#eriwn smith

[riewritten]

I’ve always wanted to be in those nostalgic children books; I’ve always wanted to live I their world where it was really comforting and not worry a single thing

then would you mind hearing a story about erwin smith, a character you only had known in story books & dreams, and how you beg the deities every night to live a life as adventurous as his? :) and what if the deities played around and granted it, and the only condition was that you’d have to help him adjust to your world?

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠. erwin smith x gen neutral!reader 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬. 2.9k 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬. modern au, romance, parallel universe, slice-of-life, cohabitation inspired by my goofy story idea:

Even the milky way galaxy wouldn’t suffice to explain the entirety of the world. After all, you believe it could be way larger in your mind! Perhaps, the way your brain could quickly transform words into vivid motion was a gift from the deities, too. What else could you wish for?

What else could you wish for?

At age ten, you read a storybook about a valiant soldier named Erwin Smith. The book, although made for children, didn’t have any pictures. That was the least of your concerns, though, because his story awakened something in you. His character awakened something in you! Erwin is a steadfast individual, not afraid to go against the waves of the world, not afraid to challenge it, to take risks, to save lives. Was it because you’re quite the opposite? No matter, the story didn’t even pique your interest too much. You’re just enthralled by how he deals with the hurdles in his life, perhaps even how his ideals are structured in the first place. You want how he sees adventures, how his life is filled with no worries even at a story premise where a human could be worried! It’s simple and creative, and you hope your life is wired that way, too.

You grow up idealizing what Erwin looks like. Erwin became your muse in the books that you read. Even if the character’s name is Roberto, the face you’d imagine was the Erwin in your mind. Sometimes it wouldn’t apply to utterly realistic literary pieces, but if the character matches Erwin's resilience, then alas! You’d be with him again! You would be him again!

The way your brain could quickly transform words into vivid motion was, perhaps, a gift from the deities. What else could you wish for?

Oh, oh no. You wish Erwin is real. You want to be him. You wish you could be with him. Anything. You just want to be where he is. You want to be in a world as simple as his. A mental physique as uncomplicated as his. You often think about it whenever you’re riddled with stress or when your thoughts are too complicated, sad, grim, or conflicted—every semblance of intricacy in the emotions or the lack of ability to deal with the unideal.

Tch, all the gifts of life, and yet you’re still wishing for more; a grumpy deity (or so you thought) whispered in your mind as soon as you finished your prayer of “Please make Erwin real! Or please make me become Erwin! Perhaps you can have Erwin be with me? Pretty please?” What a pain in the ass. You’re lucky you’re one of god’s favorites.

You initially had no idea what it might’ve meant, but man, is it answered as soon as you wake up!

It is the Erwin in your mind in his full glory, sitting on the edge of your bed, looking as horrified as you are!

And he’s naked? Oh god, why is he naked?!

Erwin, the rational man you imagined him to be, pinched his cheeks to check if it was real. His reaction was enough to warrant an answer on your end, too. He immediately turned his back on you in an attempt to cover his body and cleared his throat, a blush evident on his features. His muscular back blocked the sun rays from your window. Perhaps it made the room warmer too. Was it his ass that made it warmer? Maybe? What the fuck is wrong with you?

“I… uh… I apologize. Please believe me when I say I did not intend to enter your room like this, even more not perverted to do so while naked.”

“Are you real? Like, the real real?”

“This is one of the moments I hope I’m not,” he attempted to hide his chagrin by turning around your room, seemingly finding something to be used at his disposal. “Would you mind giving me a spare cloth to cover myself?” he asked, still not having the guts to face you despite his imploring request.

“O-oh, yeah, of course!”

Perhaps you’re the irrational one to begin with because you did not panic at all. You rushed through your closet to find the baggiest clothes instead of slapping Erwin and calling the police. If anything, the strange stuff some grumpy man whispered in your head last night made a bit more sense. Am I really god’s favorite? 

Damn, if you were, people would die to be in your place!

“H-have you eaten already?” you uttered in attempts for small talk while scurrying through your closet.

“I was fighting monsters minutes ago. I fell off my horse and perhaps cracked my head. The next thing I know, I’m sitting on your bed,” Erwin grimly answered. He sounded utterly obliterated.

“I’m planning to have my breakfast; perhaps we could talk about how to work around this there?”

“Would you mind? That’s not a normal response for someone who just had a man naked in their room.”

“Well, do you want me to slap you and call the police instead?” You awkwardly threw him your giant clothes. Not as if you could slap him and call the police. Hell, you even think it was your fault that he’s here.

Finally, Erwin faced you with an apologetic smile. “Although this sounds blunt, I appreciate that you chose not to.”

The breakfast was silent. The dishes were mundane. You can’t help but be shy because Erwin’s world is fantasy. His whole character entails adventures and playing heroes. The children's book you read about him that started your obsessive idealisms was very simple and uncomplicated. How would Erwin survive in a world like this? Deep inside you, however, is thrilled for an answer. Indeed, how would Erwin behave and respond in your world, in your shoes? He is your ideal person, the very being you wanted to be. If you follow his responses and behaviors, you could be the person you idealized for yourself.

“I’ll be frank with you,” you trailed, “I didn’t panic because I know you.”

“You do?”

And thus, you narrated the story—his story. He was a hero that led soldiers from monsters so they can be freed from a world full of walls. His ending is good—of course, it would be because it’s a children’s book—and his personality entails the generic moral lesson of being kind and thriving for freedom, even at the expense of going against the waves.

He dropped the fork. It seems like the shock deprived him of the ability to pick up his hotdog. Still, because he is a rational being who has witnessed and bested a lot of things in the fantasy world, he instead strategized on how to blend in your world while finding resources to come back to his.

Contrary to how you idealized him to overcome hurdles easily, Erwin has been frowning since you took him in. The gym down your place distracted him. The work you referred him to—the same part-time job you have—gave him the leverage to interact with different people in your world and adjust based on his intuition. He thirsts for knowledge, and you can see he somehow enjoys exploring this whole new world, yet he still frowns most of the time. He looks grim, unhappy, and complicated. 

Why?

One night, you knocked on his door. “Can I stay for a while? I can’t sleep for some reason.”

He gave you a small smile and indulged you in his bubble.

This is the first time you have entered his room, and so you took your time to explore it. You gave Erwin the leverage to decorate it as he pleases. He bought wooden wallpapers for his first salary and removed the lightbulb to replace it with candles. Perhaps it was his way to find a semblance of his origins. You bought him an air diffuser with forest scent, and he liked it, too—his bedroom reeks of vintage and ancient, a very fitting demeanor for his character.

“So, how may I help you? I might not be the best in night talks, but perhaps I can try for my provider.”

“Tch, you’ve been so independent since you came here. If anything, you could be more qualified to be my provider,” you joked, then your features changed in worry. “So, how are you adjusting?”

“I’ve been good! The amenities of this world are exquisite. I’m glad to have the privilege of—”

“You can tell me the truth, Erwin.”

His eyes widened. Then it became lament. It eventually became a rueful smile. “I really do enjoy my time here, but I still feel lost and worried for the world where I came from. I bear lots of responsibilities there. I am certain I died after falling down the horse and need to come to terms with that, but I am still worried. I don’t think it will pass anytime soon.” Still, the character tried to console you. “But you’ve been a great help. Without your kindness, I wouldn’t be able to survive this hurdle. It’s not enough to say I’m lucky I ended up under your roof months ago.”

