Another Story: After Autumn (Attack on Titan AU)

His Resolution

"You.. almost confessed?"

"Technically, I didn't, but—"

"Weren't you listening? Isanna stopped him; the guy basically got rejected."

"Levi, this really isn't the time to be blunt."

Erwin palmed his face; as if the incident last Wednesday wasn't enough, now he was compelled to face the criticism of his friends—once his subordinates, mind you—over the foolishness of his actions, which wasn't something you see every day.

He was Erwin Smith, former thirteenth Commander of the Survey Corps in his past life, known to be the brightest commander to have ever led the Scouts. He had been quite the strategist, always level headed, always rational.

Erwin may have lost some of his past rigidity, but he was still as judicious.

And yet, the possibility of losing Isanna completely had shaken him to the core.

"What were you thinking?" Mike asked, catching Erwin's attention. Holding this discussion in his hospital room may have not been the optimal meeting room, but according to Mike himself, he wanted to be included. Hange had called him a 'gossiper' because of it.

Erwin could feel everyone's stare and attention, waiting for his answer.

"I.. may have panicked."

Silence dropped in the room, incredulous written over everyone.

Levi blinked at him, genuinely surprised, which wasn't something the Ackerman felt often. "That's a first."

"Tell me about it," Hange slowly nodded, eyes still focused on Erwin like he was some kind of specimen under a microscope. "Lost an entire arm in the past and didn't bat an eye, but look at him now. The universe is vast indeed.."

"You forgot the part where he lost an arm to save her."

"Truly a loverboy at his core."

Levi snorted.

Taking pity on Erwin, Mike decided to steer the conversation back to the topic at hand, but not before giving Hange and Levi a disapproving frown, as if to say 'Alright, that's enough bullying'. "So.. January eighth?"

Erwin nodded, his mood dropping. "I didn't expect.."

He didn't finish, and the rest exchanged knowing looks.

Levi and Hange, specifically, sat closer across the room, beside Mike's hospital bed, so the former leaned closer and whispered.

"Say something."

Hange whispered back, "What do you expect me to say?"

"Aren't stupid jokes your forte?"

Hange straightened herself and gave it a thought.

"So.. do you think they'll invite us to the wedding?"

A smack echoed, followed by an "Ow!"

Mike looked so done. "Will you two be serious for once?"

Hange was rubbing the back of her head with a pout. "I am serious!"

"As serious as a clown," Levi grunted, arms folded across his chest.

"Well what do you suggest we do? Wreck the wedding?"

"Please," Erwin finally spoke up, pinching the bridge of his nose with closed eyes. He had his elbows resting on his knees, slouching forward in resignation.

He had to ask himself if these people had truly been his best soldiers. For a moment, he questioned how he'd been able to keep his regiment afloat with them headlining their military endeavors.