwin replied once
more, not even batting an eyelash as he paid attention to the papers on the
bed.
Getting even more irritated, Elyse sat up and she pushed all of Erwin's papers
off the bed. Erwin sighed, and he looked up after a moment of closing his eyes,
which made Elyse happy for winning.
"Yes, Elyse?" Erwin asked, and Elyse felt surprise at the shockingly calm face
that looked at her.
And, just like that, the feeling of missing him hit her, hard.
"…Do you really hate me, Erwin?" Elyse finally asked, softly. A part of her had
been aching to ask him that, and it had been hurtful whenever Erwin talked down
to her or glared at her. He had been a very big part of her life since the
moment she let him in her dorm room, and she had to pretend that he wasn't in
order to be angry and resentful too.
That question seemed to throw Erwin off, and he looked at her with a gaze that
Elyse could finally understand.
Hurt. Sadness. Anger. And above all, compassion.
"No, Elyse, I don't." Erwin finally answered, wiping a tears from Elyse's face.
She hadn't realized that she had started to cry.
"Then, why do you keep on holding on to one thing? I said I'm sorry and I've
been listening to what the next step should be whenever you order me to do
something because I feel horrible and I care about our family and I—"
"Because you're better than what you did, Elyse." Erwin said, interrupting her
with a hardened gaze.
Desperate to see his caring face once more, Elyse moved closer to him, which
seemed to surprise Erwin.
"Why do you keep putting me on a pedestal, Erwin? I'm human, just like you."
Elyse sighed, her hands going up to his bearded face.
She didn't notice that Erwin closed his eyes as she caressed his face.
"Because you're not like everyone else, Elyse. You're human, but you're
special. Don't you see that?" Erwin said, but Elyse didn't even know if she
heard that right.
She was too busy paying attention to his face, his still handsome face even
with the stress lines and the out-of-nowhere beard. Her eyes trailed down to
his lips, and that's when she just wanted to feel them on hers.
And, that's when she kissed him, hard.
She just wanted to feel wanted by him again, not hated and disgusted. She
wanted Erwin to be nice and caring towards her again. She was so tired of
fighting with him, and she just wanted to feel him.
She could feel the hesitancy and shock as he grabbed her arms, but she wasn't
going to let him break it off just yet. She missed being wanted and needed, so
she persisted.
She smiled triumphantly as she heard his moan as she used that to her advantage
to kiss him deeper.
Erwin's hands were now on her waist, and she knew that he was starting to cave
in and she was more than willing to be embraced and caressed by him.
God, she was infuriated with him, yet she was in need of him. It was the most
intense feeling she's felt about the man, and she thanked alcohol for enhancing
the feeling.
She felt Erwin pull her closer to him, and Elyse wrapped her legs around him,
instantly, and her body molded against his. He was finally responding to her
kiss, and she was enjoying every bit of it as he bit her bottom lip, making her
moan softly.
"Keep quiet, Elyse. This room isn't soundproof." Erwin ordered, lowly, as his
lips began to travel down the column of her neck.
Elyse moaned in response. Erwin growled, lowly, placing his hand over her mouth
as he continued his ministrations on her neck and collarbone. He used his other
hand to unzip her black dress. Elyse sighed as he groaned when he realized she
wasn't wearing a bra. He pulled the dress down, revealing her chest. Elyse's
half-lidded drunken gaze met Erwin's own lustful one as he began to kiss her
chest, knowing fully well that she's sensitive there.
Elyse arched her back, lying down on the bed, panting in Erwin's hand as she
moaned. Erwin bit her chest, sucking hard to leave marks all across her chest.
Elyse knew he was still frustrated with her, and Elyse welcomed his roughness.
She really needed to stop drinking alcohol. It was making her feel a bit too
risky.
She gasped when Erwin managed to remove her dress with one hand, his other hand
still on her mouth. Elyse's eyes rolled back as Erwin began to tease her
sensitive lips through her underwear.
Erwin removed that barrier as soon as she was ready for him. Erwin didn't even
bother to take off his own clothes as he simply pulled down his pajama bottoms.
Elyse saw that he was ready to take her, and bit his hand as he entered her,
roughly.
It had been months since she was intimate with him, so it hurt a bit since
Erwin wasn't really…average. But, as soon as he started to move, Elyse knew she
in ecstasy.
She arched her back, grabbing on to his hand as she moaned and sighed. She
opened her eyes and noticed that Erwin was looking at her, his gaze intense
and…possessive.
It wasn't long before she came hard and long, and she tightened around Erwin,
making the man follow right after her.
He hovered above her, removing his hand from her mouth. They were both panting
heavily for a moment.
Elyse blinked and that's when she realized that she just let herself fuck
Erwin. Not have sex or make love, they literally just hate-fucked each other.
That must have crossed Erwin's mind too because he sat up, tucking himself back
in his pajama bottoms and placing his elbows on his knees as he sat forward.
This is what you do when you get drunk, Elyse. You always somehow find a way to
fuck with Erwin Smith, you stupid girl. Did you forget that this man is a
fucking stranger to you? That he left his wife after she got an abortion for
him?
The resentment and hate were flying back within her, and Elyse felt herself
crying as she sat up too.
Erwin didn't say anything as he got up and picked up her dress and underwear.
He handed them to her, and Elyse took them, looking up at him with her tear-
streaked face.
Erwin wiped her cheeks, slowly, his gaze going back to unreadable.
"You sleep here tonight. I'll…be in the living room. I need to work on these
papers."
With that said, Erwin left with his papers and without another word.
===============================================================================
Elyse woke up the next day to a slight headache and a heart full of regret and
sadness. It didn't help that her brother informed her that Erwin had left to
fly back to Paris.
That sounds about right. You and him have hate sex and then he flies back to
Paris to get the hell away from you.
The bright side of things was that the kids were going to stay with her until
she had to leave which meant she wouldn't be lonely when her brother would
leave for the specialized Army unit.
Elyse let that sink in as she ate breakfast with her kids and brother.
She ignored the fact that the empty seat at the head of the table made her
heart sink just slightly.
===============================================================================
"Take care, okay?" Elyse pleaded with her brother as Levi adjusted his bag.
Levi sighed and nodded for the millionth time.
"I'll be fine, Elyse. It'syou I'm worried about." Levi pointed out, "I need you
to make amends with Erwin for the kids."
Elyse made sure that she didn't betray any emotion as her brother said Erwin's
name.
"It'll happen when it will happen." Elyse stated, forcing a smile. Levi stared
at her, but he nodded.
"Love you, Levi." Elyse said, hugging him once more.
"Love you too, Ely. And remember, don't let it be too late." Levi reminded her,
placing a kiss on her forehead.
Elyse froze at that, but she forced a nod. Levi left her to go to his nephews
and niece and say goodbye to them.
Elyse watched, but the last line her brother said to her didn't leave her mind
for a while.
===============================================================================
"Eren, please don't put your dirty feet on the coffee table." Elyse scolded
from the living room as she heard Eren laugh.
She smiled once she heard the resigned, "okay," from the patio. It had been two
days since her brother left, and the kids and her were going to pack soon for
Paris. She had enjoyed her time with the kids, and she enjoyed it even more to
share her childhood with them in her childhood home.
She had completely forgotten about her father's death, her brother leaving, and
Erwin.
Erwin.
He hadn't really talked to her, and whenever they did talk, it was only about
the kids. And then, she would hand the kids the phone. It had been a routine.
As if they were separated.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the doorbell rang. Elyse got up to get it,
grateful for the interruption. She had sent the help away, insisting they took
a day off since she wanted to distract herself.
Today went exceptionally well without the help and it's what Elyse expected
since she looked forward to being alone with her kids.
But, what she didn't expect was the person that was standing before her.
"Marie?"
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Don't hate me! I know, I know. You guys are going to clamor
     about how it took so long for me to update this, and that means this
     cliffhanger will slowly make you guys crazy. Have no fear! I will try
     to update ASAP. I promise! I'm keeping my promise of finishing this
     story, so there's a start, right?
     Comments are much appreciated because I just love hearing what you
     guys have to say!
     Once again, thanks for your support and love!
***** Unexpected Truths *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Hey guys! So, my senior year of college started, and I've been
     already busy so I'm very sorry to say that the updates will be very
     sporadic now. Don't worry, I promised I will complete this story.
     Anywho, I hope that your day is going well, and I hope that I've
     possible made it better with this update!
     Elyse is the only character I sporadically own, Isayama owns everyone
     else!
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
 
"Armin, help your brother with his homework please. Mikasa, go take your nap,
okay?" Elyse said to her kids, watching as they nodded obediently. Content with
their responses, Elyse bent down to place kisses on their head before turning
to go out the door. She smiled at them before she closed the door, and she
noticed that they were too busy to notice.
She sighed, all was well with them at least.
As the door clicked shut, Elyse turned to go downstairs, and that's when she
began to twist the engagement ring and wedding band on her finger as she began
to slowly descend from the stairs. She started to bite her bottom lip for good
measure, and she knew that from the metallic taste on her tongue that she had
slightly bit too hard.
She couldn't help it. She was too nervous to face the surprising guest that sat
in her childhood home's living room.
Or should she say, her husband's ex-wife was sitting in her, the new wife,
childhood home's living room.
When Marie's beautiful face had popped into her view moments earlier, Elyse
greeted the obvious timid woman with a small, hesitant smile of her own. Of
course, Elyse had been taken aback, and Marie seemed to expect that as she
bowed her slightly in apology.
"Hello, Marie…what brings you here?" Elyse asked, slowly, as if she couldn't
believe that her husband's ex-wife, the woman that had been pregnant with
Erwin's first child, was in front of her.
Marie looked up, hesitantly, and Elyse could see the hesitancy and shyness in
her baby blue eyes, and Elyse could tell that it took a lot of courage for
Marie to be standing where she was.
Taking pity on the woman, Elyse ushered the woman in, with a soft smile.
"Come in and take a seat in the living room. Would you like anything to drink
or eat?" Elyse asked, politely, as she closed the living room door.
"No, I, um, I'm okay. I would just like to talk with you if that's okay." Marie
said, softly.
Elyse was surprised at how soft Marie's voice was being. Back in Germany, when
Niles and Erwin talked to her, she had been normal and charming. But, then
again, that was before Elyse had completely found out about everything.
But, that didn't mean Marie knew that she knew, or did she? Was that why she
was here?
Elyse could feel a headache forming from all the curiosity. Shaking her head,
she tried to get her mind back on track as Marie was still staring at the
ground, shuffling her feet.
"Here, sit." Elyse said, gesturing towards one of the comfortable chairs in the
living room. Marie sat down on where Elyse had pointed, and she began to fidget
nervously once she was situated. Elyse had raised an eyebrow at that, but she
sat on the opposite chair, the coffee table in between them.
Elyse had opened her mouth to begin talking, but the sound of her children
running into the living room made her pause.
They were playing tag, and Elyse had looked at them, her gaze scolding. They
immediately stopped what they were doing, and they noticed that their mother
had a guest.
They bowed their head, sheepishly, as Elyse scolded them. It was then that
Elyse looked up at Marie to apologize, but the tearful gaze that was on Marie's
face as she stared at the kids hit Elyse with a pang of guilt.
She had forgotten about Marie's history with kids.
So, that's when she excused herself and the kids and brought them upstairs.
Now, here she was, about to talk to Marie about…what exactly?
That made her even more nervous and curious.
But, she had to face whatever this unexpected visit was anyways. And, maybe,
she could finally figure out Erwin's past, true or untrue.
Elyse pasted a small smile on her face as Marie looked up at her.
"Sorry about that. They can get a bit rowdy at times." Elyse apologized,
smoothly, as she sat down on the seat she had left moments ago.
Marie smiled at that, a bit sad, Elyse noticed, "Don't worry about it."
A moment passed between them and Elyse watched as Marie still fidgeted with her
hands on her lap.
"…Elyse…is it alright if I can call you that?" Marie finally asked, still
looking down at her hands on her lap.
Elyse laughed, lightly, at that, trying to hide also her nervousness at the
situation they were in, "Of course, Marie. That is my name."
Marie shifted at that, looking up to smile at her, but Elyse knew that it was
one that was strained.
"Well, my…fiancé, Niles, calls you Miss Elyse. I told him that it was a bit
weird, since you are a younger than us...oh please, excuse me, I didn't mean
any offense by that—"
"Marie, calm down. It's fine." Elyse reassured, feeling pity for the older
woman who was seated in front of her.
"Just call me Elyse since I've been calling you Marie." Elyse offered,
politely, trying hard to remain the level-headed one because Marie was really
proving that she wasn't at this point.
Marie nodded, shooting an apologetic look towards Elyse before lowering her
head once more to take a deep breath. She looked up after a round of breathing,
and she sighed. Her shoulders slumped for just a moment until she straightened
up after.
"I've come here because…I actually came here to talk to Erwin." Marie said, her
voice getting a bit stronger.
The memory of Marie stopping Erwin as Erwin and her were making their way to
the elevator up to their suite made its way in Elyse's mind.
"Oh, well, he's not here. He flew back to Paris the day after…the day after my
father's funeral." Elyse said, trying very hard to keep the bitterness out of
her voice at the reminder of Erwin.
But, the bitterness wasn't only from the reminder of Erwin himself, but the
little reminder in the back of her head that reminded her that the woman in
front of her had some relationship with him.
Make up your mind, Elyse. Do you hate the man or do you—
She cut off her thoughts by trying to focus on the matter at hand.
Marie didn't look miffed at being told that Erwin had left. In fact, much to
Elyse's surprise, Marie looked like she expected it.
"I know. The man has been avoiding me since we divorced." Marie stated with a
troubled sigh.
That surprised Elyse even more.
"I came here to talk to you because…well, because, I wanted to redeem myself in
some twisted sort of way." Marie stated, wincing a bit at the end of her
statement.
"I'm sorry, what? Redeem yourself?" Elyse asked, confused by Marie's statement.
"…It's a bit…sick about what I'm going to talk about, but I just…I really don't
know how to talk about it with Niles or even Erwin…or anyone really. But, you,
being married to Erwin and you having an inkling about Niles…Oh god, this is
just all wrong." Marie finally finished, getting up in a hurry.
A bit shaken and confused, Elyse stood up, too, leaning forward to take Marie's
shaking hands in her own steady ones.
Clammy, but steady.
"Marie, calm down, please. How about I get you a glass of water, maybe that
will help you relax?" Elyse offered, sympathetically.
Marie, visibly taken aback, looked down at their hands and then up into Elyse's
face, making Elyse flush at how serious she looked.
Marie's face softened and she laughed, softly, shaking her head, "What Niles
said was true. You are very kind, Elyse. Also, very mature. I mean, look at me,
I'm a mess."
The sound of Marie's genuine laughter made Elyse relax, also, and she flushed
even more at the compliments.
Marie sat down once more after patting Elyse's hands, gratefully, and Elyse
followed suit in her own chair.
"The first time I heard about you was over the news as I was eating dinner with
Niles. We were both shocked and surprised for a moment, but, only for a moment,
Erwin always was a very private man and you don't exactly know what's going on
in his head. But, him being married to a gorgeous woman would be one thing, but
being married to a sixteen year oldheiress out of the blue was very un-Erwin-
like."
Elyse blushed at that, remembering very well that she had been sixteen and,
well, pregnant.
"After my initial shock, I was very happy to hear that he had married…again,
and that he seemed very happy. Of course, Niles thought that Erwin had an
agenda in his mind, and…I had believed that at first. I mean, it did seem too
good to be true for Erwin to marry such a young, beautiful heiress," Marie
said, making Elyse blush even more, but Marie patted Elyse's hand, softly,
"But, that's when I saw you both at that ball in Germany. You looked absolutely
breathtaking on his arm, and Erwin…I've never seen him glow that way. Even when
he used to look at me."
That last line made Elyse widen her eyes as she almost forgot that Marie had
also used to attend balls with Erwin.
"Oh…well, I don't know what to say, Marie. If you can understand that this is a
bit awkward…I didn't even know he had been married, if I'm being truly honest.
It wasn't until your husband had mentioned it to me when we were dancing."
Elyse admitted, feeling sympathetic towards the woman.
Maybe Erwin had left to avoid Marie, not her. The sick, twisted feeling of
triumph gave her a small high, but Elyse forced herself to shove that feeling
down, guiltily.
Marie didn't even seem phased by that as she nodded, understandingly.
"I don't blame Erwin for not telling you about…that part of his life. He had
been trying to find himself when I first met him, and of course, he was just as
handsome as he is now at the time. Younger, understandably, and filled with
life, I felt myself being drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He was sitting
at a bar that I had been a barista at for a while when I first saw him. He had
been coming with his army comrades at night after a tiring day of training.
Women would throw themselves at him, and I would be curious as I saw him
politely reject them while his other comrades were enjoying the attention of
the women. Niles was part of that group. I actually was acquainted with him
because of our parents, so that's why Erwin and them were always going to my
bar. It wasn't until a bar brawl happened that Erwin and I actually talked to
each other. Two men were fighting each other, drunkenly, and I had stepped in
to stop it. Of course, they didn't care and they threw me to the side. Erwin
stopped the men from trying to hit me, and he actually knocked them out and
even dragged them out of the bar. I was taken, then. He smiled at me, and I
felt like those women who wanted to throw themselves at him immediately." Marie
began, shaking her head, amused.
Elyse couldn't help but feel slightly amused by it also, even though a twinge
of jealousy unnerved her. That did sound like something Erwin would've done.
"And, that's when I began to talk to him, openly. He smiled when I joked with
him, and he was always the gentleman whenever we would go on dates. Women, who
had initially tried to get with him, were jealous of me because I was the first
and only woman he brought out from what they knew about the mysteriously
charming Erwin Smith. I felt like I was on a pedestal, like I was the most
important person in the world because of him."
Sounds familiar.Elyse thought to herself, slightly bitter. She knew that Marie
was the first woman Erwin was married to, but it still hurt that he never told
her about it.
"It was until after a couple of months of dating that he proposed to me, and I
gladly accepted. He was then showing me off in ballrooms and such, and I found
myself in love with my status as Erwin Smith's wife, that I didn't realize one
thing." Marie stopped after a moment, her gaze seeming far-off.
"What didn't you realize?" Elyse asked, softly, trying to ignore the pangs of
jealousy she had been feeling throughout Marie's story.
Marie half-smiled at Elyse before looking down at her hands on her lap, "I
didn't realize that we were in love."
Elyse paused at that, and the guilt for feeling guilty was replaced with
tremors of surprise and shock.
"In love?" Elyse asked, dumbly.
Marie nodded, looking up at Elyse then. Elyse could see the happiness in
Marie's eyes dim into some sort of emotion of remorse.
"A man like Erwin Smith can give you the world, and you won't even notice that
he's holding something back from you. It was like that for us for a while. I
was busy being blinded by all the glitz and the glamor what he offered me. I
didn't have to work nor did I have to worry for him leaving me. He was handsome
and dutiful, and he never neglected me. That was until he called me to his
office to tell me his news."
Elyse could hear the hardness in Marie's voice, and she dreaded what was going
to happen next in Marie's story.
It sounded eerily familiar.
"He told me he was going to the Army to take a Commanding position. I was
floored. I had thought he left the Army behind as soon as he married me. Yet,
here he was, telling me that he had signed up for another term. I was at a lost
to what I felt. Erwin apologized, but I could see that he didn't truly feel
sorry. His fingers twitched as if he couldn't wait to go pack. So, I let him. I
helped him pack, I watched him leave, and I waited for him to come back home."
"He came back home after his term, and I felt relieved. I thought that he would
stay for good now, and that he had his fill of the Army. Imagine my horror when
he simply came home just to tell me that he was leaving once more. That's when
all the loneliness and confusion hit me. I accused him of marrying me only just
to leave me. He fought back, saying that I should've known who he was when I
agreed to marry me. And, he was right. But, at that time, it got me more
frustrated. I told him that he manipulated me to marry him, and that I never
wanted to see him again."
Marie paused then, taking a deep breath, and Elyse watched as Marie played with
an engagement ring on her finger before she continued.
"We left it at that, and Erwin left to go to the Army once more. I felt
horrible after a while, and I wrote to him, apologizing to him, telling him
that I was wrong and that we could work this whole Army thing out. He wrote
back, saying the same things, and he promised to be home soon. But, that didn't
stop the loneliness within me. I...I was visited by Niles one day, and he made
me feel...wanted and loved once more, and that's when we started an affair."
Elyse felt her mouth drop open at that, but she remembered that Niles had
alluded to that in the way he talked about how their relationship had started.
It would make sense also since Niles and Marie wasted no time in getting
engaged from what she heard.
"Erwin came home to visit, and I pretended that everything was okay. I was a
good wife, and it seemed that we were back to normal. He was about to leave for
another stunt in the Army, but…that's when I found out I was with child.
Elyse closed her eyes. She knew this part. Niles told her this part, and she
had never looked at Erwin the same again.
"I knew that it wasn't Erwin's."
Elyse opened her eyes, shocked at what she just heard.
"W-wait, what?" Elyse asked, not sure if she heard it right.
"I know, I know. Horrible—"
"No, can you repeat what you just last said." Elyse said, exasperated, trying
to catch her breath and calm her beating heart.
"I-I knew the child wasn't Erwin's. It was Niles'." Marie stated, hesitantly,
watching Elyse warily.
"O-Oh." Elyse managed to say, but she was sure that she looked as if a ghost
just appeared before them.
Marie stared at her, concerned, "Are you okay, Elyse?" She asked, quietly.
Elyse nodded, slowly, "Yes, yes, I'm just a little overwhelmed."
By the fact that your story is drastically different than your husband's.
Elyse didn't know what to do with the bombshell she just heard. Niles had
said…Niles had said that Marie had been pregnant with Erwin's child. What was
going on?
"Please, Marie, continue." Elyse managed to spit out, hoping that she didn't
seem overly exasperated for her to continue.
Marie nodded, slowly, her eyebrows raised slightly.
"W-Well, I didn't know what to do. I didn't tell Niles. I was too afraid to
tell him. And, I-I didn't want to lose Erwin. Besides, Erwin seemed overjoyed,
as if the light that I could never see in his eyes when he looked at me
returned when he saw that positive pregnancy test in the trash. Then, I told
Niles that we had to end whatever we were doing. But, it was too late for me. I
had fallen in love with Niles, but I couldn't…I couldn't betray Erwin. He gave
me everything. He gave me a life that I was content with, even if…even if we
were strained. So, that's when Niles came up with a plan. He said that I would
have to abort the child then. If it wasn't truly Erwin's and it was his, then
he couldn't live with the lie. So, I aborted the baby. I came up with the story
of a miscarriage in my head, and that's when I called Niles to the house to
tell him about the story I made up. That's when Erwin opened the door to the
living room, his face showing that he heard every word that I had told Niles."
Elyse shuddered, thinking of how heartbreaking this whole story was starting to
sound. Marie, stuck in a loveless marriage with someone she did care about yet
in love with one of his friends. Niles, forced to abort his child so he could
make Marie happy and save Erwin from heartbreak. Erwin, the mysterious enigma
finding out about the affair and the baby was never his.
It all sounded too much like a soap opera, one that Elyse would've hated and
never wished up anyone.
But, what made her even more lost and frustrated was the fact that Niles' story
didn't sound like that. He made it sound like Erwin was the villain, when Marie
was the one who is deeming herself the villain in the story.
Elyse didn't know who to believe.
Enough was enough. Elyse wanted the truth.
"So, what happened next?" Elyse asked, prodding for Marie to continue.
"Well, Erwin didn't say anything to me since he moved out the next day, and the
last thing I heard was that he left for another Commanding position and I was
sent divorce papers. I felt like…I had no right to question what he was doing.
He…gave me so much more in the divorce than I deserved, even saying that it was
his fault. For some odd reason, he had the papers saying that Iwanted the
divorce due to abandonment which gave me more than enough for me to set up an
Estate of my own in Germany. It was if…he blamed himself for not being there
for me." Marie ended the story, her eyes now downcast as she stared at her
hands once more.
Elyse didn't know what to say. What was she supposed to say?
"That's why…when I saw him, looking happy and comfortable, I admit I was
jealous. I couldn't give whatever it was that you gave to him, but I know that
we weren't in love now." Marie said, looking up at Elyse, offering her a half-
smile.
"What makes you say that?" Elyse found herself asking, softly.
"Because he's different around you. He shows you off, yes, but he…shines when
he's around you. He never stops looking at you. He's…in love with you, Elyse.
I'm truly happy that he is happy with you, Elyse. Lord knows that Erwin isn't a
saint, but he's a man who deserves to be happy." Marie stated, smiling at her.
"Like I said, I came here to talk to Erwin, just so I could apologize
thoroughly and tell him that I am happy that he is happy. I'm sorry that you
were caught up in this, but I just couldn't stay quiet anymore, now that I
heard that he's going to leave for another Commanding position soon." Marie
stated, sighing.
Elyse froze at that.
"I'm sorry?" Elyse asked, softly.
Marie blinked in surprise, "Niles told me that Erwin just recently accepted a
Commanding position…I'm sorry I thought you knew."
Elyse felt the ground beneath her disappear and her breathing began to grow a
bit shallow. Was the room spinning or was she?
A knock at the door made Elyse snap back into attention. She could feel Marie's
concerned look as Elyse got up to answer the door.
Elyse's hazel eyes widened as she saw the unexpected guest in front of her.
Niles Dok bowed his head slightly as he smiled down at Elyse.
"Hello, Miss Elyse. It's nice to see you again." Mr. Dok greeted, politely.
How could she have been so blind. She could see the glint of mischief in his
narrowed eyes as he looked at her. She tightened her fists, as Niles looked
over her shoulder to stare at his fiancé who looked surprised at his presence.
"Hi, my dear. I heard from the help that you came to visit the Smiths and I
thought I would stop by to pick you up." Niles stated, greeting his wife.
Oblivious at the obvious tenseness between her fiancé and Elyse, Marie stood up
and walked to where they were. She greeted her husband with a kiss on his
cheek, and Elyse could feel Niles' gaze on her as Elyse looked away, trying to
be polite amidst all the revelation she heard today.
"Why don't you wait in the car, my dear? I would like to talk to Miss Elyse for
a moment." Niles suggested, gesturing towards the black town car parked in
front of Elyse's childhood home.
Marie nodded. She turned to Elyse and grabbed her hands, "Elyse, thank you for
hearing me out. Thank you…for being so kind, really."
Elyse pushed back all the confusing emotions down to regard the woman in front
of her. She genuinely smiled back at Marie and placed two kisses on each sides
of her cheek as a goodbye.
"It's not your fault, Marie. It takes two, I hope you know that." Elyse
whispered in Marie's ear, not wanting Niles to hear what she wanted to tell
Marie throughout it all.
"…You are really very kind, Elyse. I do hope we can be friends amidst all
this." Marie whispered back, hugging Elyse.
Marie waved, slightly, as she walked towards the car. As Marie disappeared from
view, Elyse turned to Niles.
"You lied to me." Elyse hissed, angrily. A huge load of emotions unleashed as
Elyse turned to the man who was just as mysterious as her husband, possibly
worse.
"I didn't lie. I simply tweaked parts of the story." Niles replied, smoothly,
facing Elyse with a small unreadable smile.
"You…How dare you. You made it seem that—"
"Erwin was at fault? Of course, I did. I wouldn't have Erwin back in the Army
if it weren't for you, Elyse." Niles said, his glinting eyes showing what Elyse
needed to see to have Elyse grab Niles' arm.
"You fucking—"
"I did what needed to be done. You think I wanted to lie to you about something
so sensitive? I got my orders from the top. They told me that for some odd
reason that Erwin Smith was refusing to take his Commanding position at this
important time because of his little wife and children."
"You make it sound like that's a crime." Elyse hissed, through gritted teeth.
"It is when it comes to family, Elyse. This specific case has to do with what
happened to your uncle, Eren's true biological father." Niles reasoned, his
voice growing a bit soft as he informed Elyse.
Elyse let go of Niles' arm in shock. The memory of Erwin and Levi talking about
it in the limo when they had been in Germany. Her father talking about how he
wanted them to stay away from their uncle as children.
It was starting to make sense, yet it ended up being more confusing.
"Erwin initially refused because we didn't have any evidence that your uncle
was involved with the case, but when we did, he was about to ask you for
permission to leave. But, your little publicity stunt over Braun Lexington was
the perfect opportunity to plant the seed for that lie. You believed that Erwin
Smith wasn't the man you thought he was. You pushed him away, and you can take
care of your children. So, Erwin took the job without any complication." Niles
stated, with a sigh.
"…I wouldn't have denied him to leave for the Army." Elyse stated, in horror.
"That's the thing, Miss Elyse. I think Erwin knew that, so that's why he didn't
think of leaving. He wanted to stay with you and your children. The higher ups
couldn't lose their best Commander, so they did what they had to do." Niles
explained, and Elyse swore that she could see pity in his eyes as he bowed his
head in apology.
"I truly am sorry, Miss Elyse, that it came to this. But, I can tell you this.
I've never seen Erwin Smith in this refreshing light. He seemed like a good
husband and a good father, I'm sorry that the greater good has taken that away
from you." Niles offered, before turning his back in goodbye.
Elyse watched Niles' walk away, and she couldn't find the strength to wave back
as Marie waved goodbye.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse reached his voicemail for the tenth time that night, and she threw the
phone down on her bed in frustration.
She couldn't think. She couldn't breathe.
She had to have the help tuck the kids in bed, claiming that she had been
light-headed, which she was.
She was tired. She was frustrated. She was shocked.
She didn't know what to do. Should she take the kids and fly them back to Paris
with her? But, the press would be there, and that would be terrible since she
didn't discuss that with Erwin. Should she leave a voicemail? But, then waiting
for Erwin to call back would be brutal.
It was if she was stuck in questioning mood and then slamming it down mood.
God, everything was so messed up. She just found out that Marie, poor Marie,
was the one who had cheated only because Erwin made her feel lonely, which
Elyse could understand. She found out that Niles had lied to her under order
from the fucking higher ups in the Army just so they could have Erwin back in
their fucked up arms. She found out that Erwin wasn't to blame at all, and she,
being the wife of Erwin, didn't trust him.
She could see the reason why he never told her about that past. She would've
felt horrible, and she would pity him. Erwin didn't like pity. But, then she
could see that he would be scared of doing the same exact thing to her.
Elyse closed her eyes as she laid down on her bed, willing for sleep to calm
the madness in her mind.
===============================================================================
 
Three weeks.
THREE WEEKS.
Erwin hasn't contacted her in three weeks. It was enough to make Elyse grow
mad. The kids kept her busy, but it didn't help that they kept asking where
their father was and why hasn't he called in forever.
She felt horrible as she saw the drawings of her children. One had a drawing of
Erwin carrying them. One had a drawing of them as a family. One had a drawing
of Erwin and Maus, their beloved cat back home.
It was all too much.
Sighing, Elyse watched as her kids ran around in the backyard. They were
supposed to be home in Paris at this time, but Dieter had told them that the
press wasn't backing off and that, as their bodyguard, that he thought it was
safe for them to stay put until Erwin would say otherwise.
Too bad Erwin wasn't saying anything.
It was already bad that it was flu season in Germany, and the kids had gotten
it the week before. They had just started feeling better, but that meant Elyse
would get it too.
And, true to her intuition, Elyse had started vomiting yesterday, so she opted
to stay in the shade on the patio as her kids had their fun.
She stared at Eren as he took the lead to build mud pies, and she couldn't help
but think of the secret case that Niles had talked about.
It worried her. All the friends she had made, Hange, Gunther, Eld, and Petra,
have all gone away. It was unreal.
"Miss Elyse, you have a visitor at the door. Mr. Dieter insisted that you go
see to him." The butler informed her, bowing in greeting.
At the sound of "him", Elyse didn't dare to hope, but she could feel the light
feeling in the bottom of her gut.
She got up, a bit weakly since she was still feeling a bit sick, but she smiled
and walked into the living room.
Her hopes were dashed and replaced with rage as soon as she saw who it was.
"What are you doing here, Braun?" Elyse asked, her voice tight.
Braun, who was nervously shifting on his seat, looked at her, hopefully. He
stood up, immediately, as Elyse walked to the seat opposite of his.
She glared at him until he shifted to look down at the floor, which gave her a
slight victory.
"Where's Dieter?" Elyse asked, noticing that her bodyguard wasn't around.
"I asked him if he could just watch your kids. I don't feel comfortable with
him being around with what I have to say." Braun explained, softly.
"You had no right, but sure. You get whatever you want, anyways." Elyse said,
smoothly, letting her passive aggressive statement sink in.
"Elyse, look, I'm sorry, okay? I know what I did. I know that it was wrong."
Braun pleased, his sorrowful gaze begging for her to forgive him.
"Do you? You almost cost me everything, Braun. And you know what? Your
information was alie, which ultimately lead to you running my family. My father
is dead, Braun. My husband is off going to some war with my brother. All
because you let a man lie to me." Elyse hissed, angrily.
"Lie? Commander Niles lied?" Braun asked, shocked.
Elyse didn't let herself feel guilty. She didn't care if Braun did know or not
that Niles lied. All she cared about was the fact that this man was her poison,
and she wanted him gone.
Braun stood up, and he approached her. Elyse weakly stood up, ready to push him
away, but when he grabbed her arms, she could barely push him away. She had
underestimated her strength.
God, she hated being sick.
"What is this." A deep voice growled from the entrance of the house. Elyse
froze, so did Braun.
Elyse turned to her side, and she was greeted by a very, veryangry Erwin Smith.
"I meant what I said in my press conference, Braun. Show your face, and I will
make sure that you won't dare try to show it again." Erwin hissed, angrily,
walking up to the frozen pair.
Elyse saw, for the first time, that Erwin was wearing a very familiar Army
uniform. His hair was neatly parted, and his beard was gone, making him look
younger than before. He stood straight and tall, his arms tucked behind his
back.
He looked domineering and menacing.
"Erwin, I didn't mean—"
"Leave. Before I change my mind with letting you get out of here, unscathed."
Erwin ordered, walking up towards them.
Braun hesitated, and he looked down at Elyse. She looked away, and he let go of
her.
With one last hesitant look, Braun left, the door shutting behind him with a
slam.
Elyse looked at Erwin, her throat closing up all of a sudden. He didn't look at
her, instead he began to look around the room, as if searching for someone.
"Erwin-"
"Where's Dieter?" Erwin asked, interrupting her. He looked at her then, and
Elyse shuddered at his cold, hardened gaze.
"He-He's watching over the kids." Elyse answered, softly.
Erwin scoffed, "Of course, the lovely couple needed their alone time as
always."
Elyse widened her eyes at that, "No, Erwin, it wasn't like that."
She knew that her attempt was feeble because Erwin walked past her to go to the
patio, and she could feel the hardness of his muscle push her back, slightly.
But, he didn't pause.
Elyse watched his broad back walk away from her, and she watched as he bent
down on the patio as the kids squealed and ran to hug him. Her heart tightened
as she saw Erwin's face drastically change into a warm gaze.
He looks at you differently. Yeah, right, Marie, Niles. I don't know what
you're seeing, but that man was not looking at me like that.
Elyse could feel the coldness of her loneliness wrap around her as she heard
the laughter from afar.
===============================================================================
 
Dinner was a quiet affair for Elyse due to the fact that it was the children
chattering among themselves with Erwin responding in amusement.
"Mama taught me how to plie, Papa!" Mikasa suddenly exclaimed.
"Did she now?" Erwin asked, not even bothering to look up at Elyse as he smiled
at Mikasa.
"Yeah, she said that she learned it in the opera house that you bought for her
when she was my age!" Mikasa continued, ecstatically.
Elyse could feel her heart break at that, and she didn't know whether she
should say anything in response, afraid that Erwin would reply with something
with a double-edged sword effect.
"Is that true, Elyse?" Erwin asked from across the table, and it took all of
her willpower not to choke on her soup.
She coughed a little, as she looked up, a bit flushed, "Y-yeah, it's true.
She's a natural, of course."
She stared at Mikasa, proudly, and her eyes landed on Erwin, who was staring at
her. She smiled, slightly and softly, at him.
For a moment, she swore she saw him smile back.
Elyse groaned as soon as she closed the door to the kids' room. They had been
asking questions about why their father was in his Army uniform, but Elyse
didn't feel right to answer their questions without Erwin in the room.
Erwin had excused himself to answer his phone, and he hadn't returned for
bedtime with the kids, so she assumed the position.
Once she closed the door, Elyse was walking towards her room, ready to just
fall asleep. But, she stopped when she noticed that her father's office door
was opened.
She walked towards the office, and she could make out Erwin's figure in the
moonlit room. He was standing in front of the huge window, straight and rigid.
She walked in, without even thinking about any consequence. She just wanted to
talk to him. She needed to talk to him.
"Hey." Elyse greeted, and she watched him turn around, his bright blue eyes
shining even more in the moonlit room.
"Are the kids asleep?" He asked, tiredly. Blinking, Elyse was surprised that
Erwin didn't bother to fight with her.
"Yes, they are. How was your phone call?" Elyse asked, softly, trying to tread
carefully.
"The usual. Press, work, and Army." Erwin stated, stoic.
Elyse bit her lip and nodded. Not even sure where she should start or begin,
she began to turn around, defeated.
"Elyse, come here." Erwin demanded, from behind her. Elyse widened her eyes and
she turned back around, surprised. He still had a cold gaze, but she was
craving to talk to him without fighting. She felt horrible about what she
accused him of, and she wanted to explain herself.
But, more than anything, she wanted to make sure they were okay before she said
anything.
She obeyed and walked towards him, and she found herself standing in front of
him, staring up at him, not knowing what to expect.
"I heard that…Marie was here. And, then Niles. So, I assume that you know about
what's going on." Erwin stated, informingly.
"You're leaving to the Army. Why didn't you tell me?" Elyse asked, softly, her
heart pounding with how close Erwin was to her.
The last time they were this close…A blush rose to Elyse's cheeks, and she
shook her head slightly.
"Well, I was going to tell you today, but I guess the Doks did it for me."
Erwin stated, amused.
Elyse couldn't see the humor in it.
"That's not funny, Erwin. What am I supposed to tell the kids?" Elyse asked,
worried.
"I told them back in Paris already, Elyse." Erwin stated, with a sigh.
Elyse didn't expect that. Elyse closed her eyes as the realization hit her. She
was officially the last person to know that her husband was leaving.
"Oh, I see." Elyse stated, stiffly.
It was quiet between them, and Elyse didn't even want to bother apologizing to
him anymore. It was a lost cause anyways. He was still being resentful, so what
was the point?
"I don't how long I will be gone, but I hope that you will take care of the
kids and everything else well, okay?" Erwin asked, as if he was talking to a
little girl.
Elyse just nodded, numbly.
"…Elyse…nevermind. Goodnight." Erwin said, dismissively.
That was the final straw.
"I know, Erwin, okay? I know that I was wrong in believing whatever bullshit
Braun accused you off. Marie came here, wanting to talk to you, wanting to
apologize to you like an adult. Instead, she ended up sharing her story about
your marriage. She had felt lonely, and you know what? I don't exactly blame
her for feeling that way. God, you're such a pretentious asshole sometimes that
you don't see that you don't need to put me on some sort of pedestal. Because,
you know when you do, you will be disappointed. I fucked up, I know that. But,
I'm not Marie. I gave you Armin. I gave you Eren and Mikasa, and I never
betrayed you without your permission. Yes, I was an idiot for thinking that
Braun was different, but God, I'm an idiot. I'm not a saint. And, so are you.
You're an idiot, also, because you don't trustme because of some woman who lied
to you. Niles told me that the higher ups had wanted you badly, so they used me
to push you, and I'm sorry that I blindly let that happen, but enough is
enough. I'm not some woman you had to marry because you knocked me up. I'm
Elyse, someone who truly cares about you and can't stop thinking about how she
fucked your life up every damn day."
Elyse could feel herself gasp for air, and she could tell that she thoroughly
had surprised Erwin, who was looking at her as if she grown two heads all of a
sudden.
She didn't even bother to say anything else. She turned to walk away, but a
gentle tug on her hand made her turn around.
She looked up at him, expectantly, hoping that her outburst would make Erwin
finally forgive her. Maybe, before he left, they could be normal and actually
say goodbye properly.
Instead, Elyse found papers in her hand.
"…Take care of yourself, Elyse." Erwin whispered, before pressing a light kiss
on her forehead.
He left, and Elyse, getting over her shock, looked down at her hands.
The words, DIVORCE, glaring at her.
The post-it on it with the perfect cursive that belonged to only him made tears
roll down her cheeks.
It didn't help that it said, "I'm sorry. –Erwin."
===============================================================================
 
Elyse watched as Erwin said goodbye to the kids. She watched as they cried and
whimpered, as Erwin placed kisses on their foreheads and rubbed their backs in
comfort.
"I'll be back soon, okay? Until then, eat well and study well. Also, take care
of your mother." Erwin stated, softly.
The kids nodded their heads in obedience. Erwin got up, and he walked towards
her, his gaze unreadable as always.
"Goodbye, Elyse." Erwin stated, softly. Elyse simply nodded, not trusting her
own voice.
It didn't help when he grabbed her hand and placed a small kiss on the back of
it.
"Old manners never die." Erwin whispered, offering a heartbreaking smile.
Elyse didn't have to power to return it back
===============================================================================
 
The Parisian Estate was just as beautiful as always. Had it really been only
three months since she had last been here?
The kids, of course, didn't seem to take it in just as hard as she did. They
had only been gone for a couple of weeks.
Elyse took a deep breath as she stepped out of the car, embracing the sound of
the waves crashing against the rocks and the smell of the crisp fall air.
Dieter smiled at her, and she smiled back in thanks as he handled her luggage.
"Miss Elyse!" A voice called, and Elyse turned around and saw Nifa and Isabelle
running towards her. She opened her arms as the women giggled and ran into her,
hugging her tightly.
Elyse may have been gone for a while, but she truly felt like she had never
left.
===============================================================================
 
Maus rested on her lap, lazily, as she read the newspaper outside in the
backyard. She read about the upcoming production in the theatre and she was
excited about it. She finally got back to work a week ago, and she knew that
the company had missed her greatly.
Especially Freida, who had hugged her and kissed her face while crying.
The kids were back in school, and Elyse missed them sometimes, but she couldn't
help but embrace the alone time she had been having.
Her brother had written a letter, and from what she read, Elyse knew that he
didn't know…yet. The orange packet filled with…those papers were sitting on her
bedroom table, untouched and unsigned.
She was too busy burying herself in the theatre work, and the press was eating
up the fact that Elyse was finally out and about.
The kids were still hiding from the press, and Dieter was officially assigned
to them too as a bodyguard, hence the quietness and loneliness of the Estate.
Nifa and Isabelle were actually running things back in Erwin's office downtown.
She still had security on the premises, but they were too busy protecting the
premises to ever bother her.
Yawning, Elyse got up, and she stood up, making Maus whine as he stepped off
her lap.
She smiled at that, but suddenly, a dizzy spell took over her and all she could
see was black soon after.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse groaned as she woke up. Her vision was blurred, but as she blinked, she
realized that she was in an impeccable white room, that ironically reminded her
of her father's old office back in New York City.
"Hello, Mrs. Smith." A cordial voice greeted her as she sat up. It wasn't until
now that Elyse realized that she was in a…hospital. A doctor was smiling at
her, and she tilted her head to the side, confused.
"Hello…? What happened?" Elyse asked, confused, as she looked around.
"Well, your security found you on the ground in your backyard. They said you
had fainted, so they called for an ambulance. Don't worry, your help is outside
with your children." The doctor informed her, gently.
"Oh, I see…Is there something wrong with me, Doctor?" Elyse asked, worriedly.
She was confused as to why the doctor even had a smile on his face as he talked
about her fainting.
"Oh, no, quite the contrary! Congratulations are in order, Mrs. Smith." The
doctor informed her.
"Congratulations…?" Elyse asked, already feeling the dread rising within her.
"Yes! You're pregnant!"
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Hi guys, Bye guys. Comment, guys. AHHHHHHH!
***** Perspectives *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Hey guys! An update for you lovely readers and supporters. I
     ended in yet another cliffhanger, and of course, I didn't want to
     award such dedicated readers with that. So, here's my ASAP update
     that I hope will satiate your appetite for more.
     I own Elyse. I own nothing else.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
 
"I asked you a question, cadet. I expected an answer, not a stutter."
Levi watched as Erwin spoke to the trembling cadet in front of them. He
narrowed his gaze as he watched Erwin lean forward, his domineering form
looming over the green-looking cadet.
"Yes, sir." The cadet replied, and Levi had to commend him for getting back on
his feet.
Levi turned to face Erwin, expecting the man to be pleased, yet he was
surprised to see the Commander being even more annoyed.
"Give me a hundred, cadet." Erwin commanded, and he left the sweating cadet
behind. Levi watched, silently, and once the cadet obeyed his instructions,
Levi followed Erwin outside.
Erwin entered his tent, and Levi followed after nodding at the men who guarded
it. Levi was even more surprised at the sight of Erwin, already, leaning over a
huge table with a map on it, concentrated.
"Tell Hange that I expect a full report about how many injured we have in ten
minutes." Erwin said, not even looking up to acknowledge Levi.
Levi raised an eyebrow at that order, "They gave you a full report about a hour
ago. I don't think anything has changed, unless doctors now have magical
healing powers."
Erwin didn't look amused. "I don't care, Levi. I want a full report."
Levi sighed, inwardly, at that, and he studied Erwin, carefully.
It had been only three months since they all had gathered here to complete the
mission that they had been assigned to from their superiors. It was also a
touchy one, since it had involved his uncle's death. So, when Erwin arrived,
everyone had breathed a sigh of relief.
The dream was short-lived as soon as Erwin began to show signs of…un-Erwin-like
shit.
It was as if the man went on maximum overdrive one day. He went from being
level-headed and respected to over-worked and cold the next couple of months.
Levi tried to wrap his head around it when he overheard cadets complain, but he
didn't think anything of it until Hange and Petra had cornered him about it.
They told him to do something about it. The cadets were being pushed over, and
it didn't make sense for Erwin to overwork people.
Levi did confront him one day, and Erwin had simply told him that this mission
was vital and Levi understood that.
Yet, the look in Erwin's eyes made Levi a bit curious.
He was mad, not mad as in angry, but mad as in too focused.
Levi had left it at that, but it just made Erwin even worse. He didn't talk to
any of them anymore. The only time he talked to them was to talk about plans
and orders which confused them.
He was a one-man show. Levi had brought it up to the superiors, but, of course,
the old fuckers were praising Erwin's work ethics, and that he was the reason
that the mission was getting any work done.
It made Levi sick.
Sometimes, Levi thought that the reason may be homesickness, but it didn't make
any sense since the last time Erwin received any mail was when it had to do
with the business back in the countries.
If he thought about it, Elyse hadn't written to him since he had sent her a
letter a few months ago, talking about how he had made it safely and that
everyone sent their regards to her and the kids.
But, could that be it?
The relationship between Erwin and Elyse had always been…complicated.
Especially when Braun Lexington had been involved. Yet, Levi could see that
they prioritized their kids above it all. Maybe that was it? Erwin was a good
father when it came down to it, so maybe he missed them?
That was no excuse though for him to overwork the young cadets. Erwin wouldn't
be that cruel.
Shaking his head, watching Erwin shuffle a couple papers, Levi decided to take
his leave right then and there.
It would be better if he could think about it alone for a while.
===============================================================================
 
