Finally, one of the cutest chapters of this story is out: the Engagement of our dear Larmin ♥🥰 I hope it brings warmth into your heart and get yourself ready, because in the next chapter, we'll have their first official Date as an engaged couple! 😱❤🦋 As a bonus, I'll bring some photo collages, a drawing and a song! It's gonna be a very special chapter, so don't miss it 😍 If you're willing, please don't forget to leave a comment about what you're thinking about the story so far, it's very important to me as an author, and I just freaking love reading your opinion! ♥ Many hugs from Nath!
Armin felt a tear come out of his eyes. He wanted to embrace Lara in his arms and kiss her until someone said enough. He wanted to tell her that she would never again feel that sadness for not being together, and that Lara would no longer need to draw only parts of him, because now his heart completely belonged to her.
But Armin was a responsible and righteous man, and he knew that that moment was not the time or place to kiss her passionately.
Good thing he thought that way, because once more, in the next instant, Levi popped up at the bedroom doorway. Lara smiled at her father, wiping away her own tear. Armin also wiped his, trying to act naturally.
"The pie's already in the oven," said Levi, leaning against the door, arms crossed. "It'll be ready in about thirty minutes."
"Thanks, Dad," Lara headed to her wardrobe and got some clothes. "I'm gonna bath, be right back," she smiled at Armin and left the bedroom.
Armin was extremely embarrassed to see Levi looking at him from the doorway. It was quite a weird situation. He was in the bedroom of the daughter of one of the most serious, tough guys he had ever met in his life. He felt totally exposed, as if Levi was inspecting him from top to bottom, searching for any flaws.
But to Armin's utter surprise, Levi assumed a comfortable posture, and sat down on Lara's bed, signaling for him to also sit down. Feeling shy, Armin complied. Levi lightly squeezed his shoulder.
"Should I talk about the rules or it's not necessary?" he asked, looking calmly at Armin.
"I-If you want to, please, you may," replied Armin, blinking several times.
Levi gazed at the landscape outside the window, thoughtful. After a few seconds, he said:
"You do know how Lara has her values and principles very well defined, don't you?"
"Yes," agreed Armin, firm and convinced. "She's a lady of much respect. I would never do anything wrong with her."
"Good," replied Levi, clapping his hands once, "I think we're done then."
Armin tried to force a smile, but he was still pretty embarrassed.
"Hey, relax," Levi gave him a light shake on his shoulder. "We want you to feel comfortable, now that you'll be part of our family."
"Sorry..." said Armin, frowning. "It's just that it's weird... You're 'the' Captain Levi, I can't help but feel at least intimidated by you."
"Oh, the perks of being famous..." replied Levi, shaking his head, contemplative. "Don't worry about it. Over time, you'll realize that I'm more normal than you think. We're even alike, I believe."
"Stubborn and pigheaded?" Armin dared to ask, not holding back a little smile.
"Exactly," agreed Levi, then he sighed, "completely crazy for even crazier women."
This time, Armin couldn't help but chuckle. Although Lara was not Hange's biological daughter, they both had many similarities in their personalities, and he remembered times when Lara showed a more euphoric behavior in the face of something exciting, just like Hange used to do with Titans, for example. In addition to both being very playful and lively.
After this comment from Levi, the mood between them two softened and now, Armin was already feeling more relaxed. Levi then turned to him.
"If possible, it might be interesting that on Saturday, you bring a pair of rings*. You may have already noticed that, just like Hange, Lara doesn't usually wear jewelry, but she has a more romantic view of things. Hange didn't mind having a ring when I proposed to her, but I think Lara would like it, even though she doesn't show it."
"Oh, okay, sure," replied Armin, nodding. "I'll do it. Do you have any idea of design, or her size...?"
"Hang on," Levi left. Armin saw him heading to the bedroom where Hange was sleeping. Thirty seconds later, he came back. Levi took off his own wedding ring and handed the pair into Armin's hand.
"Use these models as examples. It was Lara who helped us choose them when I took Hange to the jewelry store, so I believe she likes it."
Armin analyzed the rings. Levi's was gold and plain, without any detail. Hange's had only a bas-relief fillet and a tiny, discreet shiny stone.
"I believe Lara's size is one smaller than mine," continued Levi. "You can try yours at the jewelry store."