“Don’t worry too much about me. I’m sure you could survive even if you ended up in someone else’s crib. You’re built like that,” you defeatedly yet confidently replied. “I’ve idolized you since a child. If I were a character in some storybook in your world like you were in mine, I would be a mere extra. I bet my being wouldn’t suffice for how well-built you are. All this time, I’ve been observing how you respond to things, how you approach this challenge, but now I can’t help but worried. I thought it would be easier for you.”

“Hm,” it’s needless to say that Erwin is intrigued by your words. You never opened up like this to him—you’re too busy teaching him the ways of your world—and he didn’t want to pry even though he was curious. “Why do you think so?”

“Because you’re perfect. You were built to be ideal and simple because you embody a valiant moral story.”

He called your name, quite confused yet still willing to understand. “Humans are much more complicated than that. A mere storybook and the moral story it entails would never define the intricacies of our being.”

You turned your eyes sideways in guilt, “S-sorry. That’s just how I see you all this time. My fixation over you stems from my desire to live in a world where it’s much simpler and free of worries. A world where comfort can be easily attained after overcoming a hurdle.”

He nodded, finally seeing where you were coming from. He tipped his head sideward, his smile becoming more warm as the candlelight illuminated the perfection of his features. He is indeed your ideal person—the one you want to become. No, wait. It’s becoming blurry now. It seems like the desire to be with him overpowers the want to be him.

“You’re feeling bad for seeing me that way, aren’t you?” he teased. “You see, if you were a book character and I came across your story, I would be enthralled at how easily kind you could be—to let someone in your house even at the strangest encounters. I would be jealous of how smoothly you help without qualms and in return. I would be fixated on what your character could offer, too.”

You looked at him with wide eyes; heat crept up your face. Still, Erwin was honest; hence he didn’t falter. He remained with his cordial smile, his elbows now leaning on the table and chin propped on his palm. He seemed to like observing you the way you observe him.

Oh, the night is becoming warm. Was it the candle?

“W-well, that’s nice to know. Perhaps I really have to unlearn how I see humans in story books.”

“Indeed, you must. You seem to be putting me on a pedestal way higher than yours when it’s the other way around.”

“Me? Way higher from you? That’s not true!”

He shook his head teasingly, “It is. The Commander is barely wrong with his observations.”

“You are in this one.”

“See, if you want to indulge with the intricacies of my thoughts to deconstruct how you see me as a character, don’t you think this night routine must be compulsory from hereon?"

“You want me to visit your room every night?”

“I can visit yours from time to time, but I rather bring my candles instead of the lightbulb,” he clarified. “It eases my homesickness during the dark.”

“Don’t you need to sleep early? You seem to be someone who has healthy life habits.”

“I’m quite too disgruntled to sleep lately. I’d rather listen to you talk all night than struggle alone.”

“What a time to fluster me, Commander.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

Night talks became a routine. Erwin likes patterns. You’re the one to visit his room for a week, then the next week, he’ll be the one to visit yours. You could talk in the living room, perhaps the dining room while munching on some snacks, but you never did. Going to each other’s rooms might be somewhat of a symbolic routine. It means being more vulnerable, being allowed to enter a much deeper facet of your characters. Bedrooms can offer a space in your personality that common areas couldn’t give. Perhaps it was because how you act in the living room is the same as how you’d act outside, much more concealed and reserved? Amidst the ponders, however, you could see Erwin deeply enjoying the arrangement, too.

He stopped frowning. Your coworkers could see him smile more. One day, he proudly told you that he had attained prime membership at the gym. He offered you to jog with him during the mornings, even. The gym eventually hired him as a model, which meant more income, and he was visibly happy when he paid the bills of your house for the first time. You brought him to a local library, and he did get the brightest smile at the sight of bookshelves. Both of you would sit at the corner of the shelves during weekends, then quietly indulge with the pages. You would maximize the gift of quickly transforming words into vivid motions while he would explore world history, taking a sheer liking to documentations of societal change and revolutions.

The day talks are about the mundanity of life, while the night talks are deeper run-throughs of your and his ideals. Of his and your philosophy in life. Of your long-term goals and perspectives and how the other could intervene with them. Erwin plans to study to become a teacher. You smiled so wide, aiming to support him in every way possible.

“Every school asks every student for a guardian. I’m so excited to put my name in yours! I’ve never been someone’s guardian!”

“I seem to be older than you, though, and to quote you: I might be way more fit to be your provider.”

“Don’t boast at me just because your modeling sideline earns way more than my side jobs.”

“Heh, look at me adjusting in this world way better than you.”

“You have the pretty privilege, Erwin.”

“I think you’re way prettier than me, but I wouldn’t disclose how you can maximize that. I want to indulge in my leverages for now.”

“Go on and indulge with your success. You make me love the mundanity of my life, so reap whatever reward you could have for that.”

“Oh,” Erwin was a bit taken aback, “really? I do?” 

Well, was that a blunt statement on your end?

You tried to excrete the heat covering your face through a yawn. “I’m getting quite sleepy now. Let’s call this a night!” Then you hurriedly stood and gestured to leave.

Erwin closed the book he was reading and then, for the first time, escorted you to your bedroom. He opened the door for you, but just before you could close it, he held onto the knob, scooted his face nearer to your ear, and whispered, “You made me love mundanity, too. It wouldn’t be long ‘til I accept being killed by a crack in my head, so long as your being continues to indulge someone like me. If it helps to tone down your fluster, I’d be pleasured to take any indulgence you’d grant to my being.”

You abruptly turned your head to face him, "Huh?"

"Reap whatever reward I could have, you said."

Oh my word, when did he get this blunt?

Instead of retracting to widen the proximity, he just reached for your hand and gave it a chaste peck without breaking eye contact.

Then, as swift and gentle as ever, he closed the door for you. He could see how bad of a flustered mess you were. It was very evident with his smirk milliseconds before he shut your door.

His character awakened something in you—no, bloody hell! He’s not a mere character anymore! Erwin’s being, indeed, is someone unafraid to go against the waves of the current arrangement, but you never thought he’d also challenge the structure of cohabitation both of you have right now! 

What a pain in the ass. You’re lucky you’re one of god’s favorites. The grumpy voice said the night before Erwin came.

You used to think of the ideal in your mind whenever you were disgruntled at the complexity of your mental physique. Never in your life did you feel that the intricacies of exploring your feelings would be as thrilling as this. Indeed, one of your wishes was heard by the deities. How lucky it is to be one of god’s favorites.

🔖 @frenchdyer @watyousayin @collinnmckinley @aeanya @xiaotopia | SUBSCRIBE TO STORIES

pls pardon me for this 4-hour word dumping. the last time i had written something was last month. writing has been very hard lately but i still want to try bc given these turbulent times, i would die if i lose the capability to write. i consider this as my writing exercise before I indulge with my WIPs and pending requests. ily.

[whatupcherry]

Vets Jobs HeadCanons because why not

Erwin Smith

- I think he would be a world culture teacher, I think he would rather seniors as they are a lot easier to work with (sometimes)

- He would always volunteer to help other students when he was younger, which made him realize that he wanted to be a teacher.

Levi Ackerman

- I think he would be a Pediatric nurse or a pharmacy tech.

- With his mom being sick, he was fascinated with medicines. So when he was old enough to read he would read books on different drugs and how they worked.

- Even though he isn’t the best with people but he is actually good with kids, not in the way you would think but the ‘Levi good with kids.’ He would like working with kids better than working with adults. I don’t know how to explain it.

Hange Zoe

- They would be a Botanist, (someone who studies plants). Ever since they were a kid, they were fascinated by plants. They would stay up late reading books on them.

- By the time they were in high school, they would study the flower language when they had free time, and after college they got a job crazy quick and after a few years became head scientist.

