A/N: Thank you to everyone for your lovely reviews, I really do love and appreciate them! Here's to the final chapter! I hope you like it! x

Epilogue

~ One Year Later ~

Eren swallowed thickly and glanced at his reflection again.

"Fuck!" he hissed to himself. His palms were starting to sweat again. He needed to get a grip on himself. "It's just one day," he told himself. "One day, and then you can go back to sitting around in your underwear."

He tugged at his bow-tie again.

The heart of summer baked the world outside and all Eren could do was panic and get himself more flustered. He almost wanted to take his sister's advice and 'go take a cold shower' to settle his nerves. He'd never been too good with crowds, not really. Today he was going to have so many eyes on him at any one time, and the pressure was bubbling away in his head. Pretty soon he was going to have smoke coming out of his ears.

He shifted awkwardly in the suit and tried his best not to rake his nervous fingers through his hair. He'd managed to get it styled pretty nicely first thing that morning –no way was he going to mess up the sheer effort it had taken to look presentable. Not today, of all days.

A knock on the door distracted him.

Opening it, he peered out into the hall and sighed with relief to see his mother.

"Hi mum," he smiled wanly, letting her into the room to give him a hug.

"I wondered where you'd gotten to," she said as she closed the door behind herself. "How're you feeling? Nervous?"

"A little," Eren admitted. "It's just … all this expectation is making me jittery."

Carla nodded, giving her son a sympathetic smile. Eren liked it, had always liked it, when she smiled. It made her look years younger, even though a touch of grey had started to creep into her dark tresses. She came to stand in front of him and adjusted the tie around his neck. He honestly wished she would rip it off and set fire to it, but hey, he could dream right?

Who the hell wore a tie in the middle of summer anyway?

"You look so handsome all dressed up like this," she said, a quiver in her voice.

"I'm glad you think so," Eren groused. "I can't wait for this day to be over and just wear my boxers and a vest,"

Carla tutted and swatted his arm affectionately, "Don't you start that rubbish. This is a big day!"

Eren sighed, "Yes, mum, I know. I'm just saying I do this sort of shit for Levi and that's it. This isn't my sort of scene and I'm not about to make a habit of it."

"Levi does loads of things that he wouldn't normally do."

"I'm aware," Eren grinned, fond memories of taking Levi to an amusement park for the first time resurfacing. "Eh, it's only one day right?"

Carla chuckled and nodded. "Exactly, it's all about balance."

"Hey mum …"

"Yes, sweetie?"

"You like Levi, right?"

Carla's eyes looked up at him with amusement and concern. "Darling, of course I do."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you like him? For me?"

"I like him because he makes you laugh," she finally said. Her smile never wavered. "He's uptight, don't get me wrong, but he makes the effort to relax around us. He even gets along with your sister, and that's not something many people can do."

"I don't think whooping her arse at karate counts as liking."

Carla laughed. "Well, they were smiling afterwards, so I'd say it counts."

More fond memories resurfaced in Eren's mind. It gave him butterflies and made him feel even hotter in his suit.

A knock came at the door.

It clicked open and Mikasa poked her head inside. "Hey, you guys nearly ready?" she asked.

"Yes, we were just ironing out some last minute nerves."

"Good because I have a very anxious little girl out here who wants to see her Uncle Eren!"

She'd barely gotten the words out before an anxious pair of blue eyes came into view. Eren felt his heard melt as Evie toddled into the room in a frilly white and blue dress, her sleek red hair curling gently around her cheeks. She grinned toothily up at Eren as he bent down awkwardly in his suit and scooped her up into his arms.

"Hey there little one, I missed you!"

Evie pressed a huge kiss to his cheek and didn't squirm when he picked her up and planted her on his hip. It was such a natural pose for him these days, he didn't think anything of it. He saw a teary glimmer enter his mum's eye and he did his best not to sigh. She still thought he would change his mind about wanting children. As much as he loved Evie, he wasn't sure he and Levi could take a life-time of it. Levi could be quite selfish and Eren just about coped with keeping his own life running, let alone anyone else's.

His mum wasn't convinced though.

His phone buzzed in his pocket.

[11:44AM] Better get ready to come out, kid. We don't have all day.

Eren rolled his eyes. Trust Levi to try and suck any of the romance out of the day. "Well," he said turning to the other three, "I guess it's time we all head out and get this thing over with."

"Oh Eren!" his mum tutted. "This is a big day, try and be happy about it."

"I'll smile in the photos for you, how about that?"

"I'll take it. Now grab that little missies hand and lets go!"

The venue was beautiful; one of the best manor houses in the British countryside they'd been able to find. The ceilings were high, the ornate windows letting in copious amounts of dazzling sunshine, and the high arches down to the chairs were decorated with thin curtains of white and blue gauze. The flowers were arranged in large ornamental stands at either end of the aisle.

