Fight for Love (Attack on Titan/SnK fan fiction)

Fight for Love: Chapter 16

I staggered back a couple steps, my mouth wide with disbelief and my eyes wide with fear; this is the first time in a long time that I actually felt the fear of being underneath a Titans gaze and being utterly defenseless. The Titan took a step toward me, it's toe lands just feet in front of me, a yelp of fear leaves my lips unbidden and I stumble back so fast that my feet come out from underneath me and I land with a pain jarring force.
The Titan bends down and makes a swipe at me while I'm down, I roll over and feel its hand brush my back; it's hand smacks into the brick wall of a house and the Titan just sits there staring at where its now steaming hand has hit the wall. While the Titan is momentarily distracted I quickly find my footing then dash underneath its legs and straight back the way I came. The Titan sits there for a couple seconds more, switching it's gaze from it's steaming hand to where I was laying moments before. Suddenly, the Titan whirls around with speed I didn't fathom it could muster, it swung it's hand with the momentum of its spinning body. I throw myself forward, hands outstretched, when my body hits the ground I instantly tuck into a roll then bound back onto my feet. I hiss at the sudden stinging pain in the palm of my hands, neck and cheek; I quickly ignore it and clench my fists, pumping my arms and legs into a full out sprint. But, the Titan doesn't even seem phased about my sudden change in speed, it swings it's hand again. I duck underneath it, but keep up my speed in a hopeful attempt to get back to those soldiers from before.
I duck, roll, sidestep and lunge away from every one of the Titan's attacks. My body stings all over from the broken glass and jagged stones that have cut through my clothing and made contact with my skin. It swings it's hand yet again, and I lunge forward, this time when I roll onto my side it swings again it's hand connecting with my torso sending lightning bolts of pain throughout my body. When I open my mouth to attempt a scream, blood flies out; the scarlet drops flying through the air in such contrast with the blue of the sky that they stick out like a sore thumb. I don't even have a chance to finish rolling across the cobblestone street before it swings again, hitting-for a second time- my torso. Although this time, it's hand sticks to my torso like glue and it finishes out it's swing until my back connects, excruciatingly, with a brick wall. Even then it keeps it's hand there, holding me against the wall until a pained scream leaves my trembling lips. Only then does it retract its hand, allowing me to slide down the wall and lay in a crumpled heap at the base of it. I just lay there, no longer feeling the need to run, to live, I'm drowning in my own pain; it felt like an eternity before I finally felt the blackness crawling slowly upwards, the feeling of weightlessness, of no pain, I crave it like a hungry man would food. So, I reach toward it and when my fingers are dragged into the depths I pull it up and wrap myself with it.
Right before I'm pulled under do I hear it, the sound of my name leaving determined lips. His blond hair being tugged free of its usual position as he zips toward the monster that is standing over me. A threatening growl leaves his lips, his eyes set, determined, hard; finally the hook of his maneuvering gear impales itself in the nape of the neck and within seconds his blades find purchase in its skin. Even before the monster hits the ground he's scooping me up in his strong arms and hopping up onto a nearby roof. His eyes soften with worry as they run over my bloody body, every scrape, cut or bruise he registers with those keen eyes of his.
"Come on, Sakura. Wake up." He places a large and warm hand on my cheek gently brushing a drop of blood off of my cheekbone as his fingers gently caress the back of my neck. Even with his heart wrenching plea, I can't extract myself fully from the sticky depths of unconsciousness.
He leans down and places his forehead against mine,"Sakura, wake up. Come on, now." His voice sounds urgent to my ears, and finally I pull myself out of the depths and come tumbling back into a pain staking reality.
When I open my eyes it takes a couple seconds for them to fully focus and when they do, they immediately lock onto Erwin's intense hues. His eyes seem to smile with relief when they search through mine.
"Erwin.."
"I'm here it's okay."
"What happened?"
"I should be asking you that." He chuckles lightly.
My eyes flutter shut as I fully recall everything that has happened this past, what? Hour? Something like that at least. With my eyes shut and our foreheads touching I tell him everything. And when I finish I slowly open my eyes and look into his concern filled eyes.
