Love within the Walls

Awkward

For the next few weeks, Ren did her absolute best to find a reason to go to the commander, whether it be for delivering paper work or randomly bringing him a cup of tea or some food she snagged from the larder, stating that it was good for him to get something to drink or eat every once in a while.

He never turned her away, so he must not have been bothered by her intrusions. As a matter of fact, he requested to see her several times, all for business, though the tasks he asked Ren to complete were things any random cadet could've done for him. But he always asked for her.

Today was no different, as the two of them sat quietly in his office, sipping tea from mugs as he worked through paper work while she helped sort papers, fill some and pack and seal others in envelopes. She found herself constantly looking at him to see if she was doing it right. She was used to Commander Erwin rarely looking up when he was focused on something, no matter how trivial it may have been. That dedication was part of what made him such a great commander.

He finished what he was working on and looked up at her before she had the chance to look away. "Ren? Is there something on my face?"

She blinked and looked closely. "What? No, why?"

"You were staring," he said, the corners of his lips twitching upwards slightly.

Over the time she'd spent with him, she had gradually gotten better at hiding her frequent bouts of embarrassment. This, however, was one of those times where it seemed she had no control over herself. "Oh, I, um, I spaced out," she concluded, smirking innocently.

He nodded, seemingly buying her response. "You must be dreadfully bored with all of this busy work."

She shook her head, "Surprisingly no."

The commander smiled slightly. "Then why were you staring at me?"

Checkmate. "I-I'm just-just tired, sir," she said annoyed and faster than she meant to. "Just tired, that's all," she repeated more slowly and calmly.

"You don't need to call me 'sir' all the time," he said suddenly. "I think we are farther in our relationship." He winked, making Ren feel unbelievably awkward.

"I-if you say so, Erwin," she said, fake yawning. Damn, did this guy know how to screw with her!

Erwin nodded over to the couch against the wall beside his desk. "Take a nap, Ren. You sound tired."

"There's still all of this paperwork to take care of," she objected. "I still have to-"

"I managed to deal with this for a long time before you offered," he interjected. She looked away, upset that he thought he was better off without her help.

Seeming to recognize that statement as the source of her discomfort, he continued. "Having you around definitely helps the work get done faster. I find myself looking forward to paper work now," he added, smiling. "But I'm sure I can manage to get through a good bit while you take a rest." Erwin glanced meaningfully at the couch.

Knowing that he wouldn't take no for an answer, she sighed. "Yes, sir."

"Erwin," he corrected again, picking up another packet of paper and beginning to leaf through it.

"Yes, Erwin," she replied, rolling her eyes at him exaggeratedly. A rumbling laugh escaped his lips. Satisfied, she curled up on the couch, laying her head on the plush arm rest. Pretending to fall asleep, she gazed at Erwin through half-lidded eyes.

Erwin was very unpredictable, maybe even a little odd. Ren couldn't count the number of times he would randomly get up from something he was in the middle of doing, begin pacing around, then sit down again and scribble something down on a piece of paper. On a more personal level, he was very kind and understanding, more so than she could've guessed at times. He was very strict as well, but it was clear he had everyone's best interests at heart.