The Toxic Wasters

16. A Tight-Knit Family

Erwin sat across from Eren who seemed more relaxed than usual. He was leaning back in his chair, feet propped up on the table and a small smile played on his lips. It felt familiar in a strange way. Like him and Eren were catching up on each other's life, instead of the latter being charged for murder.

He felt as if he should be in a cafe rather than a stuffy room. Drinking coffee and discussing the years since college. Discussing family and their jobs.

But they were in a stuffy room in a high security prison. A prison that Eren would most likely spend the rest of his life in.

"What's on your mind?" Erwin questioned, still watching Eren with attentive eyes. He knew the brunet wouldn't attempt anything—neither had he in the past—but he couldn't let his guard down. He had a family to return home to after all. And his stalker situation was making him apprehensive of everyone and everything.

"Levi. Why else would I be in a good mood?" Eren asked as he turned his gaze to the blond. Erwin shrugged. Perhaps the couple sharing a cell was improving their mental health.

"I've been thinking about the kind of life we would have if we weren't in this situation."

"You mean being tried for murder?"

Eren looked to the blond with a blank gaze as if they were old friends poking fun at one another. "Yes," he waved loosely. His handcuffs rattled with the movement.

His feet fell from the table; a thump following as they hit the floor. He leaned forward resting his arms on the table. "I think I would've liked to have started a family. Adopted or hiring a surrogate, it wouldn't matter," Eren had the largest smile splitting his cheeks. A plethora of love and adoration swirled in his multicolored irises, these expressions never failed to surprise Erwin. He was still accustomed to the killer beneath his mask.

"Do you and your wife have any kids?" Eren questioned.

Erwin knew he shouldn't answer any questions the brunet threw his way, but he could never miss an opportunity to boast about his pride and joy. "Yes," he began with a smile, "her name is Isabel. She just turned five."

Eren seemed to perk up at the name before his gaze became grave. "Pretty name. I have a cousin named Isabel."

Erwin remembered her from the couple's tellings. Both adored her. Levi in particular commented on her sweet and clingy nature. Sounded all too familiar to Erwin.

"But..."

Erwin's brows furrowed as Eren began to speak again. Had the couple done something to Isabel? Her name wasn't in any witness files or on the list of victims.

"She's been missing for a few months now."

Was this another confession? Erwin was stunned. He could feel his jaw unhinge to show his shock. Something he quickly fixed returning to his neutral expression. How was he supposed to respond? He certainly couldn't become emotional and immediately pin the blame on the couple. It would only rile the brunet up. A few words could cause chaos behind Eren's eyes.

"What happened?" was the question Erwin settled for.

Eren shrugged. "I hope you don't think Levi and I had anything to do with it," Eren began, knowing what Erwin was thinking. "She was supposed to visit us and my mom a few months before we were caught, but..." he tapered off.

He looked like something was hurting him. Regret? Guilt? Or heartbreak? Erwin couldn't wrap his mind around it. How could someone be remorseful for one person's fate but not for lives he slaughtered? He rubbed at his eyes for a moment before turning back to the blond. "She never showed up to my mother's house."