My Hero

Chapter 32

'Reiner, Bertolt, wait!'

I chase after the two of them, but they're running too fast. No, I can't let them leave on their own. I need to get them back! But just as I finally reach them, a Titan comes in my way, the ground shaking beneath its legs. My body is thrown back and hits the ground. When I look up, I see her—the female titan. She grabs me, and when I'm on level with her face, she opens her mouth... and speaks to me:

'Give up! You can never get them back!'

'Let me go! You stole them away from me! It's your fault! I will never forgive you!'

Upon my words, the titan's face alters into someone I know very well—the person inside the Female Titan.

'Oh, really, and what are you gonna do about it?'

'You will get what's coming to you! I promise you!'

---

That was when I woke up. My heartbeat was unbearably fast, and my body felt sweaty. 'What the hell was that dream?' I felt another damn headache. I failed to remember the last time I slept peacefully. Nightmares kept chasing after me. I wondered if it was the same for everyone who went against titans. I looked at my side—the commander was sleeping peacefully. I smiled a bit. At least my nightmare didn't wake him up. I ran fingers gently through his hair so as not to wake him. 'Oh, he'll need to shave soon.' A light chuckle left my lips. These small details were so endearing. He looked so defenseless like this—a part of him I liked as well. I did my best to memorize the image of his sleeping form. If only I could wake up next to him every single morning—something I feared was impossible.

I carefully got up and walked to the window. It was still a bit dark outside. I opened the window and took a deep breath. It was a little chilly this early in the morning, but I didn't mind. I sat on the window sill and closed my eyes. I needed to get my thoughts in order. I was afraid we would need to endanger ourselves once more after I inform the Commander of my acquired knowledge—an undeniable consequence.

"My world has been turned around so many times already. Will it ever get any easier than this?"

---

Erwin Smith felt someone's touch but didn't show any signs of waking up. It was only after he no longer sensed her presence in bed that he slowly opened his eyes and saw her.

'Maybe she couldn't sleep, or perhaps she had another bad dream. Sigh, she sure has a lot of nightmares. Not like I'm one to talk.' Erwin got up and walked towards her.

---

"Oh, Commander. Did I wake you?" I turned around upon hearing his steps.

"No, it's alright, Desi. And stop already with "Commander"."

"Ah, I didn't even realize it. I guess that's my first reaction when I see you. I'm used to your title. Forgive me, Erwin; I'll try harder."

"I will let it slide this time." The commander held my face carefully, like he was studying it, and stole a brisk kiss. He looked deeply into my eyes. "Why are you up so early, my dear?"

"Ah, well, I had a nightmare."

"Yes, I figured that much. Are you alright?"

"Hmm? Yes, yes, I am. Do I not look okay?"

"More like you're deep in thought."

'Stop reading through me like a book, Erwin!'

"I can't keep anything a secret from you, can I?"