Levi returned to his tent in the evening and he thanked the guards as they
opened the tent flaps for him.
He lit the lantern on his small desk next to his bed cot and he lift an eyebrow
in surprise. There were some letters from the business he had inherited from
his father just as expected, but he saw Elyse's familiar handwriting on one of
the envelopes addressed to him.
Speak of the devil…He thought with a wry smile on his face.
He placed his heavy cape down on the back of his wooden chair, and he sat down
with a sigh.
He moved aside the other letters, reminding himself to get to them later.
He picked up the letter opener and carefully opened the letter that was from
his sister. He could smell his sister's perfume on it and he wrinkled his brow
in annoyance. His sister would have her scent on every damn thing. It was
enough for him to get a headache from it.
Shitty ass expensive perfume for no reason, Elyse.
His mood lightened up just a little bit as he recognized his sister's familiar
penmanship.
Brother,
I know it's been months since I wrote to you, and I know you're going to say
it's not a big deal, but it is to me. I miss you, and the kids miss you too.
They're getting bigger and smarter. Eren, who's only been five for a couple of
months, is assuming the position of the man of the house pretty easily. He gets
himself into a lot of mischief and tries to drag Armin and Mikasa with him,
which also ends in disaster, but he is a born leader and it warms my heart to
see him try and take over what he thinks is his father's position in the
household. Armin is so smart, and it's very impressive. He already is starting
to read books like Les Miserables. Remember when Auntie tried to make us read
that huge book? I had thrown it, but you read it to me and it became one of my
favorites? I can't believe how long ago that was. Mikasa is proving to be very
athletic for her age. I remember when the doctor had diagnosed her with asthma
when she was three, but she's proving that she rarely needs her inhaler. She's
dancing now. She told me that for her sixth birthday, which is next year by the
way, that she wanted to compete in the national dance competition, and her
dance teacher is actually agreeing to it.
As you can tell, I'm very proud of the children, and I believe that they have
big things in store for them. I watch the news daily to see what's going on,
but I remembered that you guys are a specialized unit. I know that whatever you
guys are doing is for the greater good. I just hope that you guys are all in
one piece doing it.
All my love,
Your sister, Elyse.
Levi smiled at the mention of his nephews and niece, but something was nagging
him in the back of his mind. Elyse barely mentioned anything about herself, but
that was expected. His sister never considered herself in the equation most of
the time, much to his annoyance and frustration.
That wasn't the thing that bothered him though. He couldn't put his finger on
it. After a moment, he sighed and shook his head. His sister was fine, and he
was probably overthinking it.
Besides, he had to worry about the large piece of lump who happened to be his
sister's husband.
That's when a thought appeared in his mind.
Erwin and Elyse. That complicated factor in the lives that they involved in
their lives. Maybe that was it.
If he was just receiving his letter now, maybe Erwin was also waiting for a
letter from Elyse, too.
There! Maybe that was it.
Erwin was in a bad mood because he hadn't heard from his wife and children, so
if he got his letter now, maybe his mood will finally perk the fuck up and then
life can begin to be a little bit more tolerable in this damn warzone.
Wasting no time, Levi got up and left his tent to check on Erwin.
===============================================================================
 
Something was wrong.
Levi knew it the moment the guards in front of Erwin's tent stopped him.
"I'm sorry, Squad Leader Levi, we have specific orders from the Commander that
no one was to bother him." One of the guards stated, apologetically.
Levi narrowed his eyes at them before he pushed them away. The guards, taken
aback, stumbled behind and shouted at him, but he ignored him. He opened the
tent flaps, and his eyes widened slightly at what he saw.
Erwin, who was sitting on his desk, with a glass in hand, had a guest over. One
that was very sultry-looking and was on his bed, staring seductively at the
blonde behemoth.
"You, get the fuck out." Levi ordered through gritted teeth.
The woman, who looked at Levi in surprise, got up and was about to obey until
Erwin stopped her.
"Stay. Levi, let's go outside and talk." Erwin commanded at the woman, pushing
her back to sit on the bed cot once more.
Erwin went up to Levi and grabbed his arm, which Levi shoved off, quickly,
standing his ground.
"Let's stay here and chat, Commander. I would like to get to know your guest
before I knock you the fuck out." Levi hissed, his gaze narrowing at Erwin.
The woman, who just looked confident moments earlier, seemed to be at a lost as
she stared dumbly at the two powerful men.
"Don't be unreasonable, Levi." Erwin stated, in a warning tone. Levi wanted to
pick up anything and ram it against the man's head.
"Unreasonable? You want to talk about being unreasonable, Erwin?" Levi asked,
indecorously, pointing to the woman on the bed.
His arm was caught by Erwin, and Levi couldn't help but notice that something
was missing.
Before Erwin could notice his surprise, Levi shook his arm away from his grasp
and glared at the man before him.
"Change of plans, I don't feel like speaking to a stranger who likes to bed
whores." With that said, Levi turned away and left Erwin's tent without another
word.
The guards he had pushed away earlier looked at him with wary eyes and Levi
returned their hesitant gaze with an angered expression of his own.
They saluted, but Levi didn't bother to salute back.
He was too busy thinking of the missing ring on Erwin's finger and the letter
he will be definitely writing his sister.
===============================================================================
 
Petra watched as Levi stormed off and the curiosity she had moments earlier
when she saw the guards try to push him away was replaced with an eerie feeling
of discomfort.
She knew that Erwin had been acting a bit different, but for Levi to walk away
from his best friend's tent like that, it didn't settle well with her.
It had been months since they all had been back home, and she understood it
when tensions ran high as they were in a warzone. Yet, she knew they shouldn't
be risking their friendships with so much at stake.
That's what she had used to excuse Erwin's weird behavior, but maybe, this
time, no excuses were working.
Petra turned around to face Hange, who had been busy writing down their report
on the injured.
"I just saw Levi walk away from Erwin's tent, angrily. Should we be worried?"
Petra asked, her mind trying to figure out solutions.
Hange didn't even bother to look up.
"Maybe it was just another argument. You know how does two get when it comes to
dealing with strategies that they don't agree with." Hange said, absently.
"I guess…Levi seemed more than angry at that though…" Petra said in thought.
"Let men be men—Oh! I got a letter from Elyse! Did you get one?" Hange
announced in excitement after she sorted through their mail.
Petra smiled in response at the mention of Elyse, "Yeah, I read mine earlier.
She seems to be doing okay. The kids are growing."
With that, Petra decided to push aside the worrisome thought and talked about
the silver lining of it all.
===============================================================================
 
Nifa washed the dishes in the kitchen, carefully. She sighed as she heard Eren
from the other room yell some fighting phrase that he learned from one of his
TV shows.
"Eren, not so loud. Your mother is resting." Nifa scolded, casting a look at
the ashamed boy.
It was only for a moment, and Eren bounded back up, smiling his wide smile that
had just enough charm to make Nifa smile back.
"Nifa, can you help me with this word?" Armin asked from the kitchen table as
Eren whispered his fighting phrases as he stood on the kitchen table.
Nifa nodded, turning the sink off and wiping her hands on the rag that hung on
the oven handle in front of her.
She walked towards the blonde boy and her attention went to where his tiny
finger was pointing at.
"Revolution, Armin. That word says revolution. Say it with me." Nifa
encouraged, pointing each syllable as she said it.
"Revolution." Armin repeated, confidently. Nifa smiled and ruffled the boy's
hair. Nifa looked around and she noticed that Mikasa was missing.
She sighed at that. Mikasa was always quiet, enough to be able to sneak out to
wherever she wanted to go. She knew that Mikasa would be a handful growing up.
She was already showing signs of beauty, and Nifa couldn't help but see
similarities between Elyse and Mikasa.
She knew they weren't necessarily mother and daughter, but they were related.
Besides, Elyse had a beauty that was praised in Paris and she had a talent that
was just as ethereal as her beauty, and what made her even more lovely was the
fact that she didn't flaunt such things.
If anything, Elyse probably didn't realize it herself. Or, she was too shy to
even acknowledge such things.
Mikasa has always been shy, but the prettiness and the talent was starting to
show, much to Nifa's surprise. It was as if looking at Elyse's mini-me
sometimes except that Mikasa had more of the Asian beauty compared to Elyse.
What caught Nifa's amusement even more was the fact that mother and daughter
shared the same streak of stubbornness. They were shy in general, but if they
truly wanted something, mother and daughter truly do fight tooth and nail for
it.
Especially when Mikasa fought to be a dancer.
Elyse had been a bit hesitant when her daughter began to show sincere interest
in competing because of Mikasa's frailty as a baby. Especially when the baby
needed an inhaler for most of her premature life.
Mikasa had got angry then, begging and pleading until Elyse finally relented to
one lesson.
That one lesson turned into two then into three. Now, Nifa could bet that
Mikasa was outside on the patio, practicing a dance routine that Elyse had
taught her.
Nifa smiled as she walked towards the French doors and saw that Mikasa was
indeed practicing amongst the rose bushes that the kids had planted on her
fourth birthday.
It was surreal how big they've gotten.
Nifa turned to watch Eren, who was pretending that he was fighting some giant
monster of some sort as he leapt from the table and on to the ground, and
Armin, who was still dutifully reading that ridiculous gigantic book that he
saw his mother read one day.
"Nifa, can you pretend to be the Titan that I'm fighting?" Eren asked,
referring to his favorite animated show that had teens fighting against these
monstrous beings. It was one that Elyse watched with her children, every
Thursday night.
"How about we make a fort outside? It's nice outside and we can use the weather
for dramatic effects." Nifa suggested, pointing towards the backyard.
Eren shouted in glee at that, only to be scolded once again by Nifa. Once he
ran outside, Nifa turned to Armin, who was still very much into his book.
"Armin," Nifa prodded, gently, "It's nice and brisk today, how about we get you
a blanket so you can enjoy and relax outside?"
Armin looked up, and blinked, but he nodded, and Nifa was sure he wasn't really
there.
Armin was really so much like Erwin when it came to knowledge.
She watched as the miniature version of her boss walk outside with a blanket
wrapped around him, his head still bowed as he read.
At the thought of her boss, she thought of her fellow comrades overseas. She
had offered to go and join as soon as heard about the specialized unit
reforming, but Erwin was adamant that her and Dieter stayed.
He wanted his family to be safe, and Nifa couldn't find it in her heart to
disagree. She basically helped raised these kids, and it would've been hard
leaving Elyse to the vultures of media and high society all by herself.
She knew that Elyse would've insisted that she could go, but Nifa knew that
woman was too stubborn to admit that she needed help.
Especially now that…
Nifa shook her head at that, scolding herself.
It was a sensitive subject, and she knew that the Commander and his wife had
problems which everyone couldn't understand especially her.
But, she knew that, despite all those problems, everyone enjoyed it when Erwin
and Elyse were cordial and happy.
It was as if hell broke loose when Erwin and Elyse were at odds. This time,
Nifa didn't even know where it stood.
But, she knew where Elyse was at, and that scared her the most.
Shaking her head, Nifa pushed the dark thoughts away and joined the enjoyable
kids who were blissfully unaware of what was happening around them.
===============================================================================
 
Dieter smiled at the sound of laughter from afar. He could make out the shadows
of the children and Nifa in the backyard, and he made sure that he signaled the
rest of the security detail that everything was okay.
Once he got the okay from the security, Dieter relaxed a bit. He checked his
phone for news on the army unit, and he fought the slight disappointment when
he found out there was no news at all.
He knew that it would be a dead end to try and search for anything about the
unit, but it didn't stop him. His comrades were there, and he had wanted to
join in.
Yet, he owed Erwin his life, first and foremost, and if the man told him to
stay, Dieter had no choice but to obey.
He remembered the day that Erwin had called Dieter and Nifa to his office
before he officially left. It had been a tense day since the day he arrived was
the day Braun Lexington had showed up unannounced.
Dieter had blamed himself for leaving Braun and Elyse so he could check up on
the kids the moment he overheard Erwin coldly accuse Elyse for something that
she had no control over.
Dieter had apologized to Erwin, and he also told him that it wasn't Elyse's
fault that she had been alone with the man. Erwin had nodded, but Dieter knew
that the man was still holding on to believing that his wife was to blame.
It made sense. Elyse had lied to Erwin once, but it was only once. But, knowing
the man, Erwin had trouble trusting people especially with his background in
the military.
You never knew who you could trust after they betray you by blowing up a
squadron.
Erwin had to face that almost every day in his reality and his nightmares.
Dieter knew the man since they both started in the military at a young age. He
watched as Erwin rose above the ranks, and Dieter respected the man more than
anything. He lead with greatness and respect, and Dieter would follow the man
to hell if he had to.
So, when Erwin had asked if he could be Elyse's personal bodyguard, Dieter had
been flattered. He had been shocked and surprised at Erwin's choice of a wife,
but he got it as soon as he got to know Elyse…and the fact that she had been
suspiciously pregnant a little too soon after it.
No one really knew about Erwin's PTSD, so when Erwin trusted Dieter with it,
Dieter was honored. He remembered the night that he had interfered when Erwin
had fallen asleep holding Mikasa. He remembered Elyse, choking, as Erwin
grasped her neck.
He had never seen it in person, but it had been extremely harrowing. Poor
Elyse.
Dieter gained more respect for the girl when she showed her strength through it
all, even forcing Erwin to go back to therapy.
He had been a supporter of the family as they grew bigger, and it worried him
when Erwin and Elyse were…tense.
He looked up at the thought, and he noticed that he could see Elyse's figure
through the windows as she looked down at them.
He lifted a hand and waved, and Elyse waved back.
But, he noticed a gesture that had him chuckling. It was ironic, really.
He had kept Erwin's secret of his PTSD, and now?
He had to keep Elyse's secret as he watched her place her hand on her stomach
before disappearing behind the curtains and out of sight.
===============================================================================
 
Isabelle sighed as she picked up the ever-ringing phone at her desk once more.
It's been hell since Erwin left for the Army in the Ackerman-Smith business. It
was as if the businesses were starting to come back after the whole drama
surrounding the Smith family died down.
Erwin left the business in the capable hands of his father, and Levi had
trusted Isabelle enough to be the assistant that Petra once was to Erwin. So
far, Erwin's father, Mr. Smith to her, was a kind, professional man, and
Isabelle had no complaints.
He never once looked stressed, and Isabelle was shocked at how similar father
and son were when it came to maintaining a peaceful façade when it came to
work.
But, when Isabelle was called to the office moments after answering the phone,
she noticed that Mr. Smith had an anxious look on his face, and it surprised
her to see such emotion on the man's face.
"You called for me, sir?" Isabelle asked, gently. Mr. Smith motioned for her to
come in, and Isabelle obeyed.
"Please sit, Isabelle. I would like to discuss something with you." Mr. Smith
said, motioning for Isabelle to sit on one of the couches in the middle of the
office.
Isabelle nodded and obeyed. Mr. Smith stood up, and walked towards the front of
the desk and he sat on one of the corners. He had a hand on his temple,
massaging his head before he faced Isabelle.
"Isabelle, how long have you known my son?" Mr. Smith asked after a moment.
Isabelle paused at that, but she thought about it.
"He hired me as soon as he got this job. Petra was already here, but she had
wanted another assistant with all the work that was starting to pile up."
Mr. Smith nodded, thinking about her answer.
"And how was he? Was he any different than he is now?" Mr. Smith asked, paying
close attention to Isabelle.
Isabelle fidgeted a bit, unsure of these question but she knew that she had no
right to question authority.
"Well, he was more of a loner back then. He only talked to us about business,
or he would talk about his agenda for the day. Nothing personal. Women fawned
over him, but he paid no attention to them. He was very organized and on time.
Perfect businessman." Isabelle answered.
Mr, Smith nodded at that.
"How was he after he married Elyse?" Mr. Smith asked, and Isabelle noticed the
gentle look on his face at the mention of his daughter-in-law.
Isabelle couldn't help but smile too.
"He was more cordial. It wasn't as if he was cold before, it's just he was more
to himself before. He actually had conversations that didn't have work in it.
He would ask Petra and I to shop for his wife, and he trusted us to always make
sure her needs were met. When the children came into the picture, Erwin would
never stop talking about them. He would show us pictures, and he would ask us
to frame them and decorate his office with them. He actually talked to the
women in the office, but it wasn't to entertain them. It was even more
entertaining to see these women's faces fall when Erwin asked them what would
be a good gift to give his wife for her 21st birthday." Isabelle giggled at
that memory.
It was as if the women were hoping that he was going to tell them that he was
divorcing his beautiful wife, and when Erwin had asked them that question,
especially the fact that Elyse was only turning 21, which reminded the women
that she was younger than most of them, it had Petra making popcorn and
manipulating confused Erwin to ask more women the same question for the day.
Mr. Smith smiled at that, the expression on his face seeming more relaxed. He
actually picked up one of the many framed photographs of his grandchildren on
his desk to caress their smiles.
"What do you think of Elyse, Isabelle? When you first heard about my son's
impromptu marriage to such a young girl must've made you…think differently
about her at first." Mr. Smith asked after a moment, placing the framed
photograph down on the desk.
Isabelle actually did remember the day she had found out that Erwin had
married. Petra, wide-eyed, had hung up the phone and told Isabelle to have
something shipped to Erwin tomorrow in New York City.
Isabelle had asked why, not even thinking that much about it.
Petra's exact quote had been: "It's for Erwin's wife to wear at their press
conference in Paris."
That day, Petra and Isabelle had spent it searching up, "Elyse Jaeger
Ackerman", and Petra had reacted weirdly at Elyse's last name at the time.
Isabelle had been too shocked to even confront Petra about it.
Pictures of a beautiful young woman flooded their computers, and Isabelle and
Petra had gasped at how young she looked.
Dark-haired, hazel-eyed Julliard prodigy with a petite yet willowy figure was
in every webpage they had opened. Isabelle had studied every aspect of the
pictures, her thoughts consumed with how this was the woman that managed to
snatch the famous European handsome bachelor up.
Isabelle and Petra had groaned at every damn picture of perfection that popped
up. Perfect waves and perfect eyebrows with plump lips and smooth pale skin in
a full face picture. Perfect ballerina posture. Perfect smile that accentuated
deep dimples.
That's when a perfect sibling picture popped up and Petra and Isabelle
screamed, already a little tipsy from playing a drinking game called, "Take A
Shot After Every Perfect Picture".
Yep, it was an interesting day. Especially when a hungover Isabelle had picked
up the phone to a curious Levi, who was wondering as to why Petra and her had
called him about his, "fucking beautiful sister."
Meeting Elyse was also something that Isabelle had expected would be weird.
She had expected a princess, someone who would be a little bit spoiled and a
little bit haughty. But, Isabelle was greeted with a flushed woman who seemed
to be in awe of her. Isabelle had to fight the urge to scream in delight when
Elyse had complimented her.
Getting to know Elyse had been a pleasure also. Isabelle really felt that
Elyse, a woman who was beautiful inside and out, did deserve a man like Erwin.
Especially when the woman just proved how human she was compared to the saint
that everyone was so determined to make her to be.
"I had," Isabelle admitted, bashfully, but that's when I got to know her.
Elyse…what is there to say that hasn't been already said? She's a great wife
and mother, and she did have a bit of drama surrounding her. But, who isn't
perfect? I just…Elyse is a human. She's not some angel, and I know she doesn't
like to be seen like it. Yet, I see it. I see the angel that we all see, it's
just that it's not fair to do that to her, you know?"
Isabelle flushed after a moment, realizing that she had been rambling about God
knows what.
Mr. Smith simply smiled at her.
"I know what you mean, Isabelle. My daughter-in-law surprised me when I first
met her, and I had been furious at Erwin for marrying a woman who was ten years
younger than him. Meeting her was an absolute delight, and getting to know her
was a blessing in itself. She is, as you say, a great wife and mother, and I
wouldn't have anyone else for my son." Mr. Smith said, agreeably.
He sighed after a moment.
"My son and my daughter-in-law are not talking, are they?" Mr. Smith casually
asked.
Isabelle froze at that, and now she knew why she was being questioned.
Having been acquainted with both sides, Isabelle knew that Mr. Smith was
checking up on his family the only way he could. From what Isabelle knew, Mr.
Smith would go visit his daughter-in-law and grandkids once a week. But, that
had changed when Elyse had stopped contacting her father-in-law, which
devastated Mr. Smith for a week.
Isabelle had to convince Mr. Smith that Elyse needed time to be alone
especially with what's going on with the press and their lives.
"…I can't deny or confirm that, Mr. Smith." Isabelle admitted, softly.
Isabelle had been helping out for the past couple months with the kids, but
Isabelle barely saw Elyse. Whenever company was around, Dieter and Nifa would
tell them that Elyse was resting and that she needs to be alone. It was either
that or Elyse was away at the theatre, working on some new production.
At first, Isabelle had been surprised at that, and she had written Erwin about
it.
Erwin never replied.
Mr. Smith smiled, sadly, at that.
"Let's hope that it's just a phase then." Mr. Smith finally stated, getting up
from his spot on the desk to return back to his chair.
Isabelle hoped he was right.
===============================================================================
 
"Make sure that this is priority. Do you understand?" Levi asked the mail
carrier. The mail carrier nodded, and saluted. Levi saluted back and he watched
the man turn around and walk back to his post and to where all the soldiers
sent their mail.
Levi spent the whole night writing that damn letter, and he'll be damned if it
didn't get to his sister.
He wanted answers. He needed answers.
He repeated the memory of Erwin's hand on his arm, and that annoying,
infuriating ring less finger that Levi had zoned in on.
It was all starting to make sense, and Levi was sure that if Elyse just
confirmed his suspicions then…
Then, what?
Levi's mind blanked and he didn't know what to do about it.
A heavy hand patted his shoulder, and Levi turned around, annoyed.
He got even more annoyed when he realized who it was.
"I'm sorry, you must be mistaking me for some fucker who's going to kiss your
ass. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'd rather lick a dirty ass toilet than
give you a time of day, Dok." Levi greeted, spitefully.
Niles smiled that irritating smile, and Levi had to fight to urge to not punch
the bastard in his smug face.
"Well, seems like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today." Niles
sighed, shaking his head.
"More like someone didn't want to run into your ugly ass face today." Levi
retorted. He began to walk away until Niles stopped him.
"Look, Ackerman. I didn't come here to aggravate you. I came here to talk about
something important." Niles said.
Levi scoffed at that. "Please, I'm sure that your information isn't something
that I care about."
Niles raised an eyebrow at him, and Levi was ready to rip his face off, "Even
if this information concerns your nephew, Eren?"
Levi paused at that, and he narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms.
"Oh? And why aren't you informing Erwin about this?" Levi asked, immediately
suspicious.
Niles shook his head, a secretive smile on his face, "Erwin was…busy at the
time I thought I would tell him."
Levi was ready to throw up all over this man's ugly shoes.
"Speak." Levi ordered, angrily.
Niles shook his head, still smiling, "Ask nicely, Squad Leader Levi. I am a
Commander after all."
"You're not my Commander, ass wipe. So, you better tell me what you have on my
nephew or I'll make sure you'll have a gun shoved so far up your asshole that
you will beg for an ass wipe that can reach it." Levi hissed, warningly.
Niles paused at that, and Levi felt cold satisfaction at the slight frown on
the man's face.
"The person who killed your uncle has been found, but they've been on the run
and we can't really identify who it is. That's not all. The…confidential item
that your uncle had on him has also been found and identified." Niles stated,
professionally, giving Levi a picture.
Levi nodded, sharply, and he looked at the picture.
His eyes widened as he saw the item.
"…Wait, that's…"
Levi trailed off and his gaze snapped up to meet Niles' serious one.
"We need to tell Erwin. Now."
===============================================================================
 
Elyse looked at her reflection in the mirror and sighed. She brushed her hair,
making sure that her hair wasn't tangled for the event that she would have to
attend in a matter of hours. The theatre doors were opening yet again with
anotherproduction due to the ever-growing school that just opened this spring.
Students had been registering, and she had been accepting who she thought was
promising and who had actually wanted to learn. It was liberating, really.
Elyse felt control over something for once, and she couldn't help but feel
excited about it.
Elyse took a deep breath as another bout of nausea hit her once again. She
placed a hand on her stomach, feeling the slight bump that was there.
She was nearly ending her first trimester, and she hasn't told anyone but Nifa
and Dieter, only because she needed them to protect her and the kids from the
press and so they wouldn't be dumbfounded when she would vomit or ask for ice
cream in the middle of the night.
When the doctor had confirmed her pregnancy, Elyse didn't know what to do. She
had been served divorce papers from the father of the unborn child weeks
earlier. It had been all too much. She made the doctor promise that he would
not say a word to anybody about it due to doctor-patient privilege, and Dieter
made sure that the man wouldn't say a word, much to Elyse's gratefulness.
After that day, Elyse thought it would be better if she continued to go with
her daily routine and play with the children, and that had worked for a
bit…until Elyse had fallen while dancing.
Freida had fretted over her as soon as Elyse saw a bit of bleeding. Dieter had
taken her to the hospital, and Elyse had been informed that she was lucky that
her child survived.
Since then, Elyse had to take a break and she used the excuse that the doctor
said her ankles needed to rest which, thankfully, everyone believed. Freida had
been to relieved to notice the slight tremor in Elyse's voice as she bit her
lip.
Months of thinking of what to do made Elyse realize that she still hadn't
written letters to anyone overseas, so she wrote letters to everyone she knew
that was in the specialized unit. Except for one.
She didn't know what to write in that one.
Hey, I know you want a divorce, but I found out that I was pregnant three
months ago, and I thought you should know about it even though you still harbor
this anger towards me.
It made Elyse cringe at the thought of Erwin reading a letter like that. Elyse
could hear Maus meowing on the other side of her bedroom door and she knew that
meant the kids were in the house and coming up the stairs.
Elyse opened the door, and Maus bounded in. He was followed by a giggling
Mikasa, who looked at her mother after a moment of cuddling with Maus on the
bed.
"Wow, Mama! You look beautiful." Mikasa stated in awe. Elyse smiled at her
daughter in gratitude.
"Thanks, ma petite. Did you guys give Nifa a hard time?" Elyse asked, worried.
Mikasa smiled and shook her head, "I didn't, but Eren did."
Elyse sighed at that, looking at her reflection in the mirror so she could do
the final touches on her makeup.
She picked up a necklace from her vanity, and she sighed as she tried to clasp
it behind her neck. She hated not being able to do this by herself. She had
been used to Erwin doing it for her that Elyse had stopped wearing necklaces
for a while.
"Mama, do you need help with that?" A voice asked from behind, and Elyse smiled
at Armin's reflection in the mirror.
"Yes, baby, can you please clasp the ends together?" Elyse asked, softly. Armin
nodded, putting the book he borrowed from her down on the vanity before picking
up the necklace.
Elyse smiled as she watched her son focus his small hands on the task before
him. With a satisfied sound, Armin smiled at his mother's reflection in the
mirror.
"Good job, darling. Thank you." Elyse said, in gratitude.
"Where are you going?" Another voice asked, inquisitively. Elyse had to fight
back a laugh as she saw Eren's attempt to be protective.
"I'm going to the theatre tonight to do some work. Can you be the responsible
one in charge for tonight?" Elyse asked, turning to hug Eren as he walked
towards her.
Eren laughed as she blew raspberry kisses on his cheek.
Elyse laughed in return as Armin and Mikasa joined in.
She hoped that they would stay this innoncent as long as possible.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse picked a gorgeous baby doll, floor-length light blue dress for the
evening, just in case there was no sight of a bump. She thanked Dieter as he
helped her out of the car and into the blinding lights as the press clamored
around them.
"Elyse! Look over here!"
"Smile here!"
"YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND ARE TRAITORS."
That was a yell that made Elyse turn around.
In a moment, it had been too late.
A shot was heard.
And darkness soon followed.
===============================================================================
 
