Eva quickly realized that Hange hadn't been exaggerating when they said things moved fast. There was an intake of new recruits, fresh faces that didn't have that look in their eyes that Eva had noticed in the veteran Scouts. Eva had gone from training to trainer, which she enjoyed more than she cared to admit.
"Alright, switch!" Eva called out, the cadets following her order. She watched the cadets sparring as she sat in the shade of a tree. Some were promising, others didn't seem to know what they were getting themselves into.
"Eva, good morning." Eva smiled as Erwin approached. In his hand was the coffee ration that he often saved for her.
"Good morning," She replied. He offered her his coffee, which she gladly accepted. Erwin took a seat next to her.
"I'm glad I caught you, you seem busier than I am these days," Erwin commented. When Eva wasn't training cadets she was learning Miche's routes inside and out, learning medical with Hange, and helping Levi sort through his new paperwork.
"Miche doesn't want anything to do with the cadets. He said the only reason he trained me is because you asked him and I kicked his ass," She explained and Erwin chuckled.
"You were dangerous, but these cadets are just regular young men and women," He replied.
"How are things with Shadis, any luck?" She asked. Erwin sighed.
"No, he won't budge. He thinks the formation is the problem. He won't stop me from using it in my section, but he refuses to for the regiment. His exact words were 'try it when you become Commander'." Eva rolled her eyes. Shadis wasn't one for change, that was something she learned very quickly.
"If you want, I can kill him. I'm pretty sneaky." Erwin smiled slightly.
"Let's call that Plan B. Shadis will retire, and I'll take his place."
"Your patience is both admirable and annoying," She replied and finished the coffee. She handed him back the cup, his fingers brushing hers. They had finally found their stride as friends, but Erwin would be lying if he said he didn't find it difficult.
"I actually wanted to speak with you, before the next expedition."
"What about?" Eva asked, smiling at him. He was momentarily stunned, her eyes seeming to shine as she looked up at him.
"Us, unfortunately," He admitted, and she raised her brow. That smile faded a little.
"What about us exactly?"
"Where we're going or rather where we can go," He replied. Eva turned slightly, so she faced him better.
"Go on," She urged, watching him like she was trying to solve a puzzle and for a moment Erwin reconsidered his thoughts.
"Eva. I enjoy your company, but I don't believe we should pursue a relationship," He finally admitted, ignoring the voice that kept questioning him.
"Because?" She asked, her voice still calm.
"I'm your superior, and I recruited you. It's not a good look for either of us."
"Hange said there are rules or-or guidelines for things like this. If we're cautious and respectful, I don't see the problem," She argued.
"You don't agree?" He asked and she sighed, pulling her ponytail over her shoulder.
"I'm more afraid of Levi than any of those things you mentioned," She admitted.
"I just don't want it to look like I'm taking advantage of you."
"Do you believe anyone could take advantage of me and live?" She replied, earning a small chuckle from him.
YOU ARE READING
The Heart of Humanity
FanfictionUnexpected. Unpredictable. A breath of fresh air. Erwin Smith was a man of routine. He had gotten used to his life, so much so that even the danger felt mundane. He was a soldier, one step away from becoming Commander, and had dedicated his heart t...
