Curtains fell closed behind us as we stepped out onto the balcony, the cold breeze prickled across my skin.

where were we-

"They won't leave us alone out here for long," I glanced back at Levi who was busy double checking for eavesdroppers.

but i'm not sure we'll ever have this conversation if we don't have it now

"This conversation shouldn't be rushed."

hmm

"Then-"

"But I don't think there's a better time-" he paused, looking out over the balcony, "or place- to have it."

well actually-

i can think of several places better than the balcony i died (for the second time) at

but it is extremely poetic

"It's a bit awkward-" I hesitated, "I mean I already basically asked you, I don't know why I suddenly feel so uncomfortable."

the fact that we even moved out here makes me anxious

"Did someone say something to you?"

sorta-

"You walked in on the tail end of it," I muttered, "Floch was actually helping me out of a difficult situation before he asked me to dance."

although i'm certain he did it with some kind of agenda in mind

"He was?"

"Yeah," I stared out over the gardens, avoiding Levi's gaze. "I told you, didn't I? Your fans are rabid-"

and they have a point

"Whatever they said to you couldn't have been worth listening to," he moved to my side, his hand hovering next to mine, "don't listen to that bullshit."

you're right-

"It's not just them-"

historia and ymir basically echoed the same sentiments- albeit way nicer

"Who?"

"It doesn't matter- there is some truth to what they're saying."

obviously your fans and my close friends have very different motives but-

"Are you serious about this?" I implored, "I'm not sure how I should look at our relationship."

it seems like the whole world is trying to tell me that all of this is temporary

"I mean think about it- we're both the only heirs to our respective families- even if the Prince or some other member of the royal family approve of our marriage I think that our individual goals are in direct conflict-"

i want to support levi in learning about the forest but-

im worried

magic is dangerous- if the past couple months have shown us anything

"Does that really matter to you?"

oh

"I didn't expect to hear you telling me that-" I chuckled, "you're supposed to be the realist in this relationship not me."

"They aren't part of our relationship-" Levi scoffed, "if you're worried over the shit other people are saying, you shouldn't be."

well-

"You're right, I am worried."

but i think there's more to it than that

"How long can you worry for?"

"Do you like me?"

"Of course I do."

"Do you love me?"

"I thought that would be obvious," he seemed to deflate a bit at my comment.

i know you do

"I love you too."

"Then what's the issue? We're both going to regret it if we let other people fuck up our relationship."

i know

"I just need some kind of confirmation- I need to know exactly what we are-" I sighed, "I want to be sure that you're serious about this before I give up everything to you."

silence-

"Is that all?"

"Yes," I nodded, still unable to meet his gaze.

i want to make the leap-

i just need to be sure that you'll catch me

that's all

"Should we just get engaged?"

"HUH?"

"You want to know where I stand- would that be enough?"

YOU DON'T NEED TO DO THAT

"You don't have to go that far-"

"I'm serious."

"So am I! All I wanted was for you to-" my gaze snapped to him- "a kiss or something! A label for us- that's all!"

"A kiss?"

"Well- yeah- we haven't done that yet-"

not really anyway-

i don't count the last time

is it so wrong to want something like that?

"But I mean-" I glanced at Levi before shifting closer to the edge of the balcony to further dodge his gaze,

"we don't need to do that. If you aren't comfortable I don't want to press you-"

i just don't know what i'll do if we don't define things now

"Is that what you want?" Levi continued to step closer- forcing me against the railing- cool stone pressing against my stomach.

yes ?

"I think so," I whispered, turning further away from him.

why isn't he saying anything?

i feel super awkward in the hot seat

help-

"Then-"

"You know what- just think about it- we don't need to do this right now," I glanced awkwardly back towards the party. "They're probably wondering where we are anyway."

i don't want to force you into making an immediate decision- that feels shitty

"Wait-"

"Let's go," I steadied myself against the railing.

"Stop-" Levi put out a hand, pulling me away from the edge, "come away from the edge." His hand moved to my waist, gently nudging, "we wouldn't want a repeat of last time."

ah-

"Let's-"

"Do you love me?"

"I love you."

"Kiss me?"

"Here?" I glanced around, "now?"

"Will there ever be a better time?"

"I suppose not," I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of this situation, "I'm kissing you on top of my grave."

"I won't let you drown again," Levi murmured, eyes flickering between mine and my lips. "Fuck what other people say about our relationship."

"Are we dating?" I whispered, the music from the ballroom beginning to swell.

"Does this answer your question?" His grip around my waist tightened as our lips touched- soft and awkward.

wow

"The seal has been broken," I murmured into his skin- pulling away. "You've stolen my first real kiss-"

"And?"

"I think that I'll have to monopolize the rest of yours."

"Gladly."

"I really hated you Levi Ackerman."

"And now?"

"Must I say it again."

"Please?"

"I think I love you."

__________________________

hello all!! tysm for your patience w/ me- finals + moving out of my apartment totally drained me and so i wanted to take a bit of a break and celebrate my birthday before fully coming back

sorry if this chapter is a bit iffy im still getting back into this lol

love u guys <3

- ami