Shadows of Command-Erwin Smith

chapter-four

The next day, Reign hurried her way to the Commander's office after lunch—acknowledging that she was already quite a bit late to report. She carried a small stack of reports under her arm, her mind already racing through the day's tasks.

As she entered the office, she was greeted by the sight of Erwin already at his desk, deeply engrossed in a pile of papers. His brow was furrowed in concentration, his pen moving steadily across the page as he made notes on a new report. The sight was both familiar and reassuring—this was where Reign felt most at ease, amidst the organized chaos of their work.

"Sorry for being late—I got caught up, lost track of time," Reign said, her voice cutting through the silence.

Erwin looked up, a small smile touching his lips. "Oh, don't worry about it. I can understand you being a little late every now and then. How are you today?"

"I'm doing well, thanks," she replied, placing the reports on the edge of his desk. "Got a few updates for you."

Erwin nodded, acknowledging the stack with a brief glance. "Let's have a look."

As he began reviewing the documents, Reign took a seat on the opposite side of the desk. She watched him work, her gaze lingering on the focused set of his jaw and the calm intensity in his eyes. The dynamic between them had shifted subtly over the past few weeks. There was an ease to their interactions now, a comfortable familiarity that had gradually replaced the formality of their earlier meetings.

"So, what's on the list today?" Reign asked, breaking the silence once more.

Erwin set down his pen, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. "We've got a lot to prepare for. The mission to retake Wall Maria is coming up, and there are still so many details to finalize. But today, I'm trying to focus on the broader picture—strategies, logistics, and how we're going to keep everyone motivated."

Reign nodded, her own thoughts aligning with his. "It's going to be a massive undertaking. There's so much that can go wrong."

Erwin's gaze met hers, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "And yet, we have to make it work. We've faced challenges before, and we've come out stronger each time. I have faith that we'll do the same this time."

The confidence in his voice was both comforting and inspiring. Reign had always admired Erwin's ability to remain composed under pressure, his unwavering belief in their mission and in his people. It was part of what drew her to him, part of why she felt such a deep sense of commitment to their cause.

"I hope you're right," Reign said quietly. "Sometimes it feels like the weight of it all is just too much to bear."

Erwin's expression softened, and for a moment, the professional distance between them seemed to vanish. "It's natural to feel that way. We're all carrying a heavy burden. But we do it together. That's what makes us strong."

Reign's gaze dropped to her hands, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "It's just hard, you know? Especially with everything we've lost."

"There's no easy way to cope with loss," Erwin said, his tone gentle. "It's something we all have to find our own way through. But remember, we're in this together. We support each other, even when the days are darkest."

Reign looked up, meeting his gaze once more. "Thank you, Erwin. It means a lot to hear that."

Erwin offered a reassuring smile. "You're doing well, Reign. Better than you probably realize. Don't underestimate the impact you're having."

The compliment was unexpected, and it took Reign a moment to respond. "I'm just trying to do my best."

"And that's more than enough," Erwin replied, his eyes steady. "You're making a difference, and it doesn't go unnoticed."

The conversation seemed to hang in the air between them, a delicate balance of camaraderie and unspoken understanding. For a while, the office was quiet except for the rustle of papers and the occasional scribble of Erwin's pen.

As the morning progressed, their discussion drifted to lighter topics. Reign found herself sharing anecdotes from her childhood, stories of her family and the life she'd left behind to join the Scouts. Erwin listened intently, his curiosity evident as he asked questions and offered his own reflections.

"I never imagined you as someone who'd be interested in exploring the outside world," Erwin remarked with a chuckle. "You seem so grounded."

Reign laughed softly. "I guess I've always been more of an adventurer than I let on. There's something exhilarating about the unknown."

Erwin's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, I'm glad to see that adventurous spirit hasn't faded. It's what keeps us moving forward."

Their conversation continued, the atmosphere in the room becoming increasingly relaxed. It was a welcome change from the usual tense discussions and strategizing. In these moments, Reign felt a growing sense of connection with Erwin, a bond that went beyond mere professional respect.

By midday, the workload had shifted, and Erwin suggested they take a break for lunch. Reign agreed, and they made their way to the mess hall together. The camaraderie between them was evident as they chatted about their favorite foods, shared stories of their training experiences, and even debated the merits of different types of bread.

As they ate, Reign found herself more at ease than she had ever been before. The informal setting, combined with Erwin's easy demeanor, made the conversation flow effortlessly. It was a stark contrast to the formal atmosphere of the office, and Reign appreciated the opportunity to see Erwin in a different light.

"You know," Erwin said between bites of bread, "it's nice to have these moments of normalcy. It's easy to get lost in the work and forget that we're still human."

Reign nodded in agreement. "Definitely. It's these small moments that remind us why we fight. They keep us grounded."

After lunch, they returned to the office, their conversation shifting back to their work. The remainder of the day was filled with discussions about logistics, strategies, and preparations for the upcoming mission. Reign's mind was engaged, her focus sharp as she worked alongside Erwin, contributing her own ideas and insights.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow across the room, Reign felt a sense of accomplishment. The day had been productive, and the connection she had felt with Erwin only seemed to grow stronger. There was a comfort in their interactions, a mutual understanding that made the challenges they faced seem a little more manageable.

As they wrapped up their work for the day, Erwin turned to Reign with a thoughtful expression. "Thank you for your help today. I appreciate your dedication."

"There's no reason for you to thank me," Reign replied, a genuine smile on her lips. "I've learned a lot."

Erwin's gaze lingered on her for a moment, a small, appreciative smile touching his lips. "I'm glad to hear that. I've enjoyed our conversations, too. It's nice to have someone to share these moments with."

Reign's heart fluttered at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. "Likewise. It's made the work a lot more bearable."

As they prepared to leave for the evening, Reign couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had shifted between them. The bond they had formed over the past few weeks was growing stronger, and she couldn't help but wonder where it might lead.

As she walked out of the office and into the cool evening air, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. The upcoming mission was daunting, but with the support of her comrades—and the connection she had found with Erwin—she felt more ready than ever to face the challenges ahead.

The stars began to twinkle in the night sky as Reign made her way to her quarters, her thoughts already turning to the tasks of the following day. The road ahead was uncertain, but she felt a newfound confidence in herself and in the bond she shared with Erwin.

For now, she took solace in the small victories, the moments of connection that made the struggle worth it. And as she prepared for the days to come, she knew that no matter what lay ahead, she wouldn't be facing it alone.