๐ชฝThe Scout Families, Ch. 8โ๏ธ
"You aren't allowed to see the bride before the wedding!!" Gabi and Falco argued, pressing onto a stubborn Ymir's legs. The young woman dressed in a cream colored suit, arms crossed with a wry smile on her freckled face. She clicked her tongue, bending down at the two children.
"Hey now, that only works for a groom! I'm also a bride, remember?" She snickered, watching the two children go wide-eyed in confusion. Falco being the first to break, "She's got a point.."
Gabi shook her head profusely, still pressing on Ymir's leg, not caring that her dress was now bunching up. "No! Historia said you can't see her till she walks down the aisle! It's tradition!"
"Falco, Gabi, you can release her. I need to speak with Ymir for a moment." Erwin's voice suddenly spoke up down the hall. Gabi only nodded and grabbed Falco by the hand, the two running off to yell at everyone else to start getting seated.
Ymir took a nervous breath, adjusting her tie and standing up straight as Erwin led her away from Historia's dressing room. The sounds of giggling women erupting from inside.
"You seem nervous." Erwin smiled warmly, while Ymir could only cross her arms. She shook her head, a laugh escaping her. "Nervous? Mr. Smith, what reason would I have to be nervous? Historia and I have waited two years to finally get hitched, I'm nothing but excited! I just wanna see her already."
She confessed, though the way she was fussing with her cufflinks said otherwise. Erwin placed his hand on Ymir's back, ushering her back to her dressing room for the final touches. Where her brothers were still getting ready. "If you have any concerns, you can tell me Ymir. You are my daughter-in-law now."
He sat across the girl in a leather chair, watching as she mirrored the action. The second she did, Hitch got behind her to style her hair. Miche only watched with a chuckle.
Ymir went quiet, looking out the window at the town surrounding the church. Of course, their wedding had become public event no.1, even with security keeping everyone out. Couples from all around had come in support of the two women, the second the news printed that the marriage laws had been changed.
Seeing all those couples..crying, happy..uplifted..it was something she never thought she'd be the center of. She relaxed her shoulders, leaning her head back as Hitch tilted her jaw with a light press of her fingers.
"I just wanna make sure Historia's okay..I know she's graceful, and beautiful and handles pressure well, but I want her to know I'm feeling it too. That we're making this step together.." Ymir confessed with a sigh, earning a smile from everyone in the room. The second her hair was done in a braided updo, she sat up again, looking herself over in the mirror.
"I assure you, Ymir, you have nothing to worry about. Don't focus on the outside world, today is your day. And if I know my daughter, Historia is pacing and waiting to see you too." Erwin said over a sip of tea, before watching as Ymir stood in front of a mirror yet again. "All that matters is each other. You'll feel it the second you see her. Then, off to the shores with you both."
"With security on standby the entire time. Don't want anyone interrupting your honeymoon by trying to do something stupid." Miche added, fixing Ymir's tie. The bride only grinned, tilting her head to the side.
"Dad, you wound me. I'm the best shot out of all my siblings. Ain't nothing getting past me."
"Good. You and your wife will be safe, then." Miche smiled, watching Ymir's own grin grow with excitement.
Moments later, standing at the altar, Ymir held her head high. Her expression hardened as her siblings stood behind her. Across from them, their friends acting as bridesmaids.
The girl's heart was pounding. Looking at every member of the family who had appeared to support them. With how terrible the world treated people who were different, Ymir couldn't believe how lucky she was to have been brought up in this. To have been saved by people so loving and kind, and to have met the love of her life all at once.
The memory came back. Being brought to a large house, holding Miche's hand. Her adoptive father speaking with Erwin. Then, from around the blonde's leg, the most brilliant pair of cerulean eyes stared back at her. A vision. Ymir had known from the moment she met Historia, that she would love her and protect her till the end of time. No one would keep her from that.
That first time Historia took her hand, pulling her with her into a garden, innocent love had bloomed in that very moment. A bond that became unbreakable for years.
Their first kiss. They were 15 and 16. Ymir had heard that Erwin was contemplating an arranged marriage for a business transaction, and ran to confess the second her heart had broken.
It had been nothing short of a fairytale. Leaving her guest room, climbing up the vines to Historia's balcony. Desperation and fear encouraging her forward. The blonde had been confused when she saw Ymir there, but said nothing as the girl had confessed. On her knees, weeping and declaring her undying devotion. Begging to know the truth, if Historia had felt the same. Even if she was to be hated, she wanted to know. She couldn't move on if things were left unsaid.
Historia had knelt down on the floor, smiled, and poured her very soul into that kiss. Tears of relief shed on both sides.
Now, Ymir was breathless and in tears once again. Historia held a bouquet of red camellias, bluebells, orchids and lillies. A simple tiara atop her head, and a veil that dragged behind her so elegantly. Pearls and lace decorating her gown, presenting the bride like the most beautiful white rose in a sea of black.
Standing before her wife, Historia allowed Ymir to pull back her veil. She tried her hardest not to giggle at the gasp that left her betrothed. She took Ymir's hands into her own, whispering. "Don't cry, dummy. Then we'll both be a mess." She smiled, watching as a chuckle left the brunette's lips.
"You're so beautiful.." She whispered, the two settling down as the priest cleared his throat.