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ DUN DUN Dun! Thank you guys so much for reading! Again, I
     appreciate the support and the love. I also hoped you liked the fact
     that this chapter was in different perspectives other than Elyse's!
     Hope you guys enjoyed! Comments are always welcomed.
***** Despair *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Hello! So, I received a very interesting review from , and I
     want to talk about it for just a moment.
     Before I begin, I would like to say thank you so much for your
     critical review because I was waiting for someone to point it out.
     The guest mentioned how that this fic has a very misogynistic feel,
     and I agree, wholeheartedly. The setting, this world, still has a
     slight misogynistic feel and I chose to present that in my story
     because Elyse is a sixteen-year old girl who's been raised in a world
     that has been controlled by the patriarchal system. Misogyny runs
     rampart in this world, and I wanted to show how it still stems in
     this world.
     Now, some may argue, "Okay, if you knew that, why didn't you choose
     to write a world where it doesn't exist?", well, because, it's
     reality. Of course, I could've taken that route, but in my mind, it
     would've been a wrong setting for my character and the direction this
     story is taking. Because, in this modern world that we live in,
     misogyny still exists. Trust me.
     Now, some may say, "Okay, then why create a character like Elyse?",
     well, because there are women who choose to keep a baby at the age of
     sixteen. There are some women who want to be a mother. There are some
     women who choose to obey. Does that make them any less of a feminist
     or less of a character? I even explained how Elyse's character was
     throughout the story and how she is super old-school, and I can see
     your frustration with her, because, guess what? I'm the exact
     opposite of her. But, this is why I wrote a character like her
     because women like her, or Mary Sues like her, deserve to have a
     chance in the spotlight and that doesn't mean that they are any less
     of what a BAMF women is like or what a modern women is like. Also,
     Elyse is sixteen in the beginning of this story, raised by a single
     father and his money, so, of course, she's a bit more proper and more
     "whatever you say, father" type of girl especially if she blames
     herself for her mother's death and her father's unhappiness.
     Now, this isn't to berate the reviewer at all, and I will be highly
     disappointed if I see people berating this person in the comments. I
     agree with the review, and even the reviewer mentioned how they loved
     my writing. They even mentioned how it wasn't their cup of tea and
     that it's too all over the place for their taste because it's like a
     soap opera (which I take all the blame for because I love angst and
     drama). And I completely get it.
     I only wanted to bring light to this review because, if some of you
     are scared to mention things like this to me, don't be. I wrote this
     knowing that people wouldn't like it, and it's fine. Everyone has
     their own opinions. I just want to make it clear that I'm not writing
     a misogynistic fic because I support it and I'm writing a character
     like Elyse because I'm not a whole supporter of BAMF women. I love
     when women take action and control, and Elyse is doing that in her
     own way, slowly but surely, and if it's by being a mother and a wife,
     I don't see the problem with it. And, I clearly don't want a
     misogynistic world, so let's do something about it, but I'm not going
     to give you a fluffed up world where it doesn't exist.
     All my love to you reviewer, and thank you, from the bottom of my
     heart, for letting me know what didn't sit well with you. Kisses from
     America xx.
     And, once again, I don't want to read anyone being mean to this
     reviewer. Please, the world needs love not hate, lovelies.
     Anywho, continuing, I don't own anyone but lovely Elyse.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
Erwin watched the flame flicker in the lantern on his desk in his tent. He
watched as beads of red wine would drop into his glass as he swished it around.
The woman who he hired for the night waited for him on his cot, and he sat in
his chair, not giving any indication that he would get up soon. It must be the
hundredth night that he hired her, and he still didn't even know her name.
The woman waited as usual, a glass in her hand also, but she also didn't make
any move to get up.
"So, what do you want to talk about this time?" The woman asked, a small smile
on her lips as she stared at him.
Erwin didn't answer. He stared at the mess on his desk instead.
The woman got up from the bed and approached his desk, leaning forward even is
Erwin's gaze was not on her. She placed the empty glass on his desk, and she
stared at his unmoving figure.
"How about this time, instead of talking, I can take whatever is bothering you,
physically." The woman suggested, seductively. Her hands reached out to touch
him, but Erwin, in one swift movement, pushed them away.
He looked up at her then, his gaze still out of it.
"She didn't write me." He stated, blankly. The woman, a bit taken a back,
frowned but she sighed and sat back down on his cot, waiting for him to
continue.
"She wrote everyone else, but she didn't write to me." Erwin continued, his
faraway gaze staring at whatever was in front of him.
"Is this about your wife again? I thought you would be done talking about her
at this point." The woman groused, but she had a hint of a sad smile on his
face. She knew that the Commander was clearly hurting.
The specialized unit had been stationed near her hometown, and the brothel had
been buzzing with all these young recruits who were looking forward to taking a
breather. She had been amazed when the Mistress of the brothel told her that
the Commander needed an escort. And, the Mistress pointed out that she was her
best escort. A little amazed and happy, the woman was ready to please the
Commander. Yet, she had been hired by him every night since he was stationed
here, and he had never touched her once for her…services. All he did was talk.
He talked about whatever was on his mind. He had first talked about the work
that they were doing there, and she knew that he had kept the true mission
hidden, but all she could focus on was on her shock that he didn't want to use
her body for anything.
Instead, he had offered her food and a glass of wine each night, and she had
waited for him to pounce on her but it never came.
It was only until he started talking about his wife, or soon-to-be ex-wife,
that she realized why he never bothered.
"Maybe she forgot or maybe she just doesn't want to talk to you anymore. I
mean, you guys are divorcing." The woman reasoned, arching an eyebrow at him.
Erwin shook his head, in disbelief.
"She would at least write about the kids. She wouldn't keep their wellbeing
away from me." Erwin replied, easily.
The woman held back a sigh, but she continued to listen to him. She couldn't
help but feel a bit curious about it ever since that Squad Leader had showed up
and assumed the worst.
The woman had learned that the man was the Commander's wife's brother. And she
had winced at that. Of course, this would happen. But, what surprised her even
more was that Erwin didn't even bother to defend himself except try to talk to
the Squad Leader outside.
"They wouldn't understand it," Erwin had explained to her one day, "They
wouldn't understand Elyse and I at all."
Elyse. The woman had thought it a pretty name, and the more Erwin talked about
the woman, she knew that the pretty name was much more to the man than to her.
She remembered the first night she heard about the Commander's intimate life.
He had finished talking about whatever boring part of the mission he wanted to
complain about, and then he caught her attention when he randomly said
something.
"Elyse would be upset if she heard that we weren't making any progress."
"Who's Elyse?" The woman asked, finally grateful that something else was
mentioned rather than the usual Army stuff.
She had watched as the Commander's whole demeanor shifted at the name. He had
been tired and annoyed, his posture rigid and hard. But, now, he seemed more
relaxed and his posture seemed to let go as a small smile graced his face.
"She's…a beautiful woman I've had the pleasure of knowing. She's…my wife and
the mother of my children. She likes to dance, you see. And, she's exceptional
at it. She doesn't like to brag nor does she like to be haughty. She's very to
herself, and sometimes, you won't even realize she's in the room with how quiet
she can be. Yet, you'll know when she's in a room the moment she smiles or the
moment she laughs. She bites her bottom lip when she's nervous. When she's
embarrassed, her face goes slightly pink, but I don't think she knows that.
When she's angry, you will know. She can talk you down in a matter of minutes,
and then she'll apologize as if she did something wrong and that she didn't
mean to tear you down. She…"
The woman blinked at the sudden trail-off. She had been uncomfortable when she
realized that the Commander was married, and now, the fact that he was
obviously enamored by her.
It started to make sense every night since then of why he hired her. The
Commander was obviously alone when it came to personal matters, and he talked
about how his subordinates were starting to doubt him which meant he was
doubting himself.
The woman had been amazed at what he shared with her, but she understood that
it must be easy for this man to talk to a stranger rather than a judgmental
friend.
What seemed off to her though was the fact that the Commander seemed to
be…oblivious to how much he loved his soon-to-be ex-wife. She had once laughed
all alone at the irony of it all.
"Maybe she's trying to create some space. It would be weird if she did write
you a letter amongst everything you've told me." She pointed out, remembering
that the Commander was waiting for her to say something.
Erwin nodded at her answer, hesitantly, as if saying that he needed her
confirmation that Elyse didn't want to talk to him.
"Huh. I guess this could be her revenge then. I had ignored her for a year
once." Erwin stated, absently.
With one surprised look, the woman listened intently when Erwin began to tell
the story of his wonderful soon-to-be ex-wife, Elyse.
The woman watched as splashes of emotion phased in and out on the Commander's
face.
You poor man. I used to pity myself, but you are more hopeless than me.
===============================================================================
Erwin ignored Levi's reproachful look, but he couldn't help but be surprised at
how Niles and him seemed to be a…team?
They were both standing in front of him, saluting, as they placed a photograph,
faced down, on the table.
Erwin gave them a nod and they relaxed as they pointed at the picture on his
desk.
"You need to see this picture." Levi demanded, coldly. Erwin raised an eyebrow,
but he obeyed. And when he flipped the picture, his eyes grew wide. It was a
picture of the theatre that he bought for Elyse, and he could make out her
figure as she was standing in front of it besides him.
He pushed that happy memory down as it burned his mind so he could pay
attention to the two men in front of him.
"What about it?" Erwin asked, trying to make sense of it.
"The murderer of my uncle's hideout was found, and they ran. But, this picture
was left behind frantically in the midst of it. We think they've been stalking
your family, Erwin." Levi stated, more clearly, realizing that Erwin was still
focusing on the picture.
"There's also the inkling about Eren, Erwin. I know that you have your own
security detail in Paris, but I don't think it's smart to have left your family
without heavy security. After all, this person was after Eren's biological
father. Who knows if they might try to get to Eren next." Niles pointed out,
trying to snatch the picture so Erwin could pay attention.
That turned out to be futile. Erwin had his hand on the picture, refusing to
move, as he looked up at Niles with a glare.
"I assure you that I thought about these things, Niles. Don't think that I've
left my family without the proper care. Also, make sure you get that word for
word, I wouldn't want anyone to hear another made-up story coming out of your
mouth." Erwin stated, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the man before him.
Levi had raised an eyebrow at that, but he didn't dare question it as he saw
Niles pale slightly.
"I did what I was commanded to do, Erwin. I've done my duty just as you have."
Niles replied, not backing down.
Erwin didn't say anything, but Levi could see the slight curl of distaste at
the corner of his mouth.
"Well, if you're both done being cryptic, I would like to get back at the
subject of my family back in France." Levi said, watching them both as he could
feel the tension rise.
Erwin seemed to snap back into reality at Levi's words and he nodded, sharply.
"So, what would you have me do, then? Up the security? That'll just catch the
media's eye and they'll start to get sneaky. I'd rather have my family safe
from those predatory dogs." Erwin stated, stubbornly.
"I get that, Erwin, but we need to send a specific group of men there. It's not
only a private family matter, it's a government one." Levi argued, trying to
point his argument out.
Erwin examined Levi, carefully, and Levi could see the annoyance and hesitancy
in the man's eyes, and he couldn't blame him.
Levi could only think of his poor nephews and niece back home, vulnerable and
innocent. It was either to have them hounded by the media or safe from the
dangerous men that wanted what his Uncle Grisha had been working on.
There was no in-between.
"I'll send more men." Erwin finally stated, his hands curling up into tightened
fists as he stood up.
He looked up at Levi, his gaze hard.
"Tell your sister."
Levi, taken aback by the emotion in Erwin's eyes, had no choice but to give him
one sharp nod.
===============================================================================
Levi gave another urgent letter to the messenger and he watched as the boy
left, praying silently that his letter would be returned quickly.
It had been a week since Erwin had told him to tell Elyse, and he still hadn't
received a response.
It was understandable.
They were in the middle of nowhere, and the closest town barely received news
from any of the major countries and cities.
It was frustrating, really, not knowing what's going on as they fight to try
and protect their countries.
Levi remembered how it was when he first enlisted, and he had hardened himself
over the course of his time with the Army.
If they were even considered the Army.
It was what they were hidden under, and Levi knew that the secrets they held
were top priority. Especially when his first mission had been an order to kill
a double agent that held government secrets.
So, when he found out that this mission was about his Uncle Grisha, his heart
hadn't stopped clenching at the thought of how his missing Uncle was so
involved with this.
The memory of his father throwing his glass at him and his sister crying and
begging her father to stop when Levi had informed them that he was leaving for
the specialized unit.
It made sense now. Whatever it was that was behind the shadows had been
targeting his family since day one, and Levi couldn't shake that dark feeling
off.
"Excuse me?" A voice called, and Levi looked up, expectantly. His gaze softened
when he saw that it was only Petra who had walked inside his tent.
"Yes?" He asked, after a small cough. Petra smiled back, tucking a strand of
hair behind her ear shyly.
Ever since that almost-incident that happened in the past, Levi found himself
never alone with Petra. When he re-entered her life, and she with his, they had
always been surrounded by company, so for this to be happening, Levi felt
himself at a loss.
Should he apologize for something that had possibly broken her but it was
obviously overdue?
God, I'm an ass.
"I…I want to talk about what's going on with Erwin." Petra finally stated,
softly. Levi almost felt guilty at the relief that flooded throughout his body.
It felt too good that she didn't want to talk about…that.
"You noticed, huh?" Levi asked, secretly letting her know that he was proud at
her usual instinct for knowing what was amiss.
Petra flushed at the secret praise, but she nodded in agreement.
"I actually just saw the woman he's been…hiring? I couldn't but feel a bit nosy
and concerned since technically she's the one that he's been…seeing more than
us. I talked to her, and Levi…it's bad." Petra finally managed to say, as she
crinkled her brows.
Levi motioned for her to continue, his curiosity peaking.
"The woman mentioned that all that he's been doing with her was talking. As in
no…you know. Just talking." Petra stated, blandly.
Levi widened his eyes at that, "Wait, don't tell me he's been telling her
government secrets."
He could feel his anger rising at Erwin's recklessness. This fucking man was
about to ruin everything if that's what was going on.
Petra was quick to shake her head no, visibly shaken by Levi's abrupt anger.
"No, no, nothing like that. It's just…the woman said that all he talked about
was a woman named Elyse." Petra continued, trying to calm Levi down.
That did the trick. Instead of being angry, Levi was taken aback by his
sister's name being mentioned.
"…You're telling me that Erwin has been hiring a prostitute to be a therapist."
Levi said, not believing the words that came out of his mouth.
Petra nodded, but she was still tense.
"That's not the bad news, is it?" Levi asked her, dreading what else Petra
would have to say.
What was worse than finding out that Erwin was talking about everything to a
stranger?
"She mentioned that…She mentioned that Elyse and Erwin are divorcing." Petra
finally stated, her eyes guarded.
Levi didn't have to hear anything else.
He got up and walked out, ignoring the shouts of Petra from behind him.
There.
He saw Erwin's tent, and he could make out people waiting for him outside of
the tent. He didn't care. He pushed most of them away, and the cadets were
about to fight him until they saw it was him. A hand dared to pull on his arm,
and Levi pushed it away as he looked up at the person who tried to stop him.
"Levi, don't go in there." Mike ordered, putting an arm in front of Levi.
"Get out of my way. I have some family business to deal with." Levi warned, his
glare showing that he wasn't in the mood to be messed with.
"The higher ups are in there, talking to him." Mike explained, his gaze calm
and his stature ready to fight Levi if need be.
Levi bristled at that, but he forced himself to calm down. He knew that he had
to push personal feelings aside when it came to government business, but that
didn't stop him from managing to push Mike aside.
He let himself have a satisfied smirk at the sound of Mike's frustrated grunt
as the tent flaps went down.
But, he assumed a more serious chagrin when he saw the higher ups turn around
to look at him, but then his mood changed as soon as he saw Erwin's state of
being.
The man looked like he saw a ghost.
Erwin's slightly tanned complexion due to all the sun beating on them during
the day seemed to have drained as his gaze seemed far-off. He was standing, as
if frozen, and from the aura in the tent, it seemed that whatever Levi was
going to confront him about needed to wait.
Levi looked to the side and he saw the higher ups look at him, disdain in their
faces at the interruption. If he dared try to guess, Levi could also see the
hesitancy in their eyes.
"Squad Leader Ackerman. Did they not tell you that we have a meeting here?" One
of them asked, his gaze trying to catch his.
Levi as more focused on the unmoving Erwin who was still sitting and looking
far-off.
"They did. But, I needed to discuss matters with my soon-to-be ex-brother-in-
law over here." Levi responded, making sure that his tone hit every single part
of his insinuation.
One of the higher ups coughed in discomfort, and Erwin actually looked up in
shock, as if noticing that Levi just arrived.
Levi glared at the blonde man, but instead of a scolding look as expected, Levi
saw despair and shock.
"Levi…I…I'm so sorry." Erwin finally managed to say. The higher ups gave a
scolding look at Erwin, and one even tried to move and stop the Commander from
speaking.
"What are you talking about?" Levi asked, his eyes narrowing and he didn't like
the feeling that Erwin seemed pretty much useless right now.
"Levi, we were going to talk to you about it soon, but I thought it would be
smart to go to Erwin first about the news." High Commander Zachary announced,
raising his hand to stop Erwin from talking any further.
Levi bristled in anger. He didn't like feeling out of the loop, and the fact
that Erwin was obeying so obediently.
Something was amiss.
"Well, I'm here now. Tell me why Erwin is basically a pile of useless shit
right now. Why is he saying sorry to me?" Levi demanded, turning to Zachary.
The High Commander looked at Erwin and Levi could sense the hesitancy, and he
knew immediately that whatever he was about to say had to do with Erwin.
"Something has happened in the war. But, the enemy evaded us by attacking off
the battleground." Zacahry began, and Levi wanted to punch the old man for
taking his precious time, but he kept to himself, trying to restrain himself.
"Where did they attack then?" Levi asked, trying to get rid of the cryptic shit
that the High Commander was trying to put out right now.
"France."
Levi rolled his eyes at the general answer, but that's when it hit him.
France.
"No." Levi managed to say, and it started to make sense. Erwin looking
helpless, the higher ups trying to keep it cryptic. The bastards were trying to
keep Erwin put.
"Was it my nephew? Did they attack Eren?" Levi asked, urgently.
His orders had been sent out too late. The enemy was a step ahead of them and
Elyse was probably crying in the hospital right now. He could see the eerie
setting in his mind, and the higher ups were taking their precious time
answering back.
Levi walked up to one of them, and he grabbed them by the neck. Zachary didn't
even blink as he watched one of his co-workers clawing on his own throat.
"Answer me now, Zachary, or I'll kill one of these old bastards right here and
now." Levi ordered, and he even casted a blank look at Erwin, who seemed to
return back into fucking La La Land.
"It's not your nephew, Levi. It's your sister." Zachary answered, slowly, and
as if he knew that the news would let Levi grow slack as he let go of his
victim.
Levi ignored the coughing man on the ground as he looked at Zachary.
He didn't know how his face looked, but Zachary's face softened just a bit as
he stared back.
"Elyse Jaeger Ackerman-Smith was shot while she was going to her premiere event
for her theatre. Someone had shouted that her and Erwin were traitors and
before you know it, she was on the ground. Dieter was also injured in the
attack since he managed to knock down the shooter." Zachary continued, and Levi
almost forgot to breathe.
Elyse. His only living relative that was left. His sister.
"What's her condition?" Levi asked, breathlessly, trying to make sense of it
all.
"Critical. At least one of them lived." Zachary continued, tonelessly.
One of them. No. No.
Levi couldn't believe his ears. He turned to look at Erwin, and the man had his
hand over his face now.
Instead of being angry and disgusted, Levi felt confused and despair.
"She was pregnant." Levi stated, and the words felt foreign as they rolled off
his tongue.
It didn't make any sense. He had just found out that Erwin and Elyse were
divorcing, and then all of a sudden, his sister was shot and she lost a baby in
the process.
It was too much. Even for him, it was too much.
Without another word, Levi casted a disgusted glance at all of them and left.
He wasn't about to show his despair to cowardly men.
===============================================================================
Levi knew that it was evening by the sound of the cadets chatting as they got
their dinner. The news reached them from what he heard. He stumbled out of his
tent, stinking off alcohol that he hid when he felt like drinking.
He drank all of it.
They were whispering and he knew that it was about how sad he must be.
Sad?
He was angry. He was horrified. He was disgusted. He was bloodthirsty.
The higher ups were obviously here to deliver the news, but they didn't want
them to leave. Those bastards. It was a push and pull with them, and Levi had
made vows to uphold them.
He remembered when cadets would receive news about their families back home,
but they couldn't do anything about it and Levi had felt pity for them, but
now, more than ever, he hated the pity. Hange and Petra were trying to
He wanted to leave, see his sister just to make sure she was getting the right
medical attention. What about the kids? Would they be okay? Nifa was left alone
with them, and the security detail was light since Dieter was heavily injured.
It made Levi anxious. He was never anxious.
But, in order to not be anxious, he had to check with the man that was in the
middle of the chaos.
Levi stumbled towards Erwin's tent, and he didn't even bother announcing
himself as he pushed the cadets, who obviously pitied him, aside and the tent
flaps.
Ah, there was the therapist/prostitute again.
She looked at him, and judging by her saddened gaze, Erwin must have told her
what was going down back home.
He didn't even have to say anything as she got up and left, leaving Erwin and
him alone.
Levi didn't say anything though. He'd be damned if he had to be the first to
say something. He obviously didn't know what was going on due to all the drama
that he was left in the dark with.
Erwin looked like hell through Levi's drunken vision. Erwin's uniform was
disheveled and, by the looks of it, he had gone somewhere to sweat. His hair
was matted with dirt, and Levi could guess that Erwin had sparred with Mike
somewhere. But, the look in Erwin's eyes made Levi want to drink more alcohol.
Erwin seemed to be on his third bottle of whiskey.
"I tried to call the hospital. They wouldn't let me get through. All they said
that there was nothing to worry about," Erwin broke away from his statement as
he gave a wry chuckle, "Nothing to worry about as if I didn't lose a fucking
baby."
Levi grabbed a glass from Erwin's desk as he clumsily poured himself a drink.
"I deserve it though. I fucked up, Levi. I didn't know…the doctor told me that
she was just ending her first trimester. Of course, she didn't tell me. I gave
her divorce papers before I left."
Levi gulped his drink down, not bothering to answer Erwin.
"I couldn't even talk to my kids. The higher ups threatened Nifa to keep them
away from me. It makes sense. Zachary wants to make sure that his precious
Commander stays put."
Levi nodded, not even bothering to disagree with Erwin's assessment.
"I thought that they would be safe once I left. I just made things worse."
Levi rolled his eyes, and Erwin didn't even say anything as he was busy pouring
himself another drink.
A moment passed between them, and Levi felt the words spill out of his mouth,
uncaringly.
"…Fuck you, Erwin. Fuck you for fucking my sister and getting her pregnant.
Fuck you." Levi hissed, throwing his glass at Erwin.
He was tired of hearing Erwin's complaining. He didn't deserve to complain.
This asshole caused all of this shit.
Erwin didn't even bother to dodge as the glass hit his arm, the glass
shattering on the desk.
None of them bothered to clean the blood up.
===============================================================================
"We got them." Niles stated, shoving papers in Erwin's hands.
It's been a month since they found out about what happened back in France.
Niles had felt guilt eat at him when he saw Erwin bury himself in work. He knew
that Erwin and Levi weren't allowed to leave the premises until their mission
was complete.
Vows were vows.
Niles had manipulated Erwin to re-take those vows.
When he heard about what happened with Elyse, Niles could only feel remorse at
the thought of the young woman. If it had been Marie, Niles would've fought
tooth and nail to go back home and see her.
Erwin wasn't allowed to do that.
He had duty ingrained in his very soul. Erwin owed the Army for his life, so
Erwin gave it to them.
Marie didn't know that. Elyse didn't know that.
Niles did. Levi did.
Erwin could've easily told the women in his life about it, but he never did.
That's why Niles found it easy to comply to the higher ups order to bring Erwin
Smith back to the specialized unit when he talked to innocent and naïve Elyse
about her husband's fake past.
So, he spent a month, hunting the assholes down, the ones who dared to overstep
their boundaries as they left the battleground to make it more personal.
They managed to find them, and Niles made sure that they restrained them and
reported it to the higher ups.
The higher ups agreed to Niles proposition.
They had the men; Erwin and Levi could go back to France for a week.
"You can go home now, Erwin." Niles stated, slowly. Erwin looked at the papers
on his desk, his fists tightened.
"It's not enough to simply have them detained, Niles. I want my justice." Erwin
hissed, angrily.
"And you will. Just go back to France and check up on your family first." Niles
promised, trying to not punch the stubborn man in the head.
Erwin stood up then, grabbing Niles shoulders, making him face him.
"Give me your word. You won't move on with anything until I come back." Erwin
insisted.
Niles nodded, his body tensing at the intensity of Erwin's glare.
He was glad that he wouldn't be on the other end when Erwin came back.
===============================================================================
"I'm staying."
"Levi."
"I don't fucking trust Dok, and I refuse to leave these bastards without making
sure that they're suffering."
"Don't be unreasonable."
"…Erwin, check on my sister and my nephews and niece. I'll take care of
everything here."
"…Are you sure?"
Levi stared at the training combats outside as he turned his back towards
Erwin, "I'm sure. I'll be making sure those bastards pay for making my family
suffer."
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Sorry for the late update, and I'll try to update asap.
     It's a short chapter compared to the others, but I wanted you guys to
     get an update so here it is!
     This chapter seems a bit rushed, and I'm sorry that it was. I tried
     to evoke as much emotion as I could. I love you guys and I hope you
     enjoy.
***** Pretend Reality *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Hi guys! Thank you all for your support! And, so here's another
     chapter update!
     I don't own anyone, but Elyse.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
"Eren, you need to eat." Nifa stated, softly, trying to get the boy in front of
her to open his mouth. Eren shook his head, stubbornly, and turned his head to
the side.
Nifa sighed, letting the spoon drop back into the cereal bowl.
It's been a week since the incident happened with Elyse. Nifa heard the details
from the police as she ran towards the hospital, trying to balance three little
kids who were clamoring for their mother after school. The rest of the security
detail were ordered around by her as she made sure to make her way to the
hospital room that was open first.
The doctors and nurses had stopped Nifa from going to Elyse's hospital room
first, so Nifa had no choice but to visit Dieter first. The man was fine, but
he was also grim. He had refused to eat and refused to make eye contact with
Nifa as a nurse checked on his bandages.
"She lost the baby, Nifa. I had been too late." Dieter finally stated, his head
hung low. Nifa placed a supporting hand on his shoulder, shaking her head.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Dieter. We all should've been more careful, not
only you." Nifa whispered, fiercely.
Dieter didn't say anything, and Nifa took that cue to leave once the nurse
informed her that Elyse was awake. With a final nod from Dieter, Nifa had taken
her leave and left Dieter's room to walk slowly towards Elyse's.
She knew what had happened. Every single news outlet was blasting about how
Elyse Jaeger-Ackerman Smith had been shot, but what the world didn't know was
the little secret that she had tried so hard to hide.
In the end, there was no more secret, and Nifa's heart sunk at the thought.
When Nifa had arrived inside, it had broken her heart when she looked up.
Elyse looked like hell. Haggard, broken, and apathetic, the bright, young
heiress was not in that room and Nifa, at first, hadn't recognized her.
Nurses took their leave and so did the doctor, but he had stopped to inform
Nifa with a solemn tone, "Make sure she eats something."
Nifa had no choice but to nod in agreement.
Once the door had shut behind her, Nifa approached Elyse's bedside, carefully.
Elyse hadn't even bothered to look up.
Nifa examined the young woman before her, and she couldn't help but tear up at
the sight of the bloodied clothing and matted dark brown waves that covered
Elyse's pale, haggard face. She had gently tucked a dark stray hair behind
Elyse's ear, and she closed her eyes for a moment as Elyse grabbed Nifa's hand,
weakly. She held back tears when Elyse's forehead met her own hand, and when
the sobs came, Nifa had no choice but to sob with her.
It had been a week since then. A week.
The kids knew that there was something wrong the moment Elyse was brought home,
carried to her room by an injured Dieter, who refused to not be babied by
anyone.
It didn't help that Elyse hasn't come out since.
Mikasa had been moody, refusing to leave the floor as she sat in front of her
mother's bedroom. Nifa even had caught her once in Erwin's bedroom, holding on
to one of her father's pillows.
Armin had been crying constantly, wanting to know what happened to his mother
and why she wasn't there to read to him anymore. He had asked Nifa if it was
something he'd done.
Eren, now Eren, he was the toughest one. He took the role of comforting his
siblings, and he was adamant about knocking on his mother's door even if Nifa
would stop him. He knew something was wrong.
One day, he argued with Nifa. An argument that came out of a five-year old's
mouth that broke Nifa's heart.
"Eren, you need to leave your mother alone. She needs to be alone; do you
understand?"
Eren had looked at her then, defiant and stubborn, one that would make his
uncle Levi proud.
"Mama hasn't been with us. Papa would be worried." Eren stated, jutting his
chin out.
"This time, the situation…is different. Your father will understand."
Eren looked down then. His feet shuffling and his face scrunched up in a
disappointed grunt and Nifa was tempted to even bang on Elyse's door in that
moment.
He looked up at Nifa, his green eyes wide and watery, "Papa would know what to
do."
The sound of the metal spoon clanging on the cereal bowl brought Nifa back to
the present as she looked at Armin, who played absently with his cereal.
Close to giving up, she was grateful when she saw Dieter make an appearance in
the kitchen. He gave Nifa another apologetic look and she pretended not to
notice the dark circles under his eyes. The kids were always distracted when
Dieter came around just because he was the last person that was with their
mother.
It's as if they felt that maybe their mother's presence would somehow be felt
with the last person who was with her.
Dieter, poor Dieter. He was still feeling guilty and horrible for what happened
that the security detail had come up to Nifa about how Dieter would be barking
orders 24/7 at them, and with that, Dieter never slept.
Nifa got up, leaving the kids with Dieter, and placing a comforting hand on his
shoulder before disappearing to go upstairs and check on the food that she
would place in front of Elyse's door.
As she began her trail up the stairs, she could hear Eren's relentless
questioning about what happened a week ago to his mother, and Dieter's failed
attempts to deflect the questions. The Estate had been dreary from all this
chaos, and Nifa sighed at the realization of how dusty the staircase was.
She traced the embellishments of the grand walls that shone in the light of the
morning, and she couldn't help but remember the memories of Elyse doing the
same as Erwin showed her the Estate, back when everything had been unstable in
the beginning. A young, pregnant wife of a man she barely knew, Elyse had been
such a tiny, fragile thing in Nifa's eyes.
And that poor, fragile thing proved to be stronger than most, yet always caught
up in the most miserable settings of life. It was enough for Nifa to want to
have the power to stop everything that had been damaging someone who didn't
deserve it.
The thought of damage reminded Nifa of one thing that had been shadowing the
Estate. It was a well-kept secret that the Commander and his wife had been at
odds since the whole thing with that Braun Lexington blew up. But, Nifa truly
felt that it started when Erwin had left to obey his orders.
She would never forget how Elyse sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at
the bundle of paper in her hands.
Nifa didn't ask about the papers.
Erwin hadn't even spoken of papers to her or Dieter. All he had wanted was for
them to stay behind and protect his own.
But, they had failed.
Nifa paused in front of Elyse's door. She couldn't see anything anymore. No
more happiness in the Estate and no more heated arguments overheard.
All she saw was untouched food.
===============================================================================
Eren knew something wasn't right.
He knew it the moment he saw his mama, unconscious, being carried to her room.
They didn't know that he knew the T.V. was talking about his mama when they
tried to secretly watch their grown-up shows when they thought the children
were asleep.
He knew that someone did something very bad to his mama.
He kept his brother and sister occupied at most, but they would just beg him to
try and get mama out of her room.
Dieter and Nifa protested when he asked, but he knew that there was something
wrong. What was wrong with them, anyways? He deserved to know what was wrong.
His father was the one who left him in charge, not them.
He had wanted to prove them wrong, so he had puffed his chest out every day,
knocking on his mother's door to prove his point. He would wait for her to
answer the door, but he received silence in return.
Just how Nifa and Dieter would.
It frustrated him to no end. His brother and sister were upset, and so was he,
but he couldn't react to anything if he had to be the master of the house while
his father was away.
He promised.
Eren had counted each day that his mother wouldn't answer. It had been seven
days at this point.
Seven was such a big number.
"When is papa coming home?" Eren asked, cutting through the silence as the
sound of silverware hitting porcelain sounded at the dinner table.
Nifa and Dieter shared another look, and Eren knew that look was meant for them
to plan their answers, and he hated it.
He absolutely hated it.
"Your father will come home soon. We just don't know when. He's somewhere far
away where we can't reach him easily." Nifa replied, smoothly.
Eren's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
"Did you tell him what is happening to mama?" Eren asked, urgently.
Nifa gave him a sympathetic look, one that almost made Eren feel bad for giving
her such a hard time.
"I'm sure that he's coming as quickly as possible, Eren. Right now, what you
can do is eat."
Eren nodded, helplessly, and stared at his warped reflection in the silverware
he held.
===============================================================================
It was barely past midnight when Nifa was awakened by Dieter frantically waking
her up.
"Nifa, you need to wake up." Dieter whispered, shoving her blankets away as he
grabbed her arm to get her up.
Nifa barely had time to register what was happening until she felt Dieter drag
her out of her house that was built for her next to the Estate.
"Dieter, what are you-?!" Nifa cut herself off when she realized that Dieter
was dragging her to the Estate.
"Is it the kids? Oh my God, is it Elyse?" Nifa asked, her vision desperately
trying to get used to the night.
Dieter didn't respond as he opened the door for Nifa, ushering her in. Nifa
looked around the living room, noticing that the fireplace was it and that bags
were everywhere…
That's when she noticed the figure sitting in front of the fire.
"C-Commander?" Nifa asked, breathlessly.
The figure turned to face her, and she noticed the weariness on his face in the
dim light. He had grown facial hair, understandably, and his figure was more
intimidating more than ever due to the bulk he gained from all the fighting
that he must've one over the couple of months he had been gone.
The way he sat was one who was too focused and concentrated or else the dam was
about to break within.
He had a blank look, and Nifa understood the reality of the situation.
"Commander, did you just arrive?" Nifa asked, not forgetting her place she had
when he first hired her.
"Yes, I did. The plane landed an hour ago." Erwin stated, softly, his voice
strange with the gruffness and hoarseness.
With the sound of his voice, Nifa felt all her frustration, anger, and sadness
rush out of her body as she walked up to him, her eyes narrowed.
"You don't deserve to be here." Nifa stated, lowly. That seemed to surprise
Dieter as he walked up to Nifa, grabbing her arm to pull her back.
Erwin held up a hand, and he nodded at Nifa, urging her to continue.
"You weren't here when this happened. You have no right to act like you just
came home from a damn casual business meeting. Your wife hasn't come out of her
room since the incident. The kids have been going through hell. Not to mention,
the fact that you dare show your face around here when the last thing you did
was serve Elyse with fucking divorce papers." Nifa hissed, angrily.
That last part took the two men by surprise. Nifa stood her ground.
"She didn't have to tell me. She didn't have to say anything." Nifa stated,
making sure that her statement would hit the man before her like she intended.
It did.
Erwin closed his eyes, letting Nifa's words sink in.
"Nifa…I…I didn't know." Erwin finally managed to say, his head hung low.
Nifa fought the urge to scream at him and wring his neck, "That's no excuse,
Eriwn. You and I both know that that is no excuse."
"Nifa." Dieter's warning sounded behind her and Nifa finally relaxed and she
let Dieter pull her away from the broken man.
"I'm sorry, Commander. As you can see, it's been a long time." Dieter
whispered, his voice soft.
Erwin shook his head, standing up as he walked towards the staircase. He looked
up into the darkness, as if he dreaded what waited for him there.
"Nifa is right. I…I should've known better. I left them here thinking that
maybe life would be better for them. I thought that the danger would be over. I
selfishly thought that they were after me, not…her." Erwin whispered that last
part, his hand tightening into a fist.
He turned to look at Dieter, knowing fully well that Nifa was too mad to answer
or look at him at all.
"What has happened? Tell me everything."
Dieter didn't even know where to start.
===============================================================================
Elyse didn't know how many minutes ticked by. She just knew that she didn't
want to get out of bed.
Everything hurt.
Everything was tiring.
Knocks on the door just sounded like her heart breaking each and every day. She
lost sense of herself and she lost sense of…anything, really.
She lost too many people in her life.
Her mother. Her uncle. Her aunt. Uncle Grisha. Her father.
And, now, her child.
All her fault. Everything was her fault. She just knew it was.
She could hear her children, crying out for her. She would cry when she would
hear them, but she didn't want them to see her like…this.
A shell of a person that they never knew.
Light.
Was it morning already?
How many days has it been...?
Bathroom, she needed to go to her bathroom.
She got up from bed, her head pounding but she persevered nonetheless. When was
the last time she ate or drank anything?
Oh well. She just needed to make her way to the bathroom and she can go back to
bed.
Why did she feel like she was falling...?
===============================================================================
Hearing his kids scream with happiness was like a dream come true for him. He
wrapped his arms around them, kissing their foreheads, and shushing them when
they got too loud.
"Are you home for good?" Eren asked, pleadingly.
Erwin had to ignore the rush of guilt that washed over him as he stared into
Eren's green eyes.
"Not yet, no. I can only be here for a couple of weeks. Eren, please— "
Eren pushed his father away, his glare hateful.
"Why can't you just stay for once?" Eren asked, softly, before he broke out
into a run up the stairs.
Erwin closed his eyes, and he looked down at Mikasa and Armin. He noticed that
his daughter looked noticeably skinny and Armin looked noticeably tired.
"I'm sorry. I really am." Erwin whispered, hoping they would at least
understand.
Mikasa simply looked away and Armin slowly pulled away from his father to run
after Eren.
Erwin watched hopelessly as Armin disappeared up the stairs.
"Mama got hurt, Papa." Mikasa's small voice stated, calling for his attention.
Erwin looked at his daughter, picking her up as he got up.
"I know, darling. That's why I came home as soon as I could." Erwin said,
softly, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. He placed a soft kiss on her cheek
before she snuggled against the crook of his neck.
"Eren said that it's because someone was mad at you and Mama. He said that
you're going to fix everything. That you're going to get Mama out of her room."
Mikasa continued, her hair tickling his neck.
Erwin struggled not to break tear up at his daughter's words.
"I'm going to try, darling."
===============================================================================
Erwin helped the kids get ready to school. Well, more like he watched as they
left for school, and he pretended that it didn't hurt when Eren and Armin
refused to say goodbye to him. Mikasa was the only one who kissed her father's
stubbled cheek.
They were getting older. He had forgotten how smart his kids were getting, and
he underestimated how much this would affect them.
Talk about Father of The Damn Year.
He stared at the bags in the living room that he had brought back. He knew that
there was no point in unpacking, but Levi made sure that he wouldn't try and
escape from going back home that he sent the man with more than enough of his
possessions that he had originally brought.
Dieter had left to be the bodyguard to the kids, and Nifa was busy trying to
clean the Estate and cook in the kitchen, trying her best to avoid him.
He didn't blame her.
He hated himself too.
The thought of it made him look up the stairs as he contemplated his next move.
God, this was so fucked up. How did he go from knowing exactly how to handle a
situation to not knowing what the fuck to do?
Taking a deep breath, Erwin walked up the stairs, deciding that opening the
door would be the best first stage.
===============================================================================
The door was locked and no one answered, so, of course, his best option was to
kick down the door.
And thank God he did.
The sight of a pale, terribly skinny Elyse on the floor was enough for Erwin to
call Nifa for help. Nifa rushed up the stairs and her face paled at the sight
before she obeyed Erwin's order to call the private doctor.
Erwin breathed a sigh of relief once he felt a faint pulse as he gingerly place
two fingers against her neck. He picked her up, gently, and placed her on her
bed. She was so…fragile.
Her eyes held dark circles underneath them, and her lips were dry and cracked,
lacking moisture from the lack of water she hadn't been drinking.
Her shiny, dark waves were lackluster and flat. Her smooth face now had gaunt
lines of her bones sticking out and so did her body. Gone was the youthful glow
she once had replaced with a mature sense of gloom that…
He had caused. He did this. He did this to her.
If he hadn't been so stubborn into leaving his family alone and dealing with
circumstances himself, this wouldn't have happened. Elyse had tried to reason
with him, but he had been so angry and disgusted by her choice that he ignored
her. He convinced himself that he was right, and Elyse was too young to
understand the repercussions and consequences that she had caused.
If only he had been patient and willing…
"FUCK!" He yelled, punching the wall. He ignored the reddening of his knuckles
as he knelt by Elyse's bedside, waiting for Nifa and the doctor.
When they arrived, no one questioned the indent in the wall.
===============================================================================
Elyse woke up to the sound of whispering. She blinked a couple of times, and
she noticed that she had something in her skin…An IV?
Her surroundings were still a bit blurred, but she could make out two figures
by her bedside.
"She should be fine if you can get her to eat as soon as she wakes. She should
be hydrated, but it's very important to get her to eat little by little. Do you
understand?"
"Yes, thank you, Doc."
Elyse couldn't believe her ears. Her eyes were wide open at this point, and she
heard the door shut and dreaded to look to the side.
"Elyse…? Are you awake?" Erwin's voice asked, softly.
She couldn't believe her eyes. He was there, standing by her bedside, dressed
in that Army uniform with his facial hair and bulky form. It wasn't the Erwin
she was used to, but it was Erwin nonetheless.
Just like that, all the despair and hate she felt was directed at him.
The bastard has left, not wanting to do anything with her anymore. He fought
with her almost every day before he left. He had the audacity to come here and
try to act like the good fucking husband he hasn't been since.
"…Why are you here?" Elyse managed to ask, her voice sounding foreign to her.
When was the last time she spoke to anyone, actually?
"I heard what happened. They allowed me to come home for a couple of weeks."
Erwin's voice replied, his voice still holding that Erwin-like straight-
forwardness.
Elyse didn't respond. Instead, she felt like sitting up. She found herself
being helped by Erwin, and she shrugged out of his grasp when she found her
balance.
Erwin, thankfully, didn't say anything.
"You need to eat something, Elyse." Erwin continued, and Elyse watched as Erwin
grabbed a plate of food and bring it to her. Elyse didn't bother to accept it.
Instead, she stared at him then at the plate of food.
Erwin sighed, and he placed the plate on her lap. He sat down on her bed, and
he looked at her, pointedly.
When Elyse didn't even bother to make a move, Erwin picked up a fork and got a
small portion of food and brought it to her closed lips.
"Elyse, eat." Erwin ordered, his gruff voice cracking a bit when he stared at
her bony face.
Elyse didn't move. She simply stared at him, apathetically.
"Elyse-"
"Why are you here, Erwin."
The question, or maybe the fact that she spoke, surprised Erwin, and Elyse felt
a bit of satisfaction at his reaction.
"I already told you, Elyse." Erwin replied, carefully.
"Why are you really here, Erwin." Elyse asked, her hazel gaze now directed
towards him, and she could see that he was at a total loss.
The manipulative strategist that he had been was now gone. He looked like an
insect caught in a spider web, desperate to get out.
"…Elyse, look I-"
"They told you about the baby, didn't they? They told you that I was pregnant
and that the shooter shot my stomach, and the baby is gone." Elyse interrupted
him, her gaze unflinching.
Erwin flinched.
"Yes, that's what they told me."
Elyse couldn't help but scoff at that, her bitterness seeping out her mouth.
"See, I don't understand why you're here, Erwin. You gave me divorce papers,
and that means you don't have to deal with me anymore. Baby? At least, you
don't have to worry about that anymore."
The poison was spilling out of her mouth, and she couldn't find it within
herself to care.
She didn't feel anything.
There was no point in trying to be careful about her words because there was
nobody she cared enough to stop her.
Erwin had left the moment he gave her those papers. He was gone the moment she
messed up with Braun. He was gone the moment she found out she was pregnant.
He had been gone, and she was tired of trying to hold on to someone who didn't
no longer care enough to fix whatever they once had.
"Elyse, enough." Erwin hissed, his gaze now hardened at her words.
Elyse cocked her head to the side, slightly, a dangerous smile coyly formed
with her lips.
"Or what, Erwin? You're going to force me to eat? You're going to take away the
children? You're going to kick me out of the Estate? Go ahead, Erwin. Do
whatever you want."
Erwin didn't even respond. Instead, he stared at her, his eyes moving, trying
to get a read on her.
But, she knew he would fail in trying.
"There's nothing else you can do, Erwin." Elyse finally sighed, resting against
the fluffed up pillows on her backside.
Erwin looked at her hands, and she knew he was fighting with himself, wondering
if he should grab them or just leave them alone.
"There must be something that I can do, Elyse. Please." Erwin finally said, his
hand gingerly touching hers.
Elyse pushed him away.
"You can leave." She stated, her tone hard and tired.
She watched his face crumble, and she picked up the fork and stabbed her food.
===============================================================================
Elyse wasn't ready to see anyone else just yet. She had barred the door once
more, occasionally opening the door when Nifa would place down food, but she
didn't eat.
She heard the kids' chatter, and she truly did miss them. But, right now, all
she wanted to do was be left alone. She was tired of being the pillar, all she
wanted to be was…alone.
She loved them. She did, but Erwin was back home now. Let him do the work he
had so carelessly and recklessly left behind.
She had felt so powerful when Erwin had left her room, dejected and confused.
She was no longer the weak one, but then again, ironically, she still was.
The doctor came to check on her again and he had scolded her about not eating,
and she just politely nodded.
As he examined her body, Elyse looked down at her bandaged stomach and she
flinched when the doctor unwrapped them. The sight of the bruises and the
stitches was enough for Elyse to start sobbing. The doctor tried his best to
comfort her as she began to wiggle around, trying to fight him and trying to
get him to leave.
The doctor started calling for help, and Elyse heard the door open, that
annoying, familiar voice commanding her to calm down. She screamed at him, the
moment he wrapped his arms around her upper torso, trying to restrain her.
"No, no, no. Let me go. This is your fault! If I hadn't met you!" Elyse cried
out, trying to get away from the tight hold that tried to soothe her.
All it felt like was someone trying to constrict her. All her life, someone was
trying to constrict her.
It wasn't long before darkness shrouded over her.
Erwin watched as Elyse was put to sleep after the doctor gave her a
tranquilizing shot. The hardness of her face that seemed foreign disappeared as
her face lost the lines that had appeared. The bones sticking out seemed to
lessen when her face relaxed and a small sigh escaped her lips.
He felt like he was holding on to a pile of bones, one that he had to pick up
from the battlefield not so long ago.
To think, he returned to a personal battlefield of his own.
"We need to resort to a feeding tube soon, Mr. Smith. This is not looking
good." The doctor informed him, solemnly.
Erwin contemplated his words, stroking Elyse's cold cheek wordlessly.
"Tomorrow, if she doesn't eat by tomorrow, then we'll take drastic measures."
===============================================================================
Elyse woke up to the sound of clanging dishes and something being set on her
lap. She sat up, slowly, noticing the newly bandaged midriff. The memory of
being tranquilized came to her, and she remembered fighting Erwin as he tried
to wrap his arms around her to comfort her.
Speak of the devil and he will appear. She was greeted by Erwin's serious gaze
as he sat by her bedside, pointing to the tray on her lap.
"You need to eat, Elyse." Erwin stated, curtly.
"You need to leave me alone." Elyse replied, softly, wincing at the sound of
her weak voice.
As if that proved his point, Erwin gave her a pointed look, his arms crossed as
he leaned back in the chair to get comfortable.
Elyse glared at him. How dare he.
"I'm not leaving until you eat, Elyse." Erwin stated as a matter-of-factly.
"Well, guess I'm not hungry." Elyse hissed through gritted teeth, pushing the
tray away until it got off her lap and on to the side of the bed.
Erwin didn't say anything for a moment until he leaned in, his face shrouded in
mystery as Elyse was forced to look at him, his hands on each side of her face.
"The doctor said that he'll insert a feeding tube if you don't eat which means
you won't be sitting up anymore nor will you be able to use the bathroom.
There's a tube for that too, Elyse. You will be strapped in this bed." Erwin
warned her, his voice low and grave.
Elyse looked away, her heart sinking.
"The kids can't see you like this either. Have you looked at yourself in the
mirror, Elyse? It's been a week since you ate and you're already thin as it is.
Do you want the kids to start blaming themselves more?"
"More?" Elyse asked, her heart breaking at the thought of her kids blaming
themselves, constantly crying. She remembered hearing crying and pounding at
the door, but she had reasoned with herself, saying that it was better this
way.
She had been reckless with her latest pregnancy. She had almost dropped one of
them because of the press. She had almost had them harassed by the press. All
because she lacked responsibility. Nifa and Dieter would be better for them at
this point, that's what kept telling herself.
"They think that you don't want to see them because you don't love them
anymore." Erwin informed her, his tone apathetic but when she faced him, she
could see the sadness in his eyes.
She wouldn't pity him, but…she would eat for her kids.
Her kids. They needed her, and that's all that mattered right now.
That's what got her to eat her first bite, ignoring the man beside her.
===============================================================================
A week passed, and the doctor praised Elyse's return to health. He monitored
her vitals and he hummed satisfactorily at the sight of meat on her bones.
He also was wary when he unwrapped her bandages, but Elyse proved to be good as
she looked away. If she could sit still, it didn't mean that she had to look at
the scar that proved what she had lost.
"I think it would be good if you got out of bed today, Miss Elyse. The weather
has been warm as well, and I hear that the kids are done with school since it's
the summer season." The doctor encouraged her warmly.
Elyse gave him the tiniest of smiles, and she watched as he took his leave,
thanking him.
Erwin didn't come to her room ever since the day he forced her to eat. He had
left alone like she wanted, and she hoped that he wasn't in the Estate when she
would open the door.
"Elyse…?" Nifa's voice asked from behind the door, and Elyse took a deep
breath, getting up very slowly.
She managed to get to the door, and when she turned the knob and opened it
slightly, Elyse took in the sight of Nifa and the blurred figures of her kids
as they ran to hug her legs.
She almost cried when their heads looked up at her, their eyes wet with unshed
tears. It didn't help when Nifa joined them as she wrapped her arms around her.
Warmness was something she had noticeably missed.
===============================================================================
The garden that she had built with the kids flourished. She watched in awe as
she was dragged by Armin and Mikasa as they exclaimed their excitement atop of
each other's squeals.
Elyse noticed that Eren was walking beside her, warily watching her.
"Eren, is everything okay?" Elyse asked, softly, her hand gently placed atop of
his mop of dark brown hair.
Eren looked away, silently, for a moment.
"Did someone hurt you, Mama?" Eren asked, finally. Elyse took a deep breath,
forgetting that her kids needed an explanation about what happened.
"…Yes, someone did, Eren. But, let's not think about it, okay? I'm fine now.
Even though it took a bit of time, I'm here now." Elyse reassured him, bending
down as Armin and Mikasa paused to run back to where they were.
"You promise?" Eren final asked, his voice in a mere whisper.
"I promise." Elyse stated, heatedly. She placed a small kiss on his forehead,
trying to hide the stray tear that rolled own her cheek.
===============================================================================
Dinner was…quiet. Elyse didn't know how to react. Eren was obviously angry at
Erwin, and Erwin wasn't paying any attention to anyone but his food and letters
on the table. Erwin didn't even betray any surprise or emotion when he saw
Elyse at the dinner table. Mikasa was the one who kissed her father's cheek,
but other than that, Armin looked a bit torn as he looked at Eren, whose head
was turned away.
The tension in the room didn't help, and Elyse felt the rush of despair rise
within her when she noticed that Erwin tried to wipe Eren's face, but Eren
pushed his father's hand away.
With the complications between her and Erwin, she never wished her kids to be
at odds with their own father.
She wasn't about to be the in-between mediator she had once been for her own
brother and father.
"Eren, you don't push your father's hand away when he's trying to help you."
Elyse scolded from the other side of the table, giving a pointed look at her
son.
Erwin looked at her, a bit surprised, and before he could open his mouth to say
anything, Elyse shot him a warning glare.
Eren was already looking at her, his glare motivated her to keep her own stand.
"Help us? He's going to leave us again anyways." Eren stated with a pout.
Elyse raised an eyebrow at that, but she would question Erwin when…well,
whenever she felt like she had to talk to him. To be honest, it didn't surprise
her that much. Knowing how Nile Dok worked, she knew that the private Army
Erwin worked for was one that didn't give breaks easily.
"He's doing his job, Eren. At least he came back when he knew he had to." Elyse
said, trying to make her point without making eye contact with Erwin.
Eren stared at his plate, and he pushed it aside before leaving the table.
Armin followed after him, biting his lip as he hurriedly kissed his father and
mother's cheek. Mikasa still sat at the table, obediently looking and to and
fro from her parents.
With a small sigh, Elyse looked down at her own plate after cutting Mikasa's
own steak into tiny little pieces.
All was not well anymore.
===============================================================================
Elyse had to swallow her pride. She could despise the man all she wanted, but
she knew she had to talk to Erwin about the kids so she could at least fix the
little problem.
That didn't mean she had to fix it this instant.
Well, that we her reason as to why she was enjoying her alone time on the
porch. She was trying to catch up with the news and the ballet theatre she had
missed for two weeks now, and it wasn't looking well at all. The news had her
face printed on it, and it was all the world was talking about. It said she was
at home now, and she was a bit bitter that the press finally stayed away from
her.
All it took for her was to get shot.
The ballet theatre was declining due to what happened. They thought her getting
shot meant that anything associated with her wasn't safe, and she still had to
contact Freida, who had left several frantic voicemails about how the Estate
was heavily guarded and how she had been banned.
It was all a mess.
She took a deep breath, and she snuggled in the throw and rocking chair she was
in. The air was clear, and the humidity as high just yet which made her happy.
It was the little things that helped her get started with trying to get back on
track, but the bandages…
She absently rubbed the rough texture of the bandages, and she blinked away the
tears that formed. She wasn't allowed to dance just yet, and if she was truly
honest with herself, she didn't think she would go back to it.
It was too hard.
She had been…terrified when she had been pregnant, but she was happy
nonetheless. It didn't matter that Erwin was intent on divorcing her at that
point, and all that matter to Elyse was that she was going to have another
beautiful child.
And that child was taken away from her in a matter of seconds.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a hoarse cough and she looked to her side and
noticed that Erwin was on the porch, not even realizing that she was there.
She watched as he lit a cigar and began to inhale and exhale smoke, his gaze
straight ahead in the darkness.
"You should quit smoking. Armin had recently asked if he could try it when you
were gone." Elyse found herself saying, smirking softly at the sudden surprised
movement Erwin did when he turned to face her.
"…I didn't know you were out here. I thought you were sleeping." Erwin stated,
and she didn't understand where that came from.
"Well, I've been…out of it for two weeks now. I needed to catch up with what's
going on. Besides, the kids finally fell asleep, and I needed fresh air." Elyse
sighed, uncaring of the fact that she was talking to the man she swore she
would try to avoid.
She knew her attempted avoidance wouldn't last. Besides, this would kill two
birds with one stone.
"Can you explain why Eren is angry at you?" Elyse asked, changing the subject.
Erwin looked down, guiltily, for a moment, before taking another puff of his
cigar and looking straight ahead once more.
"I'm leaving soon. I told him that I was only allowed minimal time, and he
understandably got aggravated with me." Erwin stated, nonchalantly.
Elyse nodded at that, a sigh escaping her mouth.
"I'll fix it." Elyse finally said, snuggling closer in the rocking chair.
Erwin shook his head, "It's fine, Elyse. Let him be angry. There's no point in
fixing it because he's right. We can only do so much."
Elyse scoffed at that, "We?"
"Sorry, you're right. You." Erwin replied, not even trying to argue with Elyse.
Elyse also didn't bother.
Whatever was between them. Whatever arguments or agreements, the time to
pretend was now over.
The reality was just beginning.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ MIDTERMS ARE OVER, SO HERE'S A CHAPTER THAT WAS HEARTBREAKING TO
     WRITE.
     ANGST EVERYWHERE.
     Thank you guys for understanding that this took time. Also, on my
     Tumblr, erwinswaifu, I reblogged a couple of things that is under the
     #theartoftheunexpectedfic which reflects the story and some scenes.
     So, if you're waiting and such, I'm on Tumblr
***** Pristine Distress *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ School has calmed down a bit, so here's another update! Thanks
     for patiently waiting, loves!
     Elyse belongs to me, everyone else doesn't.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
Erwin's stuff was already packed.
Elyse knew that his time for visiting was up as she eyed the dirtied bags piled
up next to the doorway. She didn't say anything about it. Instead, she focused
on putting Mikasa's hair up since she was going to take the kids with her to
the theatre.
Ever since that shared moment of silence on the porch that night, Elyse noticed
that Erwin was never…there anymore.
When the kids were playing while she still had to rest a bit from the wounds in
her room, she noticed that all she ever saw was Erwin's backside facing her as
he worked on papers and talked on his phone while he watched the kids play in
the backyard.
Elyse didn't miss it when Eren would look in his father's direction and glare
at him.
That glare reminded of a certain brother of hers when it came to their own
father not so long ago.
Elyse had tried to talk to Eren about it, but Eren would ignore her words and
ignore the fact that his father would also try to make amends.
Not like Erwin was really trying in Elyse's opinion.
Compared to how he was before he was shipped off to God knows where, Erwin
wasn't all there anymore.
He would always be busy with something. Papers, laptops, and phones were always
a distraction when it came to Erwin's attention. He joined them when it came to
eating at the table or when it came to taking care of the kids, but he never
looked up unless he had to.
Usually, something like that would appall Elyse, but instead, she just
felt…done.
And maybe, Erwin was just done, too.
His stuff can be piled up and he could leave the next day because if Elyse was
truly being honest with herself…
Erwin Smith was just the stranger she should've never met in the first place.
But, the kids always came first and Elyse wasn't going to have Eren be mad at
his father when his father could be…gone in a matter of minutes.
She had a plan in mind, and as she made sure that the kids were dressed, Elyse
smiled and thanked Dieter for opening the door for them.
The theatre awaits.
===============================================================================
Elyse loved the silence that surrounded them as they got out of the car. The
press wasn't bothering her anymore due to the social networks that advocated
for her privacy. Fans of her or Erwin or both had blamed the press for being
the ones who would publicize Elyse's life that the almost assassination was due
to press's negligence of privacy.
Elyse couldn't be more grateful to the people who cared that much for her and
her family that she was now planning to get back in the theatre and use the
love for motivation to get back at it.
The kids ran into the theatre and Elyse took a deep breath before entering. The
theatre was as beautiful as ever; well-kept and grand. She saw some dancers and
singers onstage, practicing or talking. It was music to her ears.
She was looking forward to greeting her old company, but the sudden stuttered
stop of Eren as he noticed who was on the stage as they got closer also made
Elyse remember why she was there in the first place.
She looked up on the stage and was greeted by Erwin's strong backside once more
as he was giving orders here and there.
"Krista, I need you to partner up with Reiner for this part." Erwin's voice
commanded, and Elyse noticed that they obeyed him quickly.
She swallowed, and she walked up the stairs and on to the stage.
The first person to notice her tackled her to the ground, and Elyse struggled
to breathe through the mess of dark hair that was on her face.
"Oh my God, Elyse!" Freida's voice wailed in her ear, and Elyse giggled softly
as she patted her friend's back.
"Freida, I'm struggling to breathe over here." Elyse stated, trying to push her
friend off her gently.
Freida immediately sat up, helping Elyse sit up with her.
"I'm so happy you're here! And you look good, so I'm guessing that everything
is…healed." Freida stated, trying to find the right words as she hugged her
friend tightly.
Elyse laughed, and as Freida babbled on, she looked around and noticed that the
company was whispering and smiling enthusiastically, knowing fully well that
Freida would murder them if they tried and hugged Elyse when she wasn't done
hugging her.
As soon as Freida let go, Elyse greeted the company, who in turn smiled and
hugged her in return.
When that was done, Elyse turned around to look for her kids and she noticed
that they were sitting in the first row of seats instead of going on stage.
Mikasa was about to go onstage, but Elyse noticed that Armin was talking to a
pouty Eren.
With that reminder, Elyse turned to face Erwin, who was busy with talking to
the dancers who were still in practice.
She took a deep breath, and she walked towards the man. With a bright smile on
her face, Elyse placed a hand on his forearm, gently, which seemed to surprise
both of them as he looked at her and she blinked.
When was the last time she touched him?
Before she could even think about that, Elyse removed her hand and she didn't
miss the disappointment in his gaze and the weird feeling that washed over her.
"Elyse." Erwin greeted, more like stated. Yet, the charming smile he pasted on
seemed to charm the people that surrounded them.
Elyse smiled back, hoping that her smile looked as sincere as his acted one
was.
"I thought I would visit with the kids. Nifa told me that you would be here
today to oversee some of the production before you left." Elyse stated, warmly.
Erwin didn't say anything as he still studied her, but he nodded.
Before Elyse could say anything else, Erwin announced that it was break time,
and she didn't hesitate when Erwin walked off the stage.
She followed and he turned to face her, quickly. It was dark in the corner, but
Elyse was grateful for the privacy.
"You need to rest." Erwin stated, the warmness that was in his voice
disappearing, and Elyse struggled not to roll her eyes at the man in front of
her.
"The doctor said I'm fine. He even suggested that it would be good to have a
change of scenery. Besides, you're leaving tomorrow, aren't you?" Elyse asked,
pointedly.
Erwin gritted his teeth, and Elyse watched as his jaw clenched.
"I didn't think you would care." He finally stated, his gaze indifferent.
"I don't." Elyse said, noticing the blue-eyed gaze made her feel a little bit
too uncomfortable as she stated her indifference.
She motioned towards Eren, who was now alone as he watched Armin and Mikasa
talk to the dancers and singers.
"I'm here for him. You need to make amends with your son, Erwin. You can't
leave without fixing this. You and I know that." Elyse whispered, heatedly.
Erwin's gaze shifted towards the five-year-old boy and Elyse watched sadness
fill his eyes.
"He has every right to be angry, Elyse. What am I supposed to do? Lie to him
and leave the next day? He's young and he— "
"He loves you. Your kids love you. That's why he's angry at you, Erwin. He
doesn't want you to leave. You're right, he's young and doesn't understand
what's going on, but…you and I both know that it's not right to leave things
unsaid with an uncertain, risky future ahead, Erwin." Elyse stated, pointedly,
not caring if the closed space between them was getting tighter since they were
trying to keep the conversation low.
Erwin's gaze sharpened as he looked down at her. Elyse swallowed, slowly,
remembering the words that she just said.
It seemed that Erwin heard her words a bit differently from the way he was
looking at her.
The moment passed as soon as he looked back to his son. Elyse placed a hand on
his arm once more, trying to push him to take that one step.
Erwin looked down at her hand and he didn't say anything as he let her hand
fall and he walked towards Eren.
Elyse watched as Erwin approached their son and how he knelt down to talk to
their cross-armed son.
She watched as Erwin, this tall, broad-backed man, gingerly take Eren's small
hands into his own and her heart began to swell at the sight of Eren slowly
leaning in to hear his father's words.
For a slow, agonizing moment, Elyse thought Eren was going to pull back and
shield himself away from Erwin, but that fear disappeared once Eren threw his
arms around his father's large neck.
The sound of Eren's sobbing almost matched the sound of the cries Elyse
smothered with her hand as she looked away.
===============================================================================
Eren didn't let of Erwin that whole day.
Erwin carried him as he directed dancers and Elyse couldn't find it in her
heart to tell Eren to let Erwin do his job.
Armin was the most relieved that his brother and father made up as he chatted
happily with Elyse.
Everything seemed well for now.
The kids chatted happily as they entered the house. Erwin and Elyse followed
from behind, and they watched as the kids run around in the house as they got
ready for dinner.
Elyse smiled at that, yet she noticed that Mikasa paused at the sight of
something before being dragged somewhere by Armin.
Elyse walked inside and looked to where Mikasa had and she noticed it was the
dirty bags by the door.
She turned to Erwin, who just entered the house.
"You couldn't move the bags somewhere else?" Elyse asked, exasperated.
Erwin looked to the side for a moment, and he shrugged, noncommittally.
"It's not like it's a secret." He stated, walking away from her. Elyse bristled
at that, ready to give him a piece of her mind.
But, the sight of Eren running into Erwin's open arms was enough for her
silence.
===============================================================================
Elyse was woken up by the sound of heavy footsteps going down the stairs.
Bleary-eyed and half-awake, she grabs her phone and looks at the time.
5:07? What the…
With a big yawn, she threw the covers away and sat up, stretching.
She could hear the sound of mummed voices downstairs and her curiosity piqued
even more.
She walked out of her bedroom and began to walk down the stairs when she
realized that the hushed voices belonged to Dieter, Nifa, and…an Army-dressed
Erwin.
They didn't seem to notice that she was coming down the stairs.
"What's going on?" Elyse asked, getting their attention.
Dieter and Nifa visibly froze and looked up, hesitancy in their gazes. Erwin
wasn't looking at her.
That was enough for Elyse to keep prodding.
"Erwin, what's going on?" Elyse asked, finally reaching the bottom of the
stairs as she crossed her arms.
"Dieter, Nifa, if you'll excuse us." Erwin stated, not even turning to face
Elyse. Dieter and Nifa nodded and they avoided looking at Elyse as they left
the room.
When he was sure they were alone, Erwin sighed as he turned to look at Elyse.
"I have to go now." Erwin stated, matter-of-factly.
"I know that, Erwin. Yet, you're supposed to leave in the afternoon, not at
five in the morning." Elyse replied, already annoyed at the fact that she has
to keep spelling things out for him.
"Circumstances have changed." Erwin replied, easily. Elyse narrowed her eyes.
She had been regularly receiving letter from her brother, and she had time to
reply to them as soon as she got better, but she was tired of being kept in the
dark by both of them.
She knew that they had captured the group in charge of her assassination
attempt, but they were being secretive about it which she understood in the
beginning. What she didn't understand was the fact that they weren't telling
her anything about it. She was involved just as much as they are. Hell, she was
the victim.
"What circumstances?" Elyse asked, watching as Erwin picked up one of his bags.
Erwin didn't reply and Elyse's patience was getting tested as she watched him
gather his bags.
"Erwin." Elyse demanded, gritting her teeth.
"I'll be back soon. I'll keep you updated." Erwin stated, nonchalantly.
Before he could leave, Elyse grabbed his arm, tightly. She dug her nails into
his forearm, and it bothered her when he didn't flinch. Instead, he grabbed her
hand in return, ready to pry her hand off of him.
"Don't give me your self-righteous bullshit right now, Erwin. It's five in the
morning, and I'm not about to let you leave this family once more as if you're
some fucking hero. You didn't even say goodbye to the kids. What kind of— "
"I said goodbye to them last night, Elyse. I'm sure that they'll be fine."
Erwin cut her off, brushing her hand off as if she wasn't holding on to him for
dear life.
"ANSWER MY DAMN QUESTION, ERWIN." Elyse shouted, grabbing onto his arm once
more.
"I told you, Elyse. I can't say anything else about it." Erwin replied, his
intimidating gaze turned to her.
Elyse wasn't backing down. She was tired of tiptoeing. She was tired of being
told what to do. She was tired of being treated like she was some precious
porcelain doll that needed to be treated with damn kiddy gloves.
She's going to get what she wanted before Erwin can decide what she needs.
"You listen here, you fucking piece of self-righteous asshole. I am done
hearing the phrase, 'I can't,' because you know you can. You're not the one who
had a bullet tearing into your uterus and losing a baby in the process. You're
not the one who is suffering every damn day with nightmares of losing your
children because you managed to lose one. You're not the one who has to deal
with crying children when it comes to asking when will one of their parents
come home. You're not the one who has to deal with trying to be some pretty
little princess to the press when, in reality, you're some messed up person who
is just trying to live day-by-day. I deserve to get what I want this time."
Elyse hissed, angrily, using her other hand to grab Erwin's face and force him
to face her.
She knew she probably looked crazy, her hazel eyes blown and her bed hair in
disarray. She wasn't backing down as she searched Erwin's indifferent gaze. She
knew she surprised him just a bit at the sight of his gaze widening just the
slightest bit.
She snapped out of it once she saw Erwin's gaze soften at the sight of her and,
dare she say, pride that replaced the softness.
"...Levi is getting impatient. He wants me to end the group now." Erwin finally
stated, softly.
Elyse's grip relaxed and her arms dropped to her side as she looked at Erwin's
chest, blankly.
"End the group?" Elyse asked, trying to make sense of it.
"Yes, he wants to kill them. And, I'm impatient also. I might as well leave
early to get it done." Erwin stated, rubbing his shoulder due to the weight of
the bags.
Elyse finally scoffed at that, "Don't try to use excuses to get out of this
hellhole so quickly, Erwin. I know that you don't want to be here."
Erwin grabbed her chin and forced her to look up at him, sharply, making
Elyse's eyes grow wide.
"I don't want to be here, Elyse. You're right. Yet, you're thinking of the
wrong reasons. I sat here for weeks, watching as the doctor tended to you and
watching the kids cower in fear from time to time wondering what was going to
happen to you. I sat here, and all I could think about was revenge." Erwin
said, slowly, making sure that Elyse heard every word.
"Revenge?" Elyse managed to ask, quietly.
"Revenge. Revenge because my unborn child was taken away from me before I even
knew the child existed. Revenge because I can't stand the thought of my kids
being unsafe." Erwin continued, his thumb stroking her chin.
"I'm also angry at myself. I'm angry that I had made this possible with what my
pride has wrought in this whole ordeal. I don't even know what I've lost
because where did it even begin with what I've gained. I wrapped my whole head
around what I thought was best, and yet, here we are, Elyse." Erwin whispered,
sadly, and Elyse could see the hurt in his eyes.
"Damaged. Broken. That's what this whole thing is, Elyse. You're rightfully
angry and I'm rightfully ignorant. You get the worst things in the world with
that combination. That's why I'm going to do what I can now. I'm going to kill
them." Erwin finished, letting his thumb brush over her chin and cheek so
softly before he let go of her and she let go of him.
They both stood there, inches away from each other, staring.
"You're insufferable." Elyse whispered, knowing that her voice was going to
break.
She had tried to kept the dam steady, but it was threatening to fall apart
especially when you have the person you hate proclaim that he hated himself.
She was still that girl who met him on that train, yet she was someone
different all together. She's been through hell and back, and so had he, even
having a couple more years atop of her own fresh ones.
Erwin nodded at her statement, not even denying as he stood straight and tall
in front of her.
Like a true soldier, hardened and unbeaten.
"You used the word 'asshole'." Erwin stated, and he smiled at her, a half-
sloppy one and Elyse looked down.
"I hate you, Erwin. You know that? I fucking hate you." Elyse finally stated,
not holding back anymore as she looked at her shaking hands.
Erwin shifted the bags on his shoulder, the sound of material swishing broke
the silence after a moment.
Elyse looked up at him, her eyes narrowed and her mouth shaped into a slight
snarl.
"If you don't come back soon, I'm leaving. I'm taking the kids and we're
leaving." Elyse stated, seriously.
This was it.
She knew. He knew.
It was the whole thing that was keeping this messed up situation up. If she
left with the kids, he would have nothing and she would deprive her kids of
their father.
It was something that she was willing to sacrifice since his self-righteous ass
thought whatever he did was right for the family.
So, she'll retaliate.
She'll do what's best for her family in her own way.
Erwin be damned.
Elyse looked up at him, and she could see the smirk on his face as he gently
tucked a stray hair in her ear.
"I wouldn't expect anything less, Elyse."
He placed a fleeting kiss on her forehead before he turned his back on her and
walked out of the house.
Elyse found herself watching Erwin's backside once more.
===============================================================================
The kids didn't question their father's disappearance and Elyse didn't know
whether she should be alarmed by that or not. Yet, the smile on Eren's face as
he took control over his sibling's activities for the day assured Elyse that
she didn't have anything to worry about.
She could hear their playful laughter outside as she sat in the study that
Erwin and her used to share.
She played with the edges of the crisp papers on the mahogany table and leaned
back in the comfortable leather chair, rocking side to side as she tried to
figure out what to do.
It's been a week since Erwin left to do his duties, and Elyse can't help but
recall the depressing conversation they had shared.
At first, she couldn't believe that they even had a conversation like that.
Then, she couldn't believe that she even spoke to him like that. Sometimes, she
laid awake thinking about it, and sometimes, she fell asleep to it as if it was
her personal lullaby.
For some odd, twisted reason, it comforted Elyse.
They had been tiptoeing around each other since the moment they were caught up
in a whirlwind of events that led them to the life they had been leading.
Whenever it got uncomfortable, Elyse would let Erwin take the lead, and he got
used to that. Whenever it got intense, they wouldn't even bother acknowledging
it.
God, they used the same excuse, 'for the kids', so many times that Elyse didn't
realize how nauseating it really was.
Yet, she actually yelled at him, and Erwin showed his true colors.
The ultimatum was something that she knew they didn't both expect, but they
both knew it was coming.
Maybe that's why she was sitting at the desk, wordlessly examining the papers
on the desk that had that menacing line that required her signature.
She had said that she would leave him if he didn't come back, yet she didn't
even give him a deadline.
But, they both knew.
The deadline was when she would finally realize that staying in that Estate and
with him for their kids wasn't good enough.
That one day, she'll wake up and realize that the kids don't need an absentee
father who decides that everything else was more important than them.
That one day, she'll wake up and realize that being in a fake marriage wasn't
worth it anymore because being shot at was the tip of the iceberg.
Sighing, Elyse got up from the leather chair and began to walk out. When she
reached the light switch, she turned to face the desk once more, the papers
aligned perfectly, one more time before turning back around and closing the
door.
===============================================================================
Levi watched as Erwin walked inside the building.
The man was ready.
Levi noticed that Erwin was dressed head to toe with dirty clothing, and he
suppressed a shudder at the thought of what Erwin had in store for the group at
the end of the hallway.
"I just need a knife." Erwin stated, from beside him.
Levi looked up at the man, eyeing him warily. Hanji and Petra even looked
uncomfortable with what the Commander had stated.
"Don't take it too far, Erwin. We know they already did it." Levi warned his
fellow comrade.
Erwin didn't even bother to look at him as Petra hesitantly handed a knife to
him.
"That's exactly why I intend to make this slow and painful." Erwin said,
walking in the room before them.
Hanji and Petra shot Levi a look, and Levi didn't even bother to look back.
Something had happened back in France, and Levi wasn't sure if he was ready to
find out.
===============================================================================
Elyse woke up in cold sweat as she cried out for her baby.
The lights to her room were blaring as her eyes adjusted to her surroundings.
Nifa, Dieter, and the doctor came rushing in as they tried to calm her down.
Elyse didn't bother to stop them. She needed to breathe….why couldn't she?
Blood….
There was so much blood around her…
It was coming from her! Shit, it was coming from her stomach…No, her uterus…
"She's hallucinating. Pin her down. We need to tranquilize her before she harms
herself." The doctor stated.
Elyse could feel hands pushing her down, and before she could tell them that
she could see blood, she closed her eyes and slipped back into darkness.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse nodded, blankly.
"I don't think you heard, Miss Elyse…You need to go see a therapist. You're
experiencing hallucinating nightmares about losing your baby, and it's normal
to have those things after such a traumatizing ordeal." The doctor said again.
Elyse nodded, blankly.
The doctor sighed as he got up. He shot a look at Nifa and Dieter, and they
both nodded, following him out the door.
"Tell me. Before Mr. Smith left, did she experience these things before? I know
that she had some attacks, but it seemed to dull down when Mr. Smith was here."
The doctor inquired, looking at the two of them.
"No, she didn't. All we know is that Elyse was more focused on having her kids
spend time with their father before he had to leave again." Nifa replied.
The doctor nodded, "I see…I recommend that you inform Mr. Smith about his wife.
Make sure you call me once another attack happens."
"Another attack?" Dieter asked, looking at Elyse's closed door.
The doctor nodded, "It's going to happen again. She's clearly in some sort of
distress, and we need to pinpoint it before it gets worse."
===============================================================================
The blood was already dried up on Erwin's clothes as soon as Levi noticed that
Erwin left the room.
Erwin was drenched in blood. It seemed that his clothes were made out of blood.
Hanji simply stared at Erwin, blankly, and Petra had to turn around to vomit at
the sight and stench.
"Clean up the room." Erwin ordered to some cadets. The cadets nodded,
obediently, and Levi noticed that a tinge of green were shown on their faces as
they looked inside the room.
"Erwin." Levi tried to stop the man, but Erwin brushed past him, dropping the
bloodied knife in his hand.
"I saved one for you." Erwin replied, and with that, he took his leave.
Levi closed his eyes, knowing fully well that he was going to show mercy to
this one.
Because when he entered the room, there were no body parts to spare for even a
proper funeral.
===============================================================================
The next night, Levi noticed that there was a letter for Erwin from Nifa. He
walked towards Erwin's tent, and he noticed that the usual prostitute-therapist
he had wasn't there.
Instead, he was greeted by Erwin, washed and shaved, sitting at his desk,
blankly staring at the tent walls.
"You got mail." Levi stated, walking towards him before placing the envelope on
his desk.
Erwin nodded in acknowledgement, but he didn't say anything else.
"Elyse wrote to me about your visit and how Eren was angry at you. She said it
was solved, but is there anything else that is bothering you?" Levi asked, with
a sigh.
"…Did I fuck up your life, Levi?" Erwin asked, suddenly.
Levi stared at the man before scoffing.
"Not really, I fucked up my own life by myself, thank you very much." Levi
said, sarcastically.
Erwin didn't even chuckle. Instead, he turned to look at Levi, his gaze
unreadable.
"I fucked up her life. You and I both know that." Erwin stated, not even
blinking.
Levi narrowed his eyes at Erwin, "Of course you did. Who said that I never
thought you did."
The tense moment passed between them, but Levi broke it by sighing and turning
around to walk out.
"I don't know why you decide to realize that you fucked up now, but moping
around isn't going to do shit, Erwin."
With that said, Levi left.
===============================================================================
Erwin opened Nifa's letter after a moment of Levi's words sunk in his thoughts.
He wasn't moping around. He was just tired, that's all. Killing the people that
killed his unborn child was supposed to give him some sense of relief, and it
had.
But, Erwin wasn't ready to go back.
He wanted to stay and hunt for more of the bastards who decided that they had
control of his life.
Yet, Elyse's words kept echoing in his head, and Erwin found himself being
challenged by them.
He knew that the ultimatum was coming, but he couldn't understand why she had
decided to do it now when she had all the time before?
Granted, she had been through the worse ordeal to date, but it was as if she
was angry at him for something else. Something that his mind can't make sense
of.
She called him a self-righteous asshole, and God, instead of being annoyed and
hurt, he was so fucking proud of her.
She finally stood up for herself even when he tried to do it for her.
Even now, his pathetic ass was still trying to take care of things for her.
He sighed and began to read the letter before him.
Commander Erwin Smith,
Everything is well and safe with the kids, but there is something alarming that
you need to be in update of. It seems that Miss Elyse is having hallucinations
of some sort. She believes that she wakes up in a pool of blood that is coming
from her uterus, and the doctor said that it's normal due to what she has been
through. He believes that it's linked to a distress of some kind that is
triggering these nightmarish hallucinations. The doctor has suggested for her
to go into therapy, and Dieter will bring her tomorrow. I hope this letter
finds you quickly enough.
Wishing the best on the battlefield,
Nifa
Erwin clutched the letter in his hand, tightly, crumpling the paper in anger.
He knew that something was unsettling, but he couldn't pinpoint it until now.
He didn't want to go back for the wrong reasons, and he knew that more than
ever he needed to get back as soon as possible.
"Cadet!" Erwin shouted, urgently. One of the cadets who was guarding his tent
walked in with a salute.
"Get me Commander Dok. Tell him it's urgent. If he doesn't respond immediately,
tell him that he can go fuck himself."
===============================================================================
Pristine walls.
Pristine couch.
Everything was so pristine.
Just like her father's office back in New York City.
Elyse looked at the pristine-dressed woman sitting in front of her.
"Elyse, is it?" The woman asked, politely.
"Yes." Elyse replied, easily.
The woman nodded, and she smiled welcomingly at Elyse, who tried to smile back,
but she wasn't so sure if she did.
"I understand that you're here because you've been having trauma after a
traumatic incident." The woman stated, looking at some papers on her pristine
clipboard.
Elyse nodded, curtly.
"Would you like to talk about it?" The woman encouraged, warmly. Elyse didn't
even bat an eyelash as she began to speak.
"I lost my baby after being shot. What more is there to say?" Elyse said,
indifferently.
The woman nodded, not losing the warm smile on her face. The one that didn't
match the modern pantsuit she wore.
"How about the fact that it hurt you? That it may have terrified you? I
understand you have three kids, Elyse. You must be anxious about them now, am I
right?" The woman asked, politely.
"Of course, I am. But, I've always been. A mother is always scared for her
kids, no matter what." Elyse stated, as if that wasn't a surprise.
She watched as the woman tapped her pen on the clipboard, three times.
"It must've been affected even more though." The woman prodded, gently.
Elyse nodded, "If you're talking about how I'm scared even more every day for
my own safety as well as my own family's, then you're right. I am. But, I've
always been scared. My whole entire life, I've been scared."
The woman seemed to lighten up at the promising information shared by Elyse as
she marked something down on her board.
"When did it start, Elyse? Being scared?" The woman asked, gently.
Elyse smiled, listlessly.
"It started in an office. Just as pristine as this."
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ YAY! Update! Hope you guys will enjoy. Also, I encourage you all
     to love one another amidst all this craziness. I love you guys so
     much, and I can't thank you enough for the support and care for this
     story.
***** The Art Of The Unexpected *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Yay for Thanksgiving break! Hope you all have a wonderful
     Thanksgiving, and if you don't have Thanksgiving, treat yourself
     nonetheless. You all deserve it. Much love and happiness from me…from
     the story, not so much.
     Elyse belongs to me. Everyone else doesn't and needs a good dinner
     and a sit-down.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
 