Nanaba

- She has a home business we’re she makes candles. She has always been crafty and she would make them when she was a kid. They started in college to help pay for food and pay for textbooks. And they sold pretty quick so they kept doing it out of college.

- and does Half time at a Thrift store (She has amazing style).

Mike Zacharias

- I had a hard time with this one but I think he would do something that involved working with animals, like idk i feel like he would be good with dogs.

- He would probably work at an animal shelter. He would love to watch animals find a new home.

- also see him working at a gas station in high school don’t ask me why, I just do.

[elprogoodbg]

So we had this

Then this

And now this

N O

[shadowgale96]

“In every angel, a demon hides. And in every demon, an angel strides.”

[nyxerebus]

okay but imagine if Erwin had a child and never told anyone in the survey corps about it

They're 16 and just joined the regiment

Armin and some of the others start to catch feelings and then they find out about their relationship with Erwin-

(I hope that made sense)

-🦋

This is soo cute! i treid my best, but i am very tired so it might be shit, hehe.

“Commander!” The four year old saluted at their father. “Very Good (Y/N)! rember what we say?”

“Offer up our heawrts” (Y/N) had a stern look on their face, but with their little baby eyes and baby fists, they didn't look that serious. “You look like a born soldier! You might outrank me one day” A deep belly chuckle came from Erwin. He picked them up. “Make me fly Dada!”

Giggles filled the room as Erwin held them above his head and moved her around.

“Commander!” This time, it wasn't his cute four year old that saluted him, it was his beautiful 16 year old. He tried to hide his smile, but he couldn't start showing favorites. “Listen up Cadets-” He continued with his speech about honor and the glory of humanity. “Now Cadets, follow Squad Leader Hange and she will show you your new sleeping quarters!”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

KNOCK KNOCK

“Name and Business” Erwin was nose deep in paperwork, but a smile made its ways to his lips when he heard it was his child. “Come inn”

“hey dad” They closed the door before they addressed him. “What can i do for you sweetheart?” He was leaning back in his chair, giving them his full attention. “Just wanted to check up on you! Didn't see you at lunch”

“Im fine, just a lot of paperwork” He was preparing for the next expedition outside the walls. “You know, we need some people back here to make things run when we are gone. And I took the liberty to sign you up” Erwin didn't meet their gaze, knowing they were pissed off. “What!?”

“It's for your own good (Y/N)! It's dangerous out there!” (Y/N) rubbed their temples and paced around the room. “I know that dad! But you can't keep me here forever, he had this fight when i decided to join, i won't have it again. You can't baby me around here and keep me back. I joined to save humanity, just like you, just like everyone else! And i won't let you give me special treatment” Erwin took a deep sigh, knowing he was wrong. “Fine, I’ll take you off”

“Thanks dad, i gotta go. Connie wants to introduce me to his friends” This made Erwins 'protective dad senses’ tingle. “Connie Spring? That boy is nothing but a troublemaker, i don't want you hanging around them” (Y/N) just chuckled, “Of course you don't, but luckily for me, thats not up to you!” Before he could protest. they shouted out a ‘See ya tomorrow!’ and left the room.

“Hey guys! This is (Y/N) Smith! This is Sasha, Jean, Armin and Reiner! And of course you already know about Eren”

“Yes, but its good to meet you all” They smiled at them. They began chatting with the group learning about them, and joking with them

“(Y/N) Smith? As inn Erwin Smith?” Jean asked when they started to walk back to the sleeping area, night time getting closer and closer. “Hehe, yes. thats my dad”

“Your dad is the commander!” Sasha freaked out, but most of the boys started to sweat. Especially Armin, who had taken a bit of a fancy of her. Now he had to get the commander's blessing! Wanting to make a good impression on them ,Armin asked if he could walk them back to their room. “Of course! Thank you” They both started to walk and chatted. They shared a love for books and could discuss them all night. “well this is me, it was really good getting to know you!”

Armin rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, “No problem! Want to eat breakfast together tomorrow?” (Y/N) nodded and opened the bedroom door, but before they walked inn, they leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. “See you later Armin” And with that the door closed behind them, leaving a blushing Armin.

“So, Cadet Arlert” A deep voice scared Armin and made him jump around. He met the commander's icy blue eyes. “Your fooling around with my daughter, are you?”

“N-no Sir!”

“Dont lie to me Alert! I saw you eye ogling her” Erwin leaned down so he was at eye level with the poor boy. “If i ever see you close to her, i will feed you to the nearest titan myself” And with that, Erwin walked off.

The next day Armin was avoiding (Y/N) the whole day. He didn't show up for breakfast, and when they were training their ODM gear, he wouldn't even look at them. “What is up with you!” (Y/N) finally confronted Armin after dinner. “Nothing”

“Than why are you avoiding me!” Armin didn't meet her eyes, to ashamed. “Your dad told me to back of, so that is what I’m doing” This shocked (Y/N). “I should go”

“No! Wait! Please let me talk to my father. He will back off if i tell him to, i don't want to loose you” Tears were building up in their eyes. Because of their fathers position, everybody had avoided them growing up. Too scared of their dad. Armin was the closest they had gotten to a friend, to a crush. They didn't want to lose that. Armin just nodded, but when he saw the commander approaching he ‘eeked’ and tried to run off. “Hold it right there Arlet, don't you remember what i said?”

“W-w-well-” Armin started to stutter out some excuse, but (Y/N) took the word. “No dad! You don't get to dictate who I am seeing or talking too! I like Armin, a lot and I won't let you scare him off like you scared every friend i had off!” Erwin was taken back by his child's outbreak, but that didn't stop guilt from taking its hold on him.

“I am sorry (Y/N), i haven't been thinking about your feelings. Its just hard watching my little child grow up”

“I get that dad, but please, i need you to back off”

“I will” (Y/N) hugged Erwin. “Okay, i will let you two alone” He smiled down at them, but turned to Armin with a stern look. “But if you hurt them, i will kill you”

“Y-yes sir!” And with that Erwin walked off. “Want to hang out!” (Y/N) tried to lighten the mood, poor Armin was terrified. “S-sure!” And with that they walked off to the library, (Y/N) was finally getting their first friend, and maybe, first boyfriend.

[shippingeruri]

Art by はるるん | Twitter: @harurunhol

☆ Posted with kind permission of the artist ☆ Please do not repost without permission ☆ Please do not edit or remove the caption

[erwinsundercut]

I haven’t been this enthusiastic about making a gif in years!

[aphrodite-would-be-proud]

Rivals with cadet Erwin pt.3

{ pt.1 | pt.2 | pt.3 | pt.4 }

{Erwin x Reader | tw: military, tw: almost fighting someone | romantic comedy, enemies to lovers, slow burn | canonverse}

{"The wedding morning" by Konstantin Johannes Franz Cretius, 1814-1901}

"Aren't you going to back me up on this?" You pleaded, hoping your mutual friend would be the voice of reason.

"You know he's on my side here right?" Erwin interjected, raising an eyebrow as he too eyed the tall figure sprawled on the bed across the both of you.

Despite the intense negotiations that have been going on here for the past 2 hours, Miche barely added anything of value to the conversation and he was adamant on keeping it that way.

Sparing the both of you a mere glance from behind the book he's reading, a shrug was all you got before he adjusted his grip on the leather cover, flipping the page.

"You know that coming here would give the impression that you'd add something to the conversation, Miche." Eriwn said, fingers rubbing his temple to get rid of the aching feeling of the upcoming headache following this.

"He's right" you crossed your arms, only to follow it with "for once." for good measures.

Knowing that ignoring two of the most stubborn people he has met in his life would only bring him more pestering, Miche begrudgingly set his book.

"First of all" he glared, "the 'here' that i came to, is my room."

