Freedom: Levi Fanfiction

|| The Queen

56

A few equally hesitant footsteps echoed inside the semi-empty hallway of Trost's headquarters. In a few hours, a military ceremony would take place in regards to the scout regiment's victory. In my long formal trench coat, I stood side by side next to the window sill and stared blankly at the billowing splotches of clouds. 

        "The sky is really beautiful,"  said a kind voice. I turned in the man's direction and smiled tight after seeing the young blond, Armin. His hand played nervously inside his pocket. It's been a long while since we've talked face to face. A few days after the queen oversaw a meeting to establish a few rules, I have not spoken a word to any of them. 

I nodded thoughtfully and uncrossed my arms. "It is. I like staring at it." 

        "Apparently the clouds are made of water droplets so light they're able to float in the sky," he spoke in a-matter-of-fact tone. I showed him a faint grin and proceeded to look at the said clouds.

I replied, "Since when did you learn all of that?" 

        "From books." Armin leaned his back against the window sill, staring guiltily at the carpeted floors. His lips curved into a saddened smile. 

        "Major, I'm sorry about everything," he said all of a sudden. I turned to him all confused yet somehow had knowledge of what he was apologizing about. It's about Erwin, isn't it. As much as I wanted to avoid talking about the past commander, I could understand why Armin would want to. 

        "Don't be. It was our decision. In a way, I already knew it was over for Erwin."

He was empathetic about everything. Maybe he'd finally understood that I lost a friend, not just a commander. Had it been Armin, I doubt Eren and Mikasa would forgive me. But would I be considered a selfish prick had we saved Erwin? 

        Armin's brows peaked upward, curling toward his forehead. "But...I still can't help but feel like a huge burden. I'm sure everyone thinks that the commander was a much better choice." 

I stared at him, a familiar hue of crystal clear blue emitted emitted from his round eyes. The resemblance was uncanny: from Armin's blonde hair to his blue eyes, It was as if we hadn't completely lost Erwin. My throat started to sting as I continued my gaze. 

        Clearing my throat, I broke our eye contact and looked away. "I'm certain a lot of people think so. But they don't know you like we do. I'm saying this with love, Armin, but no one can ever replace that man. You won't be another Erwin Smith..." I bitterly told the truth, showing him my kindest smile right after.

        "But you'll be the only Armin Arlert that could save us all. For now, let's support Hange with all that we got." The young man smiled faintly before letting out another word. 

He placed his hands inside the trench coat pockets and turned forward. "About Eren..." he spoke again. 

        "I don't see you two talk anymore." I pulled a hand through my hair and let out a short sigh. The mentioning of my little brother caused a slight sting in my chest. It was like a jab to my chest. Armin was right. There were some instances in which I rarely wanted to speak to him. I didn't know why. Maybe it was because I suddenly felt like there was a broken bridge between us. It was hard to look at him the same after learning everything. 

A bright flash appeared before my eyes and all of a sudden, I remembered the cryptic quote Dr. Jaeger left for me. Could he have been speaking about Eren and I? But how? How could he have known what would happen to us?