Fallen [Levi Ackerman]

Chapter Twelve

"So, that's it?" I gape. "That's the plan?"

Erwin releases a sigh, "Like I said, Emma. It's a run-down."

"Tch, run-down, my foot." I take a sip of coffee. "More like a shower thought."

To think I looked forward to hearing Erwin speak. I was excited enough that my headache mostly went away. But instead of him saying something worthwhile he said the most dumbest thing I heard.

Raise solider morale. It was simple as that. There was no, step-by-step instruction.

There's no intricate goal that can rally every scout and solider to our side. It was a dumb idea, one the Survey Corps always had trouble overcoming.

"Erwin, you're stating the obvious." I grumble while shaking my head. "Boosting a solider's morale in the regiment is a difficult task. You know that. It's been a problem since the beginning."

Erwin snaps his fingers. "Precisely," he breathes. "If we're going to win back our regiment then why not attack the main issue first? A good heart can lead thousands of soldiers to victory."

His eyes glimmer in persistence, his lips quirked up into a smirk. I wasn't sure why this made him excited nor why this was the only thing he came up with. He may have been in the regiment longer than me, but I knew damn well a person joining the Survey Corps only sees it as suicide.

It was rare to find a certain Scout who has the heart and soul set on destroying all Titans. When most join many loose their sense of humanity—only thinking about their upcoming death. And considering how most missions pan out—it was expected.

Though it angered me that many have little faith in the regiment. We're strongest out of each branch in the military and yet being part of the cause is considered suicidal.

"If you're set on changing hearts then there's therapy, meditative exercises, there's—-"

Erwin gives a hardy chuckle, cutting me short. "It seems Levi's sarcasm had rubbed off you."

"I—"

My mouth moves inaudibly as I attempt to sputter something out. Eyes wide and face flushing rouge I gawk at Erwin's smirking face. Though he doesn't seem to mind.

His eyes glisten in amusement as he crosses his arms over his chest. I was in a loss for words—did I sound like Levi just now?

"How are you two by the way?" Erwin quests abruptly. When I gaze back at him I began to hate that glow in his eyes.

I cross my arms with a pout. "How's that any of your business?"

He shrugs, "I'm just curious. After all, you two are like rabbits. Always up on each other every chance you—-"

"Erwin!" My entire body was hot and there was no way in hell it was because of the coffee. Fury gathers in my eyes as I fought against the urge to throw my coffee in his face.

How could he address such a topic in public? And with me, no less. I was his Lieutenant—personal business shouldn't be discussed between us.

"What the hell?" I fume. "You can't say shit like that!"

He raised a brow as if surprised by my claim. "Oh?" He muses. "Why?"

"Because I'm your goddamn Lieutenant, that's why!" I groan with a duh expression taking over my features. "There's a fine line you shouldn't cross."

Erwin doesn't reply—only stares at me ponderously. I was livid—was I some damn equation he needs to solve? The way he looked at me, it was like he couldn't fathom the words I said.