"Our room." Erwin interrupted.

"My side of the room." Miche shot back, pointing to the invisible line that the two men must have agreed on years ago.

Without giving Erwin any more attention, Miche continued, "second of all. The two of you made the deal, therefore you deal with it yourselves"

"Well maybe if someone actually could understand basic words, then he'd know that a favour doesn't cover for what he's asking." You were getting more frustrated by having to go back and forth on this subject, aimlessly running in circles.

"You're blowing this out of proportion" Erwin 'gaslights you to your own face' Smith replied, " I simply asked you to…consider it and give it a lot of thought."

"And I did." You repeat yourself for the fifth time, "the answer is no."

"Then consider it again." He says with a straight face.

You're talking to a wall, a brick wall that calls itself Erwin and walks on two legs. "No means no, just how many times do i have to rethink about it."

"Till the answer becomes yes."

Feeling fed up, you lean closer to his annoying face as you stare him directly in the eye.

For a second, you actually see a glimpse of hope in them when your mouth opens.

"I'm not joining the scouts, Erwin."

And all hope vanishes.

"Then which branch do you plan on joining?" He's still determined he can get through to you.

The only thing keeping you from telling him to shove it and getting as humanly possible away from him right now, is his petty blackmail that he holds over you.

Big enough to get you to agree to have this talk with him right now as your owed favour, but not big enough that you'd risk your life over some horse theft accusation.

You lean back, the hard wood of the bed frame feeling rough against your back. "I don't know." You truly don't.

"Then let's go through them together." And when he says that with his all familiar smug smile, it hits you.

Oh god he's going to use one of his weird logic manipulation tactics on you again.

You swallow down.

"The most common choice for a cadet is usually the Garrison." He pretends to think as he pauses, like he didn't rehearse this whole conversation with an unwilling Miche hours before you came.

While yeah you're being forced into having this conversation, you still keep true to your word and actually put some effort into considering this.

Picturing yourself wearing the bi-roses jacket, being part of the largest military division which means you'll never be understaffed.

Maybe it's not so bad, they get holidays and are generalist in nature. You'd get the best of both worlds, being able to keep in touch with society while still walking the edge of danger when maintaining the outer walls.

"But then again, you'd be akin to a youth pastor without all the church health care benefits. Telling kids off when they try to draw on the wall, town people coming to you to find their missing pets, said kids or to solve some petty theft issue." He slowly begins to shatter your rose colored view on the Garrison.

And he goes on, listing how 90% of the people currently employed are completely unprepared and unqualified to face an actual titan wall breach, how it's all a bunch of drunks with wasted potential. You know just completely disregarding their complex lives as humans with struggles and judging them the same way a farmer would to livestock.

Yet still, he held some sense to his words, making a valid point through his long lecture of why the Garrison is a waste of resources 101.

"Alright I get it." You stop him before he could finish why the Survey corps should be getting the Garrison share of the government funding. "I'm not joining the Garrison."

With a satisfied smile, he says "Good." Like a fly to a spider, you fall right into his web. "If not the Garrison and not the Survey corps then…maybe the military police brigade?"

You already made it to the top ten so why not?

"Maybe" you reply, a part of you realises how little thought you've actually put into deciding what to join.

You've been so focused on your current position as a cadet and how to succeed in it that…you completely forgot it was temporary.

All the rankings, all the tests and all the friendships you've made would just be gone like it never existed the second you step outside this training facility with your belongings.

"They actually get good pay, you know, not to mention the noble reputation that comes with it." Maybe listening to Nile's ramblings on the many benefits he'd get once he graduates wasn't a huge waste of your time.

If he wasn't expecting you to actually show interest in joining the military police, he didn't show it at the start.

But instead of going into another lecture, he only said "Is that all you want?"

"Huh?" You didn't get to fully process what he said before he continued on.

"A good pay and a decent reputation is all you aspire to? You've put in so much effort so far and you're just going to throw it away to live comfortably as a glorified decor for the rich?"

Why was he taking this so personally?

"They protect the king, they're the closest thing to the noble knights the history books mention." You argue.

"Because a single person definitely needs hundreds of guards to protect him. Like I said," he looks you up and down, " a decor for the rich."

Turning towards Miche, your eyes dig into his back, "are you hearing this?"

Not bothering to turn around from his position, he replies, "you shouldn't be ashamed if that's what you want." He doesn't hide his yawn, "although maybe you should've considered marrying into aristocracy instead, definitely easier than being a soldier."

You were done with both of them, "you know what maybe i should've, Miche. Thanks for your thoughtful input." You couldn't have made your tone more sarcastic if you tried.

"You're welcome." And with that he stretches his arms, "it's getting late, unless you want to spend the weekend with the instructor cleaning equipment, you should get back to your own cabinet."

True to his words it is really dark outside, the moon illuminating the sky as the candlelights fade from the windows of each surrounding building.

A sense of relief fills you at the fact the day has finally ended, you've successfully fulfilled your end of the bargain and showed up here to listen to Eriwn's proposal like you promised.

No longer being obligated to stay, you don't waste a second to leave. "Well nice chat, how about we never do it again." You get up from where you've been sitting on Erwin's bed, feeling your legs waking up after sitting down in one position for so long.

Exiting the dreadful room quickly, you take a breath of fresh air, letting the cold night breeze surround you for a good minute.

And then you hear the wooden door open from behind you.

You regret not sprinting back to your room when you had the chance.

"Let me walk you back" Erwin says, "it still falls under the deal we made, you promised the whole night didn't you?"

You stare at him with an annoyed expression, "you're not planning on sharing my bed till sunrise as you repeat your argument, are you?"

"You have my word, I won't step a foot inside." He makes a crossing heart gesture.

Accepting your fate, you reason with yourself that It's just a 10 minutes walk, what's the worst that can happen.

Despite the lovely night and clear sky with each star rivalling the other, the walk is just tense and awkward with a suffocating slimy thick silence.

Maybe you should say something, it will help make this 10 minutes shorter.

"There's nothing wrong with wanting a comfortable life you know." Why on earth would you say that? You're just begging him to start the argument again at this point.

"Is that so?" He doesn't take the bait thankfully.

Still you feel a weird need to justify yourself to him, you've never cared about what he thinks about you but something about saying you're wasting all your efforts just hit a nerve.

"A lot of people would give everything to qualify to join" those words feel strange in your mouth, like they're not your own but you've heard people say them so many times it became a latching thought.

Not to mention a lot of people were actually giving their all in training, some even more hardworking than you. Yet for things they can't control, their best efforts couldn't surpass what came naturally to the people at the top rankings.

They had their skills and talents, but none that the world you live in would deem valuable.

Not hearing his steps beside you anymore, you turned back to look at him.

A shiver ran down your spine at the drastic change in his expression from just seconds ago, he looked absolutely pissed.

He started walking again, towards you this time.

Suppressing the fight or flight urges that have been trained in you, you try to deescalate the situation by taking slow steps back since you know he isn't the type of person to start a fight.

Not to mention is he really going to actually fight you over this?

As your back hits a wall, you tell yourself that you won't hesitate to break his arm if your gut feeling is actually right.

But he stops just before he gets close enough that you could justify shoving him away, almost like he knows exactly where your limits are and how far he could push the line before it snaps.

Still, it is close enough that he almost has you cornered, leaving a space you could escape from any second you want.

And yet you stay, he tests the waters and steps even closer. Gambling away his jaw remaining intact with each step you allow him to take.

"It's my own fault for thinking you were different from the rest." Betrayal and disappointment is crystal clear in his voice, eyes burning into you as if you've personally stabbed him in the back.

