Time traveller

Chapter 10

- Ok, Erwin, we really need to talk. I was very worried and I have to know the reason why you did what you did. You can't just...walk around freely, especially in this situation.

- I understand.

- No, no, you don't! You don't understand anything! If you did, you wouldn't be taking casual walks without warning me first, at the very least! Why am I the only one worried for your safety? Why does it seem like you don't give a fuck whether anything happens to you, or not?!

- You remind me of Levi...

- What...Who is that?

- I'll be more careful in the future and I will avoid worrying you again.

- That's not the point...You're missing the entire point! Why am I even trying so hard...You're right...We shouldn't be acquainted anymore than this...You don't even want to know my damn name and I'm here punishing myself over your mistakes...It's wrong and so not fair!

In my anger I bump hard into Erwin, while passing him on the way to my room. I slam the door behind me.

"I almost wish you never came here..."

- God damn it! – I cuss quietly, the tears stinging my eyes.

***

"I've met so many people in my life, yet I've never had this much trouble communicating with them."

The last time Erwin Smith was this deep in thought was during one of the Survey Corps expeditions outside the Walls. He was having trouble wrapping his finger around why a single woman would be this tough to deal with. She wasn't a bad person - that was completely out of the question. But she had these huge walls built inside of her, almost as high as wall Rose. The Commander was away from home, but the obstacles in his path still existed.

He took a sip from the coffee she had prepared. It was good. No wonder.

It's not like he didn't warn her, though. He did tell her his character is basically impossible, but she was proving to be quite a rival for the title. It seemed a little bit endearing in a strange way.

Erwin was aware of what he needed to do. At the very least, his manners wouldn't allow him otherwise.

He knocked on the wooden door.

***

- Can we, please, talk? – Erwin's voice begs me from the other side of the door.

- No... - I mumble under my breath.

- I apologize for my actions. I can give you a better apology once we are face to face. Will you give me that chance?

Against my better judgment, I laugh quietly. What is this manner of speaking? Is he being cheeky right now? He's way too smart. I can't even stay properly mad for too long. He could have just brushed my tantrum off, but he insists on a proper conversation and even apologizes. That's more than the usual person would often do. I should at least give him credit where credit is due.

- I'll come out in a minute.

- Alright, thank you.

I attempt to wipe away the few tears that escaped my eyes. To be fair, I wasn't even that angry at him. I was mostly angry at myself. I envy how composed and mature he is, which is more or less pretty normal for what he's been through. I need to do better. I will try to be better!

- AH!

Erwin is sitting with his legs crossed, looking up at me.

- Why are you waiting for me in front of the door? That scared me!