"I understand why you did what you did, and it was really smart to draw all the Titans to the vacant part of town, but you should have at least informed me about it."
"I know and I'm so sorry. I thought, at the time, that I didn't have time to explain everything."
"I admit you didn't. That's why it was a good thing you did it when you did. The entire Scouting Legion owes you their lives because of your quick wits."
I blush and look away,"Don't make it sound like that..."
He cocks his head, perplexed, but doesn't remove his forehead from mine or his hand from my cheek,"Like what?"
"Like everybody owes me for doing something that I only did on an impulse. There is no reason for them to owe me when I did it out of my duty as a soldier. If anybody else could do it I'm sure they would have."
He smiles warmly his eyes flickering with an emotion that I couldn't place before it was gone,"Then don't worry about it, okay? Let's get you back to camp so we can take care of your wounds before we have to depart."
I blink as he draws back almost instantly missing his warmth,"Erwin, I don't have my maneuvering gear."
"Didn't I say don't worry? I'll just carry you back then have Hanji take care of your wounds, clothing and weapons. Everything's covered."
He lifts me up effortlessly in his arms and hesitantly I intertwine my fingers behind his neck. Again I see that flash of emotion in his eyes before it's gone and a smirk slides across his features. Not another word is said between us as he carries me back and I stare, wonder struck, at the hard planes of his jaw and cheekbones. When we land just outside the camp Erwin gently places me on my feet, but keeps his arms around my waist and my body pressed against his.
"Was the ride comfortable?" His whispers the words in my ear, sending shivers down my spine when I feel the brush of his breath against my ear.
I blush and look down at our feet,"Yeah..."
He chuckles and I can feel it reverberating through his chest; he switches his hold on me so one of his arms is around my waist and he's standing next to me.
"Lean against me and act seriously injured." He whispers in my ear.
"Commander, are you only doing this to get close to me?" I ask with an amused tone of voice.
He chuckles again, but doesn't reply instead he steps out of the alley and I quickly shut my eyes and lean against him heavily for support.
"Hanji!" He yells out while supporting me, I let all the remaining color drain from my face,"Where is she? Hanji!" His voice is deeper than what it was before and extremely authoritative. I ignore the tingles that spread throughout my body and focus on my hearing. Quickened footsteps approach us and I hear a sharp intake of breath from my left.
"Oh my.." Hanji whispers,"Erwin! Is she okay?!"
"Does it look like she's okay?!" He snaps,"Retrieve your medical gear and a change of clothes to fit her and report to my tent immediately!"
He twists us around and begins walking, as brisk as he can towards his tent,"You're doing wonderful." He breathes in my ear,"Keep it up."
I give a short nod of understanding that only he will notice. And a couple minutes later I hear the sound of fabric being pushed aside then the light seems to dim against my eyelids.
"You can open your eyes now."
I open my eyes and look around his tent curiously, a small make shift desk is made directly in front of us with papers piled high and a small cot is sitting in the far corner.
He guides me over to the cot then gently sits me down on it,"You okay? You're wounds aren't paining you too much are they?" He frets around me, looking at me earnestly.
"I'm fine." I wave him off, but he doesn't step back until he has thoroughly investigated my body without removing my clothes.
"I have some pain killers in my desk, so wait right here." He holds up a finger before turning around and hastily walking towards his desk.
I roll my eyes,"I don't think I'm going anywhere."
He ignores my comment and instead continues looking through his drawers until he finally breathes a small 'found it' and pulls a small orange bottle out of his top drawer. He opens it and places two small white tablets in the palm of his hand then grabs the glass of water that was sitting on the corner of his desk. When he returns he offers both toward me and when I take the glass I feel our fingers brush and intense and sharp sparks dance down my arm causing goosebumps to rise on my skin.
I look down and breath a small 'thank you' before downing the tablets and the rest of his water. When I glance at him his eyes are wide and he is gently rubbing his fingers, I offer him the glass.