Armin handed the pair of rings back, thanking him a lot for the tips. Levi sat down on the bed and turned to him.
"Do you have money to buy them?"
"Yes," replied Armin, putting back the seashell he was still holding on the bedside table. "Actually, since I joined the Survey Corps, I've invested pretty much my whole salary, 'cause I got everything I need in the Headquarters. I only spend about ten to fifteen percent to buy stuff I want once in a while, like clothes and books."
"No way you invest, too?!" exclaimed Levi, looking excited. "Finally I found someone who understands these matters. Please don't bring up this topic in Hange's presence, she just hates it. Lara kinda likes it."
"Really?" asked Armin, smiling. "I do like it a lot. In fact, I was sort of forced to like it, for losing my family at a very young age. So, I had to learn how to make my money grow, to support myself in the smartest possible way."
Levi was impressed by Armin's sense of responsibility and his affection for him grew even more. They kept talking about their investments and discovered that they invested in almost the same funds. When they least noticed, Lara popped up at the door, wearing a light color midi-length dress and drying her hair on a towel.
"Dad, the pie's smelling."
"Oh, no!" Levi quickly left the bedroom.
Lara smiled at Armin, who replied. He wasn't used to seeing Lara in such casual clothes, because at work they always wore the uniform.
"You look pretty," he said shyly.
Lara blushed, but she couldn't hold back a playful smile.
"Look at you... Nice one, soldier!"
Armin chuckled and asked her to sit next to him.
"What were you and my father talking so excitedly about?"
"Our investments."
"Oh, boy!" exclaimed Lara. "Please don't talk about these things around my mother. She has a trauma with a dumbhead bank receptionist, who just couldn't stop looking at my father when he was walking around the streets!"
Lara, Armin, and Levi had a very pleasant afternoon. Fortunately, the pie was saved and they ate it with some good tea. When it was close to dusk, much to Lara's unhappiness, Armin said he was leaving, claiming he had already taken up too much of their time. Levi said goodbye, heading to his bedroom. Lara followed Armin to the front door.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, "Hang on a minute, I'll be right back."
Armin walked out and waited, leaning against the porch railing, and soon, Lara came back holding a paper and closing the front door behind her.
"Here," she said, handing him the paper, "I believe now you can sleep happier!"
Armin picked it up and opened a big smile at seeing it was a self-portrait of Lara.
"Wow!" he exclaimed, "Thanks, babe! I think it's better not to sleep cuddling to this, 'cause this one, I don't wanna crumple." They laughed.
Armin really wanted to give Lara a goodbye kiss, because the first and last time they kissed for real was on the airship, inside that empty room, when they reconciled. But before he could give any sign he was dying to kiss her, Lara threw herself at his neck and did the job herself.
This time, it was Armin who was initially startled by the kiss, but soon he gave in, wrapping Lara in his arms as she stroked his hair. Now that they were on their feet, Lara realized she had to lift herself up a little bit to reach Armin. On purpose, she stopped the kiss much sooner than she would have liked, because she wanted to tease him.
"Aw, no!" he exclaimed, looking upset, "That's all...?"
"I don't want you to be spoiled," joked Lara.
"But I'll only see you again two days from now!" replied Armin. Unintentionally, he made a pitiful pout.
Lara couldn't resist that cute little face and soon pulled him in for another kiss, this time longer than the previous one. They were feeling much happy at that moment, despite all the complicated situations they went through in Liberio, with Eren, with Hange, and with Sasha's near death.
Armin said he really needed to go and tried to get down the porch stairs, but Lara seemed to have completely forgotten about not spoiling him, and it was a tremendous effort for Armin to make it to the stable, so much that she tried to pull him back. They were laughing a lot and running out of strength. Lara even threatened him again to remove him from the position as Officer, but he counter-argued that this would only make them see each other less, which made her a little desperate. However, there came a time when Lara had to give up and finally allow Armin to get on his horse.
"Bye-bye, babe," she said, waving, "see you on Saturday!"
"Bye, pretty," replied Armin, looking at her from the top of his horse, blinking slowly, "I love you."
"Love you too," said Lara, smiling and watching Armin disappear from her sight up the road.
