Erwin eyed the group crowding around the bar. It was a little rowdier than usual, but Eva had done exceptionally well in today's expedition. A standout amongst the others. It was a celebration well earned, but one he could only watch. She sat at the bar, turned in her seat as she drank, laughing with her comrades. He noticed Hange, leaning on the bar next to her also turned towards her. They had become increasingly close in the days leading up to the expedition. However, a relationship between a squad leader – even one who was up for a Section Commander position – and an up and coming soldier was little to gasp about. She'd be transferred to another section, and no one would bat an eye. Still, he didn't expect Hange to act so quickly or that Eva would reciprocate.
"You should stop staring before Levi get's here." Erwin glanced up as Miche took a seat next to him.
"He hasn't been at the bar lately."
"Levi only has a problem with you and Eva," Miche replied, glancing over as Hange settled a hand on Eva's arm.
"She and Hange seem to be getting along well."
"They barely know each other," Erwin countered. Sure they had gotten close quickly, but they were friends. Hange made the effort to extend a hand when they had arrived, and Eva accepted. It was nothing.
"Eva told me it's nothing serious. Just some fun," Miche said with a shrug.
"Since when are you two so close?"
"She's my second, and a talkative drunk," Miche replied.
"Regardless, I didn't ask."
"I thought you'd like to know you still have a chance," Miche said with a sly grin.
"You know why I stopped it."
"Yes, and I still think you're being ridiculous. Eva is fun, beautiful and talented. She'll make Captain in no time, probably before me at this rate."
"Then why don't you date her?" Erwin replied shortly.
"She's a good friend, but not my type," Miche replied, even though he knew Erwin hadn't meant for the question to be answered.
"You just said-"
"I'm not blind Erwin. You on the other hand are being as stupid as she says you are," Miche joked, taking a moment to finish his drink.
"Hange is a more appropriate option for her," Erwin dismissed, his eyes still on her as she laughed at something Hange said.
"You act like she's some poor innocent girl you've been stalking. She's a woman Erwin, a smart and capable woman. You said as much yourself."
"Why are you so insistent on this?" Erwin demanded, finally tearing his gaze from Hange and Eva to look at Miche. Miche shrugged as he motioned to the waitress for another drink.
"I haven't seen you so wrapped up about someone since Marie," Miche said simply. The name echoed in his head.
"Marie," He repeated under his breath. It occurred to Erwin that he hadn't thought of Marie since meeting Eva. That he hadn't even dreamed of her since Eva came along. The places of his mind she used to linger in were now filled with Eva's laughter, her smile, and her stunning grey eyes.
"Yo." Erwin glanced at Levi as he approached, noticing Eva behind him leaving with Hange. Hange's hand was on the small of her back, and Erwin stood as Levi took a seat. Miche snickered, causing Levi to glance between the two.
"What-"
"I'll be right back."
---
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...
