My Hero

Chapter 5

I tossed and turned in bed for about an hour before I decided enough was enough. I simply couldn't fall asleep. I got up, put my jacket on, and quietly moved out of the cabin. I didn't want to disturb the rest of the girls.

"Can't sleep?"

I nearly screamed when I heard a voice behind me. I turned around and saw Mikasa. "Damn, Mikasa, you scared me. Yes, I can't fall asleep. What about you? Why are you still awake?"

"Hmm, I guess I have a lot on my mind."

Amazingly, she remained as expressionless as ever.

"Well, that makes two of us. I will go out for a bit of fresh air. Good night, Mikasa."

"Night."

If I were Eren, she would have probably been all over me by now. I chuckled internally and walked out into the night. "She will definitely kill me if I ever say those words out loud." I mumbled to myself.

The cool night air and the slight wind that played with my hair invited me to take a walk around. I wondered how long I could revel in this peaceful world. Not too long, that's for sure. Peace is a luxury for the birds trapped in a cage. That's why I needed to learn to fly free, and the only way to do so was by entering the Survey Corps. Somehow, even with losing my memory, I still believed this had always been the only path for me. It felt right, as simple as that. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even realize how long I'd been walking. I decided to sit down on the grass and enjoy the nighttime scenery. There were so many stars that night. I wondered what the outside world looks like and what kinds of scenery it had to offer. Was it really possible we were the only humans left on Earth? We had always been told that, but what if it weren't true? What if there were more of us out there? I couldn't decide whether that would be better or worse. "Ah, the calm of the night sure can make a person overthink their existence."

---

Erwin Smith just had to get out of his stuffy office. All of the paperwork he was forced to take care of was a bit too much, combined with the plans for the cadets' missions that needed his approval. He decided a walk and some fresh air would do him good. Erwin didn't make it too far when he noticed someone just ahead of him. He could barely recognize her in the light of the pale moon. A part of him thought it was best not to disturb her and walk away. And that part almost won, but at the last second, he decided otherwise.

---

"Yes, that's the charm of the night." I nearly jumped for the second time tonight. I immediately recognized the commander's voice, and a tingling sensation ran through my whole body. I willed that feeling away and turned around. "Good evening, Desi. Mind if I join you?"

If you ask me in that tone, how can I even say no? "Of course, sir. I don't mind. I thought I was the only one crazy enough to take such late-night walks."

"Crazy isn't the word I would use. I actually enjoy them as well. They help clear my head."

"Yes, but being alone with myself like this is also a bit scary. My mind tends to go to very dark places. Ah, I'm sorry, I've said too much."

"No, it's alright; I enjoy your honesty. Besides, you're not alone anymore, are you?" The warmth in his eyes was more than enough to melt all of my fears away. Dangerous thoughts started to flow around in my mind, and I moved my gaze away.

"Yes, I guess you're right, Commander."

"Erwin."

"What?"

"You can call me Erwin when we're alone."

"I don't think that's appropriate, sir."

"Please, I insist."