That night, for the first time in her life, Lara slept cuddling the seashell, crying with happiness. She dreamed that she and Armin were on the beach, hands intertwined, kissing beautifully at sunset.
Armin also went to sleep in deepest delight for the first time in years. As soon as he got to his bedroom, he hung up Lara's drawing so it would be right next to his bed and he could fall asleep gazing at her.
When he lay down, Armin couldn't hold back a tightness in his chest because of Eren. He considered him as a brother, for he was the only family he had for years, along with Mikasa. However, for some time now, Armin no longer knew how to classify the relationship between them three, so troubled it was.
But, as he closed his eyes, he couldn't help but feel immense joy in his heart as he realized that, when he least expected it, Armin had gained a new family.
Lara was feeling so blissful, that she barely slept the night between Friday to Saturday. Her foot wasn't even hurting anymore.
She wasn't silly or anything, so it was obvious to her that the reason Armin wanted to talk to her parents could only be to officially ask her hand in marriage.
It was close to lunchtime and Lara kept looking out the kitchen window, checking if Armin would show up on horseback on the horizon. Lara was wearing a long navy blue dress, with white flower prints, which she bought a while ago to wear on a special occasion, for she thought it looked pretty on the store mannequin.
Levi was making lunch: a nice dish of roasted chicken with succulent, golden potatoes. He was also quite neat, even wearing his typical white cravat around his neck. Levi couldn't help but feel a great warmth in his chest, at seeing his daughter wandering around the kitchen, anxious and especially, very happy.
Hange was laying with her feet up on the couch, enjoying some baked potatoes that Levi affectionately brought her in a small pot for her to snack on before lunch. She was wearing light, loose clothing, and gently massaging her belly.
"Love," called Hange, at one point, "our Tiny-Human-Bean enjoyed the potatoes and is asking for some more, please."
"That fella is going to compete with Sasha," chuckled Lara.
She alternated between going to the kitchen window, the living room window, and the dining room window, sometimes going to her mother asking if she was well presentable and sometimes going to ask her father if he needed help.
"Hange," said Levi, as he finished seasoning the chicken, "on our wedding day, were you restless like that, too? I think Lara will spend the night in the infirmary when it's her turn."
"Oh!" exclaimed Hange, with almost a whole potato in her mouth, "I remember that I hardly slept that night, wasn't it, baby? I was pretty much anxious."
"Yeah, I had to put you to sleep myself," replied Lara, giggling. "What about you, Dad?"
"Me!?" Levi made a face of disdain, "I was pretty chilled."
Lara glanced at her mother, who gave her a meaningful look because Levi didn't know how to lie very well. In fact, he was more anxious than Hange on his wedding day, which made him have a whole night of insomnia, where Levi stayed pacing around his bedroom, wondering if he had to answer, "I do", "Yes, of course!", or just say, "Okay, where do I sign?".
At one point, Lara looked out the kitchen window and finally saw him.
"HE'S HERE!!!" she exclaimed at the top of her lungs, causing Levi to almost drop the entire pan with the chicken and potatoes on their way to the oven, so startled he got. Hange laughed out loud. She was so happy, she wasn't even feeling any pain in her belly so far.
Like lightning, Lara burst out the front door. She was so excited that she nearly ran over Armin's horse. As soon as he saw her, running toward him, her hair and dress blowing in the wind, he smiled from ear to ear, feeling his heart burn with joy. Armin just got worried when he witnessed the near-run-over, but both Lara and the horse are doing fine, thank you very much.
Lara skipped as she followed Armin ride his horse to the stable, who couldn't stop smiling at seeing her euphoria. His eyes sparkled as he noticed how beautiful Lara was looking in that dress, for it was the first time he had seen her wearing something so different.
When Armin finally got off his horse and turned, Lara threw herself on his neck.
"Babe!!!" she exclaimed, "I missed you so much!!!"
They hugged each other very tight and then Armin held the back of Lara's head, gazing deeply into her eyes.
"God..." he said, with a silly smile, while gazing into those big bright blue eyes, "What did I do to deserve you?" Armin leaned over to give her a very passionate kiss. Lara was so happy that she continued skipping as she kissed him, making Armin laugh.
When they were done kissing, Lara placed her hand on Armin's chest and looked at him from top to bottom. He was very well dressed, wearing a light gray suit. His hair was also neatly combed.