"I drank all your water." I say in a regretful tone of voice.
He smiles,"Don't worry about it. I wouldn't have drank it all anyway, I never do."
I smile slightly just as Hanji comes bursting through the tent flaps. Her arms are loaded with a change of clothing and her medical equipment. Her goggles are knocked askew and her hair is frizzy, the strands that are framing her face are curled slightly from the heat.
"Sakura!" She exclaims and rushes over, dumping her baggage on the bed next to me before taking my face in her hands and examining my eyes,"What happened?! You have to tell me everything!"
I open my mouth to explain, but she quickly shushes me her eyes darting around,"No no no! Tell me as I'm cleaning you up!"
She instantly sets to work cleaning off my scrapes and bandaging them as she works I explain for the second time within half an hour, what all happened. The entire time my eyes don't stray from Erwin's who is watching Hanji intently like he is just waiting for her to screw up.
"Where is she?! Move the fuck out of my way! Who the fuck you think you are stepping in front of me?! I will stomp you a new asshole right here and right now!" Just as I finish up explaining I hear Levi's infuriated voice outside the tent.
"C-captain! Please calm down!" Petra's calming voice overrides Levi's angry one. Erwin turns to look at the entrance and even moves to stand in front of me, slightly. The flaps to the tent are thrown open and instantly Levi's angry aura cloaks the small area like a plague.
"There you are." He growls locking eyes with me.
"Levi.." Erwin says in a warning tone of voice.
"Shut the fuck up, you damned old man. I wasn't talking to you was I?" He stomps over toward me. Erwin steps in between him and me, large and protective, a barrier. Levi's head pokes around Erwin's arm.
"What the fuck were you thinking?!" He yells causing me to flinch.
"Levi.." Erwin say in a low threatening growl, but Levi ignores him.
"You ran head first into fucking danger and you even had the nerve to NOT tell me what you were doing! You could have fucking died! Especially with all those Titans after you! Don't you ever think?!"
I glare at Levi,"Yes I do think, thank you. I thought about all your subordinates that were dying right then and I even had the nerve to think about your bloody safety. Yes, you're right I could have died, honestly, I'm surprised that I didn't with all those RUNNING Titans after me I should've died, but here I am. But, I did what I did thinking about the Scouting Legions safety because what's one life to many?"
Erwin's back tenses up and Hanji's fingers still on my final bandage she shoots Erwin a worried look before setting back into finishing her work. Levi opens his mouth to shoot me another paragraph when Erwin grabs ahold of the shorter man's shoulder and forcefully turns him toward the entrance.
"Levi I need to have some words with you outside." His voice is low, angry.
"Let go of me, you big oaf! I swear to your fucking bow tie I will tear you-" Erwin shoves Levi,"You know what? Suck a mayo shooting hot dog gun you piece of shit old man!"
I raise an eyebrow at my superior's choice of words a small smile tugging at the corner of mu lips. Amusement dances in my emerald eyes and even Hanji, who has been silent since Levi walked in, laughed heartily.
"I swear I don't know where he gets those things!" As she laughs she puts away her medical equipment.
"Thanks, Hanji for patching me up."
"Ah, don't worry about it!" She shoots me a bright smile before standing up and brushing off her pants,"Well, anyway, I have to go get you some maneuvering gear, so change and I'll me right back."
I nod and watch her leave before standing up and quickly change as I'm wrapping the Survey Corps cloak around my shoulders I happen to hear Levi speak.
"What the fuck are you talking about?! Are you saying I need to withdraw my men and leave before we're even done with what we came out here to do?"
"Levi you know there is no other choice." Erwin speaks in a calm yet stern tone of voice,"It's just like five years ago, all the Titans are traveling North toward the walls. I fear that while we are gone Wall Rose might have fallen and without us being there the 104th training regiment will have to fight."
A sudden ringing starts in my ears, loud enough to block out the rest of their conversation. My legs feel like jelly and within seconds they give out sending me onto my hands and knees as my mind whirls with the images of my friends faces.
"It can't be true," I clench my fists,"Not again, please."
