An Ackerman's secret

32

We began constructing a railway in the summer, which was one of the worst times to begin it since the heat was nearly unbearable.

Everyone seemed to be working fine though.

I looked over at Armin chasing Sasha for the water and giggled.

Nearly everyone

Jean and Connie looked completely worn out and honestly, so was I. Us three and Sasha didn't have any special abilities like being an ackerman or titan shifter.

"Taking a break already?" Eren walked over and began hammering the nails into the wood.

"Not all of us are titan shifters you know." I nudged him, rolling my eyes.

A small smile appeared on his face and I noticed his gaze drift over to Mikasa who was carrying the wooden planks by herself.

Her hair had grown out enough to tie it in a ponytail and she looked beautiful with it.

"Admiring?"

Eren immediately stopped staring and shook his head, staying silent.

I noticed that he didn't laugh anymore, not like he used to. He was always a joker before and very loud, whereas now he was laid back and quiet.

We were used to it though, and everyone pretended it was normal.

"You seem happy." Eren mumbled as he finished with the nail he was on.

"I am. Is that bad?"

He shrugged, "Just don't get carried away."

I furrowed my eyebrows, confused what he was trying to say. It was hard to not get carried away when you're in love, but I wasn't losing my focus or anything.

"What are you suggesting?"

I patiently waited for him to answer, but he didn't.

"Eren?"

He stood up, glancing at me blankly, "Nothing."

I didn't believe him at all. He avoided eye contact with me which was a clear sign that he was lying. Eren's a shit liar.

His hair covered his ears, so I couldn't check if they were red, which was another indication of him lying.

"I'm sorry. I'm happy for you."

I turned to him to see him stood with a guilty look. "It's okay, thank you."

"You deserve it."

His words warmed my heart and I gave him a smile, which he didn't return. His bluntness had become the new normal, this was the most he has said to me in a while.

"I wish we were like we were before." I admitted.

He drew his eyebrows together in questioning.

"We used to be so close." I whispered and reached down to help him fix the wood plank in place.

Eren didn't reply, but I could tell he was thinking about what I said, whether it would make a difference or not I don't know. I doubt it.

"Hey!" The sound of Hange's voice called to us.

We turned to see her, Moblit and Levi on their horses, waving at us.

I ran over to help them tie their horses up and get off them, but only Hange accepted my help whilst Levi and Moblit claimed I looked tired and should rest.

"Sorry about the heat." They said as we all crowded around.

"It's fine. We have to be here to watch over this moron." Jean took off his hat, rubbing his head.