"I'm not going to apologise for ruining your imaginary image of me." You're not sure why he's making this a big deal, but you're not going to let him take out his personal issues on you.

Seeing your reflection in his eyes, the same twings of vulnerability shows itself just like that other day in the tavern.

He can tell that you can tell that he's desperate.

At any point you can just walk away, you don't have to listen to him just because he's in a sorry state right now.

Yet you remain still, not out of pity.

"What if…" he clears his throat, like he knows what he's going to say isn't going to be convincing, " what if we get married."

You blink.

He blinks back.

"Pardon?"

He looks away, "we're of legal age, i know a priest that will agree for a price and i can get us a respectable church with enough time and-"

Maybe he's actually lost it.

"Don't no, just…" you stop him as confusion fills you, what do you even say?

After giving him enough seconds so he would admit his poor attempt at humour and stop this joke, you're only met with anticipation filled eyes and nothing more.

"Why?"

He has the audacity to look confused at your question.

"Isn't this what you wanted?"

You almost choke, since when!?

"No?"

"Yes?" He replies, "You want a comfortable life, I could provide that eventually and exchange…"

His voice is right next to your ear, now more confident in the argument he's making. "I get you. I get your skills, your opinions and evaluations."

"You want me to unofficially work under you? By getting married as a front?" You're not sure that you're following his train of thought.

"More or less if you put it harshly that way." He gives you a bit of space, "the way i see it, is that you'll be getting your comfortable lifestyle whilst not wasting your skills and efforts, of course i will reward you for your consultation and only ask you to help with the on base operations once a week."

Only he can make a marriage proposal sound like a government job application.

For all the praise people and teachers throw his way for being exceptionally smart, you realise how big of a moron he is.

"You think you can bribe me into unofficially joining the survey corps by marriage."

"Yes, How is it any different from joining the military police? At least you'd help humanity more in this scenario and I assure you I'm not as pretentious as the people you'd be dealing with there, especially since I would be your husband after all."

"Do you even understand what marriage is? What makes you think I'd just agree to marrying the first person that offers a bit of luxury?"

He questions if you're messing with him, "you seemed disappointed that you didn't marry an aristocrat just a few minutes ago with Miche, I'm giving you another chance at your dream, so why aren't you taking it?"

"That…" you place a hand on his shoulder, "was sarcasm."

...

"Oh." He stares at you, embarrassment slowly creeping into his features as he avoids eye contact.

You would laugh if you didn't actually feel a bit sorry for him.

Clearing his throat, he says "so…you wouldn't marry for a comfortable life?" He seems keen on dying on this hill.

"No."

"Hm…" with a completely serious expression he continues, "i must have misunderstood. I thought my plan this time was foolproof."

The silliness of the situation is starting to down on you as the silence fills the air except for the chirping of a night cricket that could be heard nearby.

Maybe it's the leftover adrenaline from the fight or flight nearly activating or maybe you're just sleep deprived but you feel a smile creeping up your lips.

God this is just so silly to happen over a misunderstanding.

"What kind of person do you think I am?" You ask rhetorically, thinking of how this could've been avoided if he picked on your sarcasm.

Seeming relieved over the fact you're not angry, he doesn't care that he just embarrassed himself enough to last a lifetime, as he smiles back at you.

"That's what I'm trying to find out."

You snort, nudging his arm away as you get your personal space back.

"God you're just…something."

It's his turn to chuckle, "amazing choice of words, I've never been called something before."

The light verbal teasing continues as both of you head towards your original direction, it's been a really long day for everyone involved.

Till you finally arrive at your door, voices lowering into hushed tones to not wake up your sleeping roommates inside.

"Hey, I made sure to groom the horse every now and then… I think." No you didn't.

"Uh huh, you really thought the mud would magically disappear from him each morning?" He could see through your lies.

You shrugged, "maybe he's just a really smart horse? How could I have known you were taking care of him like some sneaky tooth fairy that cleans horses instead."

He covers his mouth to stop himself from laughing, steadying himself before removing it. " A horse cleaning fairy?"

"Shut up."

You walk up the small steps carefully so they wouldn't creak, listening closely to the door as you only hear soft snoring inside.

Bless your roommate's heavy sleeping.

"Hey uh…" Erwin whispers loud enough to get your attention. "I just wanted to say that…I'm sorry, for all of this."

This is the first time you've heard him apologise to you, at least sincerely.

"Well I don't forgive you." You reply, " but I appreciate the gesture."

He's smiled this night alone more than you've seen him do for all the years you've known him.

"Thank you." He looks sincere, "sleep well."

With that, he begins walking away.

You watch him from the door.

The light mood you've just had begins to sour, a melancholic feeling taking its place.

You've asked people around this morning before having this talk with him, only a handful is even considering joining the scouts.

The only people that actually had their join requests already written and sent waiting approval, were him and Miche.

Stepping inside, you tiptoe towards your bed, your sleeping roommate none the wiser.

As you lay under the covers that night, you begin to wonder what it is you actually want.

While the occasional indulgence in comfort is refreshing, you know deep down you're already too used to the military lifestyle to go back to the civilian one, it'd be like taking a bird's wings away just as it got used to flying.

Your eyelids become too heavy as you start dozing off.

The look of pure desperation in his eyes is the last image your brain conjures.

-

Taglist : @rapsgoddess

[commanderserwin]

starting over again.

↦ pairing(s): erwin smith x reader

↦ word count: 4.3k

↦ anon request: 

I just wanna say that I really appreciate your writing!!! I love how you put in little details that just ties the whole story. I hope you're well! (If it's okay and not too much work on you, i'd like to request a scenario of Erwin x reader where they fight and then make up later on. You can make it modern au or canon. I am crushing HARD on Erwin lol)

↦ genre(s): modern AU

↦ author’s note(s): anon, i love u. the little details turned into a couple thousand words and here we are! i appreciate you and i hope you’re well too! ♡ 

ps. enjoy! enjoy! [i had too much fun with this ahh!!!] hope you like it, my anon! sorry to keep you waiting! [starting to think u wanted a different fight & make-up, but this is is what my brain will offer, mwa!]

╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾

“It’s a text.” 

“Is it that hard to send one?”

“Why do I even have to?”

“So that I could have a basic idea of where you are?”

“God, we have been together for years.” 

“I’m only asking you to text me about your whereabouts.” 

Both of you sat at the opposite ends of the couch, staring ahead at the idle television that’s playing a romantic movie— a complete opposite of what is happening. The actors kissed passionately, while you ached for that with him. Because lately, things have been piling up, and up, just waiting for it to all spill until both of you are drowning in unspoken problems. You reached for the remote on the coffee table, shutting down the television to get rid of the jealousy that’s pooling at your stomach. 

“I thought we’re watching the movie,” Erwin asked, uncrossing his arms as he reached for the remote on your hand. 

“You do that,” you said, clicking the on button as you dropped remote on the couch. “I’m going to bed.” 

“Are you tired?”

You could only look at him with wishful eyes, hoping that the years together he could finally see right through your emotions. Tired, physically. Tired, mentally. Tired, of this relationship. 

“Yes,” you scoffed, walking towards the bedroom as you peeked through your eyes that Erwin got more comfortable in the couch. 

Can’t you reach after me? 

Can’t you read me?

Can you whip me around like that stupid romantic scene from the stupid romantic movie that both of you were suppose to watch?

The bed feels lonelier and colder now that he isn’t here. The gap between the two of you have drifted into something larger than even the tips of your fingers and his couldn’t brush anymore. It isn’t there anymore, the emptiness in your heart, the exhaustion of trying to keep everything in check, trying to make everything work because you wanted to hold on to him. 