Erwin didn't know how much time has passed as he tapped on his armrest
impatiently. The air traffic wasn't helping his sour mood. He wanted his damn
plane to land. He had spent so much time traveling that he just wanted to stand
still for just a moment.
Given the hell he just went through from that asshole Dok, Erwin was ready to
pilot the damn plane himself.
Nile had given him leave as soon as he was satisfied with annoying the hell out
of Erwin, and Erwin was more than ready to get all the paperwork over with.
Erwin had already stepped down from being a Commander, but Nile was still
holding onto important documents that he had seized before Erwin could take it
back after he had resigned.
The moment Nile gave him those papers, Erwin felt a hit of nostalgia overcome
him, but the smug look on Nile's face made Erwin ignore his hesitancy.
Signing those papers never seemed so welcoming at that point. Yet, Nile had
stopped Erwin before he could place the pen on the piece of paper.
"This isn't going to be the end, you know that, right?" Nile asked, his gaze
hardened. Erwin didn't even blink.
He knew Dok wasn't talking about the papers.
"This is none of your business." Erwin said through gritted teeth, his hand
tightening around the pen he held.
Nile sighed and shook his head, "You really don't like confronting real-life
issues head-on, don't you?"
"Says the man who left his wife and two kids for my ex-wife." Erwin retaliated,
not trying to play with Dok's game anymore.
Nile narrowed his eyes, and Erwin felt a sliver of satisfaction flow throughout
his body at the curl of distaste formed at the corner of Nile's mouth.
Nile had then bent down low and whispered in Erwin's ear in warning.
"Then take it from someone who knows how it feels to be on the brink of losing
everything or possibly gaining the whole world…Don't fuck up, Smith."
Erwin grabbed onto his armrest, tightly, at the memory of Nile's words.
The man didn't know what he was saying. Lose everything? Gain everything? Nile
Dok had left his family for a woman who was just as worse as him. Erwin didn't
think that was gaining anything at all. All Erwin could think about was the
poor woman and children Nile had left behind, and Erwin...Fuck, Dok was in his
damn head.
It pissed him off to no end.
Erwin was already mad, has been mad. Killing the sons of bitches that killed
his unborn child wasn't enough, and he could feel the anger surging throughout
his body every single time someone tried to defy him. The High Commander was
upset, and Erwin had convinced him that he would come back. His squadron
expected him to come back, and Erwin promised them that he would come back.
Yet, Dok was the one Erwin believed that he would have a difficult time with.
And yet, Dok told him to go home.
It angered Erwin to no end. Dok had manipulated him to no end. And here he was
trying to tell him that he was needed to go home?
"Mr. Smith, we've landed." A voice interrupted his thoughts.
Erwin nodded his thanks, immediately regaining his composure as he got out. He
thanked the crew, and as he walked down the stairs that led to solid ground,
Erwin realized that he still felt like he was sinking.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse smiled her thanks as Eren handed her a daisy.
"Thank you, sweetie." Elyse whispered before pressing a kiss on his forehead.
She watched as he ran off to join his siblings again as they played in the
backyard.
She watched them play, but she could sense the slight sadness in Armin's
expression and Elyse made herself a mental reminder to talk to him about it.
She knew it was going to take time, but this was better for them.
The weather was beautiful and Elyse took a deep breath as a warm breeze wafted
through. The smell of brownies caught her attention and she made sure Hanji was
with the kids before she walked back inside.
She smiled as she saw Petra and Freida shrieking over something on a phone, but
she was ready to leave once she saw the mischief in their eyes as they gazed in
her direction when they heard the door shut from behind her.
"What?" Elyse asked, a little terrified at the sight of their secretive smiles.
"We were nominated, Elyse. The production was nominated for Best Original
Theatrical Production." Freida announced, giddily, running up to her to throw
her arms around her.
"No way!" Elyse managed to gasp out from Freida's death grip. She dove for the
phone as Petra laughed and gave it to her.
Elyse's eyes widened as she saw her name and the production she wrote on the
list of nominations of International Theatre Awards. It was surreal.
Her eyes began to water and she squealed, grabbing both Petra and Freida as
they jumped up and down.
Elyse's smile couldn't get any wider.
Finally.
Something she could be happy about.
But, sadness immediately began to garner at the thought of someone who made
this possible. She thought about the blond man that was to thank for all this
hard work. His dedication and his gift to her…
With a hard mental push, Elyse forced herself to forget.
===============================================================================
 
Levi counted the amount of food he had in his car before nodding in
satisfaction. Elyse had been going on about how there wasn't enough food for
everyone, and Levi wasn't about to have another lecture from her make him get
out of his busy schedule anymore.
Petra was starting to point it out, and that's what made Levi begrudgingly get
out of his own rut and do something with his life.
He knew that it's been a while since he had done something else than work for
his late father's company. Hell, he'd been the President of the company for so
long now that he forgot anything else that revolved in his personal life.
The fact that Elyse was tired of it made Levi realize how neglectful he had
been.
"Well, she shouldn't complain now." Levi sighed, sitting back down in the
driver's seat.
He didn't realize that he had a missing call from Pixis.
===============================================================================
 
Erwin looked at the watering hole in front of him with a slight sigh. It had
been a long time since he was last here.
Erwin immediately went into the bar he had once held dear once upon a time.
Ironically, it brought up memories that he found himself nostalgic about.
Even if it included Dok and Marie.
Maybe it was because of his age. Had it been almost more than ten years since
he was here?
As he entered the bar, he was greeted by a very familiar face.
"Well, well, well, look who it is." Retired Commander Pixis greeted Erwin as
soon as Erwin sat down at the bar.
"Commander." Erwin greeted with a smile. Pixis snorted, placing a glass of
whiskey in front of Erwin.
"I retired because I didn't want to be called that anymore, Commander." Pixis
stated, mischief in his eyes, "And yet, I hear that I should stop calling you
that also."
Erwin's eyes immediately darkened, and Pixis laughed as he patted Erwin's back
roughly.
"Oh, come on, I can see look in your eyes. It's one of resignation." Pixis
stated. Once he calmed down, he smiled, softly.
"Besides, I heard it from the pipsqueak. He came to visit before you awhile
back. He told me you guys finished your mission and I heard it was a success.
Congratulations. About time you relax, son. Your father will be happy." Pixis
pointed out, taking a sip out of his flask before letting out a sigh.
"Levi was here?" Erwin asked, softly, not even surprised at the least.
"He was. Said he was tying some loose ends ever since his father died. Poor
kid, I don't think he's quite over it yet…He told me about…well, with what's
going on…Sorry, son, didn't mean to bring it up or pry about it." Pixis
apologized, quiety, making sure no one heard him.
Erwin scoffed, softly, "Don't worry about it, Pixis. Everyone's been asking
about it ever since I got out of the desert."
PIxis shot him a sympathetic glance, and Erwin did his best to ignore it as he
took another gulp of his whiskey.
"Everything is fine the last time I checked." Erwin reassured Pixis, trying
hard not to meet the old man's eyes.
He knew that Pixis was about to say something, and Erwin could already feel the
anger bubbling up inside of him at the look on Pixis' face.
He had to calm himself down. None of this was Pixis' fault, so he needed to
calm down.
As if he knew, Pixis didn't say anything as he handed Erwin another glass.
"Do you know if Levi is still around?" Erwin asked, quietly, after a moment.
Pixis nodded, but the hesitant look in Pixis' eyes told Erwin all he needed to
know.
Erwin ignored the bitterness that rose within him, and he focused on the glass
in his hand instead.
"I see." Erwin stated, nonchalantly.
Pixis didn't question or talk to him anymore after, letting Erwin drink in
peace.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse thanked her brother as he brought in the groceries, but he seemed to be
out of it and in a rush once more as soon as he brought everything inside. He
excused himself, and Elyse felt bad as soon as she saw Petra's face flicker
with disappointment.
Elyse couldn't blame her brother. She knew that thanking care of the company
that her father had left him must not be easy.
Especially with the current circumstances.
Elyse felt a shiver go through her body, and she forced herself to think about
the groceries before her. She was a bit saddened that she couldn't even tell
her brother the good news about the nomination.
The next person she had wanted to tell came into mind, and Elyse felt her heart
clutch at it.
She needed to ignore the sharp pain within her heart especially when she heard
the kids call out her name.
Erwin watched the Estate come into view. It had been a long road, but he was
finally home. He got out of the car and thanked his driver. He sighed as he
walked inside the house, ready to relax in front of the fire.
The Estate was dark and cold, much like himself, and he wanted that corner he
had been hovering around for so long. It was so close, calling for him.
Instead, he was greeted by a livid Nifa and a stoic Dieter.
He passed them, not even bothering to acknowledge what was the cause of their
erratic behavior.
Even though he knew why.
He ignored them as he eyed the prepared glass of whiskey and the warm, lit
fireplace. As he sat down, he noticed that the phone he had been blatantly
ignoring was flashing at him.
He pressed "ignore."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. "Nifa's voice warned from behind him.
Erwin sighed, rubbing his temples, "Nifa, I'm in no mood right now."
A stubborn sigh from behind him showed him that Nifa wasn't playing around.
"It's Levi." Dieter finally stated, inserting himself into the conversation.
Erwin gritted his teeth, cursing at his stupidity. Of course, Pixis told him.
Erwin tried to calm himself down as he felt a surge of anger course through his
body.
Fuck, he got caught.
"Fine." Erwin sighed, picking up his flashing phone. The unknown phone number
was enough to make Erwin want to chuck his phone against the wall.
What did Levi think he was going to do? Track him down?
"Hello." Erwin greeted, tiredly.
"What the fuck, Erwin. Want to explain why you were in Germany without telling
me?" Levi greeted in return.
"Nice to hear from you, too, Levi." Erwin sighed, trying to massage the
headache that was beginning to form.
"Erwin. You need to let me know about these things." Levi stated, angrily.
It was enough to goad Erwin into being bitter and sarcastic. Something he's
been more of lately, a monster he couldn't recognize anymore.
"Oh, really, Levi? For what reason? So, you can warn everyone about the big bad
wolf? I wasn't there to blow your fucking house down, Levi. I was there to get
a damn drink and wallow in self-pity, which, by the way, you made it really
easy to leave that bar due to you talking to Pixis about my situation." Erwin
replied, sarcastically.
"You're telling me that you went to the bar in Germany to just get a drink? I
find that hard to believe, Erwin." Levi hissed in return.
Erwin forced himself to take a sharp intake of breath before he shattered his
own phone.
It would be the tenth time this month.
"What do you want me to say, Levi? Hm? Do you want me to tell you that staying
in this damn place is suffocating me? Do you want me to tell you that I can't
even stand being in this damn country because every single fucking day I'm
forced to…" Erwin trailed off, and he grabbed his chest as a sharp pain shot
throughout his body.
All he remembered was falling and the shouting as if he was back on the
battlefield he longed to avoid.
Darkness shrouded around him, and Erwin embraced it.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse thanked Petra, Freida, and Hanji as they prepared to leave and fly back
to France.
"Thank you guys so much for visiting." Elyse said, hugging them goodbye.
"Of course, we missed you. Besides, it's good we decided to visit today because
of the unexpected news!" Freida stated, excitedly.
Elyse smiled at that, but she noticed a look of apprehension on Petra's face
before it quickly disappeared.
"So…when are you going to come back to France for the Awards Show?" Petra
asked, softly and carefully.
Elyse slightly winced at the insinuation of Petra's question, but she managed
to hide it as she smiled, "Hopefully by next week, if anything, you guys could
accept it on…my behalf."
Freida shifted uncomfortably, and Petra and Hanji exchanged looks. Elyse
sighed, crossing her arms.
"Guys, it's fine. It's been almost…three months. It's going to eventually turn
into something big with the press, so we all might as well get used to what's
going on." Elyse managed to say calmly.
She knew her voice was saying one thing and her face was saying another due to
the disbelief on their faces.
She was about to say something else until she saw her brother on the phone,
yelling while his jacket was half-on.
The moment he saw them, his eyes widened and he hung up immediately.
"We need to go." Levi finally stated, as if finding the calm in his words.
Elyse was at a lost.
"What happened? Is everything okay?" Elyse asked, frantic. Was it the company?
Elyse knew that the company had been struggling to get on its legs and Elyse
knew how stressed it was making her brother. She could feel the panic rise
within her at the thought of the company that their father worked so hard on
going under.
"No time to explain. We need to go, Elyse." Levi managed to say, and Elyse
could tell he was just repeating it over and over, as if it was the only thing
that was keeping him up at this point.
"Can you please-"
"it's Erwin, Elyse."
That name made her freeze. As if on cue, Elyse felt all eyes on her, and she
could feel the ground beneath her disappear.
Erwin.
It wasn't supposed to affect her. She had promised herself that she would be
done with this. She was the one who made the first move. She was the one who
decided. She was the one who was here with the kids.
Erwin.
God, Erwin.
"W-What happened to…E-Erwin?" Elyse managed to ask, softly. She realized she
was holding to Petra and Freida, tightly, and she could see their wincing pain
at how tightly she was holding on to them, but she couldn't find herself to
care.
Erwin.
Something was wrong with Erwin.
"How about we get in the car, Elyse? There's no time to explain. Nifa is
already on her way to take care of the kids. They'll join us later. But, right
now, we need to go." Levi explained, guiding her into the car, prying her hands
away from Petra and Freida.
Nifa. It's been so long since she heard her name.
Elyse didn't say anything and she let herself be man-handled as she got into
the car and stared listlessly outside the window.
Erwin.
How long has it been since she even said his name? Thought about his name?
Once the door shut, Elyse came back to her senses and judging by the look on
her brother's face, she knew that he was ready to answer her bombarding
questions.
"What happened?" Elyse asked, shakily, and she cursed at how dumb she sounded.
She had promised to try and stay calm, yet here she was, a mess.
"…it's his PTSD." Levi stated, quietly.
Elyse closed her eyes, and she turned her head away.
She didn't want to hear any more.
===============================================================================
 
The Estate came into view, and Elyse's heart clenched at the sight. The once
beautiful Estate she had loved with all her heart was unkempt and horrendous.
The Estate wasn't taken care of, and she could tell how long it has been since
someone payed attention to it.
Three months.
It's been three months since she had last been here.
She had been obsessing over that number lately for some odd reason. She had
been counting the months silently, but she wouldn't admit that she was counting
the months to anyone. She didn't want to. Even to herself.
The driver opened the door for her and she thanked the man. She felt lead
replaced her feet as she stood her ground, simply looking at the Estate, not
knowing what to make of it.
"Elyse, let's go." Levi prodded, softly. Elyse bit her lip, but she nodded
after a moment. She followed her brother, slowly, not sure where she was going
at this point.
The whole Estate was foreign to her, and she could feel her nostalgia moan in
pain at the strangeness that hit her instead of the warm, loving memories she
once had here.
A strong pair of arms wrapped around her and Elyse blinked, not knowing who was
hugging her. She hadn't been paying attention.
"Oh, Miss Elyse, it's so good to see you." The muffled voice said within her
shoulder, and Elyse felt something break within her.
Tears began to fall down her eyes and onto her cheeks as she wrapped her arms
around the sobbing man.
"Dieter, it's going to be okay." Elyse whispered, holding on to the broad man,
tightly.
Even she couldn't believe her own words.
When he finally let go, Elyse smiled softly at the sudden bashful man in front
of her.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me." Dieter whispered, ashamed. Elyse
shook her head, furiously.
"Enough, Dieter. It's been…overwhelming today. I get it." Elyse replied,
placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Dieter looked to her side, uncomfortably, and Elyse followed his gaze and she
noticed that her brother was impatiently waiting for her so they could go
upstairs and to…
Elyse swallowed.
She looked at Dieter in front of her and the sadness and frustration in his
eyes was burning so bright that Elyse looked down for a moment.
"Dieter, I—"
"He came back." Dieter whispered, softly, that Elyse had to strain to hear.
Elyse blinked, "What?"
"Three months ago, he came back. As soon as heard about your hallucinations. He
came back." Dieter stated, stronger this time.
Elyse couldn't say anything else as she found herself being dragged upstairs by
her brother.
In shock, Elyse couldn't turn away from Dieter.
Amongst all the frustration and sadness in his eyes, Elyse could see the hope
in there as well.
"I know he did…but he didn't stay." Elyse whispered back, not even caring if no
one heard her in return.
===============================================================================
 
Levi came back outside as Elyse sat in front of the closed door that led to
Erwin's bedroom. He closed the door swiftly before Elyse could peek inside and
he looked down at her, his gaze unreadable.
"He's awake." Levi managed to say, and Elyse swallowed again.
"That's good." Elyse replied, hugging her legs close.
Levi walked up to her and sat beside her, sighing and Elyse could immediately
see the exhaustion in her brother's mannerisms.
"You need to go rest." Elyse stated, pointing to what was once her bedroom. It
made her slightly shiver, but she managed to look away so she could pay
attention to her brother.
Her brother didn't say anything, so Elyse just stared at the door in front of
her, trying hard not to remember the patterns that was in the bottom of her
memory bank.
"…When did you leave this place?" Levi finally asked her, breaking through her
thoughts.
Elyse closed her eyes, the dark memory she had been trying to fight now coming
up.
Elyse managed to pack the rest of her kids' stuff with Nifa's help.
She hugged Nifa then, tightly, whispering her apologies. But, Nifa squeezed her
back, reassuringly.
She understood.
She understood why Elyse had chosen this path.
The kids were asleep, but Dieter and Nifa helped her put them in the car.
When Elyse made sure that everything was in order, she turned to them once
more.
"I'm so sorry. This…It has to be done." Elyse said, softly.
Dieter and Nifa nodded, and Elyse looked at the Estate once more before
entering the car without looking back.
"It's been three months." Elyse whispered back.
"Ah." Levi hummed.
"Why?" Elyse asked, softly.
"Erwin promised me not to tell you." Levi stated, and Elyse didn't even feel
any surprise anymore.
Instead, she laughed. Bitterness and anger overflowing within her.
"Of course he did. What are you going to say, hm? That he was here three months
ago? That he came back home and he realized that he's a fucker that couldn't
keep a promise?" Elyse asked, realizing that tears were coming back.
They've been telling her this as if it was their personal mantra. That Erwin
did come back when she decided that enough was enough.
That she decided it was time to leave him and take the kids with her.
She had remembered telling her therapist about it. The woman had turned out to
be a big help to her, and Elyse had appreciated all the help she gave her. This
time, the therapist had told her not to be rash.
She had told her to think it over, to thoroughly think it over.
Elyse was in disbelief at the doubt written on her therapist's face.
"You're supposed to be on my side." Elyse had whispered then.
Her therapist looked at her then, carefully.
"I am."
Elyse had gone back home then. It was the last night she ever stayed in that
Estate.
"…I told him that you were here. He told me that you need to go back home."
Levi finally said, changing the subject.
The hurt was unbearable, but Elyse scoffed angrily.
"I agree. I shouldn't be here. It was a mistake to come back." Elyse found
herself saying.
Her brother seemed to see through her even without looking at her. The sigh
that came out from his straight mouth was enough to make Elyse wince a bit.
"When you told me that you were going to Germany and moving in our old
childhood home with the kids, I didn't question it. I agreed to it. Hell, I was
happy that you were finally doing something for yourself rather than going
along with the shit show that has been our lives. Therapy was doing wonders for
you, and I'm sure that everyone thought that too. One day, I caught Erwin about
to travel to Germany. I visited him at the Estate and he was there, sitting in
front of the fireplace and his bags were next to him. Instead of standing up
and telling me to go fuck myself, Erwin was contemplating with a glass of
scotch in hand. You know what he said, Elyse?"
Elyse shook her head, slowly, "Don't do this, Levi. I don't want to hear it."
"Why is that, Elyse?" Levi asked, his gaze now straight at her, and Elyse could
feel the sadness wash over her mixed with the anger of being reminded of all
the things that she had been trying to avoid for months now.
"All I'm going to hear is how Erwin was going to come back, yet he changed his
mind and that he wanted to fix everything, so he left me alone with our kids.
He thought I'd be happy. He thought my life would be okay. He thought how
everything is all about his fucking self-righteous pity." Elyse answered back,
angrily.
"And why does that make you angry, Elyse? He left you alone. From what I
remember, you told me that you gave Erwin an ultimatum and you delivered, so
why does that make you angry?" Levi pondered, loudly.
Elyse closed her eyes. She didn't say anything. She knew what game her brother
was playing, and she wasn't about to fall into that trap.
After a moment of silence, Levi sighed and opened Erwin's door, slightly.
"Go to him, Elyse. You and him need to talk. It's long overdue." Levi stated.
Elyse found herself swallowing as she stared at the sliver of light that came
through the door.
Squaring her shoulders, Elyse nodded, slowly, and she ignored the knowing look
on her brother's face as she walked inside.
She shut the door behind her, and she looked at the man who haunted her life
the moment he entered it.
===============================================================================
 
Erwin looked up weakly at the person who walked inside his room.
His eyes widened just a bit, and he clutched onto the sheets on his bed as he
recognized the woman in front of him.
"Elyse." He breathed out, the name he hadn't dared to say in such a long time.
She didn't answer him, instead he could see the unreadable glint in her hazel
eyes.
God, it hurt to look at her. She was still as beautiful from his weary memory
of her. Her hair had grown longer and he could see that the length had reached
the middle of her waist, the long, dark wavy locks were just as silky and shiny
as ever. Twenty-two looked good on her, and he could see that she was dressed
as every bit as a beautiful, successful mother and ballerina would. The hazel
eyes he barely remembered was searing into each memory he strived to forget.
"I thought I told Levi to tell you to go back home. There's no need to worry—"
"Shut up." The two words that existed those strange, pink lips was something
that caught him off-guard.
Erwin didn't say anything, and the confusion on his face must've been a
satisfaction for her because he could see the smirk on her face, which looked
so foreign on her face.
She was hardened now. Something had snapped inside of her, and Erwin couldn't
help but think guiltily about the last…how many months has it been since he had
seen her again?
He couldn't think about that now. Elyse was walking towards him, and Erwin
gripped onto the bedsheets even tighter.
She didn't say anything. Instead, she sat down on the chair next to his bed.
She looked around, and he stared at the sharpness of her jaw as she gritted her
teeth.
"Elyse, I—"
"What were you thinking?" Elyse finally asked, cutting him off as she looked at
him.
Her hazel eyes were glaring, and Erwin felt shame rise within him.
"What do you mean?" Erwin asked, softly, trying very hard to keep her gaze.
"I gave you an ultimatum. You came back home as promised, yet instead of trying
to fix this for the both of us, you don't show up. God, you don't fucking show
up and instead, you have Dok showing up at the door of my childhood home,
giving me divorce papers that you signed." Elyse hissed, angrily.
Erwin closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"What did you want me to do, Elyse?" Erwin asked, with a groan as the sharp
pain came back in his chest.
"Oh, I don't know, Erwin. How about you come back and explain to the kids about
how you came back and didn't want to see them? You try explaining to them about
how their father abandoned them without even so much as a "hello"." Elyse shot
back, ignoring the twisted grimace of pain on Erwin's face.
Erwin could tell that she was trying her very best not to feel bad for him, and
he couldn't blame her.
"I saw how happy you were without me. The kids and you were happy, and I just
remembered how much pain and struggle you were in when it came to me. What do
you want me to say, Elyse? That I'm sorry that I'm such an ass?" Erwin asked,
trying to calm his pain down.
"Stop using excuses, Erwin-"
"I'm not! Fuck, Elyse! I'm not using excuses anymore. We're done with that,
aren't we? It's done now. Everything. The lies, the pretend, and the
unexpected. That's why I decided that we needed to stop. To just move on.
Everyone even saw it. Why do you think they were onboard with this? Elyse,
enough. Please." Erwin sighed, softly.
He didn't even need to look at Elyse to see that she was trembling, the slight
tremors of her body from his peripheral vision was enough for him. He couldn't
tell from what she was trembling from. Anger? Resentment? Frustration?
All of the above?
"You're an idiot." Elyse finally stated, a mere whisper but he heard it.
Before he could say anything, she stood up. A slight panic rose within him, and
his reaction was to grab her arm before she could step out. He didn't know what
came over him, and he noticed how she relaxed in his hold before she flinched
once more pulled herself away.
She didn't move though. Instead, Erwin found himself staring at her back.
Without another word, Elyse left his room and Erwin felt himself slip back into
numbness, willing to ignore the ice that was beginning to form around his
heart.
===============================================================================
 
It's been a week.
Elyse cooked breakfast, and she was still trying to get used to the fact that
she was back in the Estate that she had once called home.
After that confrontation with Erwin, Elyse found herself not even bothering to
move. Her brother had already been directing the driver to place her bags in
the car, but Elyse stopped them. Without another word, Elyse picked up her bags
and brought them back into her old room.
When she opened the door, she noticed that everything was just as she left it.
Erwin had obviously hired someone to keep it clean, but other than that, Elyse
could tell that she had been packing the last time she was here.
"Want to explain why we're not leaving yet?" Levi has asked from her doorway.
"Don't." Elyse warned him, tiredly.
Her brother hadn't said a word to her since.
The sound of kids being happy was music to her ears as they squealed. Dieter's
welcoming bellow warmed her heart as she could see their shadows spinning
around in the living room.
She had called Nifa and told her to bring the kids here. Nifa didn't even
question it, and her brother had looked at her with exasperation.
"This is dangerous, Elyse." Levi stated with a warning.
"The doctor said that his PTSD attacks have been waning. I think it'll help the
kids and him to see each other." Elyse replied, ignoring the glare her brother
was sending her.
"That's not what I'm talking about, Elyse. You know that." Levi stated.
"It's going to be—"
"Have you thought about what's going to happen afterwards, Elyse? He gave you
signed divorce papers. You left him without the kids. So, now what? We're
backtracking? The kids don't need to be involved in any more of this drama."
Levi continued, with a frustrated tone.
"The kids need and want to see Erwin. That's all that matters right now." Elyse
argued back, getting tired of arguing with her brother.
"The kids or you, Elyse?" Levi whispered. Not even waiting for her answer, Levi
left his sister alone to her thoughts.
===============================================================================
 
Erwin held on to them tightly. He could hear their laughter, but he didn't want
to let go. Armin's head was the one to pop out from his arms as he looked at
his father's face. Mikasa's hand was already on his beard and he chuckled at
that.
Eren was the one who was still busy hugging his father, unwilling to let go.
"You guys are getting big and heavy now." Erwin sighed, wistfully.
"I'm six now, Papa!" Eren said, happily. Erwin smiled, sadly, but he ruffled
Eren's hair affectionately.
"I know. I'm so sorry I couldn't make it to your birthday." Erwin apologized,
even though he inwardly cursed at the memory of himself drinking himself to
sleep when it was his son's birthday.
"It's okay. Mama said that you were busy working and that you would come back
as soon as you could." Mikasa said, in reply for her brother.
That hurt.
"Of course she did." Erwin whispered, quietly.
"Hm?" Mikasa asked, still playing with her father's beard. He chuckled at her
concentration as she braided it.
"Nothing, sweetheart. Just happy you guys are here." Erwin stated, pressing a
kiss on her forehead.
Elyse could hear the laughter before she entered Erwin's room with a tray of
food. This would only be the second time she entered his room. The first time
being that emotional encounter they both had.
The kids were still laughing with their father, and Elyse noticed that there
were a couple of new scars that she didn't realize he had on his chest.
She looked away, not wanting to know where they came from.
"I brought food." Elyse announced, happily, trying to get their attention so
they could eat. The kids looked up on cue and they bounded towards her,
excitedly as they went towards the food.
Elyse chided at them to calm themselves and when she looked up, she could see
the wistfulness in Erwin's eyes as he looked at the kids.
For the kids or you, Elyse?
Elyse immediately felt like she was going to throw up. Swallowing, Elsye stood
up straight and brought Erwin his tray as the kids were busy eating their own
food at the small table Elyse had set up earlier.
Erwin looked up at her then, and she noticed the wistfulness turned into
wariness as she placed the tray of food on his lap.
"Thank you." Erwin finally said. Elyse nodded, and she turned to walk away, but
his calloused hand grabbed her slender wrist.
She turned to face him, and she saw that the wariness was replaced with
gratitude.
"No, really, Elyse. Thank you." Erwin persisted.
Elyse looked down at his hand, and that didn't make anything better. Instead,
she found herself craving to stroke the scar that she noticed was across his
knuckles.
"They needed to see their father. Even though he decided to leave them." Elyse
said, the resentment she found was welcoming and she ripped her hand away from
him.
The hurt in Erwin's eyes was enough for her cold satisfaction, and she left the
room without another word.
===============================================================================
 
A week turned into a month, and Elyse found herself being Erwin's personal
caretaker. He could leave the bed, and the doctor even praised Elyse for being
such a good wife.
Wife.
How ironic it was to hear that word.
They never talked about anything but the kids since the day she ripped her hand
out of his warm grip.
Her brother had taken his leave, and with one last word of warning, Elyse
hugged her brother goodbye.
"Stop playing games, Elyse." Her brother warned, and Elyse simply nodded,
pretending she understood what he said. With a sigh, her brother shook his head
and he motioned for Petra to follow him. Petra hugged her goodbye, and she even
shot her a worried glance.
Freida had visited more than once, and Elyse could hear the laughter her and
Erwin shared.
She felt like an outsider, and she almost let her resentment affect Freida.
Freida simply rolled her eyes at Elyse when Elyse mentioned how Freida was
visiting often.
"Oh, Elyse. Sweet, innocent Elyse is no longer." Freida had teased.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Elyse retorted, defensively.
Freida had laughed then, giving Elyse a tight hug.
"You know." Freida had said before kissing her cheeks goodbye.
Everyone else had visited. Some were surprised that Elyse was there. Others
weren't. That's when Elyse knew that everyone must've heard the news through
the grapevine.
That Parisian darling Elyse Rose Jaeger-Ackerman Smith and German Commander
Erwin Smith were separated.
Elyse had looked in his office, just to see if the papers were still there.
They had been.
His signature next to an empty line that was supposed to be her own.
"I'm going back to therapy." Erwin announced to no one. Elyse looked up at him
from where she was reading on the porch, and she widened her eyes at him.
He looked better than before. He had left his stubble, but he had shaved off
the beard he had grown. His hair was now neatly done, and his button-down and
slacks outfit had returned. He was just as handsome as ever, and Elyse felt a
pang of something before she decided to ignore it.
She looked back down at her book, hearing the kids playing in the distance.
"I see." Elyse replied, easily, trying to ignore the discomfort in her heart as
she realized that he was staring at her.
"Want to go with me?" Erwin asked next.
That question took her by surprise. She looked up at him, and his gaze was
earnest and fervent. It was enough for her to almost say yes.
Instead, she asked why.
"I owe it to you, Elyse. You were right about how it was wrong of me to just
leave out of the blue. I owe it to the kids." Erwin replied, easily.
Elyse felt her heart tighten at his heartfelt plea.
Instead, she shook her head.
It was too much.
It was too…intimate.
She needed to back away before she found herself somewhere she didn't want to
be.
"You need to go alone, Erwin. You owe it to yourself first." Elyse replied,
warmly. She knew that at least she was right in that aspect.
People have been telling her stories about the battlefield that he had once
been in. When they came to visit, Elyse had asked about it, wanting to know
every detail. At first, she didn't understand why she craved to hear about it,
but she felt like she deserved to.
Erwin had left because of it, didn't he?
Erwin nodded at that. He smiled at her then, and Elyse looked down. He coughed
slightly, and he left.
What he didn't see was the bright flush on her cheeks as she continued to read
her book.
===============================================================================
 
The month turned into three as Elyse tucked her children into bed. School was
starting tomorrow for them again and she knew that it was time to get them on a
sleeping schedule. The private school that had been sad when she had to inform
them that her kids might not be coming back was ecstatic as she told them that
they were coming back now.
She smiled at the memory, and her heart had stuttered when they called her Mrs.
Smith.
Once she turned off the lights and closed the door to their room, Elyse pulled
out her phone and dialed a number that she hadn't called in so long.
"Elyse, my dear, is that really you?" A gruff, sweet voice answered.
The voice almost brought tears to her eyes.
"It's me, Vati." Elyse greeted, softly.
"Oh, my dear. It's been a long time, hasn't it?" Her father-in-law asked in
jest. But, Elyse felt sadness creep into her heart at the reminder and she
began to cry softly as she entered her room and onto the balcony to overlook
the water.
"Don't cry, Elyse. This is supposed to be a happy occasion." Her father-in-law
chided at her and Elyse laughed, softly, through her tears.
"I just missed you, that's all." Elyse replied with a sigh.
"Well, at least you called. Ever since I heard about what's been happening, I
couldn't come into contact with my own son…I'm sorry to bring this up, but have
you heard from him?" Her father-in-law asked, exasperated.
Elyse blushed at that, remembering that everyone that was close to them had
thought they were separated, so she cleared her throat.
"He's doing fine, Vati. We're …I'm back in the Estate. He had a PTSD attack
months earlier, but he's fine now. I've…The kids have been a big help." Elyse
said, carefully.
It was quiet for a moment until a slight chuckle sounded on the other line.
"Well, that…I'm very happy that you and the kids are back in Paris, Elyse." Her
father-in-law said warmly.
Elyse suddenly felt guilt rise within her. She thought of how maybe she was
giving hope to her father-in-law and she was about to say something along the
lines of how they were still separated while being cordial about it.
Until her father-in-law said something that made her quiet for a second.
"I'm sure that he's happy to have you guys back for now."
"Vati…"
"Elyse, I'm a very old man and I have hoped for what's best for my son the
moment my wife gave me him and named him with her very last breath. And, you
might not believe this, but I've never seen my son so…happy with his life until
now. He's been a drifter. Dabbling in things with his genius, and I've never
been more proud. Yet, with you, it's as if he finally met his satisfaction. I
know you don't see it, my dear. Erwin is a very difficult person to read,
and…it may be my old heart talking, but I'm very happy that you became my
daughter-in-law and that you have gifted me with the most wonderful
grandchildren. Now, you might think that I'm asking you to stay with him, and
I'm not. But, you seem unsure with your actions, Elyse. Why are you still
there?"
Elyse couldn't breathe. Her heart began to beat furiously, and she knew that
this was going to be it. The question she had been avoiding every day since the
day she had been here.
"I don't know, Vati. I don't really know." Elyse finally answered, accepting
the fact that she has been unsure the moment she got there.
"You don't have to know right now, Elyse. But, don't wait too long. Life is too
short, my dear. I will always be here for you. Remember that." Her father-in-
law stated, wishing her well.
"Vati…Can you come here? I was nominated for an award and I would be honored if
you came with me." Elyse asked, pleadingly.
His laughter warmed her and Elyse finally felt at ease.
===============================================================================
 
Erwin looked down at his father, ashamed. His father was more than upset with
him.
"Father, I—"
"What were you thinking, son? Not contacting me. I had to hear it from my
daughter-in-law?" His father scolded, his hands crossed on his walking cane.
Erwin flinched at the sound of "daughter-in-law", and he looked at Elyse who
was busying herself with getting the kids ready for school.
"…I wasn't at the right place, Father. I didn't want to upset you." Erwin
stated, trying hard to explain.
His father softened at that, but Erwin could still see the upset in his eyes.
"You have never been a disappointment to me, Erwin. Until now. I expect you to
tell me what's going on with your life. I don't want to hear it from your
friend Levi or Petra. They 've been more than helpful. Did you hear that,
Elyse?" His father asked, loudly.
Elyse looked at them, her face flushed, and she nodded.
Erwin had to hide his smile at that. He had missed her blushing face.
"Why are you here, Father? I mean—"
His father cut him off with a glare before answering his question, "Well, I'm
here for Elyse."
"Elyse?" Erwin asked, turning to look at her. Elyse immediately looked down and
ushered the children outside the door as they shouted their goodbyes.
"She's nominated for an award for the production at the theatre. Aren't you,
too? You both worked on it, didn't you?" His father asked, and Erwin could make
out the mischievous glint in his father's eyes.
"Father, this is not a game." Erwin sighed, trying hard not to look back at
where Elyse had left.
His father snorted, his stare cross now instead of the playful one he had
earlier.
"Then what is this, son? Last thing I heard from Levi was that you had
disappeared after the Army and that you didn't show up for three months. Elyse
had left with the kids, giving up on you. You suddenly sent that Commander Nile
Dok with divorce papers at her doorstep with your signature. The only time she
ever heard from you ever since you left. Then, you are lingering around Germany
here and there, a ghost drifting in between places. You stopped going to
therapy for PTSD even after just recently leaving the battlefield is dangerous,
son. Unless, you were that desperate to have her by your side. Sounds like a
cat and mouse game to me." His father stated, his tone cold and disapproving.
Erwin shook his head, slowly, his hand tapping on his leg.
"You think I did that on purpose? I signed the divorce papers, did I not? If
you're talking about lingering, Father, it's her. She didn't sign them. She's
the one who came over here with kids and—"
"What else is she supposed to do, Erwin? She hears that the father of children,
not only finally shows up, but he's suffering. She has enough suffering in her
life, you know that."
"Exactly, why! I…I can't keep doing this to her. I didn't ask for her to be
here. I didn't ask for her to bring the children. I didn't ask to make her
miserable. I just do, okay? She was in love with someone else, and I had
promised to give that to her. When that bastard broke her heart, I obviously
wasn't going to leave her like that. That's why I made sure she was happy and
taken care of, but it wasn't enough. Nothing is ever enough when it comes to
her. You think I wanted to do this to her, Father? She's the mother of my
children and, once upon a time, a friend. That's why….That's why I left."
Erwin didn't hear his father after that. Instead, he felt his father's hand on
his back before Erwin found himself being led to sit down on the couch.
"Son, I want you to ask yourself this question then." His father said, leaning
onto his cane so his son could hear him.
Erwin nodded, slowly.
"Why do you keep on coming back then?" His father asked, pointedly.
Erwin closed his eyes, and he let himself relax. He let the anger he had been
holding onto go, for just a moment.
"I'm not coming back." Erwin finally stated. His defense mechanism, his anger,
gone, replaced with a sense of melancholy his father sympathetically sighed at.
His father studied him before nodding, "I see."
Before Erwin or his father could say anything else, Elyse walked back inside
and she gave them a small smile before leading them to the dining room to eat.
===============================================================================
 
