Love At the End of the World

A Moment of Quiet

Sometimes things in the Survey Corps can get overwhelming, so I like to take some quiet time for myself to keep my stress down. It can be very difficult to keep moving forward when you don't know if you're going to be alive the next day.

I rest my head against the oak tree in the meadow and close my eyes, feeling the cool breeze on my face.

Finding moments of solace amidst the chaos of the Survey Corps is essential for maintaining mental well-being. Amidst the uncertainty of survival, carving out time for introspection and reflection can provide a much-needed respite from the constant pressure and fear. It's these moments of quietude that fortify one's resolve, enabling them to continue pushing forward despite the daunting challenges that lie ahead.

"Hey stranger," a warm familiar voice greets me. I open my eyes to see Erwin standing before me. We haven't seen each other in a while because he's always busy with his duties as commander.
"Hey there," I get up from the ground to give my best friend a hug.

As Erwin's warm embrace envelops me, a sense of comfort washes over, momentarily easing the burdens of our tumultuous reality. Despite the demands of his role as commander, our friendship remains steadfast, a beacon of support amidst the chaos of our world. In this brief reunion, amidst the rubble of uncertainty, there's a glimmer of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the bonds of friendship endure. However, I still want something more than friendship.

"I missed you," Erwin tells me. We're sitting against the tree. His blue eyes are glowing with happiness.
"I missed you too," I reply, feeling a sense of gratitude for this rare moment of respite with my dear friend. In the gentle glow of his blue eyes, I find reassurance and solace, a silent understanding passing between us. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, in this moment, all is right in the world.
"How are the new Cadets?" Erwin inquires. "The new Cadets are eager and determined," I respond, a hint of pride coloring my voice. "They possess a fiery resolve, ready to take on the challenges that await them. Training them has been demanding, but seeing their dedication reminds me of why we fight."
"That's good to hear, we can use all the recruits we can. The Titans grow more bloodthirsty by the day," Erwin says grimly.
"They're our hope for the future," I continue, nodding in agreement with Erwin's somber assessment. "Their determination is our strongest weapon against the encroaching threat of the Titans. We must mold them into skilled soldiers, for the fate of humanity rests on their shoulders."
Erwin looks at me with a smile, "Well said, Amelia." His handsome smile always makes me feel a flutter in my stomach, like a flock of butterflies taking flight. I am falling more in love with him each day, captivated by his charm, kindness, and the way he sees the world with such passion.
"I'm glad I have you, Erwin," I whisper softly, my heart racing as our eyes meet. "You're not just a leader, but a beacon of hope in these dark times." His hand finds mine, his touch warm and reassuring. "You're my beacon of hope, Amelia." My heart swells with warmth at his words, knowing that together, we can weather any storm. In his presence, I find strength and solace, a sanctuary from the chaos that surrounds us. With a gentle squeeze of his hand, I silently vow to stand by his side, unwavering in my love and support, as we navigate the trials ahead.
Suddenly, I feel the urge to lay my head on his shoulder.
As if drawn by an invisible force, I lean in and rest my head against his shoulder, feeling the comforting warmth of his presence enveloping me like a protective shield. In that moment, all the worries and uncertainties melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and belonging. With a contented sigh, I close my eyes, savoring the simple but profound connection we share.

I feel him chuckle and stroke my hair, "Is everything alright?" He asks, draping an arm around me.
I nod, a smile playing on my lips as I revel in the intimacy of the moment. "Everything's perfect," I murmur softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Just being here with you makes everything perfect." His touch soothes me, his presence anchoring me in the present, dispelling any lingering doubts or fears. With his arm around me, I feel safe, cherished, and deeply loved. Living in a world overrun with Titans, you learn to cherish quiet moments like this.
I raise my head from his shoulder and meet his eyes. As I gaze into his eyes, I feel a rush of emotions swirling within me —gratitude, affection, and a profound sense of connection. We hold each other's gaze for a moment, the unspoken emotions simmering between us. As we sit in silence, the world around us fades into the background, leaving just the two of us in this tender moment.
The setting sun casts a warm glow around us, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, adding to the magic of the moment. The tranquility of the scene wraps around us like a comforting blanket, and for a moment, nothing else matters.
In that serene moment, I can hear the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant song of a bird, blending seamlessly with the peaceful quiet between us. "I never want this moment to end," I whisper, my voice filled with sincerity, my heart overflowing with warmth. "Neither do I," Erwin replies, his eyes reflecting the same depth of emotion. "With you, I feel like I can find peace amidst the chaos," he adds, his voice soft yet resolute. "The entire world feels still when I'm with you," he continues, his fingers gently intertwining with mine.
"Erwin, I—"hear a catch in my voice as the weight of my feelings threatens to overwhelm me. Erwin pulls me closer and wraps his arms around me, a silent understanding passing between us.
In the embrace, I feel his steady heartbeat, and our shared warmth seems to dissolve the barriers between us.
"Are you doing okay?" I ask Erwin , feeling the tension in his muscles as he holds me close. I also notice the palpable stress in his eyes. "Yeah, I'm here with you, and that's all that matters," Erwin reassures, his voice resonating with genuine conviction as he embraces me even tighter. "I appreciate that, but I can tell something's bothering you," I whisper, my concern evident in my voice.
Erwin takes a deep breath and meets my gaze with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "I've been carrying some heavy thoughts lately," Erwin confesses, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. "About what?" I ask, already sensing the weight of his words. "The people in the Interior are getting restless. There's a growing unrest and dissatisfaction among them, and I fear it may escalate into something beyond our control." Erwin pauses, his eyes searching mine for understanding. "Is it about what your father was searching for?" "Yes," Erwin nods, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Do you think there's something beyond the Walls like he did?" The question hangs in the air, heavy with the implications of what lies beyond the Walls. "Yes, it's no coincidence that the king doesn't want us to talk about what could be out there," Erwin says, his voice tinged with frustration. "But we can't ignore the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be." As he speaks, I can see the weight of responsibility and determination in his eyes, reminding me of the burden he carries as a leader.

I take a moment to process Erwin's words, feeling the gravity of the situation settling over me. "What should we do?" Erwin takes a deep breath, his expression serious. "We need to prepare." I nod, understanding the urgency in his words. "I'll do whatever you need me to do, Erwin." "Thank you," Erwin says, a sense of gratitude in his voice. He places a hand on my shoulder, his gaze unwavering.

"Commander! We need to go to the briefing room immediately," a Scout's urgent voice interrupts, breaking the moment. Erwin's gaze shifts toward the Scout, his jaw setting with resolve.

"What is it?" The Scout's eyes are wide with concern as he delivers his report. "We've received information about a possible breach in the Wall," the scout explains, his voice urgent.
Erwin's eyes narrow as he processes the news, his mind already at work strategizing. "Gather everyone on high alert. We need to assess the situation and deploy units to investigate the breach," Erwin orders, his voice clear and commanding. Yes, sir," the Scout salutes and walks away to gather everyone.