Erwin x Reader: Hearts to the Cause

Chapter 1: Lost in Thought

You walk along the cobblestone path, dressed in full uniform. You still aren't used to the straps that lace over, what seems to be, your entire body. It has been several years since there has been a titan incident, but the cortisol that corses through your system is very much so real.

You begin to reflect on your training days, times were simpler then. Yes, we were still dealing with a huge existential crisis, but there was at least... hope. Now you barely have anything to cling to. It seems like such a distant dream, laughing and dreaming with the rest of your comrades.

Now you are serving in the survey corps, and humanity deems you as their only hope. Ironic that the hopeless lead the hopeful, you think to yourself. It doesn't help that your squad captain is the most miserable man to roam the Earth, Levi Ackerman. You roll your eyes even thinking of his name, and let out a breathless laugh. I should take it easy on him, he's a decent guy, you think.

You eventually find yourself back at your outpost, thirty minutes past curfew. You try to sneak your way into your living corners when you are greeted with a sullen, monotonous voice, "not so fast."

You turn around and you are face to face with Levi. His boyish, mouse like features stare back at you, skin as pale as ever. "You are thirty minutes late for curfew." he said matter-of-factly.

You salute your Captain and reply sternly, "Yes Captain! I am sorry, it won't happen again, sir!"

He blatantly rolled his eyes and let out a rather audible sigh, "That's what you said last time scout. I have to write you up this time."

Shit. Usually you were an expert on getting out of trouble, but I guess all good things come to an end. You nod defeatedly, "Of course, sir. Once again I am sorry!"

"Tch.... follow me." he motions to you to move with him.

"If you don't mind me asking, Captain, where are we going?" you ask, squinting, unsure if the question is going to land or not.

"To Commander Smith's office. We need to do a proper write up this time since you cannot stay firm on your word." It's difficult to actually follow what he says for his words are clouded with disdain.

You decide to keep your mouth shut for the rest of the walk to the Commander's office. You have never actually met the Commander before, but you have heard mixed reviews about his existence. On the one hand there are individuals who absolutely adore his virtue. He is a man who sticks to, and believes in ideals. On the other hand, there are those who believe he is the devil incarnate. You don't like to make your mind up about someone before meeting them in the flesh, so you decide to keep an open mind about the situation.

Levi opens the door for you and motions with his head to speed it up and walk through the door. The Commander's office is definitely not what you expected. There are piles of paper and maps scattered almost everywhere throughout the room. His desk is made from a dark wood, and there are two chairs thrown in front of it. The wall to your left is a long bookshelf that is home to many history books. The curtains that hang so heavily from the windows are a dark green, and the room is illuminated by candle light.

"Wait there in one of those chairs. The Commander will be out shortly to address what happened." Before you could say anything to your captain, he disappeared into the darkness of the hallway.

You make your way over to the chairs, careful not to step on any of the clutter on the floor. You sit down, feet together, back straight, and hands folded into your lap. Several minutes pass before you are greeted by anyone.

"Well... Good Evening" a silken, husky voice booms from behind you.

You turn around in your chair and are immediately in awe of the man standing in front of you. You don't typically find yourself attracted to those around you, but his allure was like something you have never experienced before. He was a tall, muscular man with incredibly mature, precise features. Thick blonde hair draped so neatly over his head. Thoughtful pools of blue starring at you, sparkling with the candlelight. With every step he took, a new muscle was visible through his clothing. You felt your throat swell up, flustered you reply, "Yes, um, Good Evening Commander." You can't believe how mighty this man's presence is.

There is a powerful silence that rests over the both of you as he walks to his desk. The anxiety that is flowing through you takes over, you break the ice once more: "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Commander. I went for an evening stroll and got lost in my thoughts. It won't happen again."

"Your apology is accepted. I understand that it is easy, at times, to get lost in your own head. Try to keep careful watch of the sun next time." he says stoically.

You muster out "Absolutely Commander, sir."

"You can call me Erwin, by the way. I am not really one for titles." he says as he puts his hand up to his temple, gently massaging that area of his head. You can tell that the entire weight of humanity rests on his shoulders. "That will be all. I will be keeping a close eye on you, scout. Now go get some rest."

You pick yourself up from the rather uncomfortable chair you were sitting in. You salute Erwin before turning around and walking way, proud of yourself for keeping your composure throughout that conversation.

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Erwin has never really had time for emotional or spiritual connection, but he found himself incredibly drawn to you. As you walked away he admired the curves in your physique. Your hair was thick and wavy, pulled back loosely into a ponytail; his fingers were practically begging him to pull on it. He hesitated for a moment: What am I thinking? he thought to himself, I am twice her age and her superior. Erwin shook off his intimate thoughts, slightly disappointed in himself for having a moment of falter.

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You made it back to your room quickly. You felt exhausted from your interaction with Erwin. That was the most emotion you had felt in quite some time and in such a short time frame. You undress yourself and put on a night shirt. You quickly braid your hair, brush your teeth, and wash the dirt away from your face and hands. There will be time for a shower tomorrow.

You stumble over to your bed and lift up the soft blue comforter, slithering in for the night. Your mind races through your interaction with Erwin; you can't seem to get him off of your mind. Eventually, without even knowing it, you drift off to sleep.