"Why didn't you tell me?" Erwin's voice broke through her thoughts as she
folded laundry in the living room.
The kids were asleep upstairs and she had thought Erwin was in his office,
doing whatever he was doing.
She was proven wrong as soon as she looked up, his serious gaze staring right
through her.
Elyse looked back down, focusing on the pile of laundry.
"I didn't think it was the appropriate time, Erwin. With what has been
happening." Elyse pointed out, softly.
"It's already been three months since I've started therapy. I'm pretty sure the
time has passed to tell me, Elyse." Erwin pointed out.
Elyse sighed and she looked up at him, tiredly.
"What did you want me to say, Erwin? Oh, by the way, I know we haven't seen or
talked to each other in months, but we were nominated for an award." Elyse
said, sarcastically.
Erwin clenched his jaw, and Elyse immediately looked back to the laundry, not
wanting to be under his watchful gaze.
"Elyse, don't do this." Erwin finally said, his voice tight.
"Do what, Erwin? Point out the truth?" Elyse replied, mentally patting her back
at her retort.
Erwin didn't say anything, and Elyse could feel his presence leaving the room.
Before he could leave, she called out to him with resignation in her voice.
He turned back to look at her, and she looked up at him.
"Be ready by 8 tomorrow night. You already know how these things work." Elyse
finally said.
She could see a tiny smile on his face before he nodded and walked away.
It wasn't until moments later that she realized she had a smile of her own.
===============================================================================
 
The event was chaotic. It seemed that the press was tipped that they were on
their way, and Elyse wanted to turn back around and just hide in the Estate.
It had been months since the press had bothered her and her family. But, now,
this was going to be the first public appearance of her and Erwin ever since he
came back from the Army and she bounded back up from her therapy and the
shooting.
She knew the press had no clue about what was happening behind the scenes. The
only ones who knew about the separation were the ones who they had trusted with
their lives.
Petra had squealed at the information about her making a public appearance.
Freida and Hanji had jumped at the opportunity of helping out. It was Levi who
stayed quiet when he heard that Erwin was joining her.
He gave her a pointed, knowing look and Elyse ignored it as the girls and Hanji
got her ready.
Petra had chosen a blush-colored dress that was strapless. It had a chiffon
bottom and strappy nude heels that Elyse fell in love with instantly. Her hair
was up in a high ponytail, but the strands of hair came down in long waves. Her
makeup was done with a natural, dewy finish and Elyse had missed this part of
getting ready.
When Erwin saw her as he looked up from playing with the kids, Elyse noticed
the wistfulness in his gaze before it reverted back into being unreadable. He
was handsome in his black tux and his hair neatly parted and his stubble gone.
"You look beautiful." Erwin complimented her before turning back to wave his
goodbyes as they got into the car.
Elyse didn't miss the warning looks that Erwin and her brother exchanged.
The press was screaming their names as Erwin helped her get out. Elyse felt all
the attention and flashing of lights at them, and she found herself gripping
Erwin's arm out of habit. The large hand on the small of her back was enough
for Elyse to be nostalgic and warm. Realizing her train of thoughts turning
into memories, Elyse was glad when they finally entered the venue and got to
their seat, which, of course, had to be front row. The press must be really
missing them or making up for their obnoxiousness in the beginning.
Erwin must've noticed, too, since he upheld his charming demeanor. For a
moment, Elyse almost forgot that Erwin had been at a low point months ago. He
was different now, and Elyse found herself almost blushing as Erwin had bent
down to help her with her dress so she could sit.
"Thanks." Elyse whispered, gratefully.
Erwin looked up at her then, a smile on his face.
Elyse forgot to breathe.
"You're welcome." He whispered back before returning his attention back to the
stage.
Elyse noticed that the lights were dimming and she looked ahead, forcing
herself to breathe once more.
===============================================================================
 
"And the winner for Original Production is…Erwin Smith and Elyse Rose Jaeger-
Ackerman Smith!" The hosts announced.
Elyse's hazel eyes widened and she stood up with Erwin's help as everyone
around them congratulated them. Elyse held onto Erwin's arms and she felt tears
gathering in her eyes as Erwin placed a hand on his face before tears began to
stream down his own face.
It's as if all the horrible memories and the separation was forgotten. Elyse
remembered the stories that his soldiers shared with her as they visited the
Estate to visit their old Commander. Elyse remembered it all even though it was
hard for her to stomach.
Erwin deserved at least this.
Without even thinking, Elyse tiptoed to kiss the hand on his face as he cried.
The cheers of everyone around them as they gave him and her a standing ovation
was enough for Elyse to gather her strength and help Erwin get onstage.
When the hosts gave them both hugs and kisses, Erwin had gathered his thoughts
and bearings as he stood in front of the microphone.
"Wow…" Erwin breathed, and he took another breath as everyone cheered even
louder and Elyse felt her cheeks get wet at his reaction.
"I didn't realize that I would be standing here today with my wife. We've
had…We've had a tough year. With me being away and with her being a target…Most
of you don't know what's happened and what we've lost, but your continual
support is just…so amazing and breathtaking. This…This is dedicated to the
company and the theatre that has worked so hard. To my father, my kids, my
comrades, the one's I've lost, and, to this amazing person next to me," Erwin
motioned for her to join him, and Elyse stood by his side as he wrapped an arm
around her waist before placing a kiss on her forehead, "Thank you all so
much."
Erwin moved back and he pushed Elyse towards the microphone and she took it,
slowly. She laughed when the crowd began to chant her name and she wiped her
cheeks, quickly.
"I think my husband said it all," Elyse said, out-of-breath," Yet, he tends to
forget to thank himself. Without him, this wouldn't have happened, honestly."
The crowd began to cheer, and Elyse smiled at Erwin.
"He's right we shouldn't be standing here today, but we are, to show the world
that we are survivors and, well, that we're dedicating this to everyone who's
feel like they've lost the world. We lost a baby the day of the shooting, to
everyone who didn't know, and we want everyone who's been through this and feel
like that they can't go on that this is for you. That it does get better. That
you have a reason to get up every day. It's for the one's you've lost. It's for
the one's you have. It's for those unexpected turns in your life. Thank you all
so much."
As Elyse ended her speech, the whole venue was in an uproar, and as Elyse took
a step back, she immediately turned to face Erwin and wrapped her arms around
him and, for once, let herself cry.
===============================================================================
 
Everyone offered their congratulations at the after party, sharing their love
with them. The press was already praising them and congratulating them, wanting
interviews with them. Elyse excused herself to go outside to take a breather.
It was exhilarating, really.
For once in her life, after that speech, she felt like a burden was taken off
her shoulders.
When she turned back around to get back inside, she was met with an unexpected
sight.
"…Braun?" Elyse asked, shocked.
Braun Lexington came into view and he still looked the same as ever expect this
time, Elyse's heart didn't skip a beat. Instead, she looked at him, steadily
and warily.
"Hey, Elyse." Braun greeted, softly.
"What do you want?" Elyse asked, looking around.
"There's no press here. Trust me." Braun assured her.
Elyse narrowed her eyes, "How can I trust you?"
Braun sighed and held his hands up in surrender, "I just wanted to apologize."
Elyse didn't say anything. Instead, she stared at him, indecorously.
"That…That was a beautiful speech. You and him. I…I know that everything has
been messed up for you and him, and I truly want to apologize to you. I've hurt
not only you, but everyone around you." Braun stated, apologetically.
Elyse looked away and she crossed her arms, but she let him continue.
"…Elyse, I know that whatever we had is over, has been over. I'm sorry that I
ever tried to pursue you when it's obvious that it wasn't meant to be." Braun
pleaded.
"We're both at fault. And I thank you for your apology. I'm sorry, too, Braun."
Elyse stated.
Braun nodded and coughed slightly, he scratched his head sheepishly. Elyse
smiled at him in return, trying to be reassuring.
Braun softened at that.
"…I'm glad you're happy, Elyse." Braun stated, offering an olive branch.
Elyse scoffed at that, "Do I look happy?"
Braun nodded, his smile still soft, "Especially when you hugged Erwin onstage.
You guys are truly in love."
That shocked Elyse into a standstill.
"In love?" Elyse echoed, confused.
Braun stared at her, and to her surprise, Braun groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Are you serious, Elyse? You're being serious, aren't you? You reallythink that
you're not in love with the man." Braun pointed out, frustrated.
"It was a—"
"It wasn't an act. We've both been in an act before. I know you're acting,
Elyse. Just drop it, Elyse. You love the man."
Elyse stiffened, "You don't know what's been happening for the past year,
Braun."
"Let me guess. You guys had a fight. You gave him an ultimatum. He didn't come
back. You left him. Yet, here you guys are." Braun stated.
Elyse widened her eyes, "How did you…?"
Braun shook his head in frustration, "It's what you've guys been doing since
whenever this started."
"But, you know what, Elyse? You're still with him. You're still here. You cried
with him. Why is that, Elyse?" Braun asked, pointedly.
Elyse shook her head, backing away slightly.
"That's not it, Braun. Even…Even if I did…our problems are just too big—"
"Too big? You just announced to the world that you both lost a child when it
came to that shooting. Yet, you embraced each other and cried together.
Whatever problems you guys have…I'm sure you can overcome them."
Elyse pondered his words, and her heart began to beat furiously.
She…
She was in love with Erwin.
She loved Erwin.
She loves Erwin.
"Elyse." A voice sounded from behind her and she turned around, immediately.
She saw Erwin coming towards her, and she saw a relieved smile on his face.
That disappeared when he saw the person behind her.
Before she knew it, Elyse watched as Erwin's face clouded over with anger and
he turned back around and walked the other direction.
"Erwin!" Elyse called out to him, but he didn't turn back around.
Elyse turned to face Braun and he gave her a knowing smile.
"Go."
That's all she needed to hear.
===============================================================================
 
It wasn't hard finding him. She found him staring out at the water next to the
venue of the after party. She could hear the chatter and music disappear
slightly as she approached Erwin's backside.
"Are you going to tell me that you want to get back with Braun, Elyse? If
that's so, can you just sign the divorce papers and get it over with?" Erwin
stated, quietly, as he heard her approaching.
"Erwin…please let me explain." Elyse pleaded, softly.
Erwin turned to face her and his anger was replaced with tiredness as he stared
at her.
"Elyse. Let's stop this, okay? Let's sign the papers. We can have joint custody
of the kids, we'll make it work."
"Stop what, Erwin?" Elyse asked, suddenly scared at his words.
"Pretending. Pretending that we're okay. Pretending that we can stand each
other. Let this go." Erwin stated, each word a strike to her heart.
"Then, can you meet me halfway? Can you hear me out, please?" Elyse pleaded,
her heart breaking at the thought of him disappearing from her life.
"Elyse…" Erwin trailed off and he looked at her, warily.
"…When you came into my life, I had thought you a distraction. Something that
could take my mind out of my twisted life. Then, the unexpected happened and I
got pregnant with Armin. Ever since then, I…I have been through up and downs in
my life, but you remained constant. Then, you got angry and I felt horrible.
You left. You left when I gave you an ultimatum. And, I've never felt so
confused and lost in my life. I didn't know what to do. I tried to just get rid
of every aspect of you, but it was impossible. When I heard about your PTSD, I
didn't think twice. I came to you, and so many people, even my brother, asked
why. I could never figure it out."
"What do you want me to do, Elyse?" Erwin asked her, automatically.
"I want you to tell me why. Why do you think you make me miserable?" Elyse
asked, softly.
Erwin froze at that and then he relaxed, "So, you heard?"
Elyse nodded, feeling a bit guilty, but she had been curious about it ever
since she heard her father-in-law ask Erwin that one question that had been
haunting her, "Why do you keep coming back, Erwin?"
Erwin didn't answer as he clenched his jaw.
"I'm not coming back, Elyse. If you heard everything else, then you've heard my
answer." Erwin replied, casually.
"So, you're saying if I sign the papers, you're not going to come back." Elyse
stated.
Erwin nodded, and Elyse could tell he was struggling to fight back something.
"I don't want to." Elyse finally answered, standing her ground.
Erwin looked at her, exasperated, desperateness in his eyes.
"Then, what do you want, Elyse? What could you possibly want from me? Braun
wants you. Every other guy in the world wants you. What do you want from me?"
Erwin hissed, frustrated.
"Erwin—"
"Elyse, let's stop this, please. I can't do this anymore." Erwin cut her off,
angrily, about to storm off.
Elyse faced his backside and she took a deep breath.
"Erwin, please."
"What, Elyse? Why do you keep doing this?" Erwin shouted, turning to face her,
his cold gaze focused on her.
"Because I love you." Elyse answered, her voice raised and her heart beating
furiously.
Time seemed to be at a standstill. Both of them just staring at each other.
"…What?" Erwin asked, the silence finally being broken.
"…I love you, Erwin. Okay? I've been fighting it the moment I was close to
realizing what this was, but I can't anymore. Braun even pointed it out to me.
I can't lose you anymore, and I can't pretend that everything is fine. I'm
willing to work on this. On us. Because…I fucking love you, you asshole." Elyse
stated, frustrated.
She had been looking down the entire time and heart began to pound every single
time she heard Erwin's footsteps come a bit closer.
She was forced to look up as Erwin grabbed her chin and forced her to look at
him. She was met with those unreadable icy blue eyes that she had tried to
forget for so long.
"Do you really? Do you truly love me?" Erwin asked, his voice hard and
strained.
Elyse tried to search his eyes, and she gave up when she couldn't read
anything.
"Yes, I do. I love you, you insufferable ass—"
The hardness of his kiss cut her off, and Elyse felt his hands drop down to her
waist as he pulled her closer. She missed him. It overwhelmed her; his scent,
his lips, and his touch. 
None of this was perfect or pristine.
And, for once, Elyse embraced the unexpected.
===============================================================================
 
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Have a great Thanksgiving as you finally revel in the fact that
     this has finally happened.
***** Starting Over *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ You guys are awesome, and I'm really glad you stuck around for
     this story.
     I dedicate this great, long-awaited chapter to Ktrivia and ST. You
     guys have been commenting and screaming at/with me for so long LOL.
     Elyse belongs to me. The rest do not, but they do deserve a happy
     ending that I'm oh-so willing to give them.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
Elyse forgot everything in that instant. Erwin's hands holding on to her was
the only thing that kept her steady. She tasted whiskey and a mixture of mint
on his lips and she sighed in the kiss, already losing herself.
In a moment, it was finished and Erwin broke it off as he let out a long-
suffering sigh. Elyse gasped and she felt herself flush as she began to breathe
deeply.
She looked up at him, and Erwin was already looking at her, intensely, and as
if remembering what just happened, Elyse blushed red. She tried to back away,
but the steady grip on her waist reminded her that Erwin was holding on to her.
"Um, we should go back inside. Your father might be wondering where we are."
Elyse offered, lamely. She tried to look at everywhere but him, but his serious
gaze wasn't leaving her face.
Instead of answering her, Erwin brought a hand to her lips, and Elyse realized
that her lips were starting to swell due to hard kiss they had shared moments
earlier.
"You love me." Erwin finally whispered, stroking her bottom lip with his
calloused thumb.
Elyse swallowed thickly at the mere reminder of what she had said, and she
couldn't trust her voices. She nodded instead.
"Say it again. I want to hear you say it again." Erwin stated, more like
ordered, and Elyse felt herself get even more hot at the hint of desperation in
his voice.
"Erwin, can we please go back inside and not leave your father all alone by
himself?" Elyse pleaded, trying desperately to change the subject.
Erwin remained adamant as he stared at her, her lip still caught by his thumb.
"Just once, Elyse." Erwin pleaded, and Elyse almost melted at the sound of his
voice. He was really asking her. It was a foreign, yet somehow pleasing sound
coming from a man like him.
"I love you, okay?" Elyse finally said, trying very hard not to get even more
red at the words that slipped out of her lips.
Erwin let go of her then, and he gently placed an arm around her waist so he
could pull her up against him as he began to walk them towards the venue.
"Thank you, Elyse." Erwin whispered, and before she knew it, Elyse felt a light
press of his lips against her hot forehead.
She didn't even get to react because she found herself swept up by the press as
they returned, but she couldn't help but give a vibrant smile.
Erwin's arm around her waist remained the rest of the night.
Elyse kept blushing as her father-in-law looked at both of them with a smug,
knowing smile on his lips.
Now she knew where Erwin got his smugness.
It didn't help the fact that Erwin had been somehow touching her all night. As
if he couldn't believe that she was next to him.
===============================================================================
"So, eventful night?" Her father-in-law asked them. Elyse coughed, slightly,
and she nodded. She could feel Erwin's stare next to her, but she wasn't about
to let her father-in-law's smile get even wider.
Once they reached the Estate, Elyse breathed a sigh of relief as he father-in-
law immediately excused himself and retired for the night. She kissed his cheek
goodnight and Erwin had to actually let go of her to help his father back into
his own personal car.
Elyse immediately went back inside, all too willing to avoid Erwin and everyone
else as soon as she got to her room.
She was stopped by the unexpected guests in her house. She noticed Levi was
reading a book on the couch, and Petra had fallen asleep on his lap as Freida
was sitting by his legs, playing with the supposed sleeping children.
Elyse coughed and glared at them once everyone turned to look at her.
Freida yelped and stood up while pulling the scared kids up. Elyse narrowed her
eyes, and her children shuffled their feet as they tried to look away. They
knew they were in trouble.
Levi even stood up, and Petra had woken up from the commotion.
"Want to explain to me as to why my children are up so late?" Elyse asked,
pointedly. Freida smiled, sheepishly, and she opened her mouth to explain until
suddenly everyone seemed to freeze as Elyse was forcibly turned around.
Elyse felt her body get swept up in a strong embrace and before she knew it,
her frowning lips were caught up in Erwin's smiling ones as he held on to her.
When they broke apart, Elyse was ready to run away as soon as Erwin's gaze
looked up and he saw that they had an audience. His happy face was gone in an
instant, and his face paled as soon as he met Levi's angry face.
Petra and Freida were the ones who looked like they were about to jump out the
window.
Recovering just a bit, Petra began to cough and usher the kids upstairs, as
they made weird faces over the fact that their parents showed affection in
front of them.
As the kids and Petra disappeared upstairs, Levi's face grew more stern instead
of angry.
It was Freida's next words that stole the moment.
"What the actual fuck just happened right now." Freida whispered in the tense,
quiet room.
Elyse could feel herself die inside at the embarrassment and fear she was
feeling at the sight of her brother, ready to strangle one of them if they both
dared to move.
"Um, so we won the award?" Elyse tried to state, but it ended up sounding like
a question which didn't help the tense situation at all.
Her brother still stared at them as if they've grown two heads and Freida was
torn between looking absolutely gleeful or absolutely shocked.
Erwin's arm around her waist tightened and Elyse looked up at his sharp jaw as
he looked straight at Levi.
"Levi, I— "
"Are you guys getting divorced?" Levi asked, suddenly, interrupting Erwin.
Elyse froze at that, and Erwin tensed at that, also.
"…It's been a long night, okay? Can we talk about all of this tomorrow— "
"No, we're not." Erwin stated, seriously, interrupting Elyse's plea to be
excused for the night.
Levi didn't even flinch. Instead, he brought his chin up, challenging Erwin.
"I watched and heard your speeches. I must say, I was shocked to see that it
seemed…genuine, but then again, you guys have been pretending with all of us
from day one." Levi said, straight-forwardly.
Guilt clouded Elyse's thoughts and from the curling of Erwin's fingers around
her waist, Elyse could tell that he was feeling it too.
"I'm sorry, Levi. I promise— "
"I don't want to be blindsided anymore, you two. Do you understand that? Your
actions have affected everyone around you, and we have all been trying to
accommodate all this craziness for so long. Not only for you, but for my
nephews and niece. I'm not about to lie to them about how their parents are
just tired and need some time to be apart." Levi continued, holding a hand up.
Elyse began to feel even more guilty at the sound of her brother's tiredness in
his voice.
"…It's not the same anymore, Levi. I swear it." Erwin promised.
"Are you sure, Erwin? How about you, Elyse? How can we all be so sure that this
won't happen again? You guys fight and you separate once more. What do we do
then? What will we have to do to assure your kids that you guys are okay?" Levi
prodded, mercilessly.
Elyse looked down and she shuffled her feet, nervously.
Elyse could feel Erwin's gaze on her, but she was too guilt-ridden and ashamed
to look at him.
Her brother was right.
They didn't think about how it was affecting the people around them. It had
taken the people they cared about questioning them to realize the extent of
their selfishness.
How would this be different? Sure, Elyse realized her feelings for Erwin, but
is this all too soon? God, the man had signed the divorce papers not so long
ago.
And, if Elyse remembered clearly, Erwin didn't even say that he loved her back.
It was enough for Elyse to want and hide from all of this.
She had been through such a barrel of emotions; she was sure that she was going
to explode at this point.
"I'm sure." Erwin's strong voice intruded into her thoughts and Elyse looked up
in shock.
Levi narrowed his eyes at the man as he crossed his arms.
"Oh? How sure are you?" Levi prodded, and it was as if Levi had read something
in Erwin's gaze that Elyse was clearly missing.
A knowing glint in her brother's eyes made Elyse furrow her brows and she was
sure that Freida seemed to share the same look with her.
"Because I love her. Because I'm willing to work on this with her." Erwin
replied, his voice strong and clear.
Elyse's heart almost leapt out her chest as she gazed at him with her wide
hazel eyes.
That answer seemed to shock the whole entire house. Petra had screamed from the
top of the stairs and she ran down the stair without any other words. Freida
slapped her hand on Levi's back repeatedly, her mouth wide open in happiness.
It was Levi's face that Elyse almost wanted to slap her hands on.
He looked smug, as if he knew what Erwin's answer was going to be.
Elyse forgot all the shock and surprise at Erwin's confession and she narrowed
her eyes at her brother, every memory of him prodding at her feelings for Erwin
and the pushing he did when it came to seeing him.
"You knew." Elyse hissed, annoyed. Her brother simply smiled and shrugged, "It
was about time that you guys figured it out. I thought I would have to
literally spell it out for you in a therapy session."
Erwin chuckled at that and Elyse looked up to glare at him.
Erwin smiled sheepishly at her in apology. Elyse turned her attention back to
her brother, pushing Erwin's arm away as she crossed her arms.
She looked at Petra and Freida, who were jumping up and down at the news.
"And you guys too?" Elyse asked, exasperated. Dieter and Nifa came out from the
shadows and the smiles on their faces was enough to give up the fact that they
had been eavesdropping.
Elyse didn't miss it when Nifa slipped Dieter a couple of Euros.
"Wow, you guys suck. You really bet on this?" Elyse pointed out, trying to grab
the Euros out of Dieter's grasp.
"it's not our fault that you both are emotionally stunted. It was frustrating,
but God, finally." Freida sighed, tiredly.
Everyone laughed and smiled at that, but Elyse wasn't having any of it.
"Nope! All of you, out." Elyse hissed, annoyed. One of her eye twitched when
Freida rolled her eyes at her.
"Oh, come on, Elyse. You should be happy. You're in love with this annoying man
and he's in love with your annoying self. Burn the divorce papers. Shove your
tongues down each other's throats— "
"GET OUT." Elyse shouted, her face red and she pushed her brother out while she
dragged Petra and Freida with her.
They let her, and before she could slam the door at their face, Levi stopped
her.
"Breakfast tomorrow?" Levi asked, innocently. Elyse paused at that and she
sighed and nodded, slowly.
Her brother cocked his head and smiled at her and Elyse warmed at that.
"Have fun tonight. I would say use protection, but then again, you guys— "
Elyse slammed the door at her brother's face and she was met with high-pitched
laughter.
Elyse turned around and she looked at Dieter and Nifa's smug faces.
"Go back to your houses, you two." Elyse said, with a warning in her voice.
They both smiled and nodded, but before Dieter could leave, Elyse held out her
hand towards him. With a sigh, Dieter placed the Euros in her hand before he
left with Nifa following him.
Erwin and Elyse were left alone in the living room, and Elyse sighed tiredly.
After a moment, she remembered where she was and she looked at Erwin, her face
aflame.
Erwin looked amused, his gaze warm.
"So…" He drawled, amused, and he took a step towards her. Elyse looked away,
and she coughed.
"So, goodnight." Elyse muttered, but before she could dart up the stairs,
Erwin's hand grabbed her arm and he pulled her towards him.
"Where do you think you're going?" Erwin asked, his gaze playful and….Elyse
blushed, remembering the teasing words that her brother and Freida had stated.
A sudden fear sprang up in Elyse's heart at the thought of rushing…their
relationship? Their marriage? God, what was this even?
"Erwin…"Elyse trailed off, her hands on his chest as she gently pushed him
away.
Erwin didn't seem to be hurt. Instead, he looked a bit surprised before
understanding dawned on him.
"I see. Not ready?" Erwin asked, softly.
"I mean, this is somehow new, you know? Yes, we've been married and we've
done…stuff. Oh, God, what am I-What I'm trying to say is that…"
"Elyse. Look at me." Erwin demanded, gently. Elyse obeyed and she looked up and
she felt her heart skip a beat at the soft gaze on his face as he looked at
her.
"Yes?" Elyse asked, trying to calm her heart as Erwin gazed lovingly at her
hands on his chest as he held them in his grasp.
"I love you." Erwin whispered, his blue eyes met her hazel ones.
Elyse felt like she was sinking, and she flushed at how serious his gaze was.
"I-I love you too." Elyse managed to say back, shyly.
Erwin's face brightened at that, and it was enough for Elyse to relax in his
hold as he drew her closer.
He pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead and she closed her eyes, reveling in
the moment.
"We'll figure this all out, okay? We can do this slow and we can talk about
everything day by day. I mean," Erwin pulled away, but he weaved their fingers
together as he looked at her with a smile on his face, "I'm just happy that
you're here and you're real. And I'm willing to do anything to make it stay
that way."
Elyse smiled widely at that and she wrapped her arms around him, tightly.
She had to make sure he was real too.
===============================================================================
The next morning, Elyse woke up in her separate bedroom in the Estate, and she
was confused for just a moment before realizing that everything that happened
last night wasn't a dream.
She smiled and squealed in her pillow at the memories. The flush in her cheeks
as she hummed made her smile even more as she washed her face and brushed her
teeth.
As she walked downstairs, she noticed that the smell of breakfast was already
underway and the sound of happy chatter from children made her curious. It was
only six in the morning, why was everyone up so early?
Elyse entered the kitchen and her heart softened at the sight of Eren, Armin,
and Mikasa giggling as Erwin, one of her aprons half-around his waist, tried to
teach them how to cook eggs.
Mikasa had looked up then, and she greeted her mother happily. Elyse laughed at
the sight of Mikasa's hair being up so sloppily. Must be Erwin's handiwork.
Erwin looked up then also, and Elyse leaned onto the doorway, crossing her
arms. He smiled warmly at her and Elyse realized how much she had missed this.
How much she had missed him. How much she had missed this warmness between
them.
"Good morning." Erwin greeted, softly.
"Good morning, love." Elyse greeted back.
The wide smile that Elyse received in return due to her sweet name she had
called him made Elyse giggle, lightly.
"What are you guys trying to do?" Elyse asked, an eyebrow raised as she
motioned towards the dirty dishes and the mess they had made.
"Well," Erwin looked around with a sigh, but he looked at their children
proudly as they continued to concentrate, "We were trying to make breakfast for
you first, but I don't think we've managed to even crack an egg onto a bowl."
Elyse pushed herself off the doorway and made her way towards them. She kissed
her children's foreheads before turning to Erwin. She noticed that he had a
spot of butter on his cheek, so she reached out to wipe it off.
"You guys need help?" Elyse asked, amused.
Erwin caught her hand in his, placing a warm, lingering kiss on her knuckles
"Yes, please." Erwin sighed against her knuckles. Elyse had to pull her hand
away as she met his gaze. She cleared her throat and she turned her attention
back to the kids as they tried to prove to her that they could crack an egg.
Elyse suppressed a secret smile as Erwin managed to get another apron for her
and tie it around her waist.
She didn't miss the fact that his fingers still lingered.
===============================================================================
Elyse felt weird.
If not for the fact that the kids were gone since they had school, but the fact
that Erwin was now just sitting in the living room, reading whatever book that
was on his lap with his glasses perched on that straight nose of his.
She had winced at the memory of her brother finding out that Erwin had left a
note that stated that he was leaving the company, and Levi had been livid. That
was when Elyse had received those stupid divorce papers at the same exact time.
Granted, it hadn't been on official statement paper that Erwin had resigned,
and that's why the press didn't catch it. Everyone had simply believed that
Erwin needed time off after being away on the battlefield.
From what Elyse had read in the media world right now, Erwin and her were being
praised for their speeches and a lot of them have commentated on how everything
made sense now from the silence that they were getting from their family.
But, what now…?
Erwin, being out in the open in the Estate, was so foreign to her.
"I can feel you looking at me, Elyse." Erwin's voice broke through her
thoughts, and she flushed when she realized she had been caught. It didn't help
that Erwin didn't even bother to look up and he only had a small smile on his
face as he continued to pay attention to his book.
"Sorry." Elyse muttered, and she turned around to try and walk away, but
Erwin's voice stopped her.
"Levi and I talked about it. I'm going back to work at the company next week."
Erwin stated, and he looked at her then, amusement and an all-knowing smirk
written on his face.
Elyse turned back around and she narrowed her eyes at him, sighing.
"How do you do that?" Elyse asked, giving up.
Erwin chuckled and he motioned for her to sit next to him, and Elyse, still a
bit shy and embarrassed around him, complied, slowly.
She made sure she wasn't touching him as she sat on the other end of the couch,
and she shot Erwin a warning look as he chuckled at her awkward position.
He didn't question her though as he watched her draw her legs toward her as she
sat in front of him.
He placed his book on the space between them, and Elyse relaxed her feet
beneath the pages of the book, smiling at the silliness of it all.
"You like feeling the crispness of pages in a book. You like to use your index
finger to trace the words as you read. You bite your bottom lip when you're in
deep thought. You usually stare at people with a weird look when you want to
confront them about something." Erwin finished, giving her a pointed look as
Elyse gaped at him.
He placed a hand on her the book, and Elyse tensed slightly even though he
wasn't even touching her.
"You stared at me with that weird look as I noticed you perusing over the
article that reads, 'Erwin Smith: Back In Business.' You're easy to read…except
for one thing." Erwin began and Elyse let out a tiny laugh as he removed the
book off her feet. He used his long fingers to knead the soles of her feet and
Elyse began to relax.
"Except for what?" Elyse asked, softly, closing her eyes as she began to enjoy
the foot massage.
"I didn't believe that you could love me." Erwin answered.
Elyse opened her eyes then, and she immediately sat up, taken aback by his
answer.
She drew her feet away from him, and she hugged her legs as she looked away,
shyly.
Erwin laughed at her reaction.
"Oh, come on, Elyse. We've done so many…intimate things and this is what gets
you embarrassed?" Erwin asked, incredulously.
Elyse looked back at Erwin, ready to tell him off, but she noticed the softness
in his gaze as he smiled at her. She decided to ignore his question as she
noticed that Erwin looked away from her, his gaze now a bit far-off.
"What?" Elyse prodded, giving up her shyness for curiosity instead.
"We've been married for six years, you know that? I know it doesn't count, but
I didn't realize how much time has passed because…I've enjoyed my time with you
and with what you've brought into my life. I just," Erwin laughed in the middle
of his speech, and Elyse shoved his legs with her feet to force him to
continue, "I just feel stupid for not realizing how much I love you."
Feeling playful and giddy at his sudden confession, Elyse laughed and she
flipped her hair for dramatic effect, "I have that effect on people."
Erwin rolled his eyes at her and he bent forward, his hands and arms caging her
in as his face was mere inches away from her.
"That you confuse people? Seems accurate." Erwin said, sarcastically.
"More like how I make people feel stupid because I'm always right." Elyse shot
back, her dimpled cheeks showing as she placed a hand on Erwin's face and began
to stroke the stubble that was already beginning to show.
This banter was just as perfect as it was before.
It was beginning to get easier with him. Sure, she felt a bit uneasy with him.
Sometimes, she didn't know where to start with him because they had been so
angry with each other for so long that she had forgot what it was like to be
intimate with him.
But, this is what she missed. The fact that they now know that they love each
other was something new, and granted, Elyse felt a bit shy about it, but she
was starting to relax especially now that Erwin's lips were getting closer to
hers.
She willingly closed the gap between them and she sighed happily as she felt
Erwin's hands gingerly stroke her back as he pulled her closer.
She was beginning to grow hot at the sound of Erwin's impatient growl as he
deepened the kiss and Elyse was starting to feel a bit cautious of their
surroundings and the fact that this maybe more than just simply kissing if it
went too far. She started to feel self-conscious, but the fact that Erwin's
lips were starting to trail down her neck was making her start to crave
him…since…since
The dark memory of the shooting crossed her mind, and Elyse placed firm hands
on his chest in retaliation as she pushed him away.
Erwin pulled away, worried.
"Elyse, are you okay?" Erwin asked, concerned, his touch immediately leaving
her and Elyse felt a bit cold.
Elyse nodded, but she began to breathe deeply, remembering the exercises that
her therapist made her do whenever she was beginning to have a panic attack.
"I'm-I'm sorry. Just…another-another memory of—"Elyse cut herself off as she
began to breathe deeply.
Elyse grabbed onto his button down as she tried to control her trembling body.
Erwin's arms wrapped around her, slowly, and Elyse grabbed onto him as she
buried her head in his shoulder, closing her eyes and breathing in and out.
"I'm sorry, Elyse. I didn't mean to— "
"This isn't your fault, Erwin. It's not." Elyse whispered, trying hard to
focus.
"I know you're not ready, and I just…would it be annoying if I told you that I
can't control myself around you anymore?" Erwin sighed, holding her even
closer.
Elyse embraced the feeling of being protected by Erwin's strong arms as she
laughed softly in his shoulder.
"Not annoying. Charming." Elyse whispered, pulling away a bit after she
realized that she felt a bit better.
She looked up at him and she gave a small kiss on his cheek in gratitude. She
didn't miss the heartwarming smile he gave her back in return.
"Gross, why are you so touchy-touchy now?" A disgusted small voice from behind
them asked. Elyse and Erwin turned to face the source of the voice, and they
smiled when they realized that their kids were home.
Eren looked grossed out as he stuck his tongue out at his parent's positions.
Armin looked confused and Mikasa was focused on the fact that she wanted to hug
her father and mother. As Mikasa ran towards them, Erwin let go of her and
Elyse smiled widely as Erwin got up to pick up Mikasa and spin her around.
The nightmare truly forgotten as the dream she craved for unraveled before her.
===============================================================================
Elyse loved her personal bath time. It was the only time she could truly
unravel and unwind when it came to a long day with dealing with the theatre,
the kids, and her own public appearance.
She sunk into the water even more as she sighed in happiness.
"Looks nice. Can I join in?" A voice interrupted her thoughts and she gasped as
she opened her eyes and noticed that Erwin was looking at her, amused, his arms
crossed as he leaned on the doorway of his bathroom.
Granted, she had thought he would be too busy with the paperwork that had been
piling in since he started working with Levi again in the company. So, Elyse
thought of the big, beautiful bathtub in his bathroom that she used to enjoy
when he wasn't in the Estate.
Now that he's in the Estate, Elyse didn't know whether she should ask him about
using it or she should just use it because he shouldn't mind.
Being caught in his bathroom and in his bathtub, naked but not showing due to
the bubbles, which she was very grateful for, was not in her plan.
"I swear I thought you were too busy to realize that I would be using your
bathtub tonight." Elyse explained, quickly.
Erwin chuckled, walking towards her. He bent down in order to face her and he
brushed a stray hair away from her forehead.
"You don't like your bathtub?" Erwin asked, with a raised eyebrow. Elyse
sighed, sinking deeper so only her head showed.
"It's not that I don't like it. Your bathtub just speaks to me." Elyse stated,
seriously. Erwin looked at her as if she had grown two heads.
"Speaks to you?" Erwin prodded, amused. Elyse faced him, annoyed, and she
noticed that he was more casual today. His hair was undone and his top buttons
were undone. He looked so effortless, it wasn't fair.
"Yes, Erwin. It's like…when theatre speaks to me. Or, remember the time when we
had to pick Eren's tux for his third birthday? That little tux spoke to me."
Elyse pointed out with her chin up.
"Ah, I see." Erwin agreed, and Elyse noticed that his fingers were playing with
the bubbles as he contemplated her answer.
Elyes sighed, noticing the amused corners of his mouth.
"You don't and you're an ass." Elyse groused, slapping Erwin's hands away as
she splashed him.
She had underestimated how much water she used to splash at him and she laughed
when she realized she doused his whole face which continued to drip onto his
button down.
Erwin stood up and he took off his shirt easily. Elyse swallowed at the sight
of Erwin's muscular chest, but it was replaced with sadness when she noticed
the new scars that had made her remember what he went through before coming
back home to them.
Elyse raised her hand and Erwin's smiled turned into a slight frown when he
realized that she was tracing the scars on his chest.
"Do they hurt?" Elyse asked, quietly.
Erwin grabbed her hand, gently, and he placed a soft kiss on each finger before
answering her, "Not anymore."
Elyse rolled her eyes at that, and Erwin chuckled, the mood brightening. Elyse
stared at their hands for a moment before she looked at him.
"Join me." Elyse said, smiling.
Erwin looked taken aback by her suggestion and then he looked a bit uncertain.
Erwin looked at her for a moment before shaking his head.
He looked down for a moment and Elyse thought that he was staring at her until
she realized that he was trying to look in every direction besides her
direction.
"I…I want to, Elyse. Believe me, I do." Erwin began and Elyse could tell he was
struggling to say something which was very un-Erwin like and it made her
anxious.
"But?" Elyse asked, trying to be gentle with her tone but she noticed it came
out a bit panicked.
Erwin looked up at her, and she saw that he had fear in his eyes as if he
offended her in any way.
"I just don't…trust myself to be in a bathtub with you right now." Erwin
explained, softly.
Elyse raised an eyebrow at that, placing her hand atop his.
"I'm sorry, I don't—"Elyse cut herself off as realization hit her.
Oh.
Elyse blushed and she immediately took her hand off of his and Erwin's stare
wasn't helping as she flushed brightly and drew her legs back up towards her.
"I'm a bad person. I'm sorry. I didn't realize that this would be…tempting to
you." Elyse said, hurriedly and she wanted to immediately drown herself in the
bathtub as soon as the word 'tempting' came out of her mouth.
She was too into her embarrassed thoughts that she didn't realize that Erwin
had stood up then and she found Erwin's fingers underneath her chin as he
pulled her close to his face.
Elyse melted in his soft kiss and she almost sighed disappointedly when he drew
away.
"Once we have this all figured out, I promise you that I'm never going to deny
your invitation." Erwin whispered against her lips before he backed away and
left with a small smile on his lips.
Once he left, Elyse dunked her whole entire body in the bathtub. She was never
going to think of this place as her relaxation center anymore.
===============================================================================
Elyse dried her hair with her towel as she looked at her reflection in the
mirror. She noticed a small pimple on her forehead and she sighed, annoyed.
"It's not that big. Don't be dramatic." Erwin's voice wafted in his room and
Elyse turned to look at him, scrunching her nose in frustration.
"Says Mr. I Don't Get Pimples Anymore." Elyse pointed out with a sigh.
"You look fine." Erwin assured her.
"Once again, easy for you to say." Elyse yelled back at him as she noticed that
Erwin had went back into the bathroom from what she saw in the reflection of
the mirror.
"Can you check on the kids? I'm trying to train them to not rely on Nifa with
getting ready anymore. It's time for the kids to start trying to do things on
their own. We need to stop spoiling them." Elyse continued, knowing fully well
that Erwin was probably fixing his tie in the bathroom mirror.
"I checked on them earlier. Walked in on Eren trying on Mikasa's stockings.
Eventful trying to help him get them off his head." Erwin called back.
Elyse snorted at that, and Erwin's tsk at her noise came back.
Elyse smiled at that.
Event season was in full swing for them for three days already. At first, Erwin
and Elyse were playing the 'avoid each other' game since they didn't know how
to bring things up such as 'should they start getting ready together or was
that too soon?'. It was unbearable as they awkwardly just met at the front door
with the kids before they left for the event. That all changed when Erwin had
barged in her room as he talked on the phone, desperation in his eyes as he
looked at her.
He gestured for her to help him with his tie as his oozing, charming tone
schmoozed whoever he was talking to on the other line. After she had helped
him, Elyse sighed and grabbed the phone from Erwin's grasp, which shocked him,
and she began to talk to the other person as easily as he had been.
Once she hung up for him, Erwin had shot her an amused smirk before he thanked
her with a kiss on the cheek.
Since then, they had started getting ready together for the events they had to
attend. Erwin would barge in, on the phone, pleading her for help with his eyes
and Elyse would deliver her actress charm.
The kids had also been attending event season with them. It was Erwin's idea
and Elyse had been confused as to why he wanted their running around and
curious children during important, public events. One event later, Elyse
watched as Erwin warmly stroke their children's sleeping heads as they slept on
his lap and arms.
He had missed them.
She had missed this.
She could deal with the press and the snobs and the late nights.
All she needed was to go home to sleeping children and a husband who looked at
her with love in his eyes.
But, some part of her was unsatisfied.
"Ready?" Erwin's voice interrupted her thoughts and Elyse forced a small smile
as she turned to him.
Elyse nodded and as she walked past him to get the children, she ignored the
concerned look on Erwin's face.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Thanks loves! Here's another update! Enjoy and spread love.
***** It's A Date *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N// Here’s another update!
      
     Elyse belongs to me, and everyone else doesn’t.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
 Elyse sighed as she hung up the last dress that she had used for the last
event for event season. It’s been a whole two months of being all dolled up,
and she was grateful that she had at least two weeks to unwind before theatre
practices began.
 
Elyse left her room to go downstairs and check if she had left anything
downstairs as she continued to do some spring cleaning. The kids were gone due
to school and Erwin…
 
Well, Erwin had returned to being the busybody that he had once been. The
company was glad to have him back, and even Elyse noticed that her brother had
been relaxing ever since Erwin made a comeback in the company.
 
She had raised an eyebrow when Petra had sent her pictures of her and Levi
vacationing in New York City, but that would be another question for when her
brother decides to come back.
 
Elyse knew her brother deserved a rest especially if he chose to be with his
almost-wife in the process.
 
Elyse saw more of Hanji and Freida since they came around often because of the
kids and the fact that Erwin needed a new assistant since Petra was gone, so
Freida replaced that part. Hanji had replaced Isabelle. Isabelle had quit,
taking time off to pursue another degree. Dieter had been curiously missing
when he was no longer required after event season. Nifa was still living at the
off-house, but she had taken another job with specialized unit with the Army
ever since the kids had proven that they were grown enough to have Elyse take
care of them without them crying for milk all the time. Elyse understood Nifa’s
job choice because of how Nifa felt like she was neglecting her duty when Erwin
and Levi had gone off. Nowadays, Nifa was barely home, but Erwin and Elyse
reminded her that her home will always be there for her.
 
It’s been oddly quiet now. The Estate that was once filled with loud noises was
peaceful, and Elyse didn’t know whether she liked it or not.
 
Event season was the comeback for Erwin and Elyse, but Elyse still felt
unsatisfied. She didn’t know why. Erwin had been attentive to her and the
family, even more so now that they established how they felt about each other
and the fact that he was now reunited with their kids.
 
But, it still unnerved her.
 
It’s as if they could smile and laugh all they want. He could kiss her and
embrace her, and she would do the same. Yet, it was as if there was this
elephant in the room that would make them question each other’s motives from
time to time.
 
Elyse knew that they still had their faults from the past, and that it could be
the reason why Erwin was hesitant when it came to her and her to him.
 
But, how would one go about that?
 
Erwin was seeing a therapy for his PTSD. Elyse was seeing a therapy for the
shooting still.
 
Maybe…it was time to see one together?
 
Yet, was it normal for happy, married couples to go into therapy?
 
Elyse shook her head. She didn’t know what to think nowadays.
 
She looked around the empty Estate.
 
She didn’t realize that she felt empty as well.
===============================================================================
 
 
Erwin nodded, trying to pay attention to the man before him. He was in yet
another conference meeting, seated at the head of the table. He placed hand
under his chin to try and look like he was paying attention.
 
He tried to ignore the looks the woman at the other end was giving him as he
noticed that she was more than willing to try and get his attention.
 
He made sure that his wedding band glinted in the light when he began to rub
his chin.
 
The disappointment that flickered in her eyes was enough for Erwin to try and
suppress the smile that was forming with his hand.
 
The reminder of his wedding ring made him doze off again as the presenter’s
voice droned on.
 
Erwin and Elyse had only started wearing their wedding rings reasons being for
when they had accepted that award months ago. Event season soon came after, and
the habit of wearing their rings became a ritual as quickly as how they began
to comfortably get ready together.
 
But, what kept making him doze off and bothered during this meeting was the
fact that his divorce lawyer had called him up moments earlier.
 
Erwin remembered her asking about the papers, and Erwin had remembered looking
at them on his office desk, seeing his signature so prominent on the papers
next to Elyse’s absent one.
It was enough to shock Erwin into realizing what he had almost done.
 
He had hastily assured his divorce lawyer that they weren’t going through with
it, and she had warmly and surprisingly sent her regards to Elyse and him and
wished for the best before she hung up.
 
Erwin was still bothered.
 
He remembered the look in Elyse’s eyes after an event, and it bothered him
since.
 
He stared at the papers before him and guilt began to eat at him.
 
When Elyse had confessed her love for him, Erwin had been sure he was dreaming.
He was sure he had seen her talking warmly with Braun Lexington and that had
shaken his very core as she turned to look at him surprised.
 
When she had chased him through the forest that separated the venue from the
water, Erwin was ready to hear her ask for the papers. He was even ready with a
pen if she needed it.
 
She had been playing with his heartstrings when she kept begging him to listen
to her, and Erwin had tried to be calm and steady when she kept denying to give
him the divorce that she clearly needed and that he needed in order to leave
once and for all.
 
He had spiraled downward without her before. He could do it again if need be.
 
But, then, those wonderful four words tumbled out of her beautiful mouth and
Erwin had remembered not being able to breathe and think.
 
Instead, he remembered how hard he tried to suppress everything about her that
consumed him.
 
When he had first saw her on that train, how young and beautiful she had been
compared to the strikingly gorgeous and mature woman she had become, Erwin
didn’t realize how much of Elyse he had let in.
 
He married her to make things right. He didn’t intend to hurt her nor did he
even intend to involve her as much as he did.
 
He tried to keep her at an arm’s distance, yet she broke through those barriers
when her stomach grew with Armin and how they gained Eren and Mikasa in those
most unfortunate circumstances but a blessing nonetheless.
 
She was his miracle. One that he wasn’t looking for, but one he gained anyways.
 
So, when she professed, so did his very being. He had held her then, and he
didn’t fight the feeling of wanting to be needed by her.
 
He loved her. He didn’t how or when or where. He just did. He had been done
fighting it, and now here they were.
 
He noticed that even though they had admitted the unimaginable, they didn’t
even know where or how to start everything. They had been through so much
together, yet the anger and resentment they had for each other before was due
to all the circumstances they had decided to go through without the other.
 
So, now what?
 
Erwin had burnt those divorce papers, watching the flames lick the papers in
the fireplace in his office.
 