Not that Eren knew why they needed flowers anyway since it was the end of summer, but whatever.

Mikasa and Carla edge down the aisle and into their respective seats. They're sitting close to the front and sit as patiently as possible, Armin on Mikasa's other side looking incredibly dapper in his best suit. His hair and been cut and tamed into a stylish, bright blonde quiff and Eren had to admit it suited his friend.

On the other side of the aisle, Erwin's hulking figure dominated the second row. Eren felt bad for anyone daring to sit directly behind him. They wouldn't be able to see any of the ceremony.

The room really was breath-taking. He had to admit that it looked like something out of a catalogue. Maybe the flowers hadn't been such a bad idea after-all.

From his vantage point he spotted Levi in his steel grey suit and a blue tie. Farlan stood beside him, both men looking like the most elegant and composed versions of themselves. Eren was impressed.

Evie nudged at his leg.

Grinning, Eren bent down so that they were eye-level with one another. "Alright there little one. You remember what you have to do today?"

Her bright blue eyes stared up at him. "I get to throw the flowers!" she chimed.

Chuckling, Eren nodded. "That's right love. Show me how you throw them."

Clutching the little white basket in one hand, Evie crumpled a pink flower in her hand and tossed it with all her might. It flopped, barely grazing Eren's chin and he felt his insides melt. "Well done, petal! You ready to show everyone how well you can throw flowers?"

Evie nodded her head eagerly, her cheeks bright pink with excitement.

Taking her hand in his own, he turned to face the aisle, "Alright little one, let's show them whose boss!"

"Flower for Eren?"

He was going to turn into a puddle if he wasn't careful. Taking the pink flower from Evie, Eren slipped it behind his ear. Evie beamed up at him, even nodding her little face in approval before he scooped her up in his arms and made his way towards the end of the aisle.

Music followed them as Eren carried Evie, his heart thudding loudly in his ears.

In his arms, Evie threw brightly coloured flowers at the carpet and guests all around her, squealing with delight as they went.

Eren caught Levi's eye and felt his stomach flip. Damn, the man scrubbed up impeccably well.

Levi winked at him.

Eren felt his cheeks heat up as he came to stand at the front, gently setting Evie down on the ground.

The music suddenly changed, and all heads turned to the back of the hall.

Isabel glided into view in a long, mermaid cut dress. It hugged her figure nicely in layers of snow white silk and beads. There was a single stripe of blue cross her waist with an ornate brooch pinned into the fabric. She looked ethereal as she kept pace with her father. The veil was quite impressive, but Eren was still able to see her elated expression and pink cheeks.

Turning his head back to the front he watched as Farlan visibly stopped breathing as he gazed down at his bride. His bright eyes sparkled as she drew nearer, her smile as wide as his own. He looked like the luckiest guy in the world.

Eren looked back at Levi. The older man winked at him –damn why was he so sexy when he did that? –and felt his insides flip.

At the front of the aisle, Isabel's father lifted the veil away from her face and kissed her lovingly on the cheek. Farlan took her hand in his and together they turned to face the efficient.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today …"

As the words melted into the beauty of the moment, Eren couldn't help but feel his chest swell with pride. He was grateful to even be in attendance, let alone be the one to help Isabel deal with such a huge event on her own. Farlan had very little interest in the minute details and Levi nodded along with whatever Farlan bemoaned. Isabel had shunned them both, favouring Eren and his tastes. She hadn't wanted anything girly, but had wanted it to by classy, too.

Looking around at the décor, Eren thought they'd nailed it.

Isabel and Farlan said their vows and exchanged their rings.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Isabel barely let the man finish his sentence before she threw her arms around Farlan's neck and kissed him. He staggered, laughing into the kiss and gripping her tightly as everyone applauded.

They walked back down the aisle. Evie slipped out of her seat and hurried over to Eren. Levi crossed the walkway to them and smiled his slow, sexy smirk that made Eren's knees go weak. Before Eren could bend down, Levi scooped up Evie into his arms and took Eren's hand in his free one. They followed the bride and groom outside before everyone else, for the formal photos.

The reception was even more beautiful than the ceremony. Evie was passed around, gaining almost as much attention as her parents. She giggled madly and loved to pose for photos. Isabel and Farlan were almost too happy and excited to even bother with cutting the cake, but Evie really wanted some of the sugar roses, so they quickly cut the cake and mushed it into one another's faces. Isabel was howling with laughter, tears sparkling in her eyes.

Finally they settled down to eat, Isabel and Farlan and Evie at the head table with their parents on either side. Levi and Eren were settled further down the table.

The clinking of the glass made all the chatter ebb away.

Eren felt his heart swell as Levi cleared his throat and stood up, champagne flute in hand.

All eyes turned to him.

