The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light on the courtyard as Sana and Levi walked together toward the small common room where Farlan and Isabel waited in Levi's barracks. The crisp morning air carried the promise of warmth, much like the emotions swirling between them. Sana glanced at Levi, her heart swelling at the unspoken understanding in his eyes. He gave her a small, reassuring smile, his hand brushing against hers as they approached the door.
Inside, Farlan was reclined on a wooden chair, idly flipping through a worn-out manual, while Isabel was trying to entertain Layina, who was giggling at the colorful drawings she was making on scraps of parchment. The moment Levi and Sana entered, the room seemed to brighten with their presence.
"About time you two showed up," Farlan teased, though his tone was warm. "I was starting to think you'd forgotten we exist."
"I'd never let that happen," Sana replied with a grin, her voice light and teasing. "But we do have something important to share."
Levi cleared his throat, his gaze moving to Isabel, who looked up with curious eyes. "Can Layina…?" he started.
Sana touched his arm gently, shaking her head with a knowing smile. "It's okay. She'll be part of it too."
Isabel caught on immediately, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "What is it? Don't tell me you've invented some new gadget to make us all work harder!"
Sana laughed, but the sound was softer, almost nervous. "Not quite. It's more personal."
Levi glanced at her, his expression softening as he took her hand. His voice was steady but carried an undercurrent of vulnerability. "We're getting married."
For a moment, the room was silent, as if the news needed time to settle. Then Isabel let out an excited squeal, jumping up from her seat to envelop Sana in a tight hug. "That's amazing! I knew it! I knew something was going on with you two!"
Farlan stood, a slow grin spreading across his face as he clapped Levi on the back. "Congratulations, man. I didn't think you had it in you to make a move like this, but I'm glad you did."
"Tch," Levi muttered, though the faint smile on his lips betrayed his usual stoicism. "It's not about me. It's about us."
Layina toddled over, her small hands reaching for Sana's skirt. "What's married?" she asked, tilting her head in innocent curiosity.
Sana knelt, her eyes brimming with warmth as she smoothed Layina's hair. "It means Levi and I will always take care of each other. Like a team."
"A team?" Layina echoed, her face lighting up. "Like you and Levi fight bad guys together?"
Sana chuckled, pulling the little girl into a hug. "Exactly. A team for life."
"Then I'm on your team too!" Layina declared, her voice full of conviction. She threw her arms around both Levi and Sana, and the room erupted in laughter.
---
The celebration that evening was small but heartfelt. The group gathered around a modest table laden with simple yet lovingly prepared dishes. Isabel had taken it upon herself to decorate the room with wildflowers she and Layina had picked, and their cheerful fragrance filled the air.
As they ate, laughter flowed freely, and the conversation meandered from lighthearted teasing to heartfelt moments of gratitude. Farlan raised his cup in a toast, his voice sincere. "To Levi and Sana. May your lives together be as strong as the walls we've built and as warm as the fire that keeps us going."
"Hear, hear!" Isabel chimed in, her eyes sparkling as she clinked her cup against the others.
Levi glanced around the table, his heart swelling at the sight of the people who had become his family. For the first time in years, he allowed himself to think about his mother. He closed his eyes briefly, her face flashing in his mind—her gentle smile, her unwavering strength. She had always wanted him to find happiness, to build a life beyond the walls of pain and loss. 'I'm getting married okasan, Are you happy?'
Sana's hand found his under the table, grounding him. He opened his eyes to find her watching him, her expression filled with understanding. She knew what this moment meant for him—how it bridged the past he had tried to bury and the future he was building with her.
"She'd be proud of you," Sana whispered, her voice barely audible over the laughter around them. "I know she would."
Levi's throat tightened, and he nodded, unable to trust his voice. Instead, he squeezed her hand, the simple gesture speaking volumes.
For Sana, this night was the beginning of something she had longed for but never thought possible. For the first time, she felt truly seen and valued. She looked around the table, at the people who laughed with her, supported her, and celebrated her happiness. This was her family now, and she couldn't have asked for more.
As the evening wore on, Layina's laughter filled the room, her innocence a bright light against the backdrop of their challenging world. Isabel teased Levi relentlessly about being "too soft now" while Farlan regaled them with stories of past misadventures.
When the meal ended and the group began to wind down, Levi and Sana found themselves alone outside under the stars. The air was cool, and the quiet allowed the weight of the day to settle.
"You okay?" Sana asked, leaning against him.
Levi nodded, his arm wrapping around her shoulders. "Better than okay. I never thought I'd have this."
"You deserve it," she said softly. "You've given so much to everyone around you. It's time you let someone give back to you."
He turned to her, his eyes filled with a rare vulnerability. "You've given me more than I ever thought I could have. You've made me believe in something I never dared to hope for."
Sana smiled, leaning her head against his chest. "We're a team, remember? This is just the beginning."
Levi kissed her forehead, holding her close as they stood beneath the vast sky. In that moment, with the stars as their witnesses, they felt a sense of peace and belonging that neither had known before. Together, they were building a future—one filled with love, hope, and the family they had found in each other.