Then, he had left his office for this long conference meeting.
 
“Mr. Smith?” A voice broke through his thoughts, and Erwin snapped back into
reality. He noticed that everyone was looking at his direction.
 
Erwin blinked and sighed, apologetically.
 
“I’m sorry. The kids have been sleeping late lately, and I didn’t want them to
bother my wife so I’ve been dealing with the bedtime stories and lullabies
since three in the morning.” Erwin lied, easily and charmingly.
 
When the woman on the side of the room sighed in longing, Erwin knew that his
lie had worked. The men around him, the ones he knew had families, had nodded
in agreement and sympathy.
 
“So, shall we continue?” Erwin asked, making a sweeping hand gesture.
 
When everyone nodded, Erwin smiled and paid attention as he fiddled with his
wedding ring underneath the desk.
===============================================================================
 
“Freida.” Erwin called out as soon as he got out the elevator. He smiled and
thanked the elevator attendant, who tipped his hat in response before letting
the doors close.
 
Freida’s head popped up from behind the receptionist’s desk.
 
“Yeah, what’s up?” Freida asked, standing up with her phone in hand. Erwin
opened his mouth to speak, but she held up a hand as she fiddled with the
earpiece in her ear.
Erwin raised an eyebrow as Freida looked deep in concentration.
 
“I told you that Mr. Smith doesn’t need a fucking business deal. What he needs
is a break so he can go do other business other than this stupid—“
 
“Hi, Erwin here. Please excuse my assistant. You’ve caught her on a bad day.”
Erwin interrupted, smoothly, grabbing Freida’s earpiece and placed it in his
own ear. Freida glared at him and flipped her hair in defiance. Erwin rolled
his eyes as he realized that the person on the other line was someone Freida
needed to be rude to.
 
“Oh, Dok, it’s you.” Erwin sighed, annoyed. Freida flashed him a victorious
look and he glared at her as he motioned for her to go back to her desk.
 
Freida gestured to her phone in his hand and the earpiece in his ear, and Erwin
sighed.
 
He placed a hand on the mouthpiece of her phone and whispered, “Transfer the
call into my office, please.”
 
He noticed the hesitant and concerned look she gave him and he gave her a
reassuring smile, “I’m not leaving.”
 
Freida sighed and nodded. Erwin thanked her by giving a quick kiss on her cheek
before disappearing into his office.
 
His phone rang and he picked it up, swiftly, “Why are you calling me?”
 
“I can’t say hi?” Nile stated, sarcastically, on the other line.
 
Erwin resisted the urge to chew the man out and he took a deep breath before
answering Nile.
 
“Listen, if it’s the High Commander, tell him that I don’t plan on reinstating
anything.” Erwin stated, seriously.
 
“I’m not calling because of the Army, Erwin.” Nile sighed.
 
“Then?”
 
“I’m calling because I’m actually concerned about you and your family. Happy?”
Nile growled on the other line.
 
Erwin blinked, not believing the words that were said.
 
“You’re serious?” Erwin asked, in disbelief.
 
“…Listen, I know it’s partly my fault that I manipulated Elyse and you when it
came to getting you back into the Army. I care, okay? I know what it’s like to
have a family, believe it or not. Save your smart remarks of me and my divorce,
Erwin. I’m trying to be sincere here.” Nile stated, quickly in warning.
 
Erwin had to muffle a chuckle at that as he couldn’t believe his ears.
 
“Well…what do you want to know?” Erwin asked, trying to suppress another smirk
at the sound of Nile’s sharp intake.
 
“I…How is Elyse?” Nile asked, warily.
 
Erwin smiled at the sound of his wife’s name. For some odd reason, every single
time she was mentioned or thought of, Erwin would relax. It was as if he
finally found his safe zone, his comfort zone.
 
“She’s fine. We’re fine.” Erwin offered, trying to be careful with his words.
Dok might be offering an olive branch, but Erwin was not so willing just yet.
 
Nile seemed to be content with what he said as Nile hummed in satisfaction.
 
“I saw your speeches. Marie did, too. She’s happy for you guys.” Nile offered,
trying to not be stiff.
 
Erwin flinched at the sound of Marie’s name. Well, that was an unpleasant crash
from what his warm thoughts of his wife.
 
“I see. Send my regards to her.” Erwin offered, softly.
 
“…She’s sorry, Erwin. For everything. How things ended. How they began.” Nile
managed to say.
 
Erwin didn’t say anything. Nile must’ve thought that the conversation was over
so he sighed and gave a curt well wish and a goodbye.
 
“Nile, wait.” Erwin stated, before Nile could hang up.
 
Nile didn’t hang up, and Erwin took a deep breath.
 
“When…when you tried to fix your marriage, what did you do?” Erwin asked,
trying hard to sound sincere rather than harsh.
 
“...Well, our problems came from multiple things. My past, her past. It didn’t
help that we were stressed about the fact that our daughters would see that we
weren’t okay, so there was that. We would lie and play pretend in front of them
which made it ten times worse when we were alone. We became strangers. There
was no communication between us, and we had decided that living a façade was
poison to not only us but to our daughters.” Nile stated, simply.
 
“…Do you sometimes believe that…that you could’ve fixed it?” Erwin asked,
rubbing his eyes, trying to remain calm.
 
“We did try to fix it. I took her out and we would have dinner. We would go to
therapy, but it seemed that it made it worse. At the end of it all, we just
realized we weren’t good together. I was still stuck with the idea of Marie.
She was stuck on the fact that she had a planned life that didn’t include me.
It was enough for both us to realize that enough was enough.”
 
“So, saving your marriage for your daughters wasn’t enough?” Erwin asked,
feeling a bit exasperated.
 
“…Let me ask you this, Erwin. If you came home one day, and you felt empty
inside as you looked at your wife, who has this pasted smile on her face that
doesn’t meet her eyes, and your daughters, who are studying your every move,
questioning as to why they hear yelling at night. Why we weren’t like Uncle
Erwin and Aunt Elyse. What would your reaction be?”
 
“….I’m sorry, Nile. I didn’t mean to dig that deep.” Erwin apologized, feeling
the pain that Nile must’ve experienced.
 
“Everything happens for a reason, Erwin. I’m with the person I’m meant to be
with. Regan is happy than she was before. Our daughters are more relaxed and
happy.” Nile stated with a sigh.
 
“I’m happy for you.” Erwin offered, lamely.
 
Nile scoffed on the other line, and it went quiet for a moment.
 
Erwin was about to say goodbye until Nile interrupted him.
 
“That night I talked to Elyse about you, she was defensive, angry, and sad.”
 
Erwin sighed, remembering that night. It was the night they had…been intimate
and then the next day, headlines of her and Braun kissing were everywhere in
the European hemisphere.
 
“Sounds about right.” Erwin sighed, rubbing his neck now.
 
“You don’t get it, Erwin. When I say those things, I had been talking about
your past. About how horrible you were supposedly to Marie. Elyse was in
denial. She couldn’t believe that you would do that to someone, and the hurt in
her eyes….it was unbearable, to say the least. I almost dropped my plan right
there and then.” Nile offered, gently.
Erwin widened his eyes and his heart began to clench at the thought of Elyse’s
fervent defense of him.
 
“Thanks, Dok.” Erwin sighed, racking his brain of what to do about this
information.
 
“Sure, Smith. Piece of advice. I don’t think she’ll deny your offer for a date
if you asked.” Nile stated.
 
Before Erwin could question Nile, the sound of Nile hanging up met him in
return.
 
Erwin rolled his eyes, but he had a small smile on his face as he hung up his
phone.
 
He dialed a number, and he thought of the plans he had to do with an ambitious
light in his eyes.  
===============================================================================
 
 
Elyse knew that the sound of Erwin coming home was music to their kids’ ears.
The sound of Erwin opening the door and his heavy footsteps had the kids
getting up and running for the front door. Elyse smiled at the sound of the
shrieking as she cleaned the dining room table to get ready for dinner.
 
She liked the fact that they can now be a real-life family without the need of
help, and she ignored the empty feeling that she had moments earlier.
 
She was determined to not let it get her down.
 
She waited for them to get into the dining room and she laughed as she saw the
two boys hanging off Erwin’s legs and Mikasa hanging onto his neck as he held
onto her with his one arm.
 
Elyse raised an eyebrow though as the weird placement of Erwin’s other arm. He
was definitely hiding something, and the clear look of ‘help me’ on his face
was a guarantee that he was uncomfortable with his position.
 
“Let go of your dad, Eren, Armin. Mikasa, come here.” Elyse held her arms out
for Mikasa and Mikasa willingly let go of Erwin as she jumped into Elyse’s
arms.
 
Elyse looked down to check if Eren and Armin let go of Erwin’s legs and once
she noticed they did, she looked up and was ambushed with a huge bouquet of
white roses in her face.
 
“Surprise!” The kids screamed, and Elyse had to cover one ear as Mikasa
literally screamed her ear off.
 
Elyse raised her eyebrows in surprise and laughed, pleasantly, as Erwin handed
her the bouquet.
 
“What’s this for?” Elyse asked, softly and in awe.
 
“I never got to hand you a personal one all these years.” Erwin replied, his
soft gaze and smile made Elyse’s heart skip a beat.
 
“You having flowers around the Estate was enough.” Elyse insisted, still in awe
at how beautiful the roses were.
 
“Well, get used to it, Elyse.” Erwin sighed, tucking a stray hair into the back
of her ear. Elyse looked up then, a blush that represented her shyness
sprinkled her cheeks. Erwin’s smile got wider and he bent down to press a
chaste kiss on her lips.
 
Elyse was more than willing to sink into it.
 
“Ew!” Mikasa yelped in her mom’s arms, and Erwin broke it off with a chuckle.
 
“Come here, you little maus.” Erwin chided, grabbing his daughter to tickle
her. Elyse watched the scene unfold and she bent down with the bouquet in her
arms to show her boys.
 
The empty feeling seemed to lessen. Just a bit.
===============================================================================
 
 
Elyse went downstairs to check to see if she had washed the dishes. She knew
that she must’ve forgotten some because of Eren falling asleep at the table. He
had joined so many sports that Elyse felt bad for her tuckered-out kid. Armin
seemed to have the same idea as he soon was falling fast asleep, and Elyse had
shot a glare at Erwin for that and he shrugged apologetically. She knew that
Armin would sneak out of bed to read with his father at night, and Elyse had
caught them once in Erwin’s office since she had heard voices.
 
She had been adamant about Armin going to sleep or he wouldn’t be able to learn
in school. That had Armin horrified, and Erwin apologetic.
 
Mikasa was the one who was still hyperactive and awake compared to her
brothers, so that one took awhile to be put to sleep.
 
Elyse knew that Mikasa did almost everything for her age. When Dieter had been
around, it was him chauffeuring her everywhere: to her violin lesson, ballet
lesson, figure skating lesson, tennis lesson, and hockey lesson. Elyse wouldn’t
let her daughter do so much if her grades were a problem, but Mikasa showed no
lack of hard work in there either.
 
Elyse didn’t even do that much when she was six even when her father had forced
her to be tutored about almost everything.
 
Elyse was so into her thoughts, she didn’t realize that she had walked into a
dimly lit living room. She looked around, confused, and she spotted the source
of her confusion in front of the fireplace.
 
She raised an eyebrow at him, walking towards him slowly.
 
Erwin was giving her a small smile, holding out a wine glass for her and she
took it, gratefully. She took a sip before she asked him her question.
 
“What is this?” Elyse asked, his smile contagious.
 
Erwin took her glass out of her hand and he placed it on the fireplace’s top.
He pressed a button somewhere, and Elyse could hear a gorgeous orchestra
playing Yo-Yo Ma’s cello compositions, one of her favorites, drifting in the
room.
 
When were there speakers in the living room?
 
Before she could say anything, Erwin offered her his hand and she gingerly
accepted it, keeping a curious gaze on him.
 
He pulled her in a simple embrace, one that they would have on a ballroom
floor, and she could feel herself floating across the room.
 
She gasped, pleasantly surprised at his ability to actually glide.
 
“When did you learn?” Elyse asked, softly.
 
Erwin chuckled, and his warm breath that touched her ear made her slightly
shiver at how close they were.
 
“I got quick lessons from someone.” Erwin replied in amusement.
 
“Oh, no, was it Freida?” Elyse asked, in an apologetic tone.
 
Freida was a beautiful and talented dancer, but when it came to teaching, she
became a dictator that Elyse had to witness first-hand. A couple of kids had
quit due to Freida’s no-nonsense teaching.
 
Erwin spun her around then, and when he brought her back to him, he laughed.
 
“She’s not bad, Elyse. Compared to how I used to train my cadets, I would say
she’s gentle.” Erwin promised, and Elyse couldn’t help but laugh at that.
 
The music was soothing, and Elyse closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment being
in Erwin’s gentle hold as they danced in the living room.
 
When she opened her eyes, she noticed that Erwin had moved them from the living
room to the dance studio. Only this time, Elyse had pulled away from him in awe
at her surroundings.
 
The room was dimly lit as well, but by lights that hung from the ceiling. The
mirrors were draped with pale, pastel-colored curtain. In the middle of the
room, there was a small table set up and Elyse gasped at how there was already
wine poured out for them, and on that table, she eyed something that
immediately took her interest.
 
“What is this?” Elyse asked, walking towards the table to touch the velvet case
that awaited her.
 
“Open it.” Erwin’s voice encouraged from behind her.
 
Elyse obeyed, and she gasped when she opened it. Tickets, a gorgeous necklace,
and a charm of ballet shoes.
 
Tickets…
 
Elyse’s eyes widened as she whipped around to face Erwin.
 
“…New York City? The ballet in New York City, Erwin?” Elyse asked,
breathlessly, memories of her schooling and learning occasionally with the
talented company that stayed there.
 
Erwin walked towards her, taking her soft hands in his.
 
“I figured that we have two weeks to unwind before we get into theatre business
again. I thought it would be good for the both of us and to show the kids where
we met and such, where their mother has a part of her heart.” Erwin teased,
placing a hand to cradle the side of her face.
 
Elyse could feel her heart bursting at the seams as she closed her eyes and
leaned into his welcoming warmth. She didn’t realize that a lone tear rolled
down her cheek.
 
“Elyse…”Erwin trailed off, concerned. Elyse laughed, wiping the tear away.
 
“I’m just really touched, Erwin. This is really…wow.” Elyse sighed, looking
down at the tickets and necklace and charm.
 
“I…I want to do this right. I want to…date you.” Erwin mumbled, and Elyse had
to strain to hear his words.
 
“Date?” Elyse asked, confused.
 
Erwin looked at her then, and Elyse couldn’t help but laugh. For once, Erwin
was flustered instead of her.
 
“We haven’t had a normal thing going, and I know that we have started this
whole, ‘we finally know that we love each other, but what do we do about it
since we have all this complicated issues between us’, so I thought it best to
start all over. You, me, and the kids. I know it’s not ideal because, you know,
kids, but I think it makes it better because—“
 
Elyse didn’t let him finish. He had been so wrapped up in his ramblings that
Elyse had time to shut the velvet box and tiptoe. She placed her lips on his,
and she smiled when Erwin gave a small moan at how close she was.
 
The kiss lasted for a moment, and Elyse broke it off as she landed on the balls
of her feet.
 
“Let’s date, then.” Elyse said, simply. Erwin chuckled, placing both his hands
on her face.
 
“I can’t wait to start.”
===============================================================================
 
The kids were overly excited to travel to New York City. When Erwin and Elyse
had sat them down at breakfast one morning to explain that they’ll be taking a
break from school which didn’t mean that they should be slacking with their
homework, the kids were just begging for them to get to the part in where
they’ll be traveling.
 
Elyse smiled when Erwin told them about what the travel will entail. The kids
were already up and about to go to school to tell all their friends about it.
 
With a sigh, Elyse went upstairs to see what she could pack for the kids, but
Erwin stopped her.
 
“You’re the one who told me not to spoil them.” Erwin chided.
 
Elyse rolled her eyes at him, “They’re six, Erwin. They have no idea how to
pack.”
 
Erwin shrugged at that, “Let them learn. Let them pack first and then we could
go and check what they packed and teach them as we take out unnecessary stuffed
animals and replace them with actual clothes.”
 
Elyse laughed at that, but she nodded in agreement.
 
“Fine. You’re right.” Elyse sighed.
 
“I’m sorry? What did you say? I couldn’t hear you?” Erwin prompted, taking her
in his arms now.
 
Elyse punched him playfully in his chest, “I said, you’re right.”
 
Erwin smiled down at her, and Elyse was more than willing to close the gap
between them.
===============================================================================
 
 
Erwin proved her wrong once more.
 
The kids were doing pretty okay with packing, much to Elyse’s surprise.
 
Granted, there were some things that they wouldn’t need for the trip like
Eren’s soccer kleets and Armin’s telescope. Mikasa was always the ready one,
but Elyse spotted her packing a ballet tutu secretly. At the end of the day,
Erwin had relented with Eren bringing his soccer kleets and Armin bringing his
telescope, so Elyse was smug for the rest of the time they were packing.
 
Once the kids were done, Elyse had gone to her room to pack and as she began to
finish, Erwin knocked on the side of her open doorway.
 
She looked up, smugly, “How may I help you, sweetie?”
 
Erwin shot a warning glare at her, and she still smiled, prettily.
 
“The company called an emergency board meeting. So, I’m just letting you know
that I’ll be missing dinner.” Erwin replied, with a tired groan.
 
Elyse raised an eyebrow in surprise, “That’s sudden. Is everything okay?”
 
Erwin shrugged, “It’s just the usual voting drama. Mr. Engle wants this. Mrs.
Beaufort doesn’t agree. The usual.”
 
Elyse gave him a sympathetic look and she walked towards him. She wrapped her
arms around his neck and Erwin immediately melted in her embrace. She began to
massage the back of his neck as she looked at him.
 
“I’m sorry, sweetie. I would join…” Elyse trailed off at that, an idea popping
in her head.
 
Erwin looked at her, concerned, and before he could open his mouth, Elyse’s
eyes brightened which silenced him.
 
“I should join you for the meeting. Help you out.” Elyse stated, excitedly.
Erwin seemed to sigh at that as he slumped just a bit, “Elyse, the kids—“
 
“The kids can be watched by Freida in your office. Besides, your office is big
enough for them to play in. We’ll bring whatever they need like their homework.
Besides, I miss Freida, so we can all just get dinner later.”
 
“Elyse, board meetings don’t end early.”
 
“And? We’ll be having late nights in New York anyways. Might as well have the
kids get used to it.” Elyse said, letting go of Erwin so she could walk towards
the kids’ room to tell them.
 
Erwin stopped her, and she turned around, expectantly.
 
“Elyse…you are the owner of the company alongside your brother, but I hope you
know that we’ll be talking about decisions that may not be in your line of
knowledge…”
 
“So, you’re saying I’ll be bored then.” Elyse stated, amused at Erwin’s lingo
as he tried to explain.
 
Erwin sighed, “Yes.”
 
Elyse giggled, placing a quick kiss on his cheek before evading his grasp, “You
said that there’s drama, sweetie. Our whole lives are attuned to that.”
 
With that said, she gave him a wink and walked to the kids’ room to tell them
the news.
===============================================================================
 
The board were astounded.
 
Not only did they watch the daughter of the late owner walk in, but she was
actually offering advice when it came to dealing with voting at a board
meeting.
 
Elyse was standing in front of the board member, her demeanor sweet yet
serious. Erwin was sitting at the other end of the table, watching his wife
with an amused smile.
 
A board member raised a hand, hesitantly, and Elyse called on the person, “Yes,
Mr. Engle?”
 
“…Are you really lecturing us on how to be polite, Miss Elyse?” Mr. Engle’s
usual hardened voice had a surprise tone in it.
 
“Yes, Mr. Engle. I know that I’m a stranger when it comes to whatever you all
discuss about, but if my husband has to be called out one more time when it
comes to family dinners, I’ll be calling your wife and telling her all about
how you take my husband’s time away.” Elyse stated, sweetly.
Erwin muffled a chuckle in the palm of his hand.
 
“Now, where did I leave off?” Elyse continued, secretly trading smiles with
Erwin, who in turn, winked at her.
===============================================================================
 
 
While Erwin was busy discussing something with the other board members outside
his office.
 
Elyse walked in Erwin’s office, ready to be ambushed by Freida.
 
Instead, she was greeted by a furious Freida.
 
“What do you think you’re doing, Elyse?” Freida asked, exasperated.
 
Elyse blinked, her held out arms still at the same spot.
 
“What do you mean?” Elyse asked, surprised.
 
“What did I tell you about dramatic entrances? You’re supposed to look
fabulous, not simple. Your dress is not up to par.” Freida groused,
dramatically.
 
Elyse got over her surprise and crossed her arms, rolling her eyes at her best
friend.
 
“Are you serious, Freida?”
 
“Yes, I am. The board is full of desperate women who don’t get laid and want
your scrumptious husband to themselves, and you just go in to lecture them on
how to be polite? No, Elyse, you slam the door open then you tell those cougars
off and then make out with your husband hardcore.” Freida said, demonstrating
it disturbingly on a couch cushion.
 
Elyse didn’t even bother to respond as she grabbed a couch cushion and threw it
at her. But, before she could, she noticed that her kids were sleeping on the
couch.
 
That explained the silence.
 
She smiled, warmly, at them, and Freida even paused to see what Elyse was
seeing.
 
“So…” Freida trailed off, getting Elyse’s attention.
 
Elyse looked at her, her eyes narrowed in warning. Freida laughed, and wrapped
an arm around Elyse’s waist to hug her and to lead her to Erwin’s desk so they
could sit. Elyse sat in Erwin’s comfortable, leather chair while Freida sat on
one of the chairs in front of the desk.
 
“So what?” Elyse asked, giving Freida an empty glass from Erwin’s desk.
Freida accepted it, gratefully, and she grabbed a bottle of whiskey from
Erwin’s mini-liquor cart on the side of his desk. Elyse raised an eyebrow at
her while Freida poured herself a glass for both of them.
 
“Listen, your children are still a handful.” Freida groused, and Elyse smiled
at that.
 
After a moment passed, Freida placed down the glass with a satisfied sigh.
 
“So, you and Erwin.” Freida stated, and that’s all it took for Elyse to laugh
out loud.
 
“What about us?” Elyse asked, softly. The sight of Freida smiling so widely at
her made Elyse happy.
 
“Finally.” Freida stated with a sigh, sipping on her drink.
 
“He wants to date now. Like, actually take me out and get to know each other
and such.” Elyse sighed, happily, remembering the memory of how he brought it
up.
 
“Talk about backwards.” Freida teased. Elyse laughed in return, but she frowned
for just a moment before realizing she had been frowning, Freida had noticed
it.
 
“What’s wrong?” Freida asked, seriously.
 
“…Sometime, I feel like there’s something wrong. I don’t understand though.
We’ve admitted that we love each other, and we’ve been affectionate. Granted,
we haven’t been…intimate since...”
 
“The baby?” Freida prompted, gently.
 
Elyse nodded, her eyes beginning to tear.
 
“Have you been going to therapy?” Freida asked, gently.
 
“I have, and so has Erwin, but we go separately and we have different
therapists. I’ve been thinking that we should go to couples therapy, but is
that normal for happy couples?” Elyse asked, sighing.
 
Freida leaned forward, and took Elyse’s hand, “Oh, sweetie, of course, it’s
normal! Just because you both said you love each other doesn’t erase the fact
that you had problems way before.”
 
“…I’m scared that he’ll say no. That he might be happy, and I’m the one that’s
having these weird, empty feelings from time to time.” Elyse whispered, scared.
 
Freida stroked Elyse’s hand, gently, before looking up to respond, “Erwin loves
you, Elyse. Even before he knew it, he loved you.”
 
“But, what if it isn’t enough? What if he leaves again, the moment I tell him
that I’m unhappy?” Elyse asked, suddenly finding realization to the empty
feelings inside of her.
 
She was scared. Scared of everything that entail a future with Erwin. The
problems they once had were so deeply rooted inside of her that she had been
trying to wave it off without trying to confront it.
 
“That’s why you need to tell him, Elyse.” Freida stated, seriously.
 
Elyse nodded, swallowing her drink whole.
===============================================================================
 
 
Elyse relaxed in her seat as she looked out the window of the private jet.
Erwin was sitting in front of her with a magazine on his lap and a glass of
whiskey in his cup holder. Eren was sleeping on his chest, and Elyse smiled
when Erwin brushed a stray hair off his son’s face before he went back to
reading.
 
Mikasa and Armin was across from them in their own seats, looking out the
window and chatting, excitedly.
 
Elyse was about to fall asleep to the noises, but Erwin’s foot nudged her and
she opened her eyes.
 
He carefully sat up, his hand on Eren’s body so he didn’t fall, and placed the
magazine on her lap. She picked it up, curiously, and she laughed when she saw
one of the headlines, ‘Parisian Beauty, Elyse Jaeger-Ackerman Smith, Visiting
New York City With Business Mogul Husband, Erwin Smith, And Children.’
 
She groaned, giving back the magazine to Erwin, carefully avoiding her son’s
limbs.
 
“Be forewarned.” Erwin teased, and Elyse rolled her eyes. She glanced behind
her shoulder and she noticed that the bodyguards that Erwin had assigned were
stiff and unfamiliar.
 
She immediately missed Dieter, but he was off enjoying his life with a certain
former assistant of Erwin. Oh, the irony. She knew that he deserved a break.
Hell, he definitely did, but that didn’t mean she didn’t miss him.
 
“He’ll be back soon. I hear there might be an addition to the house we built
for him.” Erwin said, making her whip around to face him.
 
She narrowed her eyes at him, showing her taken aback surprise.
“You really need to stop doing that.” Elyse groused, relaxing in her chair and
refusing to acknowledge her husband’s smug look from across.
===============================================================================
 
New York City was noisy.
 
Noisier than she remembered.
 
But, then again, she wasn’t used to so much press shouting her name as she
shielded her children’s faces and her own. The bodyguards were doing their
best, and so was Erwin as he had a protective arm around her and the kids.
 
Once they got in the car, Elyse sighed in relief.
 
Erwin groaned in annoyance, “I forgot how relentless the press is here.”
 
Elyse shrugged, “There’s nothing you can do about it, Erwin. Besides, we’re
fine.” Erwin nodded, but she noticed that he was still a bit tense.
 
She placed a comforting hand on his clenched fists and a chaste kiss on his
cheek.
 
“Relax, okay? I’m fine. The kids are fine.” Elyse assured him, snuggling close
to him as he relented and wrapped an arm around her. The kids had instantly
fell back asleep once they got in the car since they were still tired.
 
Elyse sighed in content as Erwin placed a kiss on her forehead, his stubble
slightly scratching her but it comforted her.
 
It was time to enjoy her time here and to relax. It was time to figure out
everything with the man beside her, and possibly end the emptiness in her
chest.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N// Enjoy! Love you all.
***** Truth Revealed *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Thank you all for your love!
     Elyse belongs to me, and the others need a vacation.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
 The trip to New York City was great. The kids were everywhere whenever they
walked outside, and Elyse was grateful for the stoic bodyguards even though
they weren't Dieter. She held their kids' hands as Erwin held them, too,
talking about her career.
They already attended a show with the New York Ballet Company, and Mikasa was
more than ecstatic to practice with her mom as Elyse taught a sudden workshop
there. Erwin and the boys had watched and Armin even joined at some point,
excitedly. Eren was the one who was too shy to try, and Elyse had understood.
Eren wasn't exactly as graceful as the others.
Eren was more than interested when they visited museums. He had excitedly ran
everywhere when they went to the MET, and Elyse had to chase him everywhere
while Erwin had the calm, excited ones like Armin and Mikasa. Armin, though,
had given up behaving and joined Eren in running everywhere.
The penthouse that Erwin got them was at the Upper West Side of Manhattan which
was close to the David Koch Theater where the NYC Ballet resided, and Elyse
felt excited.
As the kids began to ran around to play in the penthouse that looked over
Central Park, Elyse sighed in happiness as she looked out the beautiful glass
windows.
Spring weather painted New York City with its bright flowers and laughter
amidst all the yelling.
Elyse had indeed left a part of her heart here.
Strong arms wrapped around her midsection and Elyse had stiffened for a moment
before melting in the embrace. They were like that for a moment, appreciating
the squealing of their kids in the background and the beautiful view in front
of them.
"Did I surprise you?" Erwin murmured in her ear, and Elyse smiled, sheepishly,
glad that he couldn't see her face.
"More like I'm not used to this." Elyse admitted, turning around to face him.
Erwin smiled reassuringly at her as he brushed his thumb against her cheek.
"A seven hour and thirty-minute day of running after kids, yet you still look
beautiful." Erwin mused, and Elyse pushed his chest, playfully.
"Do you want something, Erwin? Flattery will get you nowhere." Elyse chided,
playfully. Erwin feigned a wounded look as he placed a hand on his chest in a
mocking gesture.
"I was hoping it would get me somewhere." Erwin sighed, dramatically.
Elyse rolled her eyes, and she crossed her arms, jutting her chin out,
challenging.
"Oh? And where did you think it would take you?" Elyse asked, trying to hide
the curious tone with a challenging one.
"A date. Our first date." Erwin stated, his eyes sparkling as he got something
out of his suit jacket.
Elyse's eyes widened as she saw what was in his hands.
"…Our first date has to do with Metro cards?" Elyse asked, surprised.
Erwin gave her a mysterious smile and the nostalgic feeling of how he was
unreadable made Elyse uncomfortable before she decided to push it down,
reminding herself that Erwin and her were not the same as before.
"You'll see." Erwin assured her, placing a kiss on her forehead before turning
to check on their children.
Elyse watched his backside disappear, silently trying to calm her beating
heart.
We're different people now, Elyse. Remember that.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse laughed. She laughed until she couldn't breathe.
She had been getting ready for the date, which was still a mystery even when
Erwin had popped his head in her room to tell her to dress casually.
When she looked at her black turtleneck sweater paired with a belted midi-
skirt, Elyse decided to tie her long hair up in a ponytail due to not getting
the chance to shower yet. Her makeup was simple, and so were her black
ballerina flats since she guessed they were going to be mostly walking because
of the Metro Cards.
She walked out into the living room area, ready to ask Erwin about how would
the bodyguards even entertain the kids if they were simply security. What she
saw made her jaw drop.
Her sleeping brother was busy getting his face drawn on by his niece. Eren and
Armin were the ones who were trying to stop her, but Mikasa was adamant,
muttering something about her uncle being annoying.
Petra was talking to Erwin by the mini-bar in the kitchen, and considering the
wall that was blocking their view of the kids, Elyse knew they couldn't see
what was going on.
Elyse whipped her phone out, immediately, and proceeded to take a picture. She
forgot that she had turned her flash on, which managed to wake her brother up.
Levi narrowed his eyes in confusion as he woke up to Mikasa with her hand
suspended in the air and a black marker…
He put two and two together instantly and got up. Elyse immediately placed a
hand on her mouth to hide the smile that was forming on her mouth especially
when her brother saw his reflection through the mirror down the hall.
"MIKASA."
That's when Elyse laughed.
Elyse placed a soothing kiss on her daughter's head after her uncle screamed at
her. Mikasa, oblivious and unshaken, stared up at her uncle and pointed out
that she wanted to finish her "drawing." Erwin and Petra had run into the
living room and they were immediately amused at the sight. Erwin had saw that
Elyse placed a kiss on their daughter's forehead and he gave her a scolding
glare which Elyse returned.
But, she sighed and made Mikasa face her.
"You don't draw on people's faces, Mikasa. Especially your uncle's." Elyse
scolded, touching her daughter's nose with her index finger.
Mikasa began to pout, but Elyse was adamant.
"Would you like for me to draw on your face whenever I wanted? I would draw a
monster on your face and you would like that?" Elyse prodded.
Mikasa glared for a minute, but she shook her head slowly.
"Why did you draw on your uncle's face?" Elyse asked, gently, knowing fully
well that her daughter must have had an agenda.
Mikasa didn't after a moment, and she looked at her father for help. Erwin
shook his head, much to Elyse's triumph.
"You look at your mother when she's talking to you, Mikasa." Erwin stated,
seriously. His tone was much harsher than Elyse's and Mikasa relented and
turned back to her mother.
"Come on, sweetie. I know that you wouldn't just do that for fun." Elyse
sighed, brushing a stray hair away.
"…He didn't visit us, so when he came today, I thought that drawing on his face
would make him stay with us a bit." Mikasa finally explained, looking down at
her feet.
Elyse's heart warmed at that, and she looked up to glare at her brother, who
had been angry, but now that he had heard his niece's words, he looked very
guilty.
"That doesn't make people stay, Mikasa. That just makes them hurt and angry.
You don't get to make decision for other people's choices, darling." Elyse
explained, looking deeply into Mikasa's dark grey eyes.
The words even resonated with her and Elyse could feel Erwin's stare on her.
"Okay, mama." Mikasa whispered. She turned around to face her uncle, and Levi
was already bent down, ready for her approach.
"I'm sorry that I drew a pirate on your face, Uncle Levi." Mikasa apologized,
softly. Levi merely gave an amused sound in response and he gathered her in his
arms, patting her head.
"I'm sorry that I haven't been around. But, don't worry, I'll be around much
more often." Levi apologized in return. Mikasa looked up at him in surprise and
Eren and Armin also looked excited at their Uncle's announcement.
Petra cleared her throat then, and Levi nodded and stood up, still holding
Mikasa against him.
"We're going to be your babysitters when your parents go and do adult things!"
Petra announced, clearly trying to find the right words to say in front of the
kids.
"Adult things?" Erwin had whispered in question and amusement. He was silenced
by Petra's quick glare, and he raised his hands in surrender.
"Really?" Armin asked, running towards his mother's legs to hug them. Elyse
laughed and shrugged, "I honestly don't know, sweetie. Mybrother obviously
talked to your father besides me." Elyse replied, hiding a menacing smile.
Erwin shot her an apologetic look, but Elyse ignored it, shoving the
disappointment down.
Here she was explaining to Mikasa not to do things on her own, and her father
was doing the complete opposite.
"Well, now that's established. I guess we can go now, huh?" Elyse asked, her
fake cheer shown clearly to the adults in the room. The kids were busy
clamoring around their uncle that they didn't realize the tension in the room.
"Elyse…" Levi trailed off in warning. That annoyed Elyse.
She shot an annoyed glare at her brother, and he didn't even bother to fight
her back. Instead, he shot her an apologetic look.
Elyse relaxed then, noticing how spiteful she was being when it was supposed to
be a good reunion between her and her brother.
Even though it was a surprise on her part.
She tiptoed around the children to hug her brother and kiss his cheeks. She did
the same to Petra. As she bent down to say goodbye to the children, Elyse
noticed that Erwin had done the same. So, when the kids went to him, Erwin
snuck a glance at her, Elyse tried not to return it.
===============================================================================
 
They didn't have a door. Instead, they had a private elevator that had its own
personal attendant, so Elyse was glad that she didn't have to look in Erwin's
way until maybe the car ride.
When they entered the elevator, Elyse began to mentally prepare herself for the
argument that Erwin and her were going to have when they got out of the
elevator.
"Elyse." Erwin's voice interrupted her thoughts and she was placed back into
reality.
She bit her lip. Okay, so the argument was going to be earlier than expected.
She was about to open her mouth until Erwin grabbed her hands and that silenced
her in surprise, and, well, embarrassment, knowing fully well that they were
not alone.
"I'm sorry for not letting you know about your brother coming over. I honestly
thought it would be a nice surprise, you know? I didn't think you would think
that I went behind your back again." Erwin apologized, and Elyse blinked, taken
aback.
He apologized so profusely and meaningfully that Elyse was in shock. Her
arguments rested in her head, and all she wanted to do was kiss his apologetic
gaze away.
The elevator attendant was trying very hard not to look in their direction.
So, Elyse decided to just give him a reassuring smile instead.
"Okay, I believe you."
And Elyse knew that Erwin needed to hear that as she saw the relief on his
face.
===============================================================================
 
"We're walking?" Elyse asked, indecorously. Erwin smiled at her, and he grabbed
her hand. Elyse found it easy to intertwine their fingers as she looked at him,
confused.
"Of course we are." Erwin replied, easily, pulling her forward so they could
start walking.
"But…press!" Elyse whispered, fervently, her eyes darting back and forth,
hoping that they wouldn't get ambushed.
"Someone may have tipped them off that we would be attending Hamilton." Erwin
said, with a chuckle.
"Are we?!" Elyse asked, excitedly.
Erwin rolled his eyes at her and he pulled her closer to him as Elyse finally
relented and began to walk next to him.
"No, Elyse. We're going to see that with the kids. This is our alone time, and
I don't want to squander what we have of this night." Erwin explained, placing
a quick kiss on her forehead.
Elyse couldn't help but warm a bit at his words, and she watched as people
would look at them, giggling and whispering. Elyse looked up at her husband's
chiseled jaw and she couldn't help but feel a rush of pride as he looked down
at her with an affectionate gaze.
"What?" Erwin asked, teasingly.
"Kiss me." Elyse demanded, her smile turning mischievous.
Erwin didn't hesitate.
===============================================================================
 
They were actually on the subway. Elyse looked around nervously, clutching onto
Erwin's shirt. Erwin was holding on to one of the handle bars and Elyse was
glad that her husband was as heavy as a tree trunk.
His large hand was placed on the small of her back as they hit another bump,
and Elyse relaxed, placing her head on his chest.
"Hey, look to the right." Erwin whispered in her ear. Elyse did.
All she saw was the corner of a normal subway filled with people.
"Remember that area?" Erwin asked, his lips now on her forehead. Elyse looked
up, confused, and she shook her head.
"That's where we met." Erwin stated, nonchalantly. Elyse looked at him in
disbelief.
"How are you so sure?" Elyse asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Erwin shrugged, "I just do." The mischief in his eyes gave him away.
"Oh, you're so full of it." Elyse laughed, pushing his chest. Erwin laughed in
return, holding her tightly against him.
"It doesn't matter anyways. We met on a subway, and I will be forever grateful
that we did." Erwin whispered in her hair.
Elyse was glad that he couldn't see her red face as she smiled, widely, burying
her head in his chest.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse's eyebrows raised when she realized where they were walking to.
"Julliard, really?" Elyse asked, giggling, but she let go of his arm then. She
ran to the Lincoln Center and gasped when she saw the lights that had once
welcomed her home. The people were chattering away, and she reveled in the
noise.
Erwin caught up with her after a moment, and she turned to him, her smile wide.
"So? You want to talk about how cliché this is or…?" Elyse teased, pulling on
his arm.
Erwin didn't say anything. Instead, he smiled down at her, and he pulled her
into a hug even if her head was turned away from him as she still stared at
everything around her.
"I want to talk more about you. About how you love this city and then you had
to leave it for me." Erwin said, and Elyse could feel his gaze on her.
She turned to look at him in surprise.
She saw a small smile on his lips, but she noticed the guilt in his eyes as he
looked at her. She placed a hand on his cheek, and she stroked it, gently.
"Is this what this is? You feel guilty that you took this away from me?" Elyse
asked, softly.
Erwin immediately shook his head.
"No…No, I mean…maybe a little. I've been thinking about our past, you know? How
it all started wrong, and I just feel…maybe if I could correct this by
revisiting everything with you…I don't know, this is probably idiotic—"
Erwin was cut off by Elyse's soft laughter.
He looked down at her, unsure. She looked back, warmly.
"So cliché, Erwin." Elyse teased, "I thought we talked about how the past is
the past. You're right. You may have taken this away from me, but…I'm happy
now. I'm happy that we got back and you're doing this. We have the kids with
us, so that's even more exciting."
Erwin seemed surprised at first, but then he softened. He bent down and placed
his forehead on hers, and Elyse tweaked his nose in response.
"You never stop surprising me, Elyse." Erwin sighed.
"Same goes to you, Mr. Dramatic." Elyse replied, kissing his forehead.
===============================================================================
 
The restaurant that Erwin chose for them was right next to Julliard, and Elyse
smiled at the sight of her old school.
She could still hear violins being played outside a dorm window if the
restaurant's window wasn't there.
They had ordered, so Elyse was so busy staring out the window that she snapped
back into reality when Erwin grabbed her hand to trace over her wedding band
and engagement ring.
"I want to get you a new one." Erwin suddenly said, and Elyse raised an eyebrow
at that.
"Why is that?" Elyse asked, watching as Erwin's long fingers traced over the
silver on her hand.
"A fresh start. Something that doesn't remind us of what happened in the past."
Erwin explained with a sigh.
Elyse tilted her head to the side, and that caught Erwin's gaze. She noticed
that he paused when he saw the small smile on her lips.
"I don't want to change anything." Elyse replied, her own fingers finding his
own wedding band. The emblem of the Army he had held dear felt good against her
senses.
"Why not?" Erwin asked, confused.
"We're where we are because of what happened between us. It hurt, and it was
terrible, but we're here now. I fell in love with you through it all, Erwin,
and that's what makes me want to…embrace what we had before this." Elyse
explained, gently.
Erwin's gaze softened for a moment, and a smile graced his features as he
brought her hand to his lips. His lips grazed against the coolness of her
rings, and Elyse shivered a bit.
Their waiter came back to their table, and Elyse swallowed when Erwin had to
let go of her hand as their food was placed on the table. She watched a Erwin
talked to the waiter, and she studied the tenseness of his neck and his jaw.
She felt something pricking at her in the back of her mind. She knew that the
assurance she gave him was…sentimental and heartfelt, but…
Words were just words at the end of the day, weren't they?
She looked down at her food, and she forced herself to feel hungry even all she
wanted to do was vomit.
She lied through her teeth, and Erwin…he read right through her.
===============================================================================
 
The show that they watched in the Lincoln Center was utterly breathtaking, and
Elyse found herself swept away from reality at that moment. Erwin's hand found
hers in the middle of the show, and Elyse caressed the callous on his large
hand as she watched the show.
She could tell that he would glance at her from time to time, but Elyse didn't
want to talk just yet.
He knew he was waiting for her.
===============================================================================
 
The subway ride back to the penthouse was quiet, and when they began to walk,
Elyse was more than willing to get away from him for now.
Until a hand stopped her before they entered their building.
Elyse turned around, hesitantly, and she noticed that Erwin was looking at her
carefully. He was studying her, and Elyse felt guilt rise within her.
He couldn't read her anymore, and Elyse knew that it was supposed to make her
feel victorious, but instead, she felt horrible.
She loved the man, and this wasn't fair anymore to him.
"What are you hiding, Elyse?" Erwin finally asked, his voice hard and slightly
demanding.
Elyse flinched at that, and she tried to look away from him, but she found that
she couldn't. Erwin didn't walk towards her. Instead, he left the gap between
them as he let go of her arm and took a step back. He placed his hands in his
pocket, and Elyse realized that he was guarding himself from she was about to
say.
"Erwin...I'm sorry." Elyse apologized, not knowing what to say.
Erwin didn't say anything. Instead, he waited.
Elyse fidgeted with her hands, playing with her rings, and Erwin seemed to
notice that.
"Have you been lying about what you feel? Do you feel forced to—"
"No!" Elyse quickly interrupted, her voice raising a bit, and the people who
were walking around them looked at her, weirdly, but she didn't care.
Erwin raised an eyebrow at her, and he seemed to relax at her interruption just
a bit.
He took a careful step towards her, but it was Elyse's turn to step back. Erwin
seemed taken aback at that, but he remained still.
"Elyse…talk to me." Erwin prompted, gently. Elyse felt tears threating to fall
down her cheeks, and she tried to blink them away.
One tear betrayed her, and immediately, Elyse wiped it away, but Erwin caught
it.
His careful stance turned into a concerned one as he took one step towards her,
and his arm slowly extending towards her.
Elyse began to cry then, every feeling she's been trying to hide since
everything began to pile up for them.
"I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me." Elyse whispered through her
tears.
Erwin's arms wrapped around her then, and Elyse buried her face in his chest.
"I'm supposed to be happy. What's wrong with me?" Elyse asked, and she knew
that Erwin wasn't going to answer since he was too busy stroking her hair and
placing kisses at the top of her head.
"If you're not happy, you're not happy, Elyse. Here, wipe your eyes for now.
Let's go inside and relieve Levi and Petra. The kids should be asleep anyways."
Erwin said, soothingly.
Elyse nodded, knowing fully well that Erwin was trying to remove her from the
public eyes just so they could be in a safe space.
Grateful, she let Erwin wrap an arm around her and let him lead her away,
safely.
===============================================================================
 