He keeps you afloat, but at the same time, it’s him who makes you feel underwater. 

Then it repeats. 

Erwin would pad towards the bedroom, his hand hovering over the knob, hesitating if he should sleep with you. He could feel you. He could feel the drought. He could feel the spark fading, even when he tries to keep it alight. He doesn’t know where it went wrong, where it started to fade, where it started to fade into nothing. 

He opened the bedroom that he shares with you, his eyes going over your body that was huddled on the opposite side. When it first started, both of you would huddle in the middle; arms wrapped around each other, legs tangled together, hearts beating together— and now. The distance is as wide as it can be. The bed dipped under his weight, his back turned on you, as he cradled his head on his hands. 

Erwin gently retreats to his side, laying down as he stares at the ceiling. He turned to face you, seeing your silhouette against the dimmed light, he watched your chest rise up and down, sleeping peacefully. He wanted to touch you, graze his fingers on your skin, feel you... and he reached out. 

Then he pulled away his hand. 

He heard you sniffle. 

Erwin closed his eyes, turning to his side, facing the wall, until the bed shook from your quiet cries. 

╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾

In the morning, Erwin would only squeeze your shoulder in passing as he leaves earlier for work. 

In the afternoon, Erwin would look at his phone, waiting. His eyes glances over at the computer screen in front of him, then at his phone. 

In the evening, Erwin slowly turns the knob over to enter the apartment. It’s empty. 

Tonight, the lights are all off as he glanced over at the wall. The clock displayed its hands at 8:00PM, only a few minutes earlier than he would usually be home. You should be too. 

He walked towards the kitchen, finding it empty. 

He walked towards the bedroom, finding it empty. 

He walked towards every door that he could open, finding it empty. 

Erwin waited by the couch, his eyes drooping at every minute that passes. Not even the loud action movie could make him open his eyes. His eyes looked back at the clock, 12:00, and he looked at his phone. 

No messages. 

No calls. 

He threw it on the other side of the couch, confusion settling in his chest. If this was your way of payback, it was immature. 

You know it was immature. 

That’s why Hanji kept glancing at her watch, her eyes going back and forth as she leaned in closer, the immediate smell of alcohol seeping through your mouth as you turned around. Even Levi scrunched his nose when you spoke. 

“I think it’s time to head home?”

Hanji asked, placing the coat around your shoulders as her hand pulled you up, but you stayed glued. 

“I’ll call Erwin,” Levi muttered, hand going to his phone. 

“No!” 

Both of them looked at you, your eyes shot and puffy. 

“Don’t.”

“Babe, it’s one in the morning,” Hanji cooed, showing you the time on your phone. “You’ve got work.”

“I can call out,” you muttered, hand going up to the bartender. 

“She isn’t having any,” Levi said, rummaging through your purse for your credit card. “Just the bill.”

“I don’t want to go home.”

“You have to.”

“I don’t want to.” 

“Just talk to Erwin,” Levi sighed, placing the card back in your purse. 

“I hope it’s that easy.” 

“Who said it’ll be easy?” Hanji whispered, leaning her head on your shoulder as you began to cry again. 

You have been crying for almost an hour, tears drying and pouring again at every mention of Erwin. In the end, they coerced you to get into the car while Levi drove and Hanji stayed in the back of the car, holding your hand as you sniffled. It was the car ride of your life that you were terrified of getting off. 

It’s the constant fight in your heart that makes you want to let go and yet you find yourself scrambling to hold on to the thread that’s keeping the both of you tied. Maybe you were afraid of breaking it off, maybe you were afraid of growing without him, maybe you were afraid of losing him. Maybe it is time to let go, but you haven’t got the strength to do it, because at the end of your grey thoughts; he is the one standing there, waiting for you. 

It was your turn for your hand to hover on the knob. It was your turn to be at Erwin’s shoes, hesitant, apprehensive, as you enveloped the bright lights from the living room. 

There he was. 

“Where have you been?”

Erwin lowered the volume of the television because he can’t bear of only hearing your voice and his to be heard in the room. 

“Just out, had a couple of drinks.” 

“It’s one in the morning.” 

You look up at his blue eyes, not knowing that he now stood in front of you. 

“You could’ve texted me.” Erwin pressed.

“Hah,” you huffed, pulling away from his hand as you wobbly walked towards the kitchen for a nice glass of water. You can’t be near him or else you’ll break down. 

“Is this about yesterday?”

“No.”

He stayed in the living room, watching you gulp down the water. You haven’t turned your back on him, your eyes away as you stared at the kitchen wall. Fitting how Erwin kept little small printed pictures of the two of you, and you’re directly looking at it. A nice coffee date by the park. His eyes glued to yours, as you looked at the camera.

“Then what is this about?”

“Let it go,” you muttered, gripping the glass. 

You finally turned around, staring at Erwin from a couple of feet away. 

“I can’t just let it go.” 

“Erwin, please,” you sighed, rubbing your eyes. Please don’t cry, you thought. “I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” 

“No,” he said, grasping you by the wrist as you tried to pass by him. He isn’t going to bed like this. “Let’s talk about this.” 

“There’s nothing to talk about.” 

“Don’t lie to me.” 

You finally stared at his blue eyes, usually finding comfort in them but all you could see was confusion painted. Anger. Betrayal. 

You wanted to talk, but you're so scared of what it result in. Of the words that could be said, because you wanted to lie beside him just one last time- or forever, but you are so scared. 

"Can we go to bed?" You whispered, breathing hard until you could turn away. "I'm tired, please."

"I heard you crying last night," Erwin said, his eyes looking right at you. His grip softened when your lips quivered as you rubbed your eyes with the other hand. "Why?"

"Because."

"Because what?" Erwin pressed, pulling you to him until you moved a little closer to him. 

"Because!" Your voice cracked, pushing him away until you sat on the couch, your hands wet from the way your eyes finally poured their emotions. 

Eriwn watch you cry, your shoulders shaking in every breath that you take, your palms wet as you cried into them for minutes. He couldn't help but tear up, finally realizing what this is about. He doesn't want to come to this, but here you are. He let his own tears fall as he watched you, his chest rising up and down as his mind clouded with the only thought he doesn't want to think about. 

The drought. 

The unspeakable— but it's time to finally voice it out. 

"Let's break up." 

"What?" You sniffled, wiping away your own tears as you whipped your head to him. He let his tears fall, as he stared. 

"Let's break up," Erwin whispered, sitting down on the opposite side of the couch. He stared ahead on the television, finding comfort on the action scenes. "Because this isn't working out. You know it. I do, too."

"Erwin..."

"I'm right, aren't I?" He turned his face to you. His emotions have swam to the ends, feeling nothing as he stared. Until he drowns the all out. 

Second turn into seconds turns into minutes. Nobody spoke. Nobody made a move. 

Your heart stopping as if this is it. It's ending. 

"I don't know where we went wrong," you whispered, wiping your tears away. 

"Me too," Erwin agreed, nibbling on his lip. He looked away, chuckling dryly, "We had a good run."

A knife to the heart. 

Erwin walked to the door, putting on his shoes as you stood, peeking behind him. You tug on his shirt, making him look at you. 

"Where are you going?"

Was it suppose to end like this? It isn't suppose to end like this? The two of you were supposed to work things out, give it a little push, holding on to it until the light is there, until you could see where he was. Not like this. Love is supposed to be like this— the sparks, then here comes the drought. 

Love has to be fixed. Love has to be tended. Love has to be thought thoroughly. He keeps you afloat, and little did you know, you did that to him. 

He wants to pull you to him, keep you close. It's painful, it's hard, but love is like this. But he is willing to push himself away if you weren't going to catch him. 