The entire ceremony was a blur to them. All they could focus on was one another. Their hearts beating in sync with anticipation, eyes locked in eternity. As if all that existed was each other.
The second the words "I do" left their lips, and they were given permission, the entire room was an uproar. Their lips met the second Ymir had Historia in her arms, the two of them smiling into the kiss.
Historia's arms wrapped around Ymir's neck, the two women a mess of tears at the beginning of their new life together.
In the audience, standing and applauding, Mikasa and Annie exchanged a glance. Respectful, and proud, they knew their efforts had been worth it. Even with the scars they earned.
"You took care of the body, right?" Annie whispered, while Mikasa only smiled. A soft, quiet smile.
"Yes. And you, the documents?"
The party had soon moved down to the speakeasy. Hidden away from the rest of the world, so Ymir and Historia could celebrate in the place they called their second home.
Gambling, dancing, and music blared to the crowd's content, booze flowing freely without a care in the world.
Erwin and Miche watched with proud smiles. Their daughters dancing and embracing one another with utter devotion. A happiness that was incomparable to anything in this world.
For Ymir and Historia, the family had succeeded. The thought brought a sense of relief to Erwin.
"This is only the beginning.." He spoke softly, swirling the liquor in his glass. "Because of our children, we managed to change the law. It's the first monumental step of many."
Miche grunted in agreement, his throat enjoying the burn of his drink. "Still couldn't believe it when you told me. Mikasa and Annie working together? Of all people?"
Erwin only nodded, shaking his head. "I can certainly say I'm proud of my daughter. Annie's entire motives changed. She risked herself to see her sister be happy."
"That being said," Miche began, turning to face his brother in arms. The detective raised a brow, leaning back in his leather seat. "I know the girls are young. Younger than Marlowe. But, and I think Levi would agree with me, they completed their first real job. They showed grit. Devotion to the family."
Erwin was quiet for a moment. And yet, he nodded, a firm smile on his face. "I agree. And, so do Ymir and Historia. They wanted to surprise Annie and Mikasa. They've earned their place in the family."
After cake had been cut, and the brides had given their speeches, Historia was the first to raise her glass.
"We have to give credit where it's due. Our marriage today, could not have been possible without the efforts of our parents and loved ones. However, the ones who made this all possible risked their lives, and dedicated their hearts to the family. My darling sister Annie, and our dear friend Mikasa."
There was applause in the room. Annie kept her head down, tugging the brim of her hat over her face, while Mikasa couldn't hide the soft blush that dusted her cheeks. The two headstrong women becoming flustered at the sudden attention, even if they did deserve it.
Ymir jumped off the stage, pulling them both up with a cheeky, freckled grin.
"Because of your dedication, your will, and the love you have for us, we as a family were able to do something monumental. We changed history, and we plan to uphold it. An effort like that, has been recognized. By all."
Ymir then gestured to Erwin and Levi, who were standing behind them.
Mikasa felt her eyes widen, her back straightening as she realized what was happening. Annie followed suit, her head held high as the Don, her father, stood before her.
Both Levi and Erwin pinned the wings of freedom to their suit jackets. Levi looked his baby cousin in the eye, admittedly trying not to falter in the crowded space.
This young girl, who lost everything, who he raised like a daughter, had surpassed even him. He couldn't hold back the small smile, fixing the lapel of her jacket. "You did good, brat. I'm proud of you."
Words she never thought she'd hear him utter. Mikasa couldn't hold back a grin either, nodding. "Thank you, Levi."
Meanwhile, Erwin had his eyes locked with his daughter. Even so, his own smile was evident. He cupped the girl's cheek, beaming with pride.
"I knew you would find your way.." He whispered. Annie only felt tears well up in her eyes. She knew she was supposed to be rigid, unyielding, but at this moment? She let it go.
She pulled Erwin into a hug, making him stumble for a moment. Then, his smile grew, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
That got him. The leader of the biggest organized crime regiment felt tears well up. He returned the embrace, rubbing her back as his deepened voice seemed to crack. Just for a moment.
The party seemed to continue on, celebrating a union, and two new officials of the families.
Across the hall, a few of the kids were clustered, laughing.
"Holy shit..Lil sis grew up." Reiner laughed, clinking his glass with Bertolt, who seemed to be just as enthusiastic.
"Oh come on now, she had a good big brother to be her guide, eh?"
Marlowe and Hitch were sharing a dance, laughing together as he spun her. "Gonna be hard to top this off with our wedding!"
"Oh come on, you know I go for excess!" Hitch giggled with glee, delivering a smacking kiss onto the boy's lips.
Eren was quiet as he watched Mikasa be revered..celebrated.
He was proud of her, of course he was. He knew the girl surpassed so many of them in every way.
Though the pride in Levi's eyes..it stung. Though, he knew he only had himself to blame.
Pieck came over, handing her adoptive brother a glass, smiling softly.
"Today's not a day for being a brooding mess, Eren."
"Oh shut up Pieck..thanks.." He nodded, watching as Gabi came up to them.
"Eren! You owe me a dance!"
The two elder siblings stared at one another for a moment, before sharing a chuckle at the young girl's demands. Eren downed his drink, standing as he offered his baby sister his hand.
Pieck could only watch as Gabi pulled Eren to the dance floor, a giggle escaping her.
No room for sadness in this moment. No threats, no dangers..only joy.