Eruri Stories

Unrequited Love

Erwins p.o.v

I wish I could have done something to stop it. Maybe put out the single ember that started this forest fire in my heart. It rages. The trees that grew in the garden fueling life is now fueling the flames that destroy it. Its all catching fire, and your words are the wind helping it spread. Its not my fault, or yours, I know that. Some things you cant control. It wasn't sudden, I knew this was going to happen. What did I expect?

You may be the wind spreading the fire, but I'm the one who tended this garden. I fertilized it, watered it, kept it nice and watched it grow. I knew I shouldn't have, but the first flower was so beautiful. By the time I was done admiring it, there were more. Many beautiful flowers covered the ground and I couldn't bring it upon myself to dig them out and destroy them. What harm were they doing anyway? Curiosity got the best of me and I decided to see just how big this garden could get. Many different plants grew and formed a seemingly magical forest with trees. I didn't know trees could grow in a garden and transform into a forest, but I guess anything can happen in your mind. 

Now I watch that beautiful garden go up in flames as I stand and stare.

I was foolish to show you this. Its not your fault though. It's not anyones fault. I was here at the wrong time and place. I have a garden. You have a pond. There is grass and little dandelions around it. Everyone has a pond, even I do. You know about it. We visit the pond nearly everyday. Its normal. 

Your pond is a little different though. 

There is no room for a garden beside it. No soil to grow anything more than dandelions. You're one of the few people who don't care much for them, nor want anything to do with them. Some people have gardens, and others don't. As much as people may try to force you to grow flowers, they just never sprout. That's okay. 

Why did I ever show you what I made for you, Levi?

I just couldn't keep it to myself. I had to share what I saw, even if the consequences were dire.

You walked in, looked around, and turned to me with a soft look. I knew what would happen next.

"Erwin.. You know I don't..." The sentence was left unfinished as you trailed off.

"I cant accept this. I don't have anything to offer you besides friendship."

I stood there, watching the ember fall from the sky. I could catch it, I could call in a rainstorm to set it out. I could do something to prevent it from hitting the ground.

But I didn't.

I had no desire to move from where I stood with you in front of me.

I watched the ember set fire to the first flower that had been there from the beginning.

'Wait, no, please not that one-'

I wanted to save it, but once again I didn't move.

A tear slid down my cheek and you were quick to wipe it away. Your hand held my cheek as if to soothe the pain. Your hand is so soft, Levi. 

"I'm sorry." You said. I was quick to cut you off.

"Don't be. Its my fault for letting my feelings go this far. You're not the one to blame."

"Neither are you, its no ones fault. Dont feel guilty about giving into something humans naturally experience. Im sorry it had to be me." You lowered your hand and sighed as the fire raged behind you and reflected in my eyes.

"Lets go to the pond." You whispered, taking my hand to pull me away.

I followed you to the side of the large pond where you sat, gesturing for me to join you.

"I know it hurts now Erwin, but the fire will go out and you will find someone else." You began.

"I don't want anyone else."

There was a moment of silence.

"Then maybe in the next life your soul will heal. It may be dark now, but the sun will rise and we will try again."

You faced me and wrapped your arms around my neck for a hug.

"Levi-"

"Sh. Let me comfort you as a friend."

I reluctantly returned the hug, pushing my feelings away.

"Just friends." I confirmed, hopefully letting you know I can and will be content with that.

You pulled away and looked into my eyes for a second before resting your gaze on the water in front of us. 

Unrequited love is painful, yes. But maybe a different type of love is what we need to heal.

It hurts now, but with time it will fade and from the ashes will bloom a new garden for a new person.

That may not happen for me, but I'm okay with that.

As long as Levi is with me, Ill be happy with whatever he has to offer.

--End--

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Hello, I hope you liked this story featuring aromantic Levi. First off, I want to say I hope I didnt offend any aromantic people. Erwin knows Levi is aromantic, yet he still allows himself to fall in love. He didnt show Levi the garden (symbolizing his love) in order to make him feel guilty into liking him back, but because he couldnt hold in his feelings. I mean no disrespect to any aromantics, and if theres anything I could change/word differently, please do tell me.

The ember that started the fire isnt from Levi. Levis words affected Erwin, and he allowed the fire to start. He could have stopped the ember and let the garden die on its own by neglecting it, but instead he just let it happen. Same with the wind. Erwin could have stopped the wind that spread the fire, but he didnt because he decided not to.

If you have any questions about what symbolizes what, please ask! I will gladly go into detail about anything in this story.

That is all.

-Beetle- 

(I may or may not have added twenty one pilots song lyrics near the end :^ hehe)