All of thoughts of breaking up became a blur to him, when he looked at you. He doesn't want to end it. He doesn't want to be away from you. But if this is where the relationship lies, then he'll accept it. All good things comes to an end. Even if he wants to fight tooth and nail to the very ened, but if you don't want it, then what's the use? 

"Where are you going?" You asked again. Don't leave, you thought. 

"Levi's," he answered, eyes flitting towards yours. "I'll get my things tomorrow." 

"Don't go," you quietly said, runching up his shirt that's in your hand. He wrapped his hand over it, softly prying it away as he counted to himself that this is it. 

You wrapped your finger around his pinky, throat dry, as you said it again. "Don't go." 

Erwin smiled softly, placing his hand over your cheek as he leaned down to kiss your forehead. "You should go to sleep."

╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾

He couldn't sleep. He couldn't eat. He couldn't focus on anything. He couldn't think straight. Always you, you, you. Levi has to drag him off of the bed, ushering him to go to work. 

"Get up!" Levi pinched his ear, making him blindly punch Levi.

"No," Erwin groaned. 

"It's been a day!"

"Shut up."

"God, you two can't be away from each other."

"We broke up!"

"Like that could happen," Levi groaned, punching Erwin on the arm. "You kept crying about her, just fucking talk to her."

"Like it's that easy."

"No," he punched Erwin again. "Still talk to her. When I come back, I want you gone."

"Where am I going to stay then?"

"Back to your apartment!"

╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾

You couldn't sleep. You couldn't eat. You couldn't focus on anything. You couldn't think straight. Always him, him, him. Hanji has to drag you off of the bed, ushering you to go to work.

"Get up!" Hanji pinched your ear, making you swat away her fingers. 

"I don't want to."

"Stop being a baby!" Hanji pinched your ear again. "It's been a day, and here you are! Moping around!"

"We literally just broke up!"

"Yeah, yeah, okay," Hanji sighed, slapping your leg as she threw the blanket off. "Like that could happen."

"It literally just did." 

"Okay," Hanji groaned, raising her hands. "Whatever you say. Then we’ll see you two being back again."

"Pfft! Get out of my room!”

╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾

It's been weeks. 

The apartment still smells like him. His clothes neatly folded in his cabinet, his hoodies strewn in yours, his shoes by the door, his books on the bedside table, his toothbrush, his gel, his towel— everything that was his is still in the apartment. 

Its cruel, how it's just daunting you to touch it. 

The side of his bed, cold; and here you are, curled up on it like a wounded dog. Blanket covering your whole body, his pillows against cheek, as you squeezed it, wishing for it to be him. 

He colored your thoughts in fragments, often wondering how is he doing, is he eating, is he fine. All the questions that you have no answers. 

Suddenly, you found yourself scrambling underneath the blanket, throwing it off as you ran for the bathroom. 

One hour, or else you'll miss it.

The line in the coffeeshop is long, and yet you still find yourself falling in line for it. 

One black coffee, a croissant, and a cheese danish. Or just one croissant? Or just coffee? Fuck it, you bought it all. 

Walking towards the building, you grinned at the security guard as he let you in. It was just you in the elevator, and you took a second before clicking the 32nd floor as you balanced the treats on your arms. Your heart is pounding, making you feel dizzy as you leaned on the wall, making you even feel dizzier as it stopped at every floor. Finally, the doors opened. 

No sweat as the secretary opened the doors for you. 

The desk. Where is it?

Ah, yes. It's at the end cubicle, by the window. You walked slowly, dodging everybody as you carried yourself towards the desk. It was a long walk and it gave you ample time to prepare yourself for it. 

"What are you doing here?" Levi tapped on your shoulder, almost making you lose grip on the hot coffee. "Huh, I knew it."

"What?" Embarrassment glowing on your cheeks, as you tilted your head. "What do you mean?"

"You just missed him."

"I did?" 

"I knew you two wouldn't last a few weeks without each other."

"That's just mean, Levi," you whispered, as he led you back to the door. "I'm just... I wanted to see how he was doing."

"Yeah, okay," Levi mumbled, opening the paperbag with the bread. He grabbed one, and quickly munched on it. You could only scowl at him, as he pointed outside. "I don't know where he went, but you just missed him."

"You're no use to me, Levi."

"I'll text you when I ask him." 

A smile graced your lips as you pecked him on the cheek, waving your hand as you exited. Levi only took a bite, eyes pointing outside as he eventually called Hanji. 

╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾

"What are you doing here?" 

Erwin stopped in his tracks. He reluctantly turned around, carrying a latte and a cheese danish. He's sweating by the end as he skipped towards your building, but he failed to get around it, as Hanji only raised a brow. 

"I'm..." Erwin sighed defeatedly. He breathed hard as he leaned in to Hanji, "I'm visiting." 

"Lovebirds," Hanji sighed, rubbing her temples as she escorted Erwin to the door. "She isn't here."

"Her day-offs aren't until Saturday?" He asked, remembering that it was only Wednesday. 

"She called out," Hanji groaned, grabbing Erwin's arm as she clicked for the elevator. Her hand immediately rummaged through the paper bag but Erwin only raised it high. 

"Buy your own. It's for her," Erwin smiled, as she pushed her towards the open elevator. "Do you know where she is?"

"No," she breathed, fishing out her phone, "I'll text you if she answers."

The doors closed as he watched Hanji unlock her phone, and retreated inside their company floor. 

Erwin clenched his eyes closed, breathing deeply as he kept replaying that night. He regrets it with his full heart when he still let you go. He wants things back to what it was. Maybe a little better. 

╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾

The walk back to your building was disappointing. You thought it'll be best to just give it to Hanji as she drinks black coffee, but you opted to keep the cheese danish for yourself. Somewhat humiliating that Levi caught you snooping around Erwin's desk, then he wasn't there. It was just a big disappointed. You wished you didn't get off of that sad bed and just stayed there, wallowing. Daydreaming, heart-breaking— at least you weren't embarrassed. 

The elevator door opened, waiting for the people to get off. Once they were gone, you've got the elevator to yourself once again, your fingers reaching for the 23rd floor of your company. The whole bumpy elevator ride, you crossed your arms just waiting for it to stop just so you could give it to Hanji. 

You went through the floor, looking out for Hanji's desk. Immediately, you gently placed the coffee and bread while she gawked at you. 

"Close your mouth," you muttered, fixing your clothes. "Did the boss look for me?"

"What are you doing here?"

"If people ask me that one more time, I would go crazy," you pushed the food towards her. "For you." 

"You just missed him."

"Who?"

"Who?"

"Who!" You screeched, making you duck as people looked at you. 

"Erwin!" Hanji grabbed her phone, showing the text to you. "He literally went to find you."

Her hands slithered towards the coffee but you only swatted it away, grabbing it back. "That's for him." 

She only squinted her eyes at her, grabbing you by the arm as she pushes you to the elevator. "Out. Out. I'll text you where he is. All the nice phones you two have, and you can't text each other. Out!"

"Ouch," you moaned, pressing the elevator button as you waved at Hanji with a grimace. 

╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾

Standing outside the building, you watched all the people get on with their lives. You quickly thought of who was happy, sad, heart-broken like you. Did somebody else went to their ex-boyfriend's work to just chek up on him but then he wasn't there and they had to walk all the way to back feeling humiliated? Or did somebody else fell in line for the expensive coffee and a cheese danish that is meant for their ex-boyfriend? Anybody?