The kids weren't asleep. Instead, they were bouncing up and down the couch with
Levi yelling at them. Petra was trying to calm Levi down, who in return was
trying to reason with Petra whilst yelling at the kids.
It was enough for Elyse to start laughing, forgetting that she had been so lost
and confused moments earlier.
Her laughter had the kids' attention as they jumped off the couch and ran
towards their parents, happily.
Erwin wasn't happy.
Instead, he looked unhappy. He folded his arms and looked sternly at them even
when they tried to climb up their father's legs.
"I asked you to behave. Eren, you were supposed to be in charge." Erwin scolded
him. Eren immediately looked down, suddenly ashamed.
Elyse even felt guilty for laughing instead of scolding them. If her kids were
going to be this rowdy, she needed to lay down the law with them too.
Erwin took over then, and Elyse let him as she walked towards her brother and
Petra.
"Sorry." Elyse apologized, sheepishly. Petra smiled at her in acceptance, but
her brother looked suspicious. Elyse tried very hard not to look weird. She
knew her brother knew she had been crying. Hell, he could always tell when she
had been crying since she was a little girl.
But, instead of calling her out on it, her brother simply gave her an
unreadable look before he joined Erwin to scold the kids.
Petra seemed to be a bit confused, but she followed him as they all talked to
the kids. Elyse simply watched the scene unfold, and once again, she found
herself wondering as to why she was unhappy.
She watched as the kids apologized to their uncle and Petra, and she warmed at
the sight of Erwin's proud smile on his face when they turned to look at him.
Her brother kissed her cheeks goodbye, "I hope you guys will figure it out
soon."
That sent a chill down her back, and she sighed when her brother gave her a
knowing glance. Of course, he knew her.
Petra gave her a hug and a promise to visit them soon. When they left, Elyse
turned back to the children as they went to go get ready for bed. She began to
follow after them, but Erwin stopped her, gently.
"I'll tuck them in. Just rest a bit." Erwin stated. Elyse blinked, but she
nodded, surprised.
"Thank you." She whispered, feeling wrong for letting him do this himself.
"You deserve a break." Erwin stated, adamantly. He brushed his thumb across her
cheek and then he left her standing there, feeling loved.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse bit her lip as she looked out the window with her arms crossed. She
stared at the view, and she watched as the lights flickered on and off as cars
passed and people passed.
She couldn't believe that she ruined Erwin's planned date. She knew that it was
a long time coming with her bottled emotions, but she didn't realize her heart
would betray her now.
He was so good to her, and she ruined it by lying to his face.
She had promised Freida that she would talk to him in the restaurant, but that
proved fruitless due to her lie.
Elyse wanted to slam her head on the window in frustration.
She looked at her reflection in the clean window, and she placed a hand on her
face. She was twenty-two, turning twenty-three in a couple of weeks, and she
looked…older and weary.
Erwin must've seen it, but he kept quiet about it.
Elyse sighed. She dug this hole for herself, and now she needed to get out.
"The kids are asleep." Erwin's smooth voice interrupted her thoughts and Elyse
looked over her shoulder.
Erwin looked tired, too. He had unbuttoned the two button from his button-down
and he had taken of his suit jacket amidst it all. His hair was slightly
disheveled, but Elyse liked it that way. It made him more approachable, more
handsome in her eyes.
She nodded, slowly, not knowing what to say.
Erwin walked up to her, and Elyse noticed that he simply stood by her side, his
hands in his pocket as he looked at the view below them.
"I'm scared, Elyse." Erwin finally broke the silence.
Elyse turned to look at him, shocked.
"W-what?" Elyse asked, taken aback.
Erwin turned to look at her, and Elyse was even more surprised at the look
of…unsureness was on written in his eyes.
"I've been trying to figure out why I've been scared. You told me you loved me,
and I've been in love with you before that. We're supposed to be some great
happy couple that everyone expected, but…I was scared. We were unconventional.
We got married because you were pregnant. We got involved in each other's lives
because you had to demand it, and I just went with the flow. I almost choked
you to death. You had Braun. We had sex, constantly. We fought, horribly.
We…were never normal." Erwin explained, his gaze steady.
Elyse nodded in agreement, her heart aching at the memories he brought up.
"So, being scared, it wasn't a great feeling, of course, and I wanted to bring
it up, but whenever…whenever I came home to you and the kids, I was always
stumped. So beautifully imperfect, you were always smiling at me and you
never…you never brought anything up and that made me even more terrified."
Erwin hesitantly offered his hand towards her and Elyse took it without any
hesitation, intertwining her fingers in his.
"I was terrified of shattering whatever we had after you finally told me that
you loved me. I know it's selfish and horrible, but I…I couldn't lose you. I
almost did, more than once, physically and emotionally. I couldn't bear it."
Erwin admitted, softly, bringing his trembling lips on her hand.
Elyse closed her eyes, her heart begging for her to admit what she had been
hiding for so long.
"I don't trust you." Elyse whispered, her heart relaxing and breaking at the
same time at her admittance.
Erwin looked at her, and she felt her world shatter at the hurt in his eyes,
but that wasn't what hurt her.
It was the realization of what he had done to her, the shame and horror of his
actions.
"…I see." Erwin murmured, and his hold on her hand began to relax. Elyse
tightened her hold.
"I do love you, Erwin. I hope you know that. I just…I'm terrified too. I'm
scared that one day you're going to leave again. I'm scared that you're never
going to trust me. I'm scared that one day you're going to wake up and want
another kid and I can't even give that to you because I'm still traumatized-"
"Deep breaths, Elyse. Okay? I want you to take deep breaths." Erwin interrupted
her, noticing that she was getting jittery as she spoke.
Elyse obeyed, and she began to take deep breaths, relaxing as Erwin returned
his hold on her hand, his thumb circling against her knuckles.
The moment passed between them, and Elyse looked up shyly at Erwin, hoping that
he would say something.
He gave her a reassuring smile.
"Okay, so what do you suggest we do, Elyse?" Erwin asked, gently. Elyse looked
down at their hands, hesitant.
"Hey, don't do that now. We have a problem, and we're going to figure it this
out together." Erwin prompted her.
Elyse nodded, and she took a deep breath. She looked up with wide eyes,
"Therapy. Couples therapy."
Erwin nodded, immediately, in agreement.
"Okay, let's do that. When do you want to start?" Erwin asked. Elyse looked at
him then, wrapping her arms around him as she let go of his hand.
"When we get back?" Elyse asked, softly. Erwin smiled and nodded at her
request. He placed a small kiss on her forehead.
"Okay, when we get back." Erwin agreed.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ FINALS HATE ME. BYE.
***** Therapy Sessions *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Hope you guys had a great holiday! I'm sorry that this was a bit
     late, but I do have online courses and a life to tend to :/. Without
     further ado, here's an update for you great supporters!
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
===============================================================================
Agreeing to go to therapy was the easy part.
Finding their way back into normalcy was like pulling out one of Eren's baby
teeth.
Elyse sighed as Eren complained again as Elyse tried to pull out one of the
wobbly teeth that Eren wanted to get rid of. It's been a month since they had
gotten back from New York City, and Elyse found herself settled back in Paris
with the kids. The hard part was that during this month, she had to move back
some stuff, and that's when she decided to renovate.
Ever since her admitted feelings in New York, new life with Erwin and the kids
meant to start all over for her. Elyse refused to look around and see all the
old furniture that reminded her of…well, all of it wasn't bad.
Elyse rubbed her empty stomach in remembrance of why she had been so adamant
about changing the entire Estate.
Erwin was agreeable about the whole change, but Elyse knew that he was starting
to get exasperated and annoyed by her. Even though, he had gotten back into
heading her father's company, they both didn't realize that the business had
been booming by the time they got back, and Erwin had been once again spending
more and more time in his office in the Estate. The kids had been missing their
father, and Elyse could tell how tired he was every time he got home, but he
tried his best to play with them and give them his attention.
Elyse was the one that was more thankful for Erwin's lack of attention.
It wasn't that she hated him, nor was it the fact that she understood how busy
he was.
She was more shy around him ever since she admitted about how much she feared
him. She loved him, but she feared him. Erwin was the same with her, but he
even seemed more accepting of her faults than she was of his.
What kind of relationship was that?
Erwin was still the same man he's been since they were together, but his
touches were careful and his gazes were short. He spoke to her when possible,
and Elyse knew that he had other business to attend to.
Well, that was the excuse she told herself when she smiled and nodded as he
placed a soft kiss on her cheek in goodbye as he retired to his office.
They had agreed to go to therapy, but they had yet to talk about going ever
since they got back.
Erwin's exasperation and her own stress began to show when Elyse had noticeably
zoned out during dinner as she attended to another email on her phone about
auditions for an upcoming production she was busying herself with when the kids
were at school or doing hobbies.
"Elyse." Erwin's hardened voice called to her from across the table, and Elyse
had looked up, surprised. The kids were busy eating their food and talking
amongst each other, ignoring the fact that their father seemed a bit angry at
the woman in front of him.
"Yes?" Elyse asked, expectantly, as she looked back down at her phone, quickly
typing out a response to the email.
The sound of the chair scraping loudly against the floor made Elyse look up in
confusion and even the kids stopped talking as they looked towards the
direction of their father.
Erwin was standing up, but his frame was bent slightly as he placed his hands
on the table and leaned forward.
"When I speak to you Elyse, I expect your full attention." Erwin said, lowly.
Elyse felt a spark of annoyance at his intonation and she shot back, "Because I
get your full attention these days."
Both of them had been glaring daggers at each other, and it was only until Eren
coughed a bit after drinking his water too fast that the parents realized they
weren't alone.
Erwin had quickly excused himself, and he left to go upstairs to his office.
Elyse didn't bother to follow him, shaking her head as she sighed when she
looked at her kids.
"Mama, can we not pull this one out? It's going to hurt too much." Eren whined,
which snapped Elyse back to reality.
"Sweetie, it'll only hurt a little while, and then it's going to feel like
nothing after a couple of minutes, I promise." Elyse swore as she caressed her
son's cheek.
The words seemed to hit a sore spot with her and Elyse shook her head as she
focused on pulling that baby tooth that was causing her son pain.
===============================================================================
"What do you mean you guys didn't go to therapy yet?" Freida whipped around in
surprise, making Elyse bump into her.
Elyse sighed as she turned Freida back around again, so they could continue
walking.
"We didn't go to therapy. Exactly that." Elyse replied, easily, signing another
paper that was thrusted her way as they walked. Freida stopped again, and Elyse
sighed and began to walk in front of her.
"So, you're telling me that the month you've been back, there has been no
improvements? No therapy? NO SEX?" Freida asked, loudly. Elyse froze in the
middle of signing something else, and she flushed when she realized that the
whole theatre had stopped what they were doing to focus on them.
Elyse grabbed Freida's arm and dragged her off the stage.
"Freida, it's not a big deal—"
"Not a big deal?! Of course it is! You guys were actually making progress!"
Freida pointed out, pushing one of the ballerinas away as they tried to ask her
something.
Elyse shot the ballerina an apologetic look before turning back to the
frustrated Freida.
"We're fine! He's busy, I'm busy. Besides, the kids are growing up. I mean,
Eren's eighth birthday is coming up, and event season—"
"What are you scared of, Elyse?" Freida asked, cutting her friend off.
Elyse paused, and she brought up a hand to massage her temples, "…Nothing,
okay? I just…Leave it for now, Frei. I promise, everything is fine."
Freida sighed, and she didn't say anything as her eyes wandered towards the
stage.
"If that's how you feel, Ely. I just…I want you guys to be happy, and it sucks
that it seems to be taking a huge step back." Freida pointed out, turning back
to face Elyse.
Elyse nodded, and she placed her head on her best friend's shoulder, "I know."
It was quiet for a moment, and then Freida broke it by whistling low. Elyse
looked up at her, expectantly.
"But, God, I can just imagine how sexually frustrated Erwin is right now. I'd
ease it in a heartbeat if he wasn't married to you." Freida whispered.
Freida yelped as Elyse pinched her friend's side hard.
===============================================================================
Care to explain why Erwin's a short fuse nowadays?
Elyse read her brother's text for the seventh time as she walked towards the
car that waited for her.
Elyse didn't know she was holding her breath until she entered the car. Erwin
and her haven't spoken about what happened during that dinner that night, and
they've been fine. They had a routine of some sort. He'd come home, and they
would all have dinner. He would play with the kids, and Elyse would join them
if she wasn't busy with anything. They would put the kids to bed, and then they
would go downstairs and sit in front of the fireplace, talk about their days
and he would give her papers to sign from the company while she would give him
papers to sign from the theatre. Sure, it wasn't detailed and they barely
touched, but Elyse didn't…oh, who was she kidding?
Freida saw it. Her brother saw it. Everyone was probably keeping quiet about
it.
Erwin and Elyse were tethering on the edge again, and people weren't keeping
quiet about it anymore.
"Please drive to my husband's workplace." Elyse asked the driver. She settled
back into her seat as she tried to calm her beating heart.
It was time for them to pick a damn therapist.
===============================================================================
Isabelle was hugging her so tightly, Elyse was sure that she couldn't breathe
for a moment.
"I'm so happy you're here! I was just talking to Petra on the phone about
wedding details, and I wanted to show you the dress…"
Elyse politely nodded as Isabelle prattled on and on, and she even admired the
ring on Isabelle's finger.
Dieter was a man of impeccable taste.
Erwin had been right about Dieter bringing another person to the Estate, and
Elyse had been estatic when she found out that Isabelle was going to move into
Dieter's house that they had set up a while ago.
The only downside was that Dieter was still away for personal Army reasons, and
Erwin even kept mum about that. Isabelle was happy though and Freida was
relieved when Isabelle came back for her job.
Elyse kept nodding and listening until the elevator doors chimed and opened.
Elyse turned around, and she was floored by how many people were flocking
around her husband. They were asking him questions and giving him papers, and
Erwin was calm and composed as he responded in each direction.
Erwin had chosen to look up at that point, and he stilled as he saw Elyse
standing there, who had smiled awkwardly as she raised her hand to give a
small, weird wave.
The people around him seemed to notice that he had paused, and they looked at
Elyse as if they've seen another person to bombard.
"Oh, Miss Elyse, if you could sign off on the business idea that your brother—"
"Miss Elyse, impeccable timing. I need to talk to you about the charity auction
that needs to be-"
"There's a family day for the business next week, and it would be great if—"
"We just need your signature here if-"
"Enough." Erwin's voice sounded loudly, and the people who were stressing Elyse
out stopped and turned back to Erwin.
"I'll get back to you guys. And if you need my wife to sign off on some of
these things, I'll be sure to give them to her. As of now, if you'll excuse
us." Erwin stated, and he lightly grabbed Elyse's hand, and Elyse felt herself
warm at the feeling of their hands intertwined.
Isabelle smiled and nodded as Erwin gave her a soft order.
Elyse waved a bit at Isabelle as the office doors closed.
===============================================================================
Erwin was still holding her hand as he led her towards the couch area. When he
let go, Elyse fought back a slight feeling of disappointment, but she sat down
and waited for him. She watched as he got a drink, and he motioned for her,
asking if she would like one.
Elyse shook her head, politely. She watched as Erwin's hands moved, and she
found herself biting her bottom lip, slightly.
"What brings you here?" Erwin asked, suddenly, and Elyse raised an eyebrow as
if she had been distracted for a minute.
"I'm sorry?" Elyse asked, embarrassed. Erwin raised an eyebrow at her, but he
walked towards her and sat down across from her. He placed his drink down on
the coffee table between them, and he folded his hands in front of him, leaning
forward a bit.
"Is there something wrong that you couldn't call or text?" Erwin prodded,
nonchalantly. Elyse felt a sting of guilt when she realized that she didn't
even let him know that she was on his way, and judging by what happened moments
earlier, Erwin was busy.
"I…wanted to talk to you about something." Elyse stated, blankly and shyly.
Erwin didn't push, but Elyse could see that look of impatience in his eyes, and
she knew that it was well-deserved, but she pushed through even though the look
hurt her a bit.
"I wanted to apologize for what happened during dinner that night." Elyse
offered, biting her lip nervously.
Erwin seemed taken aback by that as the look of impatience disappeared and was
replaced with slight shock.
"Oh? I should apologize, too. Stress got the best of me, and I didn't mean to—"
Elyse grabbed his folded hands, earnestly, which surprised Erwin and cut
himself off.
"Erwin, we don't need to go back to who should apologize or not. We need to
talk about something else." Elyse stated, earnestly, and Erwin was more than
confused at that point.
"Elyse, what…"
"We need to go find a therapist. Remember? It's been a month already, and…we
haven't even been looking for one. All we've had between us is this awkward
feeling of mistrust and you've been busy with work and I've been busy with the
theatre and the kids are always having events and-"
Elyse didn't realize she was talking too much until Erwin cut her off by
placing his index finger on her lips, gently.
The gentle smile on Erwin's face replaced the confusion and impatience he had
on earlier, and it relieved Elyse.
"Okay, Elyse, let's go look for a therapist." Erwin agreed, his finger leaving
her lips and Elyse felt an odd sensation of disappointment.
Elyse nodded, her face flushed and she looked down and played with her fingers
on her lap.
"Where should we start?" Erwin asked.
===============================================================================
Agreeing to look for a therapist was easy.
Finding one that they both agreed on was harder.
Erwin wanted some military-background one and Elyse wasn't too keen on adding
more military in her life. She opted for a soft-spoken one that had…new ways of
therapy and Erwin was against that, already remembering how the soft-spoken man
was all too eager to put his hands on him.
They had seen six therapists, and neither of them agreed on one.
Elyse was ready to throw in the towel, but Erwin was more adamant of looking
for one.
It began to tire her, but Elyse found herself in front of one more building in
the heart of Paris, and she complied when Erwin offered her his hand as he
helped her get out of the car.
"This office belongs to a doctor that specializes in post-traumatic soldiers
and their marriages. Rest assured, Elyse, she is praised by the ballerinas in
the theatre, and there are certain new ways that have proved to work." Erwin
explained to her, as they both sat down in the beautifully decorated waiting
room.
Elyse was too busy glaring at the secretary who was ogling her husband, and
Elyse tucked her arm around her husband's and leaned in for good measure.
"I hope she isn't as open as this secretary of hers." Elyse whispered in
Erwin's ear, and Erwin let out a soft laugh before placing a kiss on Elyse's
forehead.
The secretary seemed to get the hint, and she busied herself on the computer,
her face a bit pinched.
Elyse smiled at the return of affection in their relationship. Erwin was still
careful, but he was starting to kiss her cheeks and forehead whenever he
wanted, and that reassured Elyse as the weeks of trying to find a therapist
passed by.
It was as if the strain was starting to loosen, but it was still there with the
burden of mistrust of what the other might do. It sounded so silly to Elyse,
but she knew it was more dangerous to think of it that way.
"Mr. Smith and Mrs. Jaeger-Smith? The doctor will see you now."
The office wasn't pristine, but it was cluttered. Elyse raised an eyebrow at
the mess, but the artist soul of hers appreciated how warm and beautiful it
looked. The stack of old books on one corner, and the multiple vases and frames
atop of the lit fireplace. Elyse liked the office for a change.
Erwin's gaze was on the old books, and Elyse wanted to tease him about that,
but the doctor was already greeting them and talking to them.
Her name was Rico Brzenska, and Elyse noticed her appearance was a refreshing
change from the ones with tight buns and close-cropped hair. Rico had shaggy
platinum-colored hair, and her eyes were that of a bright grey color, a color
unusual but Elyse thought it could be the glasses that reflected that color.
She was petite, and she had the usual clothes that signaled that she was a
professional doctor down to even the actual white coat…
White coat? Elyse didn't even have time to question why a therapist would be
wearing a white coat until Erwin offered his hand to shake Dr. Brzenska's hand.
"Dr. Brzenska, it's a pleasure to meet you. I heard so many great things about
you through my colleagues." Erwin greeted, politely and warmly.
The doctor smiled, and Elyse noticed a hint of a blush at Erwin's praise and
Elyse wanted to roll her eyes at Erwin and his stupid charm.
They were supposed to fix their relationship, not network with doctors.
The doctor and Erwin exchanged a few pleasantries, and Elyse was about to cough
until the doctor turned to greet her.
This time, Elyse was taken aback when the doctor turned her attention to her.
"Mrs. Jaeger-Smith, it's nice to meet you. I've heard about you in the papers
and media. It's an honor."
Elyse smiled in shyness and she nodded as she shook the doctor's hand, "It's a
pleasure to meet you, too. My husband apparently has heard various
recommendations for you."
The doctor nodded, and she motioned for the couple to sit on the couch.
"So, let's start with talking about how it all started."
Erwin and Elyse exchanged a look, and they began to talk.
===============================================================================
"Are you serious? How was I supposed to know that you didn't want me to stop
seeing Braun after the first time he broke up with me?" Elyse asked,
frustrated.
"Elyse, I'm sure you understood when you hired another bodyguard to follow you
and Braun every weekend." Erwin argued back, placing a hand on his forehead.
It's been three months since Rico accepted the couple in her office.
Rico looked back and forth as Erwin and Elyse were talking over each other, and
she noticed the way they talked to each other and motioned towards each other
as they argued. It was surprisingly formal, and Rico had understood that they
had been married for eight years and have three kids. She watched some videos
of them in public events like charities and parties, and she had begrudgingly
admitted that they looked perfectly in peace and beautiful. She knew that the
former Commander had suffered with PTSD, per his files, so she thought they
would be talking about that in their first meeting.
What surprised her even more was when they began to talk about affairs and
marriage as if it was an agreement, and she had been writing furiously in her
notebook, but Erwin had brushed a stray hair away from Elyse's face when she
was talking and the loving look that Elyse shot his way threw Rico off.
Rico had to stop writing when the couple would come to an agreement in every
argument. It felt like she wasn't even needed!
They were starting to resolve another argument, and Rico watched in awe as they
came to a conclusion about that one Braun guy they had been arguing about.
The couple looked at her expectantly, and Rico cleared her throat, trying to
pinpoint something that was troubling the couple.
"Your problems…they seem to have reached a conclusion every time you talk about
it, and that's very good. What I just don't get is why reach out for a
therapist when you seem to be perfectly capable of discussing…" Rico trailed
off when a lightbulb lit up in her mind.
"Oh, I see." Rico stated in realization. She pointed her pen at a bewildered
Elyse and then at a surprised Erwin.
"Both of you don't really want to be here."
Rico could see the confusion on Elyse's face and the irritation on Erwin's
face, and she knew she hit a soft spot.
"I don't understand. We're here, aren't we?" Elyse pointed out, but Rico could
tell that the woman was uncomfortable at the sight of her biting her lip.
"I'm not paying you to tell me that we don't want to be here." Erwin stated,
and Rico tried her best not to roll her eyes at the man's pride being hurt.
"You both don't want to be here because you're scared of something being
revealed and then a shit show happens. You come here, trying to bring back each
and every mistake in the past, but it seems that you've guys forgiven each
other for it so that's why it goes so well with you coming to a conclusion.
Yet, there's more. There's something that both of you are scared to admit to
each other because you're scared to conclude that one exact thing." Rico
pointed out.
The sound of the timer that meant the end of their session sounded, and Rico
smiled, politely.
"Well, that's our time for the day. Schedule with my secretary for the next
appointment."
===============================================================================
Elyse couldn't go to sleep. Her life has been busy, and she was truly tired,
yet she just couldn't sleep. All she could think about was the words that their
therapist had pointed out in that one session that ended so early.
Erwin and her barely spoke because of it, and they didn't schedule another
appointment.
Erwin buried himself with work, and, for once, Elyse didn't mind at all.
Instead, she even busied herself with the kids and the theatre. It wasn't easy,
but they managed to avoid each other when it came to normal events of their
lives. Yet, they knew they couldn't avoid each other even if they wanted to.
Armin had a science project, and Elyse had been confused about what he wanted.
Armin had sighed and had asked if he could call his dad, and Elyse let him.
But, Armin wanted Elyse to ask because, "Papa never says no to you", and Elyse
found herself waiting for Erwin to pick up the phone.
Then, there was that one time when Mikasa wanted to practice combat training,
and Elyse had to call Erwin once more. Erwin had sounded so busy and Elyse even
flinched at the sound of his voice as yelled at someone. When he had come home,
Mikasa had been so overjoyed that Erwin's tired face lit up when he hugged her.
Eren was the one who seemed intent on getting his parents to talk without
actually knowing what he was doing. Eren was starting to cause some trouble in
school because of his rivalry with this kid named Jean, and Erwin and Elyse had
been called to so many parent-teacher meetings because of it.
Elyse took a deep breath as she got up from bed, and she decided that she
needed wine. She opened her bedroom door, quietly, and when she looked up, she
paused when she saw Erwin also leaving his office.
They stared at each other for a moment before a sudden coughing from one of the
kids' room sounded.
Since the children turned seven, they were adamant on having their own rooms,
but they still wanted to be next to each other, so Elyse had made that change
when she had renovated the Estate.
Erwin and Elyse hurriedly walk towards the room, and Erwin knocked, softly.
"Eren? Are you okay?" Erwin asked, urgently.
The door opened slightly, and Elyse bent down to examine his face. He looked
pale, and Elyse put a hand on her son's forehead. He was burning up, and Elyse
frowned.
She looked up at Erwin and motioned towards the bathroom, "Can you get the
first-aid kit? I'm sure that there's some Tylenol in there."
Erwin nodded, and he obeyed.
The parents helped Eren back to bed, and Erwin stroked his son's sweaty
forehead in concern.
"You can go do what you had to do, Elyse. I'll take care of Eren." Erwin
stated, softly. Elyse shook her head, looking down at Eren's sleeping face.
"Of course not. I'll stay with you." Elyse disagreed, making a face.
Erwin chucked at that, and Elyse found herself smiling, slightly. It's been
awhile since they've…well, interacted.
After a moment of hearing Eren's breathing, Erwin looked at Elyse, who sat on
the either side of the bed.
"Couldn't sleep?" He asked, his eyes still on his son.
Elyse shook her head and she sighed as Erwin looked up at her.
"No, not really. I was going to go downstairs to drink some wine." Elyse
stated, shrugging her shoulders.
Erwin laughed, "We can go downstairs after Eren's fever dies down."
Elyse didn't expect that, and she stilled. Erwin seemed to have caught that,
and he immediately tried to salvage the situation.
"I mean, if you're comfortable to drink wine with me." Erwin quickly said right
after.
Elyse looked down, and she didn't answer for a while, leaving the situation a
bit awkward. She got the thermometer, and she placed it gently in Eren's open
mouth and she waited. She could feel Erwin's gaze on her, and she sighed in
relief at the temperature she read.
"The fever died down. Let's go get wine." Elyse whispered, and Erwin smiled at
that.
===============================================================================
"Work isn't getting any better, is it?" Elyse asked after Erwin poured her a
glass and gave it to her. Erwin sighed as he poured himself a glass and sat
across from her in the living room.
"It is getting better. That's the problem." Erwin replied, leaning forward.
Elyse swished the contents in her glass and she hummed in thought.
"I wonder why all of a sudden businesses want to interact with us?" Elyse
mused, aloud.
"I think it has to do with you." Erwin replied, taking another drink out of his
glass.
Elyse raised an eyebrow at that and turned to her husband in surprise, "What?"
Erwin smiled and he placed his now empty glass on the table before he leaned
forward, "The world is looking at us and our family. They have been. The moment
you married a man who was ten years older than you when you were sixteen. It
was all anyone talked about. Then, we adopted two newborn babies before you
gave birth. That got them talking even more. An affair of the heart with Braun
became news, but then, they didn't believe it after I came home to you. Now,
everyone sees us and they think we're some sort of human story they've followed
around just can't help but be drawn to it."
Elyse blinked, and she stared at Erwin before placing her glass down.
"You can't be serious."
"Believe it or not, that's what most of these business pitches lead on with.
Meeting after meeting, if someone tells me how touched they are by our family,
I swear I'm going to throw something at their balding heads." Erwin groused.
Elyse couldn't help but smile at that, but then she looked up, her hazel eyes
wide.
Erwin stared at her back, and he brought his hand up. Elyse placed her own on
his palm and she warmed instantly when his fingers curled around her hand.
"…Do you believe that we're some touching, humanistic story of a family?" Elyse
finally asked.
Erwin didn't say anything as his other hand began to trace her hand, softly.
"There are days when I'm flattered and I'm proud that they think of us in that
way, yet now…I can't help but feel disgusted by it. I think to myself, 'If they
only knew all the shit we've been through, they wouldn't be cooing and
crooning.'" Erwin replied, finally, placing a gentle kiss on her hand.
He let go, and Elyse leaned forward to caress his cheek. Erwin leaned into her
touch, and Elyse felt the sadness that was building up in her begin to
suffocate her.
"Do you want to be in couple's therapy?" Elyse asked, forcing the question out.
Erwin closed his eyes and he sat up straight and sighed. Elyse brought back her
hand, slowly, and she waited patiently for his answer.
Erwin finally opened his eyes, and he poured himself another glass.
"I do and I don't." Erwin finally replied, placing his empty glass on the
table.
"What do you mean?" Elyse asked, quietly, trying to ignore the pain that came
from hearing his answer.
"I do because I want to fix us. This problem we seem to have, yet we can't
pinpoint." Erwin replied, easily, and Elyse supposed she could be comforted
with the fact, but she was still uneasy from the other part of the answer.
"I don't because I'm afraid." Erwin said, softly. His blue-eyed gaze returning
to look at her.
Elyse breathed in sharply.
"Afraid?" Elyse asked.
Erwin nodded, and he looked down at his wedding ring, which he fiddled with as
he was lost in thought.
"It's what Rico said that made me realize that there is something that has been
gnawing at me since we've admitted to each other that we love each other. From
what I understood, that should've been the end of everything. We're supposed to
be happy and we're supposed to be deliriously in love, according to every damn
movie I was dragged into watching with old girlfriends who never seemed to sit
right with me."
Elyse struggled not to amusingly toss her wine at her husband for mentioning
old girlfriends, but then again she had Braun not so long ago.
Erwin seemed to read her as he tried impishly smirk at her, but the mirth was
lost in his eyes and Elyse knew that whatever amusement he tried to bring up
had failed.
"The sad truth is that the trip to New York City was supposed to be the end of
feeling that way, but you confirmed that you were scared, also. What made it
worse was that you weren't scared of anything else in the marriage but me.
Truth be told, it hurt that night to find out that the one very person I
finally found that I was hopelessly in love with was terrified of…well, me."
Elyse slumped a bit at that, and she was about to open her mouth to apologize,
but Erwin stopped her by raising a hand.
"Elyse, it's not your fault, if that's what you're thinking. That night…made me
realize that I had buried something so deep within me that I didn't realize it
existed entirely until you brought up your issue with me."
"What is it that you realized?" Elyse asked, softly.
Erwin sighed after a moment, and he leaned forward and earnestly grabbed
Elyse's hands as he looked up at her.
"I realized that I'm scared of sharing my life with anyone. Take my marriage to
Marie for example. I just married her, thinking that I can live a complacent
life with her, and I failed terribly at that. Then, you came along, and I
chalked it up to duty and another complacency. With the kids, it was easy to
open myself up to them. I always wanted children, but having a partner? You
took me on a ride that I found myself hating and loving, but then Braun had
made me realize that you could leave anytime. You could just get up and leave,
and I'd be stuck with a broken heart I didn't even know I had." Erwin finished,
his hands gripping onto hers tightly.
Elyse found the tears forming, and she began to quietly sob which alarmed
Erwin.
"Oh, Elyse, I didn't mean to…I mean...don't cry, please." Erwin pleaded,
softly, immediately coming to her side.
Elyse began to cry even harder as she clung onto Erwin. She buried her head in
his chest, and she welcomed his strong arms around her.
She calmed down for a moment, and she shyly pushed him away and Erwin
immediately retracted his arms. Elyse placed her face in her hands, and she
took a deep breath as she wiped her tears away.
Elyse looked at Erwin, and she noticed how patient he was being as he stared at
her, unsure of what to do.
She offered him a weak smile, "Sorry about that. The whole honesty thing keeps
throwing me into a loop. Guess we picked a good therapist, huh?"
Erwin simply nodded, not knowing if Elyse was trying to be funny or not to ease
the tension.
Elyse sighed and she looked down at her hands, "She was right, you know. I
already knew that I didn't want to be in couples therapy even when I suggested
it. God, Freida had to push me into it, and I saw that there was no way of
avoiding it anymore."
It was Erwin's turn to be taken aback as he stared at her when she looked at
him and offered him a weak laugh, "You're not the only who who's scared of
sharing what you're really scared of."
Erwin hesitantly brought a thumb to her cheek and he brushed away another tear
as one slipped out.
"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." Erwin offered. Elyse
barked a laugh at that and she shook her head.
"Oh, enough, Erwin. You and I both need to stop pretending that there's
something that we can go back to. The damage is done, and we both need to
figure out this hole we've dug up for ourselves. Everyone can see through us.
Hell, Dr. Brzenska saw it and it took her not even a whole year to figure it
out. It took us six years to figure out we loved each other because we didn't
do anything about it. I don't want to do that anymore even if I have to
sacrifice being comfortable." Elyse sighed.
Erwin nodded in agreement and he placed a hand on hers, "I'm ready to hear what
you have to say."
Elyse stared at his hand on hers before taking a deep breath and letting it go.
"I…I'm scared that even if we do love each other and we care for each other
that we're going to realize sooner or later that it isn't enough." Elyse
whispered.
Erwin stilled at that.
"Oh, Elyse…"
Elyse's eyes filled up with tears as she looked up at him.
"I mean, come on Erwin. You really think we can have a marriage when we don't
trust each other. Yes, we resolve our problems, but what about the trust? We've
fucked each other up, believe it or not. So, I feel like this whole therapy is
going to make us realize that it would be better to…be apart then together."
Elyse finished, the tears flowing down her face once more.
"Elyse…I…I can't believe you felt this way." Erwin finally managed to say as he
brought a hand to her chin and made her look up.
Elyse scoffed at that, "Erwin, you just admitted to me something so unexpected,
so I think we're on the same boat here."
Erwin sighed and he frowned slightly at Elyse trying to use sarcasm, "Hey, I'm
being serious. If I'd known you felt that way—"
"You would what? Make it magically disappear? Buy me an opera house? Shower me
with roses? Erwin. This can't be fixed and you know it. We pretend that we can
live with each other because we love each other, but when it comes to dealing
with the emotional baggage, we replace it with busying ourselves with the kids
and the businesses we share…You just even admitted that you can't share a
life—"
"Do I have to remind you that we've been through hell and back when it came to
our arranged marriage? I didn't even know I loved you when I fought to keep our
relationship and our family safe. And, now that I know how much I…Elyse, you
can't fathom the love I have for you. Yes, I'm scared of sharing a life with
someone, but fuck, Elyse, you're not just someone. Rico had mentioned that we
were hiding something that we were afraid to conclude, but now that I shared it
with you…I feel relieved. If that's how sharing a life with Elyse Rose
Ackerman-Jaeger feels like, then shit, sign me up." Erwin said, placing a hand
on her cheek.
Elyse couldn't help but laugh at that.
"…Really? You really think it took you admitting that to me to let go of it?"
Elyse asked, in disbelief.
"How can someone explain why we were put together in the first place—and I
swear Elyse, not another attempted joke—I felt a sense of relief and it only
took me to let go of the secret. Yes, it may sometimes be hard, but isn't that
the beauty of it? I found that one person I thought didn't exist." Erwin
explained, stroking her cheek.
Elyse bit her lip and she looked down, "Well, it must be nice. I still feel
scared and horrible—"
"And I'll be there to reassure you every day that I'm real. That we're in this
crazy ride together. If it takes you a week to seven years to realize it, then
I don't give two shits. I love you, Elyse. It's time for you to share your
fears with me. I will never leave you." Erwin assured her.
Elyse nodded after a moment, and she looked at her husband, trying to calm
herself.
"Thank you, Erwin. I just…I really want to be alone right now."
Without another word, Elyse got up and ran back upstairs.
===============================================================================
Erwin was too distracted to go into work the next day, so he called in for a
vacation day. He rested against his office chair, and he stared at the framed
photographs on his table. The picture of him and Elyse in that wretched City
Hall wedding and the pictures of his kids in their matching pajamas that Elyse
had insisted that they wore once Armin was born. There were more pictures that
included Elyse and himself with the kids. The one that he picked up and stared
at for a very long time was the one in New York City. They had gone to Central
Park with Levi and Petra, and Petra insisted on taking a family picture of
them. It was a happy one, one that Erwin was sure would last.
Too bad it was the same day that Elyse admitted how she couldn't trust him.
God, she was beautiful. He stroked the picture of her face on their wedding day
and he couldn't help but realize how young she had been. Maybe it was the way
she had held herself, but Erwin had used to forget how young she was. He would
put her on some high pedestal, always being disappointed in her when she
faltered and she had tried her very best to make up for it.
Erwin gritted his teeth.
Of course she didn't trust him. He was a damn robot when it came to the early
years of their marriage, and the consequences were unfolding before him.
Her admittance of how scared she was made him yearn for her to realize that he
would never dare try and leave. She could reveal that she had lied to him about
her very existence, and he still wouldn't leave her.
Yet, he understood why she struggled with it. It was his fault in the first
place, leaving her vulnerable when he had been too upset at her about Braun. It
had led to so many downfalls, and Erwin thought he could prance back in and
pick up the pieces like it was easy.
Erwin let out a frustrated groan and he banged his hands on the table.
"Papa…?" A voice called from the other side of the door and Erwin let out a
soft curse, but he was thankful that his office was soundproof.
He cleared his throat and pasted a smile on his face as he got up from his desk
and placed the picture frame back on it. He opened the door and he was greeted
by a distraught Mikasa.
Concerned, Erwin bent down and he placed both hands on her face.
"What's wrong? Did something happen to Maus again?" Erwin asked, looking around
for the family cat. Maus was on one of the tables licking himself, so Erwin
breathed a sigh of relief.
"It's Mama, Papa. She keeps crying even though she tries to hide it when I ask.
Eren told me not to bother her, but Armin is also scared. Is everything okay
with her?" Mikasa asked, innocently.
Erwin felt a sense of dread fill him, and he had to stop himself from
immediately going to Elyse's room.
"I'll go check on her. Why don't you go teach your brothers the new skills you
learned?" Erwin suggested. Mikasa seemed skeptical, but she obeyed her father
as she walked down the stairs to look for her brothers.
Erwin immediately ran to Elyse's room, and he tried his very best no to knock
so hard.
"Elyse?" Erwin asked, softly. Erwin could hear the sounds of Elyse's crying and
he knocked even louder. He heard the sounds stop, and he held his breath as she
opened the door.
Elyse looked at him, and Erwin was more than perplexed when he noticed that
there was no sign that Elyse had been crying. A quick glance inside her room,
and Erwin noticed an open laptop and what seemed like a crying scene that was
paused.
Erwin wanted to hit himself for being so stupid. That's why Eren told his
sister to leave it alone. It was Eren who teased his mother for watching so
many dramas.
"Oh, sorry, Mikasa had said something that worried me and I just wanted to make
sure that…" Erwin trailed off, knowing fully well that he was caught.
Elyse blinked at him, and a sudden smile spread across her features and Erwin
couldn't help but be in awe of how beautiful his wife truly was. If only their
situation was normal, he'd kiss her right then and there if he could.
"It's okay, Erwin. I needed to talk to you, anyways." Elyse said, bringing
Erwin back to his senses.
"What is it?" Erwin asked, trying not to make any weird faces about how he was
feeling.
"…Is it okay if we called Dr. Brzenska again? I'd like for us to continue now
that we've started with something." Elyse asked, biting her lip.
Erwin couldn't help but feel relieved as he nodded in agreement. Elyse smiled
shyly at him, and Erwin was really tempted to just grab her face and kiss her.
But, there was a time for everything and they needed to-
A soft kiss on his cheek made him pause, and Elyse flushed as she looked back
up at him.
"So, I'll go call the secretary." Elyse offered as a goodbye, and Erwin just
nodded as the door was closed.
Erwin let a smile break out on his face, and he tried his best not to look like
a fool as he readied himself for work the next day.
===============================================================================
Rico was impressed by how open the couple was in front of her. They had
admitted that she had been right, and they had talked about it. Rico kept her
mind on high alert as Erwin spoke about his problem. Well, that was easy
enough, and Rico helped him with her advice which he took in appreciation.
Elyse was the one that was oddly quiet, so Rico turned her attention to her.
"Elyse, you've haven't spoken. Is there something that you would like to say?"
Rico prodded, gently.
Elyse looked down at her hands and Rico watched as Erwin placed one of his own
atop of them. Elyse looked at her husband, and Rico watched as Erwin gently
smiled at her, encouraging her.
"I'm afraid that even if we do love each other that we're going to find
something out in this therapy that makes us realize that we can't be together.
You've heard our problems, and they may be little and do have solutions, but
it's left a little piece of me distrustful of my husband." Elyse admitted,
softly. Rico had to strain a bit to hear, but Rico nodded once she understood.
"That is a big issue. Trust is always the foundation of a good relationship,
and I can see where your concerns lie about finding out something that will
scare Erwin away. But, I assure you that you being scared is the first step of
being able to fix it." Rico stated, reasurringly.
"How so?" Elyse asked, suspiciously.
"Love isn't a noun, Elyse. Love is a verb. It's the very action of a feeling
that makes marriages so successful. I bet you've heard people say, 'I just
don't love this person anymore,' and of course they don't because they have
given up on it. They've given up on loving that person. You haven't, Elyse, and
I'm sure Erwin hasn't either. You both will get through this. Let's start with
concentrating on your problems of why you're afraid in the first place, Elyse."
Rico stated, casually.
Rico didn't know she'd be in for an earful.
===============================================================================
Love isn't a noun. It's a verb.
Those words echoed in Elyse's mind as she watched Erwin prepare dinner for the
family. That had been part of the proposed plan of understanding and trusting
each other. They would switch roles sometimes, shouldering each responsibility.
Elyse would be reading papers to him, and Erwin would cook for her. Yet, the
thing was, Erwin had always been cooking for her when she didn't have the time
to. Elyse would already read the papers because she had to. She did own the
company with her husband. If it was something she didn't understand, she would
ask Erwin for help.
But, Elyse could see why their therapist made them do it.
It's been a while since they even had talked to each other about the simple,
little details about what's going on in their lives. She had been pleasantly
surprised at how Erwin had been secretly taking dancing lessons. Elyse couldn't
stop smiling at him over dinner one evening, and Erwin was already trying to
distract himself as he talked to the kids.
Then, there was that time Erwin found out that Elyse would secretly go into his
office and take half his paperwork to help him out. She had been calling and
texting her brother for help so she didn't have to bother him. Erwin had picked
Elyse and twirled her around as he opened her bedroom door and noticed that she
looked like a deer caught in headlights.
All was well with the exercises, but Elyse wasn't sure if it was really helping
her with the trust issue.
That's until the day that Elyse got a call from the principal of the kids'
school. She informed Elyse that Eren had gotten into a fight again, and Elyse
was starting to rush over until she got a call from Erwin the very next second.
"Don't go. I'll take care of it." Erwin told her immediately. Elyse had paused,
and she fought the urge to yell at him about how he was doing it again.
"Trust me." Erwin pleaded, and Elyse was taken aback. She knew that he was
really asking her to do it, and the whole trust issue was a good excuse for it.
Elyse sighed, and she agreed.
She had paced the floor in the living room as she waited. She had picked up
Armin and Mikasa, and they were eerily quiet and Elyse didn't want to push. She
heard Erwin's familiar footsteps and low voice as she looked up, and she was
shocked at what she saw.
Eren had bruises all over his face, and Elyse rushed over to inspect the
damage. She began to tear until Eren placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Mama. I won't get into fights anymore. Papa is going to take me
to military camps with him when he can. He told me that I can release my anger
there." Eren said, casually.
Elyse, not knowing what to say, hugged her son and kissed him hard on the cheek
before letting him go find his siblings. When he was out of earshot and sight,
Elyse turned back to Erwin.
"What happened?" Elyse demanded, urgently.
Erwin looked at her, solemnly, and Elyse was about to start shaking him if he
didn't answer her.
"Some kids were starting to bully Armin and Eren got really angry. Mikasa had
tried to stop it, but another kid aggravated her, which led to her fighting,
also-don't worry, according to Eren, she doesn't have one speck of dirt on her.
Eren took the blame for it, but he admitted to me that he's been feeling bit
agitated lately…Elyse, he found that he was adopted." Erwin finished, quietly.
Elyse closed her eyes, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
She had forgotten that Eren and Mikasa were adopted, and she had forgotten to
prepare herself for the talk, but when she looked at Erwin, he seemed to be at
ease even though he was still a bit tense.
Elyse couldn't blame him. She wanted to give those kids a piece of her mind as
well, but when it comes down to it, kids were kids. They didn't know half the
things they said would hurt a person.
"And Mikasa?" Elyse asked, softly.
"Apparently, she's known also." Erwin replied with a sigh.
"Why didn't they say something?" Elyse asked, trying to calm her beating heart.
"Eren said because it didn't matter. It only mattered when Armin was being
bullied about how apparently we weren't happy with him before he was born and
that's why we adopted-Elyse, it's stupid I know, look at me." Erwin demanded.
Elyse obeyed, and she looked at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"I talked to the teachers and I talked to the principal. The kids were dealt
with, but here's the thing, we could send the kids to a different school if you
want, but talking to Eren…I feel like he's got everything under control. He
just really cares about his siblings. I could sense that Jaeger protectiveness
in him. I mean, look at your brother and you. You guys would kill to protect."
Erwin reassured her.
"Damn right." Elyse muttered in reply, and Erwin smiled wryly at her.
"What I'm saying is that Eren has been hiding this for quite some time, and I
was also upset. I asked him why he didn't say anything, and he looked at me
straight in the eye and told me that he didn't want to make you cry. He said
that if he told you, you would be hard on yourself, and I was surprised, to say
the least. Eren is really perceptive." Erwin mused.
"Why would he tell you then?" Elyse asked, her shoulder slumping.
"Because he knew that I had the right alternative for him. I'll be taking him
with me to training camps, and he can look around and we can train together. He
may be only eight, but you should've seen the other kids. Our son can fight."
Erwin stated, proudly.
Elyse pushed Erwin's shoulder in warning, and Erwin smiled at her sheepishly.
Elyse softened and she relaxed as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Elyse
found herself being tickled at the feeling of his stubble on her bare shoulder.
"Thank you for trusting me." Erwin sighed in her shoulder.
"Thank you for being trustworthy." Elyse replied as she kissed his cheek.
Erwin pulled back a bit to look at her, and Elyse could see that his eyes were
scanning her face, looking for permission.
Elyse tiptoed and gave him his permission as she closed the gap between them.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Hope you guys enjoyed!
***** Growing Up And Making Up *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/ Here's another update!
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
Elyse sighed, happily, as she woke up.
Her feet touched her soft carpet, and she tied her satin robe around her waist
as she made her way downstairs to make breakfast.
It had been a couple of weeks since Erwin and her had admitted everything in
couples' therapy, and everything that had been associated with Elyse's fear of
being left alone had dated back to when she had chosen her father over her
brother when she had only been a kid. Erwin had come to a realization about
that, and he agonized over it and apologized to Elyse repeatedly. Elyse had
taken his heartfelt apology because it was nice.
It was nice to have someone apologize to her.
Elyse smiled once more as she saw the sunshine lighting up the kitchen as she
walked inside. She tightened the sash on her robe and rolled the silky sleeves
up as she made her way to get the pots to cook. She began to hum softly as she
cooked.
The sudden feeling of arms around her made her gasp in surprise, but she soon
relaxed when she noticed the strong forearms that could only belong to the man
who would be awake at this hour.
"You're sweaty." Elyse stated, wrinkling her nose at the feeling of slightly
wet clothing pressed against her back through her thin satin robe.
She was thankful that he couldn't see her blushing face at that moment.
They hadn't been intimate yet ever since they finally began resolving the
deepest issue in their relationship, and Erwin never pressed her for anything,
which Elyse was grateful for.
But, Elyse had been noticing how she missed his warmth and…hands. She would
watch him play with the kids, talk on the phone, write on papers, read the
newspaper, eat his food, check his phone, and all the other normal things he
would usually do with his hands and she didn't realize she had been gazing at
him until he would look at her, expectantly, and ask if she needed anything
from him.
Elyse would usually hastily shake her head and apologize while busying herself
with something in front of her. Erwin didn't seem to notice anything, and he
resumed whatever he had been doing.
Elyse would just glance at his hands once more, and she smiled to herself
whenever she saw that wedding ring, glinting in the light.
"You're awake pretty early." Erwin whispered from behind her, and Elyse
suppressed a shudder at the ghost of his breath on behind the outer shell of
her ear.
"I slept early. Too exhausted from yesterday's play with the kids." Elyse
reminded him, and Erwin chuckled, dropping his arms as he reached over to pop a
piece of toast in his mouth.
Elyse tried to swat his hand away, but he managed to maneuver around her as he
teasingly winked at her.
Elyse let out an annoyed sigh as she pushed the piece of bread in his
sputtering mouth.
"Elyse!" Erwin managed to spit out after swallowing. Elyse shrugged, tucking a
hair behind her ear.
"Serves you right. No eating until the kids come down." Elyse reminded him,
bending down slightly to turn off the stove. She straightened up and grabbed
the finished entrees to place them on the dining table.
Once she was finished setting up, she turned around and noticed that Erwin was
leaning against the countertop and looking at her, with crossed arms and a
smile on his face.
Smiling back, Elyse gave him a questioning gaze, "What?"
Erwin didn't say anything for a quick moment before cocking his head slightly
to the side, "I've really hit the jackpot with you, didn't I?"
Elyse flushed slightly, and she rolled her eyes as she made her way to him to
exit into the living room.
"Gross." Elyse shot back, making a face. Before she could leave, Erwin stopped
her by grabbing her wrist and pulling her back towards him.
Elyse was about to protest, but she was silence by a pair of lips on her cheek.
Elyse didn't bother to argue as she melted into his embrace and she brought her
arms up to wrap around his neck as she tiptoed to press her forehead against
his.
He released her after a moment, and Elyse pulled away from his embrace, slowly.
"Still gross?" Erwin teased, his blue eyes watching her playfully as she bit
her lip.
Elyse rolled her eyes, and she managed to walk away before he could grab her
again.
"Still gross." She stated, laughingly, as she exited.
She hoped he didn't see the pink on her face.
===============================================================================
"Mama, I have practice until 7 today. Jean's mom offered to take me home. Do
you mind?" Mikasa asked Elyse as she sat down for breakfast.
Elyse nodded, walking towards her daughter to fix her hair.
"That's fine. Just make sure you eat and drink water. I won't have you
forgetting again. Okay?" Elyse pointed out, braiding a piece of her daughter's
hair.
Mikasa nodded, and she happily ate her food. Elyse looked up, and she smiled in
amusement when she noticed Eren's disgusted face.
"Jean, Mikasa? That horse face has a crush on you, you know that?" Eren teased,
pointing at his sister with his fork. Elyse gave her son a reprimanding glare
at how dirty his area was, and Eren shot his mom an apologetic look before
hurriedly placing his fork back on his plate.
Mikasa scoffed, "Just because you guys don't like each other doesn't mean I
can't accept free rides to go home. Besides, Jean is just being nice. You
should try that sometimes, Eren." Mikasa shot back, slyly.
"Oh, please, Mikasa. You're just using him. Right, Armin?" Eren asked his
brother on his left.
Armin was too busy reading a book on the table before he looked up at Eren in
complete confusion.
"What?" Armin asked, blankly.
Elyse couldn't help but laugh at how Eren sighed in exasperation and how Armin
seemed to be at a lost.
She finished with Mikasa's hair, and she sat back down, her gaze still lovingly
trained on her children.
Eight years old and already beginning to take over the world.
The press had been respectful, but when it came to the kids' accomplishments,
Elyse had been nervous whenever she saw the press there, trying to take
pictures and videos. The school had a strict policy on press since they catered
to the elite, so Elyse's nerves were calmed whenever she saw the school
security escorting them out every time.
She had hoped her kids would live a normal life, but with their accomplishments
and their personalities, Elyse found it hard to hide them. Eren was already
showing promise as an Army brat, following his father whenever he would go to
the military posts. He knew all kinds of things that Elyse was sure a normal
eight-year-old shouldn't know about the military. Then, there was Mikasa who
was showing promise in the art that her mother practiced. Elyse remembered the
first dance recital gave Mikasa an invitation to join a school already. Elyse
had rejected it quickly. Her daughter was too young to be living a life away
from her family, and Elyse wasn't about to let go of her only daughter. Mikasa
didn't seem to mind either, and Erwin had teased Elyse about how Mikasa would
join a ballet company at this point, which Elyse was hoping wouldn't happen
just yet. Elyse had even caught her daughter singing, and she had been floored
at how talented she was. Armin was the one that Elyse couldn't believe was her
actual biological child. He was advancing in subjects that Elyse never even had
the chance of hearing. He had won first in every science fair, and he had been
gifted awards in every scientific field he ever showed interest in. Elyse had
been adamant about going to every event he had—debates, science fairs, and
whatever else Elyse pretended to understand. Armin was happy every time he saw
her, and Elyse didn't even care if she had to sit for an hour hearing about
quantum physics.
Erwin was the one who was the absolute doting father.
He made sure everyone knew that Eren was his son whenever they went to military
outings-to the point where Elyse had received a call from Dieter, begging her
to tell Erwin to stop Eren from showing off to the new recruits of his skills
because Eren was scaring them. Erwin was the one who made sure they had the
perfect seating when it came to Mikasa's dance recitals, and he would always
bring huge balloons, teddy bears, and bouquets that Elyse would sink down in
her seat whenever she heard someone grumble in the background of how they
couldn't see. Erwin was the one who would stand by Armin and be Armin's
assistant when it came to showing off his science projects. Elyse had received
a phone call from Armin's teacher, saying that Armin can't bring Erwin in
anymore for Science Day because the kids were starting to question their
parents and ordering them to be their assistants.
Elyse had remembered calling Erwin and telling him to come home, and she had
to, not only drive there and get her husband, but she had to explain to Armin
why Erwin couldn't come anymore while Erwin was pouting secretly behind her
back.
Freida had laughed at every story Elyse shared and she had sighed in wanting.
"You really hit the jackpot with that man, Ely. Not only is head over heels
over you, he'll do anything for the kids, too." Freida stated, staring
appreciatively at Erwin's back as he directed yet another production.
Elyse sighed at that, "More like he needs to focus more on the company if he
wants to keep spoiling them."
Freida groaned, "Adopt me. I want to be spoiled. I've always wanted to call
Erwin 'daddy'."
Elyse had choked at that and scolded Freida by pushing her off her chair.
Needless to say, Freida would now always wink at Elyse and mouth the word,
'Daddy', whenever Erwin was turned around.
Elyse sighed as she focused back on her kids.
They were growing up so quickly and Elyse wasn't sure she was ready for that.
"Papa, can I ask you a question?" Mikasa asked, turning to look at Erwin who
was reading a newspaper and scrolling through his phone.
Elyse's heart always warmed up whenever she watched Erwin place whatever he was
doing away so he could focus on their kids. It was such a small thing, but it
spoke volumes to Elyse, knowing fully well how busy her husband can be.
"Why don't you and Mama sleep in the same room?" Mikasa asked, innocently.
Elyse's eyes widened in surprise and Erwin seemed to be taken aback. They both
looked at each other, a loss for words as they tried to communicate through
their gazes.
"Uh…because…" Erwin trailed off and Elyse tried to desperately come up with
something.
"Because your Papa snores." Elyse intervened, quickly.
Everyone looked at her, and Erwin glared at her, raising an eyebrow, but Elyse
simply shrugged and smiled in sheepishness.
Mikasa seemed to contemplate that, and she nodded in acceptance before getting
up and bounding up the stairs to get ready for school, thanking her parents for
the food. Armin and Eren followed her example, and the parents were left alone
in the room.
"I snore?" Erwin asked, his face still the same, and Elyse let out a snort.
"That's all I could think of!" Elyse replied, her face amused.
Erwin rolled his eyes, getting up from the table. He turned around after a
moment, and Elyse watched as a playful smile lit his face.
"I'm pretty sure I'm not the snorer in this relationship, Elyse. If my memory
serves me right, I had many sleepless nights turning you over to stop you from
sounding like a dying whale." Erwin stated, before turning back around and
leaving the room.
"ERWIN SMITH, YOU COME BACK HERE NOW."
Laughter was all that responded.
===============================================================================
Elyse grumbled under her breath as she walked down the halls of her children's
school.
"Dying whale? That…Ugh!" Elyse muttered, turning around the corner to find her
kids' room.
Elyse was greeted by very, very shrill greetings.
"Elyse! Hi! I didn't know you'd be picking up your kids today!" A platinum-
haired, white toothy woman greeted her. Elyse forced herself to smile as she
was approached by the woman.
"Vanessa, hello." Elyse greeted the woman, cordially.
Vanessa De Laurent was one of Erwin's business partner's much younger wife.
Elyse and her were the ones that were the young wives, yet Elyse hated being
associated with the woman in front of her. Vanessa had no shame when it came to
looking down on women, and she would try to drag Elyse with her, much to no
avail.
Elyse also didn't like it when Vanessa would try to give bedroom eyes at Erwin
when she thought Elyse wasn't looking.
"Where's that handsome husband of yours?" Vanessa asked, looking around, trying
to eagerly look for Erwin. Elyse tried to smile politely while clenching her
teeth.
"He went to the office today." Elyse replied, trying to look for her children
among the throng of people.
"Such a shame. I wanted to see if he would like to come to this dinner that I'm
planning for the businessmen." Vanessa said, her red lipstick giving Elyse a
headache.
Elyse tried to smile in response, but she was saved when she saw Nana waving at
her.
"If you'll excuse me." Elyse muttered, quickly, and she sighed in relief when
she managed to escape Vanessa, unscathed.
When she reached Nana, Nana gave her a sympathetic smile, "I saw you stuck with
Mrs. De Laurent over there."
Elyse laughed, freely, at that, and she hugged Nana in greeting.
"You're a lifesaver. She was asking where Erwin was, and I had to force myself
to grin and bear it." Elyse sighed.
Nana laughed with her, and she waved over to where her kids were and Elyse saw
that Eren and Armin were spending some time with them.
She was confused, trying to look for Mikasa. And she had to suppress a
surprised laugh when she saw Mikasa talking to that Jean kid.
"Huh." Elyse hummed, in thought.
Nana giggled and pushed Elyse's arm, playfully.
"Leave your daughter alone." Nana warned, teasingly.
"She teases me all the time! One morning, she comes into my room and tells me
that I scare her in the morning because I look like a monster." Elyse groused,
knowing fully well she can't tease her daughter even though she wanted to so
badly.
Nana laughed and Elyse relaxed in her friend's presence. She was glad that she
had Nana when it came to children and school. Mike had been…cordial in his
weird way after it was known that Erwin and Elyse were working on their
marriage. Elyse had felt surprised when Mike had quietly bowed his head in
apology and Elyse had been flustered at the action.
"Did you hear about Dieter and Nifa coming back?" Nana asked Elyse, and Elyse
nodded.
"They contacted me. Nifa is willing to help me with the kids even though I
assured her that it's fine. Dieter is marrying Bella soon, and they're moving
in together at the house Erwin built." Elyse confirmed, waving at her kids as
they spotted her.
Nana clapped her hands together, happily.
"Ah, my squad is coming back together. It feels like a dream." Nana said,
smiling.
Elyse lit up at the idea that popped in her head.
"I should set up a reunion party for you guys! I sort of miss celebrations, and
we haven't had one in a while." Elyse stated in thought.
Nana's squeal of happiness turned everyone's heads and Elyse laughed at Nana's
flustered face.
===============================================================================
Elyse relaxed as she finally found a spot on the bleachers to sit on, and she
thanked the person in front of her for giving her a program. The person paused
as she was handing the program though, and Elyse prepared herself for a
conversation she didn't feel like having at the moment.
"Elyse Jaeger-Smith?" The person asked, his eyes wide.
Elyse sighed, inwardly, but she smiled, outwardly.
"Yes?" Elyse intoned.
"O-Oh, wow, I heard that your kids went to this school, but I didn't know— "
"Yes, yes, she's the heiress and the wife of Erwin Smith. Yes, she's that
famous ballerina. Yes, she's pretty. Yes, she's not here alone. Now, please,
turn around and let's enjoy the show like everyone else here." A stoic voice
interrupted the man.
The man seemed taken aback, and he coughed, slightly, before turning back
around.
Elyse shot her brother a look of disbelief, but before she could scold him, she
noticed that he more…irritable than usual.
"Not a word." Her brother stated as he sat down next to her, and Elyse nodded,
but she placed her hand atop of his and patted his hand. Levi patted her hand
back before letting Elyse pulled her hand away.
The sound of people whispering excitedly made Elyse focus on the gym floor
before her. She noticed that the students were gathering and she smiled as soon
as she saw Eren, dressed in his sparring outfit. She cheered, loudly, even
waving to get her son's attention. She noticed him look her way, and he
flushed, embarrassed.
A rough hand grabbed hers mid-air, and Elyse turned to her side and she glared
when she noticed it was her husband stopping her, his gaze soft.
"You're embarrassing our son, Elyse." Erwin whispered, his smile amused.
Elyse scoffed, but she let Erwin put her hand down and she smiled when she
noticed that he didn't let go of her hand.
A cough sounded at her other side, and she blushed when she realized her
brother was looking at them.
"Don't mind me. You can secretly hand fuck—"Levi was cut off as Elyse warned
her brother by kicking him in the shin.
Erwin noticed this, and instead of being amused, he bent behind Elyse to motion
for Levi. Elyse tried to hear what they were saying, but she felt Erwin nudge
her instead.
"Elyse, can you switch with your brother? I need to speak with him about
something." Erwin whispered softly in her ear. Elyse nodded, and she let nudged
her brother, who glared in return.
"We don't need to talk about anything, Erwin." Levi stated, motioning to the
main area so they could pay attention.
"I'll tell your sister if you don't come over here right now." Erwin warned.
If Levi's glare could kill, it'd murder Erwin at the spot.
"You're not my father." Levi retorted, and Elyse was starting to realize that
maybe her brother wasn't in a foul mood just because.
"Levi…" Elyse trailed off, worried. Levi turned his attention to his sister,
and maybe something in her gaze made him calm down, and he sighed. He got up,
slightly, and he motioned for Elyse to switch with him. Elyse complied and she
let go of Erwin's hand as he let Levi sit next to him.
She tried to look at them, but she noticed that Erwin and her brother were in a
deep discussion besides she needed to be paying attention to Eren, who she
noticed was next up in his match.
"Papa! Mama! Uncle!" Two hushed voices called over, and Elyse squinted and she
noticed her two other kids coming towards them. Before they could go to the
men, she made sure they sat next to her as she greeted them with kisses. She
noticed that Armin was curiously looking at his uncle and father, but Elyse
shook her head and pointed to the match that Eren happened to be in as he took
his position.
She breathed a sigh of relief as her kids paid attention to their brother, and
she squeezed them as she held a bated breath as Eren struck the first attack.
===============================================================================
"You did so well! Congratulations, baby!" Elyse yelled, enthusiastically,
hugging her messy and sweaty son who tried to run away.
"Ma! It was only second, can you stop?" Eren pleaded, looking around as he
noticed people were looking at them. Elyse didn't bother to let go, and she
smiled, knowing fully well that Eren was enjoying her hug.
"Still proud. You can win last, and I'd still be hugging you like this, so
hush." Elyse laughed as Eren whined in reply.
When Elyse finally let go, Eren began to look around as Armin and Mikasa
congratulated their brother.
"Who are you looking for?" Elyse asked, trying to find that person her son was
looking for.
"Dad. I saw him with uncle Levi. Did they say anything?" Eren asked his mother,
his eyes shining. Elyse smiled down at Eren, noticing the way he anxiously bit
his lip. Eren always looked up to his father and uncle because they were high-
ranking officials in the Army. Elyse knew that Eren was going to try and follow
that route, which she wasn't exactly ecstatic about, but she would deal with it
when the time came.
"Not yet. I think they're talking outside…" Elyse trailed off as soon as she
saw trails of smoke and very familiar figures through the window.
With a sigh, she told her children to wait, and they obeyed as they found their
friends and began to chat with them in the lobby.
Elyse exited through the door and she coughed to get the men's attention as she
crossed her arms, looking crossly at them.
"Your son and nephew is looking for you." Elyse informed them as they looked at
her.
Erwin had the decency to look guilty, but Levi was the one who still seemed to
be out of it and still very angry.
"Alright, what's wrong?" Elyse asked her brother, coming up to him and grabbing
the halfway done cigarette and threw it on the ground.
"Elyse." Levi stated in warning.
Elyse didn't back down as she raised an eyebrow at her brother, and he sighed.
"You need to tell her or she'll find out through someone else." Erwin
encouraged, throwing down his unfinished cigarette, trying to avoid Elyse's
glare.
"You mean, she'll find out through you, you softie." Levi grumbled, and Erwin
glared at him in return.
"Spill it." Elyse ordered her brother. Levi sighed, and he stuffed his hands in
his pockets.
"Erwin, you better go inside. Eren deserves praise after his performance
today." Levi suggested, trying to have a moment with his sister. Erwin took it,
gratefully, and he placed a quick apologetic kiss on Elyse's forehead before
leaving.
Levi scoffed at that.
"I see that couples therapy is working." Levi stated, getting another cigarette
out of his pocket.
Elyse merely sighed as she watched her brother light his cigarette. She waited
after he took one puff, and she motioned for him to speak.
"…I'm joining the Army full-time. They called me out there, and the situation
isn't looking pretty. They pretty much forced my hand." Levi stated, his eyes
not meeting his sisters.
Elyse took a deep breath.
"What about the company?" Elyse asked, quietly.
"I'm giving it to you and Erwin. Erwin knows what to do, and I'm pretty sure
he's way too in love with you to sabotage anything." Levi said with a shrug.
"How can you be so nonchalant about this?" Elyse asked, quietly, trying to make
sense of her brother's attitude.
"I'm pissed, Elyse. I didn't want to do it, but I have no choice to. I vowed to
serve my country first." Levi said.
Elyse nodded, slowly, knowing fully well what Erwin had to sacrifice when he
was called back into action.
"…When are you leaving?" Elyse asked.
"Tomorrow." Levi stated.
Elyse could feel the tears coming, and Levi's arms wrapped around her,
instantly.
"None of that, Ely." Levi sighed, softly.
"It's just so…sudden." Elyse said, sadly.
Levi let go of his sister, and he patted her cheek.
"Well, that's life, dear little sister. You want to hear the good news?" Levi
asked, throwing his cigarette on the ground.
Elyse scoffed, "What could be good news at this point?"
Levi smiled, wryly, at that, "Well, you're going to be an aunt."
Elyse froze.
"W-what?" Elyse asked, in surprise.
Her brother nodded in confirmation.
"Got the news today as soon as I landed. Freida's pregnant."
Elyse felt her body go under some frozen water as she realized what her brother
was saying.
"Wait, what the fuck?" Elyse asked, in disbelief.
Levi sighed, and before he could answer, Elyse was already in a tangent as she
ranted and wailed.
"I thought you were with Petra! Freida?! MyFreida?! Oh my god, that explains
why she's been eating all the pastries. She kept asking for my croissants, and
I didn't realize that…WHEN THE HELL DID YOU GUYS HAVE SEX?!" Elyse screamed.
Her brother's hand slapped on her mouth made Elyse stop freaking out as she
realized that people were starting to look at them as they were whispering and
pointing.
"Let's just go to your house first. We'll talk there. Stop squirming, Elyse!"
===============================================================================
Elyse knew her eye was twitching, and she couldn't care less.
Oh, she saved face when she smiled and laughed with her children. She gave the
perfect act as Erwin knew he was going to die by her hand tonight. Her brother
was the one who had the damn nerve to act nonchalant about everything while she
was busy texting Freida to get to the Estate or she'll murder her too.
By any chance, if Freida was murdered, Elyse knew she would be the first
suspect.
Now, here they were, the kids were all tucked in and in bed and Elyse was
sitting in front of a nervous Freida and a nonchalant Levi. Erwin was the one
who was worriedly glancing at Elyse from the corner of the room as he nursed a
whiskey.
"So, where to start, shall we?" Elyse asked, overly sweet.
"Ely…" Freida trailed off.
"Want to explain why Petra isn't the one who's pregnant or shall we just go
straight to why Freida is because I was under the impression that this wasn't
happening at all." Elyse began, sipping oh-so-daintily from her teacup.
Levi scoffed, but he didn't answer as he took a huge gulp from his own scotch.
"Petra and I…we broke it off as soon as we left New York City. It wasn't there
anymore, whatever we had that wanted us to get married before. Then, I started
helping with the theatre when you couldn't, and Freida and I ended up forming a
relationship." Levi explained, as a matter-of-factly.
Freida seemed to even take it by stride as she nudged Levi sharply in warning.
Levi sighed, but he placed a hand atop of hers and Freida seemed to relax at
that.
"Freida." Elyse turned to her best friend in the whole world, the one who was
there since the beginning of this rollercoaster.
"Sorry, Ely. I didn't know what to tell you. It was supposed to be a fling, and
it became…this. I mean, don't you see the irony?" Freida tried to joke,
motioning towards Elyse and Erwin.
Elyse could already feel a headache forming.
"I didn't mean to get pregnant just so you could follow my own example with my
brother. Besides, Levi, you're the one who should know better about-"
"Elyse Rose Jaeger-Smith, if you think you're going to scold me, think twice."
Her brother warned, placing his empty glass on the table between them.
Elyse paused and she nodded after a moment. She gathered her thoughts and she
apologized.
"Look, I'm sorry. I just…You're going to the Army, and now, you're going to
leave behind my pregnant best friend. I just— "
"I'm going with him." Freida announced, softly.
Erwin seemed to be even shocked by that as his glass clattered on the table of
the minibar as he looked at her with wide eyes. Elyse was sure Freida was
bluffing.
"You can't be serious." Elyse managed to whisper.
Freida nodded, placing a hand on her stomach, and Elyse couldn't believe she
missed that tiny bulge.
"They offer housing there, and I…I think it's time for me to follow something
out of my comfort zone. The baby will be fine. Hange will be there, and didn't
they help you with the kids?" Freida tried to comfort Elyse.
"B-But, I can take care of you here, and-and— "
"Elyse, we're…I love her. I want to protect her and my baby." Levi informed
her, cutting her off, and his eyes seemed to soften at his sister's state.
Elyse didn't know what to say. She looked at her husband, who was standing at
the corner.
"Did you know?" She asked, softly.
"No, I didn't. He just told me that he's leaving and he's taking Freida with
him about an hour ago." Erwin reassured his wife.
Elyse nodded, slowly, and she got up, clutching her dress.
"Well, I see that you have everything in order, I guess." Elyse said, softly.
Freida stood up, and she walked towards Elyse, grabbing onto her hands.
"Ely, I'm sorry that you had to find out this way, and trust me, everything is
such a blur. I'm sorry that this was all last minute, but rest assured that I
have my replacement and Isabelle is willing to help you out." Freida stated,
her pleading tone didn't go amiss, but Elyse was too busy staring at the
ground.
"…I just…why couldn't you guys have told me? I can't lose both of you…What
if…something happens?" Elyse asked, her eyes filling up with tears as she
looked up at Freida and her brother.
Her brother was already standing up as he also held his sister close to him.
"We're not entering a war zone. I'm just helping out, trust me. Freida will be
safe, and I'll be back as soon as you know it to visit." Levi promised, trying
to soothe his sister.
"I can't lose both of you. What about the baby?" Elyse found herself repeating
repeatedly. It wasn't long before she began to cry, and Erwin had to hold her
as Levi and Freida watched, trying to comfort her.
"We lost father. I can't have you taken away from me." Elyse whispered to her
brother.
That was enough for Levi to grab Elyse and hold her, tightly, as she sobbed.
"Oh, Elyse. You won't lose me. I promise. I'll be back." Levi whispered in her
hair.
Elyse searched for Freida's hand, and she grabbed it, noticing that foreign
tears were wetting her hand as Freida placed her forehead there.
===============================================================================
It was only a month. A month of hurried packing and hasty goodbyes.
Levi and Freida were getting ready to leave in the airport as they were saying
their goodbyes to the kids, but Elyse couldn't bear to watch it. She could see
the sadness in Freida's eyes as she pleaded with Elyse to forgive her and to be
excited for her, but Elyse was still in too much shock to do anything. Instead,
Elyse offered her happiness, but Freida knew that Elyse was still in pain.
"We'll be back. Don't worry. It's only for a short time." Levi promised. Elyse
just nodded, numbly.
The kids were okay, and they even expressed excitement when they were told that
they were going to have a cousin.
Erwin was the one who took care of everything for them. He got their bags. He
made sure that Freida would be comfortable. He got them his private jet, even
though Levi was adamant about not using it. Erwin was the one who nodded as
Levi motioned towards Elyse, worriedly.
"I know it's too much for her, but please get her to understand." Levi sighed,
trying to not remain worried.
"You're the only one left, Levi. You didn't even let her come to peace with all
of this. Especially you, Freida." Erwin stated, cautiously.
Freida nodded in understanding, and Levi sighed but he seemed resigned as he
walked towards his sister.
"We'll be going now. I'll write to you." Levi promised. Elyse didn't bother to
look up as she nodded once more.
Freida bent down and she placed her hands gently atop of Elyse's.
"Hey, I fucking love you, okay? I'll write to you, too, and I'll complain about
how bored I am and how I shouldn't have even gone to the first place." Freida
tried to tease, but Elyse's half-hearted laugh discouraged her.
"Just…be safe, Frei." Elyse stated, softly. Freida seemed to relax at that, and
she smiled, "I will."
"Take care of her. Pregnancy is a big thing." Elyse told her brother, standing
up. Her brother nodded, and Elyse sighed as she walked towards him and hugged
him.
"You guys are crazy, you know that?" Elyse pointed out, her laugh dry.
"Well, you could say she rubbed off on me." Levi responded, amused. Elyse
laughed and let go.
"I still haven't thought about you guys as a…couple." Elyse murmured, weirdly.
Levi and Freida exchanged looks, and Elyse grimaced, shaking her head.
"Just get out of here." Elyse groused.
With one last goodbye, Elyse watched from the windows as the plane took-off.
The kids were waving, and Erwin came from behind her as he wrapped his arms
around her, reassuringly.
"They'll be okay." Erwin whispered in her ear. Elyse relaxed in his hold before
slightly turning to him.
"You knew, didn't you?" Elyse asked, curiously.
Erwin shrugged, but he had a small smile on his face.
"I had an inkling when Freida began to visit more often than you. I'd feel a
bit jealous since she'd be bringing food for Levi, and my wife was-"
"Being amazing since she can balance working in the theatre and being a
dedicated mother and wife, right?"
Erwin chuckled at that, and he placed a soft kiss on the tip of her ear.
"Of course. I was jealous that you were out there being amazing, and I was
stuck in a boring office all day."
Elyse smiled and turned around as the kids were already racing to the car.
"Good answer." She stated with a wink before running off to join her children.
===============================================================================
Elyse didn't like this feeling. They went to therapy again, but it still felt
like they weren't making progress even though everything was starting to come
out. Erwin would always figure out her problems, and Elyse was grateful for
that.
Yet, there was something that Elyse couldn't help but feel uneasy about.
She smiled though, and she hoped that Dr. Rico and Erwin would buy it.
===============================================================================
Elyse threw the letter that was addressed to her from her brother in addition
to the other unread letters that Freida wrote.
She didn't want to read letters from people who left her.
===============================================================================
"Papa, can I go straight to the office after school?" Armin asked his father
over dinner.
Elyse raised an eyebrow at that as she looked at her son, who was looking at
both his parents.
"What happened to your logistics class?" Elyse asked, curiously.
Armin shrugged, "It's getting boring now. We went over the same logistic
problem for a week now, and I'm not allowed to correct the teacher again. I
mean, you told me— "
Elyse cut her son off with a groan, "Don't remind me. If I have Miss Ives tell
me that my son needs to stop "correcting" her, I'm going to have to correct
that condescending smirk of hers."
Eren snorted at that and Mikasa giggled. Erwin coughed and casted a warning
glance in Elyse's direction.
Elyse caught herself and smiled sheepishly.
"What I meant was that Miss Ives is a lovely woman who doesn't have your
mindset, Armin. You need to be more patient with your class." Elyse chided,
softly.
Armin made a slight face as he played with his food.
Elyse was about to say something until Erwin coughed slightly to get Armin's
attention.
"There's a program with the military that you might be interested in. Eren, you
remember Dr. Hanji?" Erwin asked his other son, and Eren began to ecstatically
talk about the program that had field studies and research which Armin seemed
to be very interested in.
Elyse watched that go down, and she suddenly felt a slight prick of fear and
she excused herself, hastily.
Judging by the sound of another chair moving, Elyse knew that she would be
joined in the kitchen by her husband.
"Elyse, listen."
Elyse turned around, quickly, and waved her hand exasperated at him, "What was
that about?"
Erwin seemed calm, and his gaze was studying her, something that always
unnerved her and she wasn't having it.
"Don't you dare, Erwin. I know you're trying to assess the situation right now,
but I'm not having it." Elyse hissed, angrily.
"Elyse, please. Did you see Armin? He was obviously trying to hint that he
didn't want to stay in that class anymore, and I was going to bring it up to
you today anyways, so it was like killing two birds with one stone." Erwin
explained, softly.
"More like it's you always leading the damn way. You always having to be in
control." Elyse accused.
Erwin seemed to be taken aback by that before his face grew grim.
"Are you serious, Elyse? I'm here telling you that our son deserves to know
that there are better opportunities if he wants, but you're here thinking that
it's a game between you and me? About what, Elyse? About control? Are you
fucking with me?" Erwin asked, his turn to be exasperated.
Elyse couldn't help but feel a bit defensive at that, and she crossed her arms
in defiance.
"It's not a game, Erwin. You're the one who's making— "
"Elyse, enough. I swear to God, if you make it about how it's my love for
control that I decided that my son wasn't happy and I manipulated him to join
the Army-For fuck's sake, Elyse, he didn't even say yes to it. I just offered
it to him. If he doesn't want it, then so be it. So, don't you dare say that
I'm trying to control or manipulate or whatever the hell you want to accuse me
of…Elyse, you need to stop doing this."
Elyse felt her blood run cold at his last statement.
"What do you mean?" Elyse asked, softly.
Erwin gave her a look before sighing.
"You're closing me off again, Elyse. Ever since your brother and Freida did
something unexpected, you decided to lie in therapy and close me off. You're
accusing me of things that we should be past right now. You're bringing it up
as a defense mechanism, and I have been trying to be understanding about it
all. Yet…it kills me that you can be warm and loving one day and the next I'm
over here trying to defend the fact that I tried to help my son, who is clearly
upset yet he doesn't want to upset his parents. Elyse…it's not even about the
kids anymore to you. It's just…you."
"You think— "
"I know, Elyse. I know about the unopened letters. I know about the fake
smiles. Come off it already, Elyse. Here I thought…I thought we were making
progress."
Silence filled the kitchen and Elyse knew that Erwin was waiting for her to say
something, and of course, she couldn't respond.
Erwin sighed and he rubbed his weary face, "I'm going to clean up the table."
Elyse didn't respond as she watched Erwin walk away.
===============================================================================
"You're right, I'm sorry."
Elyse watched as Erwin turned to face her. He had been overlooking the water
from the porch, and Elyse calmed herself down after she watched him clean the
table and tell the kids to do their homework.
He was right.
It had been building up inside of her, and Elyse wanted to blame someone.
Anyone.
Erwin had always been the one she would place her blame on ever since she
admitted she was afraid of him. The therapy had been the steps she needed to
take, but this step…
It was one she had to take for herself.
"I…I've been afraid, not because of you. I've been afraid since my brother and
Freida left. I thought if those two-important people would leave, then what's
stopping Eren or Armin or Mikasa or…you." Elyse whispered, her arms tightening
around her.
"Oh, Elyse." Erwin responded, his arms opening. Elyse immediately walked into
them, willing to be embraced by him.
The warmth made Elyse relax as she wrapped her arms around him.
"When you offered Armin something about the Army again, I just thought of how
that special branch has been taking away my family and friends from me
recently. Even back then. It just triggered something inside of me…I'm sorry,
Erwin." Elyse apologized as Erwin pressed a kiss on her forehead.
"You should've told me, Elyse. Not hide it again. I love you. You're my wife
and the mother of my children. You think I want you feeling this way?" Erwin
chided, softly.
Elyse couldn't help but smile at that as she looked up at him.
"I...I'm still not used to you sometimes. Well, I'm not used to us like this."
Elyse admitted, blushing.
Erwin chuckled at that, and he brushed his thumb against her cheek.
"Get used to it, love. I'm not going anywhere."
===============================================================================
The welcome back party was filled with laughter and warmth as Dieter and Nifa
were welcomed back to the Estate.
"A toast to my two favorite nannies. Welcome back to hyperactivity and nonstop
inquisitive actions!" Elyse declared, a bit drunkenly.
The toast was rewarded with roars of laughter as glasses clinked. Elyse leaned
into Erwin's hold on her as he helped her down from whatever table she decided
to stand on.
"Slow it down with the wine, darling. I know that the kids are with my father
for the weekend, but you're going to end up waking up with a hangover instead
of a blissful vacation." Erwin whispered in her ear.
Elyse giggled at that, but she nodded, willing to let go of her wine glass.
She smiled as she remembered that she had to move the recently opened letters
from Freida and her brother on the coffee table away so they wouldn't get
stained from her wine.
She laughed when she was twirled around by Mike. As she enjoyed the company of
friends, Elyse couldn't help but notice the wide smile on Erwin's face as he
saluted her with his glass of whiskey.
===============================================================================
Elyse smiled, softly, as she waved at the last guests leaving.
She closed the door of the living room and she turned around and watched as
Erwin puffed on his last cigar as he sat by the fire.
"Someone's enjoying the kids being away." Elyse teased as she sat on his lap.
"I have missed you." Erwin sighed.
"Me?" Elyse asked, teasingly.
Erwin shook his head and blew smoke in Elyse's face, "I was talking to the
lovely cigar in my hand. Don't flatter yourself."
Elyse couldn't help but laugh as she placed both her hands on her husband's
face.
"Okay, asshole!"
Their laughter died down, and the couple stared at each other in the dimly lit
living room.
The clock struck midnight, and Erwin smiled at the woman before him.
"Hey, guess what?" Erwin asked, his face getting closer to Elyse's.
"What?" Elyse humored him, smiling.
"Happy eighth wedding anniversary." Erwin wished, but before Elyse could say
anything, his lips were on hers.
Elyse lost herself in the kiss, and she sighed as she molded herself against
him on the chair.
The kiss was getting more intense, and Elyse found herself involuntarily
grinding against her husband's lap. Erwin moaned as she began her
ministrations, and he pushed her away, gently.
"Elyse, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have— "
"Shhhh, come back." Elyse cut him off as she tried to place her lips back on
his.
Erwin stopped her, fully looking into her eyes.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Elyse?" Erwin asked her, softly.
Elyse smiled, and she made sure she grinded on his lap extra slowly, which
Erwin responded by groaning as his hands tightened on the arm rests of the
chair.
"I'm sure. How long has it been? A year? Almost two?" Elyse asked, her tone
suggestive as she began her ministrations again.
"Come here." Erwin growled, and he grabbed the back of her head and began to
kiss her, hard.
Elyse began to pant as Erwin's lips trailed down the column of her neck as she
began to hastily unbutton his shirt. Her hands felt the muscular torso of her
husband and she mewled in happiness.
Erwin's hands were trailing up and down her legs and he bit a sensitive part of
her neck, lightly, as he cupped her buttocks, tightly.
Elyse sighed in pleasure as she brought her hands to the back of his head and
caressed as Erwin's lips began to relentlessly explore.
In a moment, Erwin grew impatient and he stood up, letting Elyse's legs wrap
around him as he began to walk towards the stairs. He was still kissing her
everywhere, and Elyse was more than willing to help him out when it came to her
clothes. By the time they reached his room, Elyse was only in her lingerie and
Erwin's gaze was darkening at the sight as he dropped her on the bed.
Elyse moaned as Erwin dropped to his knees and began to kiss her legs and her
thighs. His hands were on her torso and traveling up to her breasts as he
hastily took her bra off. She gasped loudly as she felt his calloused fingers
play with her breasts and she began to pant as his lips traveled up to suckle
and lick. His fingers found the most intimate part of her and rubbed her
wetness all over.
After a moment, Elyse saw stars as she came for the first time in a long time.
"Erwin, oh my—Ah!" Elyse screamed as she felt his lips caress her folds against
her silk underwear.
Elyse could feel Erwin's smirk against the piece of cloth, and she felt he body
involuntarily lifting up slightly as Erwin began to slowly take off her
underwear.
She looked down to see what he was up to, but she found herself grinding
against his mouth as Erwin began to relentlessly yet gently eat her out.
"Fuck, I've missed this." Erwin mused against her, and Elyse moaned even
louder.
Not wanting to be undone, and she had been craving him for so long. Elyse
managed to sit up, and she forced him to stop as she got down on all fours on
the bed.
"Stand up." Elyse stated, her voice raspy from all the screaming.
Erwin smiled and obeyed, and he groaned as Elyse took him fully in her mouth
after she forced his underwear down. Elyse remembered his size as she began to
gag a bit from being a little bit too excited. That seemed to spur Erwin more
as he began to rock back and forth. Elyse loved the feel of his hands playing
with her breasts then traveling down to her butt as he squeezed tightly.
He stopped hastily after a moment before he pulled out and forced Elyse to lie
down.
"I'm going to do this gently, okay?" Erwin told her, his eyes half-lidded and
his chest heaving. Elyse nodded as she bit her lip, a bit nervous.
It had been a while, and she had hoped that she was prepared enough.
Erwin groaned at the sight of her. His thumb brushed against her lips, and he
began to enter her, slowly. Elyse felt her walls tightening, and Erwin groaned,
loudly. Elyse felt a bit of pain, and Erwin stopped as he saw her face.
"No, go, it's fine." Elyse assured him, and Erwin nodded after a moment. He
filled her, and Elyse gasped at the sensation. Erwin began slow, but Elyse
started to get used to him and she whined as she began to rock against him.
"Elyse, don't do that." Erwin warned through gritted teeth. Elyse didn't
listen, and before she knew it, Erwin was atop of her and moving in and out,
hard and fast.
"Fuck, Elyse. I've missed you." Erwin hissed as he sloppily placed kisses all
over her neck and lips.
"I've missed you, too." Elyse moaned as she held onto him, tightly.
"Elyse, I'm going to have to pull out, okay?" Erwin told her, and Elyse nodded,
biting her lip as she felt herself getting close.
"Erwin, Erwin, Erwin— "
Erwin's lip found hers and Elyse desperately clung onto him as he pulled out
and found his release as Elyse found her release, also, as Erwin's fingers
rubbed against her.
The couple both panted as they found each other on the bed.
"Damn." Erwin stated in awe.
"Damn." Elyse agreed as she laughed, softly.
"Come here." Erwin stated as he held her onto his chest. He tilted her head up
to look at him as he kissed her softly.
"I love you." Erwin whispered against her lips.
"I love you, too." Elyse sighed as she fully kissed him once more.
And for the rest of the night, they made sure that actions prove better than
words.
===============================================================================
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ FINALLY.
     School is busy. Life is busy. I'm so sorry. But, thank you for the
     support and love! Hope you enjoyed!
***** The Art of the Unexpected *****
Chapter Notes
     A:N/It's been so long, I know. I've been dealing with a lot of work
     and school, so thank you for bearing with me. Wow! So, guess what?
     This is the last chapter of the main story of Erwin and Elyse, "The
     Art of the Unexpected." Thank you so much for joining me on this
     journey. Ironic that it's ending the day that season two is starting!
     Don't worry, I have drabbles that are stories that have to do with
     this main one. It's not a goodbye, just a beginning !
See the end of the chapter for more notes
 