"As many of you know, I am Levi Ackerman, Farlan's best man." There were a few whoops of encouragement, which Levi silenced with a glare. "Today, I stand here not only celebrating one, but two of my very closest and dearest friends. Growing up, Farlan was the closest thing I ever had to a brother; we bought our first bikes together, tore the roads up and had a few amazing adventures before I was shipped off to the army.

"Several years later we met up again, this time with Isabel in tow. She was everything I'd ever dreamed of having in a sister, but she quickly became more than that. She became the worst alarm clock in history. She was and is hyper, mad, eccentric and absolutely terrifying when she doesn't get her twenty hours of beauty sleep."

People chuckled throughout the hall.

"However," Levi continued, "She has been a wonderful woman in my life. I couldn't even be standing here today if it wasn't for these two people. Farlan, Isabel; you two are the first people that I ever loved. You have accepted me exactly as I am. You are my family. I'm so happy that you found one another. Not only am I grateful for what you've done for me, but also for helping Eren and me officially get together. It would have suffered greatly without your support."

He raised his glass. Slowly, others raised theirs, too.

"I pray you have a lifetime of madness, laughter and love. And pretty decent coffee, so you don't come and steal mine."

The hall burst into laughter and toasted with cries of 'cheers!', 'what a speech!' and 'BRAVO!'

When Levi settled back into his seat, Eren leaned close and whispered in his ear, "That was a lovely speech. How long did it take you to write?"

"More than I care to admit," Levi stated, quirking a dark eyebrow.

Eren grinned, "Well, it was perfect."

"Thank you."

Eren slid his hand into Levi's. "You're a remarkable man, Levi Ackerman."

"You're not so bad yourself, Eren Jaeger."

Eren smirked. He leaned his head against Levi's, kissing the sleek black hair under his chin. People were shifting all around them, getting ready to start dancing in the space marked out in-front of the stage. "Do you want to dance?"

Levi frowned slightly, his grey eyes glancing over towards the couples hurrying to the dance floor. Isabel had somehow snuck past them, dragging Farlan alongside. They were already swaying together, little Evie clasped close between them. A huge part of him wanted to say 'no'. However, a larger part of him reasoned, they wouldn't be attending many weddings together. Not really. They didn't know that many people. And if they weren't going to have their own wedding …

"Okay," Levi slid his hand into Eren's. "I'm going to lead."

"Of course, sir."

"Dumb brat," Levi groused, unable to hide the twitch in his lip.

Folding their napkins onto their plates, they stood up and walked towards the dance floor. Levi felt a little too hot and stiff in his suit but he let Eren slot easily between his arms, his hand resting firmly on his lover's hip. Taking Eren's other hand, Levi started to guide them lazily to the slow music that melted in the air like honey.

As they swayed, Eren glanced around the room. "It's almost a shame that we're never going to have this, isn't it?"

Levi hummed, casting an eye around the room. "I suppose. However, we can have a big party anytime. Doesn't mean we need to get married."

"I know, just makes me think, that's all."

Levi looked up at Eren and frowned. Maybe the kid had a point.

"It's okay. Just me thinking out loud," Eren hummed. "I still can't believe they're actually married! Look at them being all grown-up."

Levi snorted, "And we get stuck with looking after a little girl who things she is a bumble bee."

Eren tutted, "You adore Evie. There's nothing you wouldn't do for her!"

"She does have my resting bitch-face down, I'll give her that," Levi smirked.

"It's just surreal. Do you ever wonder where the next year or so will take us?"

Levi blinked up at his lover and felt the air sucked out of his lungs. "Sometimes," he conceded. "I also know that you wouldn't even be here with me, if you hadn't text the wrong bloody number a few years ago!"

Eren laughed outright, the sound rumbling through his chest as he clutched Levi tighter. "Aren't you grateful I'm as dumb as you claim I am?"

Levi shook his head, "Never dumb, brat, you're many things but 'dumb' is not one of them."

"Woah there, Levi. If you carry on giving me compliments, I may just need to bed you tonight."

"I thought you were going to anyway," Levi challenged.

"Oh, I am," Eren smirked down at him. "Doesn't mean you can't butter me up first, though."

"You're an awful flirt."

"I know."

"No, I'm serious kid. You're an awful flirt."

Eren let out another howl of laughter, the rumbling making Levi's heart quake in his chest. He couldn't contain his smile as he leaned his head on Eren's chest as they swayed to the music.

By the time 10PM rolled around, it was time for Isabel and Farlan to go off to their honeymoon suite. A tipsy Isabel cuddled her daughter tightly and smothered her little cheeks in bright pink kisses. Evie giggled and swatted tiredly at her mum. It wasn't that late, but Farlan and Isabel were clearly eager to make baby number two, and Levi was so worn-out from the entire day that he wanted nothing more than to go to their hotel room and relax.

