Shadows of Command-Erwin Smith

chapter-nine (nsfw)

Reign's recovery was slow but steady, a gradual process of regaining her strength. The infirmary became her home for the first week, the sounds of the barracks drifting in through the thin walls as she rested. Her ribs were still tender, her body aching from the battle for Wall Maria, but she was alive. That was what mattered. Every morning, the pain dulled just a little more, and with each passing day, she could feel her strength returning.

Erwin visited her almost daily, though he never lingered long enough to arouse suspicion from the others. He entered her room with the same quiet authority he carried everywhere-knocking lightly before stepping inside, always respectful, always measured. But there was something more in the way he looked at her now, something deeper than just the concern of a commander for his soldier.

On one particular afternoon, Reign was sitting upright, her healing ribs wrapped in bandages. Erwin knocked lightly, then stepped in with his usual confidence, the door creaking behind him.

"You look better," he noted, his gaze flickering over her injuries. "More alive, at least."

"That's because I'm recovering under your eagle-eyed watch, Commander," Reign teased, a smirk tugging at her lips. "But don't get too proud. I'd say I'm doing most of the work here."

Erwin's lips curled slightly, his version of a smile. He moved closer, the soft shuffle of his boots audible in the quiet room. When he reached her side, he placed a hand on the back of the chair near her bed, close enough for Reign to feel the warmth of his body next to hers.

"Most of the work, sure," he murmured, voice low. His fingers brushed her wrist lightly, a touch so subtle it could be mistaken for nothing. But Reign's heart raced all the same.

As he sat down, Reign shifted her position, making space for him beside her, allowing the scent of paper and leather to wash over her senses. "You know, if the others knew you spent so much time here, they'd think you were playing favorites."

Erwin glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Maybe I am." His tone was deadpan, but the spark in his eyes betrayed him. "You're a difficult patient," he teased lightly, his lips curving into a small smile.

The days blurred together, with Erwin's presence becoming a quiet comfort in the monotony of her recovery. He never overstayed his welcome, but each visit left her heart beating just a little faster, her mind wandering into dangerous territory. There was something unspoken between them, something that neither of them dared to address directly. But it was there, in the way his fingers lingered just a second longer on her wrist, in the way his gaze softened when he thought she wasn't looking.

As the week went on, Reign grew stronger. She started sitting up more, stretching her limbs, feeling the pull of her muscles as they began to remember their strength. Each day, she pushed herself just a little further, determined to return to the field.

By the end of the week, Reign was cleared to rejoin training. Her friends greeted her with a mix of relief and concern, their eyes lingering on her bandaged ribs, though no one said anything outright. Jean was particularly protective, watching her closely during drills.

"You sure you're good to be out here?" he asked one afternoon as they finished a round of hand-to-hand combat training.

"I'm fine," Reign shot back, rolling her eyes at his overprotectiveness. "I've been cleared, remember? Besides, I can handle myself."

"Yeah, but that's exactly why we're watching you," Connie chimed in, grinning. "Wouldn't want you to overdo it and end up back in bed."

Reign snorted. "Please. If anything, I'll be the one saving your ass again."