I didn't hear Erwin come in, didn't even notice that he said my name and rushed to my side having noticed my broken state. He places his hands on my shoulders and his thumbs under my chin forcing my head up so I'm looking into his eyes.
"What's wrong? Where does it hurt?" His voice cuts through the traumatizing haze that was settled over my mind and slowly my eyes sharpen.
"Is it true?" I breath.
He furrows his brow in confusion,"Is what true?"
"Has the wall fallen? Are my friends in danger?!" My trembling voice slowly raises in pitch.
He closes his eyes like it physically pains him to say the next words and when he does my heart drops,"I believe the wall has fallen, yes."
I shove him off of me and scamper back until my back connects with his desk. My breath rises and falls quickly to match my galloping heart,"No no no no!" I shake my head.
"I'm sorry to tell you this, especially with you already being physically injured."
"Send me." The words tumble out my mouth and slowly my breathing slows down and I am able to push myself to my feet.
"What do you mean?" He cocks his head.
"Send me ahead of the formation. Let me get to the wall before you, so I can relay back whether or not the wall has indeed fallen."
He shakes his head,"Sakura you know I can't do that! You have to travel with the formation, besides what if you run into a Titan? You're already injured!"
"I have to be there!" I cry out,"If the wall has fallen I have to be there to protect my family."
"I'm sorry, but no I can't allow it."
I look at him with tears glistening in my eyes, desperation and betrayal shining in my eyes along with sorrow.
"Don't look at me like that..." He takes a step toward me opening his arms. I recoil, glaring at him with a newfound anger. He looks at me with a hurt expression and let's his arms fall down to his sides.
And then, Hanji walks into the tent her arms burdened with the weight of my new maneuvering gear.
"I was able to get full tanks of gas and all of the swords you'll need for the trip back! Cool, huh?" She looks up as I lunge toward her, shouldering past Erwin and sending him stumbling back into the dirt. I swipe the gear out of Hanji's hands then push out of the tent and into the bright afternoon sunlight. Instantly, I turn toward the North and dash as fast as my legs can carry me at the same time I'm desperately pulling my maneuvering gear on and latching the belts.
"Stop her!" I hear Erwin yell out and when I glance over my shoulder at him, I see he's dashing after me with Hanji behind him, but Hanji's smiling and gives me a short wave of the hand and mouths 'go.' I smile back then nod and finally the final belt is latched and I have my weapons hanging off my hips.
I jump out of the final barrier of tents and running soldiers and onto the open main road,"Sakura stop!" His voice is pleading with me.
"Forgive me!!" I shout back before raising my fingers to my lips and whistling as I run for Kurodayu, who comes charging out of an alleyway and runs alongside me. I smile and wrap an arm around his neck then swing underneath his neck and up into the saddle. Gathering the reins I snap them and lean over the horn of the saddle, out of the corner of my eye I see Erwin trying to keep up by hopping from rooftop from rooftop. His eye pleading, desperate; then I realize that this might be the last opportunity to tell him how I really feel. So with Kurodayu galloping back toward the walls and my heart thundering loudly in my ears I turn toward Erwin and lock eyes with him. I try to push my feelings of love and the feelings for my friends at him through our eye connection, then I open my mouth and shout the words. The words that I have learned just the other day as I sat underneath a maple tree and read that 'Spanish for Dummies' book.
"Te Amo, Erwin!!"
After I say the words I twist back around in my saddle and pull my hood up over my hair and eyes in hopes that he won't see my flaming cheeks and tear filled eyes.

---A/N----
I honestly think this is the longest chapter I have ever written. And I wrote it in three hours! WOOT WOOT!
*bows*
For those of you that don't know, Te Amo in Spanish means I Love You. Okay now it's serious time.
*adjusts glasses*
I know I haven't updated in a long while and that is because Finals week was approaching and I HAD to study! I'm sorry that I didn't like say anything, but I've just been soooo stressed out and this is honestly the first time in a month I could actually sit down and write. I hope this has made up for the time! Love you guys!
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