It was ridiculous. How heavy the breaking up is. All the emotions, tears, feelings, and the numbing pain that it came with it and it ends right here. Both of you looking for each other on opposite blocks, hoping to catch them. You wouldn't call it unneccessary because you grew. You grew in those last fews you've spent alone, trying to focus on yourself, at work, even if you were all puffy eyes every morning. Still, you grew. 

Just weeks of being alone, made you feel that it's okay to not be in a relationship. Keep your own self afloat. 

But it just bites you back in the ass because you wanted him. You looked for him. 

In the morning, even the squeezes on your shoulder as Erwin leaves for his work. 

In the afternoon, when you check your phone for anything, yet there was nothing. 

In the evening, where you'll turn the knob over to find him, busy with his movies. 

But in those mornings, he'd whisper an "I love you." 

But in those afternoons, he'd text you a sleeping emoji. 

But in those evenings, he'd have a warm plate of dinner waiting for you.

And it's normal for love not to be all sparkly. It's okay when it doesn't always makes you blush, it's okay if conversations turns into smaller nothings as both of you laugh away, it's okay if he only holds you in his sleep. You're finished with that falling in love phase. 

Both of you are in love already— familiar with the ups and downs, the silence, the years spent with each other dull or not, love is still there. 

Because in his mornings, he'd keep his eyes closed even if his alarm already rang, until he feels you stir awake, your lips kissing him on his shoulder as a "Good morning." 

Becuase in his afternoons, he'd receive a wacky picture of you, and he sets it as his background for a moment. 

Because in his evenings, he'd have a hot cup of decaf coffee by the kitchen. 

╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾╼╾

Erwin leaned on your company's building as he watched you. He made sure he was hidden as best as he could, grateful for the amount of people passing by. He watched you scowl and frown, and smile sadly as people passed by, harshly speaking why you were in the middle of the pathway. He'd watch you grip the coffee in your hand, and peek at the paper bag, your lips turning down— rightfully guessing that you'll keep that cheese danish that he always buys for himself but you end up eating it.

That's why he always buy an extra one. 

And it's sitting warmly inside the paper bag he was holding. He bit his lip, thinking when you'll notice him by the wall, but he's been looking at you for minutes already and you haven't looked back yet. He sighed, clutching the paper bag, his heart thumping loudly as he slowly approached you. 

He wants to make things right. It gave him so much hope already when he realized that you were looking for him.

God, even looking at you makes his heart ache, he thought, in a good way. 

"Looking for me?" 

What a wicked thing to say, you thought. That's the first thing Erwin has said to you, in a failed attempt for a pick-up line... and its cruel enough that it sounds like him. 

You scoffed, rolling your eyes at the person who just said that. You quickly did a double-take, whipping your head as you looked at the person. 

It's him. 

Erwin.

He cocked his head at the coffee you were holding. It's gone cold now but he'll take it. "Is that for me?" 

It's really him. 

"Yes," you answered, your hands cold as you gave it to him. He gladly accepted it, his eyes twinkling as he looked at you. The blue eyes you've gone to look for and miss, and he's really here. 

"Latte and the cheese danish," Erwin smiled, giving the bag to you. 

Both of you are blocking the pathway, making the people walk around. All their mean spews were nothing as he stared at your familiar eyes that he's come to want to look at forever. Erwin breathed nervously, as he pointed at the nearby public space with creaky chairs. 

"Should we go sit there?" Erwin asked, and you could only follow his finger, absolutely knowing where it's pointing at. 

"Just like the old times?" You asked breathily, starting to walk towards the first spot both of you shared. Erwin was quick to match your strides as he nodded. 

Life is crazy. 

Both of you walked together, accidental brushes of the hands as both of you walked quietly. He supressed a smile as he peeked down at you, feeling another brush of his hands on yours. He brushed his fingers on you, his eyes shifting towards the people and back at you. 

And he's missed that. Your smile as you leaned in closer, as his finger wrapped around your pinky. Finally, the both of you reached the creaky table set, sitting on it gently as you opened the coffees and the danishes. 

Erwin smiled, as he blew on your latte. He placed it at your side, his heart swelling up as you smiled widely. He watched you take a first seep, instantly seething as it burnt your tongue. 

You looked up at him, embrassment on your cheeks as you always burnt your tongue, drinking your coffee. In one familiar move, he placed his hand in front of you. Erwin only cocked his head to the side, a smile on his lips as he nudged his head, waiting for you to accept his hand. 

Instantly, you knew what it was. 

This was how he first introduced himself years ago. That stupid pick-up line that made you roll your eyes. He took the spare sit before you, mumbling how he hates spending his lunch-time cooped up in that awful desk of his, and he prefers to sit here, on this table, but you already called dibs on it. Then he offered his hand. And the rest was history.

"Should we start over again?"

[aplaintart]

Me at Eriwn’s eyebrows: weird flex but ok

[whatupcherry]

Nanaba: There are seven chairs and ten kids. What do you do? Miche: Have everyone stand. Hange: Bring three more chairs! Levi: The most important ones can sit down. Erwin: Kill three.

[shadowgale96]

25 Reasons Why Eruri is Fucking Canon

1. The seduce-me-eyes when they first meet

2. Erwin Kneeling in the filth to get on Levi’s level when they talk

3. The face Erwin makes when he sees Levi fight

4. Erwin complimenting Levi and Levi genuinely being taken aback

5. How Erwin rushes to see if Levi is alright

6. How Erwin just lets Levis blade dig into his hand instead of really fighting back because he wants to convince Levi to join him

7. Erwin refusing to let Levi leave until he fully refills his gear which saves Levi when he fights the Female Titan

8. Riding together. Something about this just makes it seem like Levi frequently takes his place at Erwin’s side at the front of the formation.

9. Levi is always looking to Erwin for what to do next. Even before they’re friends

10. Levi Ackerbonded with Erwin (x)

11. They have scenes that literally parallel Ermika (x) as well as Official art that parallels it too.

12.The red and blue symbolism between them. This color scheme is usually used for people who share an unbreakable bond. (x)

13.The black and white symbolism in their horses showing duality and harmony together.

14. Erwin has some nice black pants and Levi wears a black jacket that is a few sizes too big. Levi is wearing Erwin’s jacket…BOYFRIEND JACKET.

15. Levi clings to the boyfriend jacket

16. They have little exclamations for each other.

17. How Erwin immediately turns to Levi for help

18. Official art always has them together and often has Erwin looking at Levi affectionately

19. Whoever printed this KNEW what it was going to look like (x)

20. Their trademark merc is sold together. (x)

21. Erwin and Levi are literally the wings of freedom together

22. They are always seen together.

23. and people comment on it.

24. Erwin’s not afraid to let his guard down around Levi

25. Erwin is literally Levi’s choice with no regrets (ACWNR)

So, in conclusion. ERURI IS SO CANON. I could have easily made this 40, but I wanted to avoid too many spoilers.

[muchacha11]

The Zumba AU that I refuse to leave alone.

I wonder if you can get kicked out of a fandom...?

[shippingeruri]

Art by はるるん | Twitter: @harurunhol

☆ Posted with kind permission of the artist ☆ Please do not repost without permission ☆ Please do not edit or remove the caption

[erwinsundercut]

Eruri in a Spy AU where Levi is supposed to assassinate the politician known as Erwin Smith, but well... We all know how that goes 😉

Since we already have “Levi trying to assassinate Erwin”, I thought I’d borrow from ACWNR even more.

Levi was amazing at his job - none of his targets had even known he had crept in the shadows before he put a bullet in their heads, except this one. Pride had either made him sloppy, or Eriwn Smith was way more observant than he let on.

“Let me make you a better deal than your current employer, Mr. Ackerman.”

[shadowgale96]

It looks like Erwin and Levi are daydreaming about each other.