Our Memories

| Until Next Time. | (Angst)

-

We finally did it.
The Titan's,
They're all gone.

But..
Where is Eren?

-

A soft breeze pushed way upon the scenery of the ocean. Waves rolling, the grass underneath them shifting, everyone's hair and clothes flowing in the direction the wind went. It was a beautiful moment, but oddly numbing. My blue gray eyes wandered, attempting to find the man who held a spot in my heart nobody else has. A few steps forward, and I watched the sight of six figures enjoying their newfound freedom in the big pool of salty water. Armin was busy holding a seashell, Mikasa gawked at the sunset, Hange inspected whatever caught her eye from within the water, while Jean, Sasha, and Connie began splashing each other wildly. And despite the pleasant sight, I felt nothing.

Up a hill just behind him, facing our way, I spotted a figure above. At the very top, just from the build of the person with their legs dangling from the edge, I knew that was exactly the person I've been looking for. Eren. In recognizing him, I didn't waste a second more before walking away from the sandy area near the ocean, making my way up the grassy hill. As I got near, Eren's appearance became clearer. He wore a black sweater, thin sage green shirt, and dark brown shoes. I took in the sight of the brunet's hair, in its half-up and half-down state. Once at the top with him, the air blew away again as I followed Eren's gaze. It led to the endless pool of water. The birds in the distance flew together in a group, moving in the direction of the wind as the sun continued to set. My hair got in my face, so I pushed it and looked down at Eren once more. I'm assuming he's enjoying the sight? The celebration? But I found it odd how quiet he was. This isn't like him.

"Eren?" At the sound of my voice, I watched as he was subtly jumped before turning his head to look at me. He was startled at first, his beautiful eyes widened momentarily, then softened and reverted back to normal. I found his expression perplexing. He looked so...sad.

"Levi..." He whispered in a familiar tone, one that I knew all too well. Eren was...definitely not alright. And that prompted me into sitting down beside him, all my attention on him and his handsome face. Although I didn't have to say anything but be there for his eyes to begin to gloss, to water and break my heart at what was unfolding before me. He blinked once, his tears running down his face. I wanted to brush them away, but I was frozen. I couldn't move. I felt...afraid.

"Please, Levi. You have to let me go."

"What?"

"Can't you see? Open your eyes. Face reality."

"..huh?" A big smile formed on his lips, eyes wet as a hand of his landed on my cheek. His thumb caressed my cheekbone, making me relax under his touch and lean my head against his palm.

"Good job. I'm so proud of you, Levi. You're managing well. Everything everyone is doing for you...I'm so proud of them too. You guys did amazing. I wish I was still there with you, to hold you when you feel lonely. I love you so much, my love. Both of you."

"...what? Eren—wait, what are you saying? What do you mean? We're here, together. We did it, didn't we? We made it. We're free...right?" My heart began to race rapidly, so much so it hurt. I was confused, I was stunned... I didn't know what to do. This isn't some joke, I can tell. But I didn't want to believe his words. I didn't even know what he meant by them. But...I want to stay here...right here with him. I want to watch the sunset with him... However, the sinking feeling in my gut.. something was wrong. And whatever it was...I didn't want to find out what it was.

"Levi..."

"...yes?"

"I will love you, always. You hear me? I will always love you. No matter where I am. Alive or dead. You understand that? You're my one and only. And I'll be waiting for you right here until it's your turn." He leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to my lips. It was loving, his touch making sparks spread down from my mouth to every inch of my body. After what felt like a minute, he withdrew and caressed my cheek some more with his thumb. And I was speechless as I watched more tears fill his blurry eyes.

"Goodbye, my love. Until next time." Eren pressed his forehead against mine, his eyes closed and making me close mine as well. I didn't feel the sun on us, but I felt the wind. Then I felt something grow lighter. I opened my eyes, and was shocked. Eren was turning into dust, and the wind was taking him along with it. I was frozen. Still as a statue as I watched his beautiful face and his touch disappear into little particles. The warmth he provided turned cold, and this entire place...it began to look different. Weird. Like a dream.

____

A gasp left his lips after sitting up abruptly. Levi was trembling, his hands shaking as he looked down at them. He was in shock. He was confused. And he didn't know where he was. The place he was in—the room—it looked so familiar yet so unrecognizable at the same time. He had cold sweat, but ultimately, there wasn't Eren to be found. He shakily got up from bed, opened the bedroom door and peeked outside just to hear chatter. He gradually began walking, moving down the hallway cautiously before down creaky stairs.

With every step, the voices grew quieter. Once at the bottom floor, he faced the living room where many known faces sat together. All of them were calm, but they stared at him with pity.

Why?

"...where is he..?"

The group was silent, before a brunette spoke up.

"Who?"

"Where is Eren?"

...