Seashells & Security | Eruri

Seashells and Security

The scouts had finally found themselves at the ocean, the water glistening under the blazing sun. Only, he wasn't here; Armin's one wish, his dream, hadn't been accomplished as he lay burned and lifeless on that rooftop.

The journey here had been fine, only without the usual constant chatter of Commander Erwin Smith. He was silent for the first time... maybe ever. Levi and Hange sat beside him, with Hange trying to start some sort of conversation to fill the awkward silence that had been created by Levi's impossible choice.

Sasha, Connie and Jean had made their way to the water, excited by the new experience, wanting nothing more than to fulfill Armin's last wish, even if he couldn't be here with them. They wished he was here but they also understood why Levi had chosen Erwin. I mean, they all saw the way they looked at eachother; the looks that spoke a hundred words. They didn't blame him; they couldn't blame him.

The adults stood on the sand, watching the kids play in silence. It was becoming unbearable for the raven haired man. "Erwin, i'm sorry. I understand that you're angry but I had no choice!" Levi spoke, slightly raising his voice as he expressed his thoughts. Hange was also watching, worried about the 2 because they hadn't seen them like this since Levi was just a rookie. Erwin turned 180° and walked away to a nearby cave to just think. He needed a break. Levi analysed his stroll, noticing how stiff he looked. He even left him to himself because he knew it was what he needed, but after around 20 minutes he got concerned, thinking that maybe he was hurt or had gotten stuck somewhere.

So, with those thoughts at the front of his mind he told Hange to keep an eye in the kids as he looked for their commander, walking around the corner and spotting him. Well, it was him but small, hunched over with tears rolling down his face, sobbing uncontrollably to himself. "Erwin?" Levi asked quietly, stood, frozen in place. Erwin's eyes had snapped up to the sound, rubbing his eyes as he stood up. "Levi!" He responded, eyes red. The smaller man had moved over to him instantly, legs moving on their own as he saw their strong commander looking so fragile and defenceless. He wwent in for a hug, only to be pushed away by strong arms. "Don't touch me!" The man spoke with gritted teeth, anger finally coming out and Levi finally understood. This is why Erwin had been so quiet; he didn't know how to respond to what had happened, so instead he said nothing and hoped how he was feeling would go away. "Erwin... what- why? Why are you being like this? Why do you always have to push people away when you need them! You did the exact same thing when you lost your arm." He pointed out, trying to take his hand. "Because this is all your fault, Levi! You should've let me die! I wanted to die! Why would you do this to me?! Do you really hate me this much?" The blond haired man asked, eyes saying everything. "Why did you do this to me? Armin should he here, not me and you know that!" He said, holding a pointed finger out to him. "Do you really hate me this much?! You want me to live knowing that I am the reason that young, innocent boy is dead?!" He added, hatred seeping out with every word.

"Erwin..." He croaked, emotion started to seep out. "Of course I don't hate you! I did this for you... for us. I did this because I love you and I can't do this on my own. I won't!" He said, glaring back because 2 can play at that game. "I don't want that boy dead any less than you do but I almost lost you before and I won't do it again!" He said passionately, standing tall despite his tiny stature. Erwin was speechless, having been so angry for days that he hadn't even thought about how Levi was feeling, the guilt he must be feeling right now. "I-" Erwin went to speak, trying to form the words but he soon felt a warmth around him, enveloped in Levi's heat. He had missed this. He truly had. "It's all my fault. I'm a murderer." Erwin cried, unable to stop the years worth of tears from flooding from his eyes. "I can't do this anymore." He wept, falling down to his knees and pressing his face into Levi's stomach, tears staining his shirt.

"I know." Levi muttered back, playing with the man's hair to soothe his pain. "You're alright. We're all gonna be alright, okay? I promise." He assured, kissing the top of his head. "We can't go back in time now, so this is what we're working with. We have to keep moving... for everyone's sake." The man felt the other man's head move against his stomach, mimicking a nod. "Good boy." He whispered, kissing the top of his head.

There was a silence in the air until Erwin let out a tiny "I love you too" against his clothes. Levi heard their and cupped the man's chin in his hands, rubbing the skin and simultaneously wiping away the tear stains. There was a smile on his face, something rarely seen but treasured by the commander. They stared into eachother's eyes, Levi leaning down whilst pulling Erwin up for a kiss. Their lips collided and all animosity was finally gone.