"Wow..." Lara nodded in approval, "You're looking handsome... Where are you going like that, all elegant?"
Armin blushed a little and smiled shyly. Then, he took Lara's hand and made her turn around, so he could see her better. The hem of her long dress fluttered as Lara twirled.
"You are simply magnificent," said Armin, not failing to gape, "You should be the queen, instead of Historia."
Lara blushed, but she showed she enjoyed what he said and informed Armin that he was doing quite well so far in his compliments towards her, and that please, he may continue them. He pulled her into another passionate kiss.
"Come!" she exclaimed, taking him by the hand, "Let's go in, lunch will be ready soon."
"Wait," he said, turning to his horse, "I brought..." Armin looked shy, "Presents..."
"Presents?!" repeated Lara, surprised. "But it's nobody's birthday today."
"Well..." Armin slowly pulled her by the waist, their faces very close, and spoke softly, "Now I cannot please the family of my future wife a little bit?"
Lara felt butterflies in her stomach at those words and couldn't help but squeal with excitement, making Armin smile. There were times when she still didn't believe it was all real.
She helped him carry the wrapped packages and they walked inside the house. Armin was warmly received by Lara's parents. Hange gave him a very tight hug and Levi a nice handshake and pat on his back. Everyone was making him feel so comfortable, that little by little, his shyness wore off.
The appetizing smell of roasted chicken and juicy potatoes was already beginning to fill the room as the four of them sat down on the couches to receive the presents Armin had brought.
Obviously, the first present was for Lara: a big box of chocolates with different flavors that she had never tried before, leaving her eyes very gleaming and her mouth watering.
Afterward, he gave Hange a new kit with essential oils. Everyone was surprised, for none of them had ever told him that Hange rubbed them on her belly, but Armin explained that at the store, the saleswoman told him it was a great option of present for pregnant women, so he thought it was interesting to buy it. They were immensely grateful because their current stock was almost gone.
Then, Armin handed Levi a package with a very different tea blend, which he liked a lot, even making him smile. Finally, Armin gave a small package to Hange again. When she opened it, she started crying with emotion, for it was a very soft little teddy bear.
"It's for Tiny-Human-Bean," said Armin, already trying to get used to the baby's nickname.
At that moment, he was startled to see that both Hange and Lara hugged him tight in thanks for the presents. Even Levi came over and squeezed his shoulders. There, for the first time in a long time, Armin felt truly loved.
Then, slowly, a silence fell over them and Armin felt his heart pound and butterflies in his stomach.
"It's time," he thought nervously. He stood up, facing the three of them. Lara was sitting between Levi and Hange. Armin rubbed his hands together and felt his heart pulsing in his ears. His entire body tingled.
"W-Well..." he started, looking at Lara, then at her parents, "You must have an idea of what I'm doing here today..." his chest rose and fell, "Levi, Hange... I don't think it's a secret to anyone else that I deeply love your daughter and..." Armin saw that Lara had tears in her eyes, making him also feel a lump in his throat, "First, I'd like to apologize for my behavior in the last few years. I know I made Lara suffer a lot and consequently, I believe you suffered as well, and I wanted to say that I'm truly sorry for that." Hange and Levi nodded, understanding. "So..." Armin couldn't help but smile, "I'm here to officially ask for Lara's hand in marriage." He turned to Levi, "As discussed with you, we intend to wait until she turns twenty years old to actually get married to me, but I would like to already make this commitment with Lara."
Armin stopped talking, looking nervously from Levi to Hange. The couple looked at each other, with a little smile on their lips and slowly nodded their heads in approval.
"Fine by me," said Levi, "I consent."
"I'll love having you as a son-in-law, Armin!" exclaimed Hange, smiling.
"Now," added Levi, turning serious and crossing his arms, "you gotta see if that's what Lara wants."
Everyone looked at her, who was red, so much she was trying to hold back tears.
"Lara..." said Armin, gazing deeply at her, his jaw trembling and feeling the tears coming, "Will you marry me?"
She then burst into tears uncontrollably, covering her face and bouncing her shoulders. Hange and Levi started stroking her back, trying to calm their daughter. Amidst her sobs, Lara managed to answer:
"Y-YES!" she exclaimed, giving a big smile, "I WILL!"