Elyse woke up the next morning to the sounds of clanging noise downstairs. She
moaned, softly, and she patted the side of the bed to wake her husband up. She
found herself patting an empty spot. Surprised, Elyse brought her head up
slightly and pulled the sheet up to cover her body. When she looked over, she
noticed that Erwin wasn't anywhere in sight.
Sighing and stretching, Elyse flinched slightly at the uncomfortable feeling of
pain as she got up.
"He didn't have to be so rough." Elyse muttered to herself, but she even found
herself smiling at the memory of last night.
It had been so long, yet so worth it.
She blushed at the turn her thoughts were taking, and she immediately shook her
head and tried to find a robe for her to wear in her husband's room. She found
a soft cashmere one she had left one night when they had only shared a room to
keep up appearances for their fathers, and she put it on, reveling in the
feeling of the gossamer fabric against her skin.
After tying the robe, she opened the door and walked out, slowly, and
approached the stairs, carefully. She noticed that Dieter and Nifa were busy
preparing something in the living room and Elyse gasped at how everything had
completely…well, disappeared.
"What's going on?" Elyse asked, surprised.
Dieter and Nifa looked up, and they smiled at her, sheepishly. Elyse cocked her
head to side, questioningly, and that's when she caught a glimpse of herself on
one of the reflective surfaces in the living room.
Her hair was a mess. Her lips were slightly bruised. Her neck was showing some
love bites…
Elyse immediately tried to bring the robe closer to cover her exposed skin.
Gratefully, Nifa decided to change the subject.
"Good morning, Miss Elyse. We're just preparing for the party the Command—I
mean, Mr. Smith, is hosting for tonight."
Elyse raised an eyebrow at that.
"Party?"
Dieter and Nifa seemed taken aback and they even exchanged looks.
"It's for your wedding anniversary." Dieter offered, lamely, trying to see if
that would jog Elyse's memory.
Elyse immediately started to panic.
"Oh. My. I promised Vati that we'd host an anniversary party, didn't I?" Elyse
asked, remembering how her father-in-law had announced that in exchange for
taking the kids for the weekend that there would be a celebration.
"How could I forget?" Elyse groaned, and she immediately sensed a teasing glint
in Dieter's eye and she brought up her hand in warning, stopping him from
making any comment, "Don't you dare."
Dieter simply shrugged and Nifa smiled.
"Okay, okay, so what needs to be done? Oh shoot, I have to go the theatre
today. Then, I have to pick up the kids. Oh wait, maybe if I tell Vati— "
"Isabelle is taking care of the theatre. Your father-in-law is taking care of
the kids until tonight. Mr. Smith told us that everything is taken care of.
Here. He told me to give you this."
Elyse raised an eyebrow as she took the envelope from Dieter's hand. She opened
it, and she couldn't help but smile as she read her husband's familiar writing.
Elyse looked up with a wide smile on her face as she sighed, happily.
"Well, I guess I'm going to have to sit out on this one." Elyse sighed, shaking
her head as she gave back Dieter the letter.
Dieter and Nifa smiled back, and for once, the company had true happiness
accompany the room.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse wasn't used to not preparing…anything that had to with her family. Nifa
had shooed her from the room, and she had decided to just take the day off to
roam around.
She wasn't used to having free time, and Dieter was the best bodyguard when it
came to directing her.
"Uh, Miss Elyse, I think you should get some coffee here. My fiancé, I mean,
Isa— "
Elyse rolled her eyes at Dieter's flushed expression when it came to talking
about his soon-to-be bride, but she couldn't help but smile wider at her
precious bodyguard.
"Okay, Dieter. Let's get coffee here."
Elyse found herself enjoying her day off. Erwin had suggested, well, demanded,
for her to relax and not to lift a finger for tonight's festivities. He even
mentioned that he would be the one to pick up the kids and that he would be in
charge of making sure that they did their homework before the party. That was
something Elyse wished she could see.
The kids did respect their father, but it was easy for Erwin to be a little
lenient when it came to spoiling them. Elyse had to reprimand him a couple of
times when she would catch him letting Mikasa eat more than one cookie before
dinner.
Elyse paused as she stopped by a store as she noticed lacy furnishings at the
store window.
Eight years…before it used to mean bronze, yet nowadays, I've been used to
seeing lace when it comes to articles of weddings. I wonder if Nifa and Erwin…
Elyse sighed and she shook her head. She should be trusting her husband and her
company. She trusted them with everything else, so she shouldn't be doubting
them now.
She let out a frustrated sigh and she even had to fight the urge of stamping
her foot, but Dieter's amused face made her groan and she tried to distract
herself once more.
As if someone heard her, her phone began to ring and Elyse was more than
grateful to pick it up.
"Hello?"
"You know, when I told you to relax, I didn't mean for you to start shopping
for the party."
Elyse jolted back a bit at the sound of her husband's voice. She checked her
phone and noticed that he was calling from an unknown number.
"Want to tell me why you're calling in such a creepy way?" Elyse asked, sighing
but she couldn't help but smile.
She flushed a bit. Hearing him talk after their night together when they
confirmed every secret and every problem with understanding and love…
Elyse cleared her throat, trying to focus in the present.
"I would, but would you believe that Eren and Mikasa were fighting over the
last cookie and pushed my phone to the ground, leaving me to step on it which
completely shattered my phone? So, I had to bring them with me to the store and
buy a new one. Turns out I can't even have the same number. Apparently, they
want to make sure I'm not lying to them because guess who forgot to bring
identification with them. Yes, me. I had to call Nifa to pick me up because, of
course, I had the kids and me driving without a license it terrible to people.
NIfa picked me up and I had to call the towing company to pick up the car. Can
you believe it?" Erwin stated, his tone exasperated.
Elyse paused at that, and then she began to laugh.
After a moment, she took a deep breath and reminisced about a time where she
wouldn't have believed him and scoffed at him.
She smiled, warmly.
"I do believe that."
===============================================================================
 
Elyse was finally grateful when Dieter told her that it was time to go back to
the Estate and get ready for the anniversary party.
She got out of the car and she gasped as she noticed the lights that adorned
the Estate, casting a magical spectacle for anyone who was just staring at the
exterior of the house.
Elyse was about to walk up to the Estate until someone blindfolded her.
"Hey! What the hell!"
Elyse had tried to fight hard, but she was met with air as she tried to get out
of the person's grasp. When she finally saw light, she punched whoever was in
front of her.
"What the fuck! Shit, Elyse!"
The sound of Erwin's voice was enough to shock her.
"Erwin?!"
"Yes, it's me. Damn." Erwin groused as he cradled his cheek.
"What the fuck were you thinking?!" Elyse asked, exasperated as she brought a
hand up to his face to inspect the damage that she did.
There was a slight bruise, but it didn't seem that it was going to swell as
badly as she thought it would.
Erwin rolled his eyes as he let out another hiss in pain.
"Oh, I don't know. I just wanted to be romantic and surprise my wife for our
eight-year anniversary." Erwin groused.
Elyse was about to open her mouth to argue with her husband until she realized
what was in front of her.
She was in the Estate, but the living room was drastically changed into a
ballroom. They had removed the furniture earlier, but Elyse had thought it was
just going to be replaced with new furniture for the party. The lights were
twinkling around her. Bronze ornaments decorated the pillars and the staircase.
She was in awe as she looked up and noticed that lace adorned the ceilings,
creating an effect of romance.
"…You did all this?" Elyse asked in awe as she stood up and looked around.
"More like we did." Voices came from behind her and Elyse turned around and she
gasped as she saw Freida, Isabelle, Nifa, Nana, and the ballet company. She ran
towards them and hugged them, expressing her heartfelt gratitude.
"Frei! I didn't know you would be here!" Elyse finally stated as she wrapped
her arms around her best friend.
"And miss this? Oh hell no. Besides, I picked out the sexiest dress for you and
I was not going to miss out on envying that body of yours. Come here! We have
to get you ready." Freida commanded, dragging Elyse up the stairs.
Elyse looked down at Erwin, who gratefully accepted a handkerchief from Mike as
he dabbed the corner of his mouth. He looked up at her and he smiled and
nodded. Elyse gave an apologetic expression and blew a kiss towards him.
That was last thing she could do before everyone swept her up the stairs and
got her ready for the night that awaited her.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse gasped at her reflection.
Freida was right. The dress was a gorgeous white-laced dress that hugged her
waist nicely before cascading down. There was a generous dip that teased her
cleavage, and there was a slit that went up to her thigh. Elyse noticed that
they had placed clematis flowers on her ears, giving a vision of a crown. She
had bronze eye-makeup and that's when realized what Freida was going for.
"A goddess, huh?" Elyse teased her friend.
Freida nodded, ecstatically, while the others sighed and cooed at Elyse.
"One fit for the Adonis-looking daddy downstairs." Freida stated, earning
appreciative cheers from the women around her.
Elyse laughed and threw a pin at Freida, blushing. A knock sounded, and Freida
asked who was there.
"Can I see my mama?" Mikasa's voice called from the other side. Elyse felt her
heart lighten at the sound of her daughter's voice. She had missed her, and she
had been worried when she didn't immediately see her kids. Being away from them
always got Elyse anxious. She loved them too much.
Mikasa gasped when she saw her, and Elyse smiled as soon as she saw how
beautiful her daughter looked. Erwin had groused at how Mikasa was starting to
get few admirers from her class, and Elyse knew that Erwin had a right to be a
tad bit miffed.
"Let's go downstairs, baby." Elyse whispered in her daughter's hair as Mikasa
held onto her. Elyse smiled in Mikasa's hair as she felt her daughter nod in
agreement.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse watched as Erwin's jaw slightly dropped and how his blue eyes warmed at
the sight of her. Elyse even glanced appreciatively at her husband as he donned
a white suit. He kissed Mikasa's head when she ran towards him, and Elyse
grinned as she saw Eren and Armin run up to her.
"Wow, don't my boys look handsome!" Elyse exclaimed, appreciating their
bowties. Eren puffed up a bit in pride and Armin smiled wider.
The sound of glass clinking got everyone's attention. Elyse looked up and she
warmed at the sight of her father-in-law at the center of the ballroom.
He winked at her before he began his speech.
"I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight to celebrate my son and
daughter-in-law's wedding anniversary. For those of you who have known them,
they have always been with these three adorable grandkids of mine. They are
loving parents, first and foremost, and I've never been prouder of what they've
accomplished as parents. Yet, this night is to celebrate their eight years
together. They have been through mostly downs, I confess, and you all have
noticed. But, they have managed to create a marriage that most of us had deemed
impossible in this world. So, I offer a toast to them. May they love more and
more each year with anything unexpected that they might encounter."
Everyone chorused back a cheers and Elyse found herself lost in her husband's
embrace as everyone cheered on.
===============================================================================
 
Elyse enjoyed the fresh air of the night as she took a break outside from the
dancing and the festivities.
She felt strong arms wrap around her and a soft kiss on her neck and she
relaxed in the loving hold.
"Congratulations for actually managing to do something wonderful and
surprising." Elyse teased, looking up at her husband.
Erwin feigned a hurt look, but the smile on his face gave him away as he
pressed another kiss on her forehead.
He let out a hiss as Elyse pressed a finger on the bruise she gave him.
"Whoops." Elyse whispered, apologetically.
Erwin shrugged, kissing the hand that now caressed his face.
"I call it a love mark." Erwin teased back, making a face.
Elyse laughed at that and she fully turned around so she could wrap her arms
around her husband's neck.
"Eight years, huh." Elyse mused. Erwin placed his forehead against hers and
sighed.
"Your brother couldn't even believe it when I was on the phone with him. He
cursed us out and said that we made it feel like more than that with our—and I
quote— "fucking drama."
"Well, we do love adding flair into our daily lives." Elyse pointed out,
smiling.
"He even told me that he wasn't going to be here tonight because he swore that
we were going to find something wrong and take it to a whole other level."
Erwin laughed.
Elyse snorted and pointed at a familiar couple dancing inside, "That's why he's
here, looking distressed."
Erwin chuckled and he sighed after a moment.
"God, I can't believe we've made it this far."
"And to think, it all started with impregnating me when I was sixteen."
"The horror."
Elyse laughed and she stared at Erwin, studying his every feature with her
fingers. It had been so terrible and horrifying back then, and yet…she couldn't
imagine a future without him and the beautiful three children they have.
"I love you, Erwin Smith." Elyse sighed softly.
"And I love you, Elyse Rose Ackerman-Jaeger Smith."
"…That's a long name." Elyse giggled.
"Another annoying thing that makes you perfect." Erwin teased, bringing his
lips dangerously close to hers.
Elyse didn't try to fight back as he kissed her, not letting her argue back.
There was no point. Every fight, every pain, and every problem seemed non-
existent. The past behind them and the future ahead, with every twist and turn
that they wouldn't expect. They had been clumsy, unexperienced, and ignorant--
yet, it had been worth it. Each step of the way, it had brought them to this
point. 
The art of the unexpected never looked so perfect.
 
Chapter End Notes
     A:N/ Thank you guys so much. Really, truly. I finished a story! I
     hope you guys enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing it. There
     will be drabbles concerning the characters from the story and family
     life. Until then, much love!
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!