Left Behind (Erwin Smith X Reader)

Chapter 13

    We stood on a makeshift stage in front of what remained of the 104th cadet corps. All with their hand over their hearts as Erwin starts his speech. Each speech he gives brings motivation to most. The lights of torches flickered in the night, some with little wisps of the flame detaching and dying, turning into ash. The same as each of these young cadets may do, just like a flame. We all eventually die out. Sad but true, and the night background made the fire stand out more than it needed to. Erwin continued his speech and as it was received in the ears of the cadets, most started to walk off. Scared by his pessimist but honest talk about death in the scouts. I would have walked off too if given I wasn't so cocky, fresh out of the cadet corp. Only about 21 remained, among those were familiar faces of ones I helped when Trost was attacked. Each, though, had a distinct air to them. That of determination or pure anxiety. Erwin finished his speech, his voice dying out with the night. His gaze turned down to me as he nodded, signaling I could leave. I stepped down the stairs that had come out from the side of the rickety stage. Erwin grabbed my hand to allow me for steady balance as the boards creaked under my weight.

"Thank you" I said, heading towards the tables the cadets had now set up to get their jackets and directions on what to do next. 

Erwin gave me a soft smile as he turned to my left, walking farther away from me and towards Levi. Levi gave me a confused but hard look as he met Erwin's eyes. I had reached the tables and placed my left hand on the table, leaning on it.

"Alright Cadets listen up, I want all men in one line and all women in another." All their heads popped up and eyed me, then In no time at all two lines had formed in front of me, one with males ranging from around five foot all the way to six feet tall. The other with women of the 104th cadet corps.

"Come on follow me." Sighing I lead the cadets into their barracks, men first. I open up the door to the male cadets room, the handle having a dull shine to it even though it had just been cleaned hours earlier. The door swinging open we were hit with the smell of cleaning supplies and old mattress. 

"Here is where you will be staying for however long, please try to keep it clean please. Its not that difficult." Most nodded and checked out the room, some faces in awe while others shrinking their nose at the old bunks. Some of the men ran their hands across the wood frame that made up their bunks, almost hoping to get a splinter. 

"Anyways boys, make sure not to stay up too late you all have training in the morning. With who? I dont know but you wouldn't want Levi or I without rest." I close their door and meet the other line of women that had so patiently stood outside in the hall. With an exhuasted sigh I motion them to follow as we made it on the other side of the barracks. I heard the occasional laugh and giggle ring out through the hallway. Mostly coming from a shorter blonde and taller brunette with freckles. Neither seemed to process they may die soon. I opened the door to their bunks as the same smell from before hit my nostrils again. And once again the same reactions occured as previously. Again I went over my little speech as most gave me a polite wave and goodbye. I started to head towards my own office. Passing by Hanji's as I hear them screeching to moblit about the death of two titans that were in our possesion. The killings had occured earlier this morning. I was left with the paperwork. I passed by Levi's office and heard shuffling as he never seems to sleep. Next was Erwin's which normally was eerily quiet. Except tonight, which was replaced by the door opening. 

"Oh hey, just the person I was looking for." He said while lending a hand out almost asking me to take it. I yawn and just respond with a light "what do you want" He sees Im in no mood to talk and walks into his office me trailing behind. He motions to the chair in front of his desk and I take a seat, leaning my head back and staring at the ceiling I close my eyes. It was late and sleep was the only thing I craved.

"(Y/n), I need you to be in the back for our next expedition." Not processing anything I lifted my hand and gave him a thumbs up.

"You know whoever killed Sonny and Bean will most likely show up during this expedition." I once again give a thumbs up, head still back and eyes closed. Apparently though I had my eyes closed for too long. 

Next thing I know I felt the warmth of nice sheets over clothes and a pillow resting under my head. Fluttering my eyes open they were greeted with morning sun. Curtains that parted slightly let sun through. Guessing by the height and direction of the rays it was probably around 9 am. I let myself have a good stretch as I heard a sound near me. That was the commander of the survey corps sleeping ever so peacefully in his desk chair. His hair unravled, had fallen onto his desk and his head resting on his arms. He faced me, his lips parted slightly just like the curtains in the room. He slept, small breaths escaping his mouth and heavier ones everyonce in a while escaped as well. I found a blanket that had been kicked off of the end of his bed during my own slumber and laid it ever so gently around him. Sneakily I made his bed and walked out of his room, heading out to the training grounds, the place I was supposed to be this morning.

Author's Note: HELLO I am backkkk, school finally ended and summer has began. So expect more chapters! I appreciate all the nice comments you all have left me. Love you <3