Lara jumped on his neck, hugging him very tightly and crying into his shoulder. Armin hugged her back, now also unable to control his tears. He held the back of her head, pressing her against him, rocking her slowly.
Many tears streamed down Hange's face and she looked at Levi with a smile. Levi looked back at her with a twinkle in his eye and also smiled. He watched Lara and Armin, hugging in front of him, and couldn't help but feel moved, because at that moment, he realized how much his daughter had grown. It seemed that only a few days ago, Hange was picking her up to put her in the saddle of his horse, when they found her in that forest and he was responsible for taking her safely to Shiganshina. Now, she was getting engaged. Levi felt a mixture of feelings in his heart and ended up shedding a tear, which fell down his cheek (he obviously tried to hide it, claiming that it was dust and that he would clean the house still today).
"OH!" exclaimed Hange, shaking her hands and pointing to her belly, "It seems that Tiny-Human-Bean also liked the news!"
Indeed, Hange lifted her shirt to show her belly and it was moving wildly. It was like the baby was dancing inside. Everyone gazed at it, perplexed.
Still hugging Lara, Armin then cleared his throat.
"I still have one more present for you," he said, looking at his fiancée, who widened her eyes and smiled, seeming very curious.
Armin took a small box out of his pocket and opened it in front of her, revealing a pair of golden rings, just like the ones Levi had advised him to buy. Both Lara and Hange were mouth-agape.
Lara gazed from the rings to Armin, completely stunned.
"My my, Armin..." she whispered, covering her mouth with both hands.
"It was your father who helped me," he said, pointing his head at Levi.
"I've thought of every detail," he bragged, crossing his arms. Hange playfully tapped him, laughing.
Armin placed the ring on Lara's right hand, which fit perfectly. Just like she also placed Armin's ring on his right hand. When they were done, Armin looked at Levi, as if seeking his permission for something. He nodded and then Armin pulled Lara closer and pressed his lips against hers, causing Hange to squeal in excitement and stamp her feet repeatedly.
"I love you," said Armin, smiling.
"I love you too, very much!" Lara pinched his cheeks with a big smile.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Lara got onto one of the couches and for the first time in her life, she did one of her celebratory funny dances in front of Armin, making them all laugh.
"I'm engaged, tcha-tcha-tcha! I'm engaged, tcha-tcha-tcha!" she sang, while waving her arms in the air.
To complete the surprise, Levi stood up and gave Armin a very tight hug, who was initially startled, but soon replied to his father-in-law's sudden affectionate gesture. Hange also stood up and skipped toward him, looking extremely happy, and also gave him a big hug. Armin asked if he could touch her belly and she allowed him. As he stroked through Hange's shirt, the baby kicked hard, returning the love his now brother-in-law was showing for it.
Lara jumped off the couch onto Hange and Levi's necks, thanking them immensely for all their support over the past years. Then, as she promised herself when she was still on the airship, Lara gave Levi a big bear hug, showering his face with kisses, while saying how grateful she was that he talked to Armin, and that he was the best father in the world.
Hange watched that scene with teary eyes, very proud. Armin was somewhat perplexed, for he would never have imagined witnessing Captain Levi receiving a burst of affection from someone. Levi obviously loved all that attention from his daughter, but he was very embarrassed that she had shown affection in public. However, he let it go this time because it was a special occasion, and deep down, he was feeling so much joy in his heart that it seemed to have doubled in size.
Now that everything was sorted out, Levi then went to finish lunch and Hange went to set the table, leaving Lara and Armin more comfortable in the living room. The new couple sat down on the couch and intertwined their hands that had the rings.
For a while, they stayed gazing at them, not believing that they were living this dream, which seemed so impossible until a few days ago. They couldn't stop smiling. Their hearts burned in the purest happiness. Then, they looked at each other and gave a peck kiss.
"Thank you for coming back to me," said Lara, softly.
She lay on his chest, sighing with joy. Hearing her words and feeling the warmth of Lara's body, Armin never imagined he would be able to feel so much love burning in his heart. At that moment, he realized he had made the best decision of his life.
*Trivia: in Brazil, when a couple gets engaged, it's tradition for both of them to wear a gold ring on their right hand symbolizing their commitment. That's why I made both Lara and Armin wear rings 🥰