The Pauper Prince || Attack on Titan x Male Reader

These Little Moments

Recovery is a slow and boring process. There was only so much excitement to the cycle of waiting, relieving your trauma, and sneaking out to see Erika. She provided a bit of brightness to your dark moments but there was only so much she could do while you and she were trapped in that building. Your darkness slowly began to dissipate three days after you woke up from the initial surgery. Your comrades from the 104th had discovered where you had been and began visiting in small droves. A few here... a few there... Armin and Mikasa visited just before lunch to check on you. Jean also came to talk for a few moments, which surprised you as well, though he managed to explain most of what happened in Trost. The Titans, Eren, plugging up the hole, and the casualties... A peculiar visitor came approximately an hour before visiting stopped. Your door slid open with the familiar creak you had grown accustomed to as you sat on the edge of your bed, examing the outside. 

???: I see you're up and about.

The cold female voice instantly struck a chord as you glanced over your shoulder. Annie Leonhart. She never seemed like the type to care though here she stood in your room.

(Y/n): Hey... 

Annie remained silent as she moved a bit closer.

Annie: I heard your injuries were more severe than they thought. It was a few days before anyone even knew you had been moved, though I guess you know that.

(Y/n): Yeah... the others were excited to see me.

Annie: I bet that felt nice.

(Y/n): No... no, it didn't. 

Annie allowed an eyebrow to raise softly as she glanced at you, moving around your bed to lean against the side of the windowsill, gazing outside as well. Her silence egged you on to explain.

(Y/n): Sometime during the battle, I figured out that my life, no matter how small... had some sort of meaning.  To keep the ones I care for safe. Every time I saw them, it reminded me how easily they could be gone. A reminder of how weak I still am. I've never had a purpose before so...

Your eyes glanced up, your (E/c) eyes softly admiring the clear blue gems that Annie possessed and how her hair seemingly glowed in the light of the sun. Clearing your throat with a gulp, you continued.

(Y/n): I'm... scared. Scared that now that I have something I want it will be taken from me. I'm not strong enough to protect them and it shows.

You gestured to yourself softly.

(Y/n): The 104th certainly doesn't need me to protect them but I can't let this go anymore. 

Annie: Why are you scared? 

(Y/n): I just sai-

Annie: Tell me the real reason why. If you're gonna rant at me you might as well pull back the smoke and mirrors.

(Y/n): I... pfft... Alright. I'm scared to die. For a long time, I've said that my death wouldn't mean anything but now I'm more scared than I've been in a long time. I can't even stomach the type of person I used to be and it's all because of facing death in Trost.

Annie: So you want to protect the 104th but you are scared to die.

(Y/n): You're pretty good at summarizing things I see.

Annie: So...

The blonde turned to you with a determined look in her eyes, though her face remained completely the same. Annie took a step closer and spoke once more.

Annie: Become stronger. If you're scared then get over it. This world will screw you over before you know it. So only you can take hold of your fate and try to steer it through this hell.