The Universe In Her Eyes • Levi Ackerman

27 • the wings of freedom

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The 104th Cadet Corps alumni — the remaining of them at least, stood in front of the creaking fire, which burned down the corpses of fallen comrades and fellow soldiers.

It was a grim, devastating picture.

Eva had been lucky enough to be relieved from participating in most of the cleaning efforts of the city. She could see now just how that had taken a toll on the other cadets.

Their expressions were vacant — everybody was dealing with the events in the best way they could, with different degrees of success. Coping as best as they could.

Eva could relate, for the meeting with Kenny the Ripper had left her with an uneasy feeling she couldn't shake off. He meant trouble, that much she was sure of. Just how much trouble, she was yet to find out.

For now, her gaze was lost in the flames, hypnotized by the way the fire shone in the darkness of the night.

Reiner came to stand behind her, gently massaging her shoulders and the back of her neck. She didn't know how much she needed that.

She briefly glanced up to give the blonde man a soft smile, silently thanking him. He squeezed her shoulders before wrapping his arms and letting them hang lazily in front of her, supporting his weight on her back.

"Hey, guys..." Jean's voice brought Eva and her comrades back to reality.

"Have you decided which force you're joining?" the boy from Trost asked his classmates. "I've made up my mind.. I... I... I'm joining the Survey Corps!"

Eva gasped. "What!?"

"I mean..." Reiner started, which made her turn around to look at him.

"Don't tell me you are thinking about it too!?" Her voice sounded incredulous. "You guys have been going on and on and on about the Military Police for the past three years!"

"I don't know Eva! I'm still thinking!" protested Reiner. "After the battle... well I am scared, but at the same time..."

"It is what needs to be done" Jean completed his sentence.

What needs to be done.

"We can't win if we don't fight" Eva muttered the words under her breath. "Well, nobody can make that decision for you, Reiner. Or you will end up regretting it..."

"At least I'd be with you." The blonde whispered.

Eva's heart sank. "Don't do it because of that... I-I... that shouldn't affect your decision."

"But the truth is it does..." he sighed.

Eva went to speak, but she couldn't find the words.

"Don't say anything, Evie, I know you don't feel the same way..."

Not this again... she thought, remembering that night, so many months ago that it seemed like a lifetime.

"I am sorry" she apologized.

She truly was sorry. Reiner was one of her closest friends, together with the Cadets from Shiganshina. She hated herself slightly for not being able to reciprocate his feelings — he had been a rock for her, someone that she could rely on no matter what.

Even after that time in the forest, when she thought she would completely lose him... He was still there.

But her heart... her heart was someone else's — although she didn't want to admit it because she was scared to find herself in the same position as Reiner was right now.