An Ackerman's secret

30

Everything we had learnt became public through a report and everyone had different reactions. But it would be a lie if we said not much has changed, because near enough everything has.

It's become chaotic.

A few days later, a ceremony was held to honour the survivors of the battle of shiganshina. Me and Sasha had recovered enough to go, but we were still struggling.

The atmosphere was uncomfortable, everyone had differing opinions on the situation and weren't afraid to voice them.

I stood with Levi, observing the conversation that was going on in front of us until something caught my attention.

"It should of been the commander, not you." Floch stepped to Armin with a harsh tone. "I'm not the only one who thinks that. We all do. Everyone who read the report thinks the same thing: Why wasn't Erwin the one picked?"

My heart broke at Armin's expression and I could feel anger boiling up inside me. Levi must of sensed it since he grabbed my hand, rubbing my palm with his thumb.

I gave him a smile before turning back to Floch.

"What the hell do you know about Armin?" Eren spoke up. "Tell me!"

"Nothing at all." Floch smirked. "I'm not his childhood friends and we're not chums, either. But I can still tell you why Armin was chosen. It's because you three and Captain Levi brought your emotions into it."

I felt Levi tense up and I was on the verge of lashing out.

"You thought the injection was all yours and made a totally irrational decision! Basically, it was too hard for you to let go of someone important."

I pulled away from Levi, he wouldn't approve of me getting involved but I can't listen to this any longer.

"I don't know who you think you are, but you're in no position to spread your unwanted opinions onto Armin like that when he wasn't even conscious. He can't change it now, none of us can, so what do you want from him?"

Floch raised his eyebrows at me, stepping closer as I did.

"Say what you want to me, but leave him out of it. He doesn't deserve that when he didn't even want to be picked himself."

"Then-" Floch tried to speak but I refused to let him until I was done.

"And I think it's pretty rude of you to disrespect Captain Levi like that. It was his decision and you should respect that."

"Well I don't."

"I don't care." I stood face to face with him. "Quite frankly, no one does. He is your superior and you will respect him."

Floch scoffed, which made me even more enraged. "You're no better. Having something with your Captain. Trying to work your way up the ranks?"

I grabbed his collar, pulling him even closer to me which got rid of his smirk. "Listen here." I lowered my voice to a whisper.

"You are real brave disrespecting not one, but both of us. I don't know if you know or not, but I have no problem making sure you are never able to force us to listen to your annoying ass voice again."

He slightly widened his eyes. "Is that a threat?"

I ignored his question, "I can assure you that I'll make being crushed by a rock seem painless. You'll wish that was your fate."

His skin turned pale, which put a smirk on my face. "Not so confident now, are we?"

Jean stepped in, "What the hell's wrong with you all?" He looked at Floch with narrowed eyes. "Floch. Let's not do this during a funeral for our fall comrades, all right?"