Farlan scooped Evie up and walked over to where Levi stood beside Eren. Handing the yawning toddler over to his best man, Farlan said, "Take care of my little princess, yeah? No ice cream for breakfast, Eren!"

Eren looked affronted. "I would never!"

Farlan rolled his eyes, unable to hide his big goofy grin. "I'm married, man! I'm married!"

Levi snorted and smacked Farlan on the back, "Then go back to your wife before she bites the drivers head off!"

Farlan's eyes sparkled, "Yeah … My wife."

He turned, as if in a daze, and hurried back across the gravel path to where the cab was waiting. He ducked inside, slammed the door closed, and they drove away, Isabel waving frantically out of the window.

Eren and Levi waved until they were out of sight. Evie yawned and burrowed into the crook of Levi's neck. "Awww," Eren crooned, "She's knackered."

"Let's get her into bed," Levi said, nodding his head back towards the hotel.

.

It didn't take long before they'd stripped off and into comfortable clothing. A small case of Evie's clothes had been packed for them, and Levi bent down by the edge of the bed and helped ease her little flowery shoes off her feet. He dressed her gently into her cotton pyjamas and pressed a doting kiss to her forehead before scooping her up.

Eren felt exhausted and happy as he watched Levi tuck Evie in between them. It was quite late but the poor little thing definitely needed cuddles before falling asleep. They played some mindless TV on a low volume in the background. Evie's eyelids drooped and she yawned. Clearly being the best flower-girl in all the land was a tiring job. She'd done it brilliantly though.

Leaning close on their pillows, heads bent together as Evie started to drift off, Eren cast a look down at Levi. "We're really lucky you know," he murmured quietly, tilting his head so that he touched Levi's.

"In what manner?"

"That after all this mess, all the drama, we managed to make things work between us to get to this point."

"You don't have any regrets?" Levi asked.

"No, none that I can think of. You?"

"Just one."

"Oh?" Eren frowned. What could Levi possibly regret after being together for over two years?

Levi looked up at him, his eyes wide and vulnerable in the soft glow of the lamplight. "I regret the times I got so caught up in my head. I was and still am head over heels for you. I know I don't really show it but it's true."

"I think you've gotten better since this little one came into our lives," Eren smiled. "She's softened you."

"How devious of her."

"Utterly shameful."

"Still love her though."

"Unashamedly?"

"Irrevocably."

"Good enough," Eren grinned. Reaching under Evie's curled up body, he laced his fingers with Levi's and squeezed. "Thank you for replying to a moronic young man who couldn't work out basic technology."

Levi chuckled. "Well thank you for making sure that young man was deliciously attractive to make-up for his lack of brains."

Eren tried, and failed, to mask his laughter. "Are you saying you're only with me for my body?"

"Look at that, getting smarter already!" Levi teased. He leaned down to whisper into Evie's hair, "Maybe one day he'll be at your level."

"Hey!" Eren protested in a whisper as he shoved Levi. "You're lucky I love you."

"I know I am."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, heads tilted together, their thumbs stroking the soft skin of the other's hand. For the first time in ages, Levi fell asleep before he did. It only seemed to happen when Evie was around, and Eren silently thanked the universe for giving Levi a little angel to help him rest. Turning the channel over, Eren curled an arm around Levi's shoulders and made sure Evie was warm as idly watched a late-night rerun.

He could get used to this. One by one, Levi's barriers were coming down and perhaps one day they would have a little trio all their own. Until then, whether it came to pass or not, Eren was eternally grateful to have Levi. He was everything Eren had ever wanted without realising it. They complimented one another well, even if they needed to work on the verbal side of things after all this time. Eren could never trade what they had for a fantasy. They had a family, not a common one by any means that was for sure, but it was wonderful and filled with love.

It was their's.

Levi shifted in his sleep and curled a fist into Eren's shirt, attempting to get closer. Eren unwound himself and quickly nestled Evie into her cot, covering her with a blanket before returning to the bed. Levi had instantly curled into the warmth of his lover's body. Eren wound his arms around him and pressed gentle kisses over Levi's forehead. He chest ached with the love that thrummed inside. And to think, he'd almost missed this chance at meeting his soulmate.

Texting that wrong number maybe have been one of the stupidest things he'd ever done in his life. However, it was also the best thing. It had led to a happiness he'd never known he would feel. It had led him to Levi.

If given the chance to do it all over again, he would.

And he wouldn't change a thing.

The End.

A/N: Well, there you guys have it!

It's been a long journey to get to this point and I really do love and appreciate the support everyone has given to encourage this story through to the end. It's meant a lot to me, and I've loved writing these characters, loved watching them grow into something wonderful.

I hope you guys enjoyed the ending and leave a review behind!

Stay tuned for my next AoT Levi x Eren story called 'Smoke & Strawberries'.

Have a lovely summer!

Belle x