STRONGEST HOPE (ERERI❤RIREN)

CHAPTER 24 - WHAT'S BEST FOR BOTH OF US

Eren walked slowly up to the Commander's door, and to his surprise he heard whispering and muffled laughter. The sun wouldn't rise for another hour. Hoping not to startle Erwin, he rapped on the door lightly. All sound disappeared, and nothing happened for a moment. He was about to turn away when the door opened ever so slightly.

"Eren?"

Eren gasped at the face in the doorway. "Armin?"

His hair was disheveled and his eyes were tired. Eren had pulled him out of bed plenty of times to know that he'd done that just now.

Armin's face flushed red and he stepped back to let his friend in. "Eren, what are you doing here so early?"

The boy looked over to the couch to see the Commander in a robe and slippers, his hair just as messy, with a cup of tea in his hand. He smiled and nodded, "Eren."

It slowly started to sink in. It was his turn to blush deeply. "Commander. Armin. Um, I'm sorry, but are you together?"

Armin stepped forward and put his hand on his friend's arm. He looked intently into Eren's eyes, and Eren recognized the look instantly. He was asking for his friend's trust. "Yes. We're hoping to keep it on the down low for a while."

Eren patted his hand, relieved, actually. It would make this conversation a little easier. Armin moved to sit next to Erwin and the Commander took his hand. They looked at Eren and waited for him to speak. Clearing his throat, he sat down in a chair. "I'm really glad that the two of you have found one another. You are both such good men."

Armin and Erwin looked visibly relieved. Armin smiled with tears in his eyes. "See?" he said to the Commander, "I knew he'd be supportive."

Erwin looked at Eren with affection in his eyes. "I understand why he's your best friend, Armin. Thank you, Eren, for your discretion. I never would have seen this coming in a million years, but I can't deny it now that he's here. You understand?"

He tried to smile. "Yes, Sir."

"I think he understands more than you know," Armin said, winking at his friend.

Erwin frowned. "Am I missing something?"

With that the dam broke and Eren lowered his head, and tears started to fall onto the paper he held in his hand. He tried to choke back the sobs, but they racked his body. Erwin and Armin stared at Eren speechless for a moment, until Armin went into his familiar comforting mode.

He knelt down before Eren and put a hand on his face. "Eren...oh Eren, what is it? Are you still sick?"

"No, I'm much better now."

Erwin came over and sat on the edge of the chair. He put his hand on Eren's shoulder. He could see them looking at one another in concern out of the corner of his eye.

Armin noticed Hange's form in his hand and pulled it out. "What is this?" Eren cried even harder, trying to get the words out, but he could only mumble.

"This says that you're clear to return to work. That's great, Eren! We were so worried."

Erwin patted my shoulder and asked, "What is it Eren? What can we do for you?"

"I-I need to leave."

"Leave?" they both said in unison.

"Yes, I n-need to go a-away for a little..." He couldn't get the rest out.

Armin squeezed his friend's hands. "Eren is this because of...?"

Interrupting the fair haired boy, Eren almost yelled, "I-I'm fine, Armin!" He sat up straight and hastily wiped his face. He pleaded with his eyes, please keep my secret. "I just need some time away to get my head straight."