VIRAGO - Erwin X Reader

Guard

You folded the tablecloth that sat in your hands before you tucked it under your arm. You averted your attention forward, a small melancholy smile raising on your lips.

Erwin's tall figure walked in front of you, the orange sky illuminating all around him, making him glow like the bright evening sun.

The ground was soft yet lightly crunchy as the both of you were making your way down from the hill. The sound of your boots and the sound of the waving basket that sat in Erwin's Left hand was all that was heard in the warm evening.

Erwin had surprised you with a picnic right after your small peace treaty conversation. He wanted to try and spend more time with you in hopes of making more memories with you, allowing him to grow closer. 

And although you had an amazing time, your mission lingered in the back of your head throughout the whole evening. Shaking your head away from your thoughts, you tried to focus back to the present, to give Erwin some well deserved attention.

"You know, you really didn't have to" you spoke out to him

"But I wanted to" he replied, stopping and turning back to look at you

"You deserve that and so much more"

You couldn't help but look away from his gaze, feeling your cheeks starting to heat up.

It was as if Erwin had returned to how he first was when you had first meet him, sweet, charming

and a devious flirt, sweet with his words.

Instead of continuing ahead of you, you watched as he stretched his hand out to you, wanting to hold your hand. A very daring move that left him a bit nervous of your reaction.

Your eyes stared down at his callous hand as it searched for yours.

Do I take it? Would that be the correct thing to do?

You felt your fingers lightly twitch.

Maybe just for today, after all he went far beyond to express to you an apology.

Erwin's face lit up as he felt your hand accept his welcome. Your fingers gently sowing themselves in with his. Your heat of warmth mixed in with his, as the toxic feeling of your touch brought him into a greater and happy mood like all those times before.

He didn't say anything nor did you, as you both started continuing down the hill hand in hand.

You peered down at your holding hands.

It was such a delightful feeling being able to hold his hand. It brought you memories of when you had first felt it at the courtroom, 

 "They felt so rough yet, they held your hand so gently."

It felt so right doing this with him, as if it was natural

just like all the other things you've done with him

as if it was meant to be.

You felt yourself finally being able to breathe and relax, letting your guard down.

Maybe Eren in some sense was right,

It wouldn't be so bad to have your guard down for one person you fully trust

after all,

You looked up to Erwin who was already smiling down at you, admiring you. 

You shined him a bright smile back.

This was the man you fully trusted and you knew he felt the same.

---

What a grave mistake it was to allow one's self to let their guard down especially when they know they are a foot away from danger. Not just from their so